ASA 32
Well-known
Given your interest in your birds, and hoping I'm not being presumptuous, but I'd like to recommend what I consider to be the best guide to birds out there. Even if you already have a guide, this one is the work of one man, both the text and beautiful illustrations. Hope you're having a good day, Calvin.
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
On the food front I tried adding some apple cider instead of adding more water during the phase of the hard boil cook on the steel-cut oats.
“Maggie” called to have me pick her up from Peekskill Coffee, after her socializing. I shut off the burner and added a bit of milk to set the oats into a “stand-development”
I gauged just the right amount of liquid. Upon coming home it pretty much was add a little more milk and heat up the batch on the slow simmer burner on our Bertazzoni gas stove.
Today apple flavor along with fresh blueberries and a perfectly ripe banana. Pretty much a hearty meal.
*******************
Again, the heated vest adds a level of comfort. Glad I have the bigger battery for double the capacity.
****************
I know my poor spelling annoys MFM. Just wanted to let him know that the AI on my IPAD creates all these conversions and improper word changes. Pretty much I have to do a rather savage edit to each of these posts. An unintended consequence though is I am in fact becoming a better speller, and perhaps also a better editor.
AI IMHO really kinda sucks. I can live without it, and I think it creates so many mistakes that it actually creates more work. I have a hard time believing AI will add productivity.
The “Flash-Crashes” in the stock market is pretty much the doings of AI. As far as getting AI to the level of human intelligence goes, IMHO that really is a mighty low bar to achieve.
I wonder if the F-18 that got shot down by friendly fire over the Red Sea was human produced error or AI? Thankfully the crew of two survived, one suffered injuries though.
Of course we may never know…
****************
While Maggie was out socializing I used the opportunity to plug in and test out my new 2-pickup Cabronita. What a great guitar… I also had the opportunity to test this guitar in the Vintage 47 VA-20 and the Victoria Regal II. This guitar smokes…
Not a one-trick pony like some of my other Tele’s. As my friend Felicia one said, “Better than sex.”
Cal
“Maggie” called to have me pick her up from Peekskill Coffee, after her socializing. I shut off the burner and added a bit of milk to set the oats into a “stand-development”
I gauged just the right amount of liquid. Upon coming home it pretty much was add a little more milk and heat up the batch on the slow simmer burner on our Bertazzoni gas stove.
Today apple flavor along with fresh blueberries and a perfectly ripe banana. Pretty much a hearty meal.
*******************
Again, the heated vest adds a level of comfort. Glad I have the bigger battery for double the capacity.
****************
I know my poor spelling annoys MFM. Just wanted to let him know that the AI on my IPAD creates all these conversions and improper word changes. Pretty much I have to do a rather savage edit to each of these posts. An unintended consequence though is I am in fact becoming a better speller, and perhaps also a better editor.
AI IMHO really kinda sucks. I can live without it, and I think it creates so many mistakes that it actually creates more work. I have a hard time believing AI will add productivity.
The “Flash-Crashes” in the stock market is pretty much the doings of AI. As far as getting AI to the level of human intelligence goes, IMHO that really is a mighty low bar to achieve.
I wonder if the F-18 that got shot down by friendly fire over the Red Sea was human produced error or AI? Thankfully the crew of two survived, one suffered injuries though.
Of course we may never know…
****************
While Maggie was out socializing I used the opportunity to plug in and test out my new 2-pickup Cabronita. What a great guitar… I also had the opportunity to test this guitar in the Vintage 47 VA-20 and the Victoria Regal II. This guitar smokes…
Not a one-trick pony like some of my other Tele’s. As my friend Felicia one said, “Better than sex.”
Cal
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Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Robert,
Thanks for the book suggestion.
If you know me, I seldom go halfway. Pretty much I go all the way and get crazy.
As I have said in the past, the world is filled with mediocrity, and I don’t want any part of that. No “extra-medium” for me.
I think perhaps being a bit crazy is maybe an overcompensation on my part to my being a small man, even though I am 5’10” and average height for an American. Perhaps a bit of a Neapolitan Complex.
Growing up no one likes to pick a fight with a crazy. Generally crazy kinda wins. So actually maybe/perhaps this tendency was promoted and reinforced by society and American culture.
Anyways that book will get read. I will share it with “Maggie.”
Our friend DU, spoke of creating a sanctuary on our little plot of land. It gives me great joy when my across the street neighbor pointed out a rabbit waiting on my front lawn waited for her to go into her house so that “my” rabbit could invade her yard.
Anyways, this is how I get famous for annoying people. LOL.
Also know that “Snoopy,” the woman intrusive neighbor a while back mentioned to Maggie and me that she took notice of some new kid in the neighborhood walking a round with a backpack. Anyways the new kid mistakenly was me.
So you see how my minding my own business kinda leads to annoyance…
All I’m trying to do is be me, and it deeply annoys people. LOL. I find great joy in this.
Cal
Thanks for the book suggestion.
If you know me, I seldom go halfway. Pretty much I go all the way and get crazy.
As I have said in the past, the world is filled with mediocrity, and I don’t want any part of that. No “extra-medium” for me.
I think perhaps being a bit crazy is maybe an overcompensation on my part to my being a small man, even though I am 5’10” and average height for an American. Perhaps a bit of a Neapolitan Complex.
Growing up no one likes to pick a fight with a crazy. Generally crazy kinda wins. So actually maybe/perhaps this tendency was promoted and reinforced by society and American culture.
Anyways that book will get read. I will share it with “Maggie.”
Our friend DU, spoke of creating a sanctuary on our little plot of land. It gives me great joy when my across the street neighbor pointed out a rabbit waiting on my front lawn waited for her to go into her house so that “my” rabbit could invade her yard.
Anyways, this is how I get famous for annoying people. LOL.
Also know that “Snoopy,” the woman intrusive neighbor a while back mentioned to Maggie and me that she took notice of some new kid in the neighborhood walking a round with a backpack. Anyways the new kid mistakenly was me.
So you see how my minding my own business kinda leads to annoyance…
All I’m trying to do is be me, and it deeply annoys people. LOL. I find great joy in this.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
I ran down the double capacity “free” battery down to 33% reserve, and now I’m charging it. Seems like the power supply for the recharging is of a bigger capacity, and that the battery charges mucho faster than the half capacity batteries. This is muy bueno. This is perhaps the third full charging, so pretty much in the realm of conditioning…
The new antique bookcase is not right for the dining room. It is a very nice oak antique with a large glass door. Would be great for books or even cameras. Hmmm… 25 inches wide, 44 1/2 inches tall, and 12 inches deep. So if “Maggie” can’t use it I’ll take it. It might fit at the end of the hallway. I’ll check… Might be a great location because it is a wasted space.
I moved some storage containers into the attic. Women pretty much squirrel things away and forget about them. Pretty much the attitude is I’ll deal with them later. Kinda like the logic of standing with the door open letting heat or air conditioning escape, or worse letting in or inviting rats, mice or insects into our space.
So pretty much the attic will be a burial ground of sorts. I know I have lots of stuff, and I maintain stockpiles of materials to recycle as a resource for building things and saving money. Pretty much my warehouse though is organized, and I can find stuff. I know what I have. Things like the 1500 watt electric space heater I eventually found even though 4 years elapsed since packed away.
Point is there is a big/huge difference between my junk and hers.
Again, there is a reason why men have shorter lives…
Men really are not unemotional as women. My thought is that we withhold because it is a survival mechanism, and a way to avoid conflict.
Today I observe that the birds compete and fight for space at the slow feeder in the front-backyard. The fast feeder in the back-backyard I have to fill every day, and the front-backyard feed every 2 days. This is a good spread so that there always remains some food supply.
Cal
The new antique bookcase is not right for the dining room. It is a very nice oak antique with a large glass door. Would be great for books or even cameras. Hmmm… 25 inches wide, 44 1/2 inches tall, and 12 inches deep. So if “Maggie” can’t use it I’ll take it. It might fit at the end of the hallway. I’ll check… Might be a great location because it is a wasted space.
I moved some storage containers into the attic. Women pretty much squirrel things away and forget about them. Pretty much the attitude is I’ll deal with them later. Kinda like the logic of standing with the door open letting heat or air conditioning escape, or worse letting in or inviting rats, mice or insects into our space.
So pretty much the attic will be a burial ground of sorts. I know I have lots of stuff, and I maintain stockpiles of materials to recycle as a resource for building things and saving money. Pretty much my warehouse though is organized, and I can find stuff. I know what I have. Things like the 1500 watt electric space heater I eventually found even though 4 years elapsed since packed away.
Point is there is a big/huge difference between my junk and hers.
Again, there is a reason why men have shorter lives…
Men really are not unemotional as women. My thought is that we withhold because it is a survival mechanism, and a way to avoid conflict.
Today I observe that the birds compete and fight for space at the slow feeder in the front-backyard. The fast feeder in the back-backyard I have to fill every day, and the front-backyard feed every 2 days. This is a good spread so that there always remains some food supply.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
The cold weather would be a hardship for me if I had to endure commuting and working. I remember how the year when I did this how it wore me down. I’m so happy I can relax, not work, and yet am stable and secure.
There is work to be done, and my recovery will kinda be like a job.
Today the gym. The weigh in of course will be interesting. Been lazy and been recovering from the emotional toil.
There use to be a Long Island Guitar show in the spring every year, but that is no more. I kinda miss it. Pretty much I saw people I have known for decades from the music scene.
Fed the birds. I think I will move some stuff into the attic. A boring and peaceful day. I’ll grill a chicken tonight.
Cal
There is work to be done, and my recovery will kinda be like a job.
Today the gym. The weigh in of course will be interesting. Been lazy and been recovering from the emotional toil.
There use to be a Long Island Guitar show in the spring every year, but that is no more. I kinda miss it. Pretty much I saw people I have known for decades from the music scene.
Fed the birds. I think I will move some stuff into the attic. A boring and peaceful day. I’ll grill a chicken tonight.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
The for real heating season is putting a bow into my guitar necks. Wood is hydroscopic so it swells and contracts with the weather and seasonal changes.
My acoustic guitars I have to humidify to prevent damage. A moistened sponge in an enclosure with holes keeps the guitars stable. Ideally you want 50% humidity.
In the market news there seems to be a lot of optimism. I have serious doubts. I think there are some serious structural economic problems that very likely will impede growth or even stability. My point of view is that the poor and middle class don’t matter, and the headlines in the economic news caters to the investment class, this perhaps being the top 20%.
They say about 30% of the population is paycheck-to-paycheck with no savings. This I can believe.
Some people are getting richer though, while others are getting poorer. Pretty much disparity is getting amplified and becoming greater. Not good.
The expected inflation from tariffs will effect and hurt the poor the most. Remember that Arab Spring was the result of hungry children…
I expect lots of unintended consequences from all the new policy changes…
Cal
My acoustic guitars I have to humidify to prevent damage. A moistened sponge in an enclosure with holes keeps the guitars stable. Ideally you want 50% humidity.
In the market news there seems to be a lot of optimism. I have serious doubts. I think there are some serious structural economic problems that very likely will impede growth or even stability. My point of view is that the poor and middle class don’t matter, and the headlines in the economic news caters to the investment class, this perhaps being the top 20%.
They say about 30% of the population is paycheck-to-paycheck with no savings. This I can believe.
Some people are getting richer though, while others are getting poorer. Pretty much disparity is getting amplified and becoming greater. Not good.
The expected inflation from tariffs will effect and hurt the poor the most. Remember that Arab Spring was the result of hungry children…
I expect lots of unintended consequences from all the new policy changes…
Cal
Nokton48
Veteran
Morning Devil Cal,
180mm F2.8 Zeiss CZJ Zebra Sonnar hacked short mount Makiflex 6x9 PanF HC110B Replenished by Nokton48, on Flickr
Standard Makiflex 180mm F2.8 Zeiss CZJ Zebra Sonnar hacked short mount 6x9 PanF HC110B Replenished. JOBO 2500 Multitank Unicolor Uniroller 8 roll film run. Skier Box 6x9cm full power Sony Nex C3 50mm Zeiss Touit F16. Camera carefully moved forward and back to achieve best focus wide open, and composition at F2.8.
Birds need water too, surprisingly. Having water attracts unusual birds you might not otherwise see. The Perky Pet is Twenty Bills on Amazon. We bought six of them to scatter around.
180mm F2.8 Zeiss CZJ Zebra Sonnar hacked short mount Makiflex 6x9 PanF HC110B Replenished by Nokton48, on FlickrStandard Makiflex 180mm F2.8 Zeiss CZJ Zebra Sonnar hacked short mount 6x9 PanF HC110B Replenished. JOBO 2500 Multitank Unicolor Uniroller 8 roll film run. Skier Box 6x9cm full power Sony Nex C3 50mm Zeiss Touit F16. Camera carefully moved forward and back to achieve best focus wide open, and composition at F2.8.
Birds need water too, surprisingly. Having water attracts unusual birds you might not otherwise see. The Perky Pet is Twenty Bills on Amazon. We bought six of them to scatter around.
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Devil Dan,
We have the frog pond not far away, but I am aware that providing water for the birds and the rabbits would be a kind thing to do. Winter can be cruel.
Our birds and our rabbits thank you.
Cal
We have the frog pond not far away, but I am aware that providing water for the birds and the rabbits would be a kind thing to do. Winter can be cruel.
Our birds and our rabbits thank you.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Weigh-in: 158 1/2 pounds. Not bad considering that last week we laid off the gym. It snowed and “Maggie’s” personal trainer cancelled on her. Oh-well…
Did the 40/20 Elliptical/stationary bike. I did up the resistance for ten minutes on the elliptical. Also not bad considering the lay-off.
I’m thinking I need to bring the rowing machine into the house. I think I will store it in my music studio and start using it to pump blood and to burn calories. Having it set up in the front porch just gives me an excuse to skip working out.
I need to get serious with fitness and make it a job. I figure 5 days a week. The concept 2 rower makes it so I have no excuse. I also have a TRX suspension trainer, and some free weights.
Been watching this older woman who has this routine that pretty much looks to be a workout for her core. Pretty much I kinda learned a lot from her. Her body is mighty tight. Lots of reps, not a lot of weight. Many of the exercises are kinda modified crunches using small amounts of free weights.
Cal
Did the 40/20 Elliptical/stationary bike. I did up the resistance for ten minutes on the elliptical. Also not bad considering the lay-off.
I’m thinking I need to bring the rowing machine into the house. I think I will store it in my music studio and start using it to pump blood and to burn calories. Having it set up in the front porch just gives me an excuse to skip working out.
I need to get serious with fitness and make it a job. I figure 5 days a week. The concept 2 rower makes it so I have no excuse. I also have a TRX suspension trainer, and some free weights.
Been watching this older woman who has this routine that pretty much looks to be a workout for her core. Pretty much I kinda learned a lot from her. Her body is mighty tight. Lots of reps, not a lot of weight. Many of the exercises are kinda modified crunches using small amounts of free weights.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
When we came home from the mall gym there was the sound of a large flock of birds in out massive rode-A-Den-DRUMs.
Could be a hundred birds. Along our side yard these bushes are about 8-9 feet spheres. It seems our birds like to roost close by the front feeder.
Anyways they were mucho loud like a full stadium, churning away.
Cal
Could be a hundred birds. Along our side yard these bushes are about 8-9 feet spheres. It seems our birds like to roost close by the front feeder.
Anyways they were mucho loud like a full stadium, churning away.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
I think I know what this woman at the gym is doing. She likely is old enough to be post-menopause.
Generally women post menopause develop this gut paunch and they loose that flat stomach and small waist that makes them girly.
My urologist, a woman, mentioned that I will endure “Mano-Pause” from the hormone treatment. Pretty much chemical castration that will make me experience the same symptoms of female menopause: hot flashes, disturbed sleep, irritability, hyper emotional episodes, fatigue, and weight gain.
So pretty much I get a preview of what I need to do to avoid the paunch that will likely happen as I fem-out.
Kinda crazy…
Anyways she is an inspiration.
Cal
Generally women post menopause develop this gut paunch and they loose that flat stomach and small waist that makes them girly.
My urologist, a woman, mentioned that I will endure “Mano-Pause” from the hormone treatment. Pretty much chemical castration that will make me experience the same symptoms of female menopause: hot flashes, disturbed sleep, irritability, hyper emotional episodes, fatigue, and weight gain.
So pretty much I get a preview of what I need to do to avoid the paunch that will likely happen as I fem-out.
Kinda crazy…
Anyways she is an inspiration.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
I have the option of doing just radiation post surgery instead of the hormone therapy. I think many men would of chosen this option to avoid the fem-out and the side effects.
It seems the hormone therapy is the more aggressive treatment with the likely longer lifespan and better prognosis. This treatment was stressed because of my good health and young age. It was also stressed that my physical condition will be a great asset in my recovery.
So I picked the most aggressive treatment because you know me, I want to live a long time to annoy people. LOL.
I have an aggressive form of prostate Cancer. Pretty much every 3 months a PSA to monitor me likely the rest of my life.
They say with proper treatment I have a 96% chance of living Cancer free for 5 years. This is because it was caught in time and did not really migrate, except to the left lymph node. The nearby lymph nodes is the very early spread, so I got lucky.
I have a 66-67% chance of living Cancer free for 15 years. I’m just about 67 years old now so figure I have pretty good odds of living to 82.
I have to look up the new average lifespan of an American. That number has been declining…
Cal
It seems the hormone therapy is the more aggressive treatment with the likely longer lifespan and better prognosis. This treatment was stressed because of my good health and young age. It was also stressed that my physical condition will be a great asset in my recovery.
So I picked the most aggressive treatment because you know me, I want to live a long time to annoy people. LOL.
I have an aggressive form of prostate Cancer. Pretty much every 3 months a PSA to monitor me likely the rest of my life.
They say with proper treatment I have a 96% chance of living Cancer free for 5 years. This is because it was caught in time and did not really migrate, except to the left lymph node. The nearby lymph nodes is the very early spread, so I got lucky.
I have a 66-67% chance of living Cancer free for 15 years. I’m just about 67 years old now so figure I have pretty good odds of living to 82.
I have to look up the new average lifespan of an American. That number has been declining…
Cal
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Calzone
Gear Whore #1
In 2022 the average life expectancy was 74.8 years for men in the U.S and 80.2 years for women.
Around 1880 women statistically started having longer lifespans then men, except for the time of the Spanish Flu.
They say 30% of Americans will live beyond 85: 39% of these will be women; and only 21% men.
Of a group that lived to be 90 34% were women; and 16% men. Here in this study the women outnumbered the men by more than 2 to one.
I still have pretty good odds on exceeding the average life expectancy. I have good odds because of my low BMI, and because I don’t smoke or drink.
So now here is the twist, I am a male, but pretty soon I will be a different man of sorts who will be doing the fem-out. Women tend to be smaller then men, and pretty much it is expected that I will loose some of my muscle mass as part of the fem-out.
So I don’t know if this might add to my lifespan.
“Maggie’s” brother-in-law is this guy who is 6’7” and he says that big guys like him are not known to have the longest lifespans.
JJ our neighbor I call the “Monster” because he is a huge guy, kinda says the same thing of either having a shorter lifespan even.
So there is a possibility I could actually add to my longevity by having a smaller body if I don’t fatten up.
I don’t have a problem about my masculinity. I always kinda had a boyish body. Granted presently I am considered muscular, but I remain a small man who weighs under 160 pounds. I’m 5’10” average height for an American male.
So there is a goal to maintain strength, but I certainly will have less bulk, and I have to avoid getting fat. Having a less bulky body might or could extend my life.
Anyways that’s a spin.
Cal
Around 1880 women statistically started having longer lifespans then men, except for the time of the Spanish Flu.
They say 30% of Americans will live beyond 85: 39% of these will be women; and only 21% men.
Of a group that lived to be 90 34% were women; and 16% men. Here in this study the women outnumbered the men by more than 2 to one.
I still have pretty good odds on exceeding the average life expectancy. I have good odds because of my low BMI, and because I don’t smoke or drink.
So now here is the twist, I am a male, but pretty soon I will be a different man of sorts who will be doing the fem-out. Women tend to be smaller then men, and pretty much it is expected that I will loose some of my muscle mass as part of the fem-out.
So I don’t know if this might add to my lifespan.
“Maggie’s” brother-in-law is this guy who is 6’7” and he says that big guys like him are not known to have the longest lifespans.
JJ our neighbor I call the “Monster” because he is a huge guy, kinda says the same thing of either having a shorter lifespan even.
So there is a possibility I could actually add to my longevity by having a smaller body if I don’t fatten up.
I don’t have a problem about my masculinity. I always kinda had a boyish body. Granted presently I am considered muscular, but I remain a small man who weighs under 160 pounds. I’m 5’10” average height for an American male.
So there is a goal to maintain strength, but I certainly will have less bulk, and I have to avoid getting fat. Having a less bulky body might or could extend my life.
Anyways that’s a spin.
Cal
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Retro-Grouch
Veteran
One of the problems in our culture is that we talk about "masculinity" as though it's understood by all to mean the same thing. My feeling is that there are endlessly multiple masculinities, both physical and psycho-spiritual, and there is no one norm. And one's sense of one's own masculinity can, and does, change over time. Embrace the change!
Queer folk such as I give a lot of thought to this stuff, because we have to, in order to survive. In general, straight guys seem to think about it less, until they're blindsided by the kinds of challenges you're facing. But it seems that you're willing to face this head-on; I'm impressed!
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
RG,
Thanks for the support.
Interesting to note that “Maggie” kinda projected a lot by asking if I’m alright again and again.
I had to repeat many times that I’m cool with that. To me it will be an interesting experience.
Also Maggie expressed her true worry that I might become a psycho bitch from hell. LOL.
An old girlfriend did my astrological chart. I have a Cancer moon which means I already am a moody guy with powerful emotions. I guess a moody bitch could be something different. LOL.
My thinking is my expression might become less constrained. Hopefully not to the point of getting hysterical and crazy all the time. Again LOL.
I think it could add though in a good way to perhaps expressing myself differently or perhaps better, maybe more spontaneously. Evidently 2-TEST-er-rone provides restraint. I can see being more spontainious and maybe more being in the moment.
Seems like the medical science suggests than men are not less in touch with emotions than women, and that we have hormones that allow more/better control over our emotions. I guess I will find out…
BTW I kinda like messing with the AI on my IPAD. It hates when I butcher the American language.
No “extra-medium” here.
Anyways I embrace my fem side anyways. Why do my male friends say I am worse than a woman when I get pissed off? LOL
As you can tell there is a lot to joke about. Don’t tell Maggie, but I already know I can be a nasty bitch. LOL.
You can see all my life I have embraced my fem side.
A funny story to repeat is Maggie’s brother’s reaction to the hormone treatment, that the hormone treatment might normalize me.
Part of aging is some loss of body hair. My arms are now bald, the hair under my arm pits is scant like perhaps a 12 year old who just started puberty. In my 40’s I had cheek hair, but not anymore.
I wonder will I loose my arrogant chin beard and moustach? I don’t mind if I loose my armpit hair BTW, but having a beard and mustache would be less confusing and cause less confusion. Realize I have long hair, and a tight/narrow bubble butt that casts a shadow if you know what I mean with an undercut.
I have heard of chests can become breast like. My thinking is breast promotion goes along with weight gain.
Anyways it is what it is, but I hope to maintain some part of the old me.
This transformation is a second life, another life also. I will survive an aggressive Cancer, and I will become a different man…
I’m pretty sure my vanity will prevent me from the weight gain. Biking is a kinda eating disorder. Pretty much I could eat a 1 pound box of pasta for dinner, and eat supersized McDonald’s for lunch, and remain a skinny bitch. I could binge eat every day, not gain weight, if I was riding 300 miles a week, even 250 miles per week.
With a slower metabolism, due to less muscle mass, I will have to restrict carbs, and burn calories through lots of exercise. Figure an hour of cycling, rowing, elliptical… is about 500-700 calories per hour depending on intensity. I’ll likely need to do a minimum of an hour a day.
With weight training there is an afterburn that consumes calories to rebuild muscle tissue and to replace glycogen that is stored in the liver an the muscles themselves. My body type seems to have mucho “fast-twitch” muscles. This type of tissue is for violent release of strength not endurance.
I have enough experience to know what I have to do.
Cal
Thanks for the support.
Interesting to note that “Maggie” kinda projected a lot by asking if I’m alright again and again.
I had to repeat many times that I’m cool with that. To me it will be an interesting experience.
Also Maggie expressed her true worry that I might become a psycho bitch from hell. LOL.
An old girlfriend did my astrological chart. I have a Cancer moon which means I already am a moody guy with powerful emotions. I guess a moody bitch could be something different. LOL.
My thinking is my expression might become less constrained. Hopefully not to the point of getting hysterical and crazy all the time. Again LOL.
I think it could add though in a good way to perhaps expressing myself differently or perhaps better, maybe more spontaneously. Evidently 2-TEST-er-rone provides restraint. I can see being more spontainious and maybe more being in the moment.
Seems like the medical science suggests than men are not less in touch with emotions than women, and that we have hormones that allow more/better control over our emotions. I guess I will find out…
BTW I kinda like messing with the AI on my IPAD. It hates when I butcher the American language.
No “extra-medium” here.
Anyways I embrace my fem side anyways. Why do my male friends say I am worse than a woman when I get pissed off? LOL
As you can tell there is a lot to joke about. Don’t tell Maggie, but I already know I can be a nasty bitch. LOL.
You can see all my life I have embraced my fem side.
A funny story to repeat is Maggie’s brother’s reaction to the hormone treatment, that the hormone treatment might normalize me.
Part of aging is some loss of body hair. My arms are now bald, the hair under my arm pits is scant like perhaps a 12 year old who just started puberty. In my 40’s I had cheek hair, but not anymore.
I wonder will I loose my arrogant chin beard and moustach? I don’t mind if I loose my armpit hair BTW, but having a beard and mustache would be less confusing and cause less confusion. Realize I have long hair, and a tight/narrow bubble butt that casts a shadow if you know what I mean with an undercut.
I have heard of chests can become breast like. My thinking is breast promotion goes along with weight gain.
Anyways it is what it is, but I hope to maintain some part of the old me.
This transformation is a second life, another life also. I will survive an aggressive Cancer, and I will become a different man…
I’m pretty sure my vanity will prevent me from the weight gain. Biking is a kinda eating disorder. Pretty much I could eat a 1 pound box of pasta for dinner, and eat supersized McDonald’s for lunch, and remain a skinny bitch. I could binge eat every day, not gain weight, if I was riding 300 miles a week, even 250 miles per week.
With a slower metabolism, due to less muscle mass, I will have to restrict carbs, and burn calories through lots of exercise. Figure an hour of cycling, rowing, elliptical… is about 500-700 calories per hour depending on intensity. I’ll likely need to do a minimum of an hour a day.
With weight training there is an afterburn that consumes calories to rebuild muscle tissue and to replace glycogen that is stored in the liver an the muscles themselves. My body type seems to have mucho “fast-twitch” muscles. This type of tissue is for violent release of strength not endurance.
I have enough experience to know what I have to do.
Cal
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Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Tis a White Christmas in Peekskill. A dusting of fresh snow happened overnight.
Tonight steak, a prime rib with spare ribs I separated from a rib roast. They will get grilled outside.
Pierogies on the side.
I look upon my just in time diagnosis as a great Christmas gift. Like I said yesterday I need to bring in the Concept 2 rowing machine and start my journey.
Next year I can see me getting to the point where I can build up to doing weekly solo centuries (100 mile bike rides). The goal is to get ultra-fit. A new life begins.
Cal
Tonight steak, a prime rib with spare ribs I separated from a rib roast. They will get grilled outside.
Pierogies on the side.
I look upon my just in time diagnosis as a great Christmas gift. Like I said yesterday I need to bring in the Concept 2 rowing machine and start my journey.
Next year I can see me getting to the point where I can build up to doing weekly solo centuries (100 mile bike rides). The goal is to get ultra-fit. A new life begins.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
I’m looking into the side effects of hormone therapy. Testosterone effects not only how you feel (emotions) but also how you think. There can be an associated brain fog…
Also seems like Cancers can become resistant to hormone therapy. The long term use is kinda limited. Also once treatment is stopped prior levels of testosterone are unlikely to be achieved.
So there is a range of side effects, and basically everyone is different.
Of course diet and exercise are important.
Cal
Also seems like Cancers can become resistant to hormone therapy. The long term use is kinda limited. Also once treatment is stopped prior levels of testosterone are unlikely to be achieved.
So there is a range of side effects, and basically everyone is different.
Of course diet and exercise are important.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Fed my flock of birds. With the snow comes an aggressive feeding frenzy. Filled both feeders.
It seems to have stopped snowing.
Looks like 2-3 week recovery after surgery. Not uncommon to have the two local lymph nodes excised along with the prostate. Around 3-4 weeks normal activities including heavy lifting and exercise. For 2 weeks though no driving.
From my reading diet and exercise do a lot to mitigate the side effects. The weight gain can lead to high cholesterol, and even diabetes. The weight gain worsens all outcomes. Bone density and being more prone to bone breakage is a serious issue for some.
There are reports of liver damage in some. Others have had seizures.
An other great unknown with uncertainty, of course everyone is different. Seems like Cancers can evolve and become treatment resistant.
My research reveals that loss of body hair is common, but they say the head hair remains. The balding of my legs and arms is from an already lowered levels of male hormones. Also the scant armpit hair. Maybe or possibly I always had low levels of “T” because I never could really bulk up, nor am I a hairy beast.
So maybe I have native or natural low “T” and my aggression and Alpha male is just genetic. This makes sense to me.
I don’t know how long I’ll be on hormone therapy, or how long it will last. I heard my urologist mention 18-24 months.
Adding a little cider to the steel-cut oats during the cook adds a lot of flavor. Today half an apple and a banana as additions.
Cal
It seems to have stopped snowing.
Looks like 2-3 week recovery after surgery. Not uncommon to have the two local lymph nodes excised along with the prostate. Around 3-4 weeks normal activities including heavy lifting and exercise. For 2 weeks though no driving.
From my reading diet and exercise do a lot to mitigate the side effects. The weight gain can lead to high cholesterol, and even diabetes. The weight gain worsens all outcomes. Bone density and being more prone to bone breakage is a serious issue for some.
There are reports of liver damage in some. Others have had seizures.
An other great unknown with uncertainty, of course everyone is different. Seems like Cancers can evolve and become treatment resistant.
My research reveals that loss of body hair is common, but they say the head hair remains. The balding of my legs and arms is from an already lowered levels of male hormones. Also the scant armpit hair. Maybe or possibly I always had low levels of “T” because I never could really bulk up, nor am I a hairy beast.
So maybe I have native or natural low “T” and my aggression and Alpha male is just genetic. This makes sense to me.
I don’t know how long I’ll be on hormone therapy, or how long it will last. I heard my urologist mention 18-24 months.
Adding a little cider to the steel-cut oats during the cook adds a lot of flavor. Today half an apple and a banana as additions.
Cal
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Calzone
Gear Whore #1
“Maggie” pretty much does not want our lives to change.
She is having feelings about the future limitations, and sad about how I will likely have to do my fitness alone and without her.
I try to indicate how pretty much how she can’t do what I have to do, and how this pretty much is an imperative and a mandate for me. These are my feelings…
This of course gets transitioned into disregarding her feelings, which it is not.
Who’s feelings are really getting disregarded here?
She argues that I’m saying that she is being unrealistic and she does not realize the logic of a forced move. I never said she was unrealistic, that is a spin on her part.
Here is a prime example of the hormonal effect on the thinking process: One emotional; the other just processing a cognitive logical conclusion.
Change is necessary. There will be sacrifices and loss, but please let’s move forward and not stay stuck.
I don’t feel selfish here. Pretty easy for me cognitively to process emotions. My hope is that I don’t loose this ability with hormone treatment and become like Maggie.
Cal
She is having feelings about the future limitations, and sad about how I will likely have to do my fitness alone and without her.
I try to indicate how pretty much how she can’t do what I have to do, and how this pretty much is an imperative and a mandate for me. These are my feelings…
This of course gets transitioned into disregarding her feelings, which it is not.
Who’s feelings are really getting disregarded here?
She argues that I’m saying that she is being unrealistic and she does not realize the logic of a forced move. I never said she was unrealistic, that is a spin on her part.
Here is a prime example of the hormonal effect on the thinking process: One emotional; the other just processing a cognitive logical conclusion.
Change is necessary. There will be sacrifices and loss, but please let’s move forward and not stay stuck.
I don’t feel selfish here. Pretty easy for me cognitively to process emotions. My hope is that I don’t loose this ability with hormone treatment and become like Maggie.
Cal
oldhaven
Well-known
Cal,
I came in only recently to following you on your journal/journey. When I joined RFF I noted your thread and wondered what you were up to, but over time I have come to see the value of your daily diary like entries. I at first thought you were taking a bit of a risk, the internet being what it is and you two are a couple with a relatively high modern profile, but this forum is perhaps one of the kindest places for it. I sometimes feel like this is the kind of table you see in small village restaurants where a number of older men get together for breakfast and discuss life, except with pictures.
Anyway, I have seen no need to contribute, and just enjoyed the flow. Now though, I can probably put in a few relevant comments. I was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2020, probably as a result of my naval service 50 years ago. I have now lived twice as long as the average expected post diagnosis. This was no doubt because the FDA approved a two drug immunotherapy treatment just as I was diagnosed, and I have been on it off and on since. I still am stable and enjoying life thoroughly so survival is the best revenge. My wife is also 25 years out from ovarian and breast cancer, so I have been a caregiver and can see both sides of the situation.
A few things I have learned:
Being a stubborn SOB is an asset
Trust science and medicine and try to stay alive long enough to benefit from advances. Your cancer is one that is getting a lot of money for research.
Don’t try to be as skinny as you can, though staying in good shape is an excellent plan. I have been through several spells where I lost up to 20 pounds due to treatment and loss of appetite. I am 5’11” and weigh 165. Being 144 was no fun.
You sound as independent as me, or more so. I never felt the need for support groups or doing any heavy reading on coping with cancer or end of life circumstances. Being 76 now I figure I am in the gravy years and if I hadn’t already figured out life I probably would not be able to do it in the midst of all this.
Realize that you may have an easier time dealing with this than your friends and those close to you. They don’t know what to say or how to act in most cases and will undoubtedly say the wrong thing or seem to be ignoring your situation. They are afraid for their own mortality in some cases, and some may be terrified of losing you. Be patient with others. I had a mechanic friend who, when I told him of my diagnosis said, “Oh , my buddy had that, it didn’t take long and it was a terrible death”. Sometimes you just have to laugh at how inept people are at dealing with this.
You have a great interest in life and the things around you, this is a huge asset. I get more good out of playing with the cameras and walking my dogs than any therapy session. Thank the fates that you are obsessed with cycling and music.
I think you mentioned waiting to start Social Security. Think about who is coming into office and what rules may change, plus your life is different now.
You will not be the same person you were after treatment, as you have mentioned several times. My brain feels like it has been rewired, but that has not been a bad thing. I have also become less able to do things I did 5 years ago. Again, not so bad. This change motivated me to start photography in a more serious way and I see things much differently because of the adjustment. Your treatment is different, but you are still in control. Guide your change to where you want it to be.
Enough kibitzing from me, you are the captain of your own ship and a good navigator from what I can tell from here. Forgive me if this seems a bit too forward.
Ron
I came in only recently to following you on your journal/journey. When I joined RFF I noted your thread and wondered what you were up to, but over time I have come to see the value of your daily diary like entries. I at first thought you were taking a bit of a risk, the internet being what it is and you two are a couple with a relatively high modern profile, but this forum is perhaps one of the kindest places for it. I sometimes feel like this is the kind of table you see in small village restaurants where a number of older men get together for breakfast and discuss life, except with pictures.
Anyway, I have seen no need to contribute, and just enjoyed the flow. Now though, I can probably put in a few relevant comments. I was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2020, probably as a result of my naval service 50 years ago. I have now lived twice as long as the average expected post diagnosis. This was no doubt because the FDA approved a two drug immunotherapy treatment just as I was diagnosed, and I have been on it off and on since. I still am stable and enjoying life thoroughly so survival is the best revenge. My wife is also 25 years out from ovarian and breast cancer, so I have been a caregiver and can see both sides of the situation.
A few things I have learned:
Being a stubborn SOB is an asset
Trust science and medicine and try to stay alive long enough to benefit from advances. Your cancer is one that is getting a lot of money for research.
Don’t try to be as skinny as you can, though staying in good shape is an excellent plan. I have been through several spells where I lost up to 20 pounds due to treatment and loss of appetite. I am 5’11” and weigh 165. Being 144 was no fun.
You sound as independent as me, or more so. I never felt the need for support groups or doing any heavy reading on coping with cancer or end of life circumstances. Being 76 now I figure I am in the gravy years and if I hadn’t already figured out life I probably would not be able to do it in the midst of all this.
Realize that you may have an easier time dealing with this than your friends and those close to you. They don’t know what to say or how to act in most cases and will undoubtedly say the wrong thing or seem to be ignoring your situation. They are afraid for their own mortality in some cases, and some may be terrified of losing you. Be patient with others. I had a mechanic friend who, when I told him of my diagnosis said, “Oh , my buddy had that, it didn’t take long and it was a terrible death”. Sometimes you just have to laugh at how inept people are at dealing with this.
You have a great interest in life and the things around you, this is a huge asset. I get more good out of playing with the cameras and walking my dogs than any therapy session. Thank the fates that you are obsessed with cycling and music.
I think you mentioned waiting to start Social Security. Think about who is coming into office and what rules may change, plus your life is different now.
You will not be the same person you were after treatment, as you have mentioned several times. My brain feels like it has been rewired, but that has not been a bad thing. I have also become less able to do things I did 5 years ago. Again, not so bad. This change motivated me to start photography in a more serious way and I see things much differently because of the adjustment. Your treatment is different, but you are still in control. Guide your change to where you want it to be.
Enough kibitzing from me, you are the captain of your own ship and a good navigator from what I can tell from here. Forgive me if this seems a bit too forward.
Ron