The author Michael Pollan offered an elegant seven-word mantra in his best-selling book “In Defense of Food” that provides clarity amid the bounty of choices on supermarket shelves: “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants”. How easy that sounds. Although, I’m still on my ELOO (Extra Light Olive Oil) diet, I am still plagued by the amount of food available to eat. Jerilyn and I eat out once a week and, it seems, the restaurants are always eager to heap food on our plates in an effort to see that we return. The worst places are the buffets where we are responsible for returning several times and overeating. One thing I know for sure, if I ever cease to fight my own “Battle of The Bulge”, I will quickly baloon to an inconceivable weight and multiple health problems will appear. Like you, I have a weight number that causes immediate panic if I exceed it. I may not win every individual battle, but I will win this war!
Last week, Jerilyn got stung by a bee (Wasp) on her finger and it caused her a lot of pain. She spied it on the floor and took a paper napkin and caught it, squeezing it several time until she thought it was dead. Nope! When she opened the napkin and picked the darn thing up by its wing it stung her and she yelled at the top of her lungs. Goodbye Wasp! When she finished with it that time it was definitely dead. Looking at me inquiringly, she said “What can on do to stop the pain?” Desperately trying to remember when I graduated from medical school, I suggested placing her finger in vinegar. That seemed to help some. A friend told us that taping a penny on it for 15 minutes helps and someone else said that rubbing a banana peel on it would help also. The next day she pulled the stinger out and then things started improving. Her finger is fine now, but it will be a long time before she fools around with bees again.
I went fishing with my son last Sunday. That boy truly loves to fish. Without a boat, we were relegated to fishing off a pier. We were there 3-4 hours without a bite. The wind was gusting up to 30 mph, so we pretty much knew the fish would not bite. It was, however, a good time for father & son bonding. It always works out that way when we fish together. What a fun time!
Jerilyn has been working with United Airlines, setting up our trip to California in July. She was trying to work it in with our trip to Hawaii. We wanted to leave home a week early (July 16) and fly to San Francisco, which is part of the Hawaii trip, and then fly up to LA to visit family and friends. After that, we would rejoin the tour group and continue on to Hawaii. Also included in the problem was that we were attempting to use a flight credit issued to us last year when we cancelled our CA trip. Over a period of two days she was on the phone with United constantly. Every time they talked the rate would change depending on who she was talking to. Finally, at the end of the second day, she yells into the phone “I cannot believe anything you people tell me! Does anyone there know what’s going on?” That is so unlike Jerilyn. She is always sweet and pleasant. At the end of the day, they e-mailed us the tickets and I have printed them out. Unless we have a catastrophe we will be in CA on July 16th. This will be my first visit to that fair state and I’m certainly looking forward to it. I plan on taking many pics.
Saturday night we took Gladys out to dinner at Olive Garden (her favorite place). It has been more than six months since she has been out to eat with us. Health problems have kept her, either in Health Care, or her apartment. It was a good time for all. But, without fail, she looks over at me when our food arrives and says “Now, eat slow because I am taking my time.” As Jerilyn know, I absolutely despise anyone telling me how to eat my meal. As the anger boils inside, I calmly say to her “Gladys, I solemnly promise that if I finish before you do I will not leave you here.” Somehow, I think she knows how much that aggravates me and she cannot resist pushing that blinking red button. Once we got past that little annoyance, we enjoyed our meal and had a delightful conversation. She will be 90 this August. What a wonderful blessing!
Well, I finally finished the park bench for Jerilyn. The base of the bench is made of six by six (6”x6”) lumber and the bench setting on top of it is from a buckboard wagon Jerilyn’s Great-Grandpa Moger used back in the early 1900’s. I applied several coats of Thompson Waterseal to it before bolting it to the base. The base is salt treated and should last for many years. I poured some dry cement into each hole for the legs with the thought that it would eventually harden and hold them firmly in place. Jerilyn still has some work to do. She plans on making it a rock garden, so another trip to the Rock Place is in store for us. Anyway, my part is done and Jerilyn is a happy camper. Needless to say, when she’s happy, I’m happy!
My latest project involved putting a tomato plant in a bucket and hanging it upside down from a tree limb in our back yard . I found the info I needed online and with a printout of the instructions firmly clutched in my little hands I proceeded to follow them step by step. First I obtained a 5 gallon paint bucket, with top, from Kathy (Jerilyn’s daughter-inlaw), washed it with soap and water and placed the top firmly in place. I then drilled two holes in the bucket handle for a small rope. Taking a sharp knife, I cut a 2.5” diameter hole in each end, removed the top, placed a coffee filter over the hole in the bottom and filled the bucket with dirt (Jerilyn normally has a good stock of flower dirt from our local self-help store). Next I placed a coffee filter over the top of the dirt where the lid hole would be and then placed the lid firmly on the bucket. I then turned the bucket upside down, cut a slit in the coffee filter and worked out a place for the roots of the tomato plant, placed the plant roots inside the bucket and packed the dirt in firmly around it. The coffee filters inside the holes keep the dirt in place. Next, I throw a small nylon rope around a tree limb and attach it to the two holes in the bucket handle, hoist it to the desired height, tie it firmly and soak it thoroughly with fertilized water (Ortho liquid Fertilizer). That’s where the instructions stopped. I decided I wanted it to water itself for several days without my intervention, so I took a quart bottle, punched a small hole in its lid and base, plugged the hole in the base with a small screw (so I could regulate the drip), propped the bottle in the base and, with a few tweaks, I was done. So far, a bottle of water has lasted 1½ days. My new tweak should result in 4-5 days. I expect tomatoes as big as watermelons. I will keep you posted.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Thursday, May 8, 2008
5-08-2008
This past Saturday was a lot of fun. Jerilyn & I went, along with our friend Louise, to a community yard sale. We probably went to 15 locations and perused their goods. I bought a laser printer, exactly like the one I have, except newer. It is setting in the old one’s place right now. I paid $400 for the old one and $20 for the one that took it’s place. All three of us had a good time and Louise and I bought a lot more than Jerilyn. She (Jerilyn) analyse’s things before she buys, whereas, Louise and I threw caution to the wind and just bought. I probably spent $30. It is hard to have that much fun on $30. I’ll bet it will be a long time before Jerilyn invites me on another “yard sale” adventure.
Recently, I went over to pick up our trailer from Kathy (Jerilyn’s daughter-inlaw) and bring it back home. We had delivered a load of mulch to her and she emptyed the trailer and it was ready for me to pick up. It was a sunny, Sunday afternoon, and Brandon (the youngest granson) was out playing ball with his friend. Chris (who graduates this June) was out in the yard lazily enjoying his day. All of a sudden, I flash back to when I was his age (50 years ago) and I recalled how wonderful those days were. Graduation was only several weeks away and after 12 years of school it was a welcomed change. College was not an option, as was the case for most coal miner children, and a tour in the military was a distinct possibility since I did not want to become a miner. In my opinion, you will never feel better physically than when you are 18. I cannot recall worrying about much and everything that was going to happen in my life was going to be new and exciting (or so I thought). It was clear to me that my parents expected me to become self-sufficient at 18 and that included finding a place to live. They both loved me dearly, but it was time for me to move on and move on I did. Chris’ life is getting ready to change dramatically, leaving his friends and family behind as he strikes out for college, acquiring new friends and new challenges. A great life awaits him and I know he will do well.
I went out Sunday morning and had breakfast with my daughter (Debby) and Mary, at a local restaurant. The food was good and the conversation was excellent. It is so wonderful to break bread with people that mean so much to your life. After breakfast was over, we sat and talked awhile, then got into our cars and went our separate ways, me with a warm, comfortable feeling deep inside. It doesn’t get much better than that. It seems the longer someone has been a part of your life the more you love them. Well, these two have been a part of my life for a long time. Enough said.
At the yard sale last Saturday, I picked up a book on our presidents (thru Dubya). I am currently on our 12th president (Zachary Taylor). Since watching all 7 episodes of John Adams on HBO I have suddenly, become interested in learning about our presidents. Virginia (8) & Ohio (7) are leading with the most. Of our 43 presidents, I have lived under 11 and I remember 10 (starting with Truman). I cannot recall any of them being inspiring and, maybe, that is asking too much from them. Maybe, Obama can be inspiring, I don’t think Hillary or McCain can be. Should the ability to inspire be a prerequisite for the presidency? It would be nice to have such a president, but that may be asking for too much.
Well, our trip to California has been cancelled. Seems, the airline (United) has refused to do what they promised when we were forced to reschedule last October. Rather than pay twice for our tickets we have decided to work California into our schedule when we visit Hawaii in July. A little history on California, courtesy of my book on presidents: President Polk attempted to buy this state from Mexico in 1847 but they were unwilling to sell. Polk knew the Mexican government was weak and could not hope to win a war. Even so, the war turned out to be longer and bloodier than expected. Mexico was forced to surrender and the peace treaty with them forced an agreement (1848) for them to sell what is now all of California, Nevada and part of Utah, Arizona and New Mexico. I guess when we, as a nation, want something we take it. Anyway, with the cancellation of our trip to CA we are now considering a trip to TN to visit my family there. With all the travel planned I was wondering how I was going to work in a visit with my grandchildren (and great grandchildren). Now, I have a perfect opportunity to do so and do not have to wait until fall arrives. How wonderful it is to look into their face and see a reflection of those I love so dearly.
I have been working on a bench down next to the waterfront for Jerilyn. She has cut out a space in our backyard for a flower garden that will include the bench, some rocks and some flowers. I have almost finished the bench part and when the garden is complete I will include a pic of it in a future edition of this missive.
Recently, I went over to pick up our trailer from Kathy (Jerilyn’s daughter-inlaw) and bring it back home. We had delivered a load of mulch to her and she emptyed the trailer and it was ready for me to pick up. It was a sunny, Sunday afternoon, and Brandon (the youngest granson) was out playing ball with his friend. Chris (who graduates this June) was out in the yard lazily enjoying his day. All of a sudden, I flash back to when I was his age (50 years ago) and I recalled how wonderful those days were. Graduation was only several weeks away and after 12 years of school it was a welcomed change. College was not an option, as was the case for most coal miner children, and a tour in the military was a distinct possibility since I did not want to become a miner. In my opinion, you will never feel better physically than when you are 18. I cannot recall worrying about much and everything that was going to happen in my life was going to be new and exciting (or so I thought). It was clear to me that my parents expected me to become self-sufficient at 18 and that included finding a place to live. They both loved me dearly, but it was time for me to move on and move on I did. Chris’ life is getting ready to change dramatically, leaving his friends and family behind as he strikes out for college, acquiring new friends and new challenges. A great life awaits him and I know he will do well.
I went out Sunday morning and had breakfast with my daughter (Debby) and Mary, at a local restaurant. The food was good and the conversation was excellent. It is so wonderful to break bread with people that mean so much to your life. After breakfast was over, we sat and talked awhile, then got into our cars and went our separate ways, me with a warm, comfortable feeling deep inside. It doesn’t get much better than that. It seems the longer someone has been a part of your life the more you love them. Well, these two have been a part of my life for a long time. Enough said.
At the yard sale last Saturday, I picked up a book on our presidents (thru Dubya). I am currently on our 12th president (Zachary Taylor). Since watching all 7 episodes of John Adams on HBO I have suddenly, become interested in learning about our presidents. Virginia (8) & Ohio (7) are leading with the most. Of our 43 presidents, I have lived under 11 and I remember 10 (starting with Truman). I cannot recall any of them being inspiring and, maybe, that is asking too much from them. Maybe, Obama can be inspiring, I don’t think Hillary or McCain can be. Should the ability to inspire be a prerequisite for the presidency? It would be nice to have such a president, but that may be asking for too much.
Well, our trip to California has been cancelled. Seems, the airline (United) has refused to do what they promised when we were forced to reschedule last October. Rather than pay twice for our tickets we have decided to work California into our schedule when we visit Hawaii in July. A little history on California, courtesy of my book on presidents: President Polk attempted to buy this state from Mexico in 1847 but they were unwilling to sell. Polk knew the Mexican government was weak and could not hope to win a war. Even so, the war turned out to be longer and bloodier than expected. Mexico was forced to surrender and the peace treaty with them forced an agreement (1848) for them to sell what is now all of California, Nevada and part of Utah, Arizona and New Mexico. I guess when we, as a nation, want something we take it. Anyway, with the cancellation of our trip to CA we are now considering a trip to TN to visit my family there. With all the travel planned I was wondering how I was going to work in a visit with my grandchildren (and great grandchildren). Now, I have a perfect opportunity to do so and do not have to wait until fall arrives. How wonderful it is to look into their face and see a reflection of those I love so dearly.
I have been working on a bench down next to the waterfront for Jerilyn. She has cut out a space in our backyard for a flower garden that will include the bench, some rocks and some flowers. I have almost finished the bench part and when the garden is complete I will include a pic of it in a future edition of this missive.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
05-01-2008
There are times when you have to give up. The hose reel is history. After taking it apart for 8 times it was time to call it quits. To insure I would not change my mind, I took my Sabre Saw and sliced it into two pieces. The trash man comes this Thursday and it will be at the curb waiting. I do not give up easily, but it was time to put it to rest. My theory about life’s problems is if you struggle with them long enough you can usually come up with an answer. Needless to say, that did not happen in this instance. Oh well, life goes on.
I watched a movie the other night (Into The Wild) about a young college grad that decided to spend his life in the wild with very little human contact. His theory was that complete happiness could only be achieved by being close to nature. He and his sister were very unhappy with their parents and this seemed to be the driving force in their life. Hence, his need to get away. There are two point to make here: 1. Joy in life, in my humble opinion, is best when shared (spouse, relative,friend). 2. At some point in your adult life the impact your parents had on you will diminish and you have to take responsibility for your happiness, or lack thereof. I’m thinking the statue of limitations is 10 years. After that, no whinning about how bad you were treated as a youngster. I know, there are plenty of mental health people out there that will disagree, but that’s my opinion and I’m stickin’ to it!
Jerilyn was looking out the window the other day and saw a mole moving along his underground tunnel. She screamed for me to come quickly, we each gathered a pitchfork from the garage and headed outside to eliminate this very destructive vermin. Sure nuff, after 15-20 jabs with our weapons, it appeared on Jerilyn’s pitchfork with one tine thru his mid-section. The celebration that ensued would rival that of the Redskins winning the Superbowl (or me winning a piece of super-duper computer software on ebay). These little fellows can plow up a yard in a couple of days and the traps on the market are practically useless. We have tried mole poison, broken glass placed in their tunnels and just about anything else that been suggested. A good mole trap could easily net someone a cool $million. With this in mind, I have given it a lot of thought and I think I have figured out a design for a mole trap that will work. Now, the next trick is to build this thing.
We spent part of Sunday morning spreading mulch under some of the trees in our yard. It had been setting in the back of the truck since last Friday and with rain in the forecast, we decided it needed to be spread before it arrived. Fortunately we finished before the rain came, showered, and went over to pick up her mother so she could spend the remainder of the day with us. I took her home around 7pm and upon my return, Jerilyn had a pippin hot dinner waiting for me. We ate in front of the TV while watching 60 Minutes (on tape). 30 years ago this day would have been so boring. Now, to me, it was a great day! I refuse to think about what a great day will entail 20 years from now.
Jerilyn and I went out to dinner with 5 friends on Saturday night. It’s amazing how much good conversation can happen when friends eat together. Everyone has a story to tell and each of us contributed mightily to each other’s entertainment. The food was very good, but the fellowship was better. After eating we went to a live show and arrived home around midnight. We spend most of our time during the week doing chores, so getting out with friends on the weekend is a welcomed change.
Yesterday, we ran the Noland Trail and left there for the place that sells rocks. Landscaping with rocks is a favorite pastime for Jerilyn. After turning many rocks in various positions, she finally settled on three. One was probably 150 lbs and the other two considerably less. We got them home safely in the back of the truck and, with some assistance from 3 contractors next door, have them safely ensconced in their appropriate spots. Today, we go back to the rock place for a really big one (600 lbs), bring it home and get it off loaded (without help this time) and then head off for another load of mulch. This woman is working me to death!
I watched a movie the other night (Into The Wild) about a young college grad that decided to spend his life in the wild with very little human contact. His theory was that complete happiness could only be achieved by being close to nature. He and his sister were very unhappy with their parents and this seemed to be the driving force in their life. Hence, his need to get away. There are two point to make here: 1. Joy in life, in my humble opinion, is best when shared (spouse, relative,friend). 2. At some point in your adult life the impact your parents had on you will diminish and you have to take responsibility for your happiness, or lack thereof. I’m thinking the statue of limitations is 10 years. After that, no whinning about how bad you were treated as a youngster. I know, there are plenty of mental health people out there that will disagree, but that’s my opinion and I’m stickin’ to it!
Jerilyn was looking out the window the other day and saw a mole moving along his underground tunnel. She screamed for me to come quickly, we each gathered a pitchfork from the garage and headed outside to eliminate this very destructive vermin. Sure nuff, after 15-20 jabs with our weapons, it appeared on Jerilyn’s pitchfork with one tine thru his mid-section. The celebration that ensued would rival that of the Redskins winning the Superbowl (or me winning a piece of super-duper computer software on ebay). These little fellows can plow up a yard in a couple of days and the traps on the market are practically useless. We have tried mole poison, broken glass placed in their tunnels and just about anything else that been suggested. A good mole trap could easily net someone a cool $million. With this in mind, I have given it a lot of thought and I think I have figured out a design for a mole trap that will work. Now, the next trick is to build this thing.
We spent part of Sunday morning spreading mulch under some of the trees in our yard. It had been setting in the back of the truck since last Friday and with rain in the forecast, we decided it needed to be spread before it arrived. Fortunately we finished before the rain came, showered, and went over to pick up her mother so she could spend the remainder of the day with us. I took her home around 7pm and upon my return, Jerilyn had a pippin hot dinner waiting for me. We ate in front of the TV while watching 60 Minutes (on tape). 30 years ago this day would have been so boring. Now, to me, it was a great day! I refuse to think about what a great day will entail 20 years from now.
Jerilyn and I went out to dinner with 5 friends on Saturday night. It’s amazing how much good conversation can happen when friends eat together. Everyone has a story to tell and each of us contributed mightily to each other’s entertainment. The food was very good, but the fellowship was better. After eating we went to a live show and arrived home around midnight. We spend most of our time during the week doing chores, so getting out with friends on the weekend is a welcomed change.
Yesterday, we ran the Noland Trail and left there for the place that sells rocks. Landscaping with rocks is a favorite pastime for Jerilyn. After turning many rocks in various positions, she finally settled on three. One was probably 150 lbs and the other two considerably less. We got them home safely in the back of the truck and, with some assistance from 3 contractors next door, have them safely ensconced in their appropriate spots. Today, we go back to the rock place for a really big one (600 lbs), bring it home and get it off loaded (without help this time) and then head off for another load of mulch. This woman is working me to death!
Monday, April 21, 2008
4-22-2008
The rain has been persistent for the last two days and appears to be determined to hang around for at least one more day. We certainly needed the rain to wash away the pollen that is everywhere, causing runny noses and tearful eyes. But, we are ready for some sunshine and the opportunity to get outside and do things. Somehow, rainy days always depress me. I remember that being so when I was a boy running around in our coal camp (Page). I also remember that when it rained it came down in buckets. Us kids would stand under the water as it cascaded off the roofs, as it was the only way to get cool in the summer. I never saw an air conditioner until I left home and went into the US Air Force. Heat & AC are available now just by moving a lever on the wall unit. Lord knows I should be much happier now than I was back then and, maybe, I am. Life was so simple and there may be a lot to say about a simple life. I wonder what I would say if I should be lucky enough to stand in front of St. Peter and he says, “Ok, what’ll it be, the Simple Life, or, one more complicated, but with more pleasures?”. “St Peter”, says I, “how about a mixture of both?”. “Nope”, says he, “it has to be one or the other!” Pleading, I say, “Could I at least have my laptop?” I imagine that’s when he does what my 3rd grade teacher (Mrs. Angell) always did: draw a circle on the chalk board and make me stand there for an hour with my nose in it. Come to think of it, I think that circle did some psychological damage.
Maybe, I can use that as an excuse. Surely, St. Pete knows the damage a circle like that can have on a young kid.
Jerilyn’s mother (Gladys) will be moved from the Health Care unit (HC) of her retirement community back to her apartment this Friday. Health Care provides 24 hour care and, of course, once she gets back to her apartment she has to look after herself. We are hoping for the best. We went over Sunday and took her to her apartment in a wheelchair and let her practice walking to the community dining room, just to make sure she could do it. At 89, she is quite weak and very unwilling to exert any energy. I think she would like to stay permanently in HC, but that unit is for those residents severely disabled. Jerilyn & I went shopping last week and bought her a new, 26” TV. The one she has is very old and huge. It works well, but we decided she needed one with a better picture and more easily moved. We anticipate she will be back in HC before too long, for one reason, or the other.
We attended a city wide yard sale last Saturday morning. We arose early (0530), ate breakfast and headed off for the sale least someone should grab up all the bargins. I was standing at a table with a very nice patriotic wall flag, picking it up and looking at the price tag on the back, when I noticed the owner close by. “Hey”, says I, “how much is this flag?”. “$10” she responds. “Oh”, says the lady next to her, “I just looked at that flag and decided not to buy it because it said $40”. She then quickly walks over to me and says, “If you lay it down I want it!”. Everybody that goes to a yard sale is looking for the “I bet you can’t guess what I paid for this?” item. Now it’s impossible for me to lay it back down and then walk around thinking about it before I buy. I either have to buy this thing now or she gets it. Like the dummy I am, I proudly yell “SOLD!” and reach for my wallet. Later, as we walked back to the truck, I had a sneaky suspicion about being set up. Now, I know that chalkboard circle thing did some psychological damage!
On the way back home from the above yard sale, we stopped at another one. They had one of those ladders that you can make into a platform to do various things to the side of your house (repairs, wash windows, etc.). The price on it was $75. I inquired as to their best price and the lady says $65. Trying to atone for the previously perceived hustling I declined to bite that hook. As we got in the truck, I told Jerilyn about it and that I was only willing to pay $55. She makes a beeline to the lady, gives her our phone number and tells her to call if the ladder doesn’t sell and she’s willing to take $55. I have been sitting by the phone for 2 days now. I wish she would hurry and call. I’m missing all my good TV shows.
Well, the baseball season is upon us and I have yet to see my first game. Jerilyn’s grandson, Brandon, is involved with the Little League and I enjoy watching him play. The weather has started to warm up and spring is in the air. I always look in the Sports Section of our local paper to see how the Dodgers and Yankees are doing. The Dodgers were KD’s favorite team (since childhood) and following them, somehow, keeps me connected with him. Mary (my adopted sister), stays busy with LL baseball. I plan on getting out and watching one of her teams play this summer (she’s the league’s president). I coached her son (Duke) in baseball for a couple of years in the early 80’s. As a matter of fact, his nickname comes from the popular Centerfielder of the Brooklyn Dodgers, Duke Snyder. Baseball is such a wonderful distraction from the worries in our life. Isn’t it great that the only thing that matters for a few brief hours is how many runs we can score, how many batters we can strke out, or how many times we can hit the ball.
Have you noticed the price of a barrel of oil lately? Last time I checked it was $117 and the average price for a gallon of gas nationwide was $3.50 and no relief in sight. I wonder how high it will have to go before I change my driving habits? Right now, I’m guessing that $4.00/gallon will cause me to plan my trips more carefully and $5.00/gallon will give me severe heartburn. At $6.00/gallon the bicycle comes out and some serious pedaling takes place. At $7.00/gallon the possibility of buying a motor scooter crosses my mind and all discretionary traveling stops. Should I blame the Arabs or am I to blame because I am unwilling to make the necessary sacrifices. Aww shucks, I’m back to that chalkboard circle again.
Maybe, I can use that as an excuse. Surely, St. Pete knows the damage a circle like that can have on a young kid.
Jerilyn’s mother (Gladys) will be moved from the Health Care unit (HC) of her retirement community back to her apartment this Friday. Health Care provides 24 hour care and, of course, once she gets back to her apartment she has to look after herself. We are hoping for the best. We went over Sunday and took her to her apartment in a wheelchair and let her practice walking to the community dining room, just to make sure she could do it. At 89, she is quite weak and very unwilling to exert any energy. I think she would like to stay permanently in HC, but that unit is for those residents severely disabled. Jerilyn & I went shopping last week and bought her a new, 26” TV. The one she has is very old and huge. It works well, but we decided she needed one with a better picture and more easily moved. We anticipate she will be back in HC before too long, for one reason, or the other.
We attended a city wide yard sale last Saturday morning. We arose early (0530), ate breakfast and headed off for the sale least someone should grab up all the bargins. I was standing at a table with a very nice patriotic wall flag, picking it up and looking at the price tag on the back, when I noticed the owner close by. “Hey”, says I, “how much is this flag?”. “$10” she responds. “Oh”, says the lady next to her, “I just looked at that flag and decided not to buy it because it said $40”. She then quickly walks over to me and says, “If you lay it down I want it!”. Everybody that goes to a yard sale is looking for the “I bet you can’t guess what I paid for this?” item. Now it’s impossible for me to lay it back down and then walk around thinking about it before I buy. I either have to buy this thing now or she gets it. Like the dummy I am, I proudly yell “SOLD!” and reach for my wallet. Later, as we walked back to the truck, I had a sneaky suspicion about being set up. Now, I know that chalkboard circle thing did some psychological damage!
On the way back home from the above yard sale, we stopped at another one. They had one of those ladders that you can make into a platform to do various things to the side of your house (repairs, wash windows, etc.). The price on it was $75. I inquired as to their best price and the lady says $65. Trying to atone for the previously perceived hustling I declined to bite that hook. As we got in the truck, I told Jerilyn about it and that I was only willing to pay $55. She makes a beeline to the lady, gives her our phone number and tells her to call if the ladder doesn’t sell and she’s willing to take $55. I have been sitting by the phone for 2 days now. I wish she would hurry and call. I’m missing all my good TV shows.
Well, the baseball season is upon us and I have yet to see my first game. Jerilyn’s grandson, Brandon, is involved with the Little League and I enjoy watching him play. The weather has started to warm up and spring is in the air. I always look in the Sports Section of our local paper to see how the Dodgers and Yankees are doing. The Dodgers were KD’s favorite team (since childhood) and following them, somehow, keeps me connected with him. Mary (my adopted sister), stays busy with LL baseball. I plan on getting out and watching one of her teams play this summer (she’s the league’s president). I coached her son (Duke) in baseball for a couple of years in the early 80’s. As a matter of fact, his nickname comes from the popular Centerfielder of the Brooklyn Dodgers, Duke Snyder. Baseball is such a wonderful distraction from the worries in our life. Isn’t it great that the only thing that matters for a few brief hours is how many runs we can score, how many batters we can strke out, or how many times we can hit the ball.
Have you noticed the price of a barrel of oil lately? Last time I checked it was $117 and the average price for a gallon of gas nationwide was $3.50 and no relief in sight. I wonder how high it will have to go before I change my driving habits? Right now, I’m guessing that $4.00/gallon will cause me to plan my trips more carefully and $5.00/gallon will give me severe heartburn. At $6.00/gallon the bicycle comes out and some serious pedaling takes place. At $7.00/gallon the possibility of buying a motor scooter crosses my mind and all discretionary traveling stops. Should I blame the Arabs or am I to blame because I am unwilling to make the necessary sacrifices. Aww shucks, I’m back to that chalkboard circle again.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
04-13-2008
The time just flew by during our trip to PA, NY and CT last week. We had to cut our trip short because Jerilyn came down with a cold, but still, we had a good time. Our visit with her brother Wayne and his wife Marion was quite enjoyable. We left their home in Armonk, NY and travelled to Rocky Hill, CT to visit her cousin Jackie, who is a delight to be around. She travels to a lot of foreign countries, keeping diaries and taking pictures during her tours. We had planned on leaving her home and head back to southwest VA to visit my folks, but that will have to happen later in the year. Jerilyn looks forward as much as I do to our visit with my mountaineer family. I have close family friends back there that I pray for every day so it is important to visit them to make sure their health is improving. I am so very guilty of assuming that people close to me know I love them. I need to demonstrate it in a more open way.
While we at Woodloch Pines in PA, we had the opportunity to make new friends. At our table for breakfast, lunch and dinner were 7 other people. Two were from Long Island, NY, two from Newbern, NC (originally from Long Island) and three from NY City. By the time we went on our way three days later, we each knew a lot about each other. Everyone has a story to tell and how you tell it says a lot about who you are. The youngest guy in our group (around 48) was a city cop and firefighter and he had a lot of stories to tell. The oldest guy had two hips replaced and had equally compelling stories. As usual, I had my fun telling about my maternal relatives being McCoy’s (of Hatfield fame). And I always have fun letting people know about my indian heritage and the fact that my ancestors greeted their ancestors upon their arrival to the New World. Good conversation always trumps bad TV. In the coal camp I grew up in, if you couldn’t hold your own in a conversation with your peers, you might as well take your glove and go home. Too bad our school didn’t have a debating team. The kids in my neighborhood would have reigned supreme.
Our yard is looking very good. The grass is a lush green from all the rain it has received and our bushes and trees are letting us know that spring is here. I was having trouble with my riding mower but I think I have resolved that issue. I am back to working on our weed whacker. I have stopped the leaky gas tank, but still have a few other problems to resolve. I seem never to have much of a problem filling my day with things to do. One thing I have noticed as I get older is that I tire easily. I am normally up by 7 am and by 5pm all my energy is gone. That’s when I head inside for a shower, have a few peanuts and a small glass of wine and then logon my PC and check my e-mail.
I think one of the things that make life fun is having interesting friends. Jerilyn and I travel many miles to visit with friends. An interesting life, in my humble opinion, is made up of interesting friends, interesting places to visit and interesting things to do. If you are still in the workforce then an interesting job is very important. Of course, all of this interesting stuff is predicated on having good health. Health problems make it almost impossible to enjoy much. I have some very close friends struggling with their health and I know that their finding enjoyment in this life is a hard.
I always keep track of the gas mileage on my vehicles. I have done this for many, many years. I have always felt that if something was wrong with the engine it would be reflected in its gas mileage. During our recent trip to PA, CT & NY the Riviera averaged 26 mpg. Around town it gets 20 mpg. Now, the truck is a different animal. It gets 16 hiway and 13 city. The truck is our primary means of transportation when we are home. I feel so guilty riding that thing. I want to sell it and get a very small car to ride around town, but, Jerilyn will have no part of that. She makes her biweekly trip to the dump and without the truck she would be relegated to having to hook our trailer to the car and that is not so cool. Someone once said that “guilt is a tireless horse”. Every time I get in the truck that “tireless horse” jumps on my back and stays there until I park it. As soon as someone comes out with a car that get 50 mph, at a reasonable price, that puppy will be setting in our driveway.
If you have ever smoked 100 cigarettes in your life and are between 65-75 years old you should be checked for an aortic abdominal aneurysm-AAA (per National Institute of Health- www.nih.com) . The reason I know this is a very close relative has one (recently diagnosed). I doubt, however, that she has ever smoked in her life, so it is possible to have AAA without ever having smoked. I must remember at my next physical to ask my doctor about being checked.
I recently listened to a discussion of how a husband would feel if his wife made more money than he. I have never had that happen to me, but it gave me pause for thought. I was raised to believe that husbands were the breadwinners and wives took care of the children and kept things in order at home. Anyway, that is the way it was in our home as a kid. As an adult I worked with many women, with very few making as much as I made. Fortunately, that is changing and women are assuming their rightful place in higher paying jobs at work. Women make up 58% of college students and make far better grades while there (NY Times-July 2006). So it stands to reason that women will eventually make more money since they will be better educated. A woman is currently standing on the on the precipice of the presidency and are regular occupants of cabinet level jobs. So, that brings me back to my original question: would I feel inferior if my wife made more money than me? Common sense would dictate that I should be a happy camper, but I dunno if that would hold true for me. I guess I still carry a lot of baggage. Sometimes, the way you feel about things make absolutely no sense.
While we at Woodloch Pines in PA, we had the opportunity to make new friends. At our table for breakfast, lunch and dinner were 7 other people. Two were from Long Island, NY, two from Newbern, NC (originally from Long Island) and three from NY City. By the time we went on our way three days later, we each knew a lot about each other. Everyone has a story to tell and how you tell it says a lot about who you are. The youngest guy in our group (around 48) was a city cop and firefighter and he had a lot of stories to tell. The oldest guy had two hips replaced and had equally compelling stories. As usual, I had my fun telling about my maternal relatives being McCoy’s (of Hatfield fame). And I always have fun letting people know about my indian heritage and the fact that my ancestors greeted their ancestors upon their arrival to the New World. Good conversation always trumps bad TV. In the coal camp I grew up in, if you couldn’t hold your own in a conversation with your peers, you might as well take your glove and go home. Too bad our school didn’t have a debating team. The kids in my neighborhood would have reigned supreme.
Our yard is looking very good. The grass is a lush green from all the rain it has received and our bushes and trees are letting us know that spring is here. I was having trouble with my riding mower but I think I have resolved that issue. I am back to working on our weed whacker. I have stopped the leaky gas tank, but still have a few other problems to resolve. I seem never to have much of a problem filling my day with things to do. One thing I have noticed as I get older is that I tire easily. I am normally up by 7 am and by 5pm all my energy is gone. That’s when I head inside for a shower, have a few peanuts and a small glass of wine and then logon my PC and check my e-mail.
I think one of the things that make life fun is having interesting friends. Jerilyn and I travel many miles to visit with friends. An interesting life, in my humble opinion, is made up of interesting friends, interesting places to visit and interesting things to do. If you are still in the workforce then an interesting job is very important. Of course, all of this interesting stuff is predicated on having good health. Health problems make it almost impossible to enjoy much. I have some very close friends struggling with their health and I know that their finding enjoyment in this life is a hard.
I always keep track of the gas mileage on my vehicles. I have done this for many, many years. I have always felt that if something was wrong with the engine it would be reflected in its gas mileage. During our recent trip to PA, CT & NY the Riviera averaged 26 mpg. Around town it gets 20 mpg. Now, the truck is a different animal. It gets 16 hiway and 13 city. The truck is our primary means of transportation when we are home. I feel so guilty riding that thing. I want to sell it and get a very small car to ride around town, but, Jerilyn will have no part of that. She makes her biweekly trip to the dump and without the truck she would be relegated to having to hook our trailer to the car and that is not so cool. Someone once said that “guilt is a tireless horse”. Every time I get in the truck that “tireless horse” jumps on my back and stays there until I park it. As soon as someone comes out with a car that get 50 mph, at a reasonable price, that puppy will be setting in our driveway.
If you have ever smoked 100 cigarettes in your life and are between 65-75 years old you should be checked for an aortic abdominal aneurysm-AAA (per National Institute of Health- www.nih.com) . The reason I know this is a very close relative has one (recently diagnosed). I doubt, however, that she has ever smoked in her life, so it is possible to have AAA without ever having smoked. I must remember at my next physical to ask my doctor about being checked.
I recently listened to a discussion of how a husband would feel if his wife made more money than he. I have never had that happen to me, but it gave me pause for thought. I was raised to believe that husbands were the breadwinners and wives took care of the children and kept things in order at home. Anyway, that is the way it was in our home as a kid. As an adult I worked with many women, with very few making as much as I made. Fortunately, that is changing and women are assuming their rightful place in higher paying jobs at work. Women make up 58% of college students and make far better grades while there (NY Times-July 2006). So it stands to reason that women will eventually make more money since they will be better educated. A woman is currently standing on the on the precipice of the presidency and are regular occupants of cabinet level jobs. So, that brings me back to my original question: would I feel inferior if my wife made more money than me? Common sense would dictate that I should be a happy camper, but I dunno if that would hold true for me. I guess I still carry a lot of baggage. Sometimes, the way you feel about things make absolutely no sense.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
4-02-2008
The time when things were easily accomplished seem to be in the past for me. The other day I decided it was time to rotate the tires on our car which I do every 7,000 miles. I pulled out the necessary jacks and proceeded to switch the tires. The very first tire I tried to remove had a stubborn lug that would not come loose. Desperate not to break it, I gently increased the pressure trying to pry it loose. Didn’t work! It breaks and, in frustration, I uttered a few curse words, later regretting that I did so, but I must admit at the time they felt really good. I gave up cursing back in the 60’s when my two children were very small. The people I worked with were very profane, and so to fit in, I adopted their manner of expressing themselves. What I found out was that I could not keep the profanity at work, away from the ears of my children. It didn’t take long to conclude that I had to clean up my act. Today, you will very seldom hear me curse, unless of course, I break a lug :)
Tax deadlines are approaching (4/15- Federal & 5/1-state). I prepared ours this year with H&R Block’s Tax Cut. We owe on the federal form and receive a refund on the state form. Now, I know most people enjoy getting money back from Uncle Sam, but me, I prefer not to let him use my money for an entire year without paying interest. My daughter prefers to look at it like a savings account and the biggest smile always comes over her face when she sees the size of her refund. The glee in her face more than makes up for any lost interest on her funds.
I am still struggling with a variety of problems. The infamous weedwhacker still has a leaky gas tank, the hose reel is still not working properly and my pedometer refuses to upload its data to my PC. I have ordered 2 gig of ram for my laptop and it should arrive shortly. I will be leaving these problems behind this Friday when Jerilyn and I head off to PA for a few days vacation. We will spend three days at a resort (Woodloch Pines), and then travel over to NY to visit her brother Wayne and his wife Marion, then up to CT to visit her cousin Jackie. We will leave there and head for the mountains of VA, where we will visit my folks for several days. My Aunt Helen is celebrating her 84th birthday today. Our plans are to be back home by Saturday, April 12th. I will have my laptop with me and hope to stay in touch.
To close, I would like to let you know that I’m still struggling with the presidential thingy. I do not see any good options here and it seems to come down to picking the candidate that will do the least harm. Right now, I’m leaning toward Obama, but Dad would turn over in his grave if he knew I was voting for a democrat. Before, I could keep things from him, but now, he can look down and see everything I do (not a good thing). Hopefully, as we get closer to November, the choice will become easier. I will be visiting some very smart friends this summer and I just know they will be able to enlighten me some. Believe me, I need all the help I can get.
Tax deadlines are approaching (4/15- Federal & 5/1-state). I prepared ours this year with H&R Block’s Tax Cut. We owe on the federal form and receive a refund on the state form. Now, I know most people enjoy getting money back from Uncle Sam, but me, I prefer not to let him use my money for an entire year without paying interest. My daughter prefers to look at it like a savings account and the biggest smile always comes over her face when she sees the size of her refund. The glee in her face more than makes up for any lost interest on her funds.
I am still struggling with a variety of problems. The infamous weedwhacker still has a leaky gas tank, the hose reel is still not working properly and my pedometer refuses to upload its data to my PC. I have ordered 2 gig of ram for my laptop and it should arrive shortly. I will be leaving these problems behind this Friday when Jerilyn and I head off to PA for a few days vacation. We will spend three days at a resort (Woodloch Pines), and then travel over to NY to visit her brother Wayne and his wife Marion, then up to CT to visit her cousin Jackie. We will leave there and head for the mountains of VA, where we will visit my folks for several days. My Aunt Helen is celebrating her 84th birthday today. Our plans are to be back home by Saturday, April 12th. I will have my laptop with me and hope to stay in touch.
To close, I would like to let you know that I’m still struggling with the presidential thingy. I do not see any good options here and it seems to come down to picking the candidate that will do the least harm. Right now, I’m leaning toward Obama, but Dad would turn over in his grave if he knew I was voting for a democrat. Before, I could keep things from him, but now, he can look down and see everything I do (not a good thing). Hopefully, as we get closer to November, the choice will become easier. I will be visiting some very smart friends this summer and I just know they will be able to enlighten me some. Believe me, I need all the help I can get.
Monday, March 24, 2008
3-24-2008
The following quote is very true:
“Your Mother is always with you. She’s the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street; she’s the smell of bleach in your freshly laundered socks; she’s the cool hand on your brow when you’re not well.
Your mother lives inside your laughter and she’s crystallized in every tear drop. She’s the place you came from, your first home; and she’s the map you follow with every step you take. She’s your first love and your first heartbreak and nothing on earth can separate you…..not time, not space, not even death!”
My mother passed away 20 years ago this month. My brother and I think about her most every day and though she has been gone all these many years, we still miss her smile, deep black eyes and wonderful outlook on life.
Our trip to Myrtle Beach two weeks ago was a welcomed vacation from our everyday routine. Our friends, Don & Louise , went with us and we enjoyed their company. They visit MB often and served as our guide. We attended several shows, walked the beach and the girls did some shopping. Our motel, unknown to us, did not have Wi-Fi (internet connection) and rendered our laptops practically useless. I basically used mine to upload photos and make entries in my daily diary. Fun was had by all. Louise carries the label of “tour director”. She planned our trip and makes the necessary arrangements. It is nice to have “take charge” people in your life.
I am currently working on a hose reel that rewinds the hose by using water pressure when I am finished. I purchased it about 5 years ago and it has worked to perfection up until this spring. So, being the adventurous sort, I started removing the screws that hold it together (30 or more) and tried to diagnose the problem. So far, I have gone thru this process twice without success. It’s almost impossible to replace the rubber parts because of the odd shapes. It’s probably time to pull out the book that came with it and see if I can order the necessary parts. Odds are this thing is headed for the city dump. A negative attitude never helps.
Jerilyn and I attended our church’s sunrise service yesterday. How wonderful it was to get up early and celebrate this wonderful tradition. As our minister talked about Christ’s return from death, the sun arose on the horizon and all was well for us on that special day. We attended an Easter show on Saturday evening that included our next door neighbor (Mary Beth) in the choir. As our luck would have it, the choir director stood directly in our line of sight and it was difficult to see her while she sang. I was, however, able to pick out her voice. She sings so well.
I plan on going over to NC this week and visit my brother Jerry. Mary has decided to go with me and that makes the trip more meaningful. It gives me an opportunity to spend time with my adopted sister, as well as with my brother and his wife Patty. We will make a day of it, stopping to eat on the way home, and enjoying good conversation on the way over and back. I fear spending time with her will come to a rapid close as the youth baseball season starts. Over the past 40+ years, she and KD were impossible to get in touch with from April to August and without KD she will be a mighty busy woman. I know how much she enjoys it and I wish her well.
For the past few weeks I have been busy trying to broadcast my wireless internet signal to my next door neighbor so he can stop using his 56k phone modem. Well, the signal repeater finally arrived and, with a little fiddlin’ here and there, my efforts were rewarded with success. His access is not quite as fast as mine, but many times faster than what he was using. It makes me feel good when I can help make someone’s life a little more pleasant.
Well, spring has officially arrived! I mowed my grass for the first time this year and it will continue until late October. The temperatures are starting to go higher and flowers are blooming everywhere. A lot of trees are showing buds and the birds seem to be very happy that spring is apparently here. I am glad that winter is over and I’m looking forward to spending a lot more time outside. I always feel renewed when spring arrives. We have a trip planned to PA in a couple of weeks and are looking forward to it. We are also planning on visiting my folks back home on the way back. It’s always a pleasure to go back to Buchanan County, VA and see what’s going on at Garden Creek (my hometown). There are so many people there that I love.
“Your Mother is always with you. She’s the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street; she’s the smell of bleach in your freshly laundered socks; she’s the cool hand on your brow when you’re not well.
Your mother lives inside your laughter and she’s crystallized in every tear drop. She’s the place you came from, your first home; and she’s the map you follow with every step you take. She’s your first love and your first heartbreak and nothing on earth can separate you…..not time, not space, not even death!”
My mother passed away 20 years ago this month. My brother and I think about her most every day and though she has been gone all these many years, we still miss her smile, deep black eyes and wonderful outlook on life.
Our trip to Myrtle Beach two weeks ago was a welcomed vacation from our everyday routine. Our friends, Don & Louise , went with us and we enjoyed their company. They visit MB often and served as our guide. We attended several shows, walked the beach and the girls did some shopping. Our motel, unknown to us, did not have Wi-Fi (internet connection) and rendered our laptops practically useless. I basically used mine to upload photos and make entries in my daily diary. Fun was had by all. Louise carries the label of “tour director”. She planned our trip and makes the necessary arrangements. It is nice to have “take charge” people in your life.
I am currently working on a hose reel that rewinds the hose by using water pressure when I am finished. I purchased it about 5 years ago and it has worked to perfection up until this spring. So, being the adventurous sort, I started removing the screws that hold it together (30 or more) and tried to diagnose the problem. So far, I have gone thru this process twice without success. It’s almost impossible to replace the rubber parts because of the odd shapes. It’s probably time to pull out the book that came with it and see if I can order the necessary parts. Odds are this thing is headed for the city dump. A negative attitude never helps.
Jerilyn and I attended our church’s sunrise service yesterday. How wonderful it was to get up early and celebrate this wonderful tradition. As our minister talked about Christ’s return from death, the sun arose on the horizon and all was well for us on that special day. We attended an Easter show on Saturday evening that included our next door neighbor (Mary Beth) in the choir. As our luck would have it, the choir director stood directly in our line of sight and it was difficult to see her while she sang. I was, however, able to pick out her voice. She sings so well.
I plan on going over to NC this week and visit my brother Jerry. Mary has decided to go with me and that makes the trip more meaningful. It gives me an opportunity to spend time with my adopted sister, as well as with my brother and his wife Patty. We will make a day of it, stopping to eat on the way home, and enjoying good conversation on the way over and back. I fear spending time with her will come to a rapid close as the youth baseball season starts. Over the past 40+ years, she and KD were impossible to get in touch with from April to August and without KD she will be a mighty busy woman. I know how much she enjoys it and I wish her well.
For the past few weeks I have been busy trying to broadcast my wireless internet signal to my next door neighbor so he can stop using his 56k phone modem. Well, the signal repeater finally arrived and, with a little fiddlin’ here and there, my efforts were rewarded with success. His access is not quite as fast as mine, but many times faster than what he was using. It makes me feel good when I can help make someone’s life a little more pleasant.
Well, spring has officially arrived! I mowed my grass for the first time this year and it will continue until late October. The temperatures are starting to go higher and flowers are blooming everywhere. A lot of trees are showing buds and the birds seem to be very happy that spring is apparently here. I am glad that winter is over and I’m looking forward to spending a lot more time outside. I always feel renewed when spring arrives. We have a trip planned to PA in a couple of weeks and are looking forward to it. We are also planning on visiting my folks back home on the way back. It’s always a pleasure to go back to Buchanan County, VA and see what’s going on at Garden Creek (my hometown). There are so many people there that I love.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)