Greetings all . . . as I type this, I've been hover a week-plus in the VA Hospital here in Tampa, after having to admit myself for an infection in my right foot (This time!). They had to do surgery on my foot, as well as remove the upper part of my left big-toe, which had also become infected.

The surgery went off without a major hitch, however due to my having to leave the apartment I had been living in with a co-worker -- who had graciously let me live there for the short-term -- I am now officially homeless.

The social workers here at the VA have been trying to find a solution for me, to get me into some form of temp housing, so that I can be released from the hospital. The problem has been literally every possible solution has bottomed out. It's to the point that no real solution has made itself apparent.

But, I haven't given up hope.

As soon as I can learn of any updates, I'll let everyone know. For now, I ask that people keep me in their prayers and hope I find a place to live ASAP.


-- Stephen

This has not been a great start to this new year.

The person I'm currently rooming with, has stated I have to move out of the apartment before the end of February. I can't really go into the reasons why, but suffice to say, I'm in worse straits that I was last August.

I have to somehow find a new place to live, but the biggest hurdle is coming up with the money for a 1st/last/deposit payment for another apartment. There's one I've found here in South Tampa, which I could afford the monthly rent -- the other expenses would be a tight squeeze, but manageable -- but I'm certain that initial payment is far more than I can afford myself.

The VA has given me no viable options for housing aid, as they have sent me to several programs which have turned out that I don't qualify for (I would need to be suffering from alcohol, drug, emotional, or mental abuse), or that because I am not homeless already, I don't qualify for aid.

I could really use the help, so as much as I hate to ask, I'm asking for anyone and everyone who can do so to please make a donation to my paypal : srsobotka@gmail dot com. Only this time, for every person that can, I will pay you back ASAP before 2025 ends. This is a promise, as I do not want to be a mooch, especially at this late stage.

I am planning to also set up a fund-raiser, but that might not raise the amount needed in time, but it could be used for other expenses dealing with my moving.

Please take this seriously, Folks. I have too many health issues to end up out on the street, and I don't want to become another statistic in "Veterans who didn't make it". Anyone who can't help, please share this with people whom you know might be able to.

All I can say at this time is thank you for listening, and God bless any who are able to help me.
--- Stephen.

The title is no lie.

The apartment that I currently reside in has gone over SIX ownership changes in the past three years, and the latest management team to take charge issued notifications that ALL units were subject to inspections for health/safety reasons.

Unfortunately, they left me a notice as of this morning that my unit "failed", and that now my lease -- which ends on August 31st of this year -- will NOT be renewed. I now have less that two months to move out and find a new place to live.

Which to tell the truth is going to be hard, due to the current cost of rentals in Tampa, and the fact I'm a disabled veteran (who has been trying for the last 5 years or so to get help from the VA . . . but to no avail. because according to the VA I must "already BE HOMELESS" before they can render any aid.

So, I honestly don't know what I'm going to do, save that for the majority of April I have to intensify my search for a new home. At this rate, ANYWHERE is better than where I currently am, and I'm hoping that even if I have to relocate, my current job will allow me to transfer to another store.

But, for now, I'm hoping some solution comes up. I will say also that if anyone here on FA knows of any possible house or apartment that might help solve this problem BEFORE I am homeless? Please let me know. Also, spread word around about my situation. Hoping that something will come to pass to save me from getting thrown into the street.


Keep me in your thoughts.


-- Stephen

Yes, I haven't updated this in a LONG time.

Suffice to say, I'm still alive. Still writing. Just haven't had much to say lately.

Promise to say more in the future!


-- Stephen

Just learned when I tried to favorite one of  fluffball's recent posts this morning that I've been blocked by her.

I honestly don't know why. I haven't the foggiest idea of what I might have done or said that she's taken wrong.

In any case, I'll be sorry that I won't be able to favorite her work, but considering the recent company she kept on Discord, I won't be sorry to lose the company. I always respected her skills as an artist, but the gee dunk she's been associating with?

Well, there are other artists out there to follow.


-- Stephen

I'm in the middle of packing up what belongings I can take with me, and hoping to hear back from city services this morning, so I can get to a shelter before the storm hits.

Track projections predict Ian will either hit Tampa, or somewhere down the coast as far as Sarasota or Fort Myers. In either case, it's a slow mover, and won't be past until Friday or Saturday at best.

I don't say much on here, but if you follow me just know I am trying to get to shelter and hopefully my apartment will still be standing when this is over.

Until then, I'll be trying to keep in touch with folks I know, and whenever I get back home and power and internet is restored, I'll report back in.

Just pray for all of us. This could be the worst storm Tampa has faced in nearly 100 years.


Maintain and Check Six,


Stephen

The VA hospital . . . nice place, the staff was SUPER nice and accommodating, and I couldn't ask for better care.


... but, they have the WORST coordination when it comes to discharging their patients!

I was admitted because of an infection in my foot, and they did and MRI (not doing THAT again if I can help it! I will bring my MP3 player if I have to do an MRI in the future!), and found the bone right behind the fifth metatarsal joint (that's right behind the little toe) was infected. Scheduled for surgery and they were really good in that aspect: never felt a thing, really good in recovery.

But, doctor's were treating me with antibiotics, and of course worried over my sugar levels, but they were certain I would be released to go home this past Friday . . . and, this is where things went felgercarb-hitting-the-fan.

Infectious Disease clinic had to coordinate with Medicine, who needed to make sure I got the right antibiotics for when I got home -- because of SIX weeks of IV therapy -- but they didn't get the Biopsy report from the Labs (they had to check the piece of bone they removed from my foot). Labs shut down around 5pm on Friday, so I had to wait over the weekend for the report on Monday.

Monday comes, and no word from the Lab.

Monday afternoon comes, oh, the Lab sent the report to InfecDis, but they were dragging their heels to get back to Medicine. Doctor's said they couldn't release me until I spoke to Medicine and InfecDis . . . on top of this, I needed to speak to a Social Worker to see how I was going to get home.

Because Podiatry brought me a knee scooter to get around on, and a bath bench -- to help me get into and out of my bath, without stressing my left foot -- which was STILL IN THE BOX. Not to mention the supply of dressings and wraps for the home care nurse to use to treat my foot. I can't carry all of this on the city bus, which was my only means at the time to get home.

So, come to Tuesday morning, and I finally spoke to Medicine. They said all the antibiotics for my IV treatment would be shipped to my apartment to cover the six weeks of therapy I needed to do. Still waiting for InfecDis to speak to me . . . and again, they said, "Still waiting for their doctor to come speak to me, please be patient." . . . . Suffice to say, I'm getting calls from my mother, my workplace and my boss "When are you coming home?"

Needless to say, by now I'm upset because I COULD have been let home Friday, so the nurses told me.

So, now today, I wake up at 7 after getting another call from a workmate (didn't reply because I don't always wake up in a good mood), and was given breakfast . . . again, I ask WHEN is InfecDis coming to talk to me?

"Just be patient, Sir, we'll have the doctor speak to them." (again!)

About 30 minutes later or so . . .wonder of wonders! A doctor shows up.

"Hi I'm from Infectious Disease . . . need to talk to you about the lab results."

Turns out, they were dragging because they needed to narrow down the antibiotics to the specific ones that would treat my condition. The doctor apologized for not getting word to me sooner, seems there was a miscommunication with the ward staff, yadda-yadda . . . so, he ultimately told me "We're going to get you out of here by 10am."

Joy! Jubilation and Haloy! I will go home TODAY!

Needless to say, it took me some time to get stuff together, get some final words from Podiatry and a FINAL confirmation about how my wheelchair is getting home. But, the transport person came and got me just before 10am, got me down to the NEW entrance of the hospital (not the old one closer to Bruce B. Downs blvd.) . . . boy rolling along on that knee scooter was a pull, but I made it.

About 30 minutes through morning traffic in downtown Tampa, I am FINALLY home. I need to get things sorted -- they delivered my IV meds about 5 minutes after I walked in the door! -- and then see about getting down to my job to speak to my Boss. I have to tell him about the treatments, the home care visits so that they can work my schedule if necessary.

But I can tell you this much, as I sit down to write this out while eating a home-cooked breakfast . . . it is GOOD to be home! And I hope the healing on my foot goes smoothly.

Sorry for this long post, but I just had to get this out!

I've been having pain in my left foot for a few weeks, and finally got back to the Veteran's Administration to get an appointment with the foot doctors.

Examining my foot, they found an open wound that has >< that much soft tissue between open air and the bone underneath. Considering the drainage, they said they wanted to have me do labs and an x-ray.

The results showed no real signs of infection, but that would be in the tissue, not easily seen in the bone. So they want me admitted to the VA hospital to have an MRI done. They expect to also treat the would and take whatever means are necessary to stave off infection.

Best case? They close the wound and treat it so it heals without trouble.

Worst case? There's a deep infection in the bone. That means I'll lose my foot.

So, tomorrow I'm on the bus to the VA, and will be offline for at least a couple of days.

Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers, please?


-- Stephen

A fellow artist is offering a free raffle!

https://www.furaffinity.net/view/41981294/

Go check it out!


-- Stephen

Greetings all . . . it's been far too long since I posted something here. At least on how I'm doing and life in general.

First off, my job has gotten a bit better, thanks to the recent re-assignment of our General Manager, and a new one moving in to take their place. This new GM is a bit of a pistol; energetic, blunt as a club (she speaks her mind), and driven to see the store succeed. She also has given me a lot more hours than the previous 2 GMs who were here before her, and I've recently gotten a new personnel review, and a raise! Not much, but with it and the increased hours, I'm getting far better paychecks than I had prior.

Also, been spending a lot more time with the PC-Doctor at the Veteran's Hospital. They're getting more serious at controlling my diabetes, and working towards that end. I've stressed I really don't want to go on insulin (because I cannot trust myself trying to use even an injector pen, must less needles & syringes!), so we're sticking to modifying my diet and a mix of oral meds. Things are heading in the right direction -- as far as my glucose readings and my A1C numbers -- so hoping things continue to trend positively.

I also recently asked the VA to permit me to get a powered wheelchair, due to the increased pain in my legs, feet and joints. It was delivered just before Valentine's Day, and so far it's been a big help! I do have to work out getting an access ramp for the front stoop of my apartment -- so I don't have to try to lug it over the edge when I need to bring it inside -- but for the most part it's been a BIG help it getting around to my local stores and grocers.

I'm looking to get better in the months ahead, and planning for something to do on my Birthday in April. I hope all of the folks that follow me here are enjoying life and feeling good as well!

Hoping to make regular entries here in the days ahead. Life is finally on the upswing, and I don't want it to fall down any time soon!


Maintain and Check Six! --- Stephen

Monday was supposed to be a routine visit to the doctor's office at the Veteran's Hospital.

It was so far from routine.

Suffice to say, it was Hell, and I am so glad the day is OVER! G'night.


-- Stephen

Found out recently that my dear  cheska is currently in the hospital, fighting pneumonia.

As of last check, she's in ICU. Everyone who knows her or of her, please send all the kind thoughts, prayers, positive energy you can... she's a tough gal, but pneumonia's no joke. Am hoping she pulls through and recovers to return to us.

Many thanks to everyone in advance.


-- Stephen

Can anyone pass this along? When I get my vacation pay (soon?) I really need someone who can draw Dolphin anthropomorphs, similar to the kind GreyMaria has.

I'd be forever grateful!


-- Stephen

Blame this on  greymaria ... it's her fault.

I usually stick to feline and more often as not land animals when it comes to creating Anthros. Lately though, I've been turning more towards the sea, especially when it comes to Anthropomorphed Dolphins.

So, I had to make my own.

Putting this one on the Google Cloud, until I can pay someone to draw her:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/.....it?usp=sharing

If there's anyone that's willing to take a crack at her, please feel free.

Otherwise, I'll be looking to commission someone to draw her in the near future.


-- Stephen

I mean I R teh fluffeh robot!

That is all.


-- Stephen

We were very DAMN lucky here in West Central Florida. Hurricane Irma had been predicted to go up the East Coast, but then it gradually moved westward, and the track projections shifted to having it come up the Gulf Coast, with every indication it would be a Catagory 4 - winds sustained over 140 mph -- when it made landfall.

However, due to it making some passage over Northern Cuba, along with wind shear, Irma came ashore around Naples/Ft. Myers and quickly spooled down to a Catagor 2 or 1, before moving through the "spine" of the sunshine state.

Folks down in the southern part of the state got the worst of it, but we out here in Tampa/St. Pete got mostly storm surge, 80-95 mph winds. We lost some power, had a few downed trees, but fortunately none of the wreckage and devistation they had down by Miami and Naples. Sending out a LOT of prayers that things get back to normal for those folks ASAP.

But for myself and most of us West Coast Anthros, we're putting it back together. Myself in particular didn't get power back until Wednesday night, and they still don't have power back at my job. Projection is everything ready to open up on Tuesday.

To offset this, I may be opening up a GoFundMe soon, to help me with next month's rent when it comes due. Being out of work for a week or more puts a serious dent in my income.

Otherwise, I'm well, safe and dry. Will have more to say later. Until then, send support and any help you can to the folks down in South Florida, and if you can volunteer aid, do so. A lot of people down there need it desperately.


Maintain and Check Six!

-- Stephen

Just got some sad news.

One of my adopted uncles, Paul E. Mast has passed away. Paul was one of the young people my grandparents took into their home, to give shelter, food and a chance to get back on their feet. He was a gifted man, who could sing, act and play the piano; talents he often used when part of the Bayshore Methodist Church choir many years ago. Paul was a favorite of my sister and I. He would play the Chiquita Banana jingle for me, and the Teddy Bear’s Picnic song for my sister. He was funny – always willing to make us laugh and smile with a joke – and a very warm and caring man.

It wasn’t until later in life I learned that he was also a homosexual man; something I think caused a falling out with my grandparents in their later years. It wasn’t long after my father’s passing that Paul left Tampa, headed for where… I couldn’t say. My mother and I tried for years to find him after the passing of Grandpa and Grandma Edwards, but the few times we did find him on FB, our attempts to talk were rebuffed. I fear it was the arguments over his being gay he had with my grandparents that may have been a part in his distancing us from himself. Still, I never stopped caring for and loving my Uncle Paul. I had always hoped that one day I’d be able to meet him and tell him that he hadn’t been forgotten and that anything that happened between him and my grandparents was forgiven.

Today, my mother revealed Paul’s niece reported his passing, in the afternoon on the 6th of September in Kokomo, Indiana. The news of his passing is a sad, sad thing to bear. To know that his wit, warmth and song will never be heard again in this world … it’s almost too terrible to think about.

I can only hope that Paul was well received in Heaven, and that both Norma and Jim were there to welcome him and tell him – much as God forgives us of our sins – that they forgive him and hope he forgives them in return. We mortal-few may never hear his voice again, but I know the hosts on high are reveling in his voice and song. Godspeed, Uncle Pual. You are missed, but never forgotten and always loved. – Randy.

Paul E. Mast, Born July 26, 1942 – Died September 6. 2016

When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,
And then proclaim, “My God, how great Thou art!”

Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee,
How great Thou art! How great Thou art!

I don't know how long. We're losing the internet access because we cannot pay the bill.

Will let everyone know as soon as I am able to get back online. Keep me in your thoughts friends.


-- Stephen

They say things go from bad to worse when you don't expect them to... and they did. My Disability stipend did not arrive and that means I'm going to be short for my rent and no money for food. Unless I can come up with at least 150 dollars before the 5th, I'll be charged accruing late fees for rent and that will only make things worser. (that's not a word but it's just the situation I'm in).

If ANYONE can help out, even if it's just five dollars or such, please can you do so? Otherwise this will mean not just myself but my mother will also be forced out of our home. I really need the help, and even though well-wishes and prayers are nice It's money that will only keep us from being evicted.

my paypal is srsobotka @ gmail.com (without the spaces).

Thanks everyone in advance.

Due to slow work days this past month, my job didn’t schedule me enough hours and i’m in danger of not having any money for food this first payday of August. If there’s anyone who can do so, can you send a few dollars towards my paypal?

srsobotka @ gmail.com (without the spaces of course).

I just need enough to see me through 2 weeks, when my next payday hits. If you can help out, thank you in advance. If you can’t, please share this with others. Appreciate anything anyone can do.

Wow, it's been a while since I last posted here. Sorry about that.

Sorry I was quite for a few days, but last week I tried to help my mother calibrate her Blood Pressure monitor, and I learned I had a reading of 200-over-116 (Average is supposed to be 120-over-80). When further checks over the next few days didn’t improve, I had Mom take me to the Veteran’s Hospital ER to get looked at.

Well, this lead to them admitting me over the weekend, to try to get my BP numbers to come down. Seems that while everything importaint checked out – lungs, kidneys, heart, etc. – something was causing the spikes, so now I’m on 4 prescribed medications for blood pressure, one for diabetes and I have to wear compression stockings and undergo a major diet/lifestyle change.

The point that drove this home was the fact the doctors all said If I hadn’t done that BP check, I might have ended up having a stroke or a heart attack.

Well, time to get on the ball, and get things under control.

http://www.clipstudio.net/en/

Need to know if it is more than an adequate replacement for Paint Tool Sai, or even Photoshop. I recently got a graphic's tablet for a birthday gift and I want to use it, but don't have the budget to buy Sai.

Any and all opinions and input is appreciated.


-- Stephen

At least that's the spelling I remember... can't seem to find her on FA, and I remember she used to do these wonderful con-badges. Been wanting to get back in touch with her about getting one made.

If anyone has any news or info to help me locate her, that would be most helpful, yes.


-- Stephen

Thanks for a dear friend who always makes a point to send me a birthday gift, this year she went way above expected!

I have a NEW GRAPHICS TABLET!

It's not a Wacom, but It's a perfect starter for someone who hasn't used one in ages.

Now I just have to find a good drawing program other than Photoshop!


-- Stephen

https://celebrity.yahoo.com/news/ch.....us-weekly.html

We lost a fabulous and talented voice actress this past Dec. 22nd . . . Christine was the voice of a LOT of 1990's cartoon and animation characters, most notably Dexter of "Dexter's Laboratory", Gosalyn Mallard of "Darkwing Duck", and Chuckie of "Rugrats".

No word on the cause, but her obit was posted online at the L.A. Times. She was 51.

Godspeed, Ms. Cavenaugh. You will never be forgotten.