130 More, Including Some From Negatives

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Today was a very quiet, non-eventful day. I’ve been scanning pictures and started on the negatives. Altogether, I scanned 130 items. It’s a somewhat tedious job, but I’ve discovered a lot of pictures I had forgotten I took, including some from Sonnenburg Gardens in Canandaigua.

I finished the second Left Behind book called Tribulation Force and have started Nicolae. Have I ever told you how much I like to read?

In fact, I think I’ll close this blog so I can make some inroads on Nicolae.

Until next time…

A Scanning Fool

This morning, I tried out my new walking shoes, walking about 20 minutes. It didn’t seem to make my knee any worse, but it didn’t make it any better either. The shoes seem a little tight, but it’s probably because I’m used to my sloppy sneakers.

After walking, I started packing up, then scanning documents and picture. I have scanned 127 items today and probably have twice that many to go, if you count the negatives I need to scan.

I’m about one-half way through Tribulation Force, the second in the Left Behind series. This book has 160 fewer pages than the first volume.

Except for my walk early this morning, I haven’t been out of the house, not even to check the mail.

Well, if I’m going to finish Tribulation Force, I’d better get reading.

Until next time…

Walking Shoes

This morning, I experienced a new thing: acupuncture I could watch. Dr. Tom put 7 or 8 needles in my knee while I watched. The previous times I’ve had acupuncture it was done on my back or hip and I couldn’t see the needles. Not today! Surprisingly, it didn’t bother me to watch him put the needles in or take them out. Cool, huh?

After my appointment, I went to breakfast and then to a store called Fit Niche to get some walking shoes. Since I left the chiropractor about 8 am, I decided to use up some time before the shoe store opened having breakfast – a Greek Fetish omelet (3 eggs packed with spinach and tomatoes covered by crumbled Feta cheese and black olives. Yum Yum)

As it was, I still had to wait for about an hour for the store to open. The doctor recommended this store so I could get some decent walking shoes. If the time and effort it took to fit my feet mean anything, I should practically be able to float. Thirty-five minutes later, I had a spiffy new set of shoes. First, I had to stand on some kind of machine that measured hot spots on the bottom of my feet. Then, I put on a pair of generic shoes and walked on a treadmill while the clerk took a picture of me walking.

He said I did well walking – in a straight line, heel to toe, no problems with the way I walk.

After this, he brought on 5 pairs of shoes and I tried them all on. Any would have been fine, but I got a new pair of white leather New Balance shoes, which I’ll try out on a longer walk tomorrow morning.

I have almost completed the first book in the Left Behind series – only about 60 pages to go. I’ll finish tonight, I’m sure. One down and eleven more to go.

In fact, I’d better get to it.

Until next time…

Left Behind Will Be Left Behind

It occurred to me today that if I really wanted to lighten the load in my camper, I would read the12 books in the Left Behind series – all but one of mine are thick, hardcover books.

I read the first six books as they came out, but got so frustrated waiting for the next book. I’d get the latest, read it overnight and have to wait months and months for the next. To relieve my lack of patience with this process, I bought the books as they came out, but put them on the shelf to await the end of the series, deciding to read all twelve in order once I retired..

Here it is, years after the last book was released, I’m retired, and I still haven’t read the series – I really need to read it from the beginning so it will be easier to remember the characters and the sequence of events.

I must admit to some unease about whether I would find re-reading the books tedious and uninteresting. I guess THERE ARE ADVANTAGES TO SUFFERING MEMORY LAPSES.

I’ve read the first forty-six pages of the first in the series, Left Behind, and am already caught up in the story. Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye are very talented authors. I turned off the TV and am going to read until I get sleepy – probably won’t take too long.

Today, after some more packing, I took several more boxes over to Goodwill. I then went to Publix and picked up a few necessities.

Tomorrow, it’s back to the chiropractor, though I’ve had very little pain either last night or today. Except for getting up once in the night, I slept the night through – even after the 20-oz. Mountain Dew.

Well, back to my reading.

Until next time…

Dr. Tom, Cousin Richard, and Complete Surrender

Last night, I slept all night until the alarm went off about 5:30. It was refreshing not being in pain after lying down for a couple of hours. I walked just before my chiropracto’s appointment. Dr. Tom did a treatment on my hip and another on my knee. Today, I’ve been pretty much pain-free.

I went to St. Pete and had lunch with my cousin Richard. That British pub (Horse and Jockey) has some of the best fish and chips I’ve ever had. Of course, I didn’t have the chips, but had the side salad instead. It’s been a long time since I’ve had potatoes or bread.

This afternoon, I finally finished (for the fifth time) archiving my cassette tapes to iTunes. I also wored some more on copying my VHS tapes to DVD. I have just 3 more to do. The first one from our trip to Las Vegas just finished and I put in the second. It starts during our trip to Bryce Canyon. Two more tapes (not of out west) and that job will be done.

I also checked a shoe box full of slides and pictures to make sure I had already scanned them. Fortunately, I had. One I came across was of my uncle Ray. My brother Ray and I (my middle name is Rae) were both named for him. He died on Omaha Beach. Isn’t he a handsome man? How sad that his life was cut short.

 

Tonight, I watched Raising Hope. It’s a real funny show about a very dysfunctional family, but tonight was really touching. We find out the father of the boy who is “raising Hope” has been dressing up as a monster every Halloween since Jimmy was a little kid. Jimmy gets very scared and runs home where he jumps into his father’s arms for a big hug. Apparently, as Jimmy got older, he stopped hugging his father and this was the father’s way to get good hugs. Hugs are so important and can really show affection, provide comfort, and make us feel safe. Be sure to hug the ones you love.

Tonight, for dinner, I surrendered completely to my longing for a sub. I drove down to Blimpie’s and got a 6-inch Blimpie’s best, but I did get it on whole wheat and skipped the chips. I didn’t skip the Mountain Dew, however. I know I’ll regret the soda later – caffeine will no doubt keep me awake. Tomorrow, it’s back to my disciplined eating habits. Who knows, I may actually lose weight by fooling my body into thinking I’m not trying to. Not very good justification, but there you go.

Well, there’s my special wisdom for today.

Until next time…

Waiting for Superman

If you get a chance, go see Waiting for Superman. This documentary exposes the harm teachers’ unions and teacher tenure have done to our education system and our children. For a long time, educators thought that children from poor neighborhoods could never do as well as those better off financially, but some educators proved that is not the case.

Are you as tired of political ads as I am. After one week from today, we won’t have to put up with them any longer.

I did a lot more packing today and only have 3 VHS tapes to copy to DVD. My next project will be scanning several pictures I found that I had not yet scanned. I also have a lot of negatives I need to scan; my scanner software will turn them into pictures. In the meantime, I’ll keep packing and taking stuff to Goodwill.

One of the movies I copied today was a special about FL parks that Mark had taped from one of our PBS stations. I’m hoping it will help me choose where to visit this winter.

Well, back to NCIS-LA.

Until next time…

3/5 Done with File Cabinets

Three of Five File Cabinets Cleaned Out and Working on DVDs

Today I finished cleaning out three of my five file cabinets and since one of the two remaining cabinets has only one file drawer, I’m really more than 3/5 done.

I also copied about 10 video tapes to DVD. On one, there was video taken in New York in 1996 or 1997. Mark and Mom and I went to the nursing home to visit her sister, my aunt Iona. As I was watching, it dawned on me that of the four people in her room, all had passed on except me. I miss them all, but it’s great to have the videos. It helps me remember not only what they looked like and their wonderful smiles, but also what they sounded like.

Former Acorn Official Condemns Spontaneous Pledge of Allegiance

Did you hear about the debate sponsored by the Illinois League of Women Voters where a member of the audience asked if the Pledge of Allegiance would be said before the debate and was told no. The audience spontaneously began reciting the Pledge. The moderator scolded the audience afterwards.

You can see a picture of the incident and an article about it at:

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/voters-defy-debate-moderator-to-make-pledge-of-allegiance/

Barbara Boxer’s Arrogance Exposed

On Neil Cavuto’s show today, a reference was made to a web site with some very pointed videos. The best, which Neil played on the program, pokes fun at Barbara Boxer, the arrogant and insolent Senator from California who reprimanded an Army officer for calling her “Ma’am” instead of “Senator.” After all, she worked so hard for that title. If you like to see the video and maybe check out some of the others available, go to:

http://www.rightchange.com/media/player

In case you wonder who the person playing the Senator sitting to the right of the one playing Barbara Boxer, that’s Clint Howard, Ron Howard’s little brother.

A Quiet Early-Starting Sunday

This morning, at 2:30, I woke and had to get up. Running warm water over my aching right knee and leg helped a lot to ease the pain, but by the time it stopped, I was wide awake.

I packed up two boxes of stuff for Goodwill, coped a number of tapes to DVD and a number of cassettes to iTunes.

I spent an hour on the phone with my cousin Ethelyn, who told me of an exiting adventure she had with a head of cabbage. Her driveway is on a hill and when she was getting the cabbage out of the car, she dropped it. It rolled and she chased it down the driveway, laughing and giggling all of the way.

She also shared with me how much she and her husband and friends enjoyed the movie RED. She thought it was the best movie she’d seen all year.

I also had an hour-long conversation with my brother-in-law Don and sister-in-law Rose. They have just added a fireplace insert to their huge fireplace. I guess propane is now prohibitively expensive in New York. This insert increases efficiency enormously and makes the wood last a lot longer. I told them I’d love to experience the heat from it, but didn’t expect to ever be in New York in the winter. They graciously agreed to consider having a fire when I visit in the summer some time.

Rose sent me a picture on my cell phone so I sent it to my email address so I can show you what it looks like. Pretty neat, huh?

Don told me a great joke, but unfortunately I only remember the punch line so I won’t try to share it with you. I will share a joke I know my nephew Steve will enjoy: Would you call a fly with no wings a walk?

I seem to be going to bed earlier and earlier – probably in preparation for my life on the road. I plan to go to bed when it’s dark and get up when it’s daylight. We’ll see about that.

Until next time…

Legends of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole

This morning, I went to see Legends of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole. It was an okay movie, though there were some critters in in that could be very frightening to really small children. The story was good, but could have been told in about half an hour, not the hour and a half it took.

On the way home, I stopped at Publix and bought some groceries, including some absolutely delicious apples. This is a great time of year for apples – they’re crispy and juicy. Concord grapes – my favorite grapes -- are still available too.

The rest of day, aside from a 15-minute walk, was spent reading and taping – such an exciting life I lead!

I’ll probably go to bed early again tonight. I have to sleep when I can.

Until next time…

A Very Dull Laundry Day

Short blog post tonight since my day was very dull.

This morning, I went to the chiropractor and felt much better after my treatment. Before going, I had set up my Infrared Sauna and enjoyed 30 minutes in it. “Enjoy” may not be the right word, since I tend to sweat like a pig and have a tough time getting out of it, but I know it helps.

The rest of today was spent doing laundry, copying my tapes to DVDs, archiving my cassette tapes and reading. I’ve managed to read about a third of the print books I need to finish before leaving for my life on the road. I think I’ll actually get them all read in time.

That’s about it.

Until next time…

Lunch with Esther

Today, the 21st of October would have been Mark’s 66th birthday. Anniversaries can be difficult, especially the anniversary of his birth, the anniversary of his death and our wedding anniversary. As I have been going through all of the stuff we accumulated over the years, I’ve laughed and cried. We had a great marriage. Can’t wait to see him again the other side of the veil.

Today, I went to Mimi’s Cafe and had a great lunch with Esther.  I had a seared steak sandwich; Esther had crab cakes with broccoli and cheese soup. We also ordered fried dill pickles – they brought us enough for the entire restaurant. I ate more of these than Esther, but she ate the coleslaw that came with them.

We spent the time catching up. You’d think we’d see each other more often since we only live about a half-hour apart, but she’s busy and I’m busy even though both of us are retired. How did I ever get anything done when I was working?

I’ve spent the day copying VHS tapes to DVDs. It’s kind of a bittersweet process. For example, the tape I’m working on now contained a lot of footage of the family, Mom and Mark and my brother Jeff’s kids when they were little and a bunch of shows taped off the TV including:

• Waterways of NY
• Norm Abrams woodworking show
• Roy Underhill’s show
• a tape of an old Rosanne show

Who knows what else is on the tape since it isn’t very well labeled.

I still have 30 tapes like this to do. Fortunately or unfortunately, they are all 6-9 hours long, but I put one on before I go to bed so I can do this for almost 24 hours a day.

And you’ll never believe it! I found more cassette tapes – I told those devilish little rascals were reproducing. There were 36 more of these in one of the boxes the VHS tapes were in. At least I can do them both at one time and a bunch of other stuff at the same time.

I set up my Infrared Sauna so I can start using it. I’m hoping it will help with the hip and knee and leg pain. It sure makes you perspire. I’m thinking I’ll take it with me in the camper. It folds up into a case for easy storage.

Tomorrow it’s back to the chiropractor. I’ve been pretty good all day today even though I went for a fifteen-minute walk this morning. About three this morning I woke up with my leg hurting. I went into the shower and ran warm water over it. It made all the difference in the world.

Until next time…

I Want Your Money

No, not really. I Want Your Money is the name of the movie I went to see today. It hasn’t been advertised very much so I’m not surprised I was the only person in the theater. It did a great job of describing the difference between capitalism and socialism, using a combination of clips of Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter, Barack Obama, JFK, Newt Gingrich, Steven Moore, Michael Reagan, Steve Forbes and others I don’t remember. There were also a couple of sections of cartoons culminating in a boxing match between Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama. If you get a chance, go see it.

Before I went to the movie, I went to the chiropractor. He checked out my x-rays said they looked pretty good. A little arthritis, but not too bad. No cracks or breaks, which is pretty good considering I’ve fallen on my back three times this year. He treated me with acupuncture and electronic therapy of some sort.

I slept pretty well last night, almost all night. I’ve pretty well decided that I’ve been walking a little too much. Henceforth, I will only walk (with my walking sticks for the sake of walking) every other day, starting tomorrow (I haven’t walked since Monday night, and think this is why I haven’t had pain since yesterday).

To make up for the walking, I’m going to spend some time on my mini-trampoline – I don’t think that will bother my knee or my hip.

Oh, I also started emptying my file cabinets. From just 3 drawers, I filled two large plastic bags with the stuff I threw out.I imagine the rate at which I’m throwing out stuff will increase now that I’ve gotten by the stuff I have to keep (my tax returns and IRA info).

In any case, it’s been a very productive, pain-free day. Hope tomorrow will be the same.

Until next time…

Who Will Be Number Three?

First, June Cleaver (Barbara Billingsley), then Howard Cunningham or Father Downing or Sheriff Amos Tupper (Tom Bosley). These deaths usually come in threes. One must wonder who will be next.

How sad! It’s just like a member of the family has passed away. Both of these folks brought great entertainment to millions of us all over the country. They will both be missed.

I spent a quiet day at home today – I’m up to 23 DVDs, though some include more than one VHS tape. I did go to Walgreen’s and get a knee brace, but I’m afraid it’s a little too small. Probably not a good idea to cut off circulation in an attempt to keep the knee where it should be.

Tomorrow, I take the x-rays to the chiropractor. In fact, I’ve already put the x-rays in the truck so I won’t forget them. Hopefully, Dr. Tom will see something that will make it possible to stop the pain.

Other than the taping, I’ve kind of taken it easy today. In fact, I didn’t even go to the movies with my friend Joan like we had planned. But there’s always next week.

Until next time…

Lunch with My Cousin

This morning, my cousin Richard came over and we went back to Old Towne Pizza for lunch. We each had a Strawberry-Walnut Salad and shared the Corn Fritters appetizer. Yum! Yum!

The rest of the day I spent archiving VHS tapes.

I took a walk, but was in so much pain, I made it a short one – just 15 minutes. I called and got a Wednesday appointment with Dr. Tom. Hopefully, he’ll learn something from the x-rays I had Friday that will help take care of this.

Sorry about all the griping.

Until next time…

RED (Retired Extremely Dangerous)

No, I’m not describing myself. Yes, I am retired, but the only one I’m extremely dangerous with is myself.

Today, I saw the movie RED, starring Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, Helen Mirren, and Mary Louise Parker. It was a hoot. Lots of chases and excitement. Lots of laughs and yet, some poignant parts too. It’s not quite the caliber of Willis’s Die Hard movies, but it’s very close.

I’ve archived 7 or 8 VHS tapes to DVD today and packed some more stuff. I also had a short nap – much needed since I can’t seem to sleep through the night. I was up for 4 or 5 hours this morning.

I’ll probably try to sleep early tonight. Even with my short nap, I’m still feeling very tired.

Until next time…

Back Ups and Box Ups

Once again, the weather is wonderful. It was 52 when I got up this morning. I had a terrific long walk, enjoying the sounds of Dan Seals’ Portrait album. It’s one of my favorite albums of all times.

Today, my backup of my old laptop finally finished and I discovered I’d not only backed up the laptop, but also the hard drive I was using for the back ups. So, I had to start over. It’s finally done and all packed up.

While doing the back ups, I also boxed up some more stuff for Goodwill. I’ll take out the four boxes to the truck tomorrow. And maybe some others as well.

I made another big pot of super soup also. Yum, Yum! Lots of hearty beans, carrots, onions, celery, yellow peppers, red peppers, green peppers, cabbage, mushrooms, and tomatoes.

Tomorrow, I will probably go to the movies. I’ve heard the new Bruce Willis/Morgan Freeman/Helen Mirren/John Malkovich movie, RED, is terrific. I also plan to start copying my VHS tapes to DVD to make them easier to take with me.

Well, time to go to bed – remember, I need my beauty sleep.

Until next time…

A Good Look At Things

This morning, after my visit to the chiropractor, I went to Rose Radiology to have my back, hip and right knee x-rayed. I wish I’d had that done BEFORE the visit to the chiropractor, because I had to lie on a hard (sometimes cold) table so they could take my pictures. I don’t know how photogenic I am, but they sure took enough x-rays. Having to lie on the table almost undid all of the good the chiropractor had done, but I got to feeling better after an hour or so.

I have the x-rays to take back to the doctor next Friday and have looked at them, but have no idea what I’m looking at. I hope Dr. Tom can figure something out.

I met Bill and Vivienne and Irene for lunch. My cousin Richard got lost and then his car quit. He had it towed to his dealer and decided to get a new car – well, new to him. I think it’s a 2009 Chrysler convertible, but I don’t know what model. I saw the car once but don’t even really remember the color. I am not personally fond of convertibles.

Mark and I had at least three convertibles during the course of our married life: the 1966 Midnight Blue Ford Mustang with a white top, a red VW Kharman Ghia with a black top, and a Triumph – can’t remember the model, but it was one of those foreign sports cars where you practically sit on the ground while driving. I can’t remember if our MG Midget was a convertible or not.

After I got home, I took a nap – I’m retired so I can do that with no problem – then finished my cassette tape archiving. I’ve also finished backing up my Dell Laptop. Tomorrow, I’ll clean that up and pack it up. Know anyone who would like a good laptop. I’d still have it, but it only has an 80-gigabyte hard drive and that just doesn’t cut it. It runs Windows XP and is very reliable.

Well, it’s getting late and you know how much I need my beauty sleep.

Until next time…

The Social Network and Only Three Tapes To Go

This morning, I went to see The Social Network, a movie about the creator of Facebook. It was a very interesting movie, not just a tale of how Facebook got going, but also an excellent study of what makes people tick, especially geeky nerds with no social skills to speak of. I enjoyed the movie thoroughly – it makes you think.

I’ve made such great progress on my tape archiving that I only have four more to go of the 100 in the case. I’ve skipped a lot of them, because I realized I would never listen to the music on many of the tapes.

After the movie, I went to Publix and then home and put my groceries away. In the process of that, I threw away a number of expired items in my freezer. There’s a lot of space in my freezer now, which I will leave empty. I’m pretty sure there are other items in the freezer I can throw out, but my hands were getting cold and I don’t like to rush things.

Tomorrow, it’s off to the chiropractor. I sure will be glad when my back and leg get fixed. I was up for 2 1/2 hours in the middle of the night, unable to sleep because of the pain. It’s weird because, during the day, when I’m up and walking around, I mostly am in no pain. For the last 40 days or so, I have walked every day except two and don’t seem to have any problem doing that. But, when I’m lying down, the pain starts and all I can think of is the hurting, which seems to be exacerbated by lying down.

For lunch tomorrow, I’m meeting Richard (my cousin), Bill and Vivienne MacMillan and Mom’s friend, Irene. We’ll be checking out the Clearwater branch of Anthony’s Coal-Fired Pizza. I hope they enjoy it as much as I know i will.

Until next time…

Busy, Busy, Busy and an Important Message re: The Troops

I spent the day today organizing stuff, packing, and archiving tapes. I’ve made the most progress on the tapes – I’m more than halfway through the case of 100. Of course, I’m skipping quite a few.

I’ve been trying different methods for archiving a Ray Stevens tape called I Have Returned. It’s one of my favorites, but has been played so much, I could hardly get it to play. I actually tried to purchase the album from iTunes, but it’s no longer available there or from RayStevens.com. I did manage to retrieve a couple of the songs I like the most.

I had a great walk tonight just before dark. With the help of some Off, I was able to walk without getting eaten alive. The temperatures here have been wonderful. It’s 73 out right now.

Other than my walk and getting the mail, I stayed home and worked really hard. Never even took a nap and I’m retired. Oh well, eventually, I’ll get this retirement down pat.

My sister-in-law sent me the following in an e-mail. Please pray for our soldiers, sailors, air force and marines.

Your cell phone is in your pocket.   He clutches the cross hanging on his chain next to his dog tags.    He knows he may not see some of his buddies again.  You walk down the beach, staring at all the pretty girls.  He patrols the streets, searching for insurgents and terrorists.  He's told he will be held over an extra 2 months.  You call your girlfriend and set a date for tonight.  He waits for the mail to see if there is a letter from home.  You hug and kiss your girlfriend, like you do everyday. He holds his letter close and smells his love's perfume.  You roll your eyes as a baby cries.  He gets a letter with pictures of his new child, and wonders if they'll ever meet.  You criticize your government, and say that war never solves anything.  He sees the innocent tortured and killed by their own people and

remembers why he is fighting. 

You hear the jokes about the war, and make fun of men like him. 
He hears the gunfire, bombs and

screams of the wounded. 

You see only what the media wants

you to see. 
He sees the broken bodies lying

around him. 

You are asked to do some thing by

your parents. You don't. 
He does exactly what he is told even

if it puts his life in danger. 

You stay at home and watch TV. 
He takes whatever time he is given

to call, write home, sleep, and eat. 

You crawl into your soft bed, with

down pillows, and get comfortable. 
He tries to sleep but gets woken by mortars and helicopters all night long. 

If you support your troops, send this

to 13 people. 

REMEMBER our Troops, and do not

forget them LATER 
Lest we forget - 
KEEP THE CHAIN GOING 

Until next time…

Secretariat and Joan’s Birthday Party

Today, Joan and I went to AMC to see the movie, Secretariat. I must admit I had reservations about whether the movie would be very interesting considering the fact that everyone knows that the horse Secretariat was the last winner of the Triple Crown, i.e. this horse won the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness and the Belmont Stake all within a period of 5 weeks.

In some ways, the movie reminded me of Blind Spot, mainly because it was about family and courage and beating the odds. And, in spite of knowing how the movie ends, the story behind the story was incredibly well done. There were some real characters, folks you’ll remember for a long time. And no doubt, you’ll want to stand and cheer as Big Red (Secretariat) gallops down towards the finish line. See it if you can.

This evening, I joined my friends Joyce and Tammy as we celebrated my friend Joan’s 39th birthday (tomorrow, she’ll be 38 again). We met at Carrabba’s and had great food and great fun.

 

From the above picture (from left to right, it’s Joyce, Joan, and Tammy), it looks as if they were in a dentist’s waiting room, but I guess they just forgot to smile. Nevertheless, we did have a good time. Of course, the picture was taken at the end of the meal and we were all full and enjoying our cupcakes.

Tammy brought these delicious cupcakes and I never thought to take a picture before we took some off the board. The cupcakes were in the form of a question mark. You can sort of see where the four we ate were.

In view of that, I “fixed” the picture using Photoshop so you could really see what they looked like before we helped ourselves.

Isn’t technology a wonderful thing? Would you have been able to tell there was something not quite real about the “fixed” picture if I hadn’t told you? Imagine if I had spent more than two minutes on it!

Needless to say, I never had much time to do more than archive a few tapes today. Hopefully, it’ll get more done tomorrow.

Until next time…

Window Box

Today, I finished installing the window box under my kitchen window. The pictures show the single bracket I installed Saturday and the completed window box. I also put some putty in the holes that were left from he previous brackets.

Below is the completed window box. It’s a bit shorter than the previous one, but sure looks a lot better. You’ll not I haven’t filled it with dir and flowers yet. I’ll let my cousin take care of that.

In the picture below, you can see the fill tube and the grate where the soil goes. 

 

Aside from a great 30-minute walk with no pain, the only other things I did were 1) pack a box for Goodwill, 2) process a bunch of cassette tapes. When I complete the next tape, I’ll have finished 15 (yes, FIFTEEN) of the 100 tapes in the case. While archiving the tapes, I finished the Ted Bell book Warlord. I was so glad to get to the end and find a reference to a possible story twist that I was expecting from Tsar. I can’t wait for the next Alex Hawke book to find out what happens.

The box I packed from Goodwill mostly came from a box of books I had in my bedroom. In the course of emptying that box, I found about 15 print books I need to read – I’ll do that before reading any more books on my Kindle. At least, that is my intention.

Tomorrow, I’m meeting my friend Joan at AMC where we’ll see Secretariat. Then, since tomorrow is Joan’s birthday, I’ll meet her and a bunch of friends at Carrabba’s (my most favorite place to eat) in Brandon for dinner.

Until next time…

Life As We Know It

Today, Karen and I went to AMC and watched the movie Life As We Know It starring Josh Duhamel and Katherine Heigl. What a terrific film! You’ve probably seen the previews. Two single people, who can’t stand each other, become guardians of a little girl when her parents are killed.

The little girl is absolutely precious, but I didn’t know until I was looking up the names of a couple of characters that she was played by not two, but three sisters. She steals the show.

If you’ve seen the previews, you’ve probably seen the clip where a neighbor tells Katherine Heigl that she has “poo” on her face. In the movie, they use the word “s__t.” I really thought “poo” was funnier.

If you want to be entertained, to laugh, to cry, this is the movie for you.

Most of the rest of the day was pretty quiet. I’ve already made my way through 10 of the 100 tapes, but I didn’t archive all 10.

Until next time…

Window Box Status

A few days ago I mentioned I had a new window box to install outside my kitchen window. The wooden one that was there before had fallen apart some time ago and had to be removed. I bought a new plastic window box that is very much like the earth boxes I used to grow plants. It has a reservoir at the bottom, a grate on which you put the potting soil and holes in the side to keep the plants from being overwatered.

Today, I started hanging the new window box. First, I had to go to Ace Hardware to get four screws and four washers so I could fasten it to the house. After that, I started using my re-chargeable drill and one of the batteries was almost dead. Fortunately, the other was okay. I mounted one of the brackets, but decided to wait until tomorrow or Monday to hang the other. Holding things above shoulder level is somewhat difficult and tiring. And, don’t forget, I am retued and can take my sweet old time.

Sales Tax Report

Today, I prepared my LAST sales tax report and a notification of closing my business. I closed my eBay Store effective 9/30/2010, and won’t need to file any more sales tax reports. What a relief!

A Daunting Task

Today, I also completed archiving the once rapidly multiplying boxes of loose cassette tapes and am ready to do the ones in my cassette tape rack. Doesn’t it look like a daunting task? When you consider the fact that each one holds at least an hour of music, it seems even more daunting. But, have no fear. I’ll get it done.

While I may not archive all of them (that would 100 times 1 hour each or 100 hours of work), I will probably do most of them.

Some More Great Soup

Today, I made some more great bean soup. I started soaking the beans last night then poured off the water and added two cans of chicken stock. I chopped celery, onions, carrots, cabbage, mushrooms, green peppers, red peppers, yellow peppers, and Wickles Pepper Strips to add to it, as well as a heaping teaspoon of cinnamon, cumin, garlic and herb seasoning, paprika and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. One can of stewed tomatoes and one can of diced tomatoes with some salt and fresh cracked black pepper were the final ingredients.

What can I say, it is delicious and makes a hearty, filling, nutritious lunch.

I’ve managed to catch a little time to read today also. I’m 46% of the way through Warlord: An Alex Hawke Novel. In fact, since it’s 10:30 p.m., I think I’ll go to bed early and try to get to at least 50%.

Until next time…

What A Wonderful Lunch

This morning, I went to see my chiropractor and my back feels great right now. He did more acupuncture and I followed it up with 15 minutes in the massage chair. Boy, do I ever miss my massage chair. He said that the pain I’ve been experiencing is due to arthritis and to keep moving. As I lose weight, I’m sure it will get a little easier.

Funny, when I walk at night, the street lights cast a shadow ahead of me and as I get farther from the light, my shadow narrows down considerably. I’m visualizing this happening to me. It’s a great incentive to keep walking. Of course, the analogy breaks down since, when my shadow is thinning out, it is also getting taller. I can’t see myself getting any taller.

Quaker Steak & Lube

Today, I met Richard (my cousin), Irene Miller (Mom’s dear friend from childhood), and Bill and Vivienne McMillen (Irene’s daughter and son-in-law) at Quaker Steak and Lube for lunch. Not only was the food delicious, but the company was wonderful.

We caught up on news and talked of past times and events. Irene is visiting from Painted Post, NY. Bill and Vivienne live in Largo. Richard lives in St. Petersburg, but will soon (probably 12/15/2010) be moving into my house.

Here’s a picture the waiter took at lunch with me, Richard, Bill, Vivienne, and Irene. We’d pretty nearly finished eating by this time.

 

I hope we can get together again before Irene goes back to New York.

Selected Knickknacks

As I told you yesterday, I’ve packed up most of my knickknacks, except for some Mark and I made. This picture shows the knickknacks I’ll be keeping. I may find a one or two more.

Mark made the Snoopy bank for one of my birthdays. I don’t know how he ever did it without my knowing about it, but it was a complete surprise. The rest of the items are used to hold stuff.

The Alexander Hawke Series

A week or so ago, Glenn Beck recommended a book by Ted Bell called Warrior. When I looked it up, I discovered Warrior was the SIXTH book in a series. I don’t know about you, but I can’t stand to begin watching a TV show or movie even just a few minutes after it starts and I certainly never like to read books in a series out of order.

Well, I ordered the other five books and read them in order. Tonight I will finish the fifth and probably start Warrior. They are timely adventure books with evil villains and worthy heroes. Ted Bell definitely believes in good versus evil, that evil exists and that the good must fight it. He sure gives you a lot to think about. I recommend the series and would loan you my books, but they are all on my Kindle so that is impossible.

I know it’s early for me to post my blog, but I think the most interesting aspects of my day are complete. If anything else happens, I’ll write about it tomorrow. Since it’s Friday night, I’ll be watching CBS – Medium, CSI: NY (it’s really much better now with Sela Ward), and Blue Bloods. What an exciting life I lead!

Until next time…

Am I Going the Right Way?

Do you remember the other night when I walked in 25 minutes what usually takes me 35 minutes? Well, tonight, I walked in 20 minutes what usually takes me 10-12. This doesn’t seem like the right direction. Actually, I probably shouldn’t have walked at all, but I don’t want to start making excuses. I see Dr. Tom tomorrow and I hope he can put back whatever is out of whack.

After i got back from taking 5 boxes of stuff and my laser printer to Goodwill, I packed up an entire box of knickknacks. There are a few more I’ll put in with other stuff for Goodwill. I’m making good progress, but all of that lifting is hard on the back.

What’s up with our Tampa Bay Rays? They’ve lost two games to the Texas Rangers. So much for home field advantage. Maybe they are trying to give the Rangers a false sense of security. Hope they find their game before it’s too late. At least, my Yankees are doing well – they’ve won two of two.

I’ve only two more cassette tapes before I start on the 100 in my wooden tape holder. I probably won’t do all of them, but who knows. So much wonderful music. I think there are at least 6 tapes of The Cathedral Quartet. Awesome!

Well, got to watch Bones and CSI.

Until next time…

One Bookcase Down; Seven to Go

Actually, my title is misleading. A few of the seven bookcases are mostly empty, but today I emptied one whole bookcase, took it apart and took it to the dumpster. It was an old pressed-wood bookcase, stretched out and sagging shelves. In the process, I filled FOUR boxes for Goodwill and two for the camper. Those two boxes hold my campground selection materials (better known as campground directories and map help) and RV repair manuals and tech tips.

These banker boxes are just exactly the right sice – not too big andnot too little. I can easily pick them up and move them.

Most of what’s left in the bookcases in the living room are knickknacks. I’m saving a few – the wooden ones Mark and I made together on our Shopsmith. There’s a small shelf between the cabinets over the dining room table. I’ll velcro the items to that.

Morse Code

Today, I discovered a couple of tapes Mark used for studying Morse Code so he could pass his ham radio exam. I archived them and intend to spend a little time learning Morse code. There are lots of opportunities for practice on the Internet – Mark learned before we had access to the web. It’ll be interesting to see whether you can teach this old dog new tricks.

No Disney Tomorrow

I’m sure looking forward to seeing my chiropractor on Friday – my hip pretty much hurts all of the time. No walks until it’s better. I think I must have done something when I moved that stuff in and out of the truck. And I was going to Disney World tomorrow, too! Oh, well, there’ll be other days.

Time for bed. Maybe I’ll be all better in the morning.

Until next time…

Wall Street and Guns & Patriots Magazine

This morning, it was 58 degrees when I got up at 5:30a.m.. How refreshing!

Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps

I met my friend Joan LaClair at AMC where we saw the new Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps movie starring Michael Douglas, Shia LeBeouf, Josh Brolin, Carey Mulligan and Frank Langella. It’s highly unusual for me to see an Oliver Stone movie, especially one with Susan Sarandon, whose politics I cannot stand. Sarandon was only in the movie for a few minutes, maybe just a little longer than the cameo appearance by Charlie Sheen. In any case, it was a very good movie even if it was 2 hours and 7 minutes long. (Sorry to admit it, but I think I slepft for a few minutes during the slower part. I guess I need chase senes and action to stay awake.)

What Would You Do? <--VERY IMPORTANT!

Have you ever wondered what you would do if you were out in public and someone started shooting. Today’s Guns & Patriots On-Line Magazine included an article called “Active Shooter Training for Citizens,” which you can read at: http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=39232

You don’t have to carry a gun to find this article helpful.

Not only does the author of the article discuss what to do if you are in that situation, but it also offers some good suggestions for a Family Emergency Plan and Situational Awareness. This article outlines a very practical approach. Please take the time to read this. I hope it doesn’t, but it may come in handy some day.

An Almost Empty Living Room

To look at it now, you probably wouldn’t call my living room anything like “empty,” but to me it is. That’s because, over the course of the last two days, I’ve removed 20 boxes of books. I can actually walk through the room without going around those many boxes.

Unlimited Minutes and Text

Today, I had to upgrade my phone plan to one with unlimited minutes and text. I thought 450 minutes would be plenty, but apparently, I am much more talkative than I realized. This might be because most of my contact with others is over the phone. Now, I don’t have to worry about going over my minutes. I’m still spending a lot less than when I also had my home phone and Internet.

So… call me any time. Don’t worry about my minutes. I don’t have to any longer.

Well, I guess I’ve bored you all enough for now.

Until next time…

Writing Books and You Again

By 8:15 this morning, I crossed “Pack Writing Books” off my day’s to-do list. It took 3 of the small banker boxes, one more than I thought it would. Instead of 2 shelves of writing books, I found I had 3.

I also packed up five boxes of stuff for Goodwill and loaded them in the truck.

After all of the packing, I took a shower and went to AMC to see the movie You Again with Jamie Lee Curtis, Sigourney Weaver, Kristen Bell, Kristin Chenowith, Victor Garber, and Betty White. There was also a cameo appearance by one of my favorites, Cloris Leachman. It was a very entertaining movie. Funny and sad, it made me laugh out loud and made me cry. The ending was great.

I then went to Goodwill in Plant City and to Publix for groceries.

Tonight, I’ve packed 7 more boxes of books for Linda – with the three I already had packed, this should about finish up the books. It’s sad to see my old friends (my books) go, but they just take up too much space and weight. As it is, I still have some special books to go through and sort out.  I’ve put that on the back burner because I have to think about it.

Although I had decided not to walk today, I changed my mind and went out a little while ago. It’s 68 out right now and was a beautiful night for walking.

Now, it’s time for me to say good night.

Until next time…

Another Quiet Sunday

After a night of tossing and turning because of aches in places I didn’t know I even had, I got up about 6 am and started moving around a little. It helped a lot. I must have really overdone the moving and lifting yesterday. And then I took a really hot shower and pretty much felt a lot better.

Most of my day was spent archiving cassette tapes. It’s a pretty easy job to do – just very tedious.

I told you I thought the audio tapes were reproducing, didn’t I? Well, I found 2 more shoeboxes full of tapes. Who knows how many more I will find – those little devils!

I took five or six boxes of books for my friend Linda over to Karen’s. I still have a bunch more to take out of the big boxes and put in smaller ones.  Those big boxes are just too heavy. Hopefully, I’ll get that done tomorrow.

I put together a couple of those Scrubbing Bubbles automatic shower cleaners and hung them in my two showers. My cousin Ethelyn has one and she says they work great. Anything that will keep me from spending a lot of time cleaning the bathroom is a worthy endeavor.

Today, I signed up for the Writers Weekly Winter 24-hour writing contest. I haven’t done that in a few years. It takes place on 1/22/2011. By then, I hope to be living in my travel trailer and should not find it hard to find the  peace and quiet necessary for me to write.

Writers Weekly posts a topic and the maximum number of words and you have just 24 hours to do it. I’ve entered the contest a few times before and once won an honorable mention, but I would sure love to win it.

Tomorrow, I plan to pack up my writing books. My friend and writing teacher Debra Marrs has agreed to try to find good homes for them. I need to get them packed up in case she wants them right away.

I also plan to start installing the new window box I got for my kitchen window. Hopefully, it won’t be too hard to hang up there. Talk about procrastination, I’ve been putting this off for six months or more.

Tonight, I had a great walk. For some reason I was so energetic, I walked the same distance in 25 minutes that usually takes me 35. I don’t know why – maybe it was the Gold City music or maybe I just wanted to get done faster so I could come back and post my blog.

Until next time…

Re-Packing My Pick-Up

I almost posted my blog at 1:30 this afternoon, thinking I was too worn out to do anything else, let alone something interesting enough to write about. 

I’ve been putting off re-packing my pick-up since I got back from my summer vacation. It’s a grueling job at any time, but especially when it’s broiling hot outside. Today, when I got up it was 67 and the humidity seemed almost non-existent. I decided to stop procrastinating and just do it (sorry, Nike).

As I’ve mentioned several times, I’ve had a huge storage box pretending to be a coffee table in my living room. Before I went to New York, I had to remove it from my pickup to make room for the earth boxes I took to my brother. My living room is getting more and more cluttered as I pack up my stuff – re-packing my pick-up allowed me to put the big storage box back in the truck.

I think everything in the back of the pick-up weighed a ton. It sure seemed that way, but as you can see from the picture, I got everything out.

My temporary coffee table went in first: I loaded my Drills, saws, air compressor, Dremel tool, and t-square into it after I put it in the truck.

The above picture shows the “King Kong Mobile Super Box,” aka temporary coffee table positioned. I positioned a couple of other items next to the box to keep it from moving around,. You can also see in both of these pictures the post that keeps the box from sliding backwards. In the next two pictures, you can see the rest of the stuff that goes in the pick-.up. The box that’s up against the house is the one that holds the stuff I use for backing up and hooking up the trailer, including the spring bars and sway-control bar.

I think I must have been too tired after I finished loading it up to even think about taking a picture of the truck after it was loaded though I do have one that shows it 2/3 loaded.

The yellow-overed box holds the water hose, the cable for TV hook up, and the electrical stuff, including the 50 to 30-amp adaptor, a surge protector, and other such items. Ipm really glad to get this done – one more thing off my check-list.

This afternoon, I archived some more cassette tapes and watched some of the TV shows I had taped. It allowed me to take it easy and yet still get some stuff done.

Since I’d worked so hard this morning, I figured I’d skip my walk, but after an afternoon sitting around, I decided to walk anyway.  I guess walking is as addictive as everyone says.

Well, time for bed.

Until next time…

Acupuncture

Have you ever had the opportunity to experience acupuncture? A couple of years ago, my chiropractor used acupuncture when I was having a lot of trouble with my back. Today, he did it again and I have to say that my back feels the best it has in years.

The doctor did disabuse me of a notion I had that those needles only go ina little ways. He said most of them when put in the back go in about 2 inches. At first I thought he was kidding, but he wasn’t. Whatever distance they went in, it really did the trick. We’ll see how it is after I lie down tonight – that’s when it really hurts.

Tomorrow, I plan to clean out the back of my truck and re-pack it. Considering how bad my memory is, I plan on making a map of what is in there. I have a much better idea of where to put things after my trip this summer. This will also give me some extra room in my living room since I have one of my big storage boxes sitting in my living room playing coffee table – not that I drink coffee, but you get the idea.

It was a great morning for  a walk – I went out about 5:45 am. The temp was 67 and humidity non-existent. I hope it’s like that tomorrow. Walks are so much more pleasant when it’s not broiling hot and humid.

Well, CSI: NY needs my help solving a rather intriguing crime so I’ll sign off now.

Until next time…