DAILY DIRT: Stevie was blind, but now he can see

Daily Dirt for Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024

Not so long ago we enjoyed the Rolling Stones. Now? We’re trying to avoid kidney stones … Welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 1,115 of The Daily Dirt.

Steve Thought O’ The Day – This is a personal note, but I think it may apply to others out there. I recently had double cataract surgery (tied in with correcting some glaucoma problems), and I was scared to death going into what was a two-day procedure. I imagined not being able to see afterward, and about a dozen other horrible things.

Let me just say the medical team headlined by Dr. Joseph Guza at the Physicians Surgery Center in Hannibal, Mo., did a magnificent job. Simply magnificent. I have nothing but superlatives for them. I can see better now than I have at any time in my life (I had been wearing glasses since I was 10 years old). My point is, don’t be afraid like I had been for years. Modern technology and the medical talents of personnel in this area are both amazing.

Also, a special tip o’ the hat to Dr. Kristie Chevalier, my Quincy-based optometrist who talked with me and my wife, Kathy, at great length beforehand. Without the confidence I had in her, I probably would not have taken that important step. Bottom line? If you are in a similar position as I was, pull a Michael Jordan and just do it. You’ll likely be seeing the world in a completely different light.

Now, onto our regular programming …

1. Have you ever thought about how much your life has changed over the years?

If you’re a boomer, just think back to the late 1970s — roughly 45 years ago — and think about what might have occupied your mind THEN, compared to NOW.

Raise your hands if you can relate to any of the following:

• We were likely listening to the latest from the Rolling Stones. Now? There’s a good chance we’re more concerned with avoiding kidney stones.
• Most of us had long hair. Now? Many boomers are simply longing for hair.
• Many boomers were still wearing bell bottoms. Now? They’re more concerned with big bottoms.
• Those wild and crazy boomers were concerned with FINDING a new, hip joint to try out. Now? Many boomers are concerned with GETTING a new hip joint to try out.
• Many boomers were still singing “Stayin’ Alive” as one of their anthems. Now? Those same boomers list “stayin’ alive” as a goal, not necessarily their favorite sing-a-long.
• Boomers loved acid rock. Now? Boomers are trying to avoid acid reflux.
• Many boomers were still enjoying 8-tracks. Now? Many are not enjoying their cataracts.
• All boomers wanted to do was rock and roll all night. Now? Most would simply rather sleep all night.

It’s been a long and crazy ride.

2. Did you know (Part 189)

• That 25 years ago you could buy a dozen McDonald’s hamburgers for less than $5.
• That one of McDonald’s all-time favorites, the Holiday Pie, will soon be back at the Golden Arches.
• That Jersey Mike’s is offering its fan favorite pastrami sub during the holiday season in two forms: Classic and Chipotle..
• That Entenmann’s Little Bites Hot Cocoa Muffins with Marshmallow Bites are now on store shelves.
• That the British refer to what we call a sweater as a “jumper”. Those same British also refer to a parking lot as a “car park” and an undershirt as a “vest”. 
• Ocean Spray has released its first holiday flavor: Mulled Blackberry Pear.
• Barilla is releasing “snow-shaped” pasta for the holidays.

3. We have roughly six weeks remaining in our third Great Plate Debate, the annual year-long quest to find the most creative vanity license plate(s) in West-Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri.

The leader in the clubhouse is currently DR LOV, and like I said last week, it’s going to take a mighty interesting plate to unseat this entry. Interestingly, I received a letter from the owner of that plate after she saw it appear in a recent Daily Dirt ranking — and a great correspondence it was. 

Included in a very thoughtful note from Laura Lee (Foster) Love, Ph.D. (a.k.a. Dr. Love) was the following:

“Although I understand that there are probably other stronger contenders out there in the world, I am truly hoping that DR LOV wins the Great Plate Debate.  Not only for you, Minister of Culture and Doctor of Love.  It quite possibly might make my 90-year-old mother very proud all over again.  What’s not to LOV about that?”

By the way, I’m still smiling, Laura! The medal stand remains unchanged from last week:

Gold medal: DR LOV.

Silver medal: GOD 911. 

Bronze medal: XLMAMA.

This week’s best of the rest included:

• CARS 4
• LAZIBOI
• KOLGMA
• ORBT 1
• TACKL 2
• LUVPINK
• EATER 6
• KING OF Q
• DER DER 0

Steve Eighinger writes daily for Muddy River News. Sucking up and gifts work really well on him.