Naugahide

I had my annual physical yesterday and a simple reminder of Madison surfaced. Blood draw: the guy who tried twice, got it right the 3rd time actually chasing a vein around with a needle... twice. I donate blood every two months and in my 62 years, I've never needed a retry... apparently I have good veins.

Madison had thinner veins, and maybe 30% of the time they'd chase a vein around when giving her an IV or drawing blood. It was easy for me -not- to be impatient with the newbie poking a needle around in me because among other things, Madison taught me patience... I remember far too many times a nurse poking Madison: her levels or patience, grace, and understanding were amazing.

So now I'm in a gown wearing my boxers and socks... the doctor comes in, does the usual stuff, asks the general questions... all-good. As he's putting on a rubber glove and greasing his finger, I know what's coming... a prostate check. I told the doctor if he plans on going south (my butt) with that hand, we're going to need a safe word. He says "pardon me", and I say 'never mind'.

He asks me to lay on my right side and pull my left butt cheek up, then in goes his finger. Of course I blurt out "NAUGAHIDE".