Definitely Full Moon and Friday the Thirteenth in Still Listening to Spirit

  • June 14, 2014, 6:50 p.m.
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  • Public

I got a really nice nap from 3am to 6 am today and woke feeling rested and ready for the day. And I just woke up from a 2 hour nap from 8pm to 10pm. This nap felt like I had slept the night through. And it is so hard to tell during these days of almost 24 hour daylight whether it is night or day.

So, One of the first phone calls I got today was from Jean W, a lovely and wonderful woman here in town--Hawaiian in origin--who was married for over 50 years to Boyd. Both worked at Customs together for 30 years and retired a couple of years ago.

Jean is definitely one of the stalwarts of the community and uses her fantastic skills with a sewing machine not only to sew Dawson Dolly's costumes and the beautiful wedding dress Madame wore 11 or so years ago, but for flags for organizations, and too many other good deeds to name.

Boyd, a huge man who reduced his roundy size about 5 years ago with surgery (lap band type) too was always at the forefront of community activities including pee wee basketball, school wrestling refereeing and much much more.

Boyd died a bit more over a year ago. Jean has soldiered on, quietly helping where she can etc.

Jean called to say that Dolly had called her and given her my number. Dolly said since she would be in Atlin, BC this weekend, I might need a ride or two and would Jean volunteer her services. I had just finished a list of places to go and things to do and told Jean I would definitely appreciate a ride. We arranged for me to call her when I was dressed and ready.

Jean picked me up and I had my list and away we went. first to work to pick up my paycheck. I was touched by the fact that Heath paid me for 42.75 hours--he did pay me for when I was sick 2 weeks ago--he had said he would at some point. That was unexpected and I was grateful and touched.

Not so much when I got home and found that I was paid $16 and hour rather than the $17.50 he said he would pay me for hourly work -- said as one of the last things to me while we sat in his truck working things out once again. Sigh. If and when I return to work, I will likely discuss this.

Anyway, next to the bank to cash the check.No problem with the last 2 checks, I merely reminded the teller that Heath had an agreement with them to cash all employee checks even if they didn't have an account there. I didn't even have to show ID but merely pay them $7.50 for cashing it.

THIS time, 2 fellows, one training the other and neither of which I had seen 'helped' me. "Do you have an account with us?" "No, I don't." "Well, we can't cash this then." and the check was pushed back to me.

"Well THIS check is from your bank" I said as I pushed the check back to them.

"Do you have photo ID?"

"Yes here is a drivers license." and I presented my expired drivers license with my photo on it.

"this is expired do you have any other ID?"

I tossed my voters registration card over to them as well as 2 credit cards.

No photo ID that is current? Nope. What is the problem, expired or not this ID clearly shows I am the person to whom the check is written . Not good enough.

I told them that Heath had an agreement with the manager of the bank or someone higher than him and they should check. The bank manager was just passing through the teller area on his way to the vault so one man stepped back and asked about cashing this check. Without even looking my way or coming to talk to me,he merely shook his head and continued on to the bank. Chicken-shit-lily-livered-no-balls coward! I wouldn't have been so mad at him but he had said "Hello Cindy" to me at the market yesterday. What better identification is THAT?

Heath explained to me weeks ago regards my cashing my check that he had had a meeting at the bank and explained that he had several accounts with them totaling over $100,000 with tens of thousands being deposited and run through with paymen t checks for goods etc. and he would pull his money out to another bank if his employees weren't able to cash their paychecks without having to have an account. Someone has forgotten.

I called Heath but his phone went straight to voice mail. I called Jaime and she was just half a block from the bank and came to take care of it. I was sorry it was her because she goes along to get along, never makes waves, or asserts herself and her resources to threaten or intimidate.

They settled things by my signing over the check to Jaime, her depositing it and then withdrawing the funds.

Sigh.

Next I went in search of underwear and sweatpants for Bill. The man has gone commando for so long he can't even remember ever wearing undershorts. Jean suggested the Mountain Shop so we went there. I found underwear all right, the stretchy longer legged 'boxer' type for $32 a pair! Good Gawd. I got 2 pair and 1 pair of women' s undies by the same maker "Patagonia" cause I know he won' t care, they are enough like the tidy-whities of old but of stretch fabric. And they only cost $20! Sigh.

Sweatpants? $89!!! Nope, nope, nope, no way and yoga pants the same or higher. I decided I would go to one of the el cheapo tourist junk shops because I have seen pj's there. I would look for PJ pants. I found some, light flannel, bright red with black moose on them. $21.95 apiece, I bought 2 small. At the cash register, I asked the young man if there ws a local discount. He said "I'll not only give you the local discount I will give you the employee discount but don't tell anyone."

The total of 42 something for the 2 pairs cost me $32. I walked out of there feeling a bit better about the moon and Friday the 13th.

On to the ferry terminal, they were open because they had a ferry coming in. Abby informed me that they could not make any reservations for the Fairweather for Monday because the Columbia had broken down and the fairweather was busy transporting cars from that ferry to their destinations.

However, she said if we were just going to walk on without a vehicle, we should have no trouble getting seats. We should just show up Monday. That is NOT good enough, so she gave me the phone for the Ferry and I can call Saturday and Sunday when they are open to see if they can begin to make walk-on reservations then. Sigh. Friday the 13th and full moon.

After the market and scoring 3 1/2 gallons of strawberry ice cream for milk shakes, getting 30 or so pounds of dog food and 30 or so pounds of cat food, I put it all in Jean's truck bed and home we went. I unloaded it all into the driveway, thanked Jean so much and away she went.

It was then that I remembered I had more meds to pick up at Clinic. I crried icecream upstairs to freezer, dog and cat food nearer the garage. As I started back down the drive, I met Wendy coming up. Next door neighbor, our relationship has been rocky at times but we act friendly.

She bought me a 'care package' with some magazines she ran upon when her uncle and grandfather were dying and she was there to take care of them. It's called "Mental Floss" and she says it is just fun stuff that can occupy your mind and tak you away for a bit. When I got up stairs with the sack after my trip to the Clinic, I found a very nice card she had written a lovely note in and a $50 bill. I burst into tears at such generosity and thoughtfulness.

So, lastly I began walking the 3 blocks to the clinic for last of cough meds for me and paperwork to fill out for Medicaid. I got half a block when a cold and blustery wind sprang up from the south and it began to sprinkle. I had my rain jacket on so I pulled up the hood and trudged on, hoping I might see someone at the Clinic that could take me home as I would be walking against the wind home.

When I got there Will, Dolly's husband, was just exiting the Clninic with an envelope in his hand and headed toward his truck. "WILL!" I called out. He stopped and said "Hi Cindy". I said "Can you wait no more than 5 minutes while I run in to get a prescription and then take me home?" He and Dolly live behind me.

Will looked bewildered and then puzzled and then he said "I need to get right back to work." I said "Okay, no problem, thanks anyway." Gotta love Will, the only son of well off residents of Skagway, he studied mining engineering and graduated with high honors with a degree in college. At some point in his life he suffered a bad head injury and some brain damage. He is still sharp and knowledgable about mining and such and has a gold mine in Atlin that he works in the summer, hard rock mining there. But he is simple and awkward socially. He is perfect for Dolly's innocent nature and outgoing over-the-top personality.

So I shrugged my shoulders, chuckled to myself at his completely honest answer and went to get my meds. It was colder than my rain jacket was appropriate for but I made it the 3 block back home, got the dog and cat food inside the garage, changed clothes and went upstairs to collapse into my chair. Sigh, 13th and moon got me again.

The best news of the day is that Bill's sister is flying into Juneau Monday arriving at 8pm to see Bill and spend 2 days with us there. Yesterday she talked to me about this but hadn't made up her mind. Money being a huge obstacle. When we talked I offered to pay her ferry fare back to Our Town with us and she is welcome to have the travel/quilt trailer to stay in for as long as she wants.

She says she has too much to do back in Idaho to be gone long. I think she is reluctant to stick around too long but just wants to see Bill 'one more time'. I will let her know when she is with us that this option is there if she wants to change her mind.

She has booked a room at the Super 8 already. Bill wanted her to stay with us, all rooms have 2 queen sized beds in them. I told him she needed to do for herself what she needed to do and although I see us spending time on our room possibly all night long up and talking, etc. but that we should let her do as she wants.

So, that's it for today, long, rambling, but necessary to keep track of days, times, occurrences, and such. I have also been advised by the former Sago here, I think she is 'thoughtsafter' but can't remember for sure here--it will be very helpful to keep a notebook with me for all visits with medical people and such as the info doesn't always stick in the brain and be remembered correctly or recalled properly days later.

I am finished rambling and need to sleep again. All the support and even the smallest note is important to me and you all take the time and caring to leave me notes of your love and prayers.

These are most appreciated, een just leaving your name matters to me. I know you are here on this wonderful venue cheering me on and thinking of me. It helps.

Blessed be!


Everything Good Rebecca June 14, 2014

First let me say NAPS ARE GOOD! Also documenting is good. A notebook is what I recommend all the time but forget, myself. I wish SIL would just stay with you but still glad she's coming. Mine is here now sleeping in the other room. It's a good thing for Ron. Please be gentle with yourself and take good care as you would say to the rest of us!

Katren...In Conclusion June 14, 2014

Coming from the midst of a possibly fatal illness -- Daughters kept notebooks - too many doctors and too much confusion - these notebooks still help us. I keep them now that things are less immediate. Sometimes the three of us have different memories of a two-weeks-ago office visit. Sometimes we're all wrong and the notebook sets us straight. Brst of luck to you and yours.

middle age pearl June 14, 2014

The bank ordeal to cash that check was uncalled for and nonsense!! Prayers will continue.

Silent Echo/Quiet Storm June 14, 2014

when raymond was dying 6 years ago, i wrote in open diary daily. sometimes, more than once a day. writing was the only thing that kept me relatively sane throughout that last month. naps are good. rest as much as you can. prepare as much as you can. what you are going thru is so difficult for you. i know your mind is all over the place and it's probably getting difficult to concentrate. feeling scattered. it's just gonna get worse. might be a good idea to start making lists so you don't forget thing syou need to do. lists helped me so much during that time. you have my prayers. take care,

seedys Silent Echo/Quiet Storm ⋅ June 14, 2014

yes, lists of things to pack, meds, chargers for phone and kindle, etc. all are beside me so I can reach and write when I think of things.

Deleted user June 14, 2014

Good idea to document it all.

Hillbilly Princess June 14, 2014

Holy cow, I've always heard things are a lot more expensive in Alaska but dang. Thats crazy high for sweat pants and underwear.

seedys Hillbilly Princess ⋅ June 14, 2014

tourist store prices--summer prices--best quality at the Mountain shop Yet good prices and fair quality at te Shirt Co which is totally tourist oriented.

MageB June 14, 2014

If you need us for anything just hollar. G just got three pair of his favorites eleven bucks.....4 bucks a pair. There's a Walmart in Juneau...I hate them, but they will have cheap things. Back to sending my thoughts and prayers your way. Hugs too.

ThoughtsAfter June 14, 2014

So glad to have a peep into your life now and see how well you have done in getting help that is needed or making do with what you can...stinky bank, tho...rotten customer attitude. Can't imagine the trip ahead...You have a big group of people pulling for you. We could even shop for you if there's anything we can get reasonably and you could wait for it. I totally understand your tears at the $50. I never really knew how fantastic compassion was for the person it is extended to until after Kermit died and people extended unexpected compassion to me. Take good care of yourself. It's important to Bill, to his sister, etc. But, it's hard to take good care of yourself when you are this important to all. Ironic, isn't it?

noko June 14, 2014

Yes. The notebook. There are so many things that are incoming and quick difficult decisions that need to be made during times like this. Crying is okay. Particularly when one is away from one's loved one and feeling overwhelmed. I cried on the bus, in the grocery, walking down the street. If they offer a social worker consult in Juneau or later take it. They have brilliant ideas about things that need to be done (like joint title on vehicles) that won't occur to you. My experience is that the system is set up for those who are "normal" and when one is just outside that range there are obstacles like at the bank. Thinking of you both.

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