Author Archives: Deb / Being Aunt Debbie

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About Deb / Being Aunt Debbie

Single, disabled mother of 2 adult children and grandmother to 7 beautiful grandchildren! I love Medieval History, castles, all things Celtic. I love animals, rock music, Mexican food, writing, learning, and good movies. I love to crochet!

A Fond Farewell to 2023 and Those Who Have Entertained Us

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It’s been a long year. We made it! It’s been rough but I’m grateful for all that I have and thankful to those who have been here for me. I’m thankful that YOU have taken the time to read my blog! I hope 2023 has been kind to you and yours.

We said goodbye to many wonderful actors, athletes, musicians, and public figures this year. I have compiled a list from various sources but it’s an incomplete list since I keep finding another name to add! It has taken me most of the day to do this so I figured I’d better quit!

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Alan Arkin, born 1934 Actor and Filmmaker

Heather Armstrong, born 1975 Blogger and Internet Personality

Clarence Avant, born 1931 Music Executive and Producer

Burt Bacharach, born 1928 Composer and Songwriter

Bob Barker, born 1923 Gameshow Host

Jeff Beck, born 1944 Guitarist

Harry Belafonte, born 1927 Singer and Actor

Richard Belzer, born 1944 Actor

Tony Bennett, born 1926 Singer

Jane Birkin, born 1946 Actress and Singer

Robert Blake, born 1933 Actor

Tori Bowie, born 1990 Track and Field Athlete

Andre Braugher, born 1962 Actor

George Brown, born 1949  Drummer

Jimmy Buffett, born 1946 Singer and Musician

Colin Burgess, born 1946 Musician

Dick Butkus, born 1942 Football Linebacker and Sports Commentator

Rosalynn Carter, born 1927 Former First Lady of the US

Pat Casey, born 1993 BMX Star

Tyler Christopher, born 1972 Daytime Actor

Carole Cook, born 1924 Actress

James ‘Buster’ Corley, born 1951 Co-Founder of Dave and Buster’s

David Crosby, born 1941 Singer and Songwriter

Kamar de los Reyes, born 1967 Daytime Actor

Melinda Dillon, born 1939 Actress

Dianne Feinstein, born 1933 US Senator

Michael Gambon, born 1940 Actor

Astrud Gilberto, born 1940 Singer and Songwriter

Mark Goddard, born 1936 Actor

Bo Goldman, born 1932 Screenwriter and Playwright

Len Goodman, born 1944 Ballroom Dancer

Johnny Hardwick, born 1958 Actor

Steve Harwell, born 1967 Singer and Musician

Jim Hines, born 1946 Football Player

Bobby Hull, born 1939 NHL Hall of Famer

Barry Humphries, born 1934 Comedian and Actor

Rudolph Isley, born 1939 Singer and Songwriter

Glenda Jackson, born 1936 Former Member of Parliament

Al Jaffee, born 1921 Cartoonist

Ron Cephas Jones, born 1957 Actor

Robbie Knievel, born 1968 Daredevil and son of Evil Knievel

Marty Krofft, born 1937 Film Producer

Denny Laine, born 1944 Musician

Piper Laurie, born 1932 Actress

Norman Lear, born 1922 Screenwriter and Film Producer

Michael Lerner, born 1941 Actor

Gordon Lightfoot, born 1938 Singer, Songwriter, and Guitarist

Gina Lollobrigida, born 1927 Actress

Lisa Loring, born 1958 Actress

Laura Lynch, born 1958 Former Member of The Dixie Chicks

Mark Margolis, born 1939 Actor

David McCallum, born 1933 Actor

Cormac McCarthy, born 1933 Author

Randy Meisner, born 1946 Singer, Songwriter, and Musician

Billy Miller, born 1979 Daytime Actor

Richard Moll, born 1943 Actor

Sandra Day O’Connor, born 1930 Former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court

Sinéad O’Connor, born 1966 Singer and Songwriter

Ryan O’Neal, born 1941 Actor

Billy Packer, born 1940 Basketball Player and Sports Commentator

Lara Parker, born 1938 Daytime Actress, Dark Shadows

Tatjana Patitz, born 1966 Model

Chris Peluso, born 1983 Broadway Actor

Matthew Perry, born 1969 Actor

Lisa Marie Presley, born 1968 Singer and Songwriter

Otis Redding III, born 1964 Singer and Songwriter

Willis Reed, born 1942 Basketball Player and Coach

Jamie Reid, born 1947 Visual Artist

Paul Reubens, born 1952 Actor and Comedian

Adam Rich, born 1968 Actor

Bill Richardson, born 1947 Former Governor of New Mexico

Brooks Robinson, born 1937 Baseball Player

Pat Robertson, born 1930 Broadcaster, Commentator, and Minister

Robbie Robertson, born 1943 Musician

John Romita Sr., born 1930 Comic Book Artist

Gary Rossington, born 1951 Guitarist

Richard Roundtree, born 1942 Actor

Julian Sands, born 1958 Actor

Iron Sheik, born 1942 Professional Wrestler

Tom Sizemore, born 1961 Actor

Tom Smothers, born 1937 Comedian and Actor

Suzanne Somers, born 1946 Actress and Singer

Arleen Sorkin, born 1955 Daytime Actress, Screenwriter, and Comedian

Frances Sternhagen, born 1930 Actress

Stella Stevens, born 1938 Actress

Ray Stevenson, born 1964 Actor

Barrett Strong, born 1941 Singer and Songwriter

Lee Sun-kyun, born 1975 Actor

Inga Swenson, born 1932 Actress

George Tickner, born 1946 Musician

Chaim Topol, born 1935 Actor and Singer

Tina Turner, born 1939 Singer

Raquel Welch, born 1940 Actress

Annie Wersching, born 1977 Actress

Fred White, born 1955 Musician and Songwriter

Tom Wilkinson, born 1948 Actor

Cindy Williams, born 1947 Actress

Mike Williams, born 1987 Former Football Wide Receiver

Treat Williams, born 1951 Actor

Gary Wright, born 1943 Musician and Songwriter

Burt Young, born 1940 Actor

Jacklyn Zeman, born 1953 Daytime Actress

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It’s surprising to see so many daytime actors and actresses. I remember them all, either from years ago or more currently. Yes, I am a soaps fan! I grew up watching shows like General Hospital and Dark Shadows. Then I grew into All My Children and the slew of soaps that came later. I am now back to only watching General Hospital and Dark Shadows! My Dark Shadows collection is nearly complete!

Another shocker to me is that Julian Sands went hiking alone and encountered some kind of trouble. It was 5 months later before his body was found; the cause of death was undetermined. No one should ever go hiking alone! Such a shame.

Anyway, as we say goodbye to 2023, let’s remember those who have entertained us throughout the years.

Au revoir, Adiós, Sayonara, Adeus, Auf Wiedersehen, Namaste, Shalom, Arrivederci, Ciao!

See you next year,

Merry Christmas, My Friends

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Although today is Christmas Eve, my Christmas is over. Dad and I had ours yesterday with my son and his beautiful family. We had a nice visit and our family’s traditional Christmas Eve with pizza, pizza balls, and popcorn cake. We opened gifts and after a great afternoon, we left.

The only thing missing was our tradition of watching Christmas movies, as we did when my kids were little. The Santa Claus, Trapped In Paradise, Bad Santa, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Home Alone, and the originals Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, and The Grinch Who Stole Christmas were among our favorites. Of course, the list changed over the years as movies such like Bad Santa were inappropriate for little ones!

It’s been a rough couple of months and it was nice not to worry about a holiday meal or cleaning for guests. I think my days of hosting family get-togethers are over. Last year, I put out a charcuterie board and even that was hard on me. So, I really appreciate my son and his wife having us over this year. No stress, no mess. I wish I could say no pain, but I’ll always have pain to deal with.

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Have a wonderful Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, my friends. I hope your celebration is filled with peace, love, and laughter!

BAD

Friday’s Funnies – My Faves This Last Week Before Christmas

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It’s been a long, miserable month and I will write about that at a later date. I’ve been trying to stay positive but it’s been very difficult. I could sure use a few laughs about now so I figured maybe you could, too. I’m glad I had a few funnies saved to share with you!

On with the show, my friends! I hope you enjoy this collection of funnies!

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I hope you found a funny or two that you really like. I think my fave in this bunch is the one about the Amazon Driver! It’s so true at my house! Our poor driver is probably so sick of coming to my house! He’s been here every day this week and will probably be here two more times before Christmas!

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas. Be safe and don’t forget to laugh a little.

May Peace and Joy be with you in the New Year!

BAD

Holiday Depression

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I won’t be spending much time online until after the holidays. I may pop in at times to read a blog or two, perhaps even comment. Facebook is my go-to for staying in touch with friends and family but during the holidays it’s just depressing. It’s depressing to see posts and photos of family get-togethers, grandkids having fun, and all that good stuff. Why? I’ll explain.

When I was in my 40s and my kids were nearing the age of adulthood, I always envisioned my 50s and 60s with grandkids all around me during the holidays with good food, laughter, and gift-giving. But that didn’t happen. I’m in my 60s and disabled so I can’t travel to see the grandkids, contrary to what some may think. They don’t travel to see us, so I feel even less important and lonely. I have 4 grandchildren within 20 miles and rarely see them. One I haven’t seen in years. One I saw last year and didn’t even recognize her because it had been that long since I saw her last. I see the other 2 (brothers, one is a baby) mostly during the holidays for a few hours. The baby I have seen only once. I will see them this coming week if everything goes as planned.

I don’t know. Maybe I’m taking things too personally but I feel like everyone else gets to enjoy my grandkids while I sit on the sidelines. And poor Dad. He doesn’t even have a relationship with any of his great-grandkids! I see photos of them on Facebook and I love seeing those photos but damn, it’s so depressing! So that’s why I’m going to stay off Facebook until after the holidays. I hate the holidays. I truly, truly hate the holidays.

I’ve not been doing well physically for the past few weeks. I did some major chores and really messed something up. I have pinched nerves as a result. I can’t sit still any longer than I can walk or stand. My rotator cuff injury has been bothering me off and on as well. I’m a hot mess.

Dad is doing ok, aside from falling twice in less than a week. He didn’t hurt himself except for a bruise on his arm. I’m really worried about him and that’s leading to a lot more stress and sleepless nights.

The 3 furbabies are doing well and believe it or not, Jack and BobCat are actually getting along quite well these days! I think they may have had a scuffle or a powwow one day while we were gone because there are times that Jack cowers down to BobCat. Maybe they have come to an agreement of some kind?! Or maybe Alice told them to knock off the horseshit.

I’m making a ham in the instant pot on Thanksgiving, and I’ll whip up some mashed potatoes (the day before) and gravy. I bought pre-made frozen pies because my oven is dead and well, I can’t stand in the kitchen for long. My son and daughter-in-law are bringing the sweet potatoes, rolls, and green bean casserole, (and the 2 grandkids!). My bestie is bringing appetizers. I hope my pain level will allow me to enjoy the day or at least a few hours.

I won’t be blogging until after the holidays so I will wish you a Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year all at once! Thank you for following my blog!

Peace, Love, and Rock n Roll,

BAD

Spit It Out, Will You??

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Last month, Dad and I went to the Health Department to get our updated Covid-19 vaccinations. Things went well. There was no delay in being called back. The ladies in the office and the nurses giving the vaccines were on top of things. We were ready to leave when Dad spies a sign that read, “Get Your Shingles Vaccine Today.” He and I both need to get it done so I inquired at the window. Another nurse was called up to the window to answer my inquiry. Her name was Becky and I assumed she would be competent. I assumed wrong!

First, she asked for our insurance cards to check if Shingrix was covered. It took her 40 minutes to come back and tell us that Dad’s would be covered but my insurance wouldn’t cover it. The way she spoke annoyed the crap out of me. It was like she needed a smack on the back of the head to spit it out. She was really trying my patience. (And I really don’t think it was a speech impediment because I heard her talking to one of the other nurses without trouble.)

Finally, after having to concentrate on what she was trying to say, I understood that the state-provided vaccine would be free for me. Okay, that’s great because I can’t afford $200 a pop…and there are 2 flippin’ vaccines 6 months apart! So, off Becky went to see about available appointments. Well, guess what? They didn’t have any state-provided Shingrix vaccines. Did she check to see when they would be getting more in? No. She had to go back and check. She came back and said she didn’t know when they would be getting more in but that I should check back periodically. She then said she would go back to see when they had available appointments for Dad. She should have done that already when she said was checking the first time! Then she came back and asked me to come to her office to see when a good time would be. Holy crap. Her desk was a disaster area! I don’t know how anyone could do their job with a desk in that condition!

Anyway, I made the appointment for Dad to get his first Shingrix vaccine. Becky told us again that the state-provided vaccine would be free but she didn’t know when they would get more in. She said she would try to find out and call me. After an hour and 20 minutes, we finally got out of that place! (The first 10 minutes were smooth sailing!)

Becky tried to call us several times in the following week. Dad answered the first time but she couldn’t speak up and spit it out so he hung up on her. (I assumed it was her, perhaps it wasn’t.) The next time she called I answered and after every 3 or 4 words she would stop and say, “Can you hear me?” I was getting so damn annoyed that I finally yelled, “Yes. I can hear you! What do you want?!” Then dial tone. She hung up on me. I hoped she wouldn’t call back. I told Dad if the phone rings again, don’t answer. Just let her leave a voicemail.

The following week, she called and we weren’t home so she had no choice but to leave a voicemail. She stuttered and stammered through the entire message and told me absolutely nothing that I didn’t already know! Her phone call was a waste of time. If I had been home to answer the phone, I would have told her that!

Things like that really get under my skin! I expected a nurse to tell me that we were or were not covered by our insurance, and then make appointments to get the vaccine. I expected to be told what I needed to know in a timely manner. Being disabled and in constant pain, I do not have the patience or energy for such bullshit.

I used to be a very patient person. Over the years, as my chronic pain and mobility issues advanced, my patience went out the window. I don’t like phone calls or incompetence. I loathe having to deal with people. I despise red tape and bureaucratic bullshit. We all have those things to contend with but I just can’t handle it anymore.