Thursday Thirteen

 

Here is a list of some weird items you can buy online, links included.

1. Mini Hand Squirrel – Tiny vinyl squirrel finger covers that turn your hand into a bizarre woodland creature. Find it here.

2. Rubber Chicken Purse – Make a fashion statement that says, “Yes, I am clucking fabulous.” Bonus: doubles as an impromptu comedy prop. Check it out.

3. Toilet Timer – Give your bathroom philosopher friends a subtle nudge. Sand runs out in five minutes, but existential pondering is forever. See it here.

4. Bacon Strip Bandages – Heal your wounds while making everyone question whether you’ve cooked yourself. Not edible, but undeniably hilarious. Get them here.

5. Anatomy Swimsuit – Science meets beachwear! Impress your fellow swimmers while deeply confusing lifeguards. Take a look.

6. Cat Tongue Brush – Want to bond with your cat like a real feline parent? This brush lets you groom them by “licking” them. Results may include deep regret. Find it here.

7. Urinal Shot Glasses – Because nothing makes taking a shot more appealing than miniature plumbing fixtures. Cheers? Check them out.

8. Handerpants – Underwear for your hands. Because traditional gloves were too mainstream. Fashion crime or genius invention? You decide. See them here.

9. Hot Dog Soap – Nothing says “refreshing” like rubbing a soap bar shaped like a meaty snack all over yourself. Try explaining this to house guests. Get it here.

10. Human Face Stress Balls – Squish away stress with these unsettlingly realistic face-shaped stress balls. Perfect for lighthearted therapy or creeping out co-workers. Find them here.

11. Shrek Toothpaste Cap – Every morning, the mighty Shrek emerges to bless your dental hygiene journey. Because brushing should be an ogre-sized adventure. Check it out.

12. Baguette Pillow – The dream of cuddling a loaf of bread is finally a reality! Perfect for the carb enthusiast who refuses to sleep in anything less than full French bakery luxury. See it here.

13. Throw Throw Burrito – A dodgeball card game where soft burritos become projectiles. Finally, a reason to pelt your loved ones with food without starting a family feud. Get it here.

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Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while, and this is my 906th time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.

Joan of Arc on May 7, 1429

AI Image

I recently started watching a 5-part documentary series called Warrior Women on Amazon Prime. It is narrated by Lucy Lawless (who played Xena: Warrior Princess on the show of the same name). Her first story was about Joan of Arc. I've always been fascinated by this young woman, who somehow managed to lead armies into battle only to end up burned at the stake.

***

Imagine a city teetering on the edge of defeat, surrounded by enemies, its people losing hope. Enter Joan of Arc—a teenage peasant with an unshakable belief in her divine mission, clad in armor, leading an army into battle with unwavering conviction. What happened on May 7, 1429, was nothing less than extraordinary.

The Siege of Orléans: A Leader Like No Other

By the time Joan arrived at Orléans, the English siege had lasted over seven months. The city was starving, morale was crumbling, and surrender seemed inevitable. But Joan—just 17 years old, fiercely determined, and radiating an almost supernatural charisma—believed she was sent by God to drive the English out of France.

Though many doubted her, she refused to be dismissed. She convinced Charles VII, the hesitant French king, to let her lead an army—a decision that would change everything. This was not just about military strategy. This was about hope.

The Storming of Les Tourelles: Joan’s Defining Moment

On May 7, 1429, Joan led a daring assault on the English stronghold of Les Tourelles, a fortress guarding the entrance to Orléans. With her banner held high, she rallied troops like no other leader could. Her presence on the battlefield was electrifying, not just because she fought, but because she inspired.

As the battle raged, Joan was struck by an arrow, falling to the ground. Anyone else might have retreated, but Joan was not anyone else. She insisted on returning to the fight, despite the injury, charging forward with renewed determination. Her soldiers—previously disheartened—matched her energy, overwhelming the English forces.

By nightfall, the French claimed victory. The next day, the English abandoned their siege. Joan had not only won a battle—she had transformed the war.

Why This Day Mattered

Joan’s triumph at Orléans was not just a military success—it was a psychological victory for France. The tide of the Hundred Years’ War began to shift. Over the next few months, Joan continued to lead armies, paving the way for Charles VII’s coronation.

But her rise was meteoric—and dangerous. Her unwavering faith and unorthodox leadership made her both revered and feared. In 1431, she was captured and burned at the stake as a heretic. Yet even in death, she remained resolute, refusing to renounce her visions.

Centuries later, she was canonized as a saint.

Joan of Arc was not just a warrior—she was a visionary, a leader, and a woman who defied every expectation. Her sheer conviction, courage, and refusal to accept defeat made May 7, 1429, a day that changed history.

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More on the Courthouse Demolition

 

The brick buildings to the left will stay.

What's left of the structure as of Sunday.

The Botetourt County Courthouse demolition continues. The county plans to replace this building with a $30 million structure that will have two circuit court courtrooms and plenty of space for whatever else is needed, along with accessibility and safety features.

Anyway, that was the plan last time I saw it. Given the current administration's weird fixation on things that makes life a little easier for some folks, I can only assume that the locality will move forward with what was approved, even if accessibility features might be "woke" because apparently handicapped people don't need to use the courtroom or something.

This is what the new structure is supposed to look like:

This is what the old structure looked like (without the steeple):

I wrote about this a few weeks ago here, when the front was still in place. It is gone now. Soon this will be just a memory.

Also, if you're interested in seeing the construction as it happens, it can be viewed at fincastlecourthousecam.com. There's a live cam showing the process.

Governmental Neglect

A Critical Look at Systemic Neglect

Since January, the current administration has enacted sweeping budget cuts that disproportionately affect healthcare, food assistance, and other essential social programs. While these measures are often framed as "cost-saving" initiatives, their consequences raise ethical concerns about governance and the treatment of marginalized populations, particularly low-income and disabled folks.

The Impact of Healthcare Cuts

One of the most significant policy shifts has been the reduction in funding for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The administration has eliminated thousands of jobs within the agency, including positions at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These cuts have led to the termination of health-tracking programs that monitor disease trends, environmental health risks, and public health emergencies. Without these programs, policymakers and healthcare providers lack critical data to address health disparities. Already the Covid-19 vaccinations for fall are at risk. How many will the newest strain kill?

Food Assistance and Economic Strain

The administration has also targeted food assistance programs, reducing funding for initiatives that support low-income families. These cuts disproportionately affect disabled individuals and those living in poverty, exacerbating food insecurity and economic instability. The justification for these reductions often centers on eliminating "wasteful spending," yet the long-term consequences may lead to increased healthcare costs and social unrest. I daresay the spending isn't wasteful to the mother trying to feed her children. Isn't the pro-life crowd in charge now?

A Systemic Pattern?

Some critics argue that these policy decisions reflect a broader ideological stance—one that prioritizes economic efficiency over human welfare. By systematically reducing support for vulnerable populations, the administration risks reinforcing social hierarchies that favor the elite while neglecting those deemed "unnecessary" or "unwanted." This approach raises ethical questions about governance and the role of public institutions in safeguarding citizens' well-being.

I would go so far as to say that the government is practicing a weird form of eugenics (trying to breed desirable qualities into people), as a type of "cleansing" of the kind of people that the oligarchy (or bro billionaires) find repugnant and unacceptable. After all, if they're dead, they can't breed. The government wants women to have more children, but I have the impression it's only the "right kind" of women they want to have those kids.

Conclusion

The current administration's approach to budget cuts is ill-advised, unwarranted, and unsound. I would much rather see a million dollars spent knowing there will be some loss to fraud than to end assistance entirely. The elimination of essential health and food assistance programs disproportionately affects marginalized communities, raising questions about the ethical implications of governance. As these policies unfold, it is crucial to examine their long-term impact and advocate for solutions that prioritize human dignity over economic expediency.

For further details on these policy changes, you can explore sources such as The Hill, Federal News Network, and The Conversation. Also check out HHS.gov for an outline on the official announcement regarding the transformation of HHS, including workforce reductions and policy shifts and HHS Fact Sheet, which details the restructuring plan, including budget cuts and consolidation of divisions.

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Five Things

 Five things I did last week -

1. Went to the grocery store.

2. Went to downtown Roanoke.

3. Visited the local farmers' market.

4. Saw my doctor.

5. Had the heat pump/air conditioner checked and serviced.

Sunday Stealing

Welcome to Sunday Stealing. Here we will steal all types of questions from every corner of the blogosphere. Our promise to you is that we will work hard to find the most interesting and intelligent questions. Cheers to all of us thieves!

I can't trace back where these were stolen from. So sue me.

Time Travel

What were you doing . . . 

1. Twenty years ago?

A. Twenty years ago, in 2005, I would have been writing for the local newspaper and having a fine time of it, too. I so enjoyed that work. I loved dealing with all of the people, I liked investigating things, I enjoyed writing historical pieces and learning about how things used to be. I liked deadlines! I liked seeing my byline in the paper. I liked feeling like I was contributing to my community by ensuring folks knew what was going on around them. It was like teaching but without the pain of students and grades.

2. Ten years ago? 

A. Almost to the day, I was working on an involved article that made me miss the work I was doing in 2005, because by then the work had slowed down considerably with the influx of more internet and print editions of newspapers were dying.

3. Five years ago?

A. Five years ago, we were in lockdown from the Covid-19 pandemic, still. Thanks to this blog, I know that I was home, and my husband came home early and scared me so much that I threw a piece of bologna at him (apparently, I was in the midst of making a sandwich).

4. One year ago?

A. We saw the Northern Lights! They came all the way as far south as we are and then some. They weren't vibrant green, but they were red, and they were splendid.

5. Yesterday?

A.  We went to the farmers' market and bought a hanging basket. Then we watched it rain. Since we are in a drought, that was a happy occasion.

Bonus! What will you do tomorrow?

A. I'm taking a relative to have blood work done.

Thank you for playing! Please come back next week.

__________

I encourage you to visit other participants in Sunday Stealing posts and leave a comment. Cheers to all us thieves who love memes, however we come by them.

Saturday 9: Georgia on My Mind

Saturday 9: Georgia on My Mind (1978)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) The lyrics refer to "an old sweet song." What old sweet song is a favorite of yours?

A. My grandmother used to sing "A Bicycle Built for Two" to me when I was sad, upset, or had skinned up something.

 

2) Composer Hoagy Carmichael said he was inspired by saxophonist Frankie Trumbauer to write a song about Georgia. In those days, bands traveled by bus and Frankie enjoyed rolling through Georgia. Hoagy recalled that Frankie even volunteered the first two words, "Georgia, Georgia ..." If we were to organize a Saturday 9 bus trip, where would you recommend we go for lovely scenery?

A. I would recommend a trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway. It's not far from me and there are lovely views of the mountains.

 

3) This version of "Georgia on My Mind" was controversial before it was even recorded. Willie Nelson's label, Columbia, didn't see the point of their outlaw country star singing an old standard that was associated with Ray Charles and Ella Fitzgerald. Willie had the last laugh. This record was a hit and Willie won a Grammy. Tell us about a time when you were a success despite opposition.

A. I don't think anyone expected me to have much of a career as a writer. Maybe I didn't, to their way of thinking, but I have written and published literally thousands of articles over the last 40 years. You don't do that by luck. That takes perseverance and sweat equity. It might not be words bound up in a book, but it's an impressive collection of words all the same.

 

4) While it's at odds with his "outlaw" image, Willie was a popular and active high school student. He played three sports and was a member of Future Farmers of America. What school activities did you participate in during your teen years?

A. I was a member of the National Honor Society, I played in the band, and I was on the debate team for a time. 

 

5) Willie once worked as a tree trimmer, so clearly he didn't suffer from acrophobia. How about you? Do you have a fear of heights?

A. I don't have a fear of heights, per se, but I don't like elevators. I once went to visit someone in the hospital, and I got off the elevator and fainted. I guess that's as good a place as any for a fear to overcome you.

 

6) He wrote the lyrics to one of his biggest hits, "On the Road Again," during a flight, using the airplane barf bag as scrap paper. That was back in 1980. In 2025, do you handwrite onto note paper, or do you make all your "notes to self" digitally?

A. I make my notes on both, actually. Some reminders are digital, some are on a paper calendar.

7) In 1978, when Willie was singing "Georgia on My Mind," audiences were flocking to see the movie Grease. What's your favorite song from Grease?

A. "Hopelessly Devoted to You."

8) Also in 1978, Karina Smirnoff was born. After spending her early years in the Ukraine, she came to America and found success on Dancing with the Stars. Are you a DWTS fan?

A. I have never seen the show.

 

9) Random question: Do you ever carry a backpack?

A. Not since I finished college. I used to carry one to class all the time; it was a great way to keep my schoolbooks and my work for the newspaper separate. 

_______________

I encourage you to visit the posts of other participants in Saturday 9 and leave a comment. Because there are no rules, it is your choice. Saturday 9 players hate rules. We love memes, however. 

Thursday Thirteen

Beltane is an ancient Celtic festival celebrated on May 1, marking the transition from spring to summer. Traditionally, it was a fire festival, with large bonfires lit to honor the sun and encourage fertility, growth, and protection for the coming season. In early Irish customs, cattle were driven between two fires as a ritual to safeguard them from disease before they were sent to summer pastures.

The festival is deeply connected to nature and renewal, symbolizing the union of masculine and feminine energies, often represented by the Green Man and the May Queen. People would dance around the Maypole, weave floral crowns, and engage in joyous celebrations to welcome abundance and prosperity. Beltane was also believed to be a time when the veil between the human and supernatural worlds was thin, allowing fairies and spirits to roam freely.

Modern Pagan and Wiccan communities continue to celebrate Beltane with bonfires, feasts, and rituals that honor passion, creativity, and the life-giving forces of nature. It remains a vibrant and meaningful holiday for those who embrace the rhythms of the earth and the cycles of renewal.

Here are other things than have happened on May 1:

    1. 1006 – A supernova is observed by Chinese and Egyptian astronomers in the constellation Lupus.

    2. 1308 – Albert I, King of Germany, is assassinated by his nephew John of Swabia.

    3. 1328 – The Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton ends the Wars of Scottish Independence, recognizing Scotland as an independent state.

    4. 1753 – Carl Linnaeus publishes Species Plantarum, marking the formal start of plant taxonomy.

    5. 1924 – Iodized salt is first sold in the United States to combat iodine deficiency.

    6. 1931 – The Empire State Building is officially dedicated in New York City.

    7. 1941 – Citizen Kane, often considered the greatest film ever made, premieres in New York City.

    8. 1961 – The first major airplane hijacking in the U.S. occurs, forcing a flight to detour to Cuba.

    9. 1971 – Amtrak begins service in the United States.

    10. 1991 – Baseball player Rickey Henderson steals his 939th base, breaking the MLB record.

    11. 1999 – The body of British mountaineer George Mallory is discovered on Mount Everest, 75 years after his disappearance.

    12. 2004 – The European Union expands to include 10 new member states.

    13. 2011 – Pope John Paul II is beatified in Vatican City.

_________________

Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while, and this is my 905th time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.

Parts of a Septic System

City folks use sewer lines which carry their waste from their toilets to a large filtration system.

Country folks use septic systems. It's basically a little mini filtration system that carries waste from the toilet to a tank.

Stuff percolates in the tank and the water oozes on out down lines, where it seeps into the ground and the soil somehow or another takes care of filtration.

Septic tanks need to be pumped out about every 3 to 5 years. The more people, the more pumping.

There are many different types of septic systems. There are conventional systems, pump systems, systems that require French drains, sand mound systems, and many others.

Anyway, here are some pictures of some things that go into septic systems:

This is a line.

Part of the distribution systems that makes
sure stuff gets where it needs to go.

This system required pumping, so this is
part of the pump housing/chamber.

Electrical stuff for the pump.

Hello down there!

The pump chambers before being covered up.

 

A Poem

The Eclipse at Crowgate Hill

The road vanished long ago.
Time here doesn't pass,
it unravels.

I followed the birds,
thinking they might remember
where home was,
but they only circled
and screamed.

A gate stands open
but I don't remember
coming through it.
Was I meant to leave
or meant to arrive?

The fence has fallen—
wire slack,
duty long abandoned.
The trees lean away from me,
their branches like warning hands.

The sun hangs wrong in the sky,
a smudge of fire
pressed through ash.

Everything looks
like something I once knew.
A fence.
A hill.
A silence so thick
it feels like breathing dust.

I think I’ve lost more than direction.
Names slip.
Faces blur.
Even my own shadow
has stopped trying to follow.

In the stillness,
something waits—
a fragment of warmth,
a sound I almost know,
humming in the dark like memory.

You once said hope
was a steady light,
but I’ve learned
it flickers
like a match in a storm—
sometimes lost,
sometimes hiding,
never quite gone.

If I keep walking,
maybe I’ll find it.
Or maybe I’ll become it—
the thing that stays behind,
after a voice stops singing,
as the birds rise
into a sky that no longer cares
if I was ever here.

(This poem was inspired by an image called "July 11th, 1991, in Chiapas, Mexico" // Photo by Antonio Turok)

National Child Abuse Prevention Month

Every child deserves a safe, loving environment—yet thousands of children suffer neglect and abuse each year. April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to educate, advocate, and take action to protect our most vulnerable.

Understanding the Issue

Child abuse can take many forms—physical, emotional, sexual, or neglect—and its impact can last a lifetime. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services reports that millions of cases are investigated annually, with many more going unreported. Prevention starts with awareness and community involvement.

Key Statistics on Child Abuse

• 1 in 7 children in the U.S. experiences abuse or neglect each year.

• More than 550,000 children were known to authorities as victims of abuse in 2022.

• Child abuse rates are five times higher for children living in poverty.

• 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys in the U.S. experience child sexual abuse.

• An estimated 1,990 children died from abuse and neglect in 2022.

How You Can Make a Difference

• Educate Yourself and Others – Learn the signs of abuse and ways to prevent it. Some common signs include:

  • Unexplained injuries, such as bruises or burns.

  • Sudden changes in behavior, like aggression, withdrawal, or anxiety.

  • Fear of going home or being around certain individuals.

  • Poor hygiene or consistently inappropriate clothing for the weather.

  • Risk-taking behaviors, such as substance use or carrying weapons.

  • Overly sexualized behavior or knowledge inappropriate for their age.

• Support Families and Caregivers – Strong support systems reduce the risk of abuse.

• Advocate for Policies That Protect Children – Legislative efforts help create safer environments.

• Get Involved Locally – Volunteer with organizations working to prevent child abuse.

Building a Safer Future

Preventing child abuse isn’t just a responsibility—it’s a collective effort. By spreading awareness, offering support, and standing up for children, we can create a society where every child thrives.

Resources for Help

If you suspect a child is in danger, contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) or reach out to local services.

Five Things

 

Five things I did last week - 

1. Took my husband to the eye doctor.

2. Received a haircut and ensured a relative also received a haircut.

3. Walked on the treadmill every day.

4. Visited the chiropractor.

5. I also saw the dentist!

Sunday Stealing

The Gale Interview Questions

1. What's the most daring thing you've ever done? Did it take physical or emotional courage?

A. I went up in a hot air balloon and flew over my county. I also went up in a small airplane and flew over my county. The former took courage, the latter was just not thinking.

2. Where did you meet the love of your life?

A. We met a high school football game, although I had known him since elementary school. We rode the same bus. However, he was four years older than I and paid no attention to me, or I to him, really, except I remember him, but he doesn't remember me.

3. What brand/flavor of coffee are you drinking these days?

A. I do not drink coffee.

4. What's the coolest place you've ever visited and how did you get there (car, plane, motorcycle, etc.)?

A. The coolest place I've ever visited New York City. I got there by car once and by plane another time.

5. What's the best concert you ever attended?

A. We went to an Elton John concert in 1999 when it was just him and his piano, no band. It was sensational.

__________

I encourage you to visit other participants in Sunday Stealing posts and leave a comment. Cheers to all us thieves who love memes, however we come by them.

Saturday 9: I'll Be Loving You

Saturday 9: I'll Be Loving You (Forever) – 1989

 

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

 

1) A Greek philosopher said, "There is nothing permanent except change." The New Kids on the Block sang, "I'll be loving you forever." Who do you think is right? Or can both be right?

A. Love takes on many different forms. I think change is a constant that we must all learn to live with, and that doesn't necessarily have to be because of love. Allegedly, a person can change who they are every second of the day, or so I have heard. Love, real love, should not be fleeting, or based upon conditions or score keeping. Love is acceptance. Sometimes that becomes difficult, and turning away is the easier road. It depends on the people involved. There is no right or wrong answer to this question.

 

2) In this week's song, New Kids lead singer Jordan Knight sings that he can't take a broken heart. What advice would you give someone struggling through the end of a romance?

A. If your heart is broken, then you must feel the feels, perhaps even lean into the sadness with a few tearful songs and then eventually look to the sun. Take long walks, care for yourself first. Only then can one begin to see the truth of what was or what will be.

 

3) Jordan was invited to join the New Kids on the Block by his friend, Donnie Wahlberg. Has a friend ever gotten you a job?

A. I have obtained jobs with the help of others. They were not good fits for me, though.

4) Donnie began his show business career as a singer/rapper. Now he's probably better known as an actor, appearing for 14 seasons on a popular police show. Can you name it?

A. I have no idea what the question is talking about, so no, I cannot name it. I don't even know who Donnie is.

5) Much of the video for this song was filmed in the gymnasium of Xavier High School in New York City. When is the last time you were in a high school gym?

A. I was last in a high school gym in 2018 to visit a craft show that was set up in there.

 

6) The video also shows the boys enjoying pizza. What toppings are on your dream pizza?

A. My dream pizza would have onions, green peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, zucchini and slices of tomato on top of the cheese and tomato sauce. I like a good veggie pizza, although I haven't had one in a very long time.

 

7) The band is back together! The New Kids on the Block will be appearing this summer at the Park MGM in Las Vegas. Do you have any concert plans this year?

A. I have no concert plans for this year.

 

8) In 1989, when this song was popular, Irish golfer Rory McIlroy was born. He recently won the prestigious Masters Tournament. Tell us about a competition you won. (Yes, your third-grade spelling bee counts.)

A. I have won several writing and poetry contests over the years. In 2009, I won first place in the Sherwood Anderson Short Story Contest for a piece called, "The Last Cutting," which was about a farmer (imagine that). I don't think this contest is held anymore.

9) Random question – On which game show would you do better: Jeopardy! or Wheel of Fortune?

A. I would probably do better on Wheel of Fortune. I feel too ignorant for Jeopardy! these days.

_______________

I encourage you to visit the posts of other participants in Saturday 9 and leave a comment. Because there are no rules, it is your choice. Saturday 9 players hate rules. We love memes, however. 

 

Generic Drugs

Copilot image

I picked up one of my prescriptions the other day and found that, for the fourth month in a row, it's a generic from a different company. Four different generics of the same medication, and they all have caused different reactions for me. Some have made me dream wild, vivid nightmares. Some have made me more irritable. Some have made my chronic pain increase (which tells me that particular generic wasn't working well at all).

This isn’t just a fluke and my own personal issue —many people experience variations in the effectiveness and side effects of generic medications depending on the manufacturer. While generics are required to contain the same active ingredient as their brand-name counterparts, they can differ in important ways.

Why Generics Aren’t Always Identical

Generic drugs must meet bioequivalence standards set by the FDA, meaning they must deliver the same amount of active ingredient into the bloodstream as the brand-name version. However, the FDA allows a plus or minus 20% difference (!) in this concentration. While most generic drugs vary by less than 4%, even small differences can affect how a person metabolizes the medication.

Then there are the inactive ingredients—the binders, preservatives, dyes, and fillers that help shape the pill or extend its shelf life. These components can influence how the drug dissolves, how quickly it's absorbed, and even whether a person tolerates it well. For people with sensitivities to certain fillers or dyes, switching manufacturers month to month can trigger unexpected side effects.

Why the Manufacturer Matters

When a pharmacy switches between generic manufacturers due to cost or availability, patients may unknowingly experience these shifts firsthand. Some studies suggest that for drugs with a narrow therapeutic index—like antidepressants, blood pressure medications, or thyroid hormones—even subtle variations can make a noticeable difference.

Take, for example, generic antidepressants. While one manufacturer’s version might work fine, another could lead to increased anxiety or a return of depressive symptoms due to differences in absorption or metabolic response.

What Can You Do?

If you've noticed changes in how a medication affects you when switching generics, here are a few proactive steps to take:

• Ask your pharmacy if they can consistently provide a specific manufacturer’s version—some will accommodate this request. Be warned though: many pharmacists do not admit that different generics can cause different reactions. I have not had any luck when talking to the pharmacist, but all they can do is say no if you ask, and you might get lucky.

• Talk to your doctor about whether a brand-name version might be necessary for your treatment. (The drug I am taking is no longer available in a brand-name version; not all older drugs are.) Your doctor needs to know if the medication is no longer working for you - maybe there is a different drug to try. I consider this the most important step.

• Check the pill’s imprint code to identify the manufacturer, allowing you to track which versions work best for you. You can also keep the bottles and make note of the manufacturer on each. I am considering creating a spreadsheet on my medication if this keeps up.

While generics save patients billions of dollars each year, they’re not always identical in effect. Understanding these differences can help ensure that your medication is working the way it’s supposed to.

Thursday Thirteen

For today's Thursday Thirteen, let's go to dinner with fictional characters!

1. Sherlock Holmes (Sherlock Holmes series by Arthur Conan Doyle) – The sharpest mind in the room, always thinking ten steps ahead.

2. Kinsey Millhone (Alphabet Mysteries series by Sue Grafton) – Practical, independent, and an expert at asking the right questions.

3. Jay Gatsby (The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald) – Glamour, mystery, and a charismatic host who knows how to entertain.

4. Dumbledore (Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling) – Wise, enigmatic, and full of deep insights with a twinkle of mischief.

5. Tyrion Lannister (A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin / Game of Thrones TV series) – Witty, shrewd, and guaranteed to keep the conversation entertaining.

6. Anne Shirley (Anne of Green Gables series by L.M. Montgomery) – Spirited, imaginative, and an engaging storyteller who sees magic in everyday life.

7. Gandalf (The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien) – Profound wisdom, a touch of magic, and grand adventures in every word he speaks.

8. Jo March (Little Women by Louisa May Alcott) – Passionate, fiery, and fiercely independent, with a deep love for literature and debate.

9. Captain Jack Sparrow (Pirates of the Caribbean film series by Disney) – Unpredictable, amusing, and a wild card who may or may not cause trouble.

10. Winnie the Pooh (Winnie-the-Pooh series by A.A. Milne) – Gentle, lovable, and bringing a sense of warmth, kindness, and simple wisdom.

11. The Mad Hatter (Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll) – Whimsically chaotic and delightfully odd, sure to shake up the dinner conversation.

12. Luna Lovegood (Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling) – Quirky, insightful, and wonderfully peculiar, seeing the world through a unique lens.

13. Charlotte (the spider) (Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White) – Thoughtful, kind, and a true master of words, bringing quiet wisdom to the table.

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Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while, and this is my 904th time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.

Tearing Down the Court House

About 50 years ago, the Botetourt County Courthouse in nearby Fincastle burned down. I only have a vague memory of it happening, but my father-in-law was one of the firefighters who went to fight the blaze, so I have heard stories about it from my husband.

The courthouse was rebuilt mostly with funds from the community and some tax dollars. It was built to look very much like its predecessor.

Unfortunately, like much construction in the 1970s, the courthouse rebuild was not the best. Over time, its exterior began to crumble and inside there was black mold. The county staff also outgrew the facility, which was relatively small to hold the Circuit Court, the Commissioner of Revenue, the Treasurer, and the County Administration.

Perhaps better upkeep by the county would have kept the structure in better shape, but that would have been done with tax dollars. The same people who are gnashing their teeth and crying because this old building is being torn down to be replaced with a newer model are the same people who complain about having to pay taxes. Their inability to understand that it takes tax dollars to do public things always amazes me.

At any rate, the process is underway and in a few years we will have a big new courthouse. But first comes the tearing down part.

This was the courthouse in 2018.

This is the courthouse without the steeple, and with fencing around it.
It is empty now. Circuit Court is being held at new space created
in the jailhouse, and the records and staff are in an older building to the
left of this photo.

This is to the left of the courthouse. The white building once housed emergency services
and then served as a community building. It will also be torn down and this area
will become a multi-level parking area. The brick structures will remain.

They are blasting this week. That's what all the stuff on the side of the hill is.

This is the backside of the courthouse. As you can see, it is being demolished.

I took this shot to show the top where the clock is from the rear.

I think the destruction of the front of the building will be the most painful for residents who saw this structure as the signature building for Botetourt County. I'm not sure when that will occur, but I daresay it won't be long in coming.

Five Things

 

Five things from last week -

1. Took a relative to the doctor and the grocery store.

2. Had the young woman who cleans for me once a month in to do the heavy lifting.

3. Continued my daily routine of walking on the treadmill.

4. Went to the Division of Motor Vehicles for some paperwork only to find a 3-hour wait, so I left.

5. I learned a good lesson about how little certain people care for me.