Technically I qualified for VA benefits in 1981 but I never used them except for a couple inconsequential visits in the early 1980s and once in 2011. 2025 is my first hands-on experience.

I had an ultrasound and CT scan earlier this year, and an EKG, colonoscopy and endoscopy this week; 24 colon polyps removed. So far, the Tallahassee VA has been a pleasant surprise, professional, organized, clean and equal to my previous private healthcare.

It's standard procedure in each session to ask: "Do you have thoughts of hurting yourself or others?", which, of course, the answer is no. But they never ask how much I'd care if I got a cancer diagnosis. Statistically I have 16/17 years left and the show hasn't been that great overall, so I'd probably be less upset than they'd prefer. chuckle.gif

But that diagnosis didn't happen so yesterday the SCRY project got a big leap forward, the initial data axes and semantic analysis are working off real data and the prototype should be running tomorrow with a simple UI. I also discovered this year that a 10% disability typically collects a retirement of $400/month which shocked me. In theory I've been eligible since 1981. Still pondering it.

"What would it take
to bury me?
I can't wait...
I can't wait to see!"