Journal

Older  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020 2021  2022 2023

Later: While cleaning my camera, I noticed a big dent in the prism cover.  That led me to a huge crack in the cover from the dent to the camera body.  It is obvious that my camera has been dropped.  It probably still works, but I'm still pissed off.  I should have never loaned it to her.  Ah well, as long as it works.

I'll test it out tomorrow.

Friday, 3 May 2024: DC, Day One

Kady and I took Highway 29 to I-66 and then into the city.  It was an easy drive, but we spent $25 on Tolls.  That's about a penny for each car we passed over in the cheap lanes.  Still, we're going home a different, cheaper way.

We ate dinner at Ted's Montana Grill.  I had Bison Brisket which looked and tasted like roast beef.  It was nothing special.  My mashed potatoes were ok, as were my carrots.  The gravy was bland.  I wouldn't go back.

Back at the apartment, we celebrated Barb's birthday and ate Georgetown cupcakes, supposedly The Best.  Mine was lemon and good.  I think Kady makes better.

We played cards and a board game called Just One.  It was a hoot, simple, and pretty hilarious at times.  By 2200, I was ready for bed.

Thursday, 2 May 2024: Dental

Kady and I went for a dental appointment in BV today.  We took the fast way there and back.  I-81 wasn't bad at all.

On our way home we stopped at Jimmy-John's for lunch and ate it at the house.  My Wrap was yummy, but I need them to bring back the Thai Wrap.

I finished the first season of The Sinner.  It was so good, but I couldn't help think that it would have been a great Jesse Stone movie.

We're going to Arlington tomorrow for SGM's weekend birthday celebration.

Wednesday, 1 May 2024: Coffee and a Walk

KS and I had coffee this morning.  We both got the Cuban.  It's my favorite.

Kim and I had a good walk after Breakfast.  I walked to the lake, linked up with her, and then branched out on my own, listening to Southern Fried True Crime.  I need to get out there earlier.  The days are getting hot!

Tuesday, 23 April 2024: Shogun

Shogun ended today and I am so sad.  It was perfect!  I continue to watch C. B. Striker on Max.  It's a great show.

Kady and I walked today, twice around Hollymead Lake.  I think Kady would have a better time if I would shut the hell up.  When we got home, I sat outside while it was warm enough.  She made pizza and a salad.  Then the sun went behind the clouds, I came back in. 

Saturday, 20 April 2024: Kbabs and Kids

Kady cut up onion, peppers, and mushrooms, made a fruit salad and Orzo, and marinated some big chunks of chicken so that I could make kebabs on my grill.  We invited Jay, KS, and ES for lunch.  They brought pastries from Marie Batte.

My Kebabs and grilled veggies were amazing.  They are what I grill best, especially when Kady marinates the chicken.  Everything else was fantastic.  It was a good meal.

I should have photographed it.

Friday, 19 April 2024: Rainy Day Coffee

KS and I met for coffee this morning.  Yay!

My main topic was Will, her workmate and budding photographer, whom I have been trying to teach.  The boy won't listen.  He sent me the photos he took at a brewery concert.  They were all under-exposed and over-corrected.  The boy won't listen.  He sets the camera on Program and pushes the shutter release.

He seems to have the same listening problem at work.

Happily, we got back to our normal give-and-take.  I adore my daughter-in-law.  She's the best.

I wish CE and I could do this together.

Kady and I were going to cook out today, but the weather is nasty.

This morning, I discovered that Patti died in March.  She and I were high school classmates at Woodlawn.  Her obituary says she suffered from ALS and Alzheimer’s at the end of her life.  I didn't know about that.

Thursday, 18 April 2024: Ridin the Rails

Today, Kady and I took a scenic rail trip out of Staunton.  It was a good time and took me back to when my family road Southern Railway trains and Kim, the Kids, and I road British Railways to London when I was assigned to the Paras.  We had a great time and the food was good.  My girl is amazing, finding these little things to do.

Monday, 15 April 2024: Iron Dome

The IDF's Iron Dome works.  Out of all the drones and missiles fired by Iran, I think only two landed and only caused minimal damage.  Hell, everyone was shooting their shit out of the sky.  Pilots from the US, Brits, and even the French got into the act.  I bet it was fun.

Now we wait to see how the Israelis respond.

CBS televised a Billy Joel concert in Madison Square Garden last night.  It started late because of the Masters.  They cut to the News in the middle of Piano Man.  People were pissed.  I watched it today, which was a better option.

I watched Argille tonight on Apple TV.  It was crazy funny and probably the dumbest movie since The Jerk.  It was very clever.

Saturday, 13 April 2024: The Middle East

Tonight, Iran launched a drone amd missle strike on Israel.  We're waiting and watching to see what that means.

Friday, 12 April 2024: Coffee Fail

KS and I tried going to a different place for coffee but discovered it didn't open until 0830.  What kind of coffee shop doesn't open until 0830?  We went back to First Free.

Thursday, 11 April 2024: Lexington

I had an optometrist appointment in Lex.   It went fine.

I left the house at 1100, taking the long route.  It was a nice drive, even though the weather was shit.  I arrived in time to take a drive around Post.  It looked good.  The new aquatic center looked finished.  Its facade has destroyed the view of VMI looking down Main Street.

After my appointment, I met Colonel John at Muchacho Alegra for chow.  I had their Fish Tacos which are the best in the world.  After catching up, the conversation was mostly about VMI.  I played nice.  I'm so over that place and talking to John solidified that position.

I took the fast way home.  Afton Mountain was socked in.

Sunday, 7 April 2024: On My Ass

Today, it went to 66 and there wasn't a cloud in the sky.  I took a good long walk to the lake, around the backside, then through the woods to the church.  I took a few photos, but nothing noteworthy presented itself.

I played my guitar for the first time in a while.

I finished Season 1 of Three Body Problem yesterday. It was wild, but good.  I hope the do a second season so we get the whole story.  Is there a book?

I watched Starman again.

I'm in a rut.

3 April 2024: Weather 

The weather has been shit for the last two days - rainy and cold.  I forced myself to go out for a walk this afternoon between showers.  I went less that two miles.  I'm not motivated.

Tomorrow, maybe.

Monday, 1 April 2024: April Already?

 We did so many things in March that it seemed to creep by.  Still, It doesn't seem like it should be April already.  It must be the cold weather.

SS left for home today.  Now it is time for good eating and exercise.

Friday, 29 March 2024: Home from Corolla

We were unlucky in Colorolla.  The weather was cold and windy, but we made the best of it.  What was meant to be a wild horse trip, turned into a pelican photo opportunity.  That's about all the wildlife I saw.  I walked miles on the northern beach and didn't see one horse.

We walked the boardwalk in the Currituck Banks Maritime Forest, the only walk we did together.  Kady spotted two Great White Egrets.

The rest of the trip was spent indoors playing cards, playing on our phones, or going out to eat.  We found some pretty good food.

It rained most of the way home.

Sunday, 24 March 2024: Miller Visit

AJ, CE, SGM, and Scout came in this weekend.  Scout and I were bunkies and he was my responsibility.  Kady made Brunch for the whole family Saturday morning and we all went to Sultan Kabab Saturday afternoon.  We all had a blast talking to SGM.  Her conversation skills have grown by leaps and bounds.

We played a new game called "Abducktion," which I didn't like very much.  It's so slow.

I took Scout for a long walk today before they left.  Now it is time. to pack for our Corolla Trip

Wednesday, 20 March 2024: Time

Mom, Sylvia, and Bill died over 9 years ago.  I retired 6 years ago.  It has been 6 years since Andy and Elise were married and I was last in Key West.  Deb Smith died 5 years ago.  Emily just turned 9 and SGM will be 3 this May.  Jake will be 17 this June.  I sold Bess 2 years ago.

It has been 23 years since I left Turkey.  Sevda and Berna are in their 50s.  Gulumser is the same age that I was when we met.

This is crazy.

Tuesday, 19 March 2024: Simona

Simona Halep played Badosa today.  She lost but played well.  It was good to see her back on the court.  

I'm looking forward to seeing her again in the Charleston Open.

Sunday, 17 March 2024: SEC Champs

Auburn beat Flourdy, today, by 19 points, to clench the SEC Men's NCAA Basketball Championship.  War Eagle!

Friday, 15 March 2024: Car Return

We have the car back and it looks perfect.  Now I can act like it never happened.  Caliber Collision is amazing.  The had it done on a little over 24 hours.  Kady and I picked it up, dropped the rental off with them, and they called Enterprise for us.  It couldn't have been easier.

KS canceled our coffee date that morning; ES was a bit under the weather.  She;s better now and they thinh it may be pollen allergies.

Kady has stressed her knee.  We're treating it with my red light belt and bracing it, while gving it a rest.  Meanwhile, I've been extending my distance on my walks.  The clue, for me, is having something to listen to.  That means a podcast, usually Ologies with Ali Ward.  Love Her.

Yesterday and today flew by.  I finished Masters of the Air today and watched AU beat the hell out of South Carolina.  That felt good - War damn Eagle.  If you aren't touched by Masters, you aren't American.

Yesterday, I watched Frozen and Frozen 2 so I'll know what's going on when SGM is here next weekend.

Monday, 11 December 2024: Car in the Shop

Kady and I got up early to take the Venza in to the Caliber Collision.  After dropping it off, we went to Enterprise to pick up the rental, a Camry.  Next was a stop at Bojangles for biscuits, then Harris-Teeter for groceries (we're shopping again), and then to Walmart for things we couldn't find at H-T.

Those things done, I took a nap.

My afternoon was spent on a walk around the neighborhood.  It was beautiful outside.

Yesterday, I cleared all the posts from my facebook and instagram account.  Time to take a break, again.

Thursday, 7 March 2024: Grammar School Play

Tonight, we went to see ES's school play, actually a musical.  I think it was about a girl wanting to become a pirate.  It was hard to tell.  The sons were fun, but the dialog was hard to understand as little kids meekly stepped to the microphone.  ES rocked the house with her small part; there was no doubt what she was trying to say.

The kids were super well rehearsed.  Props to the Teachers.

It was short, only about thirty minutes, but it flowed well.  The little protagonist became a Pirate and we all went home happy.

Tuesday, 45 March 2024: Dermatology Win

I had an appointment with Doctor Burkholder , my new Dermatologist, this morning.  I like him.  He's a lot younger than Dr. Dent and all business.  I didn't find any problems and froze the small spots I had on my left ear, forehead, and left temple.

I was home in no time.  Kim and I went walking together about 1100.

I watched Barbi today anat Kim's assistance.  She called it clever.  I'd say goofy, but I liked what it had to say about women and men.  Sad are the men who do not see women as their equals.  In my case, the woman I live with is my better.  She was born to be adored by all who know her.

Thankfully, Shogun episode 3 came on today to balance all of the Barbi nansense wit a great story.

Wednesday, 28 February 2024: Catching Up

Jay and KS met me at First Free Coffee Bar this morning to catch up.  I had a cappuccino, made by a kid who didn't care.  Instead of slowly pouring the froth in the esprezzo slowly, he just plopped it in.  It was still good, but I want the artistry, too.  The place is catching on and quite crowded this morning.  I like having Jay there, but KS and I didn't get to talk.  

Next week, I'll suggest we go back to our normal routine

I picked up a biscuits and a Pepsi for Kady on the way back.  As I ate my biscuit, Sevda came up on Instagram Chat which turned into a video call.  I miss this girl.  She is such a faithful friend and always makes me laugh.  She's back in Turkey after living with the girls in Germany.  She had a bit of sad news - Her sister, Sevem, died a while ago.

I went for a walk after we talked and thought a lot about Turkey.

Tuesday, 27 February 2024: Insurance Adjustment

Kady and I took the car to Caliber Collision this morning.  It was an easy process.  The adjuster took us out to the car and had a look and took some notes.  We made an appointment for the 11th and scheduled a rental car for that day with Enterprise.  He estimated five fays since the damage wasn't that bad.  Still, the price tag is over $2000.

I had a good walk yesterday and a two mile walk today.  It's hard getting back at it after almost a month of sitting in the car.  Tomorrow should be better.

I've been eating smart for the last two days.  I weighed in at 234.8 yesterday and today.  That's better than I thought.  I should see a nice improvement by tomorrow.

Friday, 23 February 2024: Back on the Farm

We stayed in our last hotel Wednesday night.  Nashville Traffic was the pits, but we ate at Jim-n-Nicks.  I found out a few days later that Catherin' was in Nashville at the same time.

Yesterday morning, Kim and I  got to SS's Farm in Tennessee.  He and Kady are working on his farmhouse.  The plumbing and framing are in, and the sheetrock will go up soon.  Then, it will be time for flooring, siding, cabinets, fixtures, and appliances.  They sat with a kitchen expert at Lowe's, designing the cabinets and the front door.

My stomach has been upset since Peoria.  It used to get like this every time I traveled.  It won't be right until I'm on my normal schedule, back at home.

We'll be home on Sunday.  On Tuesday, I'll take the car in for an estimate.  Wednesday, KS, Jay, and I are meeting for Coffee.

Tuesday, 20 February 2024: Little Rock

Today's drive was shorter.  Better.  We had mostly good roads across Oklahoma and Arkansas, with light traffic.  I wonder about Oklahoma, though.  Why is the only real rest stop on I-40, from OK City just before leaving the state?  It wasn't much.

Thankfully, we're driving through wooded hills.  Even in winter, the scenery is a beautiful change.

Tomorrow is another short drive to Nashville.

Monday, 12 February 2024: Boyce

This morning I tried the Sunrise Mountain trail.  It was more than I expected.  The trail was rocky, with a LOT of scree, it was steeper than yesterday's trail, and it was not a place for a 71-year-old alone.  Before my legs were too tired, I headed back down, taking my time, and making sure of my footfall.

Heather, being well-read on alternative medicine things, suggested that I try red-light therapy on my shoulder.  My harness came today and I say under it for 30 minutes.  Man!  It seems to be working.  Though the pain level in my shoulder isn't very high, since using the lights, it seems less.

My old buddy Boyce is out here with his kids.  Boyce is from the Cult days.  He and his wife Deb were Becki's and my best friend.  Deb died a while ago, cancer, and Boyce moved out here to be near his kids and grands.  I'm trying to set up a time to see him, but he has no car.  Unless I drive there, we have to wait on others.

He called tonight and I should see him later in the week.

Wednesday, 7 February 2024: Driving, Driving, Driving

We've done about 2500 miles in the last 7 days.  We stopped in Tucson for tonight and tomorrow, which will be a good break.  We'll do some sightseeing  tomorrow and then drive to Phoenix on Friday.

Monday and Tuesday night we were in Gruene.  That may have been too long.  We did get to see Kady's Cousin Terry, his wife Deb, and their son Wes.  Their friend Jeanie stopped by.  She's one of our favorite people.

Last night we were in Marfa, Texas staying at the Hotel Paisano, the hotel where the actors stayed during the filming of Giant in 1956.  We stayed in James Dean's room.  I watched Giant.  It wasn't great.  Elizabeth Taylor carried the whole movie on her shoulders.

I'll sure be glad when we get to Peoria.  I need about three days out of the car, sleeping, reading, and walking, to relax.  I need some routine.

Saturday, 4 February 2024: Shara's House

We picked Uncle Ed up in  Alvin, visited a while, and then drove to Hallettsville to meet his life long friend Shara.  What a great lady!  Once a television personality in Houston, she how does AM Radio and Podcasts.  She's so smart.  She and Uncle Ed are like a comedy act and it is a hoot watching the interactions between them.

She is so patient with him.

The story of how the met is fantastic.  She was a young reporter trying to get a story, arriving early at an event, jockeying for position, when up comes this long haired camera man.  As she tells it, the crowed parted for him like the Red Sea. as every one whispered, "It's Ed Bragg" already a legend in Houston TV Reporting.

A few months later, they were working at the same TV Station.

Thursday, 1 February 2024: Driving

We left New Orleans this morning, taking I-10 west to Texas.  The Traffic was terrible, especially when we got to the Texas Line.  We hit a traffic jam that went for miles.  I think we lost about a hour over all.  The road works department in Texas should all be fired.  They need more signage and better funneling procedures.  Three lanes converging into one lane on one of the busiest highways in America should not be OK.  Idiots.  I am NOT coming back this way unless the weather pushes me down here.

Wednesday, 31 January 2024: Rogersville, TN, to Meridian, MS, to New Orleans, LA.

We were at the farm before we knew it.  It seems so much shorter than going to Maryland.  Still, we had two dangerous incidents on I-81.  It's always something.  We ate at Bull Babies for a late lunch.  We left Rogersville as the fog lifted.  The drive to Meridian MS was long, so there was no stopping in Alabama. I 59n sucks so bad, especially past Tuscaloosa.  All we did in Meridian was eat at Cracker Barrell for dinner and breakfast.  The rest of mississippy was uneventful.  The road surface across the Louisiana is the loudest I have ever heard.  It was the Pitts!  It cleared up just before NOLA.

Hotel Peter and Paul is fantastic.  If I ever come back to New Orleans, I want to stay there.

Sunday, 28 January 2024: Packing

We're off to Rogersville, tomorrow.  SS's farm is our first stop headed West.

Packing was less a chore than I thought it would be.  I organised all my clothes into three categories - hanging, physical training, and all else.  Items not hanging, went into two bags.  Hanging items and my computer go behind my seat.  My camera will hang on my headrest.  My Camera bag, PT bag, and All Else bag will go behind me in the trunk.  Kim's stuff will go behind her, somewhere.  Actually, she takes far less than I do.  I have to have all of my stuff with me.

Saturday, 27 January 2024: Celebrating ES

We went with Jay's family to Jimmy-John's and Coldstone to celebrate ES's birthday.  After, we played the next level of the game.  I added Texas after last game, so now we have a bank robber added to game play.  I like they things that they add each game.

Kim and I have gone on a few short walks this week, two of them together.  The weather has been good for it.  It was almost 80 yesterday.  I finished Reacher on Friday.  It was better than the first season, though, still, absolutely ridiculous.

Tomorrow, I have to pack for the trip.  We leave Monday.

Wednesday, 24 January 2024: Coffee and Games

KS and I met at First Free Coffee this morning.  I love that place.  We're Regulars.  The conversation was lively.  We had a great time listing the failed social protest movements like Occupy Wall Street.  I had the Mocha - So Rich and Creamy.  Amazing.

It's Nasty Out, but it may clear up this afternoon.  I need a long walk.  Tomorrow, I take the car to Battlefield Toyota for a checkup before our trip.

We went to Jay's house for Phase 5 of the game tonight.  I had better luck.  I picked up four good tickets at the beginning, filled those routes, picked up three more and then another one, and filled all of them.  I came in first.

I finished revamping Dad's Letters Home from WW-2.  I added a few photos that went with his stories.

I made Turk coffee this morning and finally got the foam right.  Success!

Sunday, 21 January 2024: Cold Weather

I keep thinking - If I don't get out of the house I'm going to go starkers.  The reality is - I love it here.  It has been so cold that no one in their right mind wants to be out in it.  I get to be lazy and do my thing, while toasting in front of the fire, in my pajamas, all day long.

In less that two weeks, we're going on our trip.  We're spending eleven days on the road.  I bet I'll be wishing I was home in my jammies in no time.

I took my birthday photos yesterday and BOY, do I look old.

I finished For All Mankind tonight.  Great Show.  Through all four seasons, I had no clue that  Margo Madison/Wrenn Schmidt was sich a Babe.

Wednesday, 10 January 2024: A Better Day

It was cool and very windy on my walk this morning, but I dressed for it.  I did 2.25 miles.  I did much better with my eating today.

Tonight, I watched ES while Jay and KS took Ann out to celebrate her birthday.  Today was also Huseyin's birthday.  I sent him a greeting on Instagram.

Tuesday, 9 January 2024: Rain

It rained all day today.

I stayed inside and worked on a website for KS  She wants my help getting one up and running.  I can't get into the fourth season of Fargo like I did the others.  Maybe it is just slow to start.

No Coffee Date in the morning.  Loaning my A-1 to DJ for a phot class.  Driving to Manassas on Saturday morning to do that.

Monday, 8 January 2024: Big Game Day

For the National Championship game, Kady made her One Skillet White Chicken Chili Bake.  It's a Half Baked Harvest recipe that she gives her own spin.  It is pretty amazing.  Add tortilla chips.

We went to the Mall today to take two watches in which she changed the battery and then could not get the back on.  I tried and got two, but these two were beyond hard.  We hit Petit Marie Bette before leaving for an Apple Galette.  I got there Cafe Mocca, too.  Both were amazing.

Sunday, 7 January 2024: Weekend

I had virtual coffee with Dwyn this morning.  Jay came over to finish the ceiling fan this afternoon.  I've been watching Fargo all day.

Yesterday, we were supposed to get snow.  all it di was rain all day.  Kim made pancakes, eggs, and sausage for brunch and taco soup for supper.

I need a walk.

Wednesday, 3 January 2024: Coffee

KS and I met at First Free Coffee again this morning.  I tried a medium Americano.  It was great.

I began watching Fargo, season five, and I mentioned it to her.  She said I needed to watch it all.  When I got home, I began season one.  It's so much fun.  I told her about Mob Land.

We went to their house tonight to play Ticket to Ride: Legacy.  I made a huge mistake, turning in my primary ticket, and not realizing it.  I still filled the route, but none of the routes I had tickets for.  I ended up wit 19 dollars when everyone else was in the 40s.

Monday, 1 January 2024: Happy New Year

We were to be at Rehoboth Beach today but the owners took the place we rented off the market.  We all took it as a sign from the Universe to begin our New Year at home.  I was a little disappointed because I love the beach in winter.  I was a lot relieved because I knew Christmas away wit a lot of people was going to wear me out.  I was correct.

So, Kady and I spent a quiet day in our house and went to be well before midnight.  Our Happy New Year greetings to each other when we awoke this morning were just fine.  Today, I'll spend the day watching football with the person I love the most.

Better.

Older  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2022 2023