Ron has never written anything in his life (other than a few letters he's written while at Taft), yet last week I got something from him that I enjoyed, and he gave me permission to share it with all of you. It's just a fun little essay he wrote called "Today I Am A Medicine Chest".
When we were kids of 12-13 years of age, we experienced celebrations which, depending on our religion were either Bar Mitzvahs or First Communions. When these events took place, our friends brought gifts to the lavish parties which our parents put on either at the church, synagogue, or home. any of these gifts were Esterbrook fountain pens, the kind of pens that the snorkle came out of the end and was used to "suck-up" the ink from an ink bottle. More often than not, after refilling the pen I had to go to the bathroom to wash the ink out of my shirt, pants and off my fingers. I can still hear my mother's voice imploring me not to make a mess. So, back at the celebration, when the honoree spoke to the guests, he would almost always start his speech by saying, "Today I am a man". We changed the phrase to "Today I am a fountain pen", to make fun of the entire process.
So one week ago today, I was summoned over the crackly sounding loud speaker in the camp, "Ron Anson, report to medical immediately". I quickly complied. When I arrived at medical, Nurse Spandas, who knows me well from finger pricking blood tests, said to me, "Don't worry, you're just going to the doctor in Bakersfield to see the kidney specialist".
I was immediately relieved to know I was not in trouble, but at 1PM I got to go on a field trip! Officer McKay loaded me into one of the white SUV's, which have plexiglass between the drivers seat and the passenger bench in back, for our 45 minute ride. He turned on a western music station and we enjoyed the ride in silence. I was being sent to an outside nephrologist because when I arrived at Taft my kidney test showed 41% efficiency. 59% is normal for my age. The latest tests came back 56%,59%,and 58%, so I really was surprised that they sent me to a specialist, although I realize they are very concerned about inmate health.
After arriving at the clinic, I gave a urine sample and waited with the officer for the doctor to come into the room. When he arrived and introduced himself, he stated that my tests were now normal and I would not need to return to his office prior to my release next June. Darn, no more field trips to Bakersfield.
Relieved, I enjoyed the ride back to Taft. Yesterday I was told I had a doctor's appointment at 1PM. I appeared at the prescribed time and Dr. Rucker told me that he was cutting down on my diabetes medication.
To bring you up to date, I became a Type 2 diabetic in 2002 at age 60. My diabetes was well in check until November 16, 2009, when I was sentenced to 24 months in prison. My blood sugars then went from a normal of 100 for the last 7 years to 350. My doctor in San Diego sent me to an endocrinologist who I call Dr B because he has a 5 syllable Indian name that I can't pronounce. Dr. B gave me a choice of two avenues to follow to lower my blood sugar. He also told me my spike in blood sugar was due to stress and would probably repair itself. The choices he gave me were (1) the drug Januvia, taken orally for three weeks to begin to lower my blood sugar or (2) insulin injections which would work immediately. Had I chosen insulin I would have been prohibited from going to Taft. So my choice of the pills turned out to be a fortuitous one.
Anyway, when I arrived at Taft I was prescribed 2550 mg of Metformin (I had taken 1000 before incarceration). I am now taking 500mg, and look forward to the time when I will eliminate it all together. I currently take other drugs such as lipitor, aspirin, cozaar, prilosec, synthroid and three different kinds of vitamins daily.
Now you know why I feel "Today I am a medicine chest", in a good way. The doctor here told me that not taking anti-inflammatories such as Celebrex and Ibuprofen has helped improve my kidney disease.
I guess the reality is, all medicines have side-effects which eventually surface. So less is better.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Trolley Dances 2010 San Diego
I can't know everything, so luckily I have a great group of friends who tell me about restaurants and cultural events in the San Diego that I have missed. I was at lunch yesterday with 8 well informed women who let me know I had missed a great San Diego tradition. So here it is, and just in time. The trolley dances end on Sunday, October 3, so you still have plenty of time to enjoy the show.
The way it was explained to me is this. You buy a ticket a proceed to the historic County Administration Building to begin your tour. You board a trolley along with many others and are taken from place to place and see dance troupes at each stop. The tour goes from the Administration Building to the New Children's Museum and the new Hilton Bayfront with stops in between for site-specifice dance created by Jean Isaacs and Monica Bill Barnes. Led by volunteer guides, audience members get on and off the trolley at specific stations to view the pieces, which are set in unexpected locations. Call 619 225 1803 for further information. Prices range from $10-$30. It sounds like a great way to spend an afternoon. It's something quite different, that's for sure. Thank you Vivian and Paula for bringing this to my attention. If I wasn't going to be visiting with my kids from Colorado and grandson Lennon this weekend, I would definitely try to see this event.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Keeping Cool, Eating Well
Summer has finally arrived. A little late and with a vengence. Actually most of us don't like the current heat wave. As a boogie boarder you'd think I'd love this weather, but the water temperature is still 61 degrees, too cold for a wuss like me to venture into without a short wetsuit. Another negative of the intense heat is I need to use my air conditioner. I had gone all summer without air, but I turned it on yesterday. Just a few hours at the end of the day cools off the house beautifully. I was in Escondido on Monday where the temperature was 110 degrees. When I got home the temperature was only 89 degrees. What a difference being close to the coast makes.
Many people eat less in extreme heat. I'm not one of those people. I do, however, like lighter meals, especially cold soups. My mom reminded me yesterday of one of my favorite cold soups, low in calories and so easy you won't believe it. Here it is.
Jellied Consomme With Sour Cream and Caviar
1 can consomme, well chilled
1 dollop of sour cream
1 tsp red or black caviar (I like black)
Open the soup can and spoon consomme into serving bowl. I can eat the whole can myself, but 3/4 of a can is probably a suitable portion. The soup will be gelatinous, not soupy. Add a dollop of sour cream and a spoon of caviar on top for a delicious, elegant, low calorie soup. It's so easy, and your guests will be so impressed. This is a great hot weather soup, but it's great anytime of year for the family or an elegant dinner party. Enjoy. (sorry this picture does not show how great the soup looks with sour cream and caviar on top)
Monday, September 27, 2010
Thirty Sixth Visit to Taft
One of the constant fears of any inmate is breaking a rule that might send them to the SHU. Security Housing Unit, it's official name is also known as isolation and the hole. You don't want to be there. You are locked up 23 hours a day, usually with no TV or radio privileges, little if anything to read, and are only out 1 hour per day for exercise and shower. Hardly a week goes by that Ron doesn't tell me a story about someone who went to the SHU. Some may never return, others may be held there for weeks or even months. The philosophy of those in charge is send them to the SHU, ask questions later.
What lands you in the SHU? It can be an infraction of inconsequential importance or it might be something quite serious. It might be a published rule or an unwritten rule. One man was sent to the SHU because contraband was found in his locker. How did someone know that he had an unauthorized item? Someone snitched on him. Yes, snitches are everywhere. They think if they give the guards information they will get special treatment. I don't know if they do or not. Another man was sent to the SHU for cutting in line at meal time. That is one of those unwritten rules that you do not break. Other ways to land in the SHU include illegal card games (gambling) and misbehaving in the visiting room. In other words, inmates have to be constantly on guard to prevent themselves from being accidentally caught in something that is not approved. A few weeks ago I wrote about a man whose daughter was killed in an auto accident leaving Taft after visiting. He was immediately sent to the SHU. Another man had a job driving a tractor and accidentally lost the key to the tractor. He also went to the SHU. As Ron always says, he wants to stay under the radar.
You could be sent to the SHU for being out of bounds. That means being where you're not supposed to be. I heard a story about a man who worked in the laundry room. He was asked by his superior to do a special job for him. He did, and ended up in the SHU for weeks. Why? He was out of bounds. In this case he was damned if he did and damned if he didn't. If he didn't do what he was asked to do he'd be in trouble for disobeying a superior. If he did what was asked, which he did, he'd be out of bounds and in trouble for that. Another man decided to move to another bunk when his roomate left. He was considered out of bounds, and went to the SHU. Lying is another way to land in the SHU and get yourself more time there. The prison will add 50% more SHU time to your punishment if you lie.
The best way to avoid any disciplinary action is to keep to yourself, do what you're supposed to do, and not bother anyone. This is exactly what Ron has done and has found this attitude to serve him well. The troublemakers are always scrutinized more carefully.
What a change from the outside world where disputes are settled verbally between adults, and compromise is usually found. In prison no questions are asked, you are simply taken away and questions will be asked later. The democratic process is NOT alive and well in our prison system.
What lands you in the SHU? It can be an infraction of inconsequential importance or it might be something quite serious. It might be a published rule or an unwritten rule. One man was sent to the SHU because contraband was found in his locker. How did someone know that he had an unauthorized item? Someone snitched on him. Yes, snitches are everywhere. They think if they give the guards information they will get special treatment. I don't know if they do or not. Another man was sent to the SHU for cutting in line at meal time. That is one of those unwritten rules that you do not break. Other ways to land in the SHU include illegal card games (gambling) and misbehaving in the visiting room. In other words, inmates have to be constantly on guard to prevent themselves from being accidentally caught in something that is not approved. A few weeks ago I wrote about a man whose daughter was killed in an auto accident leaving Taft after visiting. He was immediately sent to the SHU. Another man had a job driving a tractor and accidentally lost the key to the tractor. He also went to the SHU. As Ron always says, he wants to stay under the radar.
You could be sent to the SHU for being out of bounds. That means being where you're not supposed to be. I heard a story about a man who worked in the laundry room. He was asked by his superior to do a special job for him. He did, and ended up in the SHU for weeks. Why? He was out of bounds. In this case he was damned if he did and damned if he didn't. If he didn't do what he was asked to do he'd be in trouble for disobeying a superior. If he did what was asked, which he did, he'd be out of bounds and in trouble for that. Another man decided to move to another bunk when his roomate left. He was considered out of bounds, and went to the SHU. Lying is another way to land in the SHU and get yourself more time there. The prison will add 50% more SHU time to your punishment if you lie.
The best way to avoid any disciplinary action is to keep to yourself, do what you're supposed to do, and not bother anyone. This is exactly what Ron has done and has found this attitude to serve him well. The troublemakers are always scrutinized more carefully.
What a change from the outside world where disputes are settled verbally between adults, and compromise is usually found. In prison no questions are asked, you are simply taken away and questions will be asked later. The democratic process is NOT alive and well in our prison system.
Friday, September 24, 2010
A Day Visiting Balboa Island With Friends: Priceless
Several of my boogie boarding friends planned a trip to Balboa Island today, and I was smart enough to join them. There were nine of us in all. We had a spectacular time and perfect weather. Our original plan was to go kyaking in the beautiful, calm waters, but decided to rent a motorized boat instead, due to the cool weather. We all hate to be cold! Here's how our day went.
We left Encinitas at 8:45 in two cars, and arrived in Balboa around 10:15. I hadn't been there in years and had forgotten what an utterly charming little town it is. The whole island is only one square mile, yet it is loaded with great shopping, souvenir shops, a few restaurants, and some spectacular homes. Every homeowner takes great pride in his property and all homes are in tip top shape. Gardens are important, one more beautiful than the next. Architecture runs the gamut. Most homes are at least two-story due to the small size of the lots. Everywhere you look you see painters, carpenters and gardners working to keep up the residential area.
We shopped on Marine Avenue, the main street in Balboa before lunch. Great gift shops, upscale clothing stores, children's clothes and toys and restaurants are in abundance. Yogurt, pizza, burgers, diners, candy shops and of course stands selling the famous Balboa Bar are present. Everyone claims that their shop sells the original Balboa Bar, but they all seem to be the same. A Balboa Bar is simply vanilla ice cream on a stick, covered in chocolate, and either finished with jimmies or nuts. We did not have one, but they did look delicious.
My favorite part of the day was still to come. We arranged to rent a motorized boat to putt putt around the bay, eat a picnic lunch on board, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Lucky for us, the sun finally broke through around noon and we had a magnificent afternoon. Captain Jill and Captain Marie kept the boat on an even course and we enjoyed our home prepared picnic lunch, lots of conversation and a tour around the bay. Thanks to Debbie for remembering to have the boat rental company put the life rafts on board. They were going to send us out to sea with no life jackets!!
Our entertainment came from the sea lions that were abundant and naughty. It's obvious the sea lions are not afraid of humans, as we got within a few feet of them relaxing in the water on their backs or sunbathing on someone's multi-million dollar yacht. The sea lions have decided that the boats and yachts in Balboa are their personal living room. There were four sea lions on one boat. When a little dinghy went by slapping an oar at them to try to get them off the boat, the sea lions swam around the boat until the dinghy left, then got right back on the boat. This is a terrible problem for the boat owners. Many owners have put fencing around the deck to keep the sea lions from ruining their property. The animals sure are cute to look at, though. Debbie took lots of pictures of the sea lions relaxing in the sun.
After a wonderful lunch and sailing around the bay, we returned to the Fun Zone area of Balboa and did a bit more shopping. I was hungry for something sweet, so while some went off for yogurt, Fran, Pam and I went to Wilma's Patio, a casual family restaurant. We had pound cake topped with vanilla ice cream and fresh strawberries. A sweet ending to a very sweet day.
We left Encinitas at 8:45 in two cars, and arrived in Balboa around 10:15. I hadn't been there in years and had forgotten what an utterly charming little town it is. The whole island is only one square mile, yet it is loaded with great shopping, souvenir shops, a few restaurants, and some spectacular homes. Every homeowner takes great pride in his property and all homes are in tip top shape. Gardens are important, one more beautiful than the next. Architecture runs the gamut. Most homes are at least two-story due to the small size of the lots. Everywhere you look you see painters, carpenters and gardners working to keep up the residential area.
We shopped on Marine Avenue, the main street in Balboa before lunch. Great gift shops, upscale clothing stores, children's clothes and toys and restaurants are in abundance. Yogurt, pizza, burgers, diners, candy shops and of course stands selling the famous Balboa Bar are present. Everyone claims that their shop sells the original Balboa Bar, but they all seem to be the same. A Balboa Bar is simply vanilla ice cream on a stick, covered in chocolate, and either finished with jimmies or nuts. We did not have one, but they did look delicious.
My favorite part of the day was still to come. We arranged to rent a motorized boat to putt putt around the bay, eat a picnic lunch on board, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Lucky for us, the sun finally broke through around noon and we had a magnificent afternoon. Captain Jill and Captain Marie kept the boat on an even course and we enjoyed our home prepared picnic lunch, lots of conversation and a tour around the bay. Thanks to Debbie for remembering to have the boat rental company put the life rafts on board. They were going to send us out to sea with no life jackets!!
Our entertainment came from the sea lions that were abundant and naughty. It's obvious the sea lions are not afraid of humans, as we got within a few feet of them relaxing in the water on their backs or sunbathing on someone's multi-million dollar yacht. The sea lions have decided that the boats and yachts in Balboa are their personal living room. There were four sea lions on one boat. When a little dinghy went by slapping an oar at them to try to get them off the boat, the sea lions swam around the boat until the dinghy left, then got right back on the boat. This is a terrible problem for the boat owners. Many owners have put fencing around the deck to keep the sea lions from ruining their property. The animals sure are cute to look at, though. Debbie took lots of pictures of the sea lions relaxing in the sun.
After a wonderful lunch and sailing around the bay, we returned to the Fun Zone area of Balboa and did a bit more shopping. I was hungry for something sweet, so while some went off for yogurt, Fran, Pam and I went to Wilma's Patio, a casual family restaurant. We had pound cake topped with vanilla ice cream and fresh strawberries. A sweet ending to a very sweet day.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Beautiful Dragon Fruit
On my recent cruise, food was a highlight. Fruit of every sort was in abundance, and I even discovered a new fruit I had never seen before. It's the dragon fruit. It is absolutely beautiful to look at. It comes in pink or white and looks gorgeous on a buffet table. Taste, well that's another story.
The dragon fruit, or pitahay fruit is found mainly in Thailand. It has a spiny exterior and a fleshy interior with little black seeds. The inside, the edible portion, is either white or bright pink. It's beautiful to look at, and cut in half it's a wonderful addition to a buffet table. You want to make sure it is not hard, but more the softness of a ripe avocado. It is very juicy but not very flavorful, in fact it doesn't have much taste. It can be eaten chilled or at room temperature, I don't think it matters much. It's so pretty to look at that it showed up at breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the cruise. I don't know if it's hard to find in the U.S. or not, but it's the prettiest fruit I've ever seen.
We were sitting one day by the pool during lunch when a young couple from Temecula sat down and joined us. They had just gone through the buffet and came to our table with the white dragon fruit. Neither of us had ever seen the fruit before and couldn't wait to try it. What a disappointment. Wet and juicy but completely lacking in flavor. Look for it on the next fancy buffet you go to, or maybe on your next cruise.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Two Big Winners From Mississippi
What are the odds of two people from small towns in Mississippi winning two different contests on TV, both on the same night? That's a longshot for sure. Well, it happened on September 15 when Michael Grimm won top honors on America's Got Talent and Whitney Miller won the first ever MasterChef. I don't usually watch much TV, but for some reason I got hooked on these two programs a few weeks ago. Wednesday night was the finale of both programs, both at the same time, and both with a contestant from Mississippi in the the top two. I thought that was amazing, so I flicked back and forth and saw them both win top honors.
I must confess Michael Grimm was not my top choice for the number one spot on America's Got Talent. I was rooting for the 10 year old from Pittsburgh, Jackie. She sings like an angel, with the voice of an adult. Wednesday night she sang a duet with Sarah Brightman and you would have thought you were listening to two seasoned stars, not just one.
The winner, Michael Grimm is also an amazing talent. With a raspy, soulful sound and very cute to look at, he was my second choice. I predict he'll be a big star. He will be getting $1 million and will star in a Las Vegas show. He's got a voice you're going to enjoy hearing for years to come. Jackie, the 10 year old opera singer will be a major star too. She's got it all. But Michael, young man from Mississippi was the big winner.
MasterChef is another creation of Gordon Ramsey. Wednesday night they crowned their first masterchef, an amateur cook who won $250,000 plus a cookbook contract. The winner was 22 year old Whitney Miller from Mississippi. She was one of the most inexperienced cooks in the competition but ended up winning it all. Another contestant from Mississippi.
I'm a bit of a gambler, but would I have bet on two shows on the same night having winners from Mississippi? Not even with your money would I have made that bet.
I must confess Michael Grimm was not my top choice for the number one spot on America's Got Talent. I was rooting for the 10 year old from Pittsburgh, Jackie. She sings like an angel, with the voice of an adult. Wednesday night she sang a duet with Sarah Brightman and you would have thought you were listening to two seasoned stars, not just one.
The winner, Michael Grimm is also an amazing talent. With a raspy, soulful sound and very cute to look at, he was my second choice. I predict he'll be a big star. He will be getting $1 million and will star in a Las Vegas show. He's got a voice you're going to enjoy hearing for years to come. Jackie, the 10 year old opera singer will be a major star too. She's got it all. But Michael, young man from Mississippi was the big winner.
MasterChef is another creation of Gordon Ramsey. Wednesday night they crowned their first masterchef, an amateur cook who won $250,000 plus a cookbook contract. The winner was 22 year old Whitney Miller from Mississippi. She was one of the most inexperienced cooks in the competition but ended up winning it all. Another contestant from Mississippi.
I'm a bit of a gambler, but would I have bet on two shows on the same night having winners from Mississippi? Not even with your money would I have made that bet.
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