Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Wednesday: Twas the Night before Christmas........
Hmmmmm......yesterday was such a depressing, dismal day with the most god-awful weather here in southeast Misery.....I found myself just waiting for the day to end in the hopes that the weather outside might just improve overnight. With Jay and Anne-marie here all day, we just sort of hung out, dashing in and out quickly as the very COLD rain came down in brief downpours....and that rain then hit the already ice covered streets and sidewalks, cars, and windshields.....and just immediately froze. Then it would warm up for a few minutes and the ice would begin to melt.....and then the temp would drop again....and the ice would re-freeze. It was a horrible day!! I finally decided to slide across the street to pick up the mail....and slide, I did! Managed to remain on my feet, even with the gravity pulling heavily on my sagging hulk....haha....but, stay on my feet, I did!
We had a great evening meal prepared by the 1st Lady....and then we just sat around, talked, and watched some tellie shows. It was a short, short night for Jay and Anne-marie as she had to catch a VERY early flight out of STL for Pensacola, FL to join her family at their home in Mobile, Alabama. I awoke them at 2:30AM THIS morning....and then checked again at 2:45AM. They hurridly got ready and left a few minutes after 3am......and, Jay had driven her to the airport, let her out, and returned here to the stick and brick by 6:40am!!! He did say there was no traffice anywhere, not even at the airport, which surprised me. I figured that on Christmas Eve morning, there would be a lot of people flying to various locations around the world.
I left here around 9:30 this morning for a quick trip to Cape Girardeau and back. Reason???? I needed to pick up a couple of small things for gifts for the 1st Lady..........we had made a decision early this fall to forego any expensive gifts for each other and take care of a few items we wanted to do around the yard and house instead........as well as plan for an overseas trip in the 2009. And so, I HOPE she has kept her promise on this agreement.............!!!
This afternoon, after I returned around 12noon, we met the Goldsmith Family at the local Pizza Hut for a late lunch, some wonderful conversation, and to simply spend an hour or so together before the 1st Lady and I leave for the next three months. It has been a traumatic year for this family.......and I still have great difficulty with the negative thoughts that I have, almost daily, about the Staff/Administration of the Meadow Heights Church here in F'town.......thoughts concerning the actions which they took in the unprecedented dismissal of Michael.....AND....the BANNING of the entire family from attending worship services in Meadow Heights Church......most certainly NOT a Christian way of ministering to others/members, and especially the children! But......since it is "the night before Christmas" I will refrain from any more discussion at this time.........
Following lunch, the 1st Lady and I went to visit with David Hanner......who just this past Saturday received a quadruple heart bypass.....and is doing just fine! He was released from the hospital in Cape yesterday afternoon......and so, we spent a couple of hours with him and Sue and family this afternoon. He looks great.....and seems to be healing and making great progress!!! It is somewhat scary in that he had no idea anything was wrong with him.......but, just decided at age 65 to have a stress test run.........and with that and another test....and he was quickly put in the hospital.....and then into surgery a day later. WOW.........think I may look into getting a stress test done on my sagging hulk!!!
Back at the stick/brick by late afternoon, we just rather snacked for supper. Jay currently has a high school friend here for a few drinks and some catch-up conversation.......Tomorrow, we will not celebrate our family Christmas, but will wait until Friday when all of our family can be here, after their own Christmas' "unwrappings" tomorrow. Soooo, a quiet day is anticipated here tomorrow, minus making and receiving phone calls from relatives and friends.
I do want to express my thoughts to each and everyone of you who read these rambling thoughts of mine..........To all of you, I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays, as I know that I have readers of many different faiths and religions here each day.....and even though this is a Christian "holiday", the meaning of tomorrow for Christians only reinforces the love, and ideas, and philosophies of everyone, no matter what their religious beliefs. Have a wonderful day tomorrow.....hopefully with your families close by.....and with the advances of modern technology the many miles which separate families can be traversed through telephones, videos, phone cameras, and the internet with video calls. As always...........
LIFE IS JUST INCREDIBLY GREAT!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!
We had a great evening meal prepared by the 1st Lady....and then we just sat around, talked, and watched some tellie shows. It was a short, short night for Jay and Anne-marie as she had to catch a VERY early flight out of STL for Pensacola, FL to join her family at their home in Mobile, Alabama. I awoke them at 2:30AM THIS morning....and then checked again at 2:45AM. They hurridly got ready and left a few minutes after 3am......and, Jay had driven her to the airport, let her out, and returned here to the stick and brick by 6:40am!!! He did say there was no traffice anywhere, not even at the airport, which surprised me. I figured that on Christmas Eve morning, there would be a lot of people flying to various locations around the world.
I left here around 9:30 this morning for a quick trip to Cape Girardeau and back. Reason???? I needed to pick up a couple of small things for gifts for the 1st Lady..........we had made a decision early this fall to forego any expensive gifts for each other and take care of a few items we wanted to do around the yard and house instead........as well as plan for an overseas trip in the 2009. And so, I HOPE she has kept her promise on this agreement.............!!!
This afternoon, after I returned around 12noon, we met the Goldsmith Family at the local Pizza Hut for a late lunch, some wonderful conversation, and to simply spend an hour or so together before the 1st Lady and I leave for the next three months. It has been a traumatic year for this family.......and I still have great difficulty with the negative thoughts that I have, almost daily, about the Staff/Administration of the Meadow Heights Church here in F'town.......thoughts concerning the actions which they took in the unprecedented dismissal of Michael.....AND....the BANNING of the entire family from attending worship services in Meadow Heights Church......most certainly NOT a Christian way of ministering to others/members, and especially the children! But......since it is "the night before Christmas" I will refrain from any more discussion at this time.........
Following lunch, the 1st Lady and I went to visit with David Hanner......who just this past Saturday received a quadruple heart bypass.....and is doing just fine! He was released from the hospital in Cape yesterday afternoon......and so, we spent a couple of hours with him and Sue and family this afternoon. He looks great.....and seems to be healing and making great progress!!! It is somewhat scary in that he had no idea anything was wrong with him.......but, just decided at age 65 to have a stress test run.........and with that and another test....and he was quickly put in the hospital.....and then into surgery a day later. WOW.........think I may look into getting a stress test done on my sagging hulk!!!
Back at the stick/brick by late afternoon, we just rather snacked for supper. Jay currently has a high school friend here for a few drinks and some catch-up conversation.......Tomorrow, we will not celebrate our family Christmas, but will wait until Friday when all of our family can be here, after their own Christmas' "unwrappings" tomorrow. Soooo, a quiet day is anticipated here tomorrow, minus making and receiving phone calls from relatives and friends.
I do want to express my thoughts to each and everyone of you who read these rambling thoughts of mine..........To all of you, I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays, as I know that I have readers of many different faiths and religions here each day.....and even though this is a Christian "holiday", the meaning of tomorrow for Christians only reinforces the love, and ideas, and philosophies of everyone, no matter what their religious beliefs. Have a wonderful day tomorrow.....hopefully with your families close by.....and with the advances of modern technology the many miles which separate families can be traversed through telephones, videos, phone cameras, and the internet with video calls. As always...........
LIFE IS JUST INCREDIBLY GREAT!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Monday: The sun was out......WOW!!!!!!!!
Can't believe it!!!!! The 1st Lady was up and going before I was even awake........I forgot she had a medical test this morning in Farmington.....and so, she was gone before I even made it out of the shower!
So, I had my French Roast coffee in relative peace and quiet, enjoying reading the online newspapers, as well as my email which always....ALWAYS....has many emails from soooo many places where friends and former students now live. I took care of some things around the stick and brick....and then......started up the truck, even though it had not been started since last Wednesday and it started on the second attempt!!! It was still about 8 degrees, and I had not plugged it in, so I was grateful for the response that my Ford made in this frigid weather.
I drove up to Farmington, got a really short haircut(shorter than I wanted, but what can be done after those few hairs are laying on the floor???) Then I went to the Supercenter for some groceries; took back the Charter TV receivers; and then returned to F'town where I made a couple of more stops in the "city center".
While stopping in at the local florist I found myself engaged in a conversation with a school board member.....and to say the very least, the turn of the conversation was quite interesting!!! It doesn't sound like much has changed since I was serving on the board, except that there a few others who feel like I STILL do.....that things need to be studied more carefully, and that more information is always needed from the Administration.....and the board never gets that information when needed. Oh well...........
This afternoon........I found myself in a domesticated mood......and did my "Christmas baking". Yep......I spent about three hours baking cookies which everyone in the family enjoys. For the past couple of years I have used a recipe that I got off of the Paula Dean show on the Food Network.......an oatmeal cookie with five different spices, walnuts, raisins, and a powdered sugar/butter icing which is just perfect with these cookies since the butter is browned prior to adding the sugar. Then I made some coconut macaroons that are drizzled with a very dark chocolate sauce to finish them off.......and OMG, are they ever GREAT!!! I found the recipe in a fall issue of Bon Appetit.....and it is quite easy to fix! OH SO GOOD!!!
Jay and Anne-marie arrived late this afternoon from STL where they had over-nighted....and then shopped today before driving down here. We had a light supper, a couple of glasses of wine, and some of those great little calorie-laden cookies. The 1st Lady went to Farmington for dinner with her friends who meet each month for dinner, drinks, and discussions of all kinds,.......she never tells the subjects....haha!!
This evening we have spent a bit of time trying to get a flight from STL to Pensacola, FL for Anne-maire on Christmas Eve morning. Finally located one on Air Tran with a change in Atlanta for about $170. I was rather surprised that it would be that cheap at such a late date and especially on Christmas Eve!!!! They are both flying to Cancun, MX on Sunday morning for a week or so.........
And soooooo........another day in the life of this sagging hulk of Me,.......and, as always,........
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!
So, I had my French Roast coffee in relative peace and quiet, enjoying reading the online newspapers, as well as my email which always....ALWAYS....has many emails from soooo many places where friends and former students now live. I took care of some things around the stick and brick....and then......started up the truck, even though it had not been started since last Wednesday and it started on the second attempt!!! It was still about 8 degrees, and I had not plugged it in, so I was grateful for the response that my Ford made in this frigid weather.
I drove up to Farmington, got a really short haircut(shorter than I wanted, but what can be done after those few hairs are laying on the floor???) Then I went to the Supercenter for some groceries; took back the Charter TV receivers; and then returned to F'town where I made a couple of more stops in the "city center".
While stopping in at the local florist I found myself engaged in a conversation with a school board member.....and to say the very least, the turn of the conversation was quite interesting!!! It doesn't sound like much has changed since I was serving on the board, except that there a few others who feel like I STILL do.....that things need to be studied more carefully, and that more information is always needed from the Administration.....and the board never gets that information when needed. Oh well...........
This afternoon........I found myself in a domesticated mood......and did my "Christmas baking". Yep......I spent about three hours baking cookies which everyone in the family enjoys. For the past couple of years I have used a recipe that I got off of the Paula Dean show on the Food Network.......an oatmeal cookie with five different spices, walnuts, raisins, and a powdered sugar/butter icing which is just perfect with these cookies since the butter is browned prior to adding the sugar. Then I made some coconut macaroons that are drizzled with a very dark chocolate sauce to finish them off.......and OMG, are they ever GREAT!!! I found the recipe in a fall issue of Bon Appetit.....and it is quite easy to fix! OH SO GOOD!!!
Jay and Anne-marie arrived late this afternoon from STL where they had over-nighted....and then shopped today before driving down here. We had a light supper, a couple of glasses of wine, and some of those great little calorie-laden cookies. The 1st Lady went to Farmington for dinner with her friends who meet each month for dinner, drinks, and discussions of all kinds,.......she never tells the subjects....haha!!
This evening we have spent a bit of time trying to get a flight from STL to Pensacola, FL for Anne-maire on Christmas Eve morning. Finally located one on Air Tran with a change in Atlanta for about $170. I was rather surprised that it would be that cheap at such a late date and especially on Christmas Eve!!!! They are both flying to Cancun, MX on Sunday morning for a week or so.........
And soooooo........another day in the life of this sagging hulk of Me,.......and, as always,........
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Sunday: A wonderful relaxed morning with a wonderful Holiday Family Dinner/Party!!!
It was a rather short sleeping night in our room of the hotel in Hannibal.....as the 1st Lady was asked by Dr. Jeni to do some late hour "baby sitting" in their room, while they joined the younger generation of cousins for some late night drinks and conversation. I finally turned off the lights around 12:30am this morning......and was slightly awakened when she returned to our room around 2am. I quickly returned to sleep, however.....from that time forward, I kept waking up each time the heater in the room kicked on......and, with the sub-zero temps and wind chills down to -20F , it kept me awake off and on most of the night!
I was awakened a bit before 8am when the sun sneaking in around the edges of the drapes on the window kept getting brighter and brighter. As much as I would enjoyed sleeping in my horizontal position a little longer, it was GREAT to finally see some sunshine!!! Attempting to allow the 1st Lady to remain asleep, I tried to slip around the room and get into the shower as quietly as possible. However..........while I was finalizing the morning rituals, she came into the bath and took her own shower ......seeming very much awake, to my surprise!
I went ahead and went down to the breakfast area, where I found a table for four before getting a small spoonful of scrambled eggs.......QUITE GOOD.....and a few pieces of bacon. With coffee that was sooooooo weak that I am almost certain the cooks only took one bean and drug it through some hot water to make the coffee, I sat down and was soon joined by the 1st Lady's sister and her son......and then the 1st Lady arrived immediately after that. Before much longer the breakfast area began to fill up with members of the Redman family who were staying overnight in the hotel.
The rest of the morning passed rather quickly...........as several of us remained in the breakfast area sipping that very, very weak coffee......trying to find the caffeine in those cups to keep us awake.......and just having some great conversations!
Several others of the family arrived around noon, as the catered dinner was to begin at 12:30. When almost everyone was in the Lobby we took some pictures of the various family groups in front, and around, the Christmas tree. We then joined everyone in our "Redman Family Dinner" room......and enjoyed a great meal of turkey, ham, dressing, potatoes and gravy, green beans, some wonderful carrots, a great mixed salad, pasta salad, fruit salad, cranberries, some great rolls, and then all of this was followed by cheesecake with strawberries, cherries, nuts, chocolate sauce, and chocolate crumbles! Yep........a really fine meal for the 32 of us who were there today!!
Following the dinner, we had the usual drawing of numbers for the gift exchange, along with the "stealing" of gifts routine which is always fun. The little ones didn't "steal" any.....a bit of not understanding what to do, or perhaps just wanting to hold on to their toys, etc., etc.
The dinner party broke up around 3pm.......and we made a dash out to Monroe City to see the Matriarch of the family...."Granny"....who was in the hospital just last week and was not about to get out of her very warm house into this frigid, brutal weather today. And so......it was a great day for family.........a day to be together for almost all of the family......and one which will be replayed next year.
The 1st Lady and I returned to southeast Misery around 8pm.......with only one gas and coffee stop along the way. It has been a fun-filled long weekend........and now the rush is on to finish up the necessary things on our lists to prepare for our immediate family's Christmas which we will have/host here at TheHowserHouse stick/brick on Friday of this week. Jay and Anne-marie must leave late on Friday, or very early on Saturday to drive back down to New Orleans, as they are flying down to Cancun, Mexico and then drive on down to Tulum for a week or so. And...the 1st Lady and I will be leaving for the RGV on the 30th, next Tuesday for the next three months.
A wonderful weekend.........albeit a horribly cold and windy weekend, but being with family certainly makes me all that more certain that.......
LIFE IS INCREDIBLY GREAT!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!
(pictures to be posted after I purchase more space on Picasa tomorrow)
I was awakened a bit before 8am when the sun sneaking in around the edges of the drapes on the window kept getting brighter and brighter. As much as I would enjoyed sleeping in my horizontal position a little longer, it was GREAT to finally see some sunshine!!! Attempting to allow the 1st Lady to remain asleep, I tried to slip around the room and get into the shower as quietly as possible. However..........while I was finalizing the morning rituals, she came into the bath and took her own shower ......seeming very much awake, to my surprise!
I went ahead and went down to the breakfast area, where I found a table for four before getting a small spoonful of scrambled eggs.......QUITE GOOD.....and a few pieces of bacon. With coffee that was sooooooo weak that I am almost certain the cooks only took one bean and drug it through some hot water to make the coffee, I sat down and was soon joined by the 1st Lady's sister and her son......and then the 1st Lady arrived immediately after that. Before much longer the breakfast area began to fill up with members of the Redman family who were staying overnight in the hotel.
The rest of the morning passed rather quickly...........as several of us remained in the breakfast area sipping that very, very weak coffee......trying to find the caffeine in those cups to keep us awake.......and just having some great conversations!
Several others of the family arrived around noon, as the catered dinner was to begin at 12:30. When almost everyone was in the Lobby we took some pictures of the various family groups in front, and around, the Christmas tree. We then joined everyone in our "Redman Family Dinner" room......and enjoyed a great meal of turkey, ham, dressing, potatoes and gravy, green beans, some wonderful carrots, a great mixed salad, pasta salad, fruit salad, cranberries, some great rolls, and then all of this was followed by cheesecake with strawberries, cherries, nuts, chocolate sauce, and chocolate crumbles! Yep........a really fine meal for the 32 of us who were there today!!
Following the dinner, we had the usual drawing of numbers for the gift exchange, along with the "stealing" of gifts routine which is always fun. The little ones didn't "steal" any.....a bit of not understanding what to do, or perhaps just wanting to hold on to their toys, etc., etc.
The dinner party broke up around 3pm.......and we made a dash out to Monroe City to see the Matriarch of the family...."Granny"....who was in the hospital just last week and was not about to get out of her very warm house into this frigid, brutal weather today. And so......it was a great day for family.........a day to be together for almost all of the family......and one which will be replayed next year.
The 1st Lady and I returned to southeast Misery around 8pm.......with only one gas and coffee stop along the way. It has been a fun-filled long weekend........and now the rush is on to finish up the necessary things on our lists to prepare for our immediate family's Christmas which we will have/host here at TheHowserHouse stick/brick on Friday of this week. Jay and Anne-marie must leave late on Friday, or very early on Saturday to drive back down to New Orleans, as they are flying down to Cancun, Mexico and then drive on down to Tulum for a week or so. And...the 1st Lady and I will be leaving for the RGV on the 30th, next Tuesday for the next three months.
A wonderful weekend.........albeit a horribly cold and windy weekend, but being with family certainly makes me all that more certain that.......
LIFE IS INCREDIBLY GREAT!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!
(pictures to be posted after I purchase more space on Picasa tomorrow)
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Saturday: OMG......THIS FRIGID COLD/WIND IS UNREAL!!!!!!
Here in Hannibal, as I write, it is 9 degrees and the wind chill is -10 degrees!!!!!! Snow and ice have covered the ground a couple of days ago......and it is absolutely brutal with almost 30mph winds roaring around the window of the hotel!!!!!!!!! WHAT THE HELL AM I DOING UP HERE WHEN I SHOULD BE IN THE RGV OF TEXAS???????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We spent the morning in relative warmth.....the upper 20's in Monroe City visiting with the 1st Lady's mother who was not quite as "perky" as yesterday, but still she is/was looking forward to having visitors today and tomorrow from grandchildren with great-grandchildren. We are attempting to keep the visits short and without many in the house at the same time so as to not wear her out more than she seemed this morning.......never mind the masses of immediate relatives carrying in unknown cold and/or flu "bugs" which she doesn't need to be exposed to.
Around 1pm, we left and came over to Hannibal to the Quality Inn/Suites where the nieces and nephews with their children began to arrive, as well as Dr. Jeni/Darrel with Meghan, Ava, and Max....as well as Becky with Rachel.......and a bit later Jeremy and Anne-marie arrived from New Orleans. Jeremy has had a couple of busy travel days as on Wed he had a flight to Las Vegas for an interview, but that flt was re-routed to Los Angles due to the weather problems in Vegas. So, on Thursday he flew back to Vegas from LA......had the interview and remained overnight in the Luxor Hotel/Casino. Then yesterday he flew to New Orleans and he and Anne-marie then drove most of the night to STL where they remained for a few hours of sleep. By 7pm this evening I believe I counted 27 relatives had arrived and were enjoying the pool/hot tub as well as all of the appetizers, drinks, food that we had set up in the pool area.
With the pool area closing at 10......the smaller ones are leaving for bed.....and should really sleep well as worn out as they seem to be. Others are leaving to spend a bit of time in the lounge/bar across the street at a good restaurant facility that is there..........a very brutal walk across the street!!!
And sooooo, it has been a very good day............and, as always.......
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!
We spent the morning in relative warmth.....the upper 20's in Monroe City visiting with the 1st Lady's mother who was not quite as "perky" as yesterday, but still she is/was looking forward to having visitors today and tomorrow from grandchildren with great-grandchildren. We are attempting to keep the visits short and without many in the house at the same time so as to not wear her out more than she seemed this morning.......never mind the masses of immediate relatives carrying in unknown cold and/or flu "bugs" which she doesn't need to be exposed to.
Around 1pm, we left and came over to Hannibal to the Quality Inn/Suites where the nieces and nephews with their children began to arrive, as well as Dr. Jeni/Darrel with Meghan, Ava, and Max....as well as Becky with Rachel.......and a bit later Jeremy and Anne-marie arrived from New Orleans. Jeremy has had a couple of busy travel days as on Wed he had a flight to Las Vegas for an interview, but that flt was re-routed to Los Angles due to the weather problems in Vegas. So, on Thursday he flew back to Vegas from LA......had the interview and remained overnight in the Luxor Hotel/Casino. Then yesterday he flew to New Orleans and he and Anne-marie then drove most of the night to STL where they remained for a few hours of sleep. By 7pm this evening I believe I counted 27 relatives had arrived and were enjoying the pool/hot tub as well as all of the appetizers, drinks, food that we had set up in the pool area.
With the pool area closing at 10......the smaller ones are leaving for bed.....and should really sleep well as worn out as they seem to be. Others are leaving to spend a bit of time in the lounge/bar across the street at a good restaurant facility that is there..........a very brutal walk across the street!!!
And sooooo, it has been a very good day............and, as always.......
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!
FRIDAY'S POST:
WOW……I was awakened here at Dr. Jeni and Darrel’s home from the roar of the winds and it was barely light enough outside to see what the hell was going on out there. I suppose some front was moving through, however…….had it been spring, summer, or fall here in Misery and I would have headed everyone to the lowest floor as it sounded just like tornado weather outside!!!
Before much longer Dr. Jeni was up and getting Meghan, the drama star, ready for her last day of school before the Christmas break. She was all excited as it was going to be a “party day” in her grade……..what more could they do as they had only been to school on Thursday this week due to the weather conditions.
It wasn’t long afterwards that we left ourselves and went into town to do some shopping…..stopping at the huge super Walmart, then to their new Target store. By lunch time, we hit the highway for the northland of Misery…….and with only one stop for a quick bite of lunch at a fast/fat food place, we were at the 1st Lady’s mother’s home by around 3pm.
WOW…….she has made a remarkable recovery!!! She looks sooooo much better than I anticipated and she seems to be feeling pretty good. NOW…….the trick is that she has managed to not smoke for two complete weeks….and she admits that she can breathe soooooo much better now. FINALLY……..after her entire lifetime she is not smoking…and she is in her mid-80’s!!! Let’s just hope she can continue to stay away from that smoking!!!
The remainder of the day……….was internet-free!!! Yep……I couldn’t piggy-back on anyone around here….and so, I have not been able to get online. And sooooo, I will post this tomorrow………hopefully…..at the hotel. Until then, as always……
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!!……And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!
Before much longer Dr. Jeni was up and getting Meghan, the drama star, ready for her last day of school before the Christmas break. She was all excited as it was going to be a “party day” in her grade……..what more could they do as they had only been to school on Thursday this week due to the weather conditions.
It wasn’t long afterwards that we left ourselves and went into town to do some shopping…..stopping at the huge super Walmart, then to their new Target store. By lunch time, we hit the highway for the northland of Misery…….and with only one stop for a quick bite of lunch at a fast/fat food place, we were at the 1st Lady’s mother’s home by around 3pm.
WOW…….she has made a remarkable recovery!!! She looks sooooo much better than I anticipated and she seems to be feeling pretty good. NOW…….the trick is that she has managed to not smoke for two complete weeks….and she admits that she can breathe soooooo much better now. FINALLY……..after her entire lifetime she is not smoking…and she is in her mid-80’s!!! Let’s just hope she can continue to stay away from that smoking!!!
The remainder of the day……….was internet-free!!! Yep……I couldn’t piggy-back on anyone around here….and so, I have not been able to get online. And sooooo, I will post this tomorrow………hopefully…..at the hotel. Until then, as always……
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!!……And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
THURSDAY: Another day in Misery, but a GREAT performance!!!
OK......today was really miserable here just west of STL!!! We rarely ventured outside.......and the day was full of grandchildren playing and crying for a milk bottle! Being here at Dr. Jeni's home is of great interest.......just watching her juggle her huge practice at her dental office and her life at home with three children is really interesting and it has a way of making me feel older than I want to feel. She does a super, super job of being a great Mom and Dr. Jeni!
This evening........it was the 3rd/4th grade "muscial play" about the Wild West at Christmas.....and the main star was the "bad guy" Bart Bubblegum.....who was Meghan. She had selected that part and auditioned for it......and got it......and after this evening I now know why. She was soooooo good and was the star of the show for all in attendance!!! Soooo much fun to watch....and she was having sooooo much fun herself........not a nervous bone in her body as she loves to be in front of an audience!!! Hmmmmm.........destined for a career in the Arts?????
The rains are now pouring upon the house out here in this great wooded subdivision....and hopefully, the temps will stay above freezing. Tomorrow will tell the tale.......
Not sure if we are going to Monroe City in the morning......or just wait until Saturday morning and go to Hannibal to the hotel. Depends on the weather....and, on how the 1st Lady's mother is feeling........if she is good enough for some company by this sagging hulk of me and the 1st Lady.
A great evening..........and even with this terrible weather, I know so well that.....
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!
This evening........it was the 3rd/4th grade "muscial play" about the Wild West at Christmas.....and the main star was the "bad guy" Bart Bubblegum.....who was Meghan. She had selected that part and auditioned for it......and got it......and after this evening I now know why. She was soooooo good and was the star of the show for all in attendance!!! Soooo much fun to watch....and she was having sooooo much fun herself........not a nervous bone in her body as she loves to be in front of an audience!!! Hmmmmm.........destined for a career in the Arts?????
The rains are now pouring upon the house out here in this great wooded subdivision....and hopefully, the temps will stay above freezing. Tomorrow will tell the tale.......
Not sure if we are going to Monroe City in the morning......or just wait until Saturday morning and go to Hannibal to the hotel. Depends on the weather....and, on how the 1st Lady's mother is feeling........if she is good enough for some company by this sagging hulk of me and the 1st Lady.
A great evening..........and even with this terrible weather, I know so well that.....
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Wednesday: Gray, Cold, Damp.....Missouri=Misery!
The 1st Lady and I were up and going by 7:30 this morning......morning rituals, packed, and left town around 10:30am for the 200 mile drive up to the Lake of the Ozarks. We made on pit stop just outside of Rolla and then arrived in Eldon, north of the Lake around 2pm. Our mission there was to visit the cemetary and put some Christmas flowers on my parents' grave and our daughter's grave(she died quite unexpectedly at 8 years of age).
After those few moments in the very brittle cold, we then drove back down to the Lake and went to the Osage Outlet Mall. We were there about an hour and a half, and did find some very, very good bargains. Example: Geoffrey Beene(sp????) clothing store is closing down and everything that was left was 80% off!!! Yep......I bought a couple of items that I couldn't pass up....a $45 shirt for just over $10......now that's a BARGAIN!!
Before long, it was time to meet my sister and husband at Outback for dinner. We had a great meal and a wonderful two hour visit there. We just don't seem to find the time to get together very often.......both of us are involved in our own activities.....and we need to correct that problem before time moves any quicker!!!
We left the Lake around 7pm and in two hours of rapid, but legal, driving we were at Dr. Jeni's home. And...........for the second time, it appears that Meghan's Christmas play will be postponed again!!!!! From what we can read online, there will be no school there AGAIN!!!! She had already gone to bed when we learned of this, and I know she will be sooooooo disappointed!!!! Hopefully, it will be presented on Friday as we can hang around here an extra day so that we can see her "debut performance" in a play!
I am currently attempting to get some updates and downloads done for Dr. Jeni on a laptop pc that has been giving her many problems ever since she purchased it. It has been back in the shop once, but the "shutdown" problems continue, so I am downloading some solutions(??) hopefully from HP, so time will tell.........and with my LUCK(????????????????), it won't work. Don't forget......this sagging hulk of Me is very, very technically challenged........just remember the past 3-4 weeks with the new AT&T landlines, the new internet service providers, and finally the problems with the Directv!!!!
Freezing rain is predicted for here.....about 35 miles west/southwest of STL.....so guess that is why her school has been cancelled for tomorrow.....UGH.
As it is now midnight, my shrinking bones are tired, and so I will close this little post now and hopefully Dr. Jeni's laptop will finish with the downloads soon!!!! Even though the weather continues to be just really crappy..........I do still believe that.....
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!.....And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!
After those few moments in the very brittle cold, we then drove back down to the Lake and went to the Osage Outlet Mall. We were there about an hour and a half, and did find some very, very good bargains. Example: Geoffrey Beene(sp????) clothing store is closing down and everything that was left was 80% off!!! Yep......I bought a couple of items that I couldn't pass up....a $45 shirt for just over $10......now that's a BARGAIN!!
Before long, it was time to meet my sister and husband at Outback for dinner. We had a great meal and a wonderful two hour visit there. We just don't seem to find the time to get together very often.......both of us are involved in our own activities.....and we need to correct that problem before time moves any quicker!!!
We left the Lake around 7pm and in two hours of rapid, but legal, driving we were at Dr. Jeni's home. And...........for the second time, it appears that Meghan's Christmas play will be postponed again!!!!! From what we can read online, there will be no school there AGAIN!!!! She had already gone to bed when we learned of this, and I know she will be sooooooo disappointed!!!! Hopefully, it will be presented on Friday as we can hang around here an extra day so that we can see her "debut performance" in a play!
I am currently attempting to get some updates and downloads done for Dr. Jeni on a laptop pc that has been giving her many problems ever since she purchased it. It has been back in the shop once, but the "shutdown" problems continue, so I am downloading some solutions(??) hopefully from HP, so time will tell.........and with my LUCK(????????????????), it won't work. Don't forget......this sagging hulk of Me is very, very technically challenged........just remember the past 3-4 weeks with the new AT&T landlines, the new internet service providers, and finally the problems with the Directv!!!!
Freezing rain is predicted for here.....about 35 miles west/southwest of STL.....so guess that is why her school has been cancelled for tomorrow.....UGH.
As it is now midnight, my shrinking bones are tired, and so I will close this little post now and hopefully Dr. Jeni's laptop will finish with the downloads soon!!!! Even though the weather continues to be just really crappy..........I do still believe that.....
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!.....And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Tuesday: BRRRR....another gray, very cold day!!!
The title says it all for this part of Misery!!!! By mid-afternoon, we had freezing drizzle drifting down upon our little hill and town.......and I started the official HowserHouse Countdown until we can leave this and head for the border!!!
And, that is just about the most exciting thing that occurred today. Yes....it is/has been the 1st Lady's birthday.....and I let her sleep in this morning. Then I fixed some cinnimon rolls.....and they were really good for coming out of a refrigerated tube.....haha!! Late this afternoon we went down to the Pizza Hut for a late lunch and for the Pizza Hut, the personal pan pizzas were really quite good!!!
I also had to get the new license plates for the truck, as well as a new driver's license!!! HOORAY!!!!! Finally, I can get a new picture for the license.....and it is soooooo much better than the once I destroyed this afternoon!!!
The 1st Lady has had numerous phone calls this afternoon and evening......and many cards and emails. And....thanks to all of you who did do one these birthday greetings for her!!!!! She loves having a birthday, as long as she doesn't have to admit now many she has had....haha!
And so, posting may be a bit haphazard for the next few days as we will be making our annual Christmas Tour around the state, visiting family and relatives and friends. Soooo, keep checking for any updates........
A nasty day, but........as always.....
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!.....And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!!
And, that is just about the most exciting thing that occurred today. Yes....it is/has been the 1st Lady's birthday.....and I let her sleep in this morning. Then I fixed some cinnimon rolls.....and they were really good for coming out of a refrigerated tube.....haha!! Late this afternoon we went down to the Pizza Hut for a late lunch and for the Pizza Hut, the personal pan pizzas were really quite good!!!
I also had to get the new license plates for the truck, as well as a new driver's license!!! HOORAY!!!!! Finally, I can get a new picture for the license.....and it is soooooo much better than the once I destroyed this afternoon!!!
The 1st Lady has had numerous phone calls this afternoon and evening......and many cards and emails. And....thanks to all of you who did do one these birthday greetings for her!!!!! She loves having a birthday, as long as she doesn't have to admit now many she has had....haha!
And so, posting may be a bit haphazard for the next few days as we will be making our annual Christmas Tour around the state, visiting family and relatives and friends. Soooo, keep checking for any updates........
A nasty day, but........as always.....
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!.....And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Monday: OMG.....where DID these low, very cold temps come from???
Can't believe just how cold it is here in southeast Misery for this time of the year!!!!!!!!!!!! The wind chill was 7 degrees for most of the day....and the actual temps hovered around 18 degrees for the entire day. DAMN!!!! Just can't remember when these low temps have arrived in Misery this early in the winter season.........and, I do not think it is just my short term memory loss, either.
Yesterday........the morning was relaxing as the 1st Lady and I had our Fr Roast coffee and hot tea.....and just did a few Christmas wrapping projects. Then during the afternoon we visited Mike for the afternoon/early evening, returning here around 8:30pm. And....just in time to catch the final episode of "Survivor".......and with the DVR, we were able to catch up quickly with the first 30 minutes that we missed. "Bob" was one of the two that I picked after the 1st episode to be the survivor, but I had been hoping that Matty would be the one to be voted as the winner. Oh well..........just a game, just a game.
Today....well, we remained inside for most of the day......again, doing some Christmas wrapping and I was doing some online research. I have maxed out on the number of megabytes that I can use for free on Picasa.....hence, the reason I can't post any more pictures on here. Sooooo, been trying to make some decisions as to just how to handle this problem.
I can purchase more for a yearly cost......hmmmmm......not certain as yet about this. I could delete the pictures from the Web Albums in Picasa, but then that would delete the pictures from this blog if I did that......and I sure as hell do not really want to do that!!!!! Soooo, I have been working on these issues and have not yet found a solution......a way to resolve this problem.
Strangely enough.....when my computer crashed a couple of months ago.......and then when I purchased this new one and began to post pictures on Picasa......all of the pictures from 2005 forward were missing from Picasa!!! AND.....get this......all of those pictures are STILL on the blog!!! Can't figure that one out....???!!! In fact, all of the pictures that are from '07....Egypt/Jordan...our trips this year...Texas, Niagara Falls, northeast Canada and New England.....all of them are still there on Picasa. Sooooo, again....what the hell has happened??
Do any of you readers/followers of this blog have a thought or two about this problem???? I know that some of you write blogs........so, your thoughts??? Have you experienced this type of situation???? I do like Blogger, I like Picasa for picture storage and editing of photos.....so, any suggestions are certainly welcome!!!
And so.......tonight we should have been in Washington, MO for our grandaughter's Christmas performace, however.......they cancelled school for today so the program was postponed until Thursday night. Thankfully, we were able to bring out a Plan B.....as we were supposed to be at the Lake of the Ozarks on Thursday afternoon/early evening for dinner with my sister and her husband. Soooo, Plan B puts us at the Lake on Wednesday, but it will work for all of us!!!
Thursday......in Washington, Friday in Monroe City, and Sat/Sun at the Quality Inn/Suites in Hannibal for the 1st Lady's family Christmas there at the hotel. It is such a wonderful place to stay with such accomodating staff, great facilities including Wifi, great pool and hot tub, and then we have a catered dinner on Sunday with games and gifts during the afternoon. A busy week.......to say the least.
And soooo, brrrrrrr......another very cold day has rushed by...another day in my ever shortning Life, but even with this ungodly cold weather and winds........
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!.......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!!
Yesterday........the morning was relaxing as the 1st Lady and I had our Fr Roast coffee and hot tea.....and just did a few Christmas wrapping projects. Then during the afternoon we visited Mike for the afternoon/early evening, returning here around 8:30pm. And....just in time to catch the final episode of "Survivor".......and with the DVR, we were able to catch up quickly with the first 30 minutes that we missed. "Bob" was one of the two that I picked after the 1st episode to be the survivor, but I had been hoping that Matty would be the one to be voted as the winner. Oh well..........just a game, just a game.
Today....well, we remained inside for most of the day......again, doing some Christmas wrapping and I was doing some online research. I have maxed out on the number of megabytes that I can use for free on Picasa.....hence, the reason I can't post any more pictures on here. Sooooo, been trying to make some decisions as to just how to handle this problem.
I can purchase more for a yearly cost......hmmmmm......not certain as yet about this. I could delete the pictures from the Web Albums in Picasa, but then that would delete the pictures from this blog if I did that......and I sure as hell do not really want to do that!!!!! Soooo, I have been working on these issues and have not yet found a solution......a way to resolve this problem.
Strangely enough.....when my computer crashed a couple of months ago.......and then when I purchased this new one and began to post pictures on Picasa......all of the pictures from 2005 forward were missing from Picasa!!! AND.....get this......all of those pictures are STILL on the blog!!! Can't figure that one out....???!!! In fact, all of the pictures that are from '07....Egypt/Jordan...our trips this year...Texas, Niagara Falls, northeast Canada and New England.....all of them are still there on Picasa. Sooooo, again....what the hell has happened??
Do any of you readers/followers of this blog have a thought or two about this problem???? I know that some of you write blogs........so, your thoughts??? Have you experienced this type of situation???? I do like Blogger, I like Picasa for picture storage and editing of photos.....so, any suggestions are certainly welcome!!!
And so.......tonight we should have been in Washington, MO for our grandaughter's Christmas performace, however.......they cancelled school for today so the program was postponed until Thursday night. Thankfully, we were able to bring out a Plan B.....as we were supposed to be at the Lake of the Ozarks on Thursday afternoon/early evening for dinner with my sister and her husband. Soooo, Plan B puts us at the Lake on Wednesday, but it will work for all of us!!!
Thursday......in Washington, Friday in Monroe City, and Sat/Sun at the Quality Inn/Suites in Hannibal for the 1st Lady's family Christmas there at the hotel. It is such a wonderful place to stay with such accomodating staff, great facilities including Wifi, great pool and hot tub, and then we have a catered dinner on Sunday with games and gifts during the afternoon. A busy week.......to say the least.
And soooo, brrrrrrr......another very cold day has rushed by...another day in my ever shortning Life, but even with this ungodly cold weather and winds........
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!.......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Saturday; Chilly, WINDY, and winter storm expected......UGH!!!!
We were up and going strong by 8am this morning.......the 1st Lady went up to Farmington to do some shopping that needed to be completed by this evening's dinner party.......and I went to the city center of F'town(a small bit of sarcasm in that statement) to check out the local florist. Tuesday is the 1st Lady's birthday.....I DARE NOT say which one.......and I needed to get her some fresh flowers or something for her.
After checking out the things there, I elected to get a HUGE poinsettia which should last through the Holidays.....Hopefully!!! Returning home, I enjoyed some more of that freshly ground Fr. Roast Starbucks coffee that I use each day. I am anxious to give a try to World Market's coffee beans, which I picked up Thursday evening when we went into STL for some shopping and that marvelous dinner which I described.
She returned around noon.......and then we did a few things, puttered around the house some.....I removed my large deep chimes from the chain on the gutter....fearing the oncoming freezing rains and sleet which is predicted for tomorrow night and Monday.....and then just relaxed, watched a bit of the plasma/Directv and soon it was time to get ready for this evening's dinner.
Yep....another evening, another dinner with friends. This evening was the annual Christmas Dinner/Party for the 1st Lady's Phi Beta Sigma Sorority......and local chapter of about 24 girls(well......perhaps I should say "Ladies")....and the spouses. Tonight's event was held at the home of one of the members who lives in a very elegant subdivision just south of Farmington. A nice home....albeit toooooo many steps in the house for me.....but a lovely home.
With drinks at the bar, appetizers of many varied kinds, and then dinner followed with all kinds of salads, veggies dishes, hot brisket, and fresh ham.....and then just as many varied desserts....it was a nice change from the past two nights. I picked and grazed....and tried to not over-eat tonight. The annual sorority gift exchange then took place which was a bit drawn out.....lengthy....as each member and their spouse had to individually receive their gift(s) and open them in front of everyone.....hmmmm......
We returned home....and are now preparing to enjoy the later hours of the evening with a bit of relaxation. Tomorrow we will go see Mike....and then see what the weather does....if anything.
A good day.......nothing special, but then each day is not necessary a day for the history books, is it???? However, with each passing day, I realize sooo well that.......
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!.....And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!
After checking out the things there, I elected to get a HUGE poinsettia which should last through the Holidays.....Hopefully!!! Returning home, I enjoyed some more of that freshly ground Fr. Roast Starbucks coffee that I use each day. I am anxious to give a try to World Market's coffee beans, which I picked up Thursday evening when we went into STL for some shopping and that marvelous dinner which I described.
She returned around noon.......and then we did a few things, puttered around the house some.....I removed my large deep chimes from the chain on the gutter....fearing the oncoming freezing rains and sleet which is predicted for tomorrow night and Monday.....and then just relaxed, watched a bit of the plasma/Directv and soon it was time to get ready for this evening's dinner.
Yep....another evening, another dinner with friends. This evening was the annual Christmas Dinner/Party for the 1st Lady's Phi Beta Sigma Sorority......and local chapter of about 24 girls(well......perhaps I should say "Ladies")....and the spouses. Tonight's event was held at the home of one of the members who lives in a very elegant subdivision just south of Farmington. A nice home....albeit toooooo many steps in the house for me.....but a lovely home.
With drinks at the bar, appetizers of many varied kinds, and then dinner followed with all kinds of salads, veggies dishes, hot brisket, and fresh ham.....and then just as many varied desserts....it was a nice change from the past two nights. I picked and grazed....and tried to not over-eat tonight. The annual sorority gift exchange then took place which was a bit drawn out.....lengthy....as each member and their spouse had to individually receive their gift(s) and open them in front of everyone.....hmmmm......
We returned home....and are now preparing to enjoy the later hours of the evening with a bit of relaxation. Tomorrow we will go see Mike....and then see what the weather does....if anything.
A good day.......nothing special, but then each day is not necessary a day for the history books, is it???? However, with each passing day, I realize sooo well that.......
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!.....And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Friday......December's cold weather for Misery
Ahhhhh......the days are dwindling down to just a few more than two weeks.....and then we will be back in TheHowserHouse on the road again!!! Just can hardly wait!!!
Today......more of a tech issue day again. Yesterday when we had returned from STL rather late last night.....still completely STUFFED from that marvelous dinner at the Trattoria Marcella.....we had a box at the front door of the stick/brick. I took one look at it and knew that it was the receiver for the den and the standard tv.
Sooo, today.....after several cups of French Roast coffee to get my very heavy and sagging hulk of Me jump started.......I opened the box and began the process of installing the receiver, getting the cables and cords attached correctly, and then getting the receiver installed with Directv. I called the lady at Case Management....and she got it "turned on" so very soon we were receiving tv stations on the standard tv.
I called the 1st Lady in to get her opinion......and miraculously, we both agreed that the picture was BETTER!!!!! Yep....the blurriness was not nearly as intense.....and so we agreed to just keep this receiver, send the other back, and remain with Directv, no matter what happens now. We are both very tired of just dealing with non-humans on the phone, as well as dealing with some of the humans we had to try to work with on our issues. Sooo, tomorrow I will talk with our Case Manager and get the authorization to return the initial receiver.
Then I began the several hour long ordeal to attempt to understand just why I can't/couldn't post any pictures to my blog. Well...........hmmmm, how best to say this? I finally.....repeat the key word...FINALLY.....found out that my account with Picasa was virtually full of pictures.....and so, I cannot post any more. WELL.......that makes more sense. Now, I just have to find an answer to my question: If I remove some of the pictures from my Picasa web albums, will these same pictures then also be removed from my blog posts??????????????? THAT I do not want to happen.....and just might have to open up another free account with Picasa! We'll see.....we'll see.....
This evening.....it was another "put on more weight" evening....as we had dinner at the Hanner House with Sue and Dave and a former neighbor who moved away last spring....Jim Harryman. It was another wonderful meal.....several appetizers including asparagus, shrimp, red pepper and onion dip and some sparkling wine mixed with a blackberry juice for a great tasting drink!!! Then after a great salad, we had roast pork with dressing, roasted potatoes, with fresh mushrooms. Super!!!! Dessert and coffee were served an hour later as we sat near the Christmas tree with some wonderful Christmas Carols playing.........a dessert of Vanilla and of Chocolate Creme Brulee........WOW!!!! Fabulous!!!!! And so,.....more heavy weight has been added to my already very sagging hulk.........and, God Forbid, but we have another dinner to go to tomorrow evening!!!!!!!!
At this rate of eating, I will need to walk to the Rio Grande Valley!!!!! This Holiday Social Schedule is really packed for the next couple of week!!!!!! WHEW........I may be tooo tired to drive the 1100 miles plus......weeeellllll, not really!
Another day.......and another couple of pounds added, but.......I won't complain(yet), as......
LIFE IS INCREDIBLY GREAT!!!!!.....And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!
Today......more of a tech issue day again. Yesterday when we had returned from STL rather late last night.....still completely STUFFED from that marvelous dinner at the Trattoria Marcella.....we had a box at the front door of the stick/brick. I took one look at it and knew that it was the receiver for the den and the standard tv.
Sooo, today.....after several cups of French Roast coffee to get my very heavy and sagging hulk of Me jump started.......I opened the box and began the process of installing the receiver, getting the cables and cords attached correctly, and then getting the receiver installed with Directv. I called the lady at Case Management....and she got it "turned on" so very soon we were receiving tv stations on the standard tv.
I called the 1st Lady in to get her opinion......and miraculously, we both agreed that the picture was BETTER!!!!! Yep....the blurriness was not nearly as intense.....and so we agreed to just keep this receiver, send the other back, and remain with Directv, no matter what happens now. We are both very tired of just dealing with non-humans on the phone, as well as dealing with some of the humans we had to try to work with on our issues. Sooo, tomorrow I will talk with our Case Manager and get the authorization to return the initial receiver.
Then I began the several hour long ordeal to attempt to understand just why I can't/couldn't post any pictures to my blog. Well...........hmmmm, how best to say this? I finally.....repeat the key word...FINALLY.....found out that my account with Picasa was virtually full of pictures.....and so, I cannot post any more. WELL.......that makes more sense. Now, I just have to find an answer to my question: If I remove some of the pictures from my Picasa web albums, will these same pictures then also be removed from my blog posts??????????????? THAT I do not want to happen.....and just might have to open up another free account with Picasa! We'll see.....we'll see.....
This evening.....it was another "put on more weight" evening....as we had dinner at the Hanner House with Sue and Dave and a former neighbor who moved away last spring....Jim Harryman. It was another wonderful meal.....several appetizers including asparagus, shrimp, red pepper and onion dip and some sparkling wine mixed with a blackberry juice for a great tasting drink!!! Then after a great salad, we had roast pork with dressing, roasted potatoes, with fresh mushrooms. Super!!!! Dessert and coffee were served an hour later as we sat near the Christmas tree with some wonderful Christmas Carols playing.........a dessert of Vanilla and of Chocolate Creme Brulee........WOW!!!! Fabulous!!!!! And so,.....more heavy weight has been added to my already very sagging hulk.........and, God Forbid, but we have another dinner to go to tomorrow evening!!!!!!!!
At this rate of eating, I will need to walk to the Rio Grande Valley!!!!! This Holiday Social Schedule is really packed for the next couple of week!!!!!! WHEW........I may be tooo tired to drive the 1100 miles plus......weeeellllll, not really!
Another day.......and another couple of pounds added, but.......I won't complain(yet), as......
LIFE IS INCREDIBLY GREAT!!!!!.....And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!
Can't publish/post pictures....??
For about 36 hours I have not been able to post any pictures that I attempt to put into my blog. Does anyone know if there is some problem??? I have spent almost three hours trying to find an answer on this Blogspot/Blogger with no luck. I am at a loss for any explanation. It just happened in the middle of posting pictures from the music performance that my granddaughter was in............ HELP!?
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Thursday: Dinner in STL: Trattoria Marcella!!!
What a delight it was to sleep in this morning.........all the way to 7:30am!! After the usual morning rituals, I thoroughly enjoyed my French Roast coffee without having to worry about keeping a schedule this morning......as last night I thought I would have one. I was supposed to meet the 1st Lady in STL to do some shopping, but then she changed her mind and decided to remain with her mother in the hospital until around noon today before leaving for the city.
Soooo, that gave me the morning off from any detailed activities at the last moment. I should have called Goldsmith to come on over for coffee, but I didn't know how long I was going to just lazy around and so I didn't......sorry Mike!
At 3pm.....Dave and Sue Hanner picked me up to go to STL for dinner. The 1st Lady and I owed them a nice dinner and so we met her at World Market for a bit of shopping before our 7pm reservation time.
We did get there a bit early, but they had seating at that early time, so we were lucky. The restaurant recommends making reservations at least 6 weeks ahead of when you need them.....and I had only made them about 10 days early. The restaurant is on a corner of a residential area.......a bit south of The Hill in the city......and upon entering we were quite impressed!
There is a small bar for waiting purposes....and some very up-to-date decor in the main eating areas. The lighting is low, but no so much so that you have to guess what you have on your fork. The service.....wonderful!!!! It is a wide and varied menu with a wonderful wine list to accompany any dinner they serve. Everything sounded sooooo good that we did have some difficulty deciding our on selections for each course.
For appetizers(antipasto), we ordered fried calamari on fried spinach, with smoked salmon bacon. OMG......this was the very best calamari I have ever eaten......so delicately fried with such thin batter and the calamari was sooooo tender....not chewy as most often is the case. The fried spinach......WELL, what a treat! It had been flash fried and was crisp and shiny and just delicious as the lemon used on the calamari drizzled on down over this spinach......just one of the best appetizers I have ever, ever enjoyed!!!! However,........we also ordered some home-made toasted ravioli filled with seasoned beef and accompanied by some tomato dipping sauce....with spices in the sauce, but not enough to "kill" the flavor of the ravioli. Excellent!!!!
Completing the appetizers, with which we had ordered a bottle of Pino Grigio.....Ruffini brand from Venezia, Italy......and it was a really crisp, but not an overly tart or dry white wine that really paired well with our appetizers! We then ordered a spinach salad which was wonderful.....a wonderful dressing that was light. The salad was a family size bowl, which was enough for the four of us.
During these two courses, we did have some home-made HOT ciabatta bread.....OMG, was it ever, every wonderful!!!
Following the salad course, we then consulted the menu, the server, and the young lady who gathered the used plates......and they both recommended several of the wonderful dinners from the menu. The 1st Lady and David both had the Balsamic Marinated Hanger Steak which was served with oven roasted oregano and garlic potatoes and grilled asparagus. It must have been a great choice because they both seemed to be really enjoying it, and it was gone before very long after being served. Sue ordered the Lamb Loin Chops with Eggplant Risotto scented with tomato and fresh basil. And I ordered the Rigatoni with large gulf shrimp with roasted cauliflower, sun dried tomotoes and pine nuts, all lightly covered with a garlic tomato cream sauce! And the serving was HUGE......much more than I could eat and still some room for dessert. The shrimp were plump and not overly cooked, and the pasta was al dente....just the way I really do like my pasta. We also ordered another bottle of the Pino Grigio for the entree course.
And then dessert!!! We ordered two of the items from the menu: Chocolate Creme Brulee and a wonderful Tiramisu. Both were ......OMG, they were just incredible!!!! Accompanying these were coffee and espresso.....both very dark, very rich, and such an amazing flavor!!!!
It was a dinner that we haven't had for many months.......and was it ever great!!!! The entire meal was close to three hours long.......and we certainly didn't feel rushed, not did we even realize that the time had slipped by soooo quickly. And......we all agreed that we will return in the spring when we are back in the state after wintering in the RGV in Texas!!!
A wonderful relaxed day......and an amazing dinner in St Louis. If you are in STL...now, or in the future, put this restaurant on you "to do" list while in the city!!!!! You will NOT be disappointed!! And so.....another day in my disappearing Life.....and, without a doubt........
LIFE IS INCREDIBLY GREAT!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!!!
Soooo, that gave me the morning off from any detailed activities at the last moment. I should have called Goldsmith to come on over for coffee, but I didn't know how long I was going to just lazy around and so I didn't......sorry Mike!
At 3pm.....Dave and Sue Hanner picked me up to go to STL for dinner. The 1st Lady and I owed them a nice dinner and so we met her at World Market for a bit of shopping before our 7pm reservation time.
We did get there a bit early, but they had seating at that early time, so we were lucky. The restaurant recommends making reservations at least 6 weeks ahead of when you need them.....and I had only made them about 10 days early. The restaurant is on a corner of a residential area.......a bit south of The Hill in the city......and upon entering we were quite impressed!
There is a small bar for waiting purposes....and some very up-to-date decor in the main eating areas. The lighting is low, but no so much so that you have to guess what you have on your fork. The service.....wonderful!!!! It is a wide and varied menu with a wonderful wine list to accompany any dinner they serve. Everything sounded sooooo good that we did have some difficulty deciding our on selections for each course.
For appetizers(antipasto), we ordered fried calamari on fried spinach, with smoked salmon bacon. OMG......this was the very best calamari I have ever eaten......so delicately fried with such thin batter and the calamari was sooooo tender....not chewy as most often is the case. The fried spinach......WELL, what a treat! It had been flash fried and was crisp and shiny and just delicious as the lemon used on the calamari drizzled on down over this spinach......just one of the best appetizers I have ever, ever enjoyed!!!! However,........we also ordered some home-made toasted ravioli filled with seasoned beef and accompanied by some tomato dipping sauce....with spices in the sauce, but not enough to "kill" the flavor of the ravioli. Excellent!!!!
Completing the appetizers, with which we had ordered a bottle of Pino Grigio.....Ruffini brand from Venezia, Italy......and it was a really crisp, but not an overly tart or dry white wine that really paired well with our appetizers! We then ordered a spinach salad which was wonderful.....a wonderful dressing that was light. The salad was a family size bowl, which was enough for the four of us.
During these two courses, we did have some home-made HOT ciabatta bread.....OMG, was it ever, every wonderful!!!
Following the salad course, we then consulted the menu, the server, and the young lady who gathered the used plates......and they both recommended several of the wonderful dinners from the menu. The 1st Lady and David both had the Balsamic Marinated Hanger Steak which was served with oven roasted oregano and garlic potatoes and grilled asparagus. It must have been a great choice because they both seemed to be really enjoying it, and it was gone before very long after being served. Sue ordered the Lamb Loin Chops with Eggplant Risotto scented with tomato and fresh basil. And I ordered the Rigatoni with large gulf shrimp with roasted cauliflower, sun dried tomotoes and pine nuts, all lightly covered with a garlic tomato cream sauce! And the serving was HUGE......much more than I could eat and still some room for dessert. The shrimp were plump and not overly cooked, and the pasta was al dente....just the way I really do like my pasta. We also ordered another bottle of the Pino Grigio for the entree course.
And then dessert!!! We ordered two of the items from the menu: Chocolate Creme Brulee and a wonderful Tiramisu. Both were ......OMG, they were just incredible!!!! Accompanying these were coffee and espresso.....both very dark, very rich, and such an amazing flavor!!!!
It was a dinner that we haven't had for many months.......and was it ever great!!!! The entire meal was close to three hours long.......and we certainly didn't feel rushed, not did we even realize that the time had slipped by soooo quickly. And......we all agreed that we will return in the spring when we are back in the state after wintering in the RGV in Texas!!!
A wonderful relaxed day......and an amazing dinner in St Louis. If you are in STL...now, or in the future, put this restaurant on you "to do" list while in the city!!!!! You will NOT be disappointed!! And so.....another day in my disappearing Life.....and, without a doubt........
LIFE IS INCREDIBLY GREAT!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!!!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Wednesday: Brrrrr.....freezing rain arrived....
WOW......such an incredible dismal, dreary, grey, cold day it was when I opened the drapes!!! How was this different than yesterday?? Well.......it was much wetter and I could see that there was ice on the truck, particularly the windows.
Soooo, knowing that this sagging hulk of me was driving down to Cape Girardeau this morning to be at the Cape Mall when the 5th and 6th grade combine instrumental ensemble performed at 10:30 this morning. Following the morning rituals, I made some of my French Roast coffee and sat a few minutes reading the news online, as well as my emails, and a quick check of Facebook to see what was occurring with my former students, friends, and relatives this morning.
So, I remembered that the truck needed some fuel, so I left earlier than necessary, locking the front door of the stick and brick....and unlocking the doors, I pulled on the door handle....and CRAP with a very big capital S!!!! It was totally frozen with ice.....and then I quickly realized as i went around the truck.....ALL four doors were frozen tight with that hallmark of December in Misery.......ICE/FREEZING RAIN!!!! Hmmmm.........checking my watch, I realized that time was slipping by quickly.....
Returning to the stick/brick, I found a plastic juice bottle, filled it with warm water....not hot....and then slowly dribbled it over the edges of the door and the handle. Tugging and pulling with a bit more force......it finally broke loose from that icy grip....and I was able to get inside. Starting it up, I had to let it run with the defroster on to try to remove the thick ice on the windows.......
Keeping in eye on my watch, I returned inside and paced around for about 15 minutes, then locked the door and got into the truck. Finally, I could see out of the windows....and so I hurried out to Walmart to get some diesel fuel.....and luckily, the one pump had no one there, so I stopped, opened the gas tank....and the realized that that the pump handle was frozen to the pump!!!! SHIT!!!! Time was getting shorter.....
Finally I got it loose and then realized the credit card was frozen solid with ice.....and so that required a trip inside the station and then I returned......and finally began refueling. Needing about 30 gallons, it took a bit longer than usual for me, but at only $2.31 per gallon for diesel, I shouldn't be complaing, should I????
And then finally, I was headed down the highway to Cape......and then the traffic all going my way......it slowed down and for the next 40 miles I was going much, much slower than I usually drive. However, I did get to Cape in time to find where the performace was being held in the various hallways of the Mall.
And so......with all types of African drums, gourds, recorders and other percussive instruments. Rachel was sooooo intense in her playing of each of the various instruments and it was really cool that everyone rotated from one instrument to another.......GREAT experience for each of them. The group's name? Shere Kahn Not sure the story behind the name, but they gave a great performance, even with the damn canned music coming out of the speakers in the ceiling of the Mall as well as from the stores with their open doors. It really irritated me that the mall personnel left this music on in this wing of the Mall!!!!!!
The performance, along with a group of vocalists on risers, lasted about an hour. Afterwards I spoke with the conductor, Pam Dumey......whom I knew from many years of being in the Music Educator's Association together, as well as when I served as the President of the Southeast Missouri Music Educator's Association for a couple of years. After some hugs and kisses for Rachel following the performance, we parted, I said farewells to Becky, and I went to Barnes & Noble for a cappuccino and a cookie.
Return to F'town.......I once again began to tackle the Directv problems, doing a lot of checking outside, in the crunchy grass with ice still on it, as well as beginning to work on connections inside on the tv's/receivers. With a need for some coffee, I stopped with what has been a very fruitless task of clearing up these blurry pictures........
For supper I fixed a box of Zatarain's Red Beans and Rice.......and I don't normally eat a meal out of a box, but DAMN, was this ever great comfort food on this cold evening!!!!! I had forgotten just how good it really is......and, I added some grated cheese to it after I had plated it....and OMG....it tasted soooooooo good!!!
And sooooo, another cold and dismal day here in southeast Miery!!!! The only really bright spot was Rachel's performance today............really proud of her!!!! OH.....I forgot to mention that before I left the Mall, I went to the Mall Office.....and filed a verbal complaint because of them leaving the canned music going during the performance!!!! The lady at the desk was quite apologetic, but I reminded her that she really should write or call Ms. Dumey and apologize to her for the interference it made during the performance. We'll see.....we'll see...
And so...another day is gone........tomorrow I'm off to STL with the Hanner's to meet the 1st Lady for dinner at the Trattoria Marcella........an Italian restaurante which is receiving rave reviews. The 1st Lady's mother is a bit better, but still in the hospital......... It isn't pneumonia for that we can be thankful.........and as always,.......
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!.....And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!
Soooo, knowing that this sagging hulk of me was driving down to Cape Girardeau this morning to be at the Cape Mall when the 5th and 6th grade combine instrumental ensemble performed at 10:30 this morning. Following the morning rituals, I made some of my French Roast coffee and sat a few minutes reading the news online, as well as my emails, and a quick check of Facebook to see what was occurring with my former students, friends, and relatives this morning.
So, I remembered that the truck needed some fuel, so I left earlier than necessary, locking the front door of the stick and brick....and unlocking the doors, I pulled on the door handle....and CRAP with a very big capital S!!!! It was totally frozen with ice.....and then I quickly realized as i went around the truck.....ALL four doors were frozen tight with that hallmark of December in Misery.......ICE/FREEZING RAIN!!!! Hmmmm.........checking my watch, I realized that time was slipping by quickly.....
Returning to the stick/brick, I found a plastic juice bottle, filled it with warm water....not hot....and then slowly dribbled it over the edges of the door and the handle. Tugging and pulling with a bit more force......it finally broke loose from that icy grip....and I was able to get inside. Starting it up, I had to let it run with the defroster on to try to remove the thick ice on the windows.......
Keeping in eye on my watch, I returned inside and paced around for about 15 minutes, then locked the door and got into the truck. Finally, I could see out of the windows....and so I hurried out to Walmart to get some diesel fuel.....and luckily, the one pump had no one there, so I stopped, opened the gas tank....and the realized that that the pump handle was frozen to the pump!!!! SHIT!!!! Time was getting shorter.....
Finally I got it loose and then realized the credit card was frozen solid with ice.....and so that required a trip inside the station and then I returned......and finally began refueling. Needing about 30 gallons, it took a bit longer than usual for me, but at only $2.31 per gallon for diesel, I shouldn't be complaing, should I????
And then finally, I was headed down the highway to Cape......and then the traffic all going my way......it slowed down and for the next 40 miles I was going much, much slower than I usually drive. However, I did get to Cape in time to find where the performace was being held in the various hallways of the Mall.
And so......with all types of African drums, gourds, recorders and other percussive instruments. Rachel was sooooo intense in her playing of each of the various instruments and it was really cool that everyone rotated from one instrument to another.......GREAT experience for each of them. The group's name? Shere Kahn Not sure the story behind the name, but they gave a great performance, even with the damn canned music coming out of the speakers in the ceiling of the Mall as well as from the stores with their open doors. It really irritated me that the mall personnel left this music on in this wing of the Mall!!!!!!
The performance, along with a group of vocalists on risers, lasted about an hour. Afterwards I spoke with the conductor, Pam Dumey......whom I knew from many years of being in the Music Educator's Association together, as well as when I served as the President of the Southeast Missouri Music Educator's Association for a couple of years. After some hugs and kisses for Rachel following the performance, we parted, I said farewells to Becky, and I went to Barnes & Noble for a cappuccino and a cookie.
Return to F'town.......I once again began to tackle the Directv problems, doing a lot of checking outside, in the crunchy grass with ice still on it, as well as beginning to work on connections inside on the tv's/receivers. With a need for some coffee, I stopped with what has been a very fruitless task of clearing up these blurry pictures........
For supper I fixed a box of Zatarain's Red Beans and Rice.......and I don't normally eat a meal out of a box, but DAMN, was this ever great comfort food on this cold evening!!!!! I had forgotten just how good it really is......and, I added some grated cheese to it after I had plated it....and OMG....it tasted soooooooo good!!!
And sooooo, another cold and dismal day here in southeast Miery!!!! The only really bright spot was Rachel's performance today............really proud of her!!!! OH.....I forgot to mention that before I left the Mall, I went to the Mall Office.....and filed a verbal complaint because of them leaving the canned music going during the performance!!!! The lady at the desk was quite apologetic, but I reminded her that she really should write or call Ms. Dumey and apologize to her for the interference it made during the performance. We'll see.....we'll see...
And so...another day is gone........tomorrow I'm off to STL with the Hanner's to meet the 1st Lady for dinner at the Trattoria Marcella........an Italian restaurante which is receiving rave reviews. The 1st Lady's mother is a bit better, but still in the hospital......... It isn't pneumonia for that we can be thankful.........and as always,.......
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!.....And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Tuesday: Miserable in Misery.....
OH yeah.......what a very, very nasty and dismal day!!!!! I had to pull my sagging hulk up into a vertical....somewhat....position earlier this morning. My truck physical/transfusion was at 8am and it is about 18 miles or more from here, soooooo after the usual morning rituals, I got my French Roast coffee going, checked my email, and then turning out the lights, I headed to Duncan's 4x4 and Diesel Service in Doe Run.
Each time we prepare for a lengthy trip, I always take the truck there for and oil change, fuel filter, brakes checked, and just a general physical exam of everything. Well, today......I was informed by the "Doc" that new brakes were needed, as well as a caliper(sp?) which had a major problem. Well....by the time they had obtained the needed items, installed them, and then finished everything, I had been there for three hours. Yep.....this was a much longer check-up than I had anticipated.....and, of course, a MUCH higher bill! But.....it is done and obviously, was needed.
I made a quick trip then to Walgreen's to pick up some Christmas cards which were special ordered online using a photo of the 1st Lady and myself in Nova Scotia this past summer. Picked them, went out to the truck and opened the box.....and, my strange eye and sense of straight lines and symetricalism(sp?word?), I could easily see that the picture on the card was not straight across the card, as well as the stars in the background which were all in straight lines, but the lines were straight on the card. Ok....back inside I went, showed them to the photo clerk, and was told that it was the template that came from the online order, as all of those ordered online had been coming out of the printer exactly the same way!!!!!! She told me that they were like that on the website where we ordered the cards. Well, I asked for a refund........and then returned home.
Immediately upon getting inside.....I got online, checked out the example of the cards, and enlarging them, I saw that NO, she was wrong. That is not the way the example looks online. Ok.....I called Customer Service with Walgreen's, talked with someone in the photo service center, and she confirmed my vision, and said that NO....they were not supposed to be printed with lines that were not straight. OK......so I called the local Walgreens where I had just been about 30 minutes earlier, told them what I had learned, and then said the would check it out to see what the problem is....... My mind wonders......is is the photo paper that is not straight when they are being printed????? Well, I'll check this out tomorrow.........
The weather which I mentioned above.....well, it was in the upper 40's/lower 50's but drizzles, dismal greyness with low clouds and bits of fog here and there......and by late afternoon a cold front pushed through and the temps began to drop quickly!!! Snow flurries and possible sleet is expected tonight, but no accumulation is predicted.......which means that we could be covered in snow and ice by morning!
The 1st Lady's mother seems a bit better, however......her lung doctor is "pretty dissatisfied", and wants to run "more tests". At least, she seems a "bit perkier" this afternoon, so the 1st Lady told me on the phone. Still coughing enough to bring up both lungs from what she told me, but even with all of this, she is eating some...and seemed a bit stronger.
Tomorrow.......I'm off to Cape Girardeau to attend a concert by a musical ensemble in which Rachel, our granddaughter, in which she will be performing. Supposed to be about an hour at the Cape Mall......and then I will return here to do a bit of house cleaning during the afternoon.
Nothing new on the satellite tv saga........other than a friend wrote on our Cedar Creek RV Owners Club website forum that he had had a tv antenna "cable" next to a satellite cable and it affected the picture quality of the satellite cable. Soooooo, thankfully I had kept the phone number of the young man who was here yesterday, as well as last Sunday week, .......called him, asked him if the Charter cable had been disconnected and removed from the little box on the outside of the house....and he told me it hadn't been, but wasn't right next to their cables, so he told me to unhook and remove it from the box tomorrow to see if that will make a difference in the older tv's picture. Hmmmmm...........???
And so....another day in the Life of this sagging hulk of Me.......and even with this dreadful, dismal day's weather..........I still feel that......
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!
Immediately, i
Each time we prepare for a lengthy trip, I always take the truck there for and oil change, fuel filter, brakes checked, and just a general physical exam of everything. Well, today......I was informed by the "Doc" that new brakes were needed, as well as a caliper(sp?) which had a major problem. Well....by the time they had obtained the needed items, installed them, and then finished everything, I had been there for three hours. Yep.....this was a much longer check-up than I had anticipated.....and, of course, a MUCH higher bill! But.....it is done and obviously, was needed.
I made a quick trip then to Walgreen's to pick up some Christmas cards which were special ordered online using a photo of the 1st Lady and myself in Nova Scotia this past summer. Picked them, went out to the truck and opened the box.....and, my strange eye and sense of straight lines and symetricalism(sp?word?), I could easily see that the picture on the card was not straight across the card, as well as the stars in the background which were all in straight lines, but the lines were straight on the card. Ok....back inside I went, showed them to the photo clerk, and was told that it was the template that came from the online order, as all of those ordered online had been coming out of the printer exactly the same way!!!!!! She told me that they were like that on the website where we ordered the cards. Well, I asked for a refund........and then returned home.
Immediately upon getting inside.....I got online, checked out the example of the cards, and enlarging them, I saw that NO, she was wrong. That is not the way the example looks online. Ok.....I called Customer Service with Walgreen's, talked with someone in the photo service center, and she confirmed my vision, and said that NO....they were not supposed to be printed with lines that were not straight. OK......so I called the local Walgreens where I had just been about 30 minutes earlier, told them what I had learned, and then said the would check it out to see what the problem is....... My mind wonders......is is the photo paper that is not straight when they are being printed????? Well, I'll check this out tomorrow.........
The weather which I mentioned above.....well, it was in the upper 40's/lower 50's but drizzles, dismal greyness with low clouds and bits of fog here and there......and by late afternoon a cold front pushed through and the temps began to drop quickly!!! Snow flurries and possible sleet is expected tonight, but no accumulation is predicted.......which means that we could be covered in snow and ice by morning!
The 1st Lady's mother seems a bit better, however......her lung doctor is "pretty dissatisfied", and wants to run "more tests". At least, she seems a "bit perkier" this afternoon, so the 1st Lady told me on the phone. Still coughing enough to bring up both lungs from what she told me, but even with all of this, she is eating some...and seemed a bit stronger.
Tomorrow.......I'm off to Cape Girardeau to attend a concert by a musical ensemble in which Rachel, our granddaughter, in which she will be performing. Supposed to be about an hour at the Cape Mall......and then I will return here to do a bit of house cleaning during the afternoon.
Nothing new on the satellite tv saga........other than a friend wrote on our Cedar Creek RV Owners Club website forum that he had had a tv antenna "cable" next to a satellite cable and it affected the picture quality of the satellite cable. Soooooo, thankfully I had kept the phone number of the young man who was here yesterday, as well as last Sunday week, .......called him, asked him if the Charter cable had been disconnected and removed from the little box on the outside of the house....and he told me it hadn't been, but wasn't right next to their cables, so he told me to unhook and remove it from the box tomorrow to see if that will make a difference in the older tv's picture. Hmmmmm...........???
And so....another day in the Life of this sagging hulk of Me.......and even with this dreadful, dismal day's weather..........I still feel that......
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!
Immediately, i
Monday, December 08, 2008
Monday: UGH......UGH.....should I ditch Directv?
With the 1st Lady staying with her Mother as much as possible in the hospital in Hannibal, MO, I was up and barely going by 6:45 this morning. An appointment scheduled for anytime between 8am and 12noon didn't really give me any change to be lazy this morning, just because I didn't really know when the....hmmmm...."Tech Specialist"....was going to ring the doorbell.
OK....at 8am, after one cup of freshly ground French Roast coffee, the telephone rang....and it was the Directv service man who had been here a week ago Sunday, the one who could do nothing to improve my picture quality on either tv. He said he had been assigned to come back. Well, my blood pressure immediately soared to unknown heights, but I kept my tone and dialogue on the conversational level......somehow! I told him, and to be offensive I said, but it wouldn't do any good for him to return. He thoroughly agreed, but I asked for the phone number of his supervisor, the same person that I talked with a few days ago about needing the Tech Spec. Soooo, with his home phone number I called him. And....that conversation was not quite as civil for either of us as the 1st one was this morning. I requested that HIS supervisor call me......some rebuttal on that request....but he couldn't say no.
About an hour later, the 1st guy that had called....David.....called and said that there would be a head supervisor coming over from Illinois....about a three hour drive and that then he, David, would meet him here. Well....it was almost three hours later they arrived.
From that time on for the next three hours, they discussed with me the problems of the blurry picture quality in both tv's.......the trial solutions which have failed....and then they set to work to change out EVERYTHING: all cables, the LNB's on the dish, the connectors, readjust the position of the dish, change the braces stabilizing the dish which had not been put in correctly, and then testing everything, including the grounding. And....after three hours, nothing had changed AT ALL!!!!!!!!! The picture on the plasma non-HD channels was still blurry, as well as on the standard tv where all of the pictures are very blurry, so much so that on some channels, you cannot distinguish the features on faces of individuals that are not right at the front of the screen/picture.
And so, on all paperwork that I had to sign, I wrote out a statement that I am still not satisfied with the installation due to the quality of the picture on each set.
Then the Directv phone calls began to come in......3 or 4 asking if the work that had been completed met with my satisfaction.........hmmm, I imagine you know my answers on those types of questions. Then about an hour or two later, the Case Manager from S. Dakota called me. This guy is the ONLY one who has seem to take any interest in my problem.......honestly interested in taking care of me, the customer. Sooo, after some pleasant discussion, he suggested that they send out a different receiver....an older model that is not like the one that I have for the standard tv which can be upgraded with a software change. The one he says he will be sending out will be a model that is just slightly older than the one I have........to just try it out and see if it improves the picture. Soooo, another 3-4 days before we can decide if we are going to set this all out on the curb for them come get and then return to Charter, or if we think we can tolerate the horrible picture quality...........?????
To say the least.....I am exhausted. And......I'm still living with the same problem I have had for almost three weeks now.........what to do?....what to do?
Tomorrow, I have an appt. for the truck to get it ready for our winter travels.....only three weeks before we leave, three weeks from tomorrow. And.....our schedule for those three weeks is really, really packed with some appointment or activity almost each day!
The 1st Lady's mother?? Not any improvement....the doctor is NOT satisfied with her progress. Doesn't appear it is pneumonia, but she is sooooooo congested in her lung, which are so weak anyway, as well as the rest of her body. Soooo, the 1st Lady is also worn out from just being in the hospital with her all day..........
OK.....another day in the Life of this sagging hulk of Me......and it hasn't been the best one possible, but as I always say......there are soooooooooo many others who are much, much more miserable situations that I find myself in......I can't complain! Soooo, with that thought in mind........as always, ......
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!
OK....at 8am, after one cup of freshly ground French Roast coffee, the telephone rang....and it was the Directv service man who had been here a week ago Sunday, the one who could do nothing to improve my picture quality on either tv. He said he had been assigned to come back. Well, my blood pressure immediately soared to unknown heights, but I kept my tone and dialogue on the conversational level......somehow! I told him, and to be offensive I said, but it wouldn't do any good for him to return. He thoroughly agreed, but I asked for the phone number of his supervisor, the same person that I talked with a few days ago about needing the Tech Spec. Soooo, with his home phone number I called him. And....that conversation was not quite as civil for either of us as the 1st one was this morning. I requested that HIS supervisor call me......some rebuttal on that request....but he couldn't say no.
About an hour later, the 1st guy that had called....David.....called and said that there would be a head supervisor coming over from Illinois....about a three hour drive and that then he, David, would meet him here. Well....it was almost three hours later they arrived.
From that time on for the next three hours, they discussed with me the problems of the blurry picture quality in both tv's.......the trial solutions which have failed....and then they set to work to change out EVERYTHING: all cables, the LNB's on the dish, the connectors, readjust the position of the dish, change the braces stabilizing the dish which had not been put in correctly, and then testing everything, including the grounding. And....after three hours, nothing had changed AT ALL!!!!!!!!! The picture on the plasma non-HD channels was still blurry, as well as on the standard tv where all of the pictures are very blurry, so much so that on some channels, you cannot distinguish the features on faces of individuals that are not right at the front of the screen/picture.
And so, on all paperwork that I had to sign, I wrote out a statement that I am still not satisfied with the installation due to the quality of the picture on each set.
Then the Directv phone calls began to come in......3 or 4 asking if the work that had been completed met with my satisfaction.........hmmm, I imagine you know my answers on those types of questions. Then about an hour or two later, the Case Manager from S. Dakota called me. This guy is the ONLY one who has seem to take any interest in my problem.......honestly interested in taking care of me, the customer. Sooo, after some pleasant discussion, he suggested that they send out a different receiver....an older model that is not like the one that I have for the standard tv which can be upgraded with a software change. The one he says he will be sending out will be a model that is just slightly older than the one I have........to just try it out and see if it improves the picture. Soooo, another 3-4 days before we can decide if we are going to set this all out on the curb for them come get and then return to Charter, or if we think we can tolerate the horrible picture quality...........?????
To say the least.....I am exhausted. And......I'm still living with the same problem I have had for almost three weeks now.........what to do?....what to do?
Tomorrow, I have an appt. for the truck to get it ready for our winter travels.....only three weeks before we leave, three weeks from tomorrow. And.....our schedule for those three weeks is really, really packed with some appointment or activity almost each day!
The 1st Lady's mother?? Not any improvement....the doctor is NOT satisfied with her progress. Doesn't appear it is pneumonia, but she is sooooooo congested in her lung, which are so weak anyway, as well as the rest of her body. Soooo, the 1st Lady is also worn out from just being in the hospital with her all day..........
OK.....another day in the Life of this sagging hulk of Me......and it hasn't been the best one possible, but as I always say......there are soooooooooo many others who are much, much more miserable situations that I find myself in......I can't complain! Soooo, with that thought in mind........as always, ......
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Sunday: Another very cold day.....and a change of plans....
Yep......each day my aging bones seem to become a bit colder as the cold, dampness, and winds just seem to be able to go right through my dried skin.....and I just keep thinking of the warmer weather in the Rio Grande Valley being much more moderate than this stuff here in Misery!
We were preparing, and almost ready to leave, to run into STL to do some shopping and perhaps catch a movie....WHEN....the phone rang. It was the 1st Lady's brother, who lives in the same community where their mother lives......and it told us that he was taking their mother into Hannibal to the hospital...ER....as she was really feeling bad, and not getting any better with this cold that she has. She is a smoker, even in her mid-80's, and has been involved in this habit all of her life......and so, anytime that she catches a cold...where does it settle? Of course, in her lungs......so, the thought is that she may have pneumonia.
The 1st Lady and I immediately changed our plans, and she began to make preparations to go to Hannibal, waiting here until her brother would call again. This changes several plans for the week......however, I will remain here as I have two appts in the next two days: tomorrow is the day the TECH SPECIALIST is to be here.....hmmmmm, why do I not feel very good about the outcome of his visit to help our Directv blurriness?????? And, then on Tuesday, I have an appt to have the truck have a fluid exchange, definitely an oil change, but also any others that need to be changed out before we leave on our winter journey.
Soooo, after her brother called again about 2pm, said they were keeping here in the hospital, and would run more tests tomorrow, the 1st Lady put her things into the car, and was soon on the road north. She did call me this evening after leaving the hospital and driving to her Mother's home......and there wasn't anything new, except her Mother was really, really exhausted. And....we all know that condition will not improve as long as she is in the hospital.....THAT is not a place for getting any rest!!!!
Soooo, this evening....I watched the final Amazing Race segment....and the brother and sister who won the Million Dollars were my pick after the contestants had been narrowed down a few weeks ago.
I did make contact on my Facebook page with a former student who graduated in '84 from high school.....and I'm not sure I have seen him since we left Eldon in '88. He is in the US Army Band that is in the state of Washington....at Lacy. He has been performing....the tuba...since '89....and it appears from his page that he has been in Korea and Germany with Army bands. Another former student of mine that is making a career in music........last count I believe I have 38 former students who are making a career in music: teaching, performing, therapy, etc.
And, sooooo.....tomorrow will soon be arriving, today has disappeared with the winds and clouds remaining......and, even with this rather unpleasant news from north Misery, as always......
LIFE IS REALLY GREAT!!!!!.....And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!
We were preparing, and almost ready to leave, to run into STL to do some shopping and perhaps catch a movie....WHEN....the phone rang. It was the 1st Lady's brother, who lives in the same community where their mother lives......and it told us that he was taking their mother into Hannibal to the hospital...ER....as she was really feeling bad, and not getting any better with this cold that she has. She is a smoker, even in her mid-80's, and has been involved in this habit all of her life......and so, anytime that she catches a cold...where does it settle? Of course, in her lungs......so, the thought is that she may have pneumonia.
The 1st Lady and I immediately changed our plans, and she began to make preparations to go to Hannibal, waiting here until her brother would call again. This changes several plans for the week......however, I will remain here as I have two appts in the next two days: tomorrow is the day the TECH SPECIALIST is to be here.....hmmmmm, why do I not feel very good about the outcome of his visit to help our Directv blurriness?????? And, then on Tuesday, I have an appt to have the truck have a fluid exchange, definitely an oil change, but also any others that need to be changed out before we leave on our winter journey.
Soooo, after her brother called again about 2pm, said they were keeping here in the hospital, and would run more tests tomorrow, the 1st Lady put her things into the car, and was soon on the road north. She did call me this evening after leaving the hospital and driving to her Mother's home......and there wasn't anything new, except her Mother was really, really exhausted. And....we all know that condition will not improve as long as she is in the hospital.....THAT is not a place for getting any rest!!!!
Soooo, this evening....I watched the final Amazing Race segment....and the brother and sister who won the Million Dollars were my pick after the contestants had been narrowed down a few weeks ago.
I did make contact on my Facebook page with a former student who graduated in '84 from high school.....and I'm not sure I have seen him since we left Eldon in '88. He is in the US Army Band that is in the state of Washington....at Lacy. He has been performing....the tuba...since '89....and it appears from his page that he has been in Korea and Germany with Army bands. Another former student of mine that is making a career in music........last count I believe I have 38 former students who are making a career in music: teaching, performing, therapy, etc.
And, sooooo.....tomorrow will soon be arriving, today has disappeared with the winds and clouds remaining......and, even with this rather unpleasant news from north Misery, as always......
LIFE IS REALLY GREAT!!!!!.....And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Saturday: COLD, WINDY, GREY...ugh!!
In less than four weeks, we will be in the Rio Grande Valley.....and OMG, but I am sure ready to be there!! Not that it is swimming weather there, but the temps are soooo much more moderate and comfortable than it is here in Misery right now.
Yesterday......well, we had a great visit with Mike, along with dinner which we prepared, and came back here to the stick and brick around 9:30pm, having left before noon yesterday. Soooo, after broiling some Black Angus Ribeyes with fresh mushrooms, all of which had been marinated in a mixture of A-1 and Worchestershire sauce, along with fresh(?) fruit salad and a mixed green salad, some cinnimon muffins, freshly baked brownies, bread sticks from Fazoli's(the only really great thing about that place), we ate well during the afternoon with him!!!
By the time we returned last night, my mind was not at it's creative best....(is it ever, anymore?)....and so I watched a bit of the tellie attempting to stay on the HD channels so my eyes would not have to be overworked attempting to see through the blurriness of the non-HD channels.....coming from the issue-laden Directv system we are still battlling right now. Monday, more wonderful, highly trained and experienced Directv "Tech Specialists" are to arrive to "fix" our problem......and, you surely know that I am being very, very sarcastic!!!!!!!!! It has been over two weeks now......and nothing has been done....will it ever????
Today....well, another COLD, WINDY, GREY day here in southeast Misery....and only once did I even venture outside. OK....I know that for all of you northerners, this bad-mouthing the weather here by this sagging hulk of Me, is just a joke since you have such horrid winter weather up there. But....for the past two years, our temps have not been this low in Nov/December and so I have not had to "feel" this cold like we are experiencing this year.
I cleaned up the floors in the house, since we have finished with the decorating and there were fake pine needles everywhere, falling from our fake Christmas tree in the living room. And then......I spent a great deal of time working with organizing my pictures that I have taken this year.....and OMG, what a task!!! And, it is not finished yet........woe be unto Me for even beginning this task!!!!
Tomorrow.....(perhaps)....we are going to the city to shop and perhaps, just perhaps....catch a movie. WOW, it has been since last January down in the RGV since we have gone to see a movie in a theater that is decent!! Time to get some good popcorn so I can add a few more buttery pounds onto my sagging hulk before the Holidays and all of that incredibly GREAT and DELICIOUS and ENJOYABLE food in the Rio Grande Valley, as well as across the border into that fun country to our south!!! I am 6-7 pounds heavier RIGHT NOW before the Holidays than I was when we went down to the Valley last year........pretty soon my truck will be over the weight limits on the highways!!!!!
I might take a minute to make certain that any rver's who will be in the RGV in January take advantage of a great afternoon on the 26th of the month: the annual "gathering" of the RV.Net readers there in the RGV. WOW....it is always a blast....and this year, we have changed venues and it will be held on that Monday afternoon/evening at the Horseman's Saloon.....and that should be a sure place to "gather"!!!! Check out the thread on the RV.Net website, the Forum section, the Snowbirds category, and look for the thread that discusses the RV.Net "Gathering" there in the Rio Grande Valley.
And sooooo, another day of my ever-shortening Life has disappeared swiftly! My sagging Hulk has felt the tug of gravity just a bit more from the lack of outside exercise, and my mind continues to be not here in Misery, but in the RGV which I just know is waiting for TheHowserHouse to arrive at Llano Grande RV Resort!!!! With many friends returning there, with old friends who will be staying there for the first time, with new friends to be made, and lots to discuss and laugh about at the often held Happy Hours........the 1st Lady and I can barely wait until the day comes for us to drive the 1100+ miles down there for the winter.
And soooooo, even with the cold and greyness of the days.........there is no doubt but that.....
LIFE IS INCREDIBLY GREAT!!!!!.....And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!
Yesterday......well, we had a great visit with Mike, along with dinner which we prepared, and came back here to the stick and brick around 9:30pm, having left before noon yesterday. Soooo, after broiling some Black Angus Ribeyes with fresh mushrooms, all of which had been marinated in a mixture of A-1 and Worchestershire sauce, along with fresh(?) fruit salad and a mixed green salad, some cinnimon muffins, freshly baked brownies, bread sticks from Fazoli's(the only really great thing about that place), we ate well during the afternoon with him!!!
By the time we returned last night, my mind was not at it's creative best....(is it ever, anymore?)....and so I watched a bit of the tellie attempting to stay on the HD channels so my eyes would not have to be overworked attempting to see through the blurriness of the non-HD channels.....coming from the issue-laden Directv system we are still battlling right now. Monday, more wonderful, highly trained and experienced Directv "Tech Specialists" are to arrive to "fix" our problem......and, you surely know that I am being very, very sarcastic!!!!!!!!! It has been over two weeks now......and nothing has been done....will it ever????
Today....well, another COLD, WINDY, GREY day here in southeast Misery....and only once did I even venture outside. OK....I know that for all of you northerners, this bad-mouthing the weather here by this sagging hulk of Me, is just a joke since you have such horrid winter weather up there. But....for the past two years, our temps have not been this low in Nov/December and so I have not had to "feel" this cold like we are experiencing this year.
I cleaned up the floors in the house, since we have finished with the decorating and there were fake pine needles everywhere, falling from our fake Christmas tree in the living room. And then......I spent a great deal of time working with organizing my pictures that I have taken this year.....and OMG, what a task!!! And, it is not finished yet........woe be unto Me for even beginning this task!!!!
Tomorrow.....(perhaps)....we are going to the city to shop and perhaps, just perhaps....catch a movie. WOW, it has been since last January down in the RGV since we have gone to see a movie in a theater that is decent!! Time to get some good popcorn so I can add a few more buttery pounds onto my sagging hulk before the Holidays and all of that incredibly GREAT and DELICIOUS and ENJOYABLE food in the Rio Grande Valley, as well as across the border into that fun country to our south!!! I am 6-7 pounds heavier RIGHT NOW before the Holidays than I was when we went down to the Valley last year........pretty soon my truck will be over the weight limits on the highways!!!!!
I might take a minute to make certain that any rver's who will be in the RGV in January take advantage of a great afternoon on the 26th of the month: the annual "gathering" of the RV.Net readers there in the RGV. WOW....it is always a blast....and this year, we have changed venues and it will be held on that Monday afternoon/evening at the Horseman's Saloon.....and that should be a sure place to "gather"!!!! Check out the thread on the RV.Net website, the Forum section, the Snowbirds category, and look for the thread that discusses the RV.Net "Gathering" there in the Rio Grande Valley.
And sooooo, another day of my ever-shortening Life has disappeared swiftly! My sagging Hulk has felt the tug of gravity just a bit more from the lack of outside exercise, and my mind continues to be not here in Misery, but in the RGV which I just know is waiting for TheHowserHouse to arrive at Llano Grande RV Resort!!!! With many friends returning there, with old friends who will be staying there for the first time, with new friends to be made, and lots to discuss and laugh about at the often held Happy Hours........the 1st Lady and I can barely wait until the day comes for us to drive the 1100+ miles down there for the winter.
And soooooo, even with the cold and greyness of the days.........there is no doubt but that.....
LIFE IS INCREDIBLY GREAT!!!!!.....And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Thursday: More COLD weather.....but, very busy at home!
Up a bit earlier this morning......and made a pot of coffee with my Starbucks French Roast beans which I ground only seconds prior to starting the brewing process. As I was hosting Michael Goldsmith for coffee this morning.....I certainly wanted it to be fresh, dark, and rich!!
Michael and spent over two hours in conversations and several cups of coffee, as well as Michael having me listen to his progress on a Debussy piano prelude. Granted, he has some hard work to do in a short period of time, I know him well enough to realize that he works best under time limitations and pressure!! HAHA....after all, I did have him as a student in high school a couple of decades ago....and he hasn't really changed during these years since that time, at least not in his procrastinating processes!!!
Then, after he left, I had a quick bowl of soup and the 1st Lady and I then began to move into the stick/brick the many boxes of Christmas decorations, plus the artificial tree. And......there is no need to even say it, but we spent the rest of the day unpacking, putting on the limbs of the tree, and then all of the many decorations, as well as she began the process of trying to remember where all of the other decorations belong in our home.
She left with friends for her evening's sorority meeting......and then I began a process of determining my train schedule from Philadelphia down to Washington, D.C.....and the return trip back to Philly. After making some judgement calls on my flight arrival from Harlingen to Philly, with a plane change in Houston......and then taking a little commuter train from the Philadelphia International into downtown Philly to the train station where I will take the Northeastern Amtrak down to D.C. Finally, I think I decided which trains to take, giving me plenty of time on each end to make the connections(I also have to take the Metro in D.C. over to Virginia)....I ordered my tickets online and received the paperwork to pick up my tickets in Philly, once my plane arrives there and I make the 7 mile trip by commuter train into the center of Philly.
Ok......my evening of arrival will be short, if a night at all. I cannot take a carryon bag to where I will be standing for the Inauguration with the ticket I will have, and no luggage can be stored at Union Station in D.C. to my knowledge, then I will have to go out to Annandale, VA, leave my bag with the friends with whom I will be staying, and then......I believe I will take another Metro back into D.C. before it shuts down....and then just get in line so that I can get as close as possible, staying in line all night. Yep.....it will be cold.....yep, it will be many hours in line.....yep, it will be crowded,.......yep, most people would not do this(just a couple of million), but......YEP, this will be the only time that I will ever have this opportunity.....RIGHT????????
I will be in the DC area the day after the Inauguration......and then will fly back to Harlingen, TX the following day, putting into reverse all of the Metro/Amtrak,commuter train to Philly International, and then one plane change before returning back to TheHowserHouse on wheels.
And sooo, my day has been very, very busy and intense. But, nevertheless, it is, just as always......
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!.....And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!
Michael and spent over two hours in conversations and several cups of coffee, as well as Michael having me listen to his progress on a Debussy piano prelude. Granted, he has some hard work to do in a short period of time, I know him well enough to realize that he works best under time limitations and pressure!! HAHA....after all, I did have him as a student in high school a couple of decades ago....and he hasn't really changed during these years since that time, at least not in his procrastinating processes!!!
Then, after he left, I had a quick bowl of soup and the 1st Lady and I then began to move into the stick/brick the many boxes of Christmas decorations, plus the artificial tree. And......there is no need to even say it, but we spent the rest of the day unpacking, putting on the limbs of the tree, and then all of the many decorations, as well as she began the process of trying to remember where all of the other decorations belong in our home.
She left with friends for her evening's sorority meeting......and then I began a process of determining my train schedule from Philadelphia down to Washington, D.C.....and the return trip back to Philly. After making some judgement calls on my flight arrival from Harlingen to Philly, with a plane change in Houston......and then taking a little commuter train from the Philadelphia International into downtown Philly to the train station where I will take the Northeastern Amtrak down to D.C. Finally, I think I decided which trains to take, giving me plenty of time on each end to make the connections(I also have to take the Metro in D.C. over to Virginia)....I ordered my tickets online and received the paperwork to pick up my tickets in Philly, once my plane arrives there and I make the 7 mile trip by commuter train into the center of Philly.
Ok......my evening of arrival will be short, if a night at all. I cannot take a carryon bag to where I will be standing for the Inauguration with the ticket I will have, and no luggage can be stored at Union Station in D.C. to my knowledge, then I will have to go out to Annandale, VA, leave my bag with the friends with whom I will be staying, and then......I believe I will take another Metro back into D.C. before it shuts down....and then just get in line so that I can get as close as possible, staying in line all night. Yep.....it will be cold.....yep, it will be many hours in line.....yep, it will be crowded,.......yep, most people would not do this(just a couple of million), but......YEP, this will be the only time that I will ever have this opportunity.....RIGHT????????
I will be in the DC area the day after the Inauguration......and then will fly back to Harlingen, TX the following day, putting into reverse all of the Metro/Amtrak,commuter train to Philly International, and then one plane change before returning back to TheHowserHouse on wheels.
And sooo, my day has been very, very busy and intense. But, nevertheless, it is, just as always......
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!.....And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
WHEW.....two days have slipped away!!!
Hmmm......I had better check my plans for my checking out of here time; I seem to be moving so quickly through these days the time will soon come for me to leave this place, won't it? I can't even remember just what we did do yesterday.....??? Nothing of any importance, other than........?????
Today....well, it too just faded away into the gray blustery day that we had. I did run up to Park Hills and Farmington to pick up a couple of anode rods for my hot water heater in TheHowserHouse on wheels..........it is time to begin to pull things together for our departure in around four weeks from now. I had thrown the old anode rod away......pretty well chewed up and I just decided to purchase two of them so that I would always have one when needed for the upcoming year.
Stopped in the Super Walmart in Farmington and picked up some rib eye steaks to fix this week, some fresh mushrooms, and some fresh bread. Other than that........nothing else was purchased.
This afternoon, I just rather veggied out around the stick and brick. Did some things online, about to purchase train tickets from Philly to D.C. and return, checked on flts for the 1st Lady to fly from Harlingen, TX back to STL sometime in February.....wish she would make up her mind as to the dates so I could lock in these tickets for her!
Sat in front of the lappie and read several very interesting travel blogs from young and old people who are traveling around the world.....cheaply. A very interesting website if you have not seen it; www.travelblog.org I used it in planning our trip to Egypt and Jordan.....TONS of information on traveling all over the world, including the USA and Canada. It takes some time to get into this site.......I just seem to bog down with reading all of the interesting things these people are seeing and doing.....and then I begin to salivate to go and see and do the same damn things!!!!!! There just is not enough time for me to do all of the things that I want to do with the short time frame that I have left before this sagging hulk begins to wear out and break down and keep me from hiking, climbing, going up steps, etc., etc., etc. Sure as hell have to get going...........SOON!!!!
And sooooo, two more days are behind me.....and tomorrow will go just as quickly. We had planned to go to STL today.....but the 1st Lady was not feeling very good, so that is why I just hung out around here and read all of the great things about seeing the world. But.....being able to read, to dream, and to do soooo many things certainly reassures this sagging hulk of me that......
LIFE IS INCREDIBLY GREAT!!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!
Today....well, it too just faded away into the gray blustery day that we had. I did run up to Park Hills and Farmington to pick up a couple of anode rods for my hot water heater in TheHowserHouse on wheels..........it is time to begin to pull things together for our departure in around four weeks from now. I had thrown the old anode rod away......pretty well chewed up and I just decided to purchase two of them so that I would always have one when needed for the upcoming year.
Stopped in the Super Walmart in Farmington and picked up some rib eye steaks to fix this week, some fresh mushrooms, and some fresh bread. Other than that........nothing else was purchased.
This afternoon, I just rather veggied out around the stick and brick. Did some things online, about to purchase train tickets from Philly to D.C. and return, checked on flts for the 1st Lady to fly from Harlingen, TX back to STL sometime in February.....wish she would make up her mind as to the dates so I could lock in these tickets for her!
Sat in front of the lappie and read several very interesting travel blogs from young and old people who are traveling around the world.....cheaply. A very interesting website if you have not seen it; www.travelblog.org I used it in planning our trip to Egypt and Jordan.....TONS of information on traveling all over the world, including the USA and Canada. It takes some time to get into this site.......I just seem to bog down with reading all of the interesting things these people are seeing and doing.....and then I begin to salivate to go and see and do the same damn things!!!!!! There just is not enough time for me to do all of the things that I want to do with the short time frame that I have left before this sagging hulk begins to wear out and break down and keep me from hiking, climbing, going up steps, etc., etc., etc. Sure as hell have to get going...........SOON!!!!
And sooooo, two more days are behind me.....and tomorrow will go just as quickly. We had planned to go to STL today.....but the 1st Lady was not feeling very good, so that is why I just hung out around here and read all of the great things about seeing the world. But.....being able to read, to dream, and to do soooo many things certainly reassures this sagging hulk of me that......
LIFE IS INCREDIBLY GREAT!!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!
Monday, December 01, 2008
Monday...a new month that is coming in COLD!!!
HELP!!!!! Get me out of here........this cold wind with the colder temps have ushered in the new month of December.....and OMG, I now know that it is time we should leave for the RGV!!!!! However, the Holidays are coming soon and the 1st Lady will not leave until they are over and our tree has been taken down. I continue to suggest....and these suggestions are becoming stronger each day....that next year we should go down in November and then come back up here for the two weeks of Holidays. And......I seem to be meeting with stronger resistance with each suggestion.....UGH!!! Guess I will just have to dig out my winter coat tonight......
And....I've been thinking about that coat........as it appears that I will have to take it with me to Texas when we leave here in four weeks. I WILL need it in Washington D.C. for the Inauguration on January 20th.......as well as gloves, scarves, sweaters, etc., etc. UGH and more UGH!!! How well I remember a LONG time ago when the high school band that I was the director of....in Eldon, MO.....was invited to be one of the six bands in the state of Missouri to march in the Missouri Governor's Inaugual Parade in January. When we were lining up on one of the side streets in the early morning......the wind chill was 10 below zero!!!! By the time we had marched less than one block most of the brass instruments were completely frozen, even though we had put some alcohol (non-drinking types) in the horns to keep them from freeezing......a horrific day in the cold weather to be marching in a damn parade!!!!!!!!
Today.....well, I was just a lazy bum for the most part!!!! CLOUDY and gray, windy and cold, snow showers and damp.......not a day to be out and about for pleasure. I did make a quick half hour trip to get the Park Avenue state inspected for the new license which will come due while we are gone. Then I made a quick run through town, taking a couple of payments for our health insurance to the proper office, and one stop at the bank.....and then home again. How cold was it? By northern standards, it was a warm day.......mid-30's....and by Misery standards for Jan/Feb, it was a warm day.......but, it seems to be colder than usual for this time of year. Or.....perhaps I am just getting older and the cold affects my sagging hulk more????
I spent a bit of time cleaning the house with the 1st Lady......carpets, hardwood floors, putting away boxes of toys, and beginning to move things around for the annual decorating binge from the thousands of boxes in the garage that must be brought inside to unpack. Do I enjoy this???? Hell no!!!! If only I could afford to just have someone come in and decorate it for me/us.......there is someone who does that here in town, but as I said....."if only I could afford to"!!
Our week is quickly becoming scheduled .....much more so than I want, but can't help it. Tomorrow.....oh yeah.....it is the visit by the DirecTV Tech Specialist, or so I have been told. Wednesday we are going to run up to the city to do some Christmas shopping, Thursday morning I have an appt for coffee and the 1st Lady has Sorority that evening, Friday we are going to have dinner with Mike....and perhaps Saturday we can relax????
Over the weekend I talked with our Canadian friends.....Charlie and Katherine in Cornwall, Ontario....and Doug and Diane in Edmunton, Alberta. I now have Skype on the computer and for $2.95 a month I can call over the USA and Canada right through the computer, as well as use the built-in camera for visuals. It was great to visit again.......!!!!! Charlie/Katherine will be in Texas in the RGV with us......and this year Doug and Diane will be in Palm Springs, CA and then in Yuma, AZ for the winter. Hoping they will fly over to the RGV for a week or more so we can all be together again. We will certainly have to coordinate things as I will be in D.C. for the Inaugural and then in Feb, the 1st Lady is flying back to Misery for a week or so to visit with her mother and also see the grandkids.
To those who have asked and inquired and commented: YES WE DO love our new refrigerator!!!!! It is a Samsung.....almost 29 cubic feet of food storage.....and we really really really do like the three door concept(the freezer in the bottom large drawer). And over this past weekend, we sure made good use of having two fridges in the stick/brick with all of the food we had for the tidal wave of house guests.
This evening Melissa Goldsmith had written online that she had seen the moon with two close stars.....Jupiter and Venus....and so we dashed outside...in WINTER coats....and got a great look at this unusual sight. Seems they only are this close about every 50 years, sooooooo, guess this will be my only time to see them......time is running out for this sagging hulk and I don't think I will make it for another 50 years! It was a GREAT sight!
And soooo, my day has gone.....another quickie of a day....just like this Life has been! I did take a few "steps" to prolong it this morning.....as after my French Roast coffee I began my routine of lifting weights, something I have not done since I had that blasted tendonitis last winter/spring/early summer. Hopefully, it become aggravated again.....and it does feel ok tonight........
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!
And....I've been thinking about that coat........as it appears that I will have to take it with me to Texas when we leave here in four weeks. I WILL need it in Washington D.C. for the Inauguration on January 20th.......as well as gloves, scarves, sweaters, etc., etc. UGH and more UGH!!! How well I remember a LONG time ago when the high school band that I was the director of....in Eldon, MO.....was invited to be one of the six bands in the state of Missouri to march in the Missouri Governor's Inaugual Parade in January. When we were lining up on one of the side streets in the early morning......the wind chill was 10 below zero!!!! By the time we had marched less than one block most of the brass instruments were completely frozen, even though we had put some alcohol (non-drinking types) in the horns to keep them from freeezing......a horrific day in the cold weather to be marching in a damn parade!!!!!!!!
Today.....well, I was just a lazy bum for the most part!!!! CLOUDY and gray, windy and cold, snow showers and damp.......not a day to be out and about for pleasure. I did make a quick half hour trip to get the Park Avenue state inspected for the new license which will come due while we are gone. Then I made a quick run through town, taking a couple of payments for our health insurance to the proper office, and one stop at the bank.....and then home again. How cold was it? By northern standards, it was a warm day.......mid-30's....and by Misery standards for Jan/Feb, it was a warm day.......but, it seems to be colder than usual for this time of year. Or.....perhaps I am just getting older and the cold affects my sagging hulk more????
I spent a bit of time cleaning the house with the 1st Lady......carpets, hardwood floors, putting away boxes of toys, and beginning to move things around for the annual decorating binge from the thousands of boxes in the garage that must be brought inside to unpack. Do I enjoy this???? Hell no!!!! If only I could afford to just have someone come in and decorate it for me/us.......there is someone who does that here in town, but as I said....."if only I could afford to"!!
Our week is quickly becoming scheduled .....much more so than I want, but can't help it. Tomorrow.....oh yeah.....it is the visit by the DirecTV Tech Specialist, or so I have been told. Wednesday we are going to run up to the city to do some Christmas shopping, Thursday morning I have an appt for coffee and the 1st Lady has Sorority that evening, Friday we are going to have dinner with Mike....and perhaps Saturday we can relax????
Over the weekend I talked with our Canadian friends.....Charlie and Katherine in Cornwall, Ontario....and Doug and Diane in Edmunton, Alberta. I now have Skype on the computer and for $2.95 a month I can call over the USA and Canada right through the computer, as well as use the built-in camera for visuals. It was great to visit again.......!!!!! Charlie/Katherine will be in Texas in the RGV with us......and this year Doug and Diane will be in Palm Springs, CA and then in Yuma, AZ for the winter. Hoping they will fly over to the RGV for a week or more so we can all be together again. We will certainly have to coordinate things as I will be in D.C. for the Inaugural and then in Feb, the 1st Lady is flying back to Misery for a week or so to visit with her mother and also see the grandkids.
To those who have asked and inquired and commented: YES WE DO love our new refrigerator!!!!! It is a Samsung.....almost 29 cubic feet of food storage.....and we really really really do like the three door concept(the freezer in the bottom large drawer). And over this past weekend, we sure made good use of having two fridges in the stick/brick with all of the food we had for the tidal wave of house guests.
This evening Melissa Goldsmith had written online that she had seen the moon with two close stars.....Jupiter and Venus....and so we dashed outside...in WINTER coats....and got a great look at this unusual sight. Seems they only are this close about every 50 years, sooooooo, guess this will be my only time to see them......time is running out for this sagging hulk and I don't think I will make it for another 50 years! It was a GREAT sight!
And soooo, my day has gone.....another quickie of a day....just like this Life has been! I did take a few "steps" to prolong it this morning.....as after my French Roast coffee I began my routine of lifting weights, something I have not done since I had that blasted tendonitis last winter/spring/early summer. Hopefully, it become aggravated again.....and it does feel ok tonight........
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!
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