The Post-Thanksgiving Season

Jaz stands beside some of the tasty desserts awaiting him after his meal. (PHOTO COPYRIGHT 2015 BY JAZ PRIMO)

Happy Post-Thanksgiving, Everyone!

Or, should I say, Happy Black Friday?

Nah, that’s merely a self-proclaimed sales opportunity in celebration of consumerism. Okay, maybe that’s a bit too lofty and self-reverent. Let’s put it this way…if you need to save some money via discounts on this day, more power to you and best wishes for safe shopping. If not, and you’re like me, it’s a wonderful day to spend on the couch binge-watching programs stored up on my DVR while sipping hot tea or cocoa. Oh, and let’s not forget all those yummy leftovers from Thanksgiving!

How was your Thanksgiving? Mine was marvelous and spent with friends and loved ones while sharing a host of tasty dishes. Here’s what we had for dinner…

Jaz's Thanksgiving Meal (PHOTO COPYRIGHT 2015 BY JAZ PRIMO)

I catered a tasty smoked turkey, courtesy of a local barbeque restaurant named JT’s BBQ. The cream cheese corn complimented thing very well, the creation of my good friend Jimmy.

Jaz's Thanksgiving Meal (PHOTO COPYRIGHT 2015 BY JAZ PRIMO

I made the classic green bean casserole topped with those wonderful French’s dried onions. The cranberry dressing (stuffing, some call it) is my favorite dressing of all time, and was prepared by my dear friend Jessica. She also made the most decadent version of baked macaroni and cheese casserole, which melts in your mouth. Jessica’s mother made the perfect sweet potatoes in syrup and topped with a thick layer of marshmallows.

Jaz's Thanksgiving Meal (PHOTO COPYRIGHT 2015 BY JAZ PRIMO)

The dinner rolls were of the easy thaw and bake variety but tasted like they were homemade. And the desserts were AMAZING, compliments of Jessica! She baked a cherry pie, pecan pie, three pumpkin pies, and a big batch of chocolate chip pan cookies. Oh, I was in dessert heaven…and will be residing there for a number of days, actually.

Thank the Goddess for leftovers!

What did you have for Thanksgiving dinner? Did you go traditional or something completely different? Leave a comment and let me know.

What’s that? *cupping my palm close to my ear*

I hear a plateful of leftovers and my couch and DVR calling, so I better get to it. My two kitties are ready for snuggling, too. It’s the best…

Oh, and did I mention that – for the FIRST TIME in my life! – my Christmas shopping is already COMPLETE? Yes, that’s right, there’s NO hectic last-minute shopping for me. All that I have to do between now and December 25th is: put up a few decorations, send out my holiday cards, and make a leisurely effort to enjoy the three weeks leading up to the big day. Ahhh, this feels great!

If you’re just kicking off your holiday shopping, be careful in your travels, and proudly display your “good will toward others” for all to see and experience.

Oh, and be sure to check out my official Jaz YouTube channel for the latest video on my newest furry addition to my family, Patches the rescue kitty. Click here.

Until later, enjoy life; be kind to those around you, and Happy Shopping…oh, and reading! Peace.

Je Suis Paris !

Last Friday night, the historic city of Paris was victimized by multiple terrorist acts that took the lives of more than 100 people and injured hundreds of others. It was reported to be the worst attack on the nation of France since World War II. This past weekend, the world struggled to process the depth and scope of those events. My thoughts of condolences and support go out to all of the victims, as well as their families and loved ones.

In the coming weeks and months, much will be said by governments, politicians, security experts, and a host of others with insights and opinions on what took place. At the risk of adding to the din of voices, I have but this to offer: As a U.S. military veteran, I don’t easily offer the idea of placing our military members in harm’s way. Yet, there comes a time when rabid, bloodthirsty, pathological, radical extremists must be confronted; not solely for their unspeakable acts or for any perceived sense of revenge or justice by the aggrieved, nor because of political expediency or public outcry, but merely for the sake of innocent people everywhere.

To the U.S. Military: It’s been a long time since I’ve served in the ranks. But if you decide that you need experienced and skilled volunteers, I’m in. Contact me. You have my number.

Je suis Paris.

Jaz and the Great Kitten Rescue

This past Tuesday, I was out taking an aerobic walk in my neighborhood before it got too dark. It was cool and I was happily jamming to tunes through my earbuds, and life was great. On the walk back home, the sun had completely disappeared below the horizon and it was suddenly very dark. While walking past a home that was still under construction in a relatively deserted portion of my neighborhood, I spotted a small lump on the curb beside me. Upon closer inspection, I found that it was a cute little black & white kitten.

It just sat there, looking at me.

“Hello, little one. It’s late…you should run along home.”

I continued walking but got a strange sensation that caused me to look back over my shoulder. Some six feet behind me, the little kitten was limping and frantically trying to follow me.

I removed my ear buds and heard it “mewing” at me as it struggled along.

Something was obviously wrong, and this little kitten seemed in distress.

“Aw, you poor thing,” I said, picking it up and gently holding it in both my hands. As I cradled it next to me, it mewed more and nestled against my chest.

I gently carried it home to my front porch.

It teetered and appeared to favor its right rear leg.

I’m no veterinarian, but I know when an animal is in distress. I quickly retrieved some water and food, and it took to it as if it hadn’t seen any in quite some time. Then I procured a large, fluffy bath towel and made a small nest for it, which is gratefully climbed into. I even had to help it get its rear leg over the small ledge of towel wall. Poor thing…

I called a couple of friends who were “animal Jedi” and they advised me.

Then I transferred it to my garage so that it would have a safe, comfortable place to sleep. It ate and drank more and then nestled into its towel nest, which I placed over a thick rug for added comfort.

This little kitten was so very affectionate and friendly, and seemed to genuinely appreciate my ministrations. I was happy to help.

The next morning, I called my “animal Jedi” friend, Jessica, who helped refer me to a nearby veterinarian clinic that also specialized in cats. I managed to get an early appointment for it that morning, and took it in for examination. Everyone immediately fell in love with the little kitten.

Turns out that it is a 12 week old female, and it had worms and indication of fleas. I asked them to look at its leg and they took an x-ray. On top of everything, the little kitty also had…a broken pelvis! They said it would require surgery but not until it was closer to 6 months old, at which time they felt confident that it would have successful mobility following surgery.

Fortunately, the vet took things in order and began treating the kitty for its worms and fleas, and I asked them to apply any boosters required. They also began an immediate round-the-clock pain medication for the kitten.

Having no tag or embedded microchip, my neighborhood association finally sent out an email asking the addition residents if they had lost the kitten. Thus far, no takers.

I have since gone back to the vet to visit the kitten, which I named “Patches”, and it is much happier, as well as eating well. Also, it appears in much less discomfort. (See the photo of Patches below in her cage at the vet.)

That poor kitten has had such a hard early life, but I’ve decided that the least I can do is make this kitten’s remainder of its life safe and happy. She will be loved.

Soon, my kitty (Tabby) will have a sister and companion in the house to keep her company.

I’ll keep you posted on how things progress.

(Please also refer to my latest November 7th official YouTube video on the kitten at https://youtu.be/Q08Qr6RMQt8 )

My step-father always told me, “You don’t have control over everything that happens to you in life, but you always have control over how you choose to react to it.”

I choose to help a poor kitten in distress and show it what it’s like to feel loved.

Until later, enjoy life; be kind to those around you, and Happy Reading! Peace.

Humans Are Excellent Mayflies

[LEGAL USE OF THIS PHOTO LICENSED AND SECURED VIA DREAMSTIME - October 2015 -- © Tweezie94 | Dreamstime.com - Mayfly Photo]

As I watched a Doctor Who episode this weekend, I was impacted by the analogy that humans are really mayflies by comparison to immortal beings, such as Timelords. That’s a profound concept, when you think about it, and it made me ponder the concept of immortality.

For those of you who aren’t aware (and why would you be?), mayflies are insects that live really short life spans. Generally, once they’ve hatched from their embryonic stage as adults, they may live for as briefly as twenty-four hours while they’re in their subimago stage. (Never mind about subimago stage…it’s all just wibbly-wobbly-sciencey-whyencey stuff.)

But back to the analogy at hand. Would I really want to be immortal, like a Timelord or one of the vampires in my Sunset Vampire series?

In truth, it sounds absolutely tantalizing. Life already seems so brief, especially as I grow older. [My perception of time passes more quickly, too, but we’re not going there right now. Stay on topic!] However, there are so many layers to the concept of immortality, especially if I were the only one who was immortal. Immediately, I’m struck by the notion of being left alone as those around me lived their normal life spans and then died. You see, I have no desire to outlive the loved ones in my life. I’ve already outlived a number of loved ones, even those younger than myself, so I know how it feels to be left behind. Wait…or am I leaving them behind?

The point is that when it comes to people who I love dying before me, I’m against the idea. Part of that is that, basically, I’m a coward. Again, I’ve done it already, and it sucks. In that way, I already have practical experience with it.

As I’m typing this post, I’m glancing down at my kitty, Tabby, who’s sleeping beneath my desk, and I realize that (in all likelihood…spoilers!) she’s going to precede me in death. I’m feeling really sad about that realization. [However, just in case I precede her, I’ve made arrangements for her good care and for a loved one to adopt her.]

Gawd, this became such a maudlin blog post all of the sudden.

Aw, hell, if you wanted to only read a happy-go-lucky blog, you’re already reading in the wrong place. If so, immediately stop reading and Google the topic: “Happy blogs”.

*pausing*

What? You’re still here? Oh, well, then you know how I can get and you’re obviously happy spending time with me, maudlin or not. I like that about you.

Let’s proceed.

Have you given any thought to what it would be like to be immortal? Would you want to be immortal?

Okay, so there’s this whole digression of topic that goes from immortality to something more, but then, that’s a religious sort of thing and I’m not a big fan.

You ask, “Not a big fan? Of what?”

I reply, “Yes. That’s it exactly.”

Naturally, you press, “Yes, but to what?”

To which I reply, “Precisely. Let’s move on.”

Do you have your Halloween costume ready? Mine is ready to go and it fits perfectly! I can’t wait to post photos of me in my outfit. You only have to wait until Thursday.

In the meantime, please be sure to share your Halloween costume with me by tagging me in any photos on Facebook or Twitter. I can’t wait to see what you look like!

Oh, and be sure to tell me if you’d want to be immortal or not.

Until later, enjoy life; be kind to those around you, and Happy Reading! Peace.