Finally made it to the big city...no, not Houston...San Antonio, Texas. The specialist will only see new patients at his Medical Center office before he will see you in Uvalde, Texas. It had been a couple of years since I had made it to this corner of the world and glad to report I did not get lost. We left at the crack of dawn (8:00 a.m.) just in case.
Had I known how long we were going to have to wait (4 hours and 45 minutes) I would have stopped at Target, Academy, Harbor Freight and Staples. Unfortunately, was not able to stop on the way back to Del Rio either as I have poor night vision and needed to head home.
Mother was very happy because she got to eat at her favorite cafeteria Luby's. Our Luby's closed down back in August 2011.
Wednesday March 26th I was supposed to go see my doctor in Ciudad Acuna but it was too windy and cold and besides I was beat from the round trip to San Antonio. Went on Thursday March 27th only to be told he took the afternoon off. No problem needed to run a couple of errands and purchase groceries so it worked out.
Made sure I was in his office by 10:00 a.m. on Friday, only to find that there were 8 patients ahead of me when I arrived...talk about bad luck! He seems to be a popular doctor and the majority of his patients are from the United States as evidenced by all the Texas license plates lining the block.
Met a nice couple from San Angelo, Texas who have been seeing him for years. They take Friday off from work and make a weekend trip out of their appointment. There was another very quiet man in his cowboy attire from Sonora, Texas. While he did not speak to me directly, I overheard him tell the San Angelo couple that his doctor wanted to operate him and he came for a second opinion.
Got some more medication after telling him I was still experiencing pain in my legs. Was assured I would "almost be" as good as new in 30 days...sure hope so!
Even though I spent almost three hours at the doctor's office, it was still early enough to drop by the beauty salon to get a haircut before the masses descended on her shop.
Want to give a warm welcome to a new blog follower Vadam Wetzel. I thank you for your readership.
Good night. May you all have Terlingua Dreams.
Terlingua Dreams
Governors Landing Campground - Lake Amistad - Del Rio, Texas
Monday, March 31, 2014
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Disappointed with my Stanley Thermos
Last Thanksgiving I made the mistake of going to Walmart for their first Thursday, Black Friday sale. http://terlinguadreams.blogspot.com/2013/11/thursday-night-at-wal-mart.html
Though I did not find any of the things I wanted, I decided to buy a Stanley Thermos for my trips to Terlingua. Mostly I wanted it to keep water hot for up to 24 hours so I could drink hot chocolate in the desert.
Stanley thermos have always had a great reputation as a product that is built to last a lifetime. When I think of Stanley thermos I see a big strong muscular construction worker carrying his lunch along with his thermos full of coffee.
Even read where people have used their thermos in place of a jack to change a tire. I am now completely sure this is a total fabrication on their part. Perhaps this was the case before this product started to be made in China. It is cheaply made and does not live up to the Stanley reputation of yesteryear...why do I say that?
My Stanley thermos has never left the kitchen since I bought it. It travels five feet between the stove and the table where I fill up with boiling water...so if I get hungry at night...I just pour the water either on a cup of noodle soup or make myself some hot chocolate.
I do not walk long distances with it, I do not swing it side to side and I sure as heck do not use it in lieu of a tire jack. About the mid of February I grabbed the handle to carry it to the stove and the darn handle came loose! This worthless product lasted two and a half months in what I would describe as light duty usage.
Before you tell me that I can fix it...I am not Billy Bob...I do not fix or modify stuff! When I buy something I expect it to last a while...in particular when it is a product that had a reputation of being well made. Went online and found that I am not the only one that has been disappointed by this product since assembly was moved to China. So buyer beware!
Good night. May you all have Terlingua Dreams.
Though I did not find any of the things I wanted, I decided to buy a Stanley Thermos for my trips to Terlingua. Mostly I wanted it to keep water hot for up to 24 hours so I could drink hot chocolate in the desert.
Stanley thermos have always had a great reputation as a product that is built to last a lifetime. When I think of Stanley thermos I see a big strong muscular construction worker carrying his lunch along with his thermos full of coffee.
Even read where people have used their thermos in place of a jack to change a tire. I am now completely sure this is a total fabrication on their part. Perhaps this was the case before this product started to be made in China. It is cheaply made and does not live up to the Stanley reputation of yesteryear...why do I say that?
My Stanley thermos has never left the kitchen since I bought it. It travels five feet between the stove and the table where I fill up with boiling water...so if I get hungry at night...I just pour the water either on a cup of noodle soup or make myself some hot chocolate.
I do not walk long distances with it, I do not swing it side to side and I sure as heck do not use it in lieu of a tire jack. About the mid of February I grabbed the handle to carry it to the stove and the darn handle came loose! This worthless product lasted two and a half months in what I would describe as light duty usage.
Before you tell me that I can fix it...I am not Billy Bob...I do not fix or modify stuff! When I buy something I expect it to last a while...in particular when it is a product that had a reputation of being well made. Went online and found that I am not the only one that has been disappointed by this product since assembly was moved to China. So buyer beware!
Good night. May you all have Terlingua Dreams.
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Del Rio wins recycling award for fifth year in a row
Found out through "The Zocalo" online portal that Del Rio Recycling Center won an award for the fifth year in a row. Kimberly Del Castillo, director at the Center is credited for this honor. Stopped by to drop off my recyclables and congratulated her as did all the people that came in. Told her where I read it and she said "El Zocalo" (Mexican Newspaper from Acuna, Coahuila) was the first media to come by with a copy of their newspaper where the article first appeared. http://www.zocalo.com.mx/seccion/articulo/premian-a-del-rio-por-su-programa-de-reciclaje-1394942370
Who knew back in the 80's and 90's that all these CRT's and old computers would end up here...at least they are not in the city dump taking up valuable space.
We went by the hospital Radiology Department to pick up some of my mother's records. The hospital does not have the best reputation in the city (in particular the ER) but I must say that their Radiology Department is excellent and they have always treated my mother well. The gentlemen that gave us copies of the records personally came into the waiting room and hand delivered the package to her. He treated her like she was an old friend and wished her well. For that I am extremely appreciative.
More errand running took place before we went home to eat dinner. Afterward decided to swing by the laundromat and do towels and blankets. Slowly but surely hope to make a dent in all the chores I put off while I was ill.
Good night. May you all have Terlingua Dreams.
Who knew back in the 80's and 90's that all these CRT's and old computers would end up here...at least they are not in the city dump taking up valuable space.
We went by the hospital Radiology Department to pick up some of my mother's records. The hospital does not have the best reputation in the city (in particular the ER) but I must say that their Radiology Department is excellent and they have always treated my mother well. The gentlemen that gave us copies of the records personally came into the waiting room and hand delivered the package to her. He treated her like she was an old friend and wished her well. For that I am extremely appreciative.
More errand running took place before we went home to eat dinner. Afterward decided to swing by the laundromat and do towels and blankets. Slowly but surely hope to make a dent in all the chores I put off while I was ill.
Good night. May you all have Terlingua Dreams.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
We had a balmy 89 degree day
I did not expect for it to be so hot today, it officially reached 89 degrees.
The bank temperature was 88 degrees when I pulled into Stripes to fill up. I had to cave in and once more charge my Stripes card so I could get a .03 cent discount on the going price of $3.29 a gallon. Best to fill up now before the price escalates.
Price at HEB without any type of discount.
Due to my health issues I am behind on a lot of things. Today, I went and ran several errands...fortunately, I did so without the assistance of a cane...that for me is huge!
Good night. May you all have Terlingua Dreams.
The bank temperature was 88 degrees when I pulled into Stripes to fill up. I had to cave in and once more charge my Stripes card so I could get a .03 cent discount on the going price of $3.29 a gallon. Best to fill up now before the price escalates.
Price at HEB without any type of discount.
Due to my health issues I am behind on a lot of things. Today, I went and ran several errands...fortunately, I did so without the assistance of a cane...that for me is huge!
Good night. May you all have Terlingua Dreams.
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Fallen back on old vices
The wind was blowing mighty strong today and kept on until around 8:00 p.m. this evening. Temperature wise we had a high of 71 degrees For the most part I have been staying in. Considered driving Midnight (the Toyota) to the lake since it has basically been just sitting in the garage, but the wind made me change my mind. I have driven dad's old car on both occasions that I have gone to Mexico to see the doctor.
In this global economy everything in the world affects gas prices. Just last Monday regular gasoline was selling for $3.13 a gallon. Before heading to Mexico stopped at the only truck stop we have in Del Rio, which due to its proximity to the border is .02 to .03 cents higher than in town...but .14 cents higher?
Have you guys gotten accustomed to the time change? Basically since I retired it has not bothered me, I do not have to be at any particular place at any given time. However, I have fallen back on old vices and it has affected my night time schedule.
I used to love to watch foreign soap operas...my favorites were Colombian and Brazilian soaps...they are more down to earth and credible than Mexican soap operas. Since these soaps are beamed to the border from Mexico City and we get to catch the signal for free, why not? Only problem is that except for the border...the interior of Mexico has not gone on Daylight Savings Time.
Now if I want to go online, I have to do so an hour later which affects my ability to beat Bloggers 2:00 a.m. deadline and still be able to post on the same day. As you can see I have nothing to blog about! :D
Good night. May you all have Terlingua Dreams.
In this global economy everything in the world affects gas prices. Just last Monday regular gasoline was selling for $3.13 a gallon. Before heading to Mexico stopped at the only truck stop we have in Del Rio, which due to its proximity to the border is .02 to .03 cents higher than in town...but .14 cents higher?
Have you guys gotten accustomed to the time change? Basically since I retired it has not bothered me, I do not have to be at any particular place at any given time. However, I have fallen back on old vices and it has affected my night time schedule.
I used to love to watch foreign soap operas...my favorites were Colombian and Brazilian soaps...they are more down to earth and credible than Mexican soap operas. Since these soaps are beamed to the border from Mexico City and we get to catch the signal for free, why not? Only problem is that except for the border...the interior of Mexico has not gone on Daylight Savings Time.
Now if I want to go online, I have to do so an hour later which affects my ability to beat Bloggers 2:00 a.m. deadline and still be able to post on the same day. As you can see I have nothing to blog about! :D
Good night. May you all have Terlingua Dreams.
Friday, March 14, 2014
Reluctant trip to the doctor
Tuesday, March 11th, I finally caved in and went to see the doctor in Ciudad Acuna, Coahuila, Mexico. He came highly recommended by a friend of my mother's. I had completely forgotten that even though many businesses remain open as well as medical and dental clinics their personnel go to eat their main meal between 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Must admit the thought of leaving did cross my mind several times.
They did not carry one of the medications I required so I went to another popular pharmacy Benavides. Not only could I read their receipt, they offer a discount card to people 45 and over and special prices at different times of the month. I will definitively come back here if I require more medication.
Got to see the doctor at 3:40 p.m. A few minutes into my appointment I was glad I had chosen to stay as he truly listened and had a great bedside manner. He told me he would have to order a complete lab analysis (blood work). Since it was already late in the day they would not have the results to him until the following day, so set up an appointment for Thursday.
The lab place was next to the clinic so I did not have to go far...which was good because my legs were hurting like hell...so much so that I had to take a cane with me for support. I am a coward when it comes to needles but I must admit that I barely felt the prick. Was told my results could be viewed online as soon as they became available and they gave me a control number and code in order to access them.
How much do you think it cost me for a full blood work and urinalysis? I paid $605.00 Mexican pesos.
605.00 Mexican pesos divided by an exchange rate of 12.50 = USD $48.40
I was so surprised at the amount as I used to pay $185.00 American Dollars when I had lab work done at my Del Rio doctor's office...that was only to check my cholesterol level and liver function while I was taking Crestor (drug used to lower cholesterol).
Went back Thursday and was given my results...already knew my cholesterol would be through the roof... and it was. My blood sugar did not look good either but for now would not require medication.
The lab results indicated I had a severe infection...would you believe from the cold or flu that I had back in December and January that I never went to the doctor for. Regarding the pain in my legs...it should be gone in 10 days...sure hope he is right. I have only taken the medication for one day and already I feel better. He charged me $300.00 Mexican pesos for the office visit, that translates to $24.00 American Dollars.
Even though I buy my medication for high blood pressure at a grocery store, I decided to go to one of the better pharmacies in Ciudad Acuna...Farmacias Guadalajara...as they tend to move a lot more merchandise as far as patented medicine is concerned. I did not like them and as exclusive as they are was surprised they gave me a receipt I could not even read because the ink was almost invisible. Complained to the clerk but she just shrug her shoulders. You can bet your bottom dollar, I will never be back!
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| My drug stash |
They did not carry one of the medications I required so I went to another popular pharmacy Benavides. Not only could I read their receipt, they offer a discount card to people 45 and over and special prices at different times of the month. I will definitively come back here if I require more medication.
Good night. May you all have Terlingua Dreams.
Friday, March 7, 2014
Thank you for your e-mails
Thank you for your e-mails and your concern about my health. I am for the most part doing better with the pain in my legs. I do plan a visit to the doctor in the foreseeable future.
I have not blogged because basically I have not done anything post worthy and besides that, I am not a daily blogger.
Good night. May you all have Terlingua Dreams.
I have not blogged because basically I have not done anything post worthy and besides that, I am not a daily blogger.
Good night. May you all have Terlingua Dreams.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Election Day
I usually do early voting to avoid crowds and to get it out of the way. However, since I wasn't feeling up to par last week...I did not make the trip to the County Courthouse to take advantage of it. Unlike Harris County (Houston) there really are no long lines in Del Rio plus the voting place is closer to mom's house. Just one of the pluses of living in a small town.
Being the procrastinator that I am, I waited until the last minute to research the local candidates. My gosh I never imagined all the goings on behind the scenes. One candidate and his son getting into a physical confrontation with another candidate at a local bar. Another candidate stealing the campaign signs of yet another contender. All this going on in Del Rio...isn't the internet wonderful?
On my way back home, I was going to stop at the laundromat. There were more people washing clothes than voting! Since I do not do crowds...the clothes will have wait for another opportunity.
I don't know if Frann still reads me but I thought of her today when I saw Kinky Friedman on the ballot. Who knew he was running for Texas Agricultural Commissioner? OK, enough about politics!
Good night. May you all have Terlingua Dreams.
Being the procrastinator that I am, I waited until the last minute to research the local candidates. My gosh I never imagined all the goings on behind the scenes. One candidate and his son getting into a physical confrontation with another candidate at a local bar. Another candidate stealing the campaign signs of yet another contender. All this going on in Del Rio...isn't the internet wonderful?
On my way back home, I was going to stop at the laundromat. There were more people washing clothes than voting! Since I do not do crowds...the clothes will have wait for another opportunity.
I don't know if Frann still reads me but I thought of her today when I saw Kinky Friedman on the ballot. Who knew he was running for Texas Agricultural Commissioner? OK, enough about politics!
Good night. May you all have Terlingua Dreams.
Sunday, March 2, 2014
What a difference a day makes
Yesterday we had a high of 92 and tonight it is supposed to get down to 33 degrees. As I type this it is 36 degrees but feels like it was 29. For me that is pretty darn cold.
I drove dad's old car into town today...had driven for about four miles when I reached the first stop light. It felt like it wanted to die...at the next stop light it did die...but started right back up. Wonder what is wrong with that crazy car?
Went to Wal-Mart and when I came out...the front had arrived...the wind was blowing like crazy. Bet the temperature dropped at least 25 degrees and of course I did not have my jacket with me. Was going run more errands but decided they could wait and went to Domino's Pizza instead, then headed straight home.
Once more turned on the central heater and it will remain on for at least the next two days. I do not do cold weather except in Terlingua around a roaring campfire...I sure do miss my favorite desert and my friends :-(
Good night. May you all have Terlingua Dreams.
I drove dad's old car into town today...had driven for about four miles when I reached the first stop light. It felt like it wanted to die...at the next stop light it did die...but started right back up. Wonder what is wrong with that crazy car?
Went to Wal-Mart and when I came out...the front had arrived...the wind was blowing like crazy. Bet the temperature dropped at least 25 degrees and of course I did not have my jacket with me. Was going run more errands but decided they could wait and went to Domino's Pizza instead, then headed straight home.
Once more turned on the central heater and it will remain on for at least the next two days. I do not do cold weather except in Terlingua around a roaring campfire...I sure do miss my favorite desert and my friends :-(
Good night. May you all have Terlingua Dreams.
Saturday, March 1, 2014
We welcome March with 92 degrees!
Per the Weather Channel we were only supposed to reach 86 degrees but "surprise" it got up to 92 degrees this first day of March. With these kind of temperatures those horrible mesquite trees will be in full bloom in no time flat :-(
Got up at 8:01 a.m. to serve mother breakfast and went back to bed as my legs were hurting something awful. Would you believe I did not wake up till 2:35 p.m. and only because the telephone rang and woke me up. Glad I answered it because it was my uncle and I had been worried about him. Remember my cousin and his last minute decision to go to Acapulco? Well, my uncle made a last minute decision to travel to Veracruz, Veracruz, Mexico for Carnaval (Mardi Gras).
I know he is a grown man, but I think it is a bit crazy to take off somewhere without even having hotel reservations and especially during Carnaval when so many people go down for the festivities. I guess we are all nuts in my family including myself. I remember driving to San Angelo without knowing where we were going to stay but we got lucky and landed the last downstairs motel room they had for the night.
This afternoon my legs felt better so went outside, watered some not all of the trees and hosed down our cars. Took more laundry out of dad's old car and put it in my car so if my legs cooperate I can go to the laundromat this coming week.
Good night. May you all have Terlingua Dreams.
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| The barren tree in the middle of this plant ( that I also hate) is a mesquite. |
Got up at 8:01 a.m. to serve mother breakfast and went back to bed as my legs were hurting something awful. Would you believe I did not wake up till 2:35 p.m. and only because the telephone rang and woke me up. Glad I answered it because it was my uncle and I had been worried about him. Remember my cousin and his last minute decision to go to Acapulco? Well, my uncle made a last minute decision to travel to Veracruz, Veracruz, Mexico for Carnaval (Mardi Gras).
I know he is a grown man, but I think it is a bit crazy to take off somewhere without even having hotel reservations and especially during Carnaval when so many people go down for the festivities. I guess we are all nuts in my family including myself. I remember driving to San Angelo without knowing where we were going to stay but we got lucky and landed the last downstairs motel room they had for the night.
This afternoon my legs felt better so went outside, watered some not all of the trees and hosed down our cars. Took more laundry out of dad's old car and put it in my car so if my legs cooperate I can go to the laundromat this coming week.
Good night. May you all have Terlingua Dreams.
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