Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 1:45 a.m. in "This City." A temperature of 47° that feels like 39° with very windy conditions, is the current norm here.
Yesterday was a day of mostly doing nothing. I read and Mary ran some errands, but that was about it. I took the morning safari with STWD while Mary went to Pensacola.
Today, we have an appointment to have the intrepid weather dog bathed and given a general tune-up. That's about enough for one day.
The sun will rise at 6:20 a.m. and set at 5:41 p.m. Ciao.
Friday, February 26, 2016
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 3:00 a.m. in "This City."
Well, it is now over here in the Panhandle. Last night, there were tornadoes, T-storms, high winds, floods, and a nearly non-stop coverage of those weather phenomenon on the local TV stations. I must admit, that given the severity of the weather and the disastrous results of some of the most severe, it was not overkill. R/V parks were devastated, cars were overturned, and buildings were flattened or had their roofs torn off. STWD spent the evening hours in her hide-e-hole to shield herself from the worst of the storms.
Right now, the temperature is 65°, it feels like 63°, and we will be dropping to today's high of 57° by the time the sun rises at 6:22 a.m. Today, we will have windy and partly cloudy conditions to accompany that high temperature. As the week wears on, temperatures will improve and the skies will be sunny.
I finished one book yesterday and started another. These are books that Mary picked up in which the protagonist is a young woman who grew up in an Amish community, moved to Texas, and later inherited an Amish quilt shop from her aunt. who married an Amish man. The protagonist is not herself Amish. Pulp fiction? Yes, but it makes for a fun read. I can't tell you more, because Mary made me promise to not spoil the last book for her.
Today, I don't plan to do much of anything. I banged my ribs yesterday and they are a bit sore. As near as I can tell, none are broken, but I don't have the energy to do much. Fortunately, I don't have to.
The sun will set at 5:44 p.m. Ciao.
Well, it is now over here in the Panhandle. Last night, there were tornadoes, T-storms, high winds, floods, and a nearly non-stop coverage of those weather phenomenon on the local TV stations. I must admit, that given the severity of the weather and the disastrous results of some of the most severe, it was not overkill. R/V parks were devastated, cars were overturned, and buildings were flattened or had their roofs torn off. STWD spent the evening hours in her hide-e-hole to shield herself from the worst of the storms.
Right now, the temperature is 65°, it feels like 63°, and we will be dropping to today's high of 57° by the time the sun rises at 6:22 a.m. Today, we will have windy and partly cloudy conditions to accompany that high temperature. As the week wears on, temperatures will improve and the skies will be sunny.
I finished one book yesterday and started another. These are books that Mary picked up in which the protagonist is a young woman who grew up in an Amish community, moved to Texas, and later inherited an Amish quilt shop from her aunt. who married an Amish man. The protagonist is not herself Amish. Pulp fiction? Yes, but it makes for a fun read. I can't tell you more, because Mary made me promise to not spoil the last book for her.
Today, I don't plan to do much of anything. I banged my ribs yesterday and they are a bit sore. As near as I can tell, none are broken, but I don't have the energy to do much. Fortunately, I don't have to.
The sun will set at 5:44 p.m. Ciao.
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Good afternoon from "This City." Yes, it is nearly evening here on "The Beach", and that's because I never got around to blogging earlier this morning. It is currently 5:18 p.m. So, I think I'll just say a few words about today and yesterday.
In GH, the current temperature is 42°, while here, it is 68°. In GH, the NWS is warning of a last big snowstorm that could dump six inches of new snow. Here, the only concern is that it will be cloudy, with a chance of severe T-storms at 100%, with 3 - 5 inches of rain possible. Tomorrow, the temperature will drop into the upper 50s with windy conditions, By Thursday, we'll rebound to the lower 60s with sunny skies. It will take until Saturday for GH to return to the 40s.
Yesterday, we traveled to Pensacola to see the National Naval Aviation Museum that is located at NAS Pensacola. With the new access restrictions in place, the entrance to the museum is seven miles farther than it used to be. Plus, there are no signs to direct you as to where the west gate is located. That's the gate that all non-military personnel must use to access NAS Pensacola. But, we made it.In addition, there has always been a requirement to show an ID when entering the base. Now, you also have to show an ID when you go in and out of the various building at the Museum.
While there, Mary and I took some pictures that I'd like to share now.
Otherwise, not much is happening. All of the position players reported to baseball's spring training camps today and the experts in Las Vegas have already anointed the CUS as the favorite to win the World Series this year. Here's hoping. The sun will be setting at 5:43 p.m. here and at 6:26 pm in GH. Ciao
In GH, the current temperature is 42°, while here, it is 68°. In GH, the NWS is warning of a last big snowstorm that could dump six inches of new snow. Here, the only concern is that it will be cloudy, with a chance of severe T-storms at 100%, with 3 - 5 inches of rain possible. Tomorrow, the temperature will drop into the upper 50s with windy conditions, By Thursday, we'll rebound to the lower 60s with sunny skies. It will take until Saturday for GH to return to the 40s.
Yesterday, we traveled to Pensacola to see the National Naval Aviation Museum that is located at NAS Pensacola. With the new access restrictions in place, the entrance to the museum is seven miles farther than it used to be. Plus, there are no signs to direct you as to where the west gate is located. That's the gate that all non-military personnel must use to access NAS Pensacola. But, we made it.In addition, there has always been a requirement to show an ID when entering the base. Now, you also have to show an ID when you go in and out of the various building at the Museum.
While there, Mary and I took some pictures that I'd like to share now.
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| I couldn't resist the chance to take a picture of this aircraft that was a part of the air wing of the USS Enterprise. |
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| As a resident of "Coast Guard City USA" I had Mary take this picture of yours truly. |
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| Yes, it is a POTUS. |
Otherwise, not much is happening. All of the position players reported to baseball's spring training camps today and the experts in Las Vegas have already anointed the CUS as the favorite to win the World Series this year. Here's hoping. The sun will be setting at 5:43 p.m. here and at 6:26 pm in GH. Ciao
Monday, February 22, 2016
Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 1:30 a.m. in "This City."
A current temperature of 63° that feels like 63°, will lead to today's high of 68°. The showers and T-storms that were in the forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday from the NWS, are now off that same forecast. Go figure. Only time will tell I guess. Yesterday, the temperature rose into the mid-seventies and that actually felt hot.
Yesterday's start to the taxicab racing season was mostly crash free, and there was very little change in the running order of the cars. A few penalties for pit crew infractions, a few crashes, one that took out the pole sitter, and that was about it. That is until the very end, when the driver who had led the race most of the time surged from the pack and took the checkered flag by the width of a bumper. Well actually, one-tenth of a second, but it was a great photo finish.
Mary and I watched as Mary did some batch cooking and knitting. She is much more able to multi-task than I ever am. STWD was the beneficiary of Mary's activities in her role as STSD. I benefited from the chopped veggies, the chips and salsa, the cheese and crackers, and the chili for dinner that she had made a few days ago and augmented yesterday.
Afterwards, we watched a movie on the Hallmark Channel, and then I was ready for bed. Sure it was early, but it had been a busy day. We had taken the morning walk with STWD, watched auto racing, and I did a few chores.
Today, more retirement, more walking, and more reading and playing with Leilani. I also have a few things that I had planned to get to while we were here that I must do. It has been seven weeks, and I haven't yet started.
Don't forget, the pitchers and catchers have all reported and the position players will report tomorrow.
The sun will rise at today 6:24 a.m., and set at 5:43 p.m. under cloudy skies. Ciao.
A current temperature of 63° that feels like 63°, will lead to today's high of 68°. The showers and T-storms that were in the forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday from the NWS, are now off that same forecast. Go figure. Only time will tell I guess. Yesterday, the temperature rose into the mid-seventies and that actually felt hot.
Yesterday's start to the taxicab racing season was mostly crash free, and there was very little change in the running order of the cars. A few penalties for pit crew infractions, a few crashes, one that took out the pole sitter, and that was about it. That is until the very end, when the driver who had led the race most of the time surged from the pack and took the checkered flag by the width of a bumper. Well actually, one-tenth of a second, but it was a great photo finish.
Mary and I watched as Mary did some batch cooking and knitting. She is much more able to multi-task than I ever am. STWD was the beneficiary of Mary's activities in her role as STSD. I benefited from the chopped veggies, the chips and salsa, the cheese and crackers, and the chili for dinner that she had made a few days ago and augmented yesterday.
Afterwards, we watched a movie on the Hallmark Channel, and then I was ready for bed. Sure it was early, but it had been a busy day. We had taken the morning walk with STWD, watched auto racing, and I did a few chores.
Today, more retirement, more walking, and more reading and playing with Leilani. I also have a few things that I had planned to get to while we were here that I must do. It has been seven weeks, and I haven't yet started.
Don't forget, the pitchers and catchers have all reported and the position players will report tomorrow.
The sun will rise at today 6:24 a.m., and set at 5:43 p.m. under cloudy skies. Ciao.
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 1:30 a.m. in "This City."
Yesterday was an interesting day. We made it to Pensacola for those errands and the ukulele jam at Blues Angel Music. With Pensacon going on, Mary had to work to find parking in the city center so that she could do the errands and go to the Palafox Market. She had to park several blocks away. That was after stops at the bread bakery and the health food co op.
I had a great time at the jam session, but prior to that, I adopted another member for my "Stringed Harem." I've decided that her name is Leilani, which depending on your desires, can be Hawaiian for Heavenly Flowers or Royal Child. Either way, the name seems to suit her.
Mary says that I can't keep her and her sister, Winnie, and that I should donate Winnie to a young person who will give her the love and attention that she should have on a daily basis. I'm working on that now.
Otherwise, we made it home safely from Pensacola and watched TV and read for the balance of the day. STWD had to sniff the newest addition to our family. She seems to have found Leilani OK to stay.
In weather news, the current temperature is 62°, but it feels like 61°. Yesterday, the high reached into the 70s and the skies were sunny. According to the forecast from the NWS, the high temperature for today will be70° under cloudy skies. By tomorrow, we are supposed to begin seeing showers and then Tuesday into wednesday, T-storms are expected. However, temperatures should remain in the upper 60s until at least Thursday.
Today it is time for the annual start of the taxicab racing season at Daytona. Much like Adam, I tend to see this as a prelude to real racing when the Indycar season opens in Speedway, IN, Memorial Day weekend, with the running of the "Greatest Spectacle in Motor Car racing." I know that Adam prefers Formula One, but as long as a car has no fenders, he is good to go.
So, we'll be noshing, watching, and relaxing in the afternoon. Mary will watch some of the race, but I suspect that she'll be knitting more. That's fine, as I can do enough watching for both of us.
Otherwise, that's about it for today. The sun will rise at 6:25 a.m., and set at 5:42 p.m. Ciao.
Yesterday was an interesting day. We made it to Pensacola for those errands and the ukulele jam at Blues Angel Music. With Pensacon going on, Mary had to work to find parking in the city center so that she could do the errands and go to the Palafox Market. She had to park several blocks away. That was after stops at the bread bakery and the health food co op.
I had a great time at the jam session, but prior to that, I adopted another member for my "Stringed Harem." I've decided that her name is Leilani, which depending on your desires, can be Hawaiian for Heavenly Flowers or Royal Child. Either way, the name seems to suit her.
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| I think she is beautiful. |
Otherwise, we made it home safely from Pensacola and watched TV and read for the balance of the day. STWD had to sniff the newest addition to our family. She seems to have found Leilani OK to stay.
In weather news, the current temperature is 62°, but it feels like 61°. Yesterday, the high reached into the 70s and the skies were sunny. According to the forecast from the NWS, the high temperature for today will be70° under cloudy skies. By tomorrow, we are supposed to begin seeing showers and then Tuesday into wednesday, T-storms are expected. However, temperatures should remain in the upper 60s until at least Thursday.
Today it is time for the annual start of the taxicab racing season at Daytona. Much like Adam, I tend to see this as a prelude to real racing when the Indycar season opens in Speedway, IN, Memorial Day weekend, with the running of the "Greatest Spectacle in Motor Car racing." I know that Adam prefers Formula One, but as long as a car has no fenders, he is good to go.
So, we'll be noshing, watching, and relaxing in the afternoon. Mary will watch some of the race, but I suspect that she'll be knitting more. That's fine, as I can do enough watching for both of us.
Otherwise, that's about it for today. The sun will rise at 6:25 a.m., and set at 5:42 p.m. Ciao.
Saturday, February 20, 2016
Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 4:00 a.m. in "This City."
Cubs' manager Joe Maddon has a new motto for this year, "Embrace the Target!" As those of us who have suffered with the Boys in Blue for far too long surely know, and I've only suffered for 57 years, the target is a World Series™ title. But as Maddon himself says, it can also be the target that is on the back of every player's uniform since last year. That target was placed there by the players themselves after the great, but unrequiting season they had in 2015.
No matter, on 4/03/16, the Boys in Blue open the regular season in Anaheim against the Angels. The following day, 4/04/16, my beloved Red Sox take the field against the Indians of Cleveland. The fans of the Tigers will have to wait until Tuesday, 4/05/2015, to see their team open against the Marlins. Each time your favorite team takes the field for the opening of the 2016 season, they have the same record, 0 - 0. Yes my friends, I am a baseball fan and I'm proud of it.
Yesterday, we didn't do much until the late afternoon. Mary chatted, I read and played Winnie, and we had a late lunch. Then we were off to Pensacola to see the festivities for the 2016 Downtown Pensacola Gallery Night. Much like the Mardis Gras Parade activities there, the streets are blocked after 5:00 p.m., and throngs of people come to town. Vendors sell, musicians play and artists display their wares and works. In addition, the city is hosting their annual Pensacon™, the Pensacola Comic Convention. Superheroes, supervillains, zombies, and Star Trek characters abounded on the streets of the city.
We had spent so much time in rush hour traffic getting there, that we had to walk about a bit. Parking was at a premium, but we found a free spot. A quick tour, a quick libation at the Irish pub, and then back on the road to brave the traffic in the opposite direction as we headed for home.
Today, we are off to Pensacola again for the ukulele jam and a chance to play some high end guitars and ukuleles afterwards. Then home again for an NCIS marathon and some additional relaxation/retirement.
Sunday we'll be watching the Daytona 500™ and munching on some veggies and dip, cheese and crackers, and possibly reheated chili. I'm not going to project beyond that.
The current temperature here is 61°, but it feels like 58°. We're heading for today's high of 68 sunny degrees. The skies will turn cloudy Sunday through Tuesday with similar temperatures, However, there is a strong chance for T-storms on Tuesday.
The sun will rise in a few hours at 6:26 a.m. and set later at 5:41 p.m. Ciao.
Cubs' manager Joe Maddon has a new motto for this year, "Embrace the Target!" As those of us who have suffered with the Boys in Blue for far too long surely know, and I've only suffered for 57 years, the target is a World Series™ title. But as Maddon himself says, it can also be the target that is on the back of every player's uniform since last year. That target was placed there by the players themselves after the great, but unrequiting season they had in 2015.
No matter, on 4/03/16, the Boys in Blue open the regular season in Anaheim against the Angels. The following day, 4/04/16, my beloved Red Sox take the field against the Indians of Cleveland. The fans of the Tigers will have to wait until Tuesday, 4/05/2015, to see their team open against the Marlins. Each time your favorite team takes the field for the opening of the 2016 season, they have the same record, 0 - 0. Yes my friends, I am a baseball fan and I'm proud of it.
Yesterday, we didn't do much until the late afternoon. Mary chatted, I read and played Winnie, and we had a late lunch. Then we were off to Pensacola to see the festivities for the 2016 Downtown Pensacola Gallery Night. Much like the Mardis Gras Parade activities there, the streets are blocked after 5:00 p.m., and throngs of people come to town. Vendors sell, musicians play and artists display their wares and works. In addition, the city is hosting their annual Pensacon™, the Pensacola Comic Convention. Superheroes, supervillains, zombies, and Star Trek characters abounded on the streets of the city.
We had spent so much time in rush hour traffic getting there, that we had to walk about a bit. Parking was at a premium, but we found a free spot. A quick tour, a quick libation at the Irish pub, and then back on the road to brave the traffic in the opposite direction as we headed for home.
Today, we are off to Pensacola again for the ukulele jam and a chance to play some high end guitars and ukuleles afterwards. Then home again for an NCIS marathon and some additional relaxation/retirement.
Sunday we'll be watching the Daytona 500™ and munching on some veggies and dip, cheese and crackers, and possibly reheated chili. I'm not going to project beyond that.
The current temperature here is 61°, but it feels like 58°. We're heading for today's high of 68 sunny degrees. The skies will turn cloudy Sunday through Tuesday with similar temperatures, However, there is a strong chance for T-storms on Tuesday.
The sun will rise in a few hours at 6:26 a.m. and set later at 5:41 p.m. Ciao.
Friday, February 19, 2016
Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 1:00 a.m. in "This City." A current temperature of 57° is awaiting the rise of the sun and a high temperature of 67°. Much like yesterday, that means another chance at some deck time.
In case I forgot to mention it, spring has sprung. My beloved Red Sox and the Tigers have their pitchers and catchers reporting today. The boys in blue, tomorrow. The Tigers have their first full squad workout on 2/23. and my beloved and the boys on 2/24. Ahhhhh.
Yesterday, Mary went to the store by herself. I suspect that she was happier without me. I sent her armed with a recipe for chili that she made when she got home. While she was gone, I worked some crosswords, played Winnie, and did some additional chores. I'd like to believe that we were both happy.
We both took the morning safari with STWD after lunch and before Mary went out. Later, we walked the beach on the Gulf of Mexico and then stopped in at Riptides, the bar/restaurant at the Holiday Inn™. We met some people who live in MI while we were there. Some Tater Tots™ and a few adult beverages and then a walk home on the much less strenuous sidewalk route. The chili was served and I enjoyed it and I hope Mary did too. Great taste and good consistency. We have some leftovers for later in our stay.
Speaking of our stay, we are here for another week and then it is time for a trip home. I like it here, but I don't like that much driving, even though we do split it over two or three days coming and going. Plus, while some people relish long stays away from home, I like to get home after about eight weeks.
Today, Mary has her chat session and I have more reading to do after our morning walk with the intrepid one. Speaking of Sugar, she was raring to go yesterday afternoon. She was very definite about her desire to not go back before enough distance had elapsed. I also hope to get in some additional time with Winnie in the afternoon, as we are not planning an early rise. STWD will once again have to wait.
The sun will rise at 6:27 a.m. and set at 5:40 p.m. Ciao.
In case I forgot to mention it, spring has sprung. My beloved Red Sox and the Tigers have their pitchers and catchers reporting today. The boys in blue, tomorrow. The Tigers have their first full squad workout on 2/23. and my beloved and the boys on 2/24. Ahhhhh.
Yesterday, Mary went to the store by herself. I suspect that she was happier without me. I sent her armed with a recipe for chili that she made when she got home. While she was gone, I worked some crosswords, played Winnie, and did some additional chores. I'd like to believe that we were both happy.
We both took the morning safari with STWD after lunch and before Mary went out. Later, we walked the beach on the Gulf of Mexico and then stopped in at Riptides, the bar/restaurant at the Holiday Inn™. We met some people who live in MI while we were there. Some Tater Tots™ and a few adult beverages and then a walk home on the much less strenuous sidewalk route. The chili was served and I enjoyed it and I hope Mary did too. Great taste and good consistency. We have some leftovers for later in our stay.
Speaking of our stay, we are here for another week and then it is time for a trip home. I like it here, but I don't like that much driving, even though we do split it over two or three days coming and going. Plus, while some people relish long stays away from home, I like to get home after about eight weeks.
Today, Mary has her chat session and I have more reading to do after our morning walk with the intrepid one. Speaking of Sugar, she was raring to go yesterday afternoon. She was very definite about her desire to not go back before enough distance had elapsed. I also hope to get in some additional time with Winnie in the afternoon, as we are not planning an early rise. STWD will once again have to wait.
The sun will rise at 6:27 a.m. and set at 5:40 p.m. Ciao.
Thursday, February 18, 2016
Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 1:00 a.m. in "This City."
This time for sure. I want to and I will make this a short one.
Spring is really here. While pitchers and catchers reported for some teams yesterday, they report for my beloved Red Sox and the Tigers today. The Cubs pitchers and catchers tomorrow.
We have a current temperature of 51° that feels like 48°. As the sun rises after its opening act at 6:28 a.m., the temperature will quickly rise to a sunny high of 65°. It should stay very comfortable until the sun sets at 5:40 p.m. An encore will happen for the next several days. I dressed comfortably in only jeans and a shirt.
We made it to Pensacola yesterday and then had lunch at Hopjacks. All good. Home for some TV and then a potluck dinner of leftovers prepared into a great meal by Mary. It is amazing what she can do with what she has. However, since we skipped going to the grocery store yesterday, she plans to go today. We did stop for some flowers that look great in the living room.
Mary and I plan to take the morning walk with STWD and then I'll read yesterday's newspapers along with today's. I'll also spend some time playing Winnie and perhaps some reading and crossword puzzle solving. As noted, Mary will be going to the store.
I'm not certain, but I 'm betting that Mary will continue working on her poncho project when she returns.
That looks like enough for one day. Ciao.
This time for sure. I want to and I will make this a short one.
Spring is really here. While pitchers and catchers reported for some teams yesterday, they report for my beloved Red Sox and the Tigers today. The Cubs pitchers and catchers tomorrow.
We have a current temperature of 51° that feels like 48°. As the sun rises after its opening act at 6:28 a.m., the temperature will quickly rise to a sunny high of 65°. It should stay very comfortable until the sun sets at 5:40 p.m. An encore will happen for the next several days. I dressed comfortably in only jeans and a shirt.
We made it to Pensacola yesterday and then had lunch at Hopjacks. All good. Home for some TV and then a potluck dinner of leftovers prepared into a great meal by Mary. It is amazing what she can do with what she has. However, since we skipped going to the grocery store yesterday, she plans to go today. We did stop for some flowers that look great in the living room.
Mary and I plan to take the morning walk with STWD and then I'll read yesterday's newspapers along with today's. I'll also spend some time playing Winnie and perhaps some reading and crossword puzzle solving. As noted, Mary will be going to the store.
I'm not certain, but I 'm betting that Mary will continue working on her poncho project when she returns.
That looks like enough for one day. Ciao.
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just passing 2:00 a.m. in "This City."
I did it, I finished another novel, the same one in which the author had previously thrown me a curve. He did it again, adding one more layer of nuance that I thought I had picked up on, but which was just a little tweak that satisfied me as a reader, and also tugged at my heartstrings too. I doubt that you can get any better than that.
The weather yesterday was outstanding. Sunny warm temperatures and gentle breezes. STWD was truly happy. The temperature made it into the mid 60° range under sunny skies, and that will be the case through tomorrow. Add in a little more cloud cover, and that will be the case through Saturday too. Therefore, we'll be off to Pensacola to run some errands and just enjoy the balance of our time here in the panhandle.
Mary had her chat session yesterday, I walked with the intrepid one, and then read the newspapers and worked some crosswords. In other words, doing what I like to do, enjoy retirement. Mary took that walk herself, but came away unrequited. She say s she'll wait until we get home to satisfy her desires. She also spent time knitting. It is good to see her having time to do the things that she has been trying to fit in for seemingly years. She may even get her stash whittled down a bit at home.
I got a nice email from Ellen regarding my recent musings on family history. It is always good to hear from her. Good too, to hear that she shares some of my ideas and is working on her own family history.
Did I mention that spring is nearly here? Pitchers and catchers report tomorrow for many teams and then trickle in over the next few days. In addition, the balance of the position players are due in early next week. Yes, I am born again, there really is baseball on the horizon. As we all know, "Baseball is Life!" I even got to see baseball news on the TV yesterday afternoon.
Does anyone know how NCIS New Orleans ended? Our cable provider hit a snag about 10 minutes before the end and the picture froze in place, so I don't know.
In addition, the latest edition of the Daytona 500 brings Speedweek to a close on Sunday afternoon. While I am not a huge fan of what an old colleague used to call taxi cab racing, it is the start of motor car racing here in the U.S. Adam would agree that it is taxi cab racing, since anything that has enclosed wheels is a taxi cab to him. That is of course unless it is a Jeep™
The sun will rise at today 6:29 a.m. and set at 5:39 p.m. Ciao.
I did it, I finished another novel, the same one in which the author had previously thrown me a curve. He did it again, adding one more layer of nuance that I thought I had picked up on, but which was just a little tweak that satisfied me as a reader, and also tugged at my heartstrings too. I doubt that you can get any better than that.
The weather yesterday was outstanding. Sunny warm temperatures and gentle breezes. STWD was truly happy. The temperature made it into the mid 60° range under sunny skies, and that will be the case through tomorrow. Add in a little more cloud cover, and that will be the case through Saturday too. Therefore, we'll be off to Pensacola to run some errands and just enjoy the balance of our time here in the panhandle.
Mary had her chat session yesterday, I walked with the intrepid one, and then read the newspapers and worked some crosswords. In other words, doing what I like to do, enjoy retirement. Mary took that walk herself, but came away unrequited. She say s she'll wait until we get home to satisfy her desires. She also spent time knitting. It is good to see her having time to do the things that she has been trying to fit in for seemingly years. She may even get her stash whittled down a bit at home.
I got a nice email from Ellen regarding my recent musings on family history. It is always good to hear from her. Good too, to hear that she shares some of my ideas and is working on her own family history.
Did I mention that spring is nearly here? Pitchers and catchers report tomorrow for many teams and then trickle in over the next few days. In addition, the balance of the position players are due in early next week. Yes, I am born again, there really is baseball on the horizon. As we all know, "Baseball is Life!" I even got to see baseball news on the TV yesterday afternoon.
Does anyone know how NCIS New Orleans ended? Our cable provider hit a snag about 10 minutes before the end and the picture froze in place, so I don't know.
In addition, the latest edition of the Daytona 500 brings Speedweek to a close on Sunday afternoon. While I am not a huge fan of what an old colleague used to call taxi cab racing, it is the start of motor car racing here in the U.S. Adam would agree that it is taxi cab racing, since anything that has enclosed wheels is a taxi cab to him. That is of course unless it is a Jeep™
The sun will rise at today 6:29 a.m. and set at 5:39 p.m. Ciao.
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 4:00 a.m. in "This City."
Given my extended blog yesterday, I'm going to keep this one short and sweet. It is worthy of note, that the internet connection here is so slow, that uploading and saving take a long time. That assumes that the connection stays connected. It is probably my computer, as Mary seems to have no problem. Still, it is a pain.
Yesterday's walk with STWD was relatively uneventful, unless you count her shaking in fear that seems to come with a change in the weather. But that being the case, we hurried home and then Mary and I set out to see Mother Ocean in all her splendor. The winds were blowing strongly, so the waves were a sight to see.
The T-storme that we had expected all day finally made themselves known about 6:00 p.m. yesterday, as a storm front moved through much of the Gulf Coast. Tornadoes and heavy rains pelted parts of AL, MS, and FL. We were out at Shaggys at the time, but when we decided to head for home, even though the winds were still blowing strongly, the rains had stopped.
As of now the temperature is 52°, but it feels like 47°. Today, mostly cloudy skies will prevail after the sun rises at 6:29 a.m. A high temperature of 62° is expected. I think I'd rather stay in today after the morning walk with the intrepid weather dog. I know that Mary wants to walk down to one of the T-shirt stores, so If I am feeling up to it, I'll join her. That would be after lunch and Mary's chat session.
I'm nearly finished with my latest pulp fiction novel, and the author has thrown me a curve. I like it. I guess in literature, this is the climax. Otherwise, I don't have much ambition today. The sun will set at 5:38 and then I plan to settle in to watch NCIS. Ciao.
Given my extended blog yesterday, I'm going to keep this one short and sweet. It is worthy of note, that the internet connection here is so slow, that uploading and saving take a long time. That assumes that the connection stays connected. It is probably my computer, as Mary seems to have no problem. Still, it is a pain.
Yesterday's walk with STWD was relatively uneventful, unless you count her shaking in fear that seems to come with a change in the weather. But that being the case, we hurried home and then Mary and I set out to see Mother Ocean in all her splendor. The winds were blowing strongly, so the waves were a sight to see.
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| The saying here on "The Beach" is "Leave only your footprints", so along with many others, we did. |
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| Mary likes to say that Mother Ocean is angry on these windy days. |
As of now the temperature is 52°, but it feels like 47°. Today, mostly cloudy skies will prevail after the sun rises at 6:29 a.m. A high temperature of 62° is expected. I think I'd rather stay in today after the morning walk with the intrepid weather dog. I know that Mary wants to walk down to one of the T-shirt stores, so If I am feeling up to it, I'll join her. That would be after lunch and Mary's chat session.
I'm nearly finished with my latest pulp fiction novel, and the author has thrown me a curve. I like it. I guess in literature, this is the climax. Otherwise, I don't have much ambition today. The sun will set at 5:38 and then I plan to settle in to watch NCIS. Ciao.
Monday, February 15, 2016
Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 2:30 a.m. in "This City."
The sun will rise at 6:30 a.m. today on cloudy skies that will be delivering rain and T-storms and a high temperature of 67°. Right now we are at 59°, but that feels like 56°. As the sunset nears at 5:37 p.m. the rain should move out in preparation for a sunny day on Tuesday and a high of 64°.
As a history major, I should note that this is President's Day. Instead of giving honor to the various men who have held the office in our nation's history, for convenience sake, we've lumped the birthdays of men like Lincoln and Washington into a single day. Oh well, that's the way it goes.
Additionally, yesterday was Valentine's Day, a day set aside for showing the people that we love and cherish just how important they are by giving us a reason to buy roses, chocolates, and jewelry. In our case, Mary and I bought roses for each other and tickets to see Swan Lake. We enjoyed the roses all week and Swan Lake was a delight. The staging was minimalist, and the dancing was superb.
But that's enough about that. I'd like to depart from my usual format to discuss some things that came to mind, both yesterday and late last night/earlier this morning.
I got an email from Adam yesterday in which he asked me whether I had yet to read The Last Open Road, by Burt Levy. It is a story about the open road auto racing circuit in the 1950s. I haven't yet, but when I get back home, it is on my list of things to do on a winter's day. In addition, Adam asked about a man I used to work for, Bob, who often laced his conversations with anecdotes and sayings that I like to believe could only have come from a man of Bob's background and experiences. Bob was indeed an American original who taught me as much about life as anyone I've ever known.
Which leads me to the balance of my thoughts on the subject. As I was lying in bed, listening to a satellite broadcast, I heard people discussing the concept of a lens approach to understanding the history of African Americans in the United States. The discussion centered on an effort that the man being interviewed had made to find artifacts for the Smithsonian Museum of African American History. He had traveled around the country to see people and listen to their stories about things they had in their basements and about the ancestors who had given them the artifacts in question, the "real" history of African American people in this country.
The idea of a lens is something that the school district I retired from used to focus students on a particular facet of a subject, from literature, to history, to everything else that is part and parcel to life. In order to aid students understand, it was the job of the teacher to get students to see things from differing perspectives. In that way, a more rich fabric of literature or history was revealed.
One summer, I took a class for teachers of writing that focused on, surprise, writing, Each participant was asked to write something new to open the class. We could then share or not. I distinctly remember one woman who was a teacher in Chicago as she described her personal family history. My written response the next day was that although she and I shared a common history of presidents and their reported activities, her history was vastly different from mine, as she was an African American woman.
All of that is a roundabout way of describing something I used to ask my own students to do, ask questions about the history of their own families while the "Keepers" of that history were still alive. Once those people passed, their personal knowledge of the family history passed with them. Sadly, when we are young, we are often too busy learning to live that we don't take time to learn about how we got to where we are. Then poof, the chance is gone.
I lament all the time that I didn't ask my grandmothers, my parents, and others more questions about our family history. Now, that knowledge is gone and my brothers and I don't see each other often. So for myself, the chance to learn more will quickly be gone.
Being adopted, Mary has a history, that came from her adoptive family that is rich, but not entirely hers. Whatever came before she was adopted is a mystery. Who were her birth parents? What were they like? What was their medical history? We are all shaped by our past, but for Mary, her life, her past, is one that she shared with a German/Polish family from Chicago who adopted her. What does that mean in the context of a world that is unknown to her? We'll never know.
I have spoken to Stephany about her family's history and I hope that she finds time to record her memories and thoughts and ask questions before the keepers of the family history are gone.
Each of us is a personal curator of history, a veritable museum of the lore and artifacts of our lives. I gave Adam numerous pictures taken during his life, along with artifacts of his school activities and items that I got from my parents. Vacation pictures, certificates and awards that he had earned, and some things that I forget. I still have things that are emblematic of his contribution to our family. I hope that when Mary and I are gone, that he will cherish those things.
At any rate, one of our school librarians, Toni, was fond of saying that history doesn't change, what we know about history changes. I find that she was more accurate than I knew at the time. Everyday, history is distorted and seemingly changed. But history didn't change, the facts didn't change. What changed is how we choose to remember that history, and how we selectively interpret the memories that we have.
Oh well, it is getting late and I should be off to bed, again. Thanks for taking time to read my ruminations and remembrances. Ciao.
The sun will rise at 6:30 a.m. today on cloudy skies that will be delivering rain and T-storms and a high temperature of 67°. Right now we are at 59°, but that feels like 56°. As the sunset nears at 5:37 p.m. the rain should move out in preparation for a sunny day on Tuesday and a high of 64°.
As a history major, I should note that this is President's Day. Instead of giving honor to the various men who have held the office in our nation's history, for convenience sake, we've lumped the birthdays of men like Lincoln and Washington into a single day. Oh well, that's the way it goes.
Additionally, yesterday was Valentine's Day, a day set aside for showing the people that we love and cherish just how important they are by giving us a reason to buy roses, chocolates, and jewelry. In our case, Mary and I bought roses for each other and tickets to see Swan Lake. We enjoyed the roses all week and Swan Lake was a delight. The staging was minimalist, and the dancing was superb.
But that's enough about that. I'd like to depart from my usual format to discuss some things that came to mind, both yesterday and late last night/earlier this morning.
I got an email from Adam yesterday in which he asked me whether I had yet to read The Last Open Road, by Burt Levy. It is a story about the open road auto racing circuit in the 1950s. I haven't yet, but when I get back home, it is on my list of things to do on a winter's day. In addition, Adam asked about a man I used to work for, Bob, who often laced his conversations with anecdotes and sayings that I like to believe could only have come from a man of Bob's background and experiences. Bob was indeed an American original who taught me as much about life as anyone I've ever known.
Which leads me to the balance of my thoughts on the subject. As I was lying in bed, listening to a satellite broadcast, I heard people discussing the concept of a lens approach to understanding the history of African Americans in the United States. The discussion centered on an effort that the man being interviewed had made to find artifacts for the Smithsonian Museum of African American History. He had traveled around the country to see people and listen to their stories about things they had in their basements and about the ancestors who had given them the artifacts in question, the "real" history of African American people in this country.
The idea of a lens is something that the school district I retired from used to focus students on a particular facet of a subject, from literature, to history, to everything else that is part and parcel to life. In order to aid students understand, it was the job of the teacher to get students to see things from differing perspectives. In that way, a more rich fabric of literature or history was revealed.
One summer, I took a class for teachers of writing that focused on, surprise, writing, Each participant was asked to write something new to open the class. We could then share or not. I distinctly remember one woman who was a teacher in Chicago as she described her personal family history. My written response the next day was that although she and I shared a common history of presidents and their reported activities, her history was vastly different from mine, as she was an African American woman.
All of that is a roundabout way of describing something I used to ask my own students to do, ask questions about the history of their own families while the "Keepers" of that history were still alive. Once those people passed, their personal knowledge of the family history passed with them. Sadly, when we are young, we are often too busy learning to live that we don't take time to learn about how we got to where we are. Then poof, the chance is gone.
I lament all the time that I didn't ask my grandmothers, my parents, and others more questions about our family history. Now, that knowledge is gone and my brothers and I don't see each other often. So for myself, the chance to learn more will quickly be gone.
Being adopted, Mary has a history, that came from her adoptive family that is rich, but not entirely hers. Whatever came before she was adopted is a mystery. Who were her birth parents? What were they like? What was their medical history? We are all shaped by our past, but for Mary, her life, her past, is one that she shared with a German/Polish family from Chicago who adopted her. What does that mean in the context of a world that is unknown to her? We'll never know.
I have spoken to Stephany about her family's history and I hope that she finds time to record her memories and thoughts and ask questions before the keepers of the family history are gone.
Each of us is a personal curator of history, a veritable museum of the lore and artifacts of our lives. I gave Adam numerous pictures taken during his life, along with artifacts of his school activities and items that I got from my parents. Vacation pictures, certificates and awards that he had earned, and some things that I forget. I still have things that are emblematic of his contribution to our family. I hope that when Mary and I are gone, that he will cherish those things.
At any rate, one of our school librarians, Toni, was fond of saying that history doesn't change, what we know about history changes. I find that she was more accurate than I knew at the time. Everyday, history is distorted and seemingly changed. But history didn't change, the facts didn't change. What changed is how we choose to remember that history, and how we selectively interpret the memories that we have.
Oh well, it is getting late and I should be off to bed, again. Thanks for taking time to read my ruminations and remembrances. Ciao.
Sunday, February 14, 2016
Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 2:30 a.m. in "This City."
The ephemeral "They" in the process of misquoting the Scottish poet Robert Burns from his poem To a Mouse say "The best laid plans of mice and men gang aft agley." That best sums up the results of my plan to go to the ukulele jam in Pensacola yesterday morning. I did not take into account the annual 5K and 15K runs across two bridges that was scheduled for yesterday morning. The resultant traffic jam backed up traffic all the way through Gulf Breeze. A one hour ukulele jam would have been shortened to about one-half hour by the time I got there. So to borrow another quote, this one from the immortal William Shakespeare and his play Henry IV. Prince Hal, upon finding Falstaff playing dead on the battlefield says, "The better part of Valour is Discretion, in which better part I have saved my life."
I turned back after stopping for fuel, priced at $1.77/gallon and came home to do some chores and reading. Mary was hard at work on her long distance poetry writing project, so I stayed out of trouble, read the morning's newspaper, and solved the crossword puzzle. Then I started my latest pulp fiction book, James Patterson's 1st To Die. It is an oldie but a goodie. Between that book and several others that are here, I have plenty to read over the next two weeks.
But I digress once again. Mary finished her lesson, and then made lunch. Since we had some errands to do, we set out once again for Pensacola, this time with better results. We'll be going back again later today after the morning walk with STWD, to see Swan Lake.
Today's weather will be much like yesterday's, with a current temperature of 45° that feels like 39° as we head for today's high of 56° under partly cloudy skies. Monday's forecast calls for a 90% chance of rain and T-storms with a high temperature of 66°. Tuesday's temperatures will also be in the mid 60° range with partly cloudy skies.
Other than the ballet, we have no specific plans for today. I'm good with that. The sun will rise in a few hours at 6:31 a.m. and set at 5:36 p.m. Ciao.
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 1:30 a.m. in "This CIty."
Where have you been? I've been busy and so I didn't get around to blogging yesterday. Oh well, I'll try to make up for it today.
A quick mention, I tuned into WOOD radio on the internet app iHeart, expecting to hear Coast to Coast AM, but instead, I had to listen to a rerun of the Thom Hartmann Program. Don't ask me.
Don't forget, pitchers and catchers begin to report on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Just another reminder, that's the official start of spring for yours truly. My beloved Red Sox and the Tigers pitchers and catchers report on Friday 2/18, and the Boys in Blue, AKA the Cubs, on Saturday, 2/20. Yes my friends, I'm born again. There's new grass on the fields in Florida for the Grapefruit League, and in Arizona for the Cactus League. My apologies/thanks to John Fogerty for the use of a few words from Center Field.
Yesterday, we took a short walk in the morning with STWD, and then just myself and Mary walked in the afternoon. The sun was inviting, and the weather app on the smart phone showed the temperature as 73°. However, the winds made it feel a tad cooler. Today/this early morning, the current temperature is 55°, but the real feel is 51°. We are anticipating a high of 56° under sunny skies later.
But I digress, or do I? Today, I'm off to Blues Angel Music for the Saturday morning meeting of PUPS, the Pensacola Ukulele Players Society. This is a first for me, at least driving wise, because I haven't soloed in nearly two months. Mary likes to drive and I'm generally content to ride and navigate, so I am a bit rusty. Alas, Mary has a previous internet commitment, so I'm on my own. I know I can do it, but I will have some measure of trepidation.
Later this afternoon, more lounging and the start of a new book. I finished the biography of Thomas Jefferson I'd been reading, and it was fascinating, but now it's time for a return to pulp fiction. I'll also have a newspaper to read when Mary and the intrepid one take the morning safari without me to pick up the newspaper. I'll also have some crosswords to solve. We've read the USA Today weekend edition, so all she and Sugar need to get is the Saturday edition of the Pensacola Journal. There was no Friday edition of that paper available on "The Beach."
Otherwise, not much is on tap for today. The sun will rise at 6:32 a.m. and set at 5:36 p.m. Ciao.
Where have you been? I've been busy and so I didn't get around to blogging yesterday. Oh well, I'll try to make up for it today.
A quick mention, I tuned into WOOD radio on the internet app iHeart, expecting to hear Coast to Coast AM, but instead, I had to listen to a rerun of the Thom Hartmann Program. Don't ask me.
Don't forget, pitchers and catchers begin to report on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Just another reminder, that's the official start of spring for yours truly. My beloved Red Sox and the Tigers pitchers and catchers report on Friday 2/18, and the Boys in Blue, AKA the Cubs, on Saturday, 2/20. Yes my friends, I'm born again. There's new grass on the fields in Florida for the Grapefruit League, and in Arizona for the Cactus League. My apologies/thanks to John Fogerty for the use of a few words from Center Field.
Yesterday, we took a short walk in the morning with STWD, and then just myself and Mary walked in the afternoon. The sun was inviting, and the weather app on the smart phone showed the temperature as 73°. However, the winds made it feel a tad cooler. Today/this early morning, the current temperature is 55°, but the real feel is 51°. We are anticipating a high of 56° under sunny skies later.
But I digress, or do I? Today, I'm off to Blues Angel Music for the Saturday morning meeting of PUPS, the Pensacola Ukulele Players Society. This is a first for me, at least driving wise, because I haven't soloed in nearly two months. Mary likes to drive and I'm generally content to ride and navigate, so I am a bit rusty. Alas, Mary has a previous internet commitment, so I'm on my own. I know I can do it, but I will have some measure of trepidation.
Later this afternoon, more lounging and the start of a new book. I finished the biography of Thomas Jefferson I'd been reading, and it was fascinating, but now it's time for a return to pulp fiction. I'll also have a newspaper to read when Mary and the intrepid one take the morning safari without me to pick up the newspaper. I'll also have some crosswords to solve. We've read the USA Today weekend edition, so all she and Sugar need to get is the Saturday edition of the Pensacola Journal. There was no Friday edition of that paper available on "The Beach."
Otherwise, not much is on tap for today. The sun will rise at 6:32 a.m. and set at 5:36 p.m. Ciao.
Thursday, February 11, 2016
Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 2:00 a.m. in "This City."
Where to begin? We didn't get up until after 11:00 a.m. yesterday. Why? Well, the temperature outside was in the upper 20° range and we didn't see 50° plus until the afternoon. So try as we might, we decided that discretion was indeed the better part of valor. Today, we'll be doing much better, as the forecast from the NWS calls for a sunny high of 67°. Tomorrow, same temperature, albeit with cloudy skies. Saturday we are looking for 57° as a high.
After a late lunch, we took an abbreviated walk with STWD and then settled in for some email activity. Another crazy telephone call came in, but I won't elaborate on that for now. Suffice it to say that that call requires resolution and I am awaiting a call back from the agency in question. We also ordered the tickets for Swan Lake.
Later in the day, with the able assistance of Mary in her unaccustomed role as Sous Chef, I prepared a stir-fry for dinner. Fresh mushrooms, fresh ginger, shallots, carrots, celery, and green peppers and garlic, and spices became what Mary and I agree is my best stir-fry effort to date. In lieu of my regular preparation, I used olive oil, and those fresh ingredients I mentioned. Fortunately, Mary limited her kibbitzing to only a few well placed suggestions. Normally she is upstairs when I am in her kitchen so she never sees the preparations. Usually, just STSG is providing support and guidance. I always make it work, but I'll have to admit that Mary's suggestions were appropriate to my endeavors.
Earlier in the morning, Mary made vegan cottage cheese and cooked the rice for my stir-fry. On this electric stove and without her regular pot with a glass lid, it was a challenge that Mary was up for. I would have made burned rice.
Today Mary is off to Gulf Breeze and Pensacola for some errands while I stay back with the intrepid one. I'm hoping to resolve that telephone issue before lunch. Then, Sugar and I will likely spend some time on the deck with me in my summer uniform. I'll read, and enjoy the sunshine. Sugar will sleep and enjoy the sunshine too, I'm sure.
Other than that, not much is happening. The sun will rise at 6:34 a.m. and set at 5:34 p.m. Ciao.
Where to begin? We didn't get up until after 11:00 a.m. yesterday. Why? Well, the temperature outside was in the upper 20° range and we didn't see 50° plus until the afternoon. So try as we might, we decided that discretion was indeed the better part of valor. Today, we'll be doing much better, as the forecast from the NWS calls for a sunny high of 67°. Tomorrow, same temperature, albeit with cloudy skies. Saturday we are looking for 57° as a high.
After a late lunch, we took an abbreviated walk with STWD and then settled in for some email activity. Another crazy telephone call came in, but I won't elaborate on that for now. Suffice it to say that that call requires resolution and I am awaiting a call back from the agency in question. We also ordered the tickets for Swan Lake.
Later in the day, with the able assistance of Mary in her unaccustomed role as Sous Chef, I prepared a stir-fry for dinner. Fresh mushrooms, fresh ginger, shallots, carrots, celery, and green peppers and garlic, and spices became what Mary and I agree is my best stir-fry effort to date. In lieu of my regular preparation, I used olive oil, and those fresh ingredients I mentioned. Fortunately, Mary limited her kibbitzing to only a few well placed suggestions. Normally she is upstairs when I am in her kitchen so she never sees the preparations. Usually, just STSG is providing support and guidance. I always make it work, but I'll have to admit that Mary's suggestions were appropriate to my endeavors.
Earlier in the morning, Mary made vegan cottage cheese and cooked the rice for my stir-fry. On this electric stove and without her regular pot with a glass lid, it was a challenge that Mary was up for. I would have made burned rice.
Today Mary is off to Gulf Breeze and Pensacola for some errands while I stay back with the intrepid one. I'm hoping to resolve that telephone issue before lunch. Then, Sugar and I will likely spend some time on the deck with me in my summer uniform. I'll read, and enjoy the sunshine. Sugar will sleep and enjoy the sunshine too, I'm sure.
Other than that, not much is happening. The sun will rise at 6:34 a.m. and set at 5:34 p.m. Ciao.
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Good morning or good evening, wherever you might be. It is just past 1:30 a.m. in "This City." A current temperature of 42° that feels like 37° with the prevailing winds, makes for a three dog night here in the panhandle of Florida. Later today, after the sunrise at 6:34 a.m., the temperature will rise to 53° under sunny skies. Thursday, we are expecting those same sunny skies, but a high temperature of 67°. The NWS is predicting a similar day on Friday.
I mostly sat around yesterday. We got up on the late side of the morning, so STWD and I had to take the morning walk without Mary, because she was busy in the kitchen making her latest modification to the vegan roast prior to her chat session. I like this recipe variation the best. What is most important, is that she wrote down what she did so that it can be repeated. Her mother used to make things in that fashion too, but when she hit on something good, she never repeated it. Go figure.
I got my chores done, did some crossword solving, and read the paper that the intrepid one and I picked up when we were out. It was so windy, that it was an abbreviated walk. While Mary was chatting, I assisted in the making of the pasta sauce that she started before she went upstairs. I like to think that it was my invaluable assistance that made it a success. For lunch, we had some leftover baguette that Mary nuked. She sliced it, placed it in a baking dish with some olive oil, and then served it with some of the pasta sauce on top. I liked it.
As the day wore on, Mary realized that her latest knitting project had become too cumbersome to carry with. So, we traveled to Pensacola to a big-box craft store where she found another more portable project. While we were in the strip mall, we stopped into a hobby store that specializes in R/C cars and planes. In the mix, they had a small collection of model cars. For Adam, there was a later model of the General Lee from the Dukes of Hazzard, that did not have the regular markings. So sad?
We made it home after a stop at Shaggys, where the winds were once again so strong that they nearly took the door out of my hands, again. The door knob fell off soon after we entered, and so the services of a locksmith were required to repair the door handle. We had some of the latest incarnation of the beast for dinner when we got home.
Today not much on tap, thankfully. We'll walk with STWD, do some reading, and otherwise just do as little as possible. Mary started her latest knitting project while we were at Shaggys, but soon "ripped it out" because she decided that it needed to be twice the size.
We need to answer some emails later today and buy tickets for the ballet matinee performance of Swan Lake on Sunday. It is being staged in the same theater where we saw Quilters, and since we like the venue and it will be Valentine's Day, we will be going. Yeah, I know I should take the usual male attitude towards ballet, but I like it.
In sports news, we are just eight days away from the start of spring, As you may know, that's the day when pitchers and catchers report to their various training camps for the opening of spring training. The pundits are still predicting that the boys in blue, AKA the Cubs, will win it all this year. As a die hard fan, I'm hoping that they are right. I'm also hoping that those same pundits haven't jinxed the boys.
The sun will be setting today at 5:33 p.m. Ciao.
I mostly sat around yesterday. We got up on the late side of the morning, so STWD and I had to take the morning walk without Mary, because she was busy in the kitchen making her latest modification to the vegan roast prior to her chat session. I like this recipe variation the best. What is most important, is that she wrote down what she did so that it can be repeated. Her mother used to make things in that fashion too, but when she hit on something good, she never repeated it. Go figure.
I got my chores done, did some crossword solving, and read the paper that the intrepid one and I picked up when we were out. It was so windy, that it was an abbreviated walk. While Mary was chatting, I assisted in the making of the pasta sauce that she started before she went upstairs. I like to think that it was my invaluable assistance that made it a success. For lunch, we had some leftover baguette that Mary nuked. She sliced it, placed it in a baking dish with some olive oil, and then served it with some of the pasta sauce on top. I liked it.
As the day wore on, Mary realized that her latest knitting project had become too cumbersome to carry with. So, we traveled to Pensacola to a big-box craft store where she found another more portable project. While we were in the strip mall, we stopped into a hobby store that specializes in R/C cars and planes. In the mix, they had a small collection of model cars. For Adam, there was a later model of the General Lee from the Dukes of Hazzard, that did not have the regular markings. So sad?
We made it home after a stop at Shaggys, where the winds were once again so strong that they nearly took the door out of my hands, again. The door knob fell off soon after we entered, and so the services of a locksmith were required to repair the door handle. We had some of the latest incarnation of the beast for dinner when we got home.
Today not much on tap, thankfully. We'll walk with STWD, do some reading, and otherwise just do as little as possible. Mary started her latest knitting project while we were at Shaggys, but soon "ripped it out" because she decided that it needed to be twice the size.
We need to answer some emails later today and buy tickets for the ballet matinee performance of Swan Lake on Sunday. It is being staged in the same theater where we saw Quilters, and since we like the venue and it will be Valentine's Day, we will be going. Yeah, I know I should take the usual male attitude towards ballet, but I like it.
In sports news, we are just eight days away from the start of spring, As you may know, that's the day when pitchers and catchers report to their various training camps for the opening of spring training. The pundits are still predicting that the boys in blue, AKA the Cubs, will win it all this year. As a die hard fan, I'm hoping that they are right. I'm also hoping that those same pundits haven't jinxed the boys.
The sun will be setting today at 5:33 p.m. Ciao.
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be, It is just past 4:00 a.m. in "This City."
It seems that the early morning just about anywhere in the world are mostly quiet. Essential personnel like police officers are on patrol. Other VIP type people are on duty in ERs, or in the wards of hospitals, nursing homes, or jails/prisons. Or, maybe they are the first responders serving in firehouses. Perhaps some of the people up and about at this hour are ready to plow the snow, deliver the goods, wait the tables, cook the food, or pick up the accumulated detritus of daily human existence. Maybe they are up to work on the farms or in the factories that are part and parcel to what we call civilization.
I'd be remiss if I didn't give mention to the people working all night in gas stations, convenience stores too. I suppose that some people have just gotten off of work at one of the many restaurants or bars that people enjoy. Both Mary and I once worked those overnight hours. There was a time when I was working 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. in a gas station, and she was working 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in a nursing home.
We were young and still possessed of the energy of youth, but not the wisdom of age, so we'd meet at a restaurant in Wheeling, IL called Mr. Bs to talk and be together for a couple of hours. I guess at the time we didn't appreciate the personnel who were there to take care of our needs. We went home after a couple of hours, but I went home to sleep for a long time, while Mary went home to sleep too, but she had to get up after a few hours to go to work. I suppose that having children is like that too. You get up at all hours, care for their myriad needs and then go back to bed to get whatever sleep you could. Whatever, I am up now due to my own decision, not due to any requirement by a boss, a job, or a child.
In the early years of Adam's life, he and I only got to spend time together about this time of night. He would rise, as only babies can do, and we'd sit together in the rocking chair in the den. He'd drink a bottle and I'd listen to music. Of course in those day, I was getting up at 4:30 a.m. to get ready for work where I'd be until late that evening. So our time together then was precious to me. Mary told me later that the chance to get up and sit with me was a choice for Adam too, even if he didn't consciously know it at the time.
But I digress. We made it to Pensacola yesterday to pick up our new home decor pieces after a stop at the library. We stopped for lunch at Sluggos and then came home on a windy day for a pitcher at Shaggy's. It was so windy, that the door there was nearly ripped out of my hands, both when entering and exiting.
Once home we enjoyed a dinner of ham salad sandwiches. Mary had chopped and mixed the ham salad before we left, and she chose to grill the bread for dinner. They were delicious.
Today, chores, chats, reading, and perhaps a chance to do whatever else comes up. The sun will rise at 6:35 and set at 5:32 a.m. Right now the temperature is 42°, although it feels like 34°. Later when the sun is up, it will be 52° in reality, but it will likely feel colder due to the windy conditions expected throughout the day. As the week unfolds, sunny skies and warmer temperatures are in the forecast. Ciao.
It seems that the early morning just about anywhere in the world are mostly quiet. Essential personnel like police officers are on patrol. Other VIP type people are on duty in ERs, or in the wards of hospitals, nursing homes, or jails/prisons. Or, maybe they are the first responders serving in firehouses. Perhaps some of the people up and about at this hour are ready to plow the snow, deliver the goods, wait the tables, cook the food, or pick up the accumulated detritus of daily human existence. Maybe they are up to work on the farms or in the factories that are part and parcel to what we call civilization.
I'd be remiss if I didn't give mention to the people working all night in gas stations, convenience stores too. I suppose that some people have just gotten off of work at one of the many restaurants or bars that people enjoy. Both Mary and I once worked those overnight hours. There was a time when I was working 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. in a gas station, and she was working 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in a nursing home.
We were young and still possessed of the energy of youth, but not the wisdom of age, so we'd meet at a restaurant in Wheeling, IL called Mr. Bs to talk and be together for a couple of hours. I guess at the time we didn't appreciate the personnel who were there to take care of our needs. We went home after a couple of hours, but I went home to sleep for a long time, while Mary went home to sleep too, but she had to get up after a few hours to go to work. I suppose that having children is like that too. You get up at all hours, care for their myriad needs and then go back to bed to get whatever sleep you could. Whatever, I am up now due to my own decision, not due to any requirement by a boss, a job, or a child.
In the early years of Adam's life, he and I only got to spend time together about this time of night. He would rise, as only babies can do, and we'd sit together in the rocking chair in the den. He'd drink a bottle and I'd listen to music. Of course in those day, I was getting up at 4:30 a.m. to get ready for work where I'd be until late that evening. So our time together then was precious to me. Mary told me later that the chance to get up and sit with me was a choice for Adam too, even if he didn't consciously know it at the time.
But I digress. We made it to Pensacola yesterday to pick up our new home decor pieces after a stop at the library. We stopped for lunch at Sluggos and then came home on a windy day for a pitcher at Shaggy's. It was so windy, that the door there was nearly ripped out of my hands, both when entering and exiting.
Once home we enjoyed a dinner of ham salad sandwiches. Mary had chopped and mixed the ham salad before we left, and she chose to grill the bread for dinner. They were delicious.
Today, chores, chats, reading, and perhaps a chance to do whatever else comes up. The sun will rise at 6:35 and set at 5:32 a.m. Right now the temperature is 42°, although it feels like 34°. Later when the sun is up, it will be 52° in reality, but it will likely feel colder due to the windy conditions expected throughout the day. As the week unfolds, sunny skies and warmer temperatures are in the forecast. Ciao.
Monday, February 8, 2016
Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 3:30 a.m. in "This City."
We show a current temperature of 49° that feels like 44°. The NWS has forecast a high for today of 55° under sunny skies with windy conditions. Similar conditions are forecast for tomorrow, with the high reaching no more than 47°.
The sun is set to rise at 6:36 a.m. and set at 5:31 p.m. That's all I have to say about that.
We traveled to Pensacola yesterday to attend that performance of Quilters: A Frontier Musical, at the Pensacola Little Theater. It was terrific. The performers were spirited, the sets were minimalist, which is great from the perspective of this retired set construction director. The story was moving and according to Mary, a great herstorical perspective.
We we're fortunate to escape "The Beach" as the annual Mardis Gras Parade was shaping up. Traffic was already becoming a nightmare and STWD was not dealing well with the large number of people who were invading her world. We were not heer when the pirate ship floats set off their cannons, so we didn't see her in her panicked state.
We made it back home in time for one of the sorriest Super Bowls in my memory. The game was a defensive rout by the Broncos. Cam Newton was chased all over the field, and the final score was the result of the tenacious #1 defense of the Broncos. Peyton Manning turned in a workmanlike performance in what is likely to have been his final game in the NFL. However, according to pundits, that is not for certain.
The highlight was the food spread that Mary prepared for our viewing pleasure. Chopped veggies and dip were followed by Buffalo cauliflower sandwiches. They tasted super.
The commercials, often a highlight of a lame Super Bowl, were not very exciting and in fact there were comments on social media regarding how lame they were. At five million dollars per minute, creativity should be paramount. It wasn't.
Today we are returning to Pensacola in the afternoon to pick up the new photos for our home decor in GH. On the way back to our "Beach Home", we'll stop and get some roses for Valentine's Day.
That looks like enough for today. We have time to do as little as possible this afternoon. Mary has her new knitting needles and her current project. Plus, she is still working on her on-line writing lessons that are looking great from my perspective. I have Winnie, and a book to finish along with reading today's newspaper. Ciao.
We show a current temperature of 49° that feels like 44°. The NWS has forecast a high for today of 55° under sunny skies with windy conditions. Similar conditions are forecast for tomorrow, with the high reaching no more than 47°.
The sun is set to rise at 6:36 a.m. and set at 5:31 p.m. That's all I have to say about that.
We traveled to Pensacola yesterday to attend that performance of Quilters: A Frontier Musical, at the Pensacola Little Theater. It was terrific. The performers were spirited, the sets were minimalist, which is great from the perspective of this retired set construction director. The story was moving and according to Mary, a great herstorical perspective.
We we're fortunate to escape "The Beach" as the annual Mardis Gras Parade was shaping up. Traffic was already becoming a nightmare and STWD was not dealing well with the large number of people who were invading her world. We were not heer when the pirate ship floats set off their cannons, so we didn't see her in her panicked state.
We made it back home in time for one of the sorriest Super Bowls in my memory. The game was a defensive rout by the Broncos. Cam Newton was chased all over the field, and the final score was the result of the tenacious #1 defense of the Broncos. Peyton Manning turned in a workmanlike performance in what is likely to have been his final game in the NFL. However, according to pundits, that is not for certain.
The highlight was the food spread that Mary prepared for our viewing pleasure. Chopped veggies and dip were followed by Buffalo cauliflower sandwiches. They tasted super.
The commercials, often a highlight of a lame Super Bowl, were not very exciting and in fact there were comments on social media regarding how lame they were. At five million dollars per minute, creativity should be paramount. It wasn't.
Today we are returning to Pensacola in the afternoon to pick up the new photos for our home decor in GH. On the way back to our "Beach Home", we'll stop and get some roses for Valentine's Day.
That looks like enough for today. We have time to do as little as possible this afternoon. Mary has her new knitting needles and her current project. Plus, she is still working on her on-line writing lessons that are looking great from my perspective. I have Winnie, and a book to finish along with reading today's newspaper. Ciao.
Sunday, February 7, 2016
Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 4:00 a.m. in "This City." Between dropped internet connections and other odds and ends, I actually started this blog at 2:15 a.m., but didn't finish it until now. A current temperature of 43° that feels like 37°, is as low as it is supposed to get overnight. Later today, after the sun rises at 6:37 a.m. and long before it sets at 5:31 p.m., the real temperature will get to 58°. Since the skies will be sunny, the temperature will feel much warmer, just as it did yesterday. Too bad that the temperatures will not get above 45° on Tuesday.
Yesterday, I got to the ukulele jam at the music store as Mary completed the errands she had scheduled. Afterwards, we traveled to the VW car show I referenced in the previous blog. Sadly, not much was happening. A couple of cars, that really didn't merit a picture.
We soon made our way home again and hit a few antique stores along the route. Mary got a book of Grimm's Fairy Tales and a needlepoint of a unicorn. I had to be sure to note that it is needlepoint, not crossstitch.
As we tried to pass through downtown Pensacola, we were detoured by the Mardis Gras Parade floats and crowds. Like the traffic direction in Pensacola seemingly goes most of the time, the police department directed traffic to the detour, but when the detour ended at a busy highway, no police officer was there to stop the cross traffic.
Today we're off to Pensacola once again to see the musical Quilters: A Frontier Musical at the "Little Theater" near downtown at 2:30 p.m. I'm looking forward to the experience. While we're out, the Mardis Gras Parade will be taking place here on "The Beach." That means that the road to and from our little piece of paradise will be closed for about two hours from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Of course, the "Big Game", the 50th Super Bowl, is on here at about 5:30 p.m. We have plans for our snacks and meals for that.
So, that's enough for one day. Ciao.
Yesterday, I got to the ukulele jam at the music store as Mary completed the errands she had scheduled. Afterwards, we traveled to the VW car show I referenced in the previous blog. Sadly, not much was happening. A couple of cars, that really didn't merit a picture.
We soon made our way home again and hit a few antique stores along the route. Mary got a book of Grimm's Fairy Tales and a needlepoint of a unicorn. I had to be sure to note that it is needlepoint, not crossstitch.
As we tried to pass through downtown Pensacola, we were detoured by the Mardis Gras Parade floats and crowds. Like the traffic direction in Pensacola seemingly goes most of the time, the police department directed traffic to the detour, but when the detour ended at a busy highway, no police officer was there to stop the cross traffic.
Today we're off to Pensacola once again to see the musical Quilters: A Frontier Musical at the "Little Theater" near downtown at 2:30 p.m. I'm looking forward to the experience. While we're out, the Mardis Gras Parade will be taking place here on "The Beach." That means that the road to and from our little piece of paradise will be closed for about two hours from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Of course, the "Big Game", the 50th Super Bowl, is on here at about 5:30 p.m. We have plans for our snacks and meals for that.
So, that's enough for one day. Ciao.
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Good
morning or good evening, wherever you may be. I won't apologize for
missing a blog yesterday, because I was not feeling all that great
and not much happened.
According
to the NWS, we have a current temperature of 44° that feels like
39°. We'll drop to the overnight low of 37°, before we're supposed
to rebound to 56° under sunny skies. Sunday we gain two more
degrees, also under sunny skies. Monday, the winds will blow steadily
at 20 – 30 mph, with gusts to 40 mph. Batten down the hatches for
Tuesday, because our high temperature is forecast to be no more than
45 chilly degrees, then the forecast from the NWS calls for a rebound
to the average temperature range in the mid 60°s.
But
on to the good news in the world. We're just 12 short days away from
the opening of spring, training that is. My beloved Boston Red Sox
and the Detroit Tigers are scheduled to have pitchers and catchers
report on February 19. Their first full squad workouts are set for
February 24. The boys in blue, AKA the Chicago Cubs are set to have
pitchers and catchers report on February 20, with the first full
squad workout set for 2/24. That other team from Chicago? Don't know,
don't care.
But,
here are the important facts. My beloved Red Sox open the regular
season against the Tigers on March 31. 2016. One day later, the boys
in blue open against the World Series champion N. Y. Mets. The Cubs
are the favorites with the odds makers in Las Vega to win the
championship this year. But, I've been a die-hard fan far too long to
get my hopes up, yet.
Today,
we are off to Pensacola, so that I can sit in with the weekly jam
session of the Pensacola Ukulele Players Society (PUPS) at Blues
Angels Music from 10:30 a.m. To 11:30 a.m. Then, we plan to go to the
campus of Pensacola State College for a VW car show and craft fair,
weather permitting. I'll keep you posted.
Mary
will be running some errands while I'm jamming before we go to the
show. Then we'll be heading home for the remainder of the day. I'll
read and rest.
Mary
is still awaiting the arrival of her newest circular knitting
needles, as her current set have a burr that is catching the yarn of
her poncho project. Plus, the new needles have a longer flexible
cable that should make her task easier. They are scheduled to arrive
on Sunday.
Otherwise,
that's enough for one day. The sun will rise at 6:37 a.m. And set at
5:30 p.m. Ciao.
Thursday, February 4, 2016
Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 1:30 a.m. in "This City."
The NWS was right on for their forecast yesterday. The rains came, the thunder boomed, and STWD actually took it all in stride for most of the morning and early afternoon. When things finally broke around 2:00 p.m., she and several of the neighboring dogs were able to get out. Sugar didn't want to be out for long, and she wanted to go back when a truck made a big noise. We were pulled back to the homestead and that was that.
Currently, the temperature is 56°, but it feels like 53°. We'll be feeling the mid 30s overnight and then returning to a high of, wait for it, 56° under cloudy skies. That same high temperature will be on tap for the next few days with mostly sunny skies prevailing by Friday.
We decided to stay in bed most of the morning yesterday with occasional breaks for my arthritic back. As long as I get up once in awhile, I'm fine. As my surgeon said at the time I had my yak rebuilt, he could fix the structural issues, but he couldn't fix arthritis. Fortunately, a couple of pain killers and I'm fine.
We did make it to Pensacola yesterday afternoon. A stop at the bread store and the art gallery, and we were on our way home. We stopped at Shaggy's for an adult beverage and Mary had a nice conversation with some people visiting "The Beach" from New Hampshire. Mary also got a Shaggy's T-shirt that she had been wanting. I have enough T-shirts to last a lifetime, so I didn't get one.
Today we will be staying home after the morning safari with the intrepid weather dog. I'll be restringing Winnie, and playing her along with actually trying to play my harmonica. Mary plans to do some cooking and I presume, some reading and knitting. I think I'll get to some reading too.
STWD will do what she does best, sleeping after her morning walk. She is definitely feeling better overall.
The sun will rise at 6:39 a.m. and setting at 5:28 p.m. Ciao.
The NWS was right on for their forecast yesterday. The rains came, the thunder boomed, and STWD actually took it all in stride for most of the morning and early afternoon. When things finally broke around 2:00 p.m., she and several of the neighboring dogs were able to get out. Sugar didn't want to be out for long, and she wanted to go back when a truck made a big noise. We were pulled back to the homestead and that was that.
Currently, the temperature is 56°, but it feels like 53°. We'll be feeling the mid 30s overnight and then returning to a high of, wait for it, 56° under cloudy skies. That same high temperature will be on tap for the next few days with mostly sunny skies prevailing by Friday.
We decided to stay in bed most of the morning yesterday with occasional breaks for my arthritic back. As long as I get up once in awhile, I'm fine. As my surgeon said at the time I had my yak rebuilt, he could fix the structural issues, but he couldn't fix arthritis. Fortunately, a couple of pain killers and I'm fine.
We did make it to Pensacola yesterday afternoon. A stop at the bread store and the art gallery, and we were on our way home. We stopped at Shaggy's for an adult beverage and Mary had a nice conversation with some people visiting "The Beach" from New Hampshire. Mary also got a Shaggy's T-shirt that she had been wanting. I have enough T-shirts to last a lifetime, so I didn't get one.
Today we will be staying home after the morning safari with the intrepid weather dog. I'll be restringing Winnie, and playing her along with actually trying to play my harmonica. Mary plans to do some cooking and I presume, some reading and knitting. I think I'll get to some reading too.
STWD will do what she does best, sleeping after her morning walk. She is definitely feeling better overall.
The sun will rise at 6:39 a.m. and setting at 5:28 p.m. Ciao.
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 5:00 a.m. in "This City."
We are nearing the peak temperature for today of 70° at 7:00 a.m., shortly after the sun rises at 6:39 a.m. From thereon out, the temperatures will fall as the day unfolds towards sunset at 5:27 p.m. The forecast calls for the rain and T-storms to continue until about 2:00 p.m.
STWD will be in her hide-e-hole by the time the T-storms begin at 7:00 a.m., with the heaviest storms occurring at 8:00 a.m. as two to three inches of rain are in the forecast throughout the morning and early afternoon.
In MI, the largest effects of the huge blizzard, Kayla, blanketing the Midwest will go to the north into the Upper Peninsula (U.P.). According to that same forecast, the snows will close the roads in MN and several other states. Is it global climate change? I don't know, but I'm glad that here the storm will dump heavy rains, not heavy snows.
Today we plan to travel to Pensacola in the afternoon after the storms have passed. We need to make a few stops, so if it is pouring rain, we won't drive. Naturally, the intrepid weather dog won't be willing to go out and brave the thunder and rains that are in the early morning forecast.
We walked several miles yesterday as we enjoyed the warm temperatures and partly cloudy skies. I spent the entire day in my summer uniform. What's not to like?
As previously noted, today is a travel day in the afternoon and then as little as possible. That's fine with me. More reading, more retirement. I like it. Ciao.
We are nearing the peak temperature for today of 70° at 7:00 a.m., shortly after the sun rises at 6:39 a.m. From thereon out, the temperatures will fall as the day unfolds towards sunset at 5:27 p.m. The forecast calls for the rain and T-storms to continue until about 2:00 p.m.
STWD will be in her hide-e-hole by the time the T-storms begin at 7:00 a.m., with the heaviest storms occurring at 8:00 a.m. as two to three inches of rain are in the forecast throughout the morning and early afternoon.
In MI, the largest effects of the huge blizzard, Kayla, blanketing the Midwest will go to the north into the Upper Peninsula (U.P.). According to that same forecast, the snows will close the roads in MN and several other states. Is it global climate change? I don't know, but I'm glad that here the storm will dump heavy rains, not heavy snows.
Today we plan to travel to Pensacola in the afternoon after the storms have passed. We need to make a few stops, so if it is pouring rain, we won't drive. Naturally, the intrepid weather dog won't be willing to go out and brave the thunder and rains that are in the early morning forecast.
We walked several miles yesterday as we enjoyed the warm temperatures and partly cloudy skies. I spent the entire day in my summer uniform. What's not to like?
As previously noted, today is a travel day in the afternoon and then as little as possible. That's fine with me. More reading, more retirement. I like it. Ciao.
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 2:00 a.m. in "This City."
I don't know about everyone else, but I am glad the the caucuses are over in IA. Unfortunately, we now have 49 more to go. Oh well, that's how democracy works.
The current weather conditions show a temperature of 64° under cloudy skies. The fog that was with us earlier yesterday is still with us. The sun will rise into those foggy skies at 6:40 a.m. before it sets at 5:26 p.m.
Later today, the temperature will once again rise 70° as the T-storms begin to form. Those storms will be scattered this morning and then peak at about 3:00 p.m. this afternoon. STWD will have to go out between events.
Speaking of the intrepid weather dog, she is currently sleeping soundly. Later today, she will be receiving the one-half of an allergy pill that she is now down to. She is more energetic and walking in the morning is now much easier.
Mary and I made it to Pensacola yesterday. We located the Little Theater that we'll be attending on Sunday and then we made it to the main library. Both Mary and I feel as though the collection at the library in GH is superior. That may be due to the fact that Pensacola has several branches. I'm reminded of the old sit-com starring Bob Newhart. He is in the library returning several books, and one of the town councilmen remarks, "So, that's what happened to the fiction section."
Mary got what she needed for the internet class she is taking and I got two books at the used book store. One was free, my favorite kind, due to it having the cover removed.
When we returned, we turned on the A/C because the temperature had risen into the mid 70s. When I went out to the deck to read, Sugar came along, but with the door closed, she wanted to get back in to be near Mary. Sugar is always conflicted when she is unable to have both Mary and me in view. She opted for guarding Mary.
Mary will be chatting, I"ll be reading more of the biography of Thomas Jefferson. I am within 100 pages of the end and I am still enjoying it.
I'll also be reading today's newspapers and adding to my collection of crosswords. Ciao.
I don't know about everyone else, but I am glad the the caucuses are over in IA. Unfortunately, we now have 49 more to go. Oh well, that's how democracy works.
The current weather conditions show a temperature of 64° under cloudy skies. The fog that was with us earlier yesterday is still with us. The sun will rise into those foggy skies at 6:40 a.m. before it sets at 5:26 p.m.
Later today, the temperature will once again rise 70° as the T-storms begin to form. Those storms will be scattered this morning and then peak at about 3:00 p.m. this afternoon. STWD will have to go out between events.
Speaking of the intrepid weather dog, she is currently sleeping soundly. Later today, she will be receiving the one-half of an allergy pill that she is now down to. She is more energetic and walking in the morning is now much easier.
Mary and I made it to Pensacola yesterday. We located the Little Theater that we'll be attending on Sunday and then we made it to the main library. Both Mary and I feel as though the collection at the library in GH is superior. That may be due to the fact that Pensacola has several branches. I'm reminded of the old sit-com starring Bob Newhart. He is in the library returning several books, and one of the town councilmen remarks, "So, that's what happened to the fiction section."
Mary got what she needed for the internet class she is taking and I got two books at the used book store. One was free, my favorite kind, due to it having the cover removed.
When we returned, we turned on the A/C because the temperature had risen into the mid 70s. When I went out to the deck to read, Sugar came along, but with the door closed, she wanted to get back in to be near Mary. Sugar is always conflicted when she is unable to have both Mary and me in view. She opted for guarding Mary.
Mary will be chatting, I"ll be reading more of the biography of Thomas Jefferson. I am within 100 pages of the end and I am still enjoying it.
I'll also be reading today's newspapers and adding to my collection of crosswords. Ciao.
Monday, February 1, 2016
Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 2:00 a.m. in "This City." The NWS (National Weather Service) via Weather.Com, is showing the current temperature as 64°, the expected low for tonight. Later today, 69° is expected under mostly cloudy skies. Yesterday the high reached a zenith of 72° once the sun broke through the hazy skies.
Today, that same sun will rise at 6:41 a.m. and set at 5:25 p.m. We are still expecting 70 degrees on Tuesday, with T-storms a strong possibility most of the day. As I've often said, "STWD will not be happy." Wednesday, no T-storms in the forecast, but a 90% chance of showers all day is the expectation. The NWS is forecasting winds of 10 - 12 mph for both days. Plus, the chance of rain totaling one inch or more is possible on Wednesday.
Yesterday, we did a lot of walking, both on the sidewalks and on the beach. Shifting sands are much more taxing than the concrete of the sidewalks. At Mary's suggestion, I spent the day in my summer uniform, and only changed into longer pants late in the afternoon. Lots of deck time, lots of reading and lots of relaxing. What's not to like?
I almost forgot to mention that I watched the TV presentation of Grease last night. Three hours was a tad long, but I couldn't resist watching a live performance. I liked it, but Mary felt that it was too much like high school. She also couldn't quite understand why a musical set in the late 1950s would have any interest to millennials. Once I told her that the interest for them was the performers, she understood. Me, I always like music and live performances.
Today, we'll be walking with the intrepid weather dog, and then we need to travel to Pensacola to visit the library for some materials that Mary needs. I don't have to go, but I would like to see the library, so odds are that I will go along for the ride. Other than that, I have no plans.
Tuesday, is Groundhog's Day. Punxsutawney Phil and numerous other groundhogs across the U.S., Canada, and perhaps much of the western world will be trotted out to see their shadows, or not. If it is a sunny day, legend has it that six more weeks of winter can be expected. Of course last year, the groundhog in Sun Prairie, WI missed again. He has only been right 39% of the time since the 1940s.
This year, Sun Prairie has no groundhog, so they are borrowing one. Last year, the groundhog bit the ear of the town's mayor and then chewed his way out of his cage sometime afterward and escaped. Regulations make acquiring a new groundhog very difficult. I think those regulations are a good idea. At any rate, six more weeks of winter are not unusual, so....
That looks like enough for another day. Ciao.
Today, that same sun will rise at 6:41 a.m. and set at 5:25 p.m. We are still expecting 70 degrees on Tuesday, with T-storms a strong possibility most of the day. As I've often said, "STWD will not be happy." Wednesday, no T-storms in the forecast, but a 90% chance of showers all day is the expectation. The NWS is forecasting winds of 10 - 12 mph for both days. Plus, the chance of rain totaling one inch or more is possible on Wednesday.
Yesterday, we did a lot of walking, both on the sidewalks and on the beach. Shifting sands are much more taxing than the concrete of the sidewalks. At Mary's suggestion, I spent the day in my summer uniform, and only changed into longer pants late in the afternoon. Lots of deck time, lots of reading and lots of relaxing. What's not to like?
I almost forgot to mention that I watched the TV presentation of Grease last night. Three hours was a tad long, but I couldn't resist watching a live performance. I liked it, but Mary felt that it was too much like high school. She also couldn't quite understand why a musical set in the late 1950s would have any interest to millennials. Once I told her that the interest for them was the performers, she understood. Me, I always like music and live performances.
Today, we'll be walking with the intrepid weather dog, and then we need to travel to Pensacola to visit the library for some materials that Mary needs. I don't have to go, but I would like to see the library, so odds are that I will go along for the ride. Other than that, I have no plans.
Tuesday, is Groundhog's Day. Punxsutawney Phil and numerous other groundhogs across the U.S., Canada, and perhaps much of the western world will be trotted out to see their shadows, or not. If it is a sunny day, legend has it that six more weeks of winter can be expected. Of course last year, the groundhog in Sun Prairie, WI missed again. He has only been right 39% of the time since the 1940s.
This year, Sun Prairie has no groundhog, so they are borrowing one. Last year, the groundhog bit the ear of the town's mayor and then chewed his way out of his cage sometime afterward and escaped. Regulations make acquiring a new groundhog very difficult. I think those regulations are a good idea. At any rate, six more weeks of winter are not unusual, so....
That looks like enough for another day. Ciao.
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