Category: Life with Pratts

Where You From, Boy?

I was born outside of Chicago, but I consider myself to be from Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, a town between Madison and Milwaukee. My eldest sister attended college and medical school at the University of Wisconsin in Madison.

That was where, at the same time my sister was there, Judy Faulkner got the idea for starting Epic Systems, which now manages up to 75% of non-military medical records in the United States. Judy organized Epic by following the example of the founder of the company where I worked for 36 years. I used to assemble customized operating systems for Judy. Today, Epic Systems just gives me the blues.

I’ve been sort of knocking around the idea of buying a house in Fort Atkinson, and eventually moving there — back there, I should say. To that end, I occasionally check Zillow to see what’s doing with real estate in Fort, where a house comparable to mine costs half as much.

https://www.zillow.com/homes/Fort-Atkinson,-WI_rb/

Madison has some excellent medical care, so I’m not concerned about that, but I’m sure my liberal Massachusetts politics would rub some residents the wrong way. Our houses cost twice as much, so I know we’re right. 😉

Speaking of Elmore James, the first time I heard his name was here.

Covid: Week 3

Two weeks ago tonight, my throat felt sore and I started to cough. The next day I tested myself for Covid and it was negative. As my conditioned worsened to include sneezing I tested myself again, and it was positive.

Depending on the brand of rapid antigen test, results are promised in 15 or 20 minutes. In my case, a positive result doesn’t even take 15-20 seconds.

Yesterday I felt as though I was getting closer to recovery, but today I feel worse. My symptoms are a reminder why there are doctors specializing in ear, nose, and throat ailments.

The coughing mostly stopped last week. My breathing was never affected, and I haven’t had a fever. But if I’m not testing negative again by next week I’ll contact my doctor.

Follow-up: I tested myself again — twice — and… it’s negative. So it seems possible that I have had a plain, old cold, in addition to Covid?

Getting Laid–Back in the 70’s

What’s spinning on the Pioneer PL-112D from 1976?

It’s 24 Laid-Back Rockin’ Easy Hits from 70’s Superstars!

I’m at that age where it doesn’t take much to awaken memories from long ago. Memories of the wonderful girls I knew that can be almost painful. One of the songs in the collection having that effect on me is “Second Avenue” by Tim Moore.

The record reached only #58 on the Billboard chart. Art Garfunkel’s cover of the song was released at the same time and was a #6 hit on Billboard. Garfunkel was the better singer, of course, but for emotional effect I give the nod to the songwriter.