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.
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Monday, May 13, 2019
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.
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