JEANS:
Somebody came up with that name. When you see the word, a vision - your vision of jeans springs into view. I visualize blue denim trousers. I do own a few pair of gray and/or black jeans. I do not own Green Jeans. That was a guy on TV.
Normally, if I plan to dress up in jeans - a concept that is somewhat flawed to start - I will wear the Gray or Black jeans. To me, blue jeans fail miserably in the dress-up category. Frankly, Gray & Black (or Green) jeans fail too. But in my VIEW, in today's society, jeans are loved and respected in the strangest and "wrongest" places. Must I even mention jeans that are torn or ripped by manufacturer and sold at twice the price?
.
Our little Sadie is having stomach problems. She is emitting a dark brown substance (liquid if you will) instead of well formed projectiles. In other words, her poop is runny. At times she has lost control and little brown droplets appear on the floor. Out comes the mop. She is not like our boy dogs who want to mark the world. No self-respecting female dog would want to mark anything with droplets of brown poop.
.
We gave her some Pepto-Bismo last night. They say that a bit of pumpkin out of a can works too. We don't have pumpkin on our shelf right now. Who keeps pumpkin in the merry month of May? How does this relate to Jeans?
.
When I held her to pump the Pepto down her throat, her bottom caressed the upper left leg of my blue jeans. A three inch spot appeared. Poor Sadie; she knows not what she does.
.
Now, I have jeans which need immediate washing. This morning I dug through the closet and came up with 8 pair of blue, gray, and black jeans to wash plus a pair from the wife (of recent Mother's Day fame) and several pair of dark socks. Some of you won't believe this. I washed my own jeans. I put in the soap and pushed the start button. Of course, Of course, the spouse (of recent....etc.) had to show me which button to push on the washer. I suppose in my youth, I may have washed my own jeans. I can't remember when. My mother and later my wife have always handled this chore for me. They understand washing machines.
.
My first load is in the dryer; the second load is finishing up in the washer. Next, I will try to learn how to hang up trousers. This may be over my pay scale.
.
A couple years ago - it may have been 2 or 5 or whatever - I heard (or read or was told by somebody or saw on TV) that the CEO of Levi's said that he never washes his jeans. Think on that for a bit. The boss of the company that makes Levi's said --- I don't think I am confused here --- he said, "I never wash my jeans." Surely it wasn't the CEO of Wranglers. Who would interview the CEO of Wranglers? Nope. It had to be Levi's.
.
So, here is what we got. The guy who runs the jeans company never washes his pants. Of course, he doesn't. He throws them away and gets another new pair. Does he even buy his own jeans? I bet there is an Inspector #8 down on the line who pulls out his size every other day and delivers them to his closet - hung properly. The Inspector #8 then removes the older (one week maybe) pair and throws them into a "recycle to the poor house" bin.
.
I dug on a hole last week down by the lake edge. The bottom three inches of my work jeans sucked up mud. Can you imagine the CEO of Levi's digging a hole in his penthouse suite on top of the Blue Levi's High Rise building? Of course the Levi bldg is blue. What other color could it be? Maybe he gets his jeans blemished when he climbs into the back of his Limo. Wait. In all fairness, his brake pedal on his Porsche sports car convertible might rub his left leg. I don't know this gentleman. I don't know his name or the color of his eyes. He might be a wonderful feller. I think his statement was - - - I love the concept.
.
Yep. Until today, I can say that like the CEO of Levi's I never wash my jeans.
.
In the spirit of fairness and openness, I need to report that my middle name is Eugene, oft times shortened to Gene by many, and my #2 daughter (by age) has a middle name of Jeanne. These facts have had no bearing on the above account. I do not show favoritism to anyone named or associated with Jeans. Once had a student named Jean Dupy. She was really a nice, sweet girl who was quite impish.
Next week: Wearing Jeans to Church, Biblical or Cool
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Monday, May 13, 2019
Post Mother's Day Post
I thought the title was cute. "Post Mother's Day Post." It's probably not enough to make it into Bartlett's Quotes. But, I'll live. Sometimes I am so cute, I can't hardly hug myself enough. Now Hummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
.
With that said: I had a fairly nice mother's day. We made it to Wax-a-hatchet (spelling stolen from son Roger) in time for the lunch buffet at El Fenix. Frankly, I prefer Panchos - smaller crowds - fewer waiters hustling for your attention - more enchilada choices - as much guacamole as you care to have - less room noise (something that has bothered me quite a bit since I put in the hearing aids) - cheaper - and memories.
.
It was good to see Tom and Laura. Their dog Hannah - recently paralyzed - operated on - spends time in a crate till her back improves - Hannah looked good. She was so happy to see us all. While she still doesn't run and play (a 3 yr old dog will run and play), she was still somewhat mobile. And, her Licker was fine tuned just enough to reach my nose.
.
Went over to Lowe's and made arrangements for a storm door to be installed both on our front and back doors. The back door one will have a doggy door implanted in the glass. I'm sure the dogs will love laying down inside the house while they scan the back yard through the glass - then, Whamming!! through the doggy door as they attempt to maim the local squirrels. Plus - now, they will be able to look out the front door as well and warm up their Barkers for our local traffic. We all do love to bark at the local pickup trucks that frequent our cul-de-sac.
.
Wednesday should bring the guy here to measure the door openings and plan the installation.
Tuesday will bring a different guy here to fix our refrigerator and dish washer. Really?
The dishwasher door has 2 springs to support the door. Both springs are broken. The freezer is flowing water out the bottom. I think the freezer drain may be clogged, but, of course it could be a leak from the ice maker. Since the leak doesn't happen every time the ice dumps - or only when the ice tray fills, I am optimistic as you should be too.
.
Thursday - is my semi-annual visit to my doctor so he can tell me that my blood sugar is too high. Lately, this doctor seems concerned that the blood sugar will get too low some night and I will croak. I have never had a "low." I don't know how fun that would be. Let's think on it a bit.
.
On the way home we stopped in Walmarts to buy yarn for the "Mother" (of recent Mother's Day fame). Now we are all set for a future trip.
Daughter Christine is going to a Tandy's store soon and buy a couple of leather projects which we can use on a future trip. I have leather working tools which I never use enough. If only I could get a real horse; then, maybe I could make a saddle. Frankly you can only make so many billfolds, key rings, and leather pouches.
.
Stay tuned. My next bluggy will have to do with blue jeans - if I remember to write the next bluggy. Y'all take care now, ya here?
m3
p.s. did I ever mention that Christine sent us a recipe for wrapping bacon around dill pickle spears - cooking in the oven till done - and eating of course. She thinks this is a great product. I had a bit of a problem with eating a hot pickle. To each his own I suppose.
.
With that said: I had a fairly nice mother's day. We made it to Wax-a-hatchet (spelling stolen from son Roger) in time for the lunch buffet at El Fenix. Frankly, I prefer Panchos - smaller crowds - fewer waiters hustling for your attention - more enchilada choices - as much guacamole as you care to have - less room noise (something that has bothered me quite a bit since I put in the hearing aids) - cheaper - and memories.
.
It was good to see Tom and Laura. Their dog Hannah - recently paralyzed - operated on - spends time in a crate till her back improves - Hannah looked good. She was so happy to see us all. While she still doesn't run and play (a 3 yr old dog will run and play), she was still somewhat mobile. And, her Licker was fine tuned just enough to reach my nose.
.
Went over to Lowe's and made arrangements for a storm door to be installed both on our front and back doors. The back door one will have a doggy door implanted in the glass. I'm sure the dogs will love laying down inside the house while they scan the back yard through the glass - then, Whamming!! through the doggy door as they attempt to maim the local squirrels. Plus - now, they will be able to look out the front door as well and warm up their Barkers for our local traffic. We all do love to bark at the local pickup trucks that frequent our cul-de-sac.
.
Wednesday should bring the guy here to measure the door openings and plan the installation.
Tuesday will bring a different guy here to fix our refrigerator and dish washer. Really?
The dishwasher door has 2 springs to support the door. Both springs are broken. The freezer is flowing water out the bottom. I think the freezer drain may be clogged, but, of course it could be a leak from the ice maker. Since the leak doesn't happen every time the ice dumps - or only when the ice tray fills, I am optimistic as you should be too.
.
Thursday - is my semi-annual visit to my doctor so he can tell me that my blood sugar is too high. Lately, this doctor seems concerned that the blood sugar will get too low some night and I will croak. I have never had a "low." I don't know how fun that would be. Let's think on it a bit.
.
On the way home we stopped in Walmarts to buy yarn for the "Mother" (of recent Mother's Day fame). Now we are all set for a future trip.
Daughter Christine is going to a Tandy's store soon and buy a couple of leather projects which we can use on a future trip. I have leather working tools which I never use enough. If only I could get a real horse; then, maybe I could make a saddle. Frankly you can only make so many billfolds, key rings, and leather pouches.
.
Stay tuned. My next bluggy will have to do with blue jeans - if I remember to write the next bluggy. Y'all take care now, ya here?
m3
p.s. did I ever mention that Christine sent us a recipe for wrapping bacon around dill pickle spears - cooking in the oven till done - and eating of course. She thinks this is a great product. I had a bit of a problem with eating a hot pickle. To each his own I suppose.
Saturday, May 11, 2019
May 11th, it is
It is May 11th, Sat.
I do much better at this when I am feeling chipper and have excess time.
The rains come and keep coming and coming. I am so tired of thunder and lightening and water everywhere. I realize that in a couple of months it will be 100 degrees in the shade and no rain anywhere. I know, I know. But still, wouldn't it be nice to have 4 days in a row without rain?
.
Oscar, my ball playing boy, doesn't like thunder. Since we can't go out and play ball, he doesn't like rain either. As it roars outside, my boy is here on the floor beside me - I have covered him with a small blanket, and he seems less distressed.
.
I've often had a theory about this. Some dogs are so scared of thunder; others pay it no mind. I'm thinking the smarter ones are afraid because they process the noise. On the other hand, maybe they are dumber because they process the noise. My boy is just scared, just plain scared. Our little Liesl girl dog use to be afraid of thunder too. Greta and Fritz could have cared less. My boy Bruno seems to go with the flow...as long as there is a big bowl of food at the end of that rainbow.
.
We had a major disaster last week here at my house. My daily game was really thrown off kilter. It has been a long time since I was so frustrated and beat down. Our microwave broke. Your immediate reaction is something like - "stupid." My father got a microwave back in the 60s-one of the first in town. I've had one in the family forever. Some of you might have been born after the microwave was common place. I challenge you - go for a week without one. That is the same as challenging you to walk a mile in my shoes, buddy.
.
A few months ago, we had a power outage. This is nothing new here. Some are brief; some last for several hours. I don't understand the problem. We own lots of candles and lanterns. After this particular outage, the microwave was shut down. Nothing. No clock; No nuthin'. I began to look up microwaves on Consumer Reports and online. 4 hours later, BOING!! It restarted. Just like that. BOING!! All was well..
.
About a month later, a power outage and - it never came back on. Back to Consumer Reports and internet I went. Then; about 6 hours later -- you guessed it -- (I assume you guessed it ) BOING!! All was well. It has nothing to do with the length of the outage, just that it was an outage.
.
Last week - Wednesday, I believe - the lights went off for less than a minute. Perhaps, it was only just a moment. No microwave. I climbed up and unplugged it for a couple of minutes. It seems that you reset some microwaves by unplugging for 30 seconds or so. It is a computer, you know. Nothing. Consumer Reports and the Internet and I had a religious meeting. Several hours later, I unplugged it again and left it that way over night. Still nothing.
.
Here is my thought: It is not a fuse. It is the motherboard. Fuses do not reset. Breakers can be reset. Fuses will not. I read that fuses for microwaves cost nearly $200. That is probably a lie. But, a motherboard is liable to cost more than a new machine. Because our old machine hangs over the stove, we have a problem with the plastic front door cracking - it melts over time. The outside of this machine was on its last legs.
.
Let's reduce this story to something shorter. We bought a new GE down at Sears. It was a floor model hanging on their wall. We paid to have it installed. The guys installing broke part of the screw mechanism. The installer said that he would go back to the store and order us a new microwave. I rolled my eyes. He said they would call when the new machine comes in. I rolled my eyes. They left this one hanging on the wall, held by a back bracket and one strong screw.
I am afraid this stone is not over yet.
I'll close now and ask you to pray for my niece Marion.
More on that at a later date.
M3
I do much better at this when I am feeling chipper and have excess time.
The rains come and keep coming and coming. I am so tired of thunder and lightening and water everywhere. I realize that in a couple of months it will be 100 degrees in the shade and no rain anywhere. I know, I know. But still, wouldn't it be nice to have 4 days in a row without rain?
.
Oscar, my ball playing boy, doesn't like thunder. Since we can't go out and play ball, he doesn't like rain either. As it roars outside, my boy is here on the floor beside me - I have covered him with a small blanket, and he seems less distressed.
.
I've often had a theory about this. Some dogs are so scared of thunder; others pay it no mind. I'm thinking the smarter ones are afraid because they process the noise. On the other hand, maybe they are dumber because they process the noise. My boy is just scared, just plain scared. Our little Liesl girl dog use to be afraid of thunder too. Greta and Fritz could have cared less. My boy Bruno seems to go with the flow...as long as there is a big bowl of food at the end of that rainbow.
.
We had a major disaster last week here at my house. My daily game was really thrown off kilter. It has been a long time since I was so frustrated and beat down. Our microwave broke. Your immediate reaction is something like - "stupid." My father got a microwave back in the 60s-one of the first in town. I've had one in the family forever. Some of you might have been born after the microwave was common place. I challenge you - go for a week without one. That is the same as challenging you to walk a mile in my shoes, buddy.
.
A few months ago, we had a power outage. This is nothing new here. Some are brief; some last for several hours. I don't understand the problem. We own lots of candles and lanterns. After this particular outage, the microwave was shut down. Nothing. No clock; No nuthin'. I began to look up microwaves on Consumer Reports and online. 4 hours later, BOING!! It restarted. Just like that. BOING!! All was well..
.
About a month later, a power outage and - it never came back on. Back to Consumer Reports and internet I went. Then; about 6 hours later -- you guessed it -- (I assume you guessed it ) BOING!! All was well. It has nothing to do with the length of the outage, just that it was an outage.
.
Last week - Wednesday, I believe - the lights went off for less than a minute. Perhaps, it was only just a moment. No microwave. I climbed up and unplugged it for a couple of minutes. It seems that you reset some microwaves by unplugging for 30 seconds or so. It is a computer, you know. Nothing. Consumer Reports and the Internet and I had a religious meeting. Several hours later, I unplugged it again and left it that way over night. Still nothing.
.
Here is my thought: It is not a fuse. It is the motherboard. Fuses do not reset. Breakers can be reset. Fuses will not. I read that fuses for microwaves cost nearly $200. That is probably a lie. But, a motherboard is liable to cost more than a new machine. Because our old machine hangs over the stove, we have a problem with the plastic front door cracking - it melts over time. The outside of this machine was on its last legs.
.
Let's reduce this story to something shorter. We bought a new GE down at Sears. It was a floor model hanging on their wall. We paid to have it installed. The guys installing broke part of the screw mechanism. The installer said that he would go back to the store and order us a new microwave. I rolled my eyes. He said they would call when the new machine comes in. I rolled my eyes. They left this one hanging on the wall, held by a back bracket and one strong screw.
I am afraid this stone is not over yet.
I'll close now and ask you to pray for my niece Marion.
More on that at a later date.
M3
Thursday, April 25, 2019
Thurs, 25
4-25-19
Easter has passed. April showers have washed over us in the past 2 days (we had well over 2 1/2 inches in our rain gauge). Everyone at church is all giddy about the choral and musical programs this past week. I had minor to do with it other than holding down a chair on the back row. That's plenty.
We are now into our 2nd week of waiting for the sprinkler system guy to send his workers. Now I am perplexed whether to start calling him again or wait.
Last year, I waited over 2 weeks and finally did the job myself. The problem this year has to do with digging up lines to find the leek - make that leak. We don't grow no onions here. Would. but, don't. I feel like it will be only 5 to 10 feet of digging down 2 feet. Really folks, my knees are starting to bother me a bunch. Digging like that can't be good for them. Plus, with all the rain, water will seep (NOT SEAP) into the dug ditches as they grow. This is not good. Reminds me of the old video game: Dig Dug. Wonder if Dug is available.
.
Church choir lady handed out a new song for us to learn: Joshua fit de battle of Jericho. I have an issue here. Notice the words "fit de." At the start of the song, it says the song is arranged from a traditional spiritual. Stay with me. "Fit de" would be traditional words, I'd think. Later in the song, the arranger writes "and the walls came tumblin' down." Still with me? I believe the correct word is "come." --"and de walls come tumblin' down." So, here is the question. If it is okay to fit de battle, why isn't it okay for the walls to come tumblin' down.
.
If the arranger is gonna get to-uh-changin' lyrics. Let's try:
"Joshua fought the battle of Jericho, and the walls started falling down - or began falling - or - I could do this for quite a spell. Those of you who have been keeping up here, understand. Why not correct the entire lyric - not to mention, some of the notes have a bluesy effect. Should we not check with
J.S. Bach to get the correct harmony and musical line? I would think so. I realize Bach died. Surely, there is a Bach fanatic who might help.
.
Maybe I should spend this time fussing about vocal arrangers who write for small church choirs and include B# and Cb and double sharps (that is B sharp and C flat and E sharp and F flat and double sharps and double flats). I am impressed with their musicality - but "WHY?"
My #3 granddaughter is in 8th grade band in Frenship (Lubbock area). Her band (a middle school) is coming to Dallas for a contest and spending the night. I never took M.S. kids overnight unless it was an All-Region earned honor for them.. I'm thinking that over-night with 7th and 8th grade kids would be less than fun.... However, they are still young enough to scare.- well most are. They get to go to Medieval Times and 6 Flags on the next day. It should be fun for them and worthy of remembering.
Closing now. luv, m
P.S. 8 MONTHS TILL CHRISTMAS
Easter has passed. April showers have washed over us in the past 2 days (we had well over 2 1/2 inches in our rain gauge). Everyone at church is all giddy about the choral and musical programs this past week. I had minor to do with it other than holding down a chair on the back row. That's plenty.
We are now into our 2nd week of waiting for the sprinkler system guy to send his workers. Now I am perplexed whether to start calling him again or wait.
Last year, I waited over 2 weeks and finally did the job myself. The problem this year has to do with digging up lines to find the leek - make that leak. We don't grow no onions here. Would. but, don't. I feel like it will be only 5 to 10 feet of digging down 2 feet. Really folks, my knees are starting to bother me a bunch. Digging like that can't be good for them. Plus, with all the rain, water will seep (NOT SEAP) into the dug ditches as they grow. This is not good. Reminds me of the old video game: Dig Dug. Wonder if Dug is available.
.
Church choir lady handed out a new song for us to learn: Joshua fit de battle of Jericho. I have an issue here. Notice the words "fit de." At the start of the song, it says the song is arranged from a traditional spiritual. Stay with me. "Fit de" would be traditional words, I'd think. Later in the song, the arranger writes "and the walls came tumblin' down." Still with me? I believe the correct word is "come." --"and de walls come tumblin' down." So, here is the question. If it is okay to fit de battle, why isn't it okay for the walls to come tumblin' down.
.
If the arranger is gonna get to-uh-changin' lyrics. Let's try:
"Joshua fought the battle of Jericho, and the walls started falling down - or began falling - or - I could do this for quite a spell. Those of you who have been keeping up here, understand. Why not correct the entire lyric - not to mention, some of the notes have a bluesy effect. Should we not check with
J.S. Bach to get the correct harmony and musical line? I would think so. I realize Bach died. Surely, there is a Bach fanatic who might help.
.
Maybe I should spend this time fussing about vocal arrangers who write for small church choirs and include B# and Cb and double sharps (that is B sharp and C flat and E sharp and F flat and double sharps and double flats). I am impressed with their musicality - but "WHY?"
My #3 granddaughter is in 8th grade band in Frenship (Lubbock area). Her band (a middle school) is coming to Dallas for a contest and spending the night. I never took M.S. kids overnight unless it was an All-Region earned honor for them.. I'm thinking that over-night with 7th and 8th grade kids would be less than fun.... However, they are still young enough to scare.- well most are. They get to go to Medieval Times and 6 Flags on the next day. It should be fun for them and worthy of remembering.
Closing now. luv, m
P.S. 8 MONTHS TILL CHRISTMAS
Friday, April 19, 2019
A Good Friday 4-19-19
4-19-19
This has been a Good Friday - actually it has only been a pretty good Friday. The church choir sang a program tonight for the services. My legs got very tired standing up there. Some services are full of symbolism. This one seems to have the most. People seem to enjoy it though. No problem here.
.
Bill Etheredge worked with me in Ardmore many years ago...late 70s / early 80s. He was one of the directors that I enjoyed working with and knowing over the years. Bill is in an Okla. City hospital in bad shape. I hope they are able to fix him up. It doesn't sound good though.
.
A few evenings ago, I was in the dog pit just as the sun was going down. It was peaceful. Then in a nearby tree I heard a "Who-Who Who" (half note, 2 quarters) . An owl was calling - from a distance, a reply - too complicated to explain here - just imagine a bunch of "whos." My owl gave his signal followed by the distant answer. You might describe it as a question and answer series. After listening for a while - I answered with my own whos. They seemed unimpressed. I never saw them in the trees; but, I know they are out there.
.
Our housing development has an HOA website where people post stuff. One of the gentlemen posted that he saw a real large cat entering our HOA tonight. I assume this is either a bobcat or a cougar. Either one is scary enough for me. They are out searching for easy food supply. I've noticed a lack of rabbits in the yard lately. Sad.
.
I think I mentioned in an earlier posting that I have the motorhome back. $1500. I was previously told it would be $1000. Camping World in Tyler - service dept - someone needs to take over that department and clean house. At the least, someone needs to go in there and set up rules that service writers and mechanics should follow - no, make that "shall" follow. If there normal customer service is what I received, they won't have to have a service department. Boo!!! Camping World Tyler.
.
enough - The Etheredge thing has really made me feel bad. Time to do something else.
m
This has been a Good Friday - actually it has only been a pretty good Friday. The church choir sang a program tonight for the services. My legs got very tired standing up there. Some services are full of symbolism. This one seems to have the most. People seem to enjoy it though. No problem here.
.
Bill Etheredge worked with me in Ardmore many years ago...late 70s / early 80s. He was one of the directors that I enjoyed working with and knowing over the years. Bill is in an Okla. City hospital in bad shape. I hope they are able to fix him up. It doesn't sound good though.
.
A few evenings ago, I was in the dog pit just as the sun was going down. It was peaceful. Then in a nearby tree I heard a "Who-Who Who" (half note, 2 quarters) . An owl was calling - from a distance, a reply - too complicated to explain here - just imagine a bunch of "whos." My owl gave his signal followed by the distant answer. You might describe it as a question and answer series. After listening for a while - I answered with my own whos. They seemed unimpressed. I never saw them in the trees; but, I know they are out there.
.
Our housing development has an HOA website where people post stuff. One of the gentlemen posted that he saw a real large cat entering our HOA tonight. I assume this is either a bobcat or a cougar. Either one is scary enough for me. They are out searching for easy food supply. I've noticed a lack of rabbits in the yard lately. Sad.
.
I think I mentioned in an earlier posting that I have the motorhome back. $1500. I was previously told it would be $1000. Camping World in Tyler - service dept - someone needs to take over that department and clean house. At the least, someone needs to go in there and set up rules that service writers and mechanics should follow - no, make that "shall" follow. If there normal customer service is what I received, they won't have to have a service department. Boo!!! Camping World Tyler.
.
enough - The Etheredge thing has really made me feel bad. Time to do something else.
m
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
Bridge over the water
Since April 2nd, what water has gone over your bridge?
1st of all: since I started typing this, I started over 4 times with misspelled words. The only thing I didn't misspell was "misspelled." (now, add 2 more since I misspelled "think" (thing} and didn't capitalize "the." Good start Ex-lax.,
.
Brother Pat had a birthday this weekend - his school group had a chili cookoff - I suppose in his honor. Never did hear who won. Bunch of college kids wearing surgical gloves cooking chili inside a building wearing nice clothes...there is something completely wrong with that picture. I wonder if any of them brought a minature poodle.
.
Yesterday we traveled to Tyler and picked up our motorhome at camping world. It had been setting there for 3 long months waiting to be fixed. I could spend the next 3 pages describing my frustrations with that company branch in Tyler. I have used their people in south Ft. Worth and down south of Dallas before. It was a fine experience, Four different people estimated a little under $1000 for the repair...nope. It was $1500 minus a tad. I cannot imagine why they think customer NO-SERVICE is good for their business. Maybe, I am missing something here.
.
Yesterday was dot-in-law's birthday. I think she is 29 or younger. I'm not sure. I think that is right. You can't err guessing ages if you go low.
.
Tech lost the national championship last night. I did not watch. I just cannot watch these things. Even though I know nobody at Tech anymore, I still am happy for the guys who made it that far. I am sure Virginia is happier.
.
Now some of you are not going to feel any sympathy for me on this. I have a dock and a boat. I have not started the boat in some time. I have a water line that goes from the house to the dock in order to have fresh water out there - drink? wash things? clean fish? that sorta thing.
.
In addition I have a water pump out there that shoves water through a pipe and waters my lawn - yard - forest of weeds. Storms beat those pipes to death. Both my fresh water and lake water pipes broke this winter. I have repaired the fresh water and am in the process of repairing the lake water pipe. It is not hard work really. You have to get down on your knees and bend way over the water to do the game. That drains me (and the knees hurt).
.
Just got a note from tax lady. My IRS taxes are ready to go. I spend to have her fix it each year. I believe this is money well-spent since I don't quite understand each little nook and cranny of the tax world. At least when she is finished, I will have someone to help me battle the big boys if there is a problem. There should not be a problem. I don't try to make money off the IRS. These are not nice people. Nobody should mess with them.
.
Easter is fast approaching. I had this "wondering" the other day. Traditionally, a person has an Easter Ham. I like ham. Ham is good. My brain - unthinkingly asked - if Jewish people don't eat pork, what do they have for Easter? Hmmmmm do you see the problem yet? Be smarter than me. think.
.
Jews don't celebrate Easter. Gadzzzz My brain sometimes lacks something. This has been one of them there times.
.
The spouse just pulled some meat out of the freezer for lunch. Looking at it, we cannot figure out if it beef or pork. They look like pork chops; but, they are bright red like beef. Answer: she is throwing BBQ sauce on the meat. BBQ goes with either pork or beef. We'll eat what ever it is. I'm sure my dog Bruno could tell me if we would just give him one little morsel to taste. Prolly not.
over and out.
Maybe next year,
While I have been typing the phone has rung 3 different times. Each time was from an unknown caller with faraway area codes. I am so tired of jerk phone callers.
now, over and out.
M3
.
.
1st of all: since I started typing this, I started over 4 times with misspelled words. The only thing I didn't misspell was "misspelled." (now, add 2 more since I misspelled "think" (thing} and didn't capitalize "the." Good start Ex-lax.,
.
Brother Pat had a birthday this weekend - his school group had a chili cookoff - I suppose in his honor. Never did hear who won. Bunch of college kids wearing surgical gloves cooking chili inside a building wearing nice clothes...there is something completely wrong with that picture. I wonder if any of them brought a minature poodle.
.
Yesterday we traveled to Tyler and picked up our motorhome at camping world. It had been setting there for 3 long months waiting to be fixed. I could spend the next 3 pages describing my frustrations with that company branch in Tyler. I have used their people in south Ft. Worth and down south of Dallas before. It was a fine experience, Four different people estimated a little under $1000 for the repair...nope. It was $1500 minus a tad. I cannot imagine why they think customer NO-SERVICE is good for their business. Maybe, I am missing something here.
.
Yesterday was dot-in-law's birthday. I think she is 29 or younger. I'm not sure. I think that is right. You can't err guessing ages if you go low.
.
Tech lost the national championship last night. I did not watch. I just cannot watch these things. Even though I know nobody at Tech anymore, I still am happy for the guys who made it that far. I am sure Virginia is happier.
.
Now some of you are not going to feel any sympathy for me on this. I have a dock and a boat. I have not started the boat in some time. I have a water line that goes from the house to the dock in order to have fresh water out there - drink? wash things? clean fish? that sorta thing.
.
In addition I have a water pump out there that shoves water through a pipe and waters my lawn - yard - forest of weeds. Storms beat those pipes to death. Both my fresh water and lake water pipes broke this winter. I have repaired the fresh water and am in the process of repairing the lake water pipe. It is not hard work really. You have to get down on your knees and bend way over the water to do the game. That drains me (and the knees hurt).
.
Just got a note from tax lady. My IRS taxes are ready to go. I spend to have her fix it each year. I believe this is money well-spent since I don't quite understand each little nook and cranny of the tax world. At least when she is finished, I will have someone to help me battle the big boys if there is a problem. There should not be a problem. I don't try to make money off the IRS. These are not nice people. Nobody should mess with them.
.
Easter is fast approaching. I had this "wondering" the other day. Traditionally, a person has an Easter Ham. I like ham. Ham is good. My brain - unthinkingly asked - if Jewish people don't eat pork, what do they have for Easter? Hmmmmm do you see the problem yet? Be smarter than me. think.
.
Jews don't celebrate Easter. Gadzzzz My brain sometimes lacks something. This has been one of them there times.
.
The spouse just pulled some meat out of the freezer for lunch. Looking at it, we cannot figure out if it beef or pork. They look like pork chops; but, they are bright red like beef. Answer: she is throwing BBQ sauce on the meat. BBQ goes with either pork or beef. We'll eat what ever it is. I'm sure my dog Bruno could tell me if we would just give him one little morsel to taste. Prolly not.
over and out.
Maybe next year,
While I have been typing the phone has rung 3 different times. Each time was from an unknown caller with faraway area codes. I am so tired of jerk phone callers.
now, over and out.
M3
.
.
Tuesday, April 2, 2019
April 2nd
It's been a month since I visited here. Didja miss me?
Lots of water has passed under the bridge since last time. I have mowed my lawn 3 times. Now, that is worth mention. 3 times and it is only April 2nd. It will be a long summer.
.
Might mention that the water line to my water sprinkler has broken. Imagine, close your eyes, hum, imagine, I have a dock 100 ft from the shoreline. On the dock is a water pump pulling water from the lake. I have a 100+ft pvc water line going from the pump to my sprinklers. Winter destroyed part of this line. It must be replace.
.
Also, from the house to the dock, I have a fresh water line. City water goes to the dock for drinking and washing hands and whatever is needed. This is another 100+ pvc pipe exposed to the elements. It has snapped during one of the winter storms. The dock walkway and sea wall face into the north wind and waves. it gets beat to death during a storm.
.
So I have to go out and remove boards from the walkway, locate the broken PVC pipe and replace. It is not really hard work - just time consuming and a bit back breaking leaning over the water like that. I could pay a guy to do it...Prolly about 2 to 3 hundred bucks. Think how many Big Gulps I could buy with that dough. If the weather will just warm up a few more degrees, I'll start. You may not realize that standing over the cold water is a bit colder than standing over land.
.
When last we met, the check engine light was on for the Flex. Ford couldn't figure it out since the light went away and then came back and then went away...you get the picture. I saw that it would come back on after filling the gas tank. The flex has no gas cap, that's not it. I filled the car up one day- boom, there's the light - the next morn, I drove the light to the Ford house and didn't shut off the engine. Their computer found the problem - some vacuum switch was being affected by too much gas in the tank building up pressure. New switch order, new switch installed, no more light. Me Happy.
.
Last week we took sister-in-law Earline and 2 of her retirement home facility ladies to the Dallas Arboretum. We ate at Panchos and made the park by 12:30ish. The two ladies took off at a fast clip and we sauntered along at a relaxed pace. A couple of hours later, they had walked the entire facility, and we hadn't. But, we were worn out anyway. Met at the car and headed for our respective homes. All-in-All a nice day with good company.
.
Saw the puppies at Canton this past weekend. I do love to see a happy puppy. I wish I could take them all home. Y'know, I do not believe I have met an unhappy puppy other than ones I see on TV advertising animal control problems. Those are really sad. There were 3 different guys with pit bulls at Canton. We just happened to be at the right spot when all 3 met for the first time. Why would anyone have a pit bull? It just doesn't make sense especially when you could have a wire-hair dachshund. No logic.
Met daughter Laura and husband Tom at the Chinese restaurant in Canton for lunch. They went on to the dog park to look for a rabbit cage - we went to the flea market. It was cold. We only lasted about 2 hours before freezing.
.
Granddaughter Kayla turned 14 this past week. Two more years and she'll be driving. That should cause somewhat of a panic in Lubbock. Brother Pat turns "secret" this coming weekend and daughter-in-law Penney follows suit a couple days later. 'Tis the season to age gracefully.
.
Wife went to quilt guild yesterday leaving me at home to fix my own lunch. I opened a can of cold Salmon, cut a fresh onion, opened a can of cold pork n beans, plus crackers. A feast for a king. We learned this meal as children. I realize not everyone thinks this sounds good. My wife carried the trash to the curb (containing the opened salmon can) as soon as she arrived home. Add a little Tabasco to the beans - yum. It use to better when I could actually find red salmon instead of this pink stuff. But it works.
.
I am sure that I have something else to add. Can't think of it. Maybe later.
m
Here's something: April fool's jokes. Airstream sent out an email yesterday showing their new model the Bearstream. Be sure to follow the link to the next page to see the rest of the joke:
https://www.airstream.com/bearstream-travel-trailer-2019/?utm_campaign=April%20Fools%202019&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=71316811&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8o8oZHU0w1s_LUS_I8lWp3kvUPwjtWgGi7Nkh7AqZtvieJzNNgExA4OAImZcoC3OiACnjvvCC9g5I6Cz8QB5cQF1_cWA&_hsmi=71316575
And Yellowstone sent out a link to a job search for new positions being filled. I thought it was funny. Be sure to follow links to the end. (aside note: Yellowstone hires about 3000 people every summer to work).
https://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/join-our-team/now-hiring-for-unique-yellowstone-jobs/?utm_source=RPI&utm_medium=email&utm_content=99730&utm_campaign=YNP_190401_TacOffer_Bday_Guest&PID=19173532&PN_email=NkQuUPb3qG2jkYqYNREwuXi50kgZ2eJOi63YloJ1xzI%2BvvR%2F9gUYnANHrfGVirTEIlpaWsdtYZTFotlsxyAsF0mVOMrFiq%2B7iikjqi3OOBI%3D
Lots of water has passed under the bridge since last time. I have mowed my lawn 3 times. Now, that is worth mention. 3 times and it is only April 2nd. It will be a long summer.
.
Might mention that the water line to my water sprinkler has broken. Imagine, close your eyes, hum, imagine, I have a dock 100 ft from the shoreline. On the dock is a water pump pulling water from the lake. I have a 100+ft pvc water line going from the pump to my sprinklers. Winter destroyed part of this line. It must be replace.
.
Also, from the house to the dock, I have a fresh water line. City water goes to the dock for drinking and washing hands and whatever is needed. This is another 100+ pvc pipe exposed to the elements. It has snapped during one of the winter storms. The dock walkway and sea wall face into the north wind and waves. it gets beat to death during a storm.
.
So I have to go out and remove boards from the walkway, locate the broken PVC pipe and replace. It is not really hard work - just time consuming and a bit back breaking leaning over the water like that. I could pay a guy to do it...Prolly about 2 to 3 hundred bucks. Think how many Big Gulps I could buy with that dough. If the weather will just warm up a few more degrees, I'll start. You may not realize that standing over the cold water is a bit colder than standing over land.
.
When last we met, the check engine light was on for the Flex. Ford couldn't figure it out since the light went away and then came back and then went away...you get the picture. I saw that it would come back on after filling the gas tank. The flex has no gas cap, that's not it. I filled the car up one day- boom, there's the light - the next morn, I drove the light to the Ford house and didn't shut off the engine. Their computer found the problem - some vacuum switch was being affected by too much gas in the tank building up pressure. New switch order, new switch installed, no more light. Me Happy.
.
Last week we took sister-in-law Earline and 2 of her retirement home facility ladies to the Dallas Arboretum. We ate at Panchos and made the park by 12:30ish. The two ladies took off at a fast clip and we sauntered along at a relaxed pace. A couple of hours later, they had walked the entire facility, and we hadn't. But, we were worn out anyway. Met at the car and headed for our respective homes. All-in-All a nice day with good company.
.
Saw the puppies at Canton this past weekend. I do love to see a happy puppy. I wish I could take them all home. Y'know, I do not believe I have met an unhappy puppy other than ones I see on TV advertising animal control problems. Those are really sad. There were 3 different guys with pit bulls at Canton. We just happened to be at the right spot when all 3 met for the first time. Why would anyone have a pit bull? It just doesn't make sense especially when you could have a wire-hair dachshund. No logic.
Met daughter Laura and husband Tom at the Chinese restaurant in Canton for lunch. They went on to the dog park to look for a rabbit cage - we went to the flea market. It was cold. We only lasted about 2 hours before freezing.
.
Granddaughter Kayla turned 14 this past week. Two more years and she'll be driving. That should cause somewhat of a panic in Lubbock. Brother Pat turns "secret" this coming weekend and daughter-in-law Penney follows suit a couple days later. 'Tis the season to age gracefully.
.
Wife went to quilt guild yesterday leaving me at home to fix my own lunch. I opened a can of cold Salmon, cut a fresh onion, opened a can of cold pork n beans, plus crackers. A feast for a king. We learned this meal as children. I realize not everyone thinks this sounds good. My wife carried the trash to the curb (containing the opened salmon can) as soon as she arrived home. Add a little Tabasco to the beans - yum. It use to better when I could actually find red salmon instead of this pink stuff. But it works.
.
I am sure that I have something else to add. Can't think of it. Maybe later.
m
Here's something: April fool's jokes. Airstream sent out an email yesterday showing their new model the Bearstream. Be sure to follow the link to the next page to see the rest of the joke:
https://www.airstream.com/bearstream-travel-trailer-2019/?utm_campaign=April%20Fools%202019&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=71316811&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8o8oZHU0w1s_LUS_I8lWp3kvUPwjtWgGi7Nkh7AqZtvieJzNNgExA4OAImZcoC3OiACnjvvCC9g5I6Cz8QB5cQF1_cWA&_hsmi=71316575
And Yellowstone sent out a link to a job search for new positions being filled. I thought it was funny. Be sure to follow links to the end. (aside note: Yellowstone hires about 3000 people every summer to work).
https://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/join-our-team/now-hiring-for-unique-yellowstone-jobs/?utm_source=RPI&utm_medium=email&utm_content=99730&utm_campaign=YNP_190401_TacOffer_Bday_Guest&PID=19173532&PN_email=NkQuUPb3qG2jkYqYNREwuXi50kgZ2eJOi63YloJ1xzI%2BvvR%2F9gUYnANHrfGVirTEIlpaWsdtYZTFotlsxyAsF0mVOMrFiq%2B7iikjqi3OOBI%3D
.
If you are into band things, I saw where a M.S. band director handed out the 1812 Overture to his 6th grade beginners yesterday telling them to be prepared.....etc.
It took about 5 minutes before a student called his hand on it. April Fools !!!!
.
now over and out.
m
Sunday, March 3, 2019
Sunday plus
Sunday - 6 days after the last post - March 3rd. March comes in like a Lion and leaves like a Lamb - so they say - and it is true today. The cold front is almost here and the wind is howling - make that - "uh-howling" - water is spraying over my seawall (big waves).
We spent part of yesterday trying to wrap my one plum tree with appropriate blankets. Who knows why it decided to bloom last week. But, it did. We have 3 of those weather blankets (10 x 20) wrapping it. I have tried tying it down - where there gaps in the cloth, I wasted my time by stapling those together this morning. Still it bellows in the wind.
Thus - a trip to Dollar General where I bought 2 packages of 50ft. rope. I only used one to criss-cross over the top and try to hold the blankets down in the wind. Just considering the $4 worth of rope, these are going to be expensive plums if they survive the next 3 days.
############################################################################
Totally unrelated - why does the tab key work when I am using this program? To make a paragraph, I have to "space" over 5 spaces. No tab. When I hit tab, the cursor goes away - I know not where - it just goes away - I guess maybe to Tab Heaven.
############################################################################
I did not go to church today. I am so tired of the weather and getting out in it - I just hate the thought of dressing up, driving into town, and sitting in the choir today. (of course - AND YOU DON'T need to mention it - I did drive into Dollar General). Our church has a very nice Flute Choir. Lots of the ladies played flute in their youth. The church even bought a bass flute to round out the sound. The group is directed by Rodney - nice group. A couple of ladies from across town come over and play the performances - one of which I believe use to be a band director somewhere. The flute choir is playing today for the service, so the actual singing band was doing no special music - just hymns - which, at times, can be pretty special .... but not a featured bit on the program.
.
Dressing up for church is another subject entirely. I realize that many people are wearing jeans and cut-offs and flip-flops to church now-a-days. That is not me. I believe that church deserves a bit of respect. Others can do what they want. I don't fault them for that. It is just not me. And, yes, I agree that no deity judges you on your costume - probably. It is just a touch of respect from me when I am losing much of my respect for the entire institution lately.
.
Speaking of church - and memories - we were speaking of them, yes? We moved to Levelland when I was in the 6th grade - South elementary. Brother Jimmy was in the 7th grade at Jr. High. Nobody did middle schools back then.
.
My father liked to read the Sunday Daily Oklahoman. I enjoyed the comics. On Sunday, we 3 boys would go to Sunday School and church ... Marshall had not gone away to college yet, a Senior at L.H.S. After a few Sundays of this, Jim & I tired of hearing the preacher preach. All he did was tell us how bad we were and where we'd all end up eventually. That's not true. I never listened to his words back then. He could have been praising Putin; I'd never know. What 6th grade boy pays attention to a sermon?
.
Our Methodist church had a balcony. That is where the teenagers all sat. I remember the hymnals up there were old. Kids would go through the hymnal - select a page - write "Go to page #?" - then, they'd go to page #? and write "go to page #??" - this process would continue until the final "go to" page would have something written on - not dirty - just something - like maybe a Kilroy picture - or something equally obnoxious. Every one of the hymnals in the balcony had these written maps to stupidity. As I said, the teenagers and elementary kids sat up there with no supervision at all.
.
After a period of time and when it was warmer, Marshall would go to church. Jim & I would walk the 5 or 6 blocks to Upshaw drug store and buy the Daily Oklahoman. I suppose we got some kind of a treat - other than missing the sermon. Then, we'd walk back to the church and sit in the car and wait. On one occasion, the car was locked. So Jim & I sneaked into the back of the church and up the stairs to the balcony where we parked ourselves on the stairway waiting for it (the sermon) to end. Marshall was embarrassed beyond words. Only once did we climb the back stairs to wait. Being the older brother to two "infants" was a trial for Marshall.
.
My cousin Earl just had a birthday. His parents, my Uncle Jack and Aunt Doris, had 5 boys and one girl. When they got the girl, they stopped having children. Vickie was a twin with Victor. Jack & Doris' oldest boy was Danny (now known as Jack Jr.). He was Jim's age. Earl was their 2nd oldest; he was my age. and on down the list. (Earl was known as Lee back then). In case you haven't figured it yet, Danny's full name was Jack Daniel...Jr.
Well, Earl just had a birthday. One of the things that has been bothering me is whether Earl is older than me. We both graduated high school in 1958. Using the premise that you have to be 6 to start first grade, that meant that Earl is either 9 months older than me - or 3 months younger.
.
Follow this now. When I was 4, we were living in Dodge City, Kansas - a few blocks from boot hill. My mom taught kindergarten. There were half day classes for kindergarten kids. Dodge City had an age cut-off date of November 1st for kids to start kindergarten. My birthday was Nov. 4th (still is the 4th actually). My mom took Clorox and changed my birthday to Nov. 1st so I could start school early and she wouldn't have to hire a babysitter for me. I still have this birth certificate with the changed date. You can see the 4 under the yellowed splotch and black inked 1.
.
I went to kindergarten in one school in the morning. Then, in the afternoon, I went to my mom's classroom for afternoon kindergarten. Yes, I attended class for the full day and loved it. Nobody said anything - we saved babysitter money - I got to do a lot of extra coloring - and I suppose I had a great time. How did I get from the one school to the other school? I don't know. don't care. never did care. probably won't care in the future.
.
So, I started school as a 4 year old. I remember 2 things from then. One is that I climbed stairs to get to my mom's classroom. The other is that I got to pick out a rug for nap time. I had a colorful one made of some type of hard yarn - Once in a while I still see this same rug for sale in stores. Rows of colorful yarn tied together to made a 2 x 3? ft area rug. Sleeps one little kid.
.
Back to Earl. His age bothered me. Was I older? Was Earl older? How did we both graduate h.s. in 1958. Sent him an email finally and asked. I was born 11-4-1940 in Tecumseh, Okla. He was born 2-24-1941. This means I have been 78 for 3 months longer than Earl I don't show it though.
Remember this was back in 1945...school ....focus, remember what we are talking about here ....
Times were different back then. We were just coming off the depression and W.W. II had been raging. My mom changed my birth certificate and everyone pretended not to notice the Clorox stain on my birth certificate. Earl's family attended a small country school south of Yale, Oklahoma. According to Earl, that school was having problems with enrollment numbers. So, they let him start first grade as a 5 year old. I'm sure Aunt Doris was happy to send him off for the day. Earl was "ALL BOY." You wouldn't see that type of manipulation today - I don't believe.
We both started a year early. We both graduated h.s. a year early. I studied music and taught school for years. Earl eventually went to work in the oil fields, on oil rigs in the Gulf, worked on pipe lines, and became a very successful person in that world. All these years, it has been my opinion that I suffered somewhat in school because I was younger than the others. It may be true. In some things it took me a while to mature properly. It could be this is an excuse and I am still trying to mature in most areas. Maybe I should find me another colorful rug and see if I can restart in kindergarten next fall. Surely we would still get to take an afternoon nap.
Stop time.
I've put it off long enough. I need to go send some money to www.Donkeyrescue.org to honor my wife's Uncle Bill. (see previous bluggy) Donkeys need love too.
In future editions, plan to see my unkind words about motorhome repair at Camping World - loud noises in restaurants - loud noises in general - progress on the road up the hill - plum tree rescue results - Ash Wednesday - Methodism according to fruitcake(s)...
m3.
We spent part of yesterday trying to wrap my one plum tree with appropriate blankets. Who knows why it decided to bloom last week. But, it did. We have 3 of those weather blankets (10 x 20) wrapping it. I have tried tying it down - where there gaps in the cloth, I wasted my time by stapling those together this morning. Still it bellows in the wind.
Thus - a trip to Dollar General where I bought 2 packages of 50ft. rope. I only used one to criss-cross over the top and try to hold the blankets down in the wind. Just considering the $4 worth of rope, these are going to be expensive plums if they survive the next 3 days.
############################################################################
Totally unrelated - why does the tab key work when I am using this program? To make a paragraph, I have to "space" over 5 spaces. No tab. When I hit tab, the cursor goes away - I know not where - it just goes away - I guess maybe to Tab Heaven.
############################################################################
I did not go to church today. I am so tired of the weather and getting out in it - I just hate the thought of dressing up, driving into town, and sitting in the choir today. (of course - AND YOU DON'T need to mention it - I did drive into Dollar General). Our church has a very nice Flute Choir. Lots of the ladies played flute in their youth. The church even bought a bass flute to round out the sound. The group is directed by Rodney - nice group. A couple of ladies from across town come over and play the performances - one of which I believe use to be a band director somewhere. The flute choir is playing today for the service, so the actual singing band was doing no special music - just hymns - which, at times, can be pretty special .... but not a featured bit on the program.
.
Dressing up for church is another subject entirely. I realize that many people are wearing jeans and cut-offs and flip-flops to church now-a-days. That is not me. I believe that church deserves a bit of respect. Others can do what they want. I don't fault them for that. It is just not me. And, yes, I agree that no deity judges you on your costume - probably. It is just a touch of respect from me when I am losing much of my respect for the entire institution lately.
.
Speaking of church - and memories - we were speaking of them, yes? We moved to Levelland when I was in the 6th grade - South elementary. Brother Jimmy was in the 7th grade at Jr. High. Nobody did middle schools back then.
.
My father liked to read the Sunday Daily Oklahoman. I enjoyed the comics. On Sunday, we 3 boys would go to Sunday School and church ... Marshall had not gone away to college yet, a Senior at L.H.S. After a few Sundays of this, Jim & I tired of hearing the preacher preach. All he did was tell us how bad we were and where we'd all end up eventually. That's not true. I never listened to his words back then. He could have been praising Putin; I'd never know. What 6th grade boy pays attention to a sermon?
.
Our Methodist church had a balcony. That is where the teenagers all sat. I remember the hymnals up there were old. Kids would go through the hymnal - select a page - write "Go to page #?" - then, they'd go to page #? and write "go to page #??" - this process would continue until the final "go to" page would have something written on - not dirty - just something - like maybe a Kilroy picture - or something equally obnoxious. Every one of the hymnals in the balcony had these written maps to stupidity. As I said, the teenagers and elementary kids sat up there with no supervision at all.
.
After a period of time and when it was warmer, Marshall would go to church. Jim & I would walk the 5 or 6 blocks to Upshaw drug store and buy the Daily Oklahoman. I suppose we got some kind of a treat - other than missing the sermon. Then, we'd walk back to the church and sit in the car and wait. On one occasion, the car was locked. So Jim & I sneaked into the back of the church and up the stairs to the balcony where we parked ourselves on the stairway waiting for it (the sermon) to end. Marshall was embarrassed beyond words. Only once did we climb the back stairs to wait. Being the older brother to two "infants" was a trial for Marshall.
.
My cousin Earl just had a birthday. His parents, my Uncle Jack and Aunt Doris, had 5 boys and one girl. When they got the girl, they stopped having children. Vickie was a twin with Victor. Jack & Doris' oldest boy was Danny (now known as Jack Jr.). He was Jim's age. Earl was their 2nd oldest; he was my age. and on down the list. (Earl was known as Lee back then). In case you haven't figured it yet, Danny's full name was Jack Daniel...Jr.
Well, Earl just had a birthday. One of the things that has been bothering me is whether Earl is older than me. We both graduated high school in 1958. Using the premise that you have to be 6 to start first grade, that meant that Earl is either 9 months older than me - or 3 months younger.
.
Follow this now. When I was 4, we were living in Dodge City, Kansas - a few blocks from boot hill. My mom taught kindergarten. There were half day classes for kindergarten kids. Dodge City had an age cut-off date of November 1st for kids to start kindergarten. My birthday was Nov. 4th (still is the 4th actually). My mom took Clorox and changed my birthday to Nov. 1st so I could start school early and she wouldn't have to hire a babysitter for me. I still have this birth certificate with the changed date. You can see the 4 under the yellowed splotch and black inked 1.
.
I went to kindergarten in one school in the morning. Then, in the afternoon, I went to my mom's classroom for afternoon kindergarten. Yes, I attended class for the full day and loved it. Nobody said anything - we saved babysitter money - I got to do a lot of extra coloring - and I suppose I had a great time. How did I get from the one school to the other school? I don't know. don't care. never did care. probably won't care in the future.
.
So, I started school as a 4 year old. I remember 2 things from then. One is that I climbed stairs to get to my mom's classroom. The other is that I got to pick out a rug for nap time. I had a colorful one made of some type of hard yarn - Once in a while I still see this same rug for sale in stores. Rows of colorful yarn tied together to made a 2 x 3? ft area rug. Sleeps one little kid.
.
Back to Earl. His age bothered me. Was I older? Was Earl older? How did we both graduate h.s. in 1958. Sent him an email finally and asked. I was born 11-4-1940 in Tecumseh, Okla. He was born 2-24-1941. This means I have been 78 for 3 months longer than Earl I don't show it though.
Remember this was back in 1945...school ....focus, remember what we are talking about here ....
Times were different back then. We were just coming off the depression and W.W. II had been raging. My mom changed my birth certificate and everyone pretended not to notice the Clorox stain on my birth certificate. Earl's family attended a small country school south of Yale, Oklahoma. According to Earl, that school was having problems with enrollment numbers. So, they let him start first grade as a 5 year old. I'm sure Aunt Doris was happy to send him off for the day. Earl was "ALL BOY." You wouldn't see that type of manipulation today - I don't believe.
We both started a year early. We both graduated h.s. a year early. I studied music and taught school for years. Earl eventually went to work in the oil fields, on oil rigs in the Gulf, worked on pipe lines, and became a very successful person in that world. All these years, it has been my opinion that I suffered somewhat in school because I was younger than the others. It may be true. In some things it took me a while to mature properly. It could be this is an excuse and I am still trying to mature in most areas. Maybe I should find me another colorful rug and see if I can restart in kindergarten next fall. Surely we would still get to take an afternoon nap.
Stop time.
I've put it off long enough. I need to go send some money to www.Donkeyrescue.org to honor my wife's Uncle Bill. (see previous bluggy) Donkeys need love too.
In future editions, plan to see my unkind words about motorhome repair at Camping World - loud noises in restaurants - loud noises in general - progress on the road up the hill - plum tree rescue results - Ash Wednesday - Methodism according to fruitcake(s)...
m3.
Monday, February 25, 2019
Monday, A.M.
Feb 25th, Monday or 2019
Busy past weekend. The weather is getting a little better but the wind is still pushing it.
Friday night we attended our local little theater, known as the Warehouse Theater - look it up online if you want a bit more knowledge. They presented Little House of Horrors. It is an off Broadway story about a plant that wants to eat people. Singing and dancing included.
.
They did a really good job - most performers had a good night. Of course in my position as chief critic of the entire world, I had a few complaints - mostly centered around my poor hearing. My hearing aids really amplify certain noises way too much. The Hall is not big and the sound was too loud on several occasions - especially during the singing. Since it was all Karaoke (not a live band in sight), they should have been able to do something. I do not like Karaoke on stage.
.
Let me repeat that: I do not like Karaoke on stage. They should use live musicians and not a tape player or whatever device they have created since I quit learning about recordings. Each actor had a headset microphone to "project" the sound - Projection in this small hall should not be a problem unless, of course, you have the Karaoke music turned up too loud.
.
moving on.
Sat. nothing. chilly but nice day.
============================================
Sunday - we drove to Frisco and attended the memorial service for my wife's uncle Bill Whitener. He was married to her Aunt Ollie. They lived up in McKinney. We didn't know till we got there that they had an actual funeral on Friday over in Rowlett. So, Sunday they had a memorial service at 12 Noon over in Frisco. We made the memorial service but didn't get to see him buried. All-In-All, I think we came out ahead on this deal. The gentleman was in his mid-80s and by all accounts a pleasure to be around.
He was on the Republican side of the spectrum (with me and his wife). We have a dislike of people who are trying to eliminate all things South - the Confederacy. I don't think any of us are in favor of slavery or beating up people or even having a lynching or two - That's not it. We resent the way they are attacking the south.
I went to Canton once and bought a new American flag for my pole outside. It was in a package. When I tore open the package at home, it was a Confederate flag. Since I have no need to inflame anyone, I put it in a drawer. Maybe 2 or 3 years later I heard that Bill (see above) was a bit put-off by the flag controversies. So, as a joke, I mailed by Confederate flag to him. I understand he proudly flew it ( in his backyard ). Later, he reciprocated by sending me a new American flag. I used it until the wind made it die.
Busy past weekend. The weather is getting a little better but the wind is still pushing it.
Friday night we attended our local little theater, known as the Warehouse Theater - look it up online if you want a bit more knowledge. They presented Little House of Horrors. It is an off Broadway story about a plant that wants to eat people. Singing and dancing included.
.
They did a really good job - most performers had a good night. Of course in my position as chief critic of the entire world, I had a few complaints - mostly centered around my poor hearing. My hearing aids really amplify certain noises way too much. The Hall is not big and the sound was too loud on several occasions - especially during the singing. Since it was all Karaoke (not a live band in sight), they should have been able to do something. I do not like Karaoke on stage.
.
Let me repeat that: I do not like Karaoke on stage. They should use live musicians and not a tape player or whatever device they have created since I quit learning about recordings. Each actor had a headset microphone to "project" the sound - Projection in this small hall should not be a problem unless, of course, you have the Karaoke music turned up too loud.
.
moving on.
Sat. nothing. chilly but nice day.
============================================
Sunday - we drove to Frisco and attended the memorial service for my wife's uncle Bill Whitener. He was married to her Aunt Ollie. They lived up in McKinney. We didn't know till we got there that they had an actual funeral on Friday over in Rowlett. So, Sunday they had a memorial service at 12 Noon over in Frisco. We made the memorial service but didn't get to see him buried. All-In-All, I think we came out ahead on this deal. The gentleman was in his mid-80s and by all accounts a pleasure to be around.
He was on the Republican side of the spectrum (with me and his wife). We have a dislike of people who are trying to eliminate all things South - the Confederacy. I don't think any of us are in favor of slavery or beating up people or even having a lynching or two - That's not it. We resent the way they are attacking the south.
I went to Canton once and bought a new American flag for my pole outside. It was in a package. When I tore open the package at home, it was a Confederate flag. Since I have no need to inflame anyone, I put it in a drawer. Maybe 2 or 3 years later I heard that Bill (see above) was a bit put-off by the flag controversies. So, as a joke, I mailed by Confederate flag to him. I understand he proudly flew it ( in his backyard ). Later, he reciprocated by sending me a new American flag. I used it until the wind made it die.
Also as a side bit of knowledge, instead of flowers they asked for donations to donkey rescue (www.donkeyrescue.org). I didn't even know donkeys needed to be rescued. Interesting website though. I can tell you those donkeys have it easy. It seems to me that donkeys should be spelled donkies. It'snot!
more later.
time to eat lunch
sauerkraut with frankfurters
yum
m
Friday, February 22, 2019
Friday
Friday a.m.
Everyone has a different opinion of what is fun. Some opinions may overlap; but two people never agree on everything. Do they?
My daughter Chr. is visiting right this moment. Yesterday we went to the Dallas RV show - they have a different name for it. SUPERSHOW!!! It is quite a gathering of motorhomes - travel trailers - bumper pulls and 5th wheels - and accessories. I enjoy just walking through them. Lately, I spend less time in the half million dollar homes. They are really nice - fer sure. I'll never own one. You could get one and spend the rest of your life in it. Big ole hunks of steel.
.
My daughter has been looking at travel trailers for some time. Plans include her traveling more and seeing the world - perhaps working in different towns for limited amounts of time while keeping her dogs happily with her. Camping. She loves camping out. A travel trailer is not what some might think of as camping - but it would be for me - see, different opinions of what is fun.
.
We have a 33 ft motorhome which goes out in the world at times. It is big enough and sometimes too big enough. But with the 3 dogs - it is the best way to travel. I could leave the dogs in a kennel and go on a cruise and fly to NEW YORK CITY ... but is that anyway to treat your fluffy children? There was a young black lab at the show yesterday looking for a new home. She was the most loving puppy. I wish I could have brought her home with me. You can't personally save every dog.
.
At lunchtime we at Taco Cabana near the RV show. It still is one of the best fast food places. It beats Taco Bell everyday. (Aside: once had a student who worked at a Taco Bell in Amarillo - clarinet player - tall, thin, nice kid. We ( or I ) called her my Taco Belle. Never could figure out if she appreciated the moniker.)
.
closing - things to do -m
Everyone has a different opinion of what is fun. Some opinions may overlap; but two people never agree on everything. Do they?
My daughter Chr. is visiting right this moment. Yesterday we went to the Dallas RV show - they have a different name for it. SUPERSHOW!!! It is quite a gathering of motorhomes - travel trailers - bumper pulls and 5th wheels - and accessories. I enjoy just walking through them. Lately, I spend less time in the half million dollar homes. They are really nice - fer sure. I'll never own one. You could get one and spend the rest of your life in it. Big ole hunks of steel.
.
My daughter has been looking at travel trailers for some time. Plans include her traveling more and seeing the world - perhaps working in different towns for limited amounts of time while keeping her dogs happily with her. Camping. She loves camping out. A travel trailer is not what some might think of as camping - but it would be for me - see, different opinions of what is fun.
.
We have a 33 ft motorhome which goes out in the world at times. It is big enough and sometimes too big enough. But with the 3 dogs - it is the best way to travel. I could leave the dogs in a kennel and go on a cruise and fly to NEW YORK CITY ... but is that anyway to treat your fluffy children? There was a young black lab at the show yesterday looking for a new home. She was the most loving puppy. I wish I could have brought her home with me. You can't personally save every dog.
.
At lunchtime we at Taco Cabana near the RV show. It still is one of the best fast food places. It beats Taco Bell everyday. (Aside: once had a student who worked at a Taco Bell in Amarillo - clarinet player - tall, thin, nice kid. We ( or I ) called her my Taco Belle. Never could figure out if she appreciated the moniker.)
.
closing - things to do -m
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
Tue Shelby's birthday
19th
Rain rain go away.
Wind and rain
dogs want to go outside but none of us can stand it.
.
My wife's aunt's husband (uncle) died on Monday. He was lower 90s. I think he fell. There will be a funeral on Sunday. It looks like we won't be able to travel there. Our preacher had a sermon on Sunday. I can't remember what he talked about. I'm wondering if anyone ever remembers the point of a sermon. He did say one thing that I remember: We all die.
I say, thanks for that. When you are 20 or 30, that sentence is just a sentence. At 78 - uncle dies - it has a different meaning. But, I shan't dwell.
.
Today was granddaughter Shelby's 16th birthday. She took her driver's test and passed. Now, she has freedom & a car. We called to wish the Happy Birthday thing. On the phone it was hard to get her to talk...pulling teeth comes to mind. Why izzat?
When I was a kid, we never ever ever talked to a grandparent on our birthdays. Frankly, my parents never had us use a long distance phone. It was considered too expensive. My father was somewhat of a miser. Once in a while he would do something NOT misery. This was always a pleasant surprise and - if given a chance - I might remember every time.
I think I will go sit in the corner and eat worms.
g'night
m
Rain rain go away.
Wind and rain
dogs want to go outside but none of us can stand it.
.
My wife's aunt's husband (uncle) died on Monday. He was lower 90s. I think he fell. There will be a funeral on Sunday. It looks like we won't be able to travel there. Our preacher had a sermon on Sunday. I can't remember what he talked about. I'm wondering if anyone ever remembers the point of a sermon. He did say one thing that I remember: We all die.
I say, thanks for that. When you are 20 or 30, that sentence is just a sentence. At 78 - uncle dies - it has a different meaning. But, I shan't dwell.
.
Today was granddaughter Shelby's 16th birthday. She took her driver's test and passed. Now, she has freedom & a car. We called to wish the Happy Birthday thing. On the phone it was hard to get her to talk...pulling teeth comes to mind. Why izzat?
When I was a kid, we never ever ever talked to a grandparent on our birthdays. Frankly, my parents never had us use a long distance phone. It was considered too expensive. My father was somewhat of a miser. Once in a while he would do something NOT misery. This was always a pleasant surprise and - if given a chance - I might remember every time.
I think I will go sit in the corner and eat worms.
g'night
m
Friday, February 15, 2019
Friday evening
The spouse & I went to Waxahachie on Valentine's Day to eat lunch at the Olive Garden. Son Roger had given us a gift card Christmas. It was the perfect time. We both "love" the salad and bread sticks. I cannot believe anyone could not love the salad and bread sticks. She had a spaghetti with garden veggies and I had the chicken parmigiana. Both were a delight. The waiter was nice.
.
I might add that in some cases the tables are a bit too close. We two sat at a table designed for four. Less than a foot to the West was an elderly type couple sitting at another table designed for four. As I started looking at the menu (they actually have 3 menus including the one for chocolate and mixed drinks), as I started looking, the lady next to us started whomping on my table and talking to me about the menu not being the lunch menu....like I would know. She apparently had some type of a menu on her smart phone - I think -
.
Twice she did this. Twice.
.
I tried to explain that I JUST didn't know. I go to Olive Garden maybe every other year if it is handy and I want to go broke.
.
The nurse, I mean waitress, walked by after a few long moments - Do you want the explanation?
here it is. On holidays and special days, Olive Garden doesn't use the lunch menu - everyone gets the full blown night menu - and prices...and portions. They made money on Valentine's.
.
We have this chocolate and sugary problem around here. I try to not give candy to my wife or flowers for that matter. I don't understand jewelry or flowers. I understand hamburgers and jerky. The other stuff - not so much. So this holiday, I gave her a Snickers Bar and a bright red new tea kettle which whistles. Now we can heat water for tea (maybe instant coffee). It is a nice addition to the top of the stove.
Not much happened today. Pretty day. Wind has started to pick up tonight.
.
Laura dropped by to give some chocolates to my wife. That was nice.
.
I might add that in some cases the tables are a bit too close. We two sat at a table designed for four. Less than a foot to the West was an elderly type couple sitting at another table designed for four. As I started looking at the menu (they actually have 3 menus including the one for chocolate and mixed drinks), as I started looking, the lady next to us started whomping on my table and talking to me about the menu not being the lunch menu....like I would know. She apparently had some type of a menu on her smart phone - I think -
.
Twice she did this. Twice.
.
I tried to explain that I JUST didn't know. I go to Olive Garden maybe every other year if it is handy and I want to go broke.
.
The nurse, I mean waitress, walked by after a few long moments - Do you want the explanation?
here it is. On holidays and special days, Olive Garden doesn't use the lunch menu - everyone gets the full blown night menu - and prices...and portions. They made money on Valentine's.
.
We have this chocolate and sugary problem around here. I try to not give candy to my wife or flowers for that matter. I don't understand jewelry or flowers. I understand hamburgers and jerky. The other stuff - not so much. So this holiday, I gave her a Snickers Bar and a bright red new tea kettle which whistles. Now we can heat water for tea (maybe instant coffee). It is a nice addition to the top of the stove.
Not much happened today. Pretty day. Wind has started to pick up tonight.
.
Laura dropped by to give some chocolates to my wife. That was nice.
Tuesday, February 12, 2019
another quickie same day
I am editing this -- The guy's name is Michael Strahan. I looked it up on Google. No disrespect is meant. I like the guy. I think he funny and his grin is infectious.
====================================================================
I have been doing the ancestry thing. I go online and look at my tree and the "hints" provided by Ancestry. Some of these ancestry hints connect me to other people's trees. From those I can claim their ancestors as mine. The ancestry lines go together.
.
The problem is - spoil alert - I don't know what these other people did to prove the connections. I have proved some of mine from great great grandparents - but I cannot truthfully say that everything on my tree is accurate. I would hope it is; I just can't prove it yet.
.
Yesterday I was watching a recorded copy of the TV show about ancestry - public TV - "Who do you think you are?" some title like that. I can't remember his name - big tall (black) guy who use to be the co-host with Kelly Ripa - played NFL football (not Kelly played football, what's his name played ) when he smiles there is a big gap between his front teeth. My brain is working as I type --- got it --- strahorn or something like that Michael Strayhorn - you know who I'm talking about. I could go ask my wife, but that would be too easy.
.
After the Ancestry show took him back a few generations to slavery where records stop, his DNA was checked to see if more could be learned. He is a rather lighter-colored black man. They found a white guy and were able to show that the white guy was Strayhorn's (2nd?) great grandfather. the connection I believe was made after the Civil War in east Texas when it was against the law for blacks and whites to marry. Apparently this white guy was friendly with the black lady. Children were born.
.
Anyway, using this connection, they traced the white guy's lineage way back into Europe. This guy was a direct descendant of Charlemagne, King of the Franks and Emperor of the West born 742.
The TV show creates an impressive ancestry chart for the celebrity. As they flashed it on the screen, I froze the picture and took photos. Later I went to my online tree and started looking. I found an ancestor who was on Michael's tree - By using that info, I was - and am able - to show that my lineage also goes back to Charlemagne, King of the Franks and Emperor of the West, born 742.
DISCLAIMER: Until I am able to trace each individual on my tree back into time, I cannot swear that it is true. But for right now, I am saying:
CHARLEMAGNE, KING OF THE FRANKS and EMPEROR OF THE WEST, Born 742 --- you are my grand daddy and Michael Strayhorn - you are my cousin (several times removed). I wonder if he can get me a job on his TV show?
Judy's Sunday School teacher always said: "Never let a famous relative go to waste."
...
I'll be back.
m
====================================================================
I have been doing the ancestry thing. I go online and look at my tree and the "hints" provided by Ancestry. Some of these ancestry hints connect me to other people's trees. From those I can claim their ancestors as mine. The ancestry lines go together.
.
The problem is - spoil alert - I don't know what these other people did to prove the connections. I have proved some of mine from great great grandparents - but I cannot truthfully say that everything on my tree is accurate. I would hope it is; I just can't prove it yet.
.
Yesterday I was watching a recorded copy of the TV show about ancestry - public TV - "Who do you think you are?" some title like that. I can't remember his name - big tall (black) guy who use to be the co-host with Kelly Ripa - played NFL football (not Kelly played football, what's his name played ) when he smiles there is a big gap between his front teeth. My brain is working as I type --- got it --- strahorn or something like that Michael Strayhorn - you know who I'm talking about. I could go ask my wife, but that would be too easy.
.
After the Ancestry show took him back a few generations to slavery where records stop, his DNA was checked to see if more could be learned. He is a rather lighter-colored black man. They found a white guy and were able to show that the white guy was Strayhorn's (2nd?) great grandfather. the connection I believe was made after the Civil War in east Texas when it was against the law for blacks and whites to marry. Apparently this white guy was friendly with the black lady. Children were born.
.
Anyway, using this connection, they traced the white guy's lineage way back into Europe. This guy was a direct descendant of Charlemagne, King of the Franks and Emperor of the West born 742.
The TV show creates an impressive ancestry chart for the celebrity. As they flashed it on the screen, I froze the picture and took photos. Later I went to my online tree and started looking. I found an ancestor who was on Michael's tree - By using that info, I was - and am able - to show that my lineage also goes back to Charlemagne, King of the Franks and Emperor of the West, born 742.
DISCLAIMER: Until I am able to trace each individual on my tree back into time, I cannot swear that it is true. But for right now, I am saying:
CHARLEMAGNE, KING OF THE FRANKS and EMPEROR OF THE WEST, Born 742 --- you are my grand daddy and Michael Strayhorn - you are my cousin (several times removed). I wonder if he can get me a job on his TV show?
Judy's Sunday School teacher always said: "Never let a famous relative go to waste."
...
I'll be back.
m
quickie
Tuesday
warming up outside. Wind is still blowing - little less now than before
Put orange tree and pineapple plants back outside
Bought some pork chops with BBQ rub on them - should be cooked on the grill outside. We are trying to cook inside in the oven. So far we lack perfection.
.
On the Band director's yellow board website - I posted advice for the Convention Newbee (first year teacher attending the convention - they always worry about appropriate clothing - where to eat - what clinic to attend - all the stuff that crosses your mind when you don't want to be embarrassed) My advice to the Newbee: "Always check your zipper before you leave your hotel room - XYZ!"
Been There - Haven't Always done that.
.
I enjoyed the yearly convention once I began to attend. Lots of good learning opportunities and some great concerts. Mainly good band concerts to attend. The all-state groups always excel. My favorite concerts were the high school honor bands. Back when I had an orchestra, I would attend the honor Orchestra concerts -they were never as "thrilling" as the bands.
.
I always looked for a clinic by Dr. Tim (tim Lautzenheiser - better check spelling on that one). He was a good positive, funny, the whole thing - good clinician no matter the subject matter.
We are not going this year. It gets to be quite expensive when you can't go on your school's nickel. We always stayed in the motorhome to cut costs for the school. - they never appreciated it. I could have gone and stayed at a 5 Star hotel and never suffered a bad word from the bosses.
.
So few of the people at the convention know me. I certainly don't know them. The booths of freebees and other advertisers - they really don't want me to come by and steal candy and cookies - Save em for the paying customers who might use the product eventually.
===
new subj. Phone just rang again. This time the machine said that Navarro college was calling me. Now, this is not true. Nobody at the college wants to talk to me. I bet if I had answered, someone would be wanting to help me reduce my interest rates - or perhaps they have a condo for sale in southern Florida. My favorite is the guy wanting to extend my car's warranty.
spam!!!!
later, mtz
warming up outside. Wind is still blowing - little less now than before
Put orange tree and pineapple plants back outside
Bought some pork chops with BBQ rub on them - should be cooked on the grill outside. We are trying to cook inside in the oven. So far we lack perfection.
.
On the Band director's yellow board website - I posted advice for the Convention Newbee (first year teacher attending the convention - they always worry about appropriate clothing - where to eat - what clinic to attend - all the stuff that crosses your mind when you don't want to be embarrassed) My advice to the Newbee: "Always check your zipper before you leave your hotel room - XYZ!"
Been There - Haven't Always done that.
.
I enjoyed the yearly convention once I began to attend. Lots of good learning opportunities and some great concerts. Mainly good band concerts to attend. The all-state groups always excel. My favorite concerts were the high school honor bands. Back when I had an orchestra, I would attend the honor Orchestra concerts -they were never as "thrilling" as the bands.
.
I always looked for a clinic by Dr. Tim (tim Lautzenheiser - better check spelling on that one). He was a good positive, funny, the whole thing - good clinician no matter the subject matter.
We are not going this year. It gets to be quite expensive when you can't go on your school's nickel. We always stayed in the motorhome to cut costs for the school. - they never appreciated it. I could have gone and stayed at a 5 Star hotel and never suffered a bad word from the bosses.
.
So few of the people at the convention know me. I certainly don't know them. The booths of freebees and other advertisers - they really don't want me to come by and steal candy and cookies - Save em for the paying customers who might use the product eventually.
===
new subj. Phone just rang again. This time the machine said that Navarro college was calling me. Now, this is not true. Nobody at the college wants to talk to me. I bet if I had answered, someone would be wanting to help me reduce my interest rates - or perhaps they have a condo for sale in southern Florida. My favorite is the guy wanting to extend my car's warranty.
spam!!!!
later, mtz
Monday, February 11, 2019
monday monday
feb 11th
Sat. we went with our daughter Laura and hubby Tom to west Ft. Worth and Seaquest. They had a special price for the weekend. I suppose we spent about 2 hours walking around that place - an aquarium really with limited critters to view - You could pet some sting rays and other things. The big ole turtle was big and old - he loved lettuce. I'd recommend that anyone visit. It isn't the greatest aquarium in the world - but it was fun. Even has a pirate...
/
It is still raining - not hard- just wetter and wetter and wetter. I am so tired of wet weather and wet grass. How do people live in Seattle? We pulled our orange tree and pineapple plant inside before the last freeze. I am sure they would like to go back outside in some sunshine.
Went to HEB this morning. Normally we don't go on Mondays...did this time. It was sorta crowded but not too bad. The best thing was the lack of screaming and running children. the old people still got in the way tough.
.
This week is the TMEA convention (TX music educ. asso.) I use to enjoy going. You can hear a lot of good bands - music - legitimate type stuff. It is getting so I don't know anyone at TMEA.. It was interesting to sit and chat with old friends and other directors. Now, not as many of the old people are still going. I know it is expensive for me to go for 4 days in San Antonio. Just the eating out every meal can break you. Of course, we always drove the motorhome and saved a lot of money with cheaper lodging and breakfast. [ unless you want to count the cost of owning a motorhome ]
Our motorhome is in the shop. I broke a door on it. Hopefully it will be fixed soon. It's only money.
.
Our farm to market road to town is being redone. They are doing 2 miles at a time. I believe there will be 6 or 8 miles done. The road is rock now. In the rain your car changes color to a light sloppy tan. It will be a year before they are done and my car returns to being red. I could wash the car - seems like a futile project to me.
rain rain go away
come again some other day
just not tomorrow.
m3
Sat. we went with our daughter Laura and hubby Tom to west Ft. Worth and Seaquest. They had a special price for the weekend. I suppose we spent about 2 hours walking around that place - an aquarium really with limited critters to view - You could pet some sting rays and other things. The big ole turtle was big and old - he loved lettuce. I'd recommend that anyone visit. It isn't the greatest aquarium in the world - but it was fun. Even has a pirate...
/
It is still raining - not hard- just wetter and wetter and wetter. I am so tired of wet weather and wet grass. How do people live in Seattle? We pulled our orange tree and pineapple plant inside before the last freeze. I am sure they would like to go back outside in some sunshine.
Went to HEB this morning. Normally we don't go on Mondays...did this time. It was sorta crowded but not too bad. The best thing was the lack of screaming and running children. the old people still got in the way tough.
.
This week is the TMEA convention (TX music educ. asso.) I use to enjoy going. You can hear a lot of good bands - music - legitimate type stuff. It is getting so I don't know anyone at TMEA.. It was interesting to sit and chat with old friends and other directors. Now, not as many of the old people are still going. I know it is expensive for me to go for 4 days in San Antonio. Just the eating out every meal can break you. Of course, we always drove the motorhome and saved a lot of money with cheaper lodging and breakfast. [ unless you want to count the cost of owning a motorhome ]
Our motorhome is in the shop. I broke a door on it. Hopefully it will be fixed soon. It's only money.
.
Our farm to market road to town is being redone. They are doing 2 miles at a time. I believe there will be 6 or 8 miles done. The road is rock now. In the rain your car changes color to a light sloppy tan. It will be a year before they are done and my car returns to being red. I could wash the car - seems like a futile project to me.
rain rain go away
come again some other day
just not tomorrow.
m3
Friday, February 8, 2019
Feb 8
Friday, Feb 8th-
Somewhat not a busy week.
Cold outside. Down in the low 30's or upper 20's ... not common for this area. A band of sleet and snow rolled over us this evening, but nothing fell in our yard. It is wet out there and cold. I do not want to spend the night outdoors.
.
Across the lake from us is this area of grass? I think it is grass. Often on a Friday or weekend night, you see car lights over there - and other lights - sometimes a bonfire - sometimes I hear music (well, really mostly I hear the bass line booming across the lake). Usually this happens when it gets a bit warmer. I figure it is a regular beach party or fishing party with food and beer and lots of noise.
.
It is freezing out there right now and I see headlights of 2 different cars. go figure. Sometimes I wonder if this is really a marijuana field - harvest at night. But, since it has frozen earlier, I cannot believe they are harvesting anything. Nope, it is a drinking party. Now, I wonder if it is just a bunch of teenagers who have found a place to be bad.
I could walk across the lake and see what is happening - some night. Even being this cold, the lake won't freeze over.
.
On Wednesday the Vet called. We picked up our Greta's ashes. Now we are trying to find some type of Urn to help us keep all of our dog's ashes. I don't know why we do this to ourselves.
.
Today is the 10th birthday of my twin boys Oscar and Bruno. I think Oscar was a bit disappointed because it was so cold. Who could play ball longer than 5 minutes? I couldn't. He could though. Bruno has been okay since I have slipped him a couple extra cookies today. Ten years old. Dog years would be about 70 years old. They don't act 70.
.
I interrupted my typing to have a snack. Tonight it was a glass of tomato juice spiked with extra salt and Tabasco. Two boiled eggs topped off the snack time. Before I ate, I had to give the dogs an animal cracker. They like animal crackers, and they are cheap to buy.
.
Now I am sitting and watching a CSI TV show while typing and drinking a big glass of Raspberry flavored ice tea. Lipton's tea. Raspberry tea after supper; Peach tea in the afternoon; and Lemon tea for meals and earlier morning. In years past I always drank Nestea. It tasted better to me. Then, as with many things, my type of Nestea disappeared off the grocery shelves. I try not to drink tea before 10 a.m. so nobody will think I am an addict.
That's it
Happy Birthday to Fli --- and Oscar & Bruno!!!
tomorrow should be warmer.
m
Somewhat not a busy week.
Cold outside. Down in the low 30's or upper 20's ... not common for this area. A band of sleet and snow rolled over us this evening, but nothing fell in our yard. It is wet out there and cold. I do not want to spend the night outdoors.
.
Across the lake from us is this area of grass? I think it is grass. Often on a Friday or weekend night, you see car lights over there - and other lights - sometimes a bonfire - sometimes I hear music (well, really mostly I hear the bass line booming across the lake). Usually this happens when it gets a bit warmer. I figure it is a regular beach party or fishing party with food and beer and lots of noise.
.
It is freezing out there right now and I see headlights of 2 different cars. go figure. Sometimes I wonder if this is really a marijuana field - harvest at night. But, since it has frozen earlier, I cannot believe they are harvesting anything. Nope, it is a drinking party. Now, I wonder if it is just a bunch of teenagers who have found a place to be bad.
I could walk across the lake and see what is happening - some night. Even being this cold, the lake won't freeze over.
.
On Wednesday the Vet called. We picked up our Greta's ashes. Now we are trying to find some type of Urn to help us keep all of our dog's ashes. I don't know why we do this to ourselves.
.
Today is the 10th birthday of my twin boys Oscar and Bruno. I think Oscar was a bit disappointed because it was so cold. Who could play ball longer than 5 minutes? I couldn't. He could though. Bruno has been okay since I have slipped him a couple extra cookies today. Ten years old. Dog years would be about 70 years old. They don't act 70.
.
I interrupted my typing to have a snack. Tonight it was a glass of tomato juice spiked with extra salt and Tabasco. Two boiled eggs topped off the snack time. Before I ate, I had to give the dogs an animal cracker. They like animal crackers, and they are cheap to buy.
.
Now I am sitting and watching a CSI TV show while typing and drinking a big glass of Raspberry flavored ice tea. Lipton's tea. Raspberry tea after supper; Peach tea in the afternoon; and Lemon tea for meals and earlier morning. In years past I always drank Nestea. It tasted better to me. Then, as with many things, my type of Nestea disappeared off the grocery shelves. I try not to drink tea before 10 a.m. so nobody will think I am an addict.
That's it
Happy Birthday to Fli --- and Oscar & Bruno!!!
tomorrow should be warmer.
m
Saturday, February 2, 2019
Groundhog Day
Today =- Sat.
On Thurs, we defrosted the "automatic defroster" freezer that we own. I planned an hour and it took nearly 3. I am guessing some type of drain hole is clogged because the ice is beginning to form again on the bottom shelf. I hate to pay somebody to come out and clean out a hole just because I am too stupid to be able to locate the stupid hole.
.
We put a blanket in the bathtub, loaded the frozen food on the blanket, covered the food with two more blankets - that worked fine. I couldn't tell that any of the food had defrosted. The hair dryer worked the best for defrosting (along with help from a wide putty knife). I even tried the leaf blower once to see if it worked better. I think it did. It shoved cold air out of the freezer cooling down the whole kitchen. Somewhat noisy though.
.
I started this project because the ice maker froze up. Of course that is what an ice maker is suppose to do...just differently.
.
Now the freezer is freezing and ice maker is ice-ing. For a while, all will be well.
=============
We were going to daughter Laura's house today to say Happy Birthday. Her's is on Tuesday but I figured she and hubby would be doing something special on that day. Her husband Tom is really great when it comes to dreaming up different activities and celebrations. They have fun together.
.
But apparently she and Tom are both sick. They have a lot of minor sicknesses over there. I think it is because they won't go see a doctor regularly. This is the lesson for today. If you have been coughing since November, something is wrong. Find a doctor who can help you. If he can't, change doctors.
I knew a band director that was coughing a bunch. He didn't smoke. Once I popped off at him about seeing a doctor. He died a few months later from lung cancer. He didn't smoke; he never smoked. I felt guilty about popping off. He was a really good high school band director and piano player. Lung Cancer. Go figure.
==============
I shall close with this: The car's check engine light has come back on.
m
On Thurs, we defrosted the "automatic defroster" freezer that we own. I planned an hour and it took nearly 3. I am guessing some type of drain hole is clogged because the ice is beginning to form again on the bottom shelf. I hate to pay somebody to come out and clean out a hole just because I am too stupid to be able to locate the stupid hole.
.
We put a blanket in the bathtub, loaded the frozen food on the blanket, covered the food with two more blankets - that worked fine. I couldn't tell that any of the food had defrosted. The hair dryer worked the best for defrosting (along with help from a wide putty knife). I even tried the leaf blower once to see if it worked better. I think it did. It shoved cold air out of the freezer cooling down the whole kitchen. Somewhat noisy though.
.
I started this project because the ice maker froze up. Of course that is what an ice maker is suppose to do...just differently.
.
Now the freezer is freezing and ice maker is ice-ing. For a while, all will be well.
=============
We were going to daughter Laura's house today to say Happy Birthday. Her's is on Tuesday but I figured she and hubby would be doing something special on that day. Her husband Tom is really great when it comes to dreaming up different activities and celebrations. They have fun together.
.
But apparently she and Tom are both sick. They have a lot of minor sicknesses over there. I think it is because they won't go see a doctor regularly. This is the lesson for today. If you have been coughing since November, something is wrong. Find a doctor who can help you. If he can't, change doctors.
I knew a band director that was coughing a bunch. He didn't smoke. Once I popped off at him about seeing a doctor. He died a few months later from lung cancer. He didn't smoke; he never smoked. I felt guilty about popping off. He was a really good high school band director and piano player. Lung Cancer. Go figure.
==============
I shall close with this: The car's check engine light has come back on.
m
Tuesday, January 29, 2019
Tue
Jan 29
slept late - no reason to roll out early.
.
Wind howled all night - the lake was a furry.
Now I have a problem. I think I just wrote Fur-ry like an animal but I meant FURY. I suppose spell check doesn't recognize that a lake shouldn't have fur,
Chairs and stuff were blown off the back porch - Dog blankets ended up against the south fence. Fairly peaceful now except it is cold.
.
Question: does Oscar still want to go out and play ball?
.
I put food in the bird feeders yesterday. One of them had all the seeds blown out on the ground. The squirrels have been focusing in on the grounded seeds. Little Sadie won't let them eat in peace. That dog loves to bark at squirrels. In a past episode of this, I wrote about Sadie bringing a baby squirrel into the house. Fun Times.
.
It is almost 3. Nothing good in the mail except the newspaper, and that would be up for debate. They are still working on the highway. It is time for them to move on.
.
one of my joys of life: I have a calendar setting on the printer. It is a daily calendar with the rip-off sheets. Dachshunds are on every page. 365 days of dachshunds. Not really. They put Sat. & Sun. on the same pages so we lose 52 pages of doxie photos. Still, that is over 300 photos of dachshunds. Today's picture is 4 long-hair doxies sitting and looking into the camera. All four are different shapes, colors, heights - and probably personalities, eating habits, barking and digging preferences - you get the concept.
Now it is a trifle past 3 p.m. I will go throw the ball for Oscar after I put on 14 layers of clothes. That boy doesn't seem to get cold when there is a BALL!!!
Mtz
How about a P.S.
My dermatologist asked if a certain bump itched. I said everything itches anymore. He asked how often I bathed. For a moment I thought that was rather rude. But, I answered daily. He told me to try every other day (unless I work and get hot and sweaty). I told him that at my age I rarely get hot and sweaty anymore... Every other day. Well, sure. the more water in this climate, the skins dries out and ITCH settles in. I've tried lotion with little positive results.
.
There are two problems with lotion:
(1) it smells like a girl or a baby. I bought some "Corn Huskers Lotion" that I remember my father using. That stuff has a manly title. It stinks too. Lotion that doesn't smell - do you suppose bacon grease would work. At least then, the smell would have good memories.
(2) at my size and weight, how many bottles of lotion would be required in a week's time. Perhaps I could get a really large tub and completely fill it with a lotion. Then, dip myself in it much like you might use a bug dip on an animal - dip the dog to get rid of fleas. There might be a potential business in this concept for someone with lots of money. (Just don't ask me to invest)
now,
good-bye
m
slept late - no reason to roll out early.
.
Wind howled all night - the lake was a furry.
Now I have a problem. I think I just wrote Fur-ry like an animal but I meant FURY. I suppose spell check doesn't recognize that a lake shouldn't have fur,
Chairs and stuff were blown off the back porch - Dog blankets ended up against the south fence. Fairly peaceful now except it is cold.
.
Question: does Oscar still want to go out and play ball?
.
I put food in the bird feeders yesterday. One of them had all the seeds blown out on the ground. The squirrels have been focusing in on the grounded seeds. Little Sadie won't let them eat in peace. That dog loves to bark at squirrels. In a past episode of this, I wrote about Sadie bringing a baby squirrel into the house. Fun Times.
.
It is almost 3. Nothing good in the mail except the newspaper, and that would be up for debate. They are still working on the highway. It is time for them to move on.
.
one of my joys of life: I have a calendar setting on the printer. It is a daily calendar with the rip-off sheets. Dachshunds are on every page. 365 days of dachshunds. Not really. They put Sat. & Sun. on the same pages so we lose 52 pages of doxie photos. Still, that is over 300 photos of dachshunds. Today's picture is 4 long-hair doxies sitting and looking into the camera. All four are different shapes, colors, heights - and probably personalities, eating habits, barking and digging preferences - you get the concept.
Now it is a trifle past 3 p.m. I will go throw the ball for Oscar after I put on 14 layers of clothes. That boy doesn't seem to get cold when there is a BALL!!!
Mtz
How about a P.S.
My dermatologist asked if a certain bump itched. I said everything itches anymore. He asked how often I bathed. For a moment I thought that was rather rude. But, I answered daily. He told me to try every other day (unless I work and get hot and sweaty). I told him that at my age I rarely get hot and sweaty anymore... Every other day. Well, sure. the more water in this climate, the skins dries out and ITCH settles in. I've tried lotion with little positive results.
.
There are two problems with lotion:
(1) it smells like a girl or a baby. I bought some "Corn Huskers Lotion" that I remember my father using. That stuff has a manly title. It stinks too. Lotion that doesn't smell - do you suppose bacon grease would work. At least then, the smell would have good memories.
(2) at my size and weight, how many bottles of lotion would be required in a week's time. Perhaps I could get a really large tub and completely fill it with a lotion. Then, dip myself in it much like you might use a bug dip on an animal - dip the dog to get rid of fleas. There might be a potential business in this concept for someone with lots of money. (Just don't ask me to invest)
now,
good-bye
m
Monday, January 28, 2019
Jan 28
Jan 28
fairly uneventful day - weather nicer in the morning - some front is coming through and the lake is starting to get up.
.
I had my yearly dermatologist appt. today. This doctor has kids who go to Tech and is a real Tech person. Pictures of Tech things all over his waiting room and so forth. And truly he seems like a really nice guy - happy, joyful, smiles, gives good answers.
.
Results from today are that I am fine. Go back in another year. I do hate to go to a doctor and remove clothing. I never was Adonis - even less so today
.
I played ball with Oscar three times today - never enough - He is ready to go again but that brisk wind keeps me more interested in watching TV.
.
speaking of that: we have a process around here. it happens every night. No variety.
Dogs eat sometime between 4 and 5.
I eat near 6 - usually leftovers - what did we have for lunch yesterday? That is supper tonight. So green chile stew is up for tonight. I like green chile stew. My computer spell check thinks it should be green chili stew - but, that is not correct. This is a pork stew with green chiles in it. So, Mr. Spell Check, you don't know everything!!!
.
After I eat, Bruno commences to bark one or two times in sequence. He is sending me a message. I get up and give them all some type of a doggie chew treat. Actual hard Chew sticks come at Noon. Supper treats are lesser, but - in Bruno's mind - still terrific. The treat is gone; I refill my tea glass and announce, "Let's go to the pit."
.
Off we go to the dog pit ( I've covered this previously ) We have an area about 20 x 15 with a 6+ high fence around it. That is where we go at night to purge our systems - well, actually, W E don't purge, the dogs do. With bobcats, snakes, and other critters about, I prefer to keep them within arms length when it gets black & dark out back. When they go to the pit, they know why we are there.
Sadie does her business and the two boys follow along to baptize whatever she left behind. Bruno will then look for other appropriate spaces to water.
Okay, the pit is done. Back inside we go. I say, "Let's watch T V." Sadie runs for the living room and climbs on the couch. I sit beside her & help Bruno up. Oscar either wants help or he will take the doggie stairs to the couch.
My wife and I share some program or two while the pups nap on the couch. Eventually, Oscar will get down and lay on the hard floor in front of the couch. Sadie will climb down the stairs and find a cushion. Bruno has to jump off the couch to find a cushion. Bruno is afraid to go up or down the stairs. He just can't handle it.
We watch T V for a while and eventually I retire to the computer room followed by 3 faithful dogs. Sadie does like to get back on the couch and sleep for a couple of hours. . . I love it when a dog rolls over and sleeps on its back. Sadie loves back sleeping with her tiny legs sticking straight up.
.
Something that has been eating on me all day. I heard two guys on the radio doing a pro-mo for their tomorrow radio show - early radio guys on 820 AM. One of them starts talking and ends the sentence with "from you and I." That usage of the King's English drives me insane. Is it so hard to learn to say "from you and me?" I'm sure I have some language things that drive others off the wall - well, tough.
enough for tonight.
almost have my taxes figured for 2018. Waiting for a couple of forms to arrive.
Y'all take care.
m
fairly uneventful day - weather nicer in the morning - some front is coming through and the lake is starting to get up.
.
I had my yearly dermatologist appt. today. This doctor has kids who go to Tech and is a real Tech person. Pictures of Tech things all over his waiting room and so forth. And truly he seems like a really nice guy - happy, joyful, smiles, gives good answers.
.
Results from today are that I am fine. Go back in another year. I do hate to go to a doctor and remove clothing. I never was Adonis - even less so today
.
I played ball with Oscar three times today - never enough - He is ready to go again but that brisk wind keeps me more interested in watching TV.
.
speaking of that: we have a process around here. it happens every night. No variety.
Dogs eat sometime between 4 and 5.
I eat near 6 - usually leftovers - what did we have for lunch yesterday? That is supper tonight. So green chile stew is up for tonight. I like green chile stew. My computer spell check thinks it should be green chili stew - but, that is not correct. This is a pork stew with green chiles in it. So, Mr. Spell Check, you don't know everything!!!
.
After I eat, Bruno commences to bark one or two times in sequence. He is sending me a message. I get up and give them all some type of a doggie chew treat. Actual hard Chew sticks come at Noon. Supper treats are lesser, but - in Bruno's mind - still terrific. The treat is gone; I refill my tea glass and announce, "Let's go to the pit."
.
Off we go to the dog pit ( I've covered this previously ) We have an area about 20 x 15 with a 6+ high fence around it. That is where we go at night to purge our systems - well, actually, W E don't purge, the dogs do. With bobcats, snakes, and other critters about, I prefer to keep them within arms length when it gets black & dark out back. When they go to the pit, they know why we are there.
Sadie does her business and the two boys follow along to baptize whatever she left behind. Bruno will then look for other appropriate spaces to water.
Okay, the pit is done. Back inside we go. I say, "Let's watch T V." Sadie runs for the living room and climbs on the couch. I sit beside her & help Bruno up. Oscar either wants help or he will take the doggie stairs to the couch.
My wife and I share some program or two while the pups nap on the couch. Eventually, Oscar will get down and lay on the hard floor in front of the couch. Sadie will climb down the stairs and find a cushion. Bruno has to jump off the couch to find a cushion. Bruno is afraid to go up or down the stairs. He just can't handle it.
We watch T V for a while and eventually I retire to the computer room followed by 3 faithful dogs. Sadie does like to get back on the couch and sleep for a couple of hours. . . I love it when a dog rolls over and sleeps on its back. Sadie loves back sleeping with her tiny legs sticking straight up.
.
Something that has been eating on me all day. I heard two guys on the radio doing a pro-mo for their tomorrow radio show - early radio guys on 820 AM. One of them starts talking and ends the sentence with "from you and I." That usage of the King's English drives me insane. Is it so hard to learn to say "from you and me?" I'm sure I have some language things that drive others off the wall - well, tough.
enough for tonight.
almost have my taxes figured for 2018. Waiting for a couple of forms to arrive.
Y'all take care.
m
Friday, January 25, 2019
25th day of January
Jan 25 - long, long, long week has just passed.
We have spent in excess of $2500 on dogs - I don't begrudge this spending because it was all necessary - well if you are a bit human and love your animal.
.
Bruno had 2 teeth removed.
Greta was discovered with an enlarged heart (heart murmur they call it)
.
Yesterday, Greta got up about 6 a.m. - went to the pit and did her necessaries supervised by the wife. She walked around for a while - ate nothing - laid down in the middle of the kitchen floor and quit breathing. We knew it was coming, just not the when.
.
My wife had a haircut in the morning. I dropped her off at the place and took Greta to the vet to start the cremation process. As of this moment, I have yet to have a "good cry" that she is gone - I know, I know, it isn't manly to have a good cry. Maybe this is because I saw how much she was suffering with the enlarged heart and the wheezing and the cough and the complete lack of appetite.
side note: I would put a pill in the middle of a tiny bit of frankfurter. Greta would take that piece and eat it right down - then, no more eat. I would like to think she knew what was happening. I would like to think this. Please don't ruin my illusion.
Bruno returned to the vet this morning to have a gander at the stitches. He got a good bill of health and can now go back on dry food. I can tell you that he doesn't want to go back on dry food. That canned dog food must be really tasty. I know we ALL love the aroma.
We got the Flex back yesterday. They installed a new camera in the back - actually, I would imagine that it was a camera module replacement. It sorta works [ at least the camera picture is no longer upside down ].
I don't know anymore about this than I shall recite. We were sent a text yesterday while we were in town that police were all over our area and to not open our doors to anyone in a white truck. How do you spell Omminubuss? Spel chec says "ominous."
.
Or in the language of the Hippy: "Heavy Man, Heavy." We decided to have a subway sandwich on the way home. With that done we slowly motored the route. On the way we met a couple of police cars and a big black machine that looked like an armored car - let's think SWAT team.
They are working on the main road to our housing development. Workmen are everywhere including one at our HOA's main entrance. I stopped and got our mail - then I walked over to the workguy and asked questions about the excitement that we missed. He seemed to know most everything. One of our neighborhood men went off the deep end - weapons - barricaded eventually - possible threat of suicide - I don't know which neighbor, but I have a pretty good idea. Yes, this concept is scary.
We had a home owners meeting this past weekend - with this guy in the room with all of us. What if he had lost it at that time? There might be a lot of black arm bands and houses for sale today.
I have heard nothing else. I have asked nobody anything else. Gossip is not my thing. Not True: I like some gossip. I flagged down my neighbor (ex-policeman). I found out that the neighbor only knew what I knew - it seems he stopped and asked the workguy at the front like I did. This guy could have made a fortune selling information.
The bonkers guy was taken to a hospital for observation. I do hope that he recovers quickly and things improve for him. I worked in a mental health hospital in Dallas for a few months several years ago. It was quite an experience which I believe helped me to get my head screwed back on a little better.
Band directors have a website run by a guy - they call it a Yellow Board. This week, a first year teacher / band director wrote that he had just been informed that he would not be renewed for next year. That means he will be fired at the end of the year. His posting was depressing - full of sadness and sorrow. How will he ever find another position if he is fired? All is lost. He even wrote something about this being the end and not being able to cope ... you get the picture. I read it as leaning a bit towards suicidal. Postings are anonymous so nobody knows who wrote it.
Immediately other directors responded with helpful ideas - see doctor - how to find new job - you want to get out of that toxic environment anyway - etc. I suggested he consider returning to school for another degree or even a change in his major. New beginning. Ended up trying to say that this is not the end of the world - just a set back. I do hope this young band director gets it figured out properly.
I did know a band director who was nervous with major problems coping. He was in a terrible school - the band sounded like a train wreck - he had inherited this program (not his fault). It made me so nervous just to be a positive person. This guy eventually committed suicide. Such a waste. I've known two female directors who left their jobs in the 1st couple of months and were put in hospitals. Nothing is worth going crazy over - find a new path - move on - there is always a better something out there. I won't talk about the students I knew who did suicide or tried. Young minds have a problem processing what should and shouldn't be.
I will pause now. I'm sure this posting has been a real JOY to read. We are down to 3 dogs: Oscar, Bruno, & Sadie. At our age, to add any more dogs would probably be foolish. Oscar & Bruno (the twins) will be 10 in another month. Sadie turned 3 last month. If Sadie lives to be 13 (10 more years), my wife & I will be 88 years old. If she makes it to 18 like Greta, we would be 93. It makes you stop and think - or at the most, JUST STOP.
Later,
m
We have spent in excess of $2500 on dogs - I don't begrudge this spending because it was all necessary - well if you are a bit human and love your animal.
.
Bruno had 2 teeth removed.
Greta was discovered with an enlarged heart (heart murmur they call it)
.
Yesterday, Greta got up about 6 a.m. - went to the pit and did her necessaries supervised by the wife. She walked around for a while - ate nothing - laid down in the middle of the kitchen floor and quit breathing. We knew it was coming, just not the when.
.
My wife had a haircut in the morning. I dropped her off at the place and took Greta to the vet to start the cremation process. As of this moment, I have yet to have a "good cry" that she is gone - I know, I know, it isn't manly to have a good cry. Maybe this is because I saw how much she was suffering with the enlarged heart and the wheezing and the cough and the complete lack of appetite.
side note: I would put a pill in the middle of a tiny bit of frankfurter. Greta would take that piece and eat it right down - then, no more eat. I would like to think she knew what was happening. I would like to think this. Please don't ruin my illusion.
Bruno returned to the vet this morning to have a gander at the stitches. He got a good bill of health and can now go back on dry food. I can tell you that he doesn't want to go back on dry food. That canned dog food must be really tasty. I know we ALL love the aroma.
We got the Flex back yesterday. They installed a new camera in the back - actually, I would imagine that it was a camera module replacement. It sorta works [ at least the camera picture is no longer upside down ].
I don't know anymore about this than I shall recite. We were sent a text yesterday while we were in town that police were all over our area and to not open our doors to anyone in a white truck. How do you spell Omminubuss? Spel chec says "ominous."
.
Or in the language of the Hippy: "Heavy Man, Heavy." We decided to have a subway sandwich on the way home. With that done we slowly motored the route. On the way we met a couple of police cars and a big black machine that looked like an armored car - let's think SWAT team.
They are working on the main road to our housing development. Workmen are everywhere including one at our HOA's main entrance. I stopped and got our mail - then I walked over to the workguy and asked questions about the excitement that we missed. He seemed to know most everything. One of our neighborhood men went off the deep end - weapons - barricaded eventually - possible threat of suicide - I don't know which neighbor, but I have a pretty good idea. Yes, this concept is scary.
We had a home owners meeting this past weekend - with this guy in the room with all of us. What if he had lost it at that time? There might be a lot of black arm bands and houses for sale today.
I have heard nothing else. I have asked nobody anything else. Gossip is not my thing. Not True: I like some gossip. I flagged down my neighbor (ex-policeman). I found out that the neighbor only knew what I knew - it seems he stopped and asked the workguy at the front like I did. This guy could have made a fortune selling information.
The bonkers guy was taken to a hospital for observation. I do hope that he recovers quickly and things improve for him. I worked in a mental health hospital in Dallas for a few months several years ago. It was quite an experience which I believe helped me to get my head screwed back on a little better.
Band directors have a website run by a guy - they call it a Yellow Board. This week, a first year teacher / band director wrote that he had just been informed that he would not be renewed for next year. That means he will be fired at the end of the year. His posting was depressing - full of sadness and sorrow. How will he ever find another position if he is fired? All is lost. He even wrote something about this being the end and not being able to cope ... you get the picture. I read it as leaning a bit towards suicidal. Postings are anonymous so nobody knows who wrote it.
Immediately other directors responded with helpful ideas - see doctor - how to find new job - you want to get out of that toxic environment anyway - etc. I suggested he consider returning to school for another degree or even a change in his major. New beginning. Ended up trying to say that this is not the end of the world - just a set back. I do hope this young band director gets it figured out properly.
I did know a band director who was nervous with major problems coping. He was in a terrible school - the band sounded like a train wreck - he had inherited this program (not his fault). It made me so nervous just to be a positive person. This guy eventually committed suicide. Such a waste. I've known two female directors who left their jobs in the 1st couple of months and were put in hospitals. Nothing is worth going crazy over - find a new path - move on - there is always a better something out there. I won't talk about the students I knew who did suicide or tried. Young minds have a problem processing what should and shouldn't be.
I will pause now. I'm sure this posting has been a real JOY to read. We are down to 3 dogs: Oscar, Bruno, & Sadie. At our age, to add any more dogs would probably be foolish. Oscar & Bruno (the twins) will be 10 in another month. Sadie turned 3 last month. If Sadie lives to be 13 (10 more years), my wife & I will be 88 years old. If she makes it to 18 like Greta, we would be 93. It makes you stop and think - or at the most, JUST STOP.
Later,
m
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