Tonight's Charlestown Historical Society Lecture

Tonight was a tough choice, the Old South Meeting House was hosting "Ghosts of Boston: Haunts of the Hub" Book Launch Celebration for author Sam Baltrusis.  You know I love ghost stories and I am a member of @OSMHBoston ........ but, come on, the competition was Charlestown!

Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride: The Real Truth-Sept 18

Learn the real truth about Paul Revere and his Midnight ride to warn the Patriots that the British were coming. Actually the regulars were coming as everyone was British at that point. Who leaked the top secret British plan to seize the munitions in Lexington and Concord? Did Journey begin in Boston or in Charlestown? Who directed Paul to make the ride? Did he act alone or with others?  Did Revere make it to Lexington and Concord? Who was the real hero on the night of April 18, 1775? Learn the truth from Carl Zellner who has accumulated knowledge, books and files for over 30 years. His research includes a handwritten account by Paul Revere himself.  He will present his findings on Tuesday September 18, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. in the Bunker Hill Museum. The entrance fee is $5:00, members of the Charlestown Historical Society and Charlestown Preservation Society attend for free.

It was a good pick!  First off, on my way, I met up with my Uncle Walter and his partner Tom.  I laughed because my mother said something earlier about me walking home alone in the dark.  Well, now that was no problem!  Secondly Tom works at the Bunker Hill Florist and knows everybody, so I had inside info on people I didn't know.  

The lecture itself was very interesting.  Mr. Zellner, the official historian of the Charlestown Historical society, contrasted the Oliver Wendell Holmes poem with the actual events.  He also put the famous ride in context with present day landmarks.  The time flew by.  I could have listened to many more questions and answers.

Next month's lecture is October 16, 2012 same time same place.  Joe Bagley, City Archaeologist of Boston will speak on the Archaeology Month Presentation.  My schedule is a little murky right now, but if i can, I'll be there.

In the meantime, tomorrow is the 3rd lecture in the Paul Revere Memorial Lecture series on the War of 1812.  "Salem Privateers and the War of 1812", 6:30pm at the Old South Meeting House.  My

Even When I Try

So I have been having problems with my insurance almost since I went into treatment for the second time in August of 2010.  It's been so ridiculous because dealing with insurance companies is what I did for a living for 16 years.  But in this regard, I have had a black cloud over everything to do with my coverage.

So I gave up and applied to the Commonwealth for help.  And in December I get Medicare. 

I had two last things to resolve.  The refund of my July premium and reimbursement for some prescriptions out of pocket.  This should have been fairly simple, I know all the rules, I mailed/faxed all the correct forms and supporting documentation. I treated it like work - files, notes, copies, the whole 9 yards.

So this morning I resolved to make phone calls and nail this stuff down.  I got up and showered and went right back to my room.  No screwing around on the Internet.  No going down to the first floor and stealing cookies.  (Last night and I made snickerdoodles - yumm.)  Nose to the grindstone.  Phone calls, phone calls, notes, phone calls.  And I did.  I cleaned my room.  Made some personal phone calls

Finally around 4:30 I gave up.  Besides, I was hungry.  So I went down to the 1st floor.

Sitting on the dining room table was a check, resolving one of these matters.

Seriously?  I was just on the phone getting transferred around, repeating my story.  And none of them knew it had been adjudicated.  No one said "Go down and check your mail."

Ok, so tomorrow is another project.  Hopefully, it's a better use of my time.

Hurray For Being A PackRat!

Yesterday I went to Revere Beach.  There was a strong wind from the south and I got sand everywhere.

EVERYWHERE!

I peeled off my bathing suit in the tub and there had to be a pound of sand in there.  After I showered I went down to clean all the stuff in my bag. For some reason I had my cell phone charger in the bag.  It's a two piece deal with the cord and the part that plugs into the wall.

The phone worked until it went dead, but it wouldn't charge.  I took off the end for the socket and plugged it into my laptop and got a white light - as opposed to the green or red.  So I figured it was the end that was the problem.

I went to sleep without my phone......that never happens.

Then today at lunch I remembered this basket I have of old chargers and parts.  I hurried through cleaning up after lunch - the Patriots were playing otherwise my Dad would have done it.  He hardly ever lets me clean up, so I had to finish.

I dumped out the basket, sorted through all the cords, tried a few.  Then finally I found another socket end.

Viola!

I will still go to Verizon to get a new proper end.  This one is charging, but when it's plugged in I can't use any phone functions. 

But for now.....I'm happy. 

Now it's back to cleaning my suitcase.  I was nice enough to loan some girl my sunscreen when I was in San Antonio.  She couldn't get the sprayer to work, so she wrenched open the bottle.  I tried to screw it back on properly, but it leaked all over stuff.  That was a good reminder of why I don't like to be nice.

Where Have I Been?

Lot's of places.  And all have been fun.  When I haven't been having fun, I've been sleeping.

The Thursday before Labor Day, I flew down to San Antonio for the #MilReunion.  Team M (Mary Ripley and I) were in the Omni de la Mansion on the Riverwalk thanks to William Shatner.  Our first night Mary wanted to go to Mi Tierra, a restaurant she knew she liked from a previous visit.  When we explained where we wanted to go, the 3 guys working valet got all excited.  Apparently they were fans too.  One in particular waxed rhapsodic about the sweet potato empanadas.  They offered to have one of them drive us in the hotel vehicle....a nice new Lincoln Navigator!  Well, it was worth the hype. We entered through the bakery and I expected a choir of angels to start singing!  The bakery case was huge!  After dinner, which was good and the waitress gave us a history of the place, it was bakery time!  I got sweet potato empanadas for the valet guys and apple danish for the morning.

Friday I headed down to the pool (with my apple danish) while Mary tried to get Verizon to fix her phone.  I sent out some messages to see what other people were doing. This is the great part about being part of an Internet based group, they are almost always connected!  I got a hit almost right away.  The Armorer and the Mistress of the Castle were headed to the Nimitz Museum in Fredericksburg.  I begged to come along.  There's Navy stuff wherever I go, even if I don't know it ahead of time.

The Nimitz Museum was awesome and we got a special tour thanks to the Armorer.  But my favorite part was listening to the Armorer go from display to display saying "I've got that.  I've got one of those." and the like.  Hilarious.  If you have the chance, I highly recommend it.....even if you don't have the special tour guide.  He also recommended a great lunch place.  He was full service!

It was a long day and a late lunch, so we ended up going straight to the Soldiers' Angels warehouse or the Friday night festivities.  it was great seeing everyone who was able to make it.  Tom Goering and wife Bonnie; Sherri the Domestik Diva; the Loopy Libertarian; Wendy of MyMilitarylife, the crew from YouServed; Jihad Gene; Jean, Christina from Words for Warriors and lots of Soldiers' Angels.  And I finally got to meet Old Blue, after reading his blogs AfghanQuest and AfghanBlueIII. Just as interesting in person as in his blogs.

Then I got in trouble.......raffle tickets.  They sold raffle tickets to benefit Soldiers' Angels Valour-IT Project.  Jihad Gene bought a bunch and all I had to do was keep track of them. I brought them safely back to the hotel.

The next day was the main event.  Panels on the future of MilBlogging and how it will help/effect our military.  During the lunch break Tom Goering brought me his old laptop that he had cleared out and reloaded for me!  How awesome is that!  But the day's highlight was the awarding of several special laptops to wounded soldiers who would benefit from the technology. It was such an honor to be there and have the chance to applaud these fine young men. 

Then it was time for the raffle drawing.  Guess who had no tickets?  That's right,  I left them on the table in the hotel room.  They had to draw three times to give away the prize because the first two numbers were clearly in the long strip that Jihad Gene had purchased. But Jihad Gene still loves me looong time and I love him too!  Later that evening at dinner I gave the strip of tickets to Bouhammer.

At dinner I was seated across from Old Blue and it was a good spot.  He was quick on the draw.  Someone asked if we were "together" and he quickly answered "No, I'm not in the Navy!"  There were about 24 of us that night at the "Texas Land and Cattle Company".  It's a chain, but my steak was fabulous.  And with Old Blue holding forth on the subject of Afghanistan (I was riveted), I got to eat it while it was hot! 

A lot of my friends were shipping out the next day, but Mary and I were hanging until Tuesday. So Sunday was all about the Alamo.  It was great to explore it with no deadline.   On the way back to the Riverwalk we stopped in the Texas Ranger Museum and Buckthorn Saloon.  All the while confusing Bouhammer because my "check-ins" and tweets were delayed.  But he and his family did catch up with us at Iron Cactus - Mexican Donuts!!!!! .  We discussed the weekend and the upcoming Ripley Race.  That's when I found out where I will be this Veterans Day.  Buffalo for AUSA Western New York Chapter "1st Annual WNY Veterans Day 5K".

That's right - The Ripley Race on November 4th then The WNY Veteran's Day 5K on November 11th.  mind you, I am not running them.  At the The Ripley Race I stand behind the table and stuff bags.  In Buffalo, I'll be handing out poppies to participants as they cross the finish line.

So, I have to wrap this up now because I did a lot of stuff today and I am wiped.  More later.

It's 69 Degrees In Charlestown

The Bunker Hill Pool is nearly empty.  I remembered everything, snack, drink, hat, everything.

This is the perfect calm before the storm of traveling to San Antonio tomorrow.

If you aren't in San Antonio this Labor Day weekend....too bad for you, lol.

I'm on the fabulous smart phone, so no links.

Hanging At The Cottage

Enjoying friends and music and delicious weather.  This weeks tide is perfect.

Where Will You Be Today At Noon?

If you are not at the USS Constitution Museum in the Charlestown Navy Yard, you will be missing out!

Constitution vs. Guerriere: What Really Happened?

Commander Tyrone G. Martin, US Navy (Ret.)

12:00 Noon

USS Constitution Museum - Lecture Series

Commander Martin, former Commanding Officer of USS Constitution, will share the story of Constitution’s battle with HMS Guerriere, during which she earned her nickname, “Old Ironsides.”

CDR Martin is the author of "A Most Fortunate Ship: A Narrative History of Old Ironsides" which is available from the Naval Institute Press.

Also, I made five dozen chocolate chip/M&M cookies to share will my fellow attendees.

What more could you ask? Cookies & history, huzzah!

Newark Airport

I wrote this Thursday the 9th in the wee hours - I couldn't post it for some reason, so I am posting it now.

I'm on my way to Annapolis for some fun with my peeps in the Naval  Blogosphere/CHINFO/USNI world.

Right now I'm just past Newark Airport.  I've only been twice, to and from Dubai back in 2003.  But I always smile when I pass by.  Tomorrow will be 9 years to the day.  My Tommy drove down with me to take the car back.

There were flights out of Boston but they were madly expensive.  The Sailor formerly known as The Favorite Naval Consort told me to check Malaysia Air.  Sure enough it was half the price.

I remember  packing and having him on the phone scaring me about my bags being too heavy.  I had visions of having to leave shoes at Newark, lol.  I was so nervous I told the guy checking my bags at the counter.  He had just saved me from being trampled by a little Indonesian man.  I was one of very few Americans.  I had watched him push past a few sari clad women.  Then he tried to push past me.  Before I could object, the Malaysia Air counter attendant called out to tell the man to step back, I was next.  Anyway, after he weighed my bags he said I was well under the weight limit. "Do you want to go home and get more shoes?" he asked laughing.

I passed and got on my flight. It was twelve and a half hours.  The stewardess came every half hour to offer orange juice, water or wine   I stuck with orange juice and water.  The tiny woman who sat cross legged swathed in billowy layers drank every glass of wine offered.  And she never got up once!  I was doing laps around the plane for fear of embolism!

Anyway, that's why Newark Airport makes me smile.

My Mother Jinxed Me

And then doubled over with laughter.  She had to grab one of the kitchen chairs.

Humph!

I was, once again, on the phone with my favorite people at Commonwealth Choice and Blue Cross.

You see when I was first diagnosed, we had one of those cadillac plans from Blue Cross.  It had $5.00 co-pays.  I remember that my physical therapist for the Achilles tendon was agog.  But it was really overkill and wicked expensive for my boss.  So they we found another, more reasonable plan for everyone but me.  Instead of joining them, they payed me what the premium would have been for me and I could shop elsewhere.

Now here is an aspect of Romney Care that is a very good idea and should be replicated in every state.  There are three tiers to coverage.  Mass Health for those who truly can't afford insurance.  Commonwealth Cares for those who made to much to qualify for Mass Health, but would still be struggling.  It's a plan whose costs are supplemented by the Commonwealth.  The third option is Commonwealth Choice.  This is for people who have the money to buy their own coverage, but for one reason or another they are buying on their own.  The Connector gives the Commonwealth Choice people group buying power.  You can review the plans and pick what fits you.

So I picked a top of the line plan.  No lifetime max.  No calendar year max.  No deductible.  No co-insurance.  $25 co-pays and a good pharmacy benefit.  I knew what was coming and I didn't want to be left holding the bag.  $515 per month and my boss paid half.  I had a good job and had no problem affording it.

But then in June, 2010, I stopped working.  Slowly it became difficult to keep up on disability.  People asked why I struggled to keep it, especially when the premium jumped to $800.88 per month. My response was that I was getting top of the line care and I should do my part.

Then last summer, I realized that I could get a grant from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to cover my premiums.  Back before I chemo, I would have realized this a lot faster.....but...whatever.

Now though, even that's a problem.  the premium has jumped to $845 and every single month except May there is some kind of problem.  Even with a good pharmacy plan I am still shelling out $200 to $300 per month in co-pays.  So finally I filled out the paperwork for Mass Health.  In June there was a problem that caused me to be cancelled and now, even though the Connector has all the money they won't reinstate me.

This month, like every month, I call.  And call.  And call.  First the Connector, 20 minutes, no result.  Then nearly 30 minutes with Blue Cross.  It seemed the person at Blue Cross was going to fix it.  He kept putting me on hold.  My mother saunters out into the kitchen where I am sitting. 

"Are you on hold?" she asks.  "Yes" I reply.  "You know there's no reason to be on hold.  He's not doing anything."  I protest that Ryan can take all the breaks he wants because he said he can fix the problem.

"He's lying." she says.

Ryan comes back on the line at this point and starts to apologize.  I stare daggers at my mother and jab my finger in her direction.

That's when the laughter started.

I hang up and call Mass Health to check on my application.  The girl is unhelpful, dull and breathing noisily in my ear.  She says new applications are sent to Charlestown.  I already know this from work.  Mass Health is in the Schraffts Building down the street.  The Mass Health clerk asks where I am.  "Charlestown" I reply.

"What?"  Charlestown I repeat.  "What?"  "C-H-A-R-L-E-S-T-O-W-N."  "Where?"  "The place they send all the new applications." I say, taking a different tack.  "What are you doing there?"

"I live here!"

My mother enjoyed that one too.

What's The Big Deal About A Guy Who Makes Chicken Sandwiches?

That's the question my liberal/progressive friends and acquaintances are posing to me in the wake of the "Chick-Fil-A" controversy. 

The answer is so simple and obvious that I have to laugh.  They must be asking tongue-in-cheek!

First off, opposing gay marriage is not a radical position.  Approximately half of America feels the same way.  why, their own "Dear Leader" held the same position a mere three or four months ago.  And Obama was only moved off of his previous position be yet another Biden gaffe.  Where were all the "kiss-in" people back in April?

And even if it was a radical idea, Dan Cathy still engaged in what we like to refer to as "Free Speech".  You know that little right that the Founding Fathers thought was so important that they put it in the First Amendment. 

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Now, granted, Mayor Menino didn't enact a law that abridged Dan Cathy's right to free speech.  But don't you get the feeling that he would have if he could have?

It doesn't matter what your feelings are about gay marriage or civil unions.  All that should matter is that one man expressed his opinion and the highest government official in the City of Boston retaliated.

As my favorite Mayor used to say "Muth-ra-Gawd!"

So yes, we are at war and we have crushing unemployment and bad economic news every quarter.  Yet plenty of us on both sides of these social issues care a great deal about the "Chick-fil-a" business.  Because it was blatant and right in our face.  And we were able to speak out definitively.  I can't act in response to unemployment or foreign policy.  I can't fight our nation's battles.  I can't solve our economic woes.  However, I can fly a flag to support our nation.  I can donate to charities to help my fellow citizens.  I can buy a sandwich in support of free speech.

Because for the majority there is no gray area here.  He gets to say what he wants.  You are free to disagree.  And neither of you should be threatened by the Mayor of Boston.

If people don't like his opinion, they are free to boycott him.  But the Mayor should not be interfering with the man's business. 

Grace Gets Mad When I Say This...

But sometimes you have to call a RETARD a RETARD.

Now I am not talking about people whose I.Q.s below 100.  I am talking about people who brag about their degrees but then say something completely idiotic.

If I say to you that I was diagnosed with a "FATAL" cancer.  That I am lucky to have gotten this 18 to 24 months remission.

Don't tell me in saccahrine tones "I wish you a speedy recovery".

Retard.

My Day Was Covered In Awesome Sauce

...and sun tan oil!  I ran my errands.  I hooked a ride back from Thompson Square with my cousin Danny.  I hooked a ride up the Bunker Hill Pool with my Dad.  I swam and sunned.

Dear You-know-who-you-are,

Hahahahahahaha!  *gasp  for air*  hahahahaha *holding my sides* hahahahahahaha.

Thanks for the laugh.  *snicker*

And if anyone else needs a laugh, go read @JDurant52.  This is the Twitter feed of a Detroit Lions linebacker.

Justin Durant ‏@JDurant52

"So people not gon get the best chicken sammich and lemonade on the planet because of a personal belief? Word?"

Followed by

"Chicken too tasty RT @ThatStatBoy: @JDurant52 Would you boycott Chick Fil A if the owner came out and said slavery was a good idea?"

I Don't Get It....

....how was I late?  I had nothing scheduled for today except dinner with My Marine.  I enjoyed a leisurely manicure and pedicure.

But somehow I couldn't get out of my own way.  I couldn't find my glasses. I tripped over the phone charger and had to sit on the floor and feel bad for myself.

Then I realized I hadn't picked up my blouse from the dry cleaners.  I couldn't find the tank top I wear with it.  So when I got to the dry cleaners, I had to slip in the fitting room and change.  Then I was stuck with the tank.

When I got to the Navy Yard I hid it behind a bush.  Lol.  I picked it up on my way home.

So I was late.  I swear he jinxed me so he would have something to tease me about.

I thought we were going to the Tavern on the Water, but My Marine was waiting for me at a perfect outside table at The Bistro.

The waitress even teased me for making him wait.  We enjoyed house salads and the flank steak special   For dessert I picked the bread pudding du jour.....S'Mores.  Right up my cousin Jessica's alley!  Delicious!

Of course the draw is the conversation.  It"s like having a tutor who adores me.  What could be better?  And he loves my Navy Yard.

Although I found out that while I was out I missed seeing "The Best Years Of Our Lives" for the 84th time.  I should have cooked dinner and we could have watched the movie.

Don't worry my Dad has boxes and boxes of Kleenex in the cellar.

I Know I'm Late To This....

...but the Nabisco Saltine thing.  It's finally hit the McInnis household.  My Dad makes chicken soup (awesome homemade chicken soup) at least once a week.  And today, there were no Nabisco Saltines. 

Hello?

It seems in December, 2011 Nabisco decided to make the saltines round.  So we tried them.  I didn't realize that this meant there were no square ones.  My Dad does all the shopping and he buys in bulk.  When the Zombie Apocalypse happens, we will be able to make brownies for a long time.  And we will have plenty of toilet paper.

The result of all this careful shopping means that the Great Saltine Crisis - look it up on the Internet, people are mad - didn't hit us until nine months after the change.

I've looked online to see what's going on.  Besides the change, there were two more added insults.  First, you are paying the same price for five and a half fewer ounces.  And as a last little slap, it is labelled "Original".  Um, no it's not.

So I guess I will have to hit the little "Mom & Pop" places to see if there are any squares out there.  And I suppose I will look online.  When I used to dye my hair red, my favorite conditioner was discontinued.  I was able to get enough online to go another two years.

The Laptop Is Back!

It works and I am all set up for MidRats in a few minutes.

Of course, we've lost the element of portability.  I can't close it because the hinges are broke.  But that's fine.  I am just so happy to have it back, I don't care.

So,I got an email from someone who wants to do a guest post.  I think it’s a great idea, so you’ll see that soon.

Still Posting From The Smaahht Phone

Between the tiny keys and my tremor - it ain't easy!

The sun has just come out.....too late swim.  Bummer.

I've been thinking a lot about the summer of 2008.  That's when I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma.  July was the month that I learned about MM and the difference between IgA, IgG, IgM and the others.  July was the month I was telling people.

I am sitting here in the 18th of my "18 to 24 month remission" reading my July, 2008 posts On July 19, 2008 I posted about the books I was reading and the books I had no time for.  I joked that I would get to "Guns, Germs and Steel" in 2012.  Lol!  It's in the other room!  Finally I met a deadline.

Of course I said that believing I wouldn't be here four years into it.  But I am.

Blueberries.... Bananas..... Apples

What would you like in/on your pancakes?

Oh, I can't choose!

I made all of them and we ate till we couldn't eat anymore.

Now I have to get ready for the beach.  High tide is 2:23.  Hope the bathing still fits after this morning's pancake extravaganza!

We Were Cooking With Gas!

The gas tank on the grill was empty and I was sad.  You see, I have no car.  How would I get more gas?  But there was a full one by the lawnmower.  We were saved!

There were ribs and marinated chicken strips and stuff!

Tomorrow there will be steaks and sausage and burgers.

Yum!

"I'll Have 'On The Beach' For $200, Please"

What is "A great Gregory Peck movie"?

What is "A book I have to read"?

What is "Me?"

It is beautiful here today. I am roasting in the warm New England summer.....basting myself with Coppertone.....and it's not a high number.

 I have friends coming to stay.  I hope they're hungry, because I bought a ridiculous amount of food.

Miss Me?

Yeah, I haven't been here. I still haven't gotten my hands on my laptop yet so no blogging. But lots of tweeting!! Soon I will be down the cottage and I will have the laptop.

In the meantime I'm still having adventures. Tomorrow I'm going to a social media event hosted by @MGraham969. That's right, I am headed over to WTKK to meet Michael Graham for the second time.

He won't remember the first. We were at a protest against Harvard hosting former Iranian president Khatami.

Tomorrow's event will feature NRO's Jonah Goldberg.

Sorry there are no links but this is the Droid.