This is the story of the adventures of a Cowiche-Tieton family in the 60s and 70s. A lot of it is the story of two brothers and the trouble they got into while finding ways to amuse themselves. A lot of the tales may sound crazy and farfetched to today’s youth but we had no video games or other distractions. The outdoors was our playground and parents mainly worked so we had freedom to explore our boundaries. Sometimes parents found out and you paid the price. My wish is that someday Steve’s Grandkids and mine might read these and understand their crazy wild ass Grandpa’s a little better. I hope everyone else gets at least a little amusement out of the tales.
The Cascade Divide
My trip to the Seattle hospital reminded me how much the east and west sides of the Cascade range differ socially, morally, and politically. Our respective beliefs would make different states and damned near different planets.
Swedish hospital has staff from many different national and cultural groups. I enjoy talking to folks from different African, Asian, and European cultures. Oops, almost forgot Australia and New Zealand.
My first surgeon over there was a Kiwi and I had at least one Australian tech. No one from Antarctica even though one doctor walked like a penguin!
By Scott Mclean
read moreSeattle Visit
Making another trip to Seattle.
Unfortunately to the hospital and possible spine fusion.
I’m going to take the time to reflect on more enjoyable coastal visits. I missed out on the worlds fair as a kid. My older sister went with the adults but I had to stay at my aunts house because Steve was too young. Mom said it wouldn’t be fair for me to go and Steve not.
By Scott Mclean
read moreAging Gracefully or Not
Aging gracefully. What does it mean?
Personally, I don’t think I’ve ever had a graceful moment in my life.
There is one woman at the rehab center (I got lectured for calling it a nursing home) who might qualify. She rides her wheelchair quietly down the hall with a smile like she knows a secret we don’t, or maybe she just crop dusted someone. I don’t know the reason but she looks serene.
By Scott Mclean
read moreQuestionable People
I am going to continue my observations on the human (sometimes questionable) species. Excuse my terminology but even the very old can be dicks.
My wife will tell you that I constantly watch and notice random acts or objects.
There is one elderly man who parks his wheelchair in the congested corner by the nurses station. There are usually several carts there and when he thinks no one is looking he will move one close enough to his feet to block the hall. He then pretends to be asleep. I accidentally (not) knocked over a tray behind him and he almost wet himself. He gives me dirty looks now but leaves me an open path.
By Scott Mclean
read moreEmbarassing Moments
Okay guys, awkward moments.
I know we’ve all had our share of these and one this morning brought up the subject.
My veins run deep so can be a challenge to people drawing blood. A woman up here missed twice two days ago. After two misses they have to quit. It took three people that time. I think she was determined not to fail this time. It was band here, band there make a fist, open palm turn arm, whack the search area, and all the tricks. She finally found one and the final position was her breast in my open palm while she poked around. She was finally successful and some might have enjoyed the position I was in but anyone who knows me would realize I was slightly embarrassed and uncomfortable.
By Scott Mclean
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