Bedlam Farm Blog Journal by Jon Katz

11 July

Tuesday’s Pantry Support Requests: Tuna, ($7.98), Ham, ($22.95), Tampax, ($9.42, Panty Liners, ($7.97)

by Jon Katz

Sarah asked today that we send her shelves some Canned Ham and Star/Kist Light Tuna in water. She is out of both items. Many people requested we put up the women’s items again today. We did this just below for you. Also, today’s choices are below.

For Today:

One: Hormel Canned Ham, Smoked, 5 Ounce (Pack of 12), $21.95

StaarKist Chunk Light Tuna In Water, 5 Oz. (8 Pack), Canned Tuna Fish, Wild Caught, Gluten Free, $7.98.

Yesterday was a significant day for us and for the food pantry. We restocked the empty women’s shelf at the pantry with pads and Tampax Tampons; the response was overwhelmingly successful.

Sarah reported that the items were in high demand and greatly appreciated. The items are below.

Many donors and more are coming to the blog this morning to help. Several women messaged me to ask if they could also buy and send some women’s hygienic supplies. We are deeply grateful for your support and the difference you are making in the lives of these women.

Some missed yesterday’s blog and asked if we could put them on the Wish List again for a day or so. Sarah said she had enough for now but could always use more—the women’s shelves are empty (not for long).

Sarah put up the pads and tampons below with the appropriate links. I’ll be posting these items regularly.

Sarah has enough for this coming week, but she always needs more. These are the hardest items for the pantry to get, so any help is much appreciated.

Here are the two items for the women’s shelf requested yesterday:

Always Anti-Bunch Xtra Protection Daily Liners, 108 Count, $7.97.

Tamax Pearly Tampons Multipack, Light/Regular/ Super Absorbency, With Leakguard Braid, Unscented, 47 Count, $9.42.

Thanks again. As we learn about the pantry, we can be even more efficient and find the best bargains financially.

Note Tomorrow, Salad Dressing Day: 4 Salad Dressing, all for under $3.

Support My Blog Support the Army of Good Cambridge Food Pantry

Read or Post a Comment

Aging Gracefully

11 July

Aging Gracefully: Dr Falk Says My Eyes Are Really Good Now. But It Might Be Time For Cataract Surgery

by Jon Katz

For me, aging is much about accepting and evolving.

The body will change, and my choices are to change with it or perish. I’m not ready to perish, but I’m afraid I have to disagree with our President about getting old. I accept that there are things I can’t do any longer, so I don’t do them.

Aging is something for me to respect, not deny.

I’ve had laser surgery on my eyes twice with Retinal Surgeon Dr. Falk in Albany. I’ve had eye drop medication daily for several years. This morning, I went to Albany for my regular checkup and had the excellent news that my retinal swelling is gone (caused by diabetes, we think).

Not only do I not have to come back for a checkup until February, but I can stop all of the drops and eye medication. This is a big deal for me.

In recent years, I’ve taken on my leg, my teeth, my heart, and my diabetes. All are much improved and under control.

Dr. Falk is warm and open. She always encourages me to take my photos with her; she says she believes in being fully transparent. She laughs when I ask if I can take her photo. “Sure,” she says.

A few years ago, I feared I might go blind. Dr. Falk is one of those doctors who reminds me of what good doctors do. She did a wonderful job of restoring my sight.

Recently, my sight has been struggling with the power of the sun’s light, which is difficult for my photography. She thinks it might be time to see an optometrist about cataract surgery. I need to see the colors distinctly and clearly.

I’m game. They all take months to see an eye doctor, but I hope to get an appointment sooner.

My understanding of health care has evolved as I get older. For years, I wouldn’t see a doctor at all, seeing only holistic doctors. That nearly cost me my life, but I still believe strongly in holistic medicine.

It’s just that Western Medicine can do some things holistic medicine can’t. It works best for me when I use both. Aging is about perspective. I won’t join a gym or walk around a mall in sneakers every morning.

But I am taking my health seriously and healthier than I have been in a long time. I was happy with the visit. Now, on to the cataracts.

Support My Blog Support the Army of Good Cambridge Food Pantry

Read or Post a Comment

Bedlam Farm

11 July

It Was A Bit Hairy, But No Tornado. Whew. We Are Thankful

by Jon Katz

I admit that they did scare the Hell out of me. The weather alarms were specific and alarming, supported by maps and colors showing who would be hit by severe tornados and storms. We were ground zero on the map. We took it seriously.

We scrambled to protect the animals and our farmhouse as much as possible, including moving supplies and valuables (we don’t have many of those) into the basement.

There was no need to dwell on it; there were no tornados, and the system moved up to the North of us, although there was no explanation. This morning, I go to Albany for my scheduled retina eye exam. I suspect I might need new glasses or additional medical treatment. We’ll see.

I would recommend anyone who cares about politics and democracy read George Clooney’s op-ed piece in the New York Times. Clooney is the famous actor and Joe Biden’s leading fundraiser. Joe Biden’s administration ends this week, and the door opens for a new candidate, perhaps Donald Trump’s worst nightmare.

From the night of the debate, this was inevitable, and the Democrats were wise enough to give what was unavoidable some time to check-in. Soon, the Democratic leader will make their trek to the White House.

I hope to return around noon; I look forward to seeing you then. I’m grateful to the spirits that our farm, animals, and selves are not harmed. I see climate change is making accurate weather almost impossible.

Support My Blog Support the Army of Good Cambridge Food Pantry

Read or Post a Comment

Flower Art

10 July

Flower Art, July, 10, 2024. Abstracts, Color, Flowers, Mood, Emotion. Tornado Warnings. Dragging Out The Generator.

by Jon Katz

So, I’ll be uncharacteristically brief. Our town and area have been declared under a severe tornado watch and in danger for the next seven hours.

Our emergency spot is our substantial concrete basement.

I’m turning the computer off and clearing stuff that might brow out of the yard. We’re opening up two pastures so the animals have somewhere to run should they need it. Zip has long disappeared, as cats do when a storm is coming.

We are moving to prepare for us and the animals, and I’m putting this up now because it seems very likely we won’t have any power tonight. As many of you have had to do, we’re taking the warnings seriously.

I had a full, meaningful, and insanely busy day. I will talk to you tomorrow; hopefully, stay warm, dry (or cool), and safe. We are dragging the generator out.

I took the photos outside today, and wow, was it hot! One Iris mixed with wildflowers, a match made in heaven.

I tried some abstract flower art; I hope you enjoy it. Stay safe, whoever you are. Time to go.

Support My Blog Support the Army of Good Cambridge Food Pantry

Read or Post a Comment

10 July

The Hottest Day Yet Here. Life Goes On. And On

by Jon Katz

The temperature was close to 100 degrees; I went only to the pantry to get the mail, to the post office, and to the back porch for some flower photos.

Zip only briefly appeared in the donkey’s feeder, of all places. He’s not a summer cat, but a winter cat.

We are still nursing Fannie through a nasty abscess. Maria has been working with Fannie.

There is a severe tornado warning for this area; I’m getting my blogging done in case we lose power.

I got out this morning to take my sunrise walk around the farm. I got a new summer bathrobe that cost only $23, which I like very much. I’ll be wearing it outside in the mornings. I was going to play chess with Ian, but I thought it wouldn’t work for him to be driving around in a tornado.

There’s not much we can do about a tornado except run into the basement with the dogs and wait it out. We don’t get a lot of tornadoes here, but this alarm does sound a bit serious. See you later.

Our pantry women’s shelf campaign is working out beautifully. Thank you.