Unexpected Early Trip To Gallup

Above, the new coffee maker. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This morning started off rudely.

After pouring the last cup of coffee from last evening, I attempted to make a fresh pot. But the coffee maker refused to cooperate. The coffee maker's hot plate and the brewing heating element weren't working. It was time to replace it.

I had the coffee maker for two years after the one I had since Tarzana gave out. It was also a good thing I keep a jar of instant coffee around in the event something like this occurs.

So, I headed early this morning to Walmart to pick up a new coffee maker. The replacement is the same model, a Black & Decker 12-cup coffee maker.

I figured that I would beat the crowds to Walmart, so I left the house at 6:30. The opening time is 7:00.

I got there at 6:45 and noticed people already going in and a line of people waiting to go in. As I was about to join the line, someone told a gentleman nearby that seniors don't have to wait and to go right in. I then turned around and we both went in. A Walmart employee was at the door and asked if we are over 65. We both said yes and went in. I was unaware that Walmart had a "Geezer Hour", or whatever they call it.

First, I went to the pharmacy to have my prescription of nitroglycerin filled. Then, I went and got a replacement coffee maker. As a lark, I went over to the bathroom tissue aisle and found they had plenty. So I got a 12-roll package. I then went back to the pharmacy and my prescription was ready. I was able to pay for the coffee maker and toilet paper there with the co-pay on the prescription. I got back on the road by 7:15. Not bad!

Since I bought the same model, I am keeping the old carafe just in case I manage to break the new one.

Sometimes it pays to be in geezerhood!

Computer and Nitro

Above, the ECV "Nitro Packers" patch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My primary computer decided to act up yesterday, so I am now using my back-up. The only real difference is getting used to a different keyboard and I don't have the "vast" library of photographs to use.

Since I have a doctor appointment Wednesday in Gallup, I'll bring it in then. My bottle of nitro is a year and a half old, and from what I've read, the stuff expired long ago. But in order to get a new supply, I have to see my cardiologist first. I'm bringing with me my ECV "Nitro Packers" patch to show him to see what his reaction will be.

According to UWHealth.com:

Keep your nitroglycerin in the container it came in and tightly closed. Do not open your sublingual nitroglycerin until you need a dose. Replace your tablets every 3 to 6 months.

Other than that, since we all have to stay home (more or less) because of you-know-what, I've just been either chillin' at home or driving the Jeep. Thankfully, we have relatively cheap gasoline prices to fuel my indulgence.

The last I heard, there are four cases of coronavirus in McKinley County (where I live) and it finally made its way into the Navajo Nation.

I'm An ECV Nitropacker!

A package from XSNGH Glenn Thornhill arrived in today's mail.

Inside, was a copy of the booklet about the 1928 St. Francis Dam Disaster that took place in the northern area of Los Angeles County, a 2019 "WOLF" button, a copy of the Fall 2007 Platrix Picayune and, surprisingly, a patch for something I hadn't heard of before (or if I did, I forgot all about it).

It is a "Nitropacker" patch:

What's a "Nitropacker", you may ask?

According to the Platrix Picayune that was enclosed:

I apparently "earned" the "Nitropacker" patch last July when I had my heart attack in Wells, Nevada and survived it with a stent implantation after a 40-minute air ambulance ride to Twin Falls, Idaho. True to the patch and all, I do "pack" a bottle of nitroglycerin with me at all times (uh, just in case).

I also don't remember seeing the patch displayed at the Platrix store. But, anyway, it is a nice addition to the collection that I am still around to enjoy.

A big THANK YOU! to XSNGH Glenn Thornhill for the goodies!

Oh-oh!

When I was given two nitroglycerin pills when I was having my heart attack, other than the chest pain relief they provided, I remember no side-effects.

Tonight, a little over an hour ago (around 8:15), I felt a very brief chest pain that lasted under a minute. As a precaution, I put a nitroglycerin pill under my tongue. By that time, the chest pain was gone. However, I felt a burning under my tongue and felt a slight headache.

Reading up on nitroglycerin, headaches are a common side-effect and they're proof the medicine is working. I haven't found anything on under-tongue burning.

I will call my cardiologist in the morning and get his opinion about the chest pain. Thank goodness I have Life Alert.