Strep throat?; Injections for the Kennedy's; "Harsh Realm"; first autumn rains

This has not been my week for vim, vigor and vitality. I've had some type of problem every night. The earlier part of the week was a "mooncast shadow" compared to last night. Around ten I begin to develop a sore throat that seemed to get progressively worse as the night evolved. The irritation was such a nuisance that it kept me awake most of the night. Although I thought it was part of the upper respiratory bug, this morning I begin to suspect it might be strep throat. I was so miserable at work, that I gave up at noon, came home and went to bed. Around 3, I decided I'd better pay another visit to the clinic. The doctor took a throat culture, but it was negative. He said it was severe sinus drainage and indicated a shot of cortisone might help. About an hour later, I begin to feel not quite as bad.

Twice before, I had something similiar to this, and it quickly developed into pneumonia. The last time, it took almost three weeks to get over it. Had all the energy of a Yugo. Was depressed out of my skull even with antidepresssants. The only interesting thing I remember was sitting by the front window with Grae (biggest kitty) watching a garbage truck in the street. Grae obviously saw the truck, then looked at me as if to say, "What is it doing?" I'd explain, then he would look back at the truck, then me. I've learned over the years, that he is one super intelligent feline. So I'm sure that he understood a great deal of what was going on.

Speaking of cortisone... Several years ago, my mother was reading a book about John and Jackie Kennedy. He had severe back pains, and she had a number of bothersome ailments. Someone referred them to a doctor in Manhattan who was supposed to be able to work wonders. He prescribed a series of injections. John found the shots so terrific that he insisted on having one before important meetings. Bobbie Kennedy, kept telling his brother to have the shots anaylyzed, which he finally did. The injections were found to consist of a mixture of demerol, cotisone and amphetamines! In short - the consummate "feel good" prescription, and addictive as hell! In fact, I've read since then that the combination may have considerably weakened Jackie's immune system and possibly had an impact on her cancer..

Earlier I watched the new Chris Carter production, "Harsh Realm." All about virtual reality. A not uninteresting premiere. Always enjoy seeing D. B. Sweeney, who I consider very underrated much like Kevin Spacey. Carter brings his usual finesse to the visual style. Now, if he will just treat the characters and viewers with some dignity. I've become totally disillussioned with "X Files." Carter has jerked the audience around one too many times with his plot holes and inconsistent plot lines.

The first autumn rains arrived this afternoon. At first, a very random, intermittent drizzle. When I came out of the clinic, it was slightly more persistent. Within the last hour or so, it has been more constant. And I hope it will continue through the night. If anybody has a rain fetish, I do. Lucious wet drops swirling down from the heavens. Maybe tonight, Mr. Sandman, or Morpheus will visit. Actually, now that I think of it, I wouldn't mind if Lucas Ridgeston popped up!

PAX!