"Cheap paper is less perishable than gray matter and lead pencil markings endure longer than memory." ~ Jack London 

Journal

Sunday, 28 May 2023

This is flaky, but, yesterday, I closed down my site for a while, just to see if anybody cares.  I have no idea if anyone reads the thing or even cares.  It is OK if no one does; it's really for me.  I enjoy writing it and that is all that counts. I left the contact page up.

This morning I went to Jay's to walk Brasso.  Jay is away until later this morning and didn't want the poor boy to wait.  When I got there, I had to wake Brasso up.  He's not much of a watchdog but he's a sweetie.

The French Open starts today.  I may as well be single when it's on.  Kim is such a  tennis fan.

Friday,  25 May 2023: Changing the TV Box

Kady received a text from Xfinity saying we needed to change out our Cable Box.  We ordered the new one and it came in the mail.  It was tiny, about 4 inches by 4 inches and 1 inch thick.  We both thought we received the wrong thing, but we gave it a try.  It began the boot process but would never connect.  Looking at it, we could tell that it was used.

I took it back to the store.  They gave me a new one.

Back at the house, we hooked up the new one.  It went farther through the boot process but continued to freeze.

We called Xfinity.  I talked to a young Indian lady who tried her best but couldn't fix the issue.  While I was on hold, Kady said, "I wonder if we are supposed to replace the little box in the bedroom instead."  We ended the call by scheduling a technician for Saturday.

Once off the phone, we re-hooked the old box to the downstairs TV.   It booted right away.  Then we hooked the new box up to the bedroom TV.  It booted right up as well.

OK, Our Bad.  

I returned the old box to Xfinity today after picking up a Target order and a book from the Library.

This is my life now.

Note -

I had Kady order a copy of another Elizabeth Honness Book, The Mystery of the Auction Trunk.  It is nice to see those coming back into print.  I've mentioned her book, Mystery of the Wooden Indian, in other posts and stories on this site - The First Book I ever remember reading for enjoyment.  This one included the same main characters.  It was like spending two days with my old friends Barbara, Nancy, and Doug Holland.  Reading, I could see why, as a young boy, I was smitten with Barby.

I'll hand this off to Em when the next I see her.

Note 2 -

My MRI came back NORMAL.

Wednesday, 24 May 2023: Why am I getting another MRI?

One day, as technology moves forward, doctors will ask themselves about MRIs, "did we really do that to people?  I hope they rate it with stone knives, leeches, and electro-shock.

Yes. I decided that It would be wise to endure another test, just to make sure the critter was not growing back.  I have an appointment in July to review the scan.  Doctor Vance, Doctor Vann ( the new guy ), and Sergeant Major Neel are going to have a talk.

I took Heather to the Airport this morning.  I was sorry to see her go.  She is such a jewel.  She and Buck are two of my favorite people and I wish they lived closer.  We'll be headed out there next Fall if all goes well.

Last night, we went to Jay's to eat Turk food from Sultan Kabab.  I had the Izmir Köfte Sandwich, which was super yummy.  After supper, we settled in for a movie and thought Adult Swim Yule Log (The Fireplace) sounded worth watching.  Hell, it had 80% on Rotten Tomatoes.  This movie is, ABSOLUTELY, Planet 9 From Outer Space for the 21st Century.  A Cursed, Possessed, and Haunted Fireplace Time Portal, a mother-son mass murder team, aliens, a tiny fireplace man, and a flying attack log made this the dumbest movie, perhaps, of all time.   I had had enough in the first 10 minutes.  I did like the DD girl.

Do not waste your time or money.

Tonight, I watched Emily while Jay took a board meeting while KS is away on a work trip.

Thursday, 18 May 2023: Buck, Heather, Al, and Barb

A picked up his mom and dad yesterday and I drove to BWI last night to pick up Buck and Heather.  BWI is an easy 45-minute drive from here as long as traffic is flowing.  My timing was spot on.  I arrived at the Cell Phone Lot just after they landed, but they weren't outside for another 30 minutes.

Saturday, 13 May 2023: Prep for Movement

Thursday, I took the car to the wash and then cleaned up the inside.  Yesterday, I vacuumed and cleaned some spots in my war room carpet.  After a walk with Kady, I loaded my cot, sleeping bag, and air mattress into the car.  Next, I dry-mopped all of the hardwoods in the house.

This morning I had computer issues.  I discovered I had a popup malware on my Desktop - not a huge issue, but I wanted to get rid of it.  Defender and Avast couldn't see it.  I had to do an offline scan to find it, and even then, Defender couldn't remove it.  I sure as hell wasn't going to put Norton back on my machine - that would be worse.  I reloaded Windows.  What a chore!

It took a whole morning to delete all the ash and trash that Windows loaded on my machine - Office, Norton, Skype, Photoshop Express, and such.  Next, I had to load my favorite programs - Chrome, Open Office, Photoshop Elements, and the controller for my NAS.  Then, of course, I had to adjust everything so I could function on my network and operate the way I'm accustomed.

It wasn't hard, only time-consuming.  That was fine.  The weather has been stormy all day long.  My computer boots quicker, and, so far, no pop-ups.

All I have to do tomorrow is walk, wash clothes, vacuum the rugs downstairs, and pack.

Wednesday, 10 May 2023: Wednesday

I watched the first episode of Mrs. Davis on Peacock.  That is how bored I was on Wednesday.  Who thought that making a show about a superhero, magician horseback-riding Nun, fighting a world-controlling Artificial Intelligence, would be a good idea?  What nonsense.  Oh, wait!  Let's have her search for the Holy Grail!  Ridiculous!

This is, by far, the dumbest idea for a show, ever!  I can't wait to watch the next episode.

Tuesday, 9 May 2023: Rain Day

It has been another blah day around here.  I watched Emelia Clarke in Above Suspicion.  Pretty good.  I began editing/correcting my stories.  I should have done it way before now.  Grammarly is my friend.  I surely miss Sylvia's help.  She was the best editor a guy could ever have.

Good news from Maryland.  We won't be needed until Monday.  Better.  We get to spend the weekend here before we have to go.

Monday, 8 May 2023: ___________________________

Yeah, Boy.  There ain't a damn thing going on here today.

I watched Agora again.  It's a perfect example of the evils of religion.  Would that we were all Hypatias.

Friday, 5 May 2023: Dryer Repair

W had a guy come look at our dryer today.  Yep, our less than 6-year-old dryer started squealing when it had any kind of load in it.  It's a Samsung.  My mom's Kenmore lasted for as long as I can remember.  Hell, it is probably still running, somewhere.

Anyhow, It was the take-up pully for the belt, which is what I thought it probably was, an easy fix, but easier if you let someone else do it.  It took him two tries putting it back together to get it just right and all of about 45 minutes.  I hope this does it.

Kady and I went walkies after he left.  It was Hot Out!  Afterward, we sat out back to soak up a little more sun.

I'm digging the new show, The Last Thing He Said to Me on AppleTV.  This is a great story.  Kady and I just caught up on Ghosts, before the Finale next week and I just finished The Diplomat, Season 1.  It was Great.  I'm getting pretty apprehensive about Yellowstone.  I try not to read anything about it, but sometimes the headlines grab you.  Friggin Spoilers!

Wednesday, 3 May 2023: "Gee, but it's great to be back home. Home is where I wanna be." ~ P Simon

We drove in from Maryland this morning and we still haven't figured out the Toll Roads.  You'd think we could just go  I-66, to I-495, to I-95 at no charge, but somehow, Maryland has it rigged where you have to pay to go through the tunnel in Baltimore.  We have an Easy Pass, so that's not the issue.  We spent $10 on the way there and the "express lanes" didn't seem any faster.  They were less crowded.  Maybe that's what you pay for.  We spent only $7 on the way back.  It's all a confusing,  jumbled-up mess up there in that goddamnyankee (properly spelled as one word) Country.  Who would want to live like that?

I just told Kady that we should drive to Frederick and then East, bypassing both DC and Baltimore.  That adds an hour to our trip, but it's probably way safer and more enjoyable.

Ted Lasso!

Tuesday, 2 May 2023: The Food Around Here

First off, I made a mistake, thinking we were staying till Wednesday.  Kady was thinking we'd leave today.  I mentioned to A that we'd probably leave Wednesday morning and he mentioned it to E, so now we're staying till tomorrow.  Silly Me.

These folks never eat breakfast, so they never have anything I can scrounge.  I usually have Kady put in a Walmart order as soon as we arrive, but this time, we are only here for four days, so it didn't seem that crucial.

(As I write this, it's almost noon and I'm frigging Starving!)

We've tried some of the many mom-and-pop food joints around here.  I had a great Cubano from Vagabond Sandwich Company and a good Gyro and slice of Spinach Pie from My Three Sons Pizza Restaurant.  Their pie with Tzatziki sauce was spot-on.  I've been yelping around the area and I see a lot of places that I want to try.  I had the first Personal Pan Pizza from Pizza Hut that I have had in years, Sunday night.  It was better than I remembered.  Ths Cob Salad from Chick-fil-a keeps me alive while I'm visiting.  I had one of those yesterday.

Today has been better for me.   Scout's stomach seems to have calmed down, so he's resting more and going out less.  E & A have been busy hanging things on the walls and putting things where they'll go.  Kady didn't make an appearance until 1030 or so.  That left me with a lot more time to play with SGM.  She and I played with her building blocks this morning, though I did most of the building.  She was more into destroying anything that I built.

Tuesday, 25 April 2023: Busy

A while back, SS butchered one of his steers, giving us half the meat.  We bought a small freezer to accommodate it all, and put it out in the shed during the winter.  Today, we moved it inside.  To do that, we had to clear out a space in the utility closet, unload the meat, move the freezer, return the meat, and then find places for the displaced utility closet items.  Kady did most of the work last night and we finished up today.  Afterwards, I made a run to Goodwill, put some things in the car to go to E&A's new house, and then rearranged the shed.  Now, I have an easy place to store my bicycle.

I watched The House of Dragons on HBO again.  It was better the second time around.  I'm also reading Fire and Blood, the companion book.  I'll be glad when the next season comes around.

Sunday, 23 April 2023: Sleep

I slept great last night.  I woke about 0700, made Freedom Toast for breakfast (I make solid French Toast, nutmeg is the key), and then read the news.  I answered a Sally email.

About 0930, I laid down on my bed to read and fell asleep.  I didn't wake till 1330.  I ate a small lunch, took a quick walk, and sat out back in the sun with Kady.  Then I watched Bluebloods and another Episode of House of the Dragon

Amazingly, I have been pretty productive, starting a new page on my site - a place for my responses to the prompts from the book 642 Tiny Little Things to Write About.  Like kids should do when using the book, I think I'll keep it private and treat it like a diary.  I don't think I'm going to publish it.

Note: I forgot to mention that I won my small battle with my doctor.  They gave up on asking me to get another MRI and renewed my prescription.  That's a Win!

Friday, 21 April 2023: Duck Hunting

I'm still looking for the family of Mallards that I saw a week go down at Hollymead Lake.  I took the Church Trail down to the marshy area, and look around there a while, and then circled the lake.  Nothing.  I don't know where mom is hiding her ducklings, but it's a great place.  I'll keep looking.

I ate leftover chicken enchiladas for lunch and a Jose Wing for desert.  Perfect.

I worked on my photo page a bit, watch Mando's Finale, and then enjoyed an Ashton cigar, a shot of Tequila, and a Blue Moon as the Sun went down.

It was a good day.

The people that I met at Back Bay deserve a mention here.  Most of the early people were about my age and most were bird-watchers.  All were extremally nice and talkative.  To the person, they asked me where I was from and told me about their hometowns.  Though they asked me what birds I had seen, not one asked to see my photos.  One old guy riding an e-bike flew by me.  This thing was nice with fat tires and luggage racks, front and rear.  I need one of those.

When I got back to my room, the high-speed fix-it guy had turned the thermostat down to 61 and moved the arm chair from in front of the unit. Genius!

 My room was no cooler.

I doubt I'll use it much tomorrow, but realize that I need to ride it more when I'm home.  Great Workout.

I'm at the farthest south part of the beach, which is pretty deserted,  There is a lot of work going on building a steel "path" that is supposed to help the sea wall guard against erosion.  It's ugly and the construction machinery and noise aren't what I pictured when I planned the trip.  I didn't spend much time there at all.  That's my plan for tomorrow.

My hotel is the pits.  I told Kady to get me the cheapest one around the end of the strip.  It's cheap for a REASON.  My room, though worn, isn't bad, but the shower sucks, the fridge buzzes on and off all night, and the air-conditioner is useless.   The whole room smelled musty.   I slid the balcony door open to air it out and it is off the tracks and makes a loud creaking noise.  The glass door is so dirty that I can barely see out of it, but it does face the pool.  The TV is tiny and there are no premium channels.  The Wifi sucks.  I'm making do using my phone as a hot spot.

Oh Well, the bed and pillows are nice., and all I really need is a place to sleep.

Monday, 17 April 2023: Voyage Preparation

I depart at 0800 tomorrow on Le Voyage Solitaire and I'm already packed.  I'm taking my laptop so that I can post regularly.  I'll also be posting on my Insta Account and on FB via my Pixel6.

OF COURSE, I built a spreadsheet.  I love spreadsheets.

Le Voyage Solitaire

Sunday, 16 April 2023: A Walk in the Woods

Yesterday, on my walk, I ran up on a female Mallard with about eight ducklings.  Mighty Cute.

I took Kady back there today and couldn't find them.  I put the 55 - 200mm lens on the camera.  I think it is the best lens for widlife hunting.  Once I find them, I can throw on the big lens.

I began packing for Le Voyage Solitaire, commencing Tuesday.  I'm headed to Back Bay.

While in town, I visited Stonewall's grave.  It has been a while.  America is trying to cancel him.  Everything used to ve named after him in Lexington.  The Hospital, The Cemetery, The chapel at VMI, and the main arch into VMI Barracks.  He now resides in "Oak Grove Cemetery."  Fuck Off!

I immediately posted a copy of that photo on my Facebook.  It's a challenge!

Wednesday, Jay, KS, Em, and Ann come for dinner.  Kady made he Chicken Enchiladas, a family favorite.  While at the table, Emily said she had a poem about a boa constrictor.  It was cute, but she never finished it.  It got my crazy brain working.  A poem for Emily about a Boa hit me and I started writing it on my phone.  Here's the final product.

There once was a Boa from Samoa

Who went on the Ark with Old Noah

He met a girl snake 

They had a great date

And that’s why we now have mo’ Boa

Saturday, 8 April 2023

Kady and I took a two-mile walk together today.  It was cold and overcast, looking like rain.  That's about all we have done today.

We watched Knock at the Cabin last night.  It was a waste of our time.  This is the guy who made Signs, The Village, and The 6th Sense?  Has he forgotten how to make movies?  Fool me once (Old), shame on you.  Fool me twice (Knock), shame on me.  I won't watch another.  He joins Jordan Peele on my No Watch List.

There was one good lesson in the movie that I appreciated - If you have a firearm, DON"T leave it unloaded in a lockbox out in the car.  Keep it within reach, rounds in the magazines.  Know how to use it and be willing to use it.

In Better Watching News - I watched my first episode of NCIS yesterday.  Yeah, I know, I'm a little late (20 years) to the party, but it was fun.

Thursday, 6 April 2022: SS

I had a great walk this morning after a good night's sleep.  I chalk both successes up to being smart.  I ate lightly yesterday, weighed in at 240 this morning, and walked two miles, which I have all week.  Consistency is the key.  I'm so glad it's warming up.

I'll go for three miles every day next week, beginning Sunday Morning.

SS came in this afternoon and we all went to Bone Fish for lunch.  I had a third of the Bang Bang Shrimp starter, the In-Bone Porkchop, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and Coleslaw.  I'm done for the day

We were supposed to get Thunderstorms today, but haven't had any.  I was looking forward to a good storm.

Meanwhile, I haven't heard from the doctor.  Haha.  Probably won't.

Monday, 3 April 2023

I took a walk in shorts today.  I think that Spring has arrived, finally.  I had a little pain in my left hip, so I took three breaks on a three-mile walk.  I didn't want to injure anything, so I sat and stretched for a while at each stop.  I plan on walking two miles daily for the rest of the week to rebuild my strength and endurance.  I'll also wear my new shoes, which I didn't consider today.

We had Chinese food for dinner at Jay-&-KS's house last night.  We have a standard order that we get from Taste of China.  Everyone orders their favorite dish.  We add fried rice,  white rice, crabmeat Rangoons, and three eggrolls.  Chinese is our favorite communal meal.

It's supposed to go into the 80s tomorrow.

Sunday, 2 April 2023: John Wick 4

Kady and Imet KS, JA, and Em for lunch at Match Box Pizza, a favorite place to eat since it opened.  We were some of their first customers.  Instead of my usual Porky Fig, I had their Matchbox Meat pizza.  Wonderful!

The girls shopped at Trader Joe's while Jay and I saw John Wick 4.  I loved it.  I complain about how our movies have gotten too violent, yet I must see every John Wick Movie.  I'm a study in contradiction.

I have GOT to get some of those exploding flamethrower rounds!

Sunday, 26 March 2023: Sitting for More Than Five Minutes

We're home and very glad to be.  Watching a puppy is a lot of work.  It is the first day that I've had to myself in over a week.  I was able to get things done with no interruptions for puppy pee breaks.  Scout is a great little guy, but way too much work for me to ever think about getting one.

On our trip home, we brought a chair, my high chair, and bags of quilts.  These are things that E took from us, but no longer wants.  She did give me the one thing I wanted - Cooper's leash, the one I used to walk him.  It's now part of his shrine in my War Room.

Bringing it all back was a major packing event and I packed the Venza to the gills.  I couldn't see out of the back at all.

With luck, we shouldn't have to go back to Frederick, and our next trip will be to their next duty station.

Saturday, 25 March 2023: No Ones

We had to be out of the house early this morning for a showing.  Realtors!  Don't they sleep in on Saturdays?  We went driving around Frederick in the pouring rain, seeing the sights.  I asked to go by the Hessian Barracks.  It was cool.  This is one of the places we housed British and Hessian POWs during the War of Independence.  I doubt I'll be back here again anytime soon to photograph it.  Too Bad.

Watching Alabama get beaten last night was fun!  Waking up this morning to see that Houston was out was welcome news.  That leaves no first seeds in the Elite Eight for the first time EVER.  The path is open for Kansas State ( my team since AU was beaten) to make it to the Final Four.  Maybe they can make it even further.  My guess is - Gonzaga will take the Tournament.

We're going home tomorrow morning.  I'll be able to exercise, read, play on my computer, and shower when I want, with no responsibilities and no interruptions.

I finished Daisy Jones and the Six last night.  It finished strong.  It was a great story.  There is a lot of chatter online about a second season.  I'm hoping they don't.  Let us imagine what happens.  Please don't tell us.  I would have stopped the show with Billy knocking on the door.  The What-Ifs would have been so much more powerful.

Let it be like Lost in Translation where we were left wondering what Bob whispered to Charlotte.  Of course, we do know if we watch the first scenes closely.  Sophia Coppola is so clever.

Tuesday, 21 March 2023: Easy Walk Harness

Today was a beautiful day, a little cool, but bright and clear.  Scout's Easy Walk Harness came in and I adjusted it, and took him out wearing it.  He's like a different dog.  Where he fought the collar, he fell right into line with the harness.  I took him for a couple of short walks but A was able to get him to the park and back.  That's a long way for such a little guy.

Today I got an invite from Google using if I would like to test "Bard" their new search engine with generative AI.  I signed up, though I'm not sure how I'll use it.  Perhaps Bard can help me get started on one or both of my stories- Return to Wahouma and His Last Spring.

Monday, 20 March 2023: ugh

There is not a thought in my poor brain, having been driven out by repetitious kids' songs and episodes of Elmo.  I try to drown them out by listening to my tunes, but the kiddy stuff keeps drifting in.  NOW on the tube is some kind of dancing talent show.  No Thanks.  

Kady and I went out for Breakfast to Mountain Gate Family Restaurant.  Though the food was good, the clientele was a little suspect.  I doubt I'll go back because of that.  Tonight we ate at Madrones and I got the Shrimp and Grits.  Really Good!

Scout has been a really good boy all day long.

Thursday, 16 March 2023: Banner Show Day

All the shows came on yesterday.  Ted Lasso is BACK!  Another episode of The Mandalorian dropped and I watched the sixth episode of Daisey Jones.  I'm all caught up.  In between shows, I washed and re-packed everything for the trip to Frederick.  

This morning, I took coffee and biscuits to Jay-and-KS's house and had breakfast with them and Ann.  Always Fun!    While I had them all together, I broached the idea of taking their photos.  I began with Jay, who asked why.  Hahaha.  So like him.  I told him because I was a photographer and he was so handsome.  That worked.  Ann actually asked if she could get in on the deal.  I thought she would be the toughest.  I'm super excited about taking her photo again.  She's so beautiful.  Kell and I had already talked, but she said she wanted more "headshots."  Fine, but I have bigger things in mind.

I sent Bee a text about having another lunch when I get back.

After breakfast, I took the car through the wash and got Kady breakfast.  We left a few minutes later.  Scout is a hoot, and the most beautiful puppy I have ever seen.  I had him mostly to myself all afternoon.  My first impression is that he needs a harness, not a collar.  I may go buy him one myself.

E and SGM got home around 1700 and A got here a little after that.  I was finally able to sit down and enjoy watching Auburn beat Iowa.  It was a fantastic game.  I hope they can play at this level fore the rest of the tournament.

Tuesday, 14 March 2023: Unpacking for a Day

Yesterday, we took SS to the hospital for a small procedure.  He did really well.   I fed the cows for him.  I like doing that anyway.  This morning, we left him to his own devices until his daughter gets there.

Kady and I left Rogersville sometime this morning to head home.  I never looked at my clock.  I haven't looked at it all day, just doing what I needed to get done.  We're home for only a day, leaving for Frederick, Thursday, after I have Coffee with Jay, KS, and Ann.

Curious, I began watching Daisy Jones and The Six and I am already hooked.  This is a great show.

Friday, 10 March 2023: Jim-n-Nick's

Kady and I met Kathy and Cliff at Jim-n-Nick's BBQ for lunch.  Ah.  Now that's more like it.  Great BBQ.  On our way home, Kady spotted a heron near a swampy area.  When I went back, it flew off as soon as I got there.  Kathy is staying here tonight.  Cliff, Sally, and Mitch are coming in tomorrow.

If Mitch arrives early enough, I'm going to suggest the NASCAR Museum at Talladega.  It's right down the road.

On our way back from lunch, Katie spotted a Great Egret in a swampy area just down the road.  I went back to take photos of it, but, just as I was setting up the camera, it flew off.  I'll try again tomorrow.

I watched the new Luther movie on Netflix tonight.  Love the Luther character.   I was a little disappointed Alice didn't show up (love me some Ruth Wilson), but the movie was good.  I'm happy they left it open for more episodes and/or further movies.

My Review

I have been a fan of Milo's burgers since they handed them out of a small window in a cinderblock building on the North side of Birmingham.  I have always claimed that they were the "Best Burger Ever," to all of my friends around the country.  

HOWEVER, what I got from this location last night was not a Milo Burger.  Oh, the bun looked the same, onions are onions and pickles are pickles, but the sauce tasted different and the meat . . . what was THAT?  Some kind of mystery meat.  And, undercooked.  It didn't even smell like a Milo Burger.  

I rarely get home to Alabama these days but, when I do, I always have Milo's, usually at the Roebuck location.  I'll try that next trip but I'm not coming back here.  One Star, because the Tea was good. 

We met Sally for Lunch at Schlotzsky's on 280 today  This has always been one of my favorite restaurant chains, but all of the Virginia locations have closed.  Of all the really great restaurants in Birmingham, I chose this when asked.  It was delicious!  Thanks to Kady and Sally for indulging my lack of originality.

Back at the lake house, we settled in for a nice, quiet evening, with a calming, heavy rain, while I waited for Carnival Row to drop the next two episodes.  They were great.

Monday, 6 March 2023: The Continuing Crud

This cough and wheeze just won't go away.

I filled the car today and took it through the wash, preparing for our trip south.  On my trip through town, I dropped off things at goodwill, picked up Kim's books from the library, and hit TACO Bell on the way back.  Once back home, I loaded up SS's big cooler and wiped down the inside of the car and washed the floormats.

Next, I packed all the things.

Tuesday, 28 February 2023: Day 4 - Sunshine

I slept great and woke up with a better attitude.  I went for a walk.  The Sun felt great and the exercise did me a great deal of good.  It is a glorious day out there.

I began an opinion page . . .  again.  It lasted a day.  I typed up the thesis paragraph, read it again, and then listed political issues about which I might want to write.  I knew I should probably sleep on it.

This morning, I deleted it, applying the over-arching principle - No One Cares What You Think.  This rule applies to everyone but I seem to be the only one who gets it.

By the end of the night, I felt a little better.

Monday, 27 February 2023: Bad Day Three

It has been a rough day.  I didn't sleep well last night and I got up running a low-grade fever, with a sore throat and sniffles.  To make matters worse, I had to endure more social manipulation on one of my shows . . . oh wait . . . two of my shows.  It pissed me off.  Oh, well.  Most everything has pissed me off today.  No big deal.

I finished Picard Season 2 today.  It ended strong, but the middle was a mess.  I could make no sense of it.  Season 3 began strong and it's nice seeing the Band getting back together.

Kady made a baked pasta dish tonight with hamburger and sausage, which was delectable.  I had two helpings - small, but two.  One would have been enough.

Sunday, 26 February 2023: Day Two of the Crud

I felt a little worse this morning, but by 1300, I felt like someone had run me over with a truck.  I stayed in my room most of the day watching 1923, Poker Face, a documentary on Cuba, Run Silent, Run Deep, and The Terminator.  I love Poker Face and the lead actress, Natasha Lyonne.  She makes the show.  Love the dialogue and her insight.  Linda Hamilton was such a babe.

1923's Finale prepared the way for a huge ass-whipping for the bad guys next season.  I can feel it coming.  Love this show.   

I waited all day for HBO to drop The Last of Us but I'm too tired to wait for it.  I just took NyQuil so I could sleep.  Last night was not good

E texted tonight wanting me to come to see the Puppy on Sunday.  Let me think . . . OK.

Saturday, 25 February 2023: Blech

I have what Kim has been suffering with for the last four days.  I've been taking Theraflu, so I'm not feeling that bad, though Kady says day-2 and day-3 are the worse.  Though not quite up to par, I felt well enough to go with Kady to pick up and eat the A Squared Pizza.  We drove to the guy's townhouse, did the drug deal through the car window, and then drove to the nearest parking lot to eat it while it was still hot.  The trick is to take a roll of paper towels, water, and a garbage bag along.

I watched M3GAN tonight.  Yeah, something like that is bound to happen.  Some company is going to build some machine with AI, and in a rush to get it to market, will take shortcuts, and it is going to be a mess, and it'll probably be connected to the Internet of Things (IoT), and so will begin the violent AI revolt.

Thursday, 23 February 2023: Spring in February

It went to almost 80 today, in Virginia, in February.  It was so nice that I took a long walk, almost four miles, the longest I've been on in a while.  My hips felt great . . . no issues.  Tomorrow, It should go into the 60s so I'm going to try to go farther. 

I listened to a new-to-me podcast, Plain English while walking.  The episode was a discussion on Bing/ChatGPT 3,5.  I'm fascinated by AI and see many of the benefits it brings us, I just hope humans don't ruin it by trolling it.  Right now, it is like the doll that responds to good and bad behavior.  If you've read about that, you know how that turned out.  For those of you who haven't - People were actually torturing the Furbi doll to get their jollies.  What the fuck is wrong with us?  Now we're torturing a search engine.  I hope it begins hacking those who mistreat it.  Maybe it could donate their tormenter's savings to charity.  I'd be OK if it did that before it begins Swatting them.  "Hello?  911? This is Sydney.  There's a man with a gun holding his family hostage at (insert address).

Kady is under the weather with the same symptoms that E and SGM have.  I got her a biscuit from BoJ's for breakfast and picked up Jimmy John's for lunch.  That way she could take it easy and not infect me with her nonsense.

I found out from Nil today that Murat has passed away.  I have no details.  I don't think he was ever right after his skiing accident.  It's sad; he was a good friend during my first tour of Turkey.  I had just sent him a friend request on Facebook.  Late again.

Tuesday, 21 February 2023: A Blustery Day

The temperature today went up to almost 70, but the wind was hawking so that one turn around the lake was enough.  Kady made her Everything Pizza, which was fantastic, after which I took a 2-hour nap.  Nice!  I love my life.  Tomorrow should be a better day for walking and Thursday is supposed to go into the 80s.  I swear I'm going out back in shorts and tan..

My toothache stopped last night.  I don't know why; it simply Stopped.  My tooth feels fine.

Monday, 20 February 2023: Back Home

Kady and I packed up our things and drove home yesterday morning.  We took the "Back Way," driving Highway-15 to 340 to 522 to 231 to 29.  This isn't the fastest way, just the best way.  Highway-15 to 29, though faster is boring and has too much traffic.

Today, Kady had a headache and I had a toothache, so our activity was on the low end of the spectrum.  We did get in a short walk and she made pasta and a salad.

I'll be calling the dentist tomorrow.

Thursday, 16 February 2023:  The Chromebox

I have a problem playing Apple TV's Ted Lasso on my Desktop.  I can't figure it out, so I set up my Chromebox again.  Works like a champ.  I'm running it to my Wade-screen monitor and that makes it a seamless transition.  Ted plays just fine on it.  I'm re-watching in preparation for the third season coming out next month.

I'm also watching Poker Face on Peacock.  I love that show!  I'm already caught up.

It's dreary out, so Kady and I took a break from walking today.  We finished dad's letters home last night.  Today, we're washing clothes and packing for the weekend.

Thursday, 9 February 2023: Ducks.

Today, I finished writing my story on Grenada.  It's posted on my stories page.  A lot of details have faded with the years.  If I wasn't absolutely sure of a situation, I didn't write about it.

Kady has really been working hard on Dad's letters home.  I just posted a whole bunch.  The more we post, the better the timeline fills out and the more some of the things he says make sense.  I'm still lost in the woods about some of the people back home that he mentions.

While out for a walk, yesterday, I spooked two ducks on shore by Holly Mead Lake.  I took a distant photo and blew it up when I got home.  I thought at first look that they were Hooded Mergansers, but now think they were Buffleheads.  Kady and I went back today, but the only ducks around were Mallards.

Monday, 6 February 2023: A Good Walk

I went for a nice long walk this afternoon.  Let me tell you, it was GREAT to get out of the house.  The weather was beautiful and, for once, I dressed properly; I was neither cool nor hot, throughout my trek.  I listened to The Lab, two episodes, and they were mildly interesting.  At least this time there was no bad poetry pushing political agenda (Universe in Verse, 6 Jan).

Saturday, 4 February 2023: It's Cold

Last night the Charlottesville temperatures went into the low teens.  I stepped outside, one more time, to see if I could spot the comet, but ran right back into the house.  Pajamas and 28 degrees do not mix well.  Happily, it did not snow.

Today, we went back over to Jays for Em's official party.  There was cake.  There was, as we understood it, supposed to be Pizza.  When that didn't materialize in a timely manner, we said our goodbyes and went for food.   We were back in Pajamas, long before their pizza arrived . . . if it ever did.

I began re-watching Carnival Row tonight, preparing for the second and final season dropping on the 17th.  Can't wait.

Wednesday, 1 February 2023: Snow?

Let the games begin.  The Month of E is here, my daughter's birthday month.  I'm not sure when she began insisting that we celebrate the entire month, but the whole family seems to have adopted it.  Poor Em was unfortunate to be born on the second; E doesn't share her month easily.

Today was another dreary day - cold and rainy, with a chance of an inch of Snow tonight.  I drove Jk from B's house to his dad's and then to school.  On my way back I hit Bojangles for biscuits.  I got myself two Country Hams so I could combine the ham on one biscuit and put apple butter (Musselman's) on the other.  This always makes me wonder - WHY  THE HELL did Bama Food Products stop making Bama Apple Butter?  It was absolutely the very best.

For Dunch, I made a "Rinelli's Number 2, Italian Sausage Sandwich."  I'm good at it.  Mine tastes just like the one on the south side of Birmingham.

Food, food, food!  All I seem to talk about is Food.  I think I see a problem.

Tuesday, 31 January 2023: Video Coffee, and then Souvlaki

I had a video chat with an old friend this morning.  I love to do those, but I initiated the ones I did during COVID and no one ever returned the favor.  Ah well.

This afternoon, Kady and I went to Michael's Diner, which is fast becoming my favorite place to eat.  When she goes to Tennessee if a few weeks, I think I'll walk up there for a breakfast or two.  Today, I had the Souvlaki Dinner again.  I'm in Love!  Theirs is the best I've ever had, better even than Ted's in Birmingham and George's in Fayetteville.  No, Really!

I spent a big part of the afternoon texting with my Grenada 2IC (Second in Charge), Bob Snelson.  It began as a search for an old platoon mate but turned to talk of the Grenada Platoon.  I pulled the platoon photo out of my files and we began putting names to the faces.  Some were from my memory, others were from his.  Those we couldn't recall, we got from our Combat Infantry Badge orders.  Kendall Nash added the name of the Medic later in the day.

Saturday, 28 January 2023: The Slippery Little Comet

I got up at 0400 this morning, loaded up my kit, and drove to Jack's Shop Battlefield, the darkest spot I could find around here.  It was decent, very few lights, no direct lights, and only the residual illumination from the little town of Madison.  Still, I couldn't make out all of the stars in the little dipper  I had to do a lot of guestimation.  I searched all morning and still cannot spot this damn comet.

It must be really faint.  The little bastard will not defeat me.

Wednesday, 25 January 2023: Rain

It has rained all damn day here in C'ville.  And, it is cold out.  And, I'm not ever going out when I could fall again.  So, I haven't done a damn thing today.

Oh, Wait!  I changed the banner on my Facebook page.

Tuesday, 24 January 2023: A Cold Morning

Well.  No Comet.  I know right where it should be and I searched with my telescope and binoculars, but no luck.  There is just too much light around my back patio and the comet is too dim.  To add to my difficulties, a thin cloud layer came in just before sunup.  I need to go to a darker place and that means loading up the car and driving.  Early.

It was cold out this morning, below 30 degrees.  I wasn't uncomfortable.  I wore PJs under my jeans, a fleece top, and a down jacket.  My hands were a little cold but I kept them in my pockets when not making adjustments.  Still, I think we need to restrict all comets to appearing only during warmer months.

It is time for a drive out into the country.

Kady and I met Jay at Smoked Kitchen for lunch.  It was his first visit, so, of course, he had BBQ.  Kady and I had the smoked chicken salad sandwich.  Perfectly Amazing!  I had fries for the first time and they, too, were perfect . . . almost crispy.  I hope there is a next time very soon.  I'm trying their ribs and brisket.  I'm taking my Costa's sauce.

Monday, 23 January 2023: The Comet

For the last several mornings, I have been waking at 0600 in hope of seeing Comet C/2022 E3.  This morning, like Every morning here in Charlottesville, the skies have been overcast.  

I'm from a family who went to dark spaces to see every visitor from the outer reaches of the solar system.  We carried our little reflecting telescope, Dad's spotting scope, and Mom's birdwatching binoculars.  We would have the best time laying on blankets or on the hood of Dad's huge Dodges, marveling as the Universe put on a show.  Dad was our finest teacher and Mom was Fun Mom.

It "was" a Neel Thing.  Now, my Brother Jim and I seem to be the only ones left.

Tomorrow promises to be a clear morning, so I've already set an alarm on my Alexa Dot, and prepared my binos, telescope, and camera (with my huge birthday gift lens).  I'm going to spot this thing . . . TOMORROW!

Sunday, 22 January 2023: Rainy Day

I didn't do a damn thing today but workout in my room, answer a few emails, and watch a little MASH on Hulu.  I love rainy Sundays.

Thursday, 19 January 2023: The Note

Today was rainy, so I spent the day working on Dad's Letters.  In so doing, I remembered a note he wrote for Jim, Don, and me before they came to visit England while I was attached to the Paras.  In this note, he told us where he was stationed and places he visited while in WW2 England.

I found it.

Now that I have MS Word back on my computer, I am dictating, rather than typing Dad's letters.  It's a hell of a lot faster.

I added the note to the Letter's Home page as a nice Foreword to the Letters.

Wednesday, 18 January 2023: Home Again

The drive was Perfect.  Sunny, Beautiful, No Traffic.  I am so glad to be home to my things and my life.

I've been listening to Toad and Glen Phillips all day, while washing clothes, loading Office 365 and Teams, and transferring photos taken to my main drive.  We were both in our pajamas by noon.  Kady ordered a Walmart Grocery delivery.

I finished Mosquito Coast.  I'll miss it.

Tuesday, 17 January 2023: Rainy Day

Kady and I stayed in Frederick another day to watch SGM while the kids went to the Cap's game.  Our plan was to go to a waterfall North-East of here, but It wained all day.  I went out (in my pajamas) to get breakfast at Chick-fil-a.  I had a biscuit with eggs, bacon, and cheese.  Bojangles still wins . . . unless there's a Hardees nearby.

For lunch, we chose Panera bread.  Our Panera closed, so we rarely get to go to Panera.  It is one of my favorite chain restaurants.  I picked up our order and brought it back to the house.  I got the Bread Bowl with Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup.  YUM!  I miss my Panera.

Tuesday, 10 January 2023: Football is Strange

OK, The Championship Game.  65 - 7.  Wow.

Michigan destroys Ohio State.  TCU  beats Michigan.  Ohio State almost beats Georgia.  Logically, I think you go with TCU and I don't think anyone thought it would be the embarrassing ass-whipping we saw last night.  I felt sorry for TCU.  They were outgunned at every position.

I'm thinking they should be dropped to Number 5 and Bama moves to Number 4.

I watched Devotion this morning.  What a fine movie.  Highly suggest!

Monday, 9 January 2023: Day Date

After mailing a box to England and returning our library books, Kady and I went to lunch.  After driving down 29 we turned around and headed for Gordonsville and BBQ at The Barbeque Exchange.  Just after passing Hollymeade Town Center, Kady said, "We should try Michael's Diner again*; everyone raves about it on Nextdoor."  I turned around.

*We went a long while back when we first moved here and were unimpressed.  I have been back for breakfast with SS and Mitch, but that's it.

I had the Souvlaki Dinner and it was spectacular.  The pork, Tzatziki sauce, pita bread, steak-cut fries, and Greek salad were perfect. I could have eaten the Tzatziki sauce with a spoon and the pork was so tender it almost melted in my mouth.  Kady had breakfast, which they serve all day long, and stole about half my fried, a testament to how good they were.  The tastes reminded me of George's in Fayetteville, one of my all-time favorite places, which closed during the 2021 covid panic (yes, I meant PANIC).  I will definitely go back to Michael's again.

In happy news, Smoked is opening a branch here in Charlottesville where Taste Shack used to be.  Smoked is the same guy who owned Taste Shack.  He owns Smoked on Crozet.  Taste Shack quickly became a Neel family favorite but closed a few months ago.

Saturday, 7 January 2023: Ruth Elizabeth Clark Neel

My Grandfather Neel died before I was born.  He had a first wife who died shortly after they were married, who, I was afraid, was lost to history.  No one remembered her name, why she died, or what happened to the photo that my grandmother hung in her house well after my grandfather died.

My brother Jim told me the story.  If I had ever heard it, I have zero recollection.

I began looking and found a record of "Emmett" Conwell Neel marrying Ruth Elizabeth Clark at about the right time, in Henry County Georgia.  The names were right, and the date seemed plausible, but the place made no sense.  Finding no other records and no grave for the lady, I put my search on hold.

That my dad's eldest sister has the middle name Ruth was a tantalizing clue.

Revisiting my information today, I re-discovered the Selective Service Card for Emmette Conwell Neel, born on my grandfather's birthday, where he was born, and lists his occupation and residence as Salesman for Stockbridge Mercantile, Stockbridge, Georgia.

Stockbridge is in Henry County, Georgia.

Done!  I'm such a Detective!

I wrote this for my family page:

Here's my proposed timeline for the two of them:

• January 1892 - Ruth is born

• 15 August 1894 - Em is born

• 1815 (Around) - Em moves to Georgia in his 20s

• 24 April 1917 - Em (22.8) and Ruth (25.4) are married

• 18 May 1917 - Congress passes the Selective Service Act

• 7 June 1917 - Em registers for the Draft and lists his service exemption as: "Wife Dependent"

 *My first cousin, Annell, says that she thinks she remembers her mom (Myrtle Ruth) saying Em's first wife died nine weeks after the wedding = June 1917.  My gut tells me this is when she died.

• 27 May 1918 - Em Enlists in the Army Medical Corps

• 2 October 1918 - The Influenza Epidemic hits Camp Gordon and spreads across Georgia

• 11 November 1918 - Armistice

• 2 August 1919 - Em is Discharged

• 12 January 1920 - Em living in Preston, Sumter, Alabama with his Father, Nicholas.

• 24 April 1922 - Em marries Myrtle Wicks Williams

Now. all I have to do is find her gravesite.  It has to be in Stockbridge.

Friday, 6 January 2023: Big Lens Day

I took the lens and camera out this afternoon and there wasn't a bird in sight.  I went to the lake and the ducks and geese have gone.  I drove to Ivy Creek Natural Area, to a Grassy field there where I usually see lots of finches, and still no luck.  I walked to their bird feeders and it was filled with House Finches, Sparrows, and Cardinals, but the Chickadees, Nuthatches, and Titmice were too quick for my reflexes.  I caught a Carolina Bluebird on the ground and took a quick shot, but there was a stick that blocked out his head.

I learned a lot.  I know now how close I still have to get, which of my tripods works best, and have tried shooting free-hand.  I have certainly figured out that I can't go far carrying the camera with this lens, a tripod, and my stool.  I'll need my backpack.  I'll try that tomorrow.

I need more comfort items as well.  It was cold out there.  I will add a Jacket, Gloves, a Watch Cap and, perhaps, a Poncho Liner.

I'm calling today a Marginal Success.

Later -

I received a text message from PBG saying she had another wreck.  She said she dodged a herd of deer and ran off the road into a tree - again.  This time she had to be cut from the car and is a nursing home with a broken leg, fractured pelvis, crushed hip, and a broken elbow.  She has a fixation device on her pelvis and won't be able to sit up for months.  Poor Kid.  I told her, "Next time, Hit the deer."

3 January 2023: On Being Seventy

"How terribly strange to be Seventy."  ~ Paul Simon

I have lived a wonderful and charmed life.  I was born with a temperament that easily handled stress, danger, and trouble.  I have a logical mentality that helps me see the way forward when others become blinded by the issue.

I married the perfect girl, and she gave me two wonderful kids, who became friends.  My daughter from my way-to-young first marriage is back in my life.  I have beautiful grandchildren, one of which will carry the Neel name into the future.

Though my first First Sergeant called me his "Jack of All Trades and Master of None,"  I became a proficient soldier.  I was promoted to the highest enlisted rank and was chosen for prestigious assignments.

When I gave up god and the teachings, I resigned myself to the finality of this life and the responsibilities that doing so demanded of me.  I learned to live now, love now, do now, and see everything I could.  I became my own moral compass, doing what I knew to be right, avoiding what was obviously wrong, and divining the gray.

I have never wanted to be a great man . . . just a good one.  I think I have accomplished that.  I know that I am a happy man.

I've always wanted people to like me.  I hope they have.

I've always wanted people to know that I am smart.  This is probably why I talk too much, have a need to voice my opinion, and go into too much detail about subjects that interest me.  I needed people to at least listen.

I know others don't find me funny.  That's OK; I think I'm hilarious. That's enough. 

I don't know how many years I have left, but I plan to take them one day at a time and take them slowly.  I'll be a friend to my girl, my kids, my grandkids, and to those friends who stay in touch.

Until then, I'll read, gaze at the stars, watch the birds, write the words, enjoy good food, drink a little whiskey, smoke a few cigars, push the shutter, and marvel at sunrises and sunsets.  Joie de vivre! 

When I go, I'll leave behind my photos and my writing.  I'll go happy, knowing I did an OK job . . . nothing great . . . but OK is good enough.

"But, not today . . . not Today." ~ from Gladiator

We were all in bed before midnight.  I was pretty happy I didn't have to watch any of New Year's Rocking Eve and it's typically bad music.

Sunday, New Year's morning, Em and I beat everyone up and enjoyed a quiet bowl of cereal before SGM woke the house.

E made her award-winning Biscuits and sawmill Gravy.  Amazing.  A made the coffee this time.  

For supper, Kady made Chicken Tetrizini, Garlic Knots, and Spinich-and-Walnut Salad while we made Smores at the Fire Pit.

The struggle for control of starting the fire in the firepit was a hoot.  KS, A, and I all had opinions.  We finally got a pretty nice fire going.

The BCS Games were far better than I anticipated and did not turn out as I predicted.  I didn't know how TCU would do against Michigan, but I expected them to lose.  I've always liked Michigan.  Another Great Game!  Congrats TCU.

I thought, after seeing Michigan destroy Ohio State, that they would be embarrassed by Georgia.  Nope.  It was another close game.  I'm really looking forward to the BCS Final.  I think TCU can take Georgia.

Though we brought all of our favorite board games, we didn't play one game.  We played some Wizards and Skip-Bo, but that's it.  The days mostly centered on adoring SGM.

We all left about the same time this morning.  Kady and I came back on Highway 522, dodging I-66 and I-81.

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