Martini Musings

The Olympics are Here!   I am not an Olympic geek, but I do enjoy the excitement of something that only comes along every two to four years. After missing it last summer, I looked forward to celebrating with all of the athletes who had worked hard, when they could, despite the restrictions of a global pandemic. The back stories of the athletes are often fascinating. Seeing our young men and women, from a 15-year-old swimmer to a 57-year-old equestrian. In an article with AARP (oh Lord!), Phillip Dutton, said competing in 2021 is no less a thrill than it was the first time 25 years ago. Good “old” Phil has participated in 6 or 7 previous Olympics. Anyway, it’s been fun to watch. Surprisingly, my parents are getting into it. They really love the swimming and gymnastics. Not sure they’ll stay up late for surfing or skateboarding, but they are cheering for everyone on Team USA. This week with the jaw-dropping news of the Simone Biles dropping out of the team competition, I fo...

  We Have No Clue… Sometimes, I am just amazed at what I hear or see. As I drive to work in the morning, I see people with grocery carts, less than two miles from my home, loaded with their “stuff.” Although they are sleeping or sitting on a bus bench, I don’t think they are waiting for the bus…more like just resting before moving on. As I get closer to downtown and the location of my office, I see a few homeless camps. One under the interstate is huge…tarps, blankets, plastic garbage bags make the walls, but I can see a rocker, a desk or table of some sort, and piles of “stuff” that probably include clothes, pillows, and other gems these people have scavenged along the way. These people live there, day in and day out. They sleep there and it’s pretty gross, not to mention safety and sanitation. I know that many are mentally ill. Many are drug addicted. Many are alone, with no one who cares or knows where they are. Many are in this situation because they know nothing else. No...

  Just a few updates…   My fingers …OY! They are still swollen, I’m wearing compression glove, buddy fingers, a tighter wrap, and using ice. It’s not great, and today, after five weeks, my middle finger is much better (although still swollen and a bit crooked!). My index/pointer finger is struggling! There is movement, there is improvement from the first day, but there is concern. This concern stems from the fact that from the tip to the first joint, there is no flexibility! UGH! Today was comical. The therapist had me tightly strapped for an intense five minutes. She removed the strap and BAM! The tip of my finger just flipped up! Funny, not funny. The tendons are extremely tight and we’re starting to wonder if the tip is going to come back. Friday, I have their certified hand specialist checking it out and next Wednesday, they have the head hand specialist coming and they have scheduled a session with me, so hopefully, they will come up with a game plan. For now, I’m ada...

Don’t forget to say “I Love You!”   That is my word of advice to you today! I love every one of you who will take the time to read this today. It’s not my usual blog. Thanks for indulging me. The past week has been a tough one for people I know and love. However, I’d like to focus on my friend, Julie. She was a classmate of mine and a neighborhood friend for at least 45 years. We rode the school bus together and we ran into each other on Halloween nights…her parents gave away full-size candy bars AND a “prize” like a smiley face or peace sign button or a small squirt gun. Julie had the most beautiful long, wavy red hair. Even as she got older, the red was still quite visible as the gray hair started to make its way into her waves. She never did anything to get attention, but when she was in the room, you knew she was there…every one near her was laughing! My friend, Julie, was killed by a hit & run driver last week on her way home from work. She was riding a moped, wi...

  63 is Pretty Darn Good! So, June is over…the month that I used to cherish for my wedding anniversary and my birthday! Then three years ago, that changed. Dates in June started to become days to avoid! June 9 would have been my 37 th anniversary. Fortunately, I had plans with friends and the day was a total distraction. Then came June 18, the date three years ago that my divorce became final. THREE YEARS! I didn’t say anything to anyone although there was a friend or two who knew about it and quietly checked in on me. Soon, the day was over and with a cocktail in hand, I thanked my family for getting me through the day. Then came my birthday and it was a great weekend with Katie, Anthony and Gabriel. Having my little family join me in Louisville for a birthday weekend was a great gift! We went to the zoo (ummm…not exactly what I wanted to do!) and the weather cooperated! We pushed Mom around with us, Gabriel took turns riding in the stroller and walking his little legs off!...

  A Grateful Shoutout!   Okay, so I’m new to the physical therapy thing. Well, not totally new, but it has been a longtime since I had knee surgery and had four weeks of physical therapy. Then again, I think I’ve had more issues this past few months than I’ve had in a long time.   However, I’m definitely on the mend and wanted to give a shoutout to the occupational therapist that has been working with me! When I went to the orthopedic doctor and he told me movement was the best solution for me, I wanted to scream and I wanted to punch him. Since I am a rule follower, I started therapy last week and friends, it wasn’t pretty. The sweet therapist, about 12 years old, smiled and said…”Show me your best fist!” I chuckled and said, “well, here you go!” My pinky and ring finger were super cooperative, but my middle finger and my index finger wanted nothing to do with this little game! So gently, she put my hand in hot compresses to loosen things up. Then after that,...

  The Secret is Out!!   Okay, so last week was a crazy week! Happily, this week is shaping up to be much better! It started with my weekend in Pittsburgh where I was treated to babysitting for you-know-who! Gabriel couldn’t wait for me and he made that clear by saying CeCe many times in the 48-hour period! As most grandparents know, hearing your name from your grandchild is always a treat, but I have to say, this was a highlight! It was a quick visit and I am so grateful to be able to do it. Katie and Anthony had a lovely few hours out alone and I had quality time with this buddy of mine! I love him so!! Perhaps the best part of the weekend was getting the permission to share the news that Gabriel is being promoted to BIG BROTHER!!! Yes, my friends, Katie & Anthony are expecting T2 (Baby Trupiano #2) and I am over the moon!! She told me at the beginning, like a good daughter should, but I had to keep it quiet for a short while. Then, on Easter weekend, they sha...