2022 Journal

Friday, 30 December 2022: West Virginia

Kady and I are driving to Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, this morning , to link up with the family for a New Year Cabin Weekend.  There will be lo Internet or Cell Service (How Will I Live?!) so I'll write about it in the new year.  See 2023.

Thursday, 29 December 2022: Kosovo

I went back to Twitter today, just long enough to follow the Kosovo situation.  I think, after reading, that I can safely say, "It's the same shit, just a different day.  Nothing has changed over there, nor is it likely to.  I will not elaborate, except to quote a British officer who led our train-up for KFOR-4, "They're all Bastards!"  The Serb and Albanian Kosovars will NEVER get along.

I wonder, what happened to Lynda?  She was a sweet kid.

I tried Mastodon for a day and decided it wasn't for me.  I shut it down.  Yawn!

I'm packing for our New Year trip to West Virginia.  It should be a lot of family fun.

Chaos Reigns

Mob Mentality has taken hold.  The Idiots are in Charge.  The Inmates are running the Asylum.

He may never get it back under control.  He would have done better to start his own version of Twitter, from scratch, with a governing body, a police force, and laws already in place.  Certainly, he could do better than Truth Social.

I'm gonna go, for now.  I'll be back when something big happens . . . or AU Football picks back up in the Fall.

I know that I won't be missed (zero tweets/zero followers) like I won't miss the *Twits.

*Twit - A silly annoying person: Fool. ~ Merriam-Webster

It's going into the Zero Digits today.  It is damn cold out there and I'm happy I have nothing to do.

Thursday, 22 December 2022: No!

It is cold and rainy out . . . and probably SLIPPERY!  I saw a large group of ducks on Holly Mead lake yesterday and thought I'd take my camera down there today.  No Way!  Maybe they will still be there tomorrow.  When it's warmer.  When it isn't rainy.  When there is less chance of me falling.  Again.

Jack Ryan Season 3 dropped yesterday.

Wednesday, 21 December 2022: Uniform Downsizing

Today, I cleaned out the attic, beginning with my uniforms.  When I retired, I got kept my dress uniforms, and one set of all my fatigues.  It was a pile that filled a large plastic storage tub.  I guess I thought one day I'd stock a museum or something.  It was a pretty good historical representation of uniforms from 1976 - 2018.  I took most of these items to Goodwill, including Dress Blue Pants, white shirts, two sets of BDUs, my low quarters, an unworn pair of jungle boots, two sets of ACUs, and my blue service cover.

I kept my Para Smock, sweater, and face veil, and two Para sweatshirts.  I kept a set of OCPs, my Mess Dress jacket and pants, My Dress Blue jacket and pants, and my OG107 fatigues.  I also kept two OG107 shirts that I wore in Grenada.

I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

Kady is almost finished with her guestroom.  It's really looking sharp.

Tuesday, 20 December 2022: Reading vs. Reading-At

I'm usually reading a number of books at the same time.   I read slowly, hoping to get exactly what the author is trying to say, and, by default, I retain everything I read.  BUT . . . I get impatient.  As I'm reading a book, another will catch my eye,  be recommended to me, or grab my interest.  My current reading list is a current example.

I'm "Reading" Starry Messenger by Neil DeGrasse Tyson.  Reading means I'm investing more to and effort to finish it.  It's amazing and I highly recommend it to everyone on the damn planet.

I'm "Reading-At" a number of books -

George RR Martin's Fire and Blood, for obvious reasons.  I love me some GoT and need a daily dose of Dragons.

John Steinbeck's East of Eden.  Kim found it in our library while we were shuffling books between bookcases and rooms.  I've never read it.  What?!

The South was Right by two brothers named Kennedy, no relation.  Too bad this book isn't required reading in the USA.  It's pretty well written, though poorly edited (lots of repeated commentary, but, damn, I might as well have written it.

Sapiens by Yoval Noah Hearari, recommended by Jay.  It looks, so far, like a modern explanation of the state of man and how we got here.  I expect Wokeness to abound but will keep an open mind.

These, I pick up as the mood hits me, about once a week.

Under the heading Kady Can Cook, I have to share this -

She made Chili the other day.  Kady's Chili is the best chili I've ever eaten, but this time, finding she had no chili seasoning, she "winged it."  It was amazing . . . different, but amazing.  I tried to get her to tell me what she put in it.  "You know; a little of this and a little of that."  She's frustrating.  Well, I've been eating it for the last three days.  Today, I baked a potato, added sour cream and pepper jack, and then poured the Chili on top.  Damn it was good.

Monday, 19 December 2022: Doing Important Stuff

I have been experimenting, trying to perfect my Holiday Moca.  Today, I think I hit the mark.  I'm calling it John's 505 Holiday Moca.  Put one Brach's Star Brites Peppermint and  One Packet of Swiss Miss "no sugar added" Hot Cocoa Mix in a large mug.  Add 10oz of steaming hot Lavazza Perfecto.  Stir rapidly.  Serve with Nonni's Salted Caramel Biscotti.

Yellowstone and 1923 were a lot of fun.  Yellowstone seems a little stuck in its own tale, unable to find a new direction or a different storyline.  I'm also a little tired of their shameless promotions of sponsors and singers . . . no, Walker can't sing for shit, even if Rip tells you he can, and his songs "tear and strain to rhyme."  These latest two, Lanie Wilson and Zach Bryan, are mediocre at best.  Ah, but I'm faithful and willing to stick with it, no matter how implausible. Hell, my fave show has dragons!

Currently, Netflix's Wednesday is my favorite show.

Looks like we could get snow Friday.

Sunday, 11 December 2022: On The Hunt

Artemis 1 returned to earth today, the end of a highly successful mission.  It was fun to watch. Jay, KS, and Em watched from their house.  "We were surprised to learn that the surface of the sun was only 10,000 degrees, Granddaddy. We assumed it would be like a million bazillion degrees or something like that."   My scientist is adorable.

I'm on the hunt for my Great-Grandmother, Irene M Garrison Lee, first wife of Andrew Thomas Lee, who died after the birth of my grandfather, Barnie.  She's lost in time.  The only records of her come from before their marriage in 1901 and their marriage records.

Mom probably knew everything I'm trying to find out.

It looks like I'll have to do a trip to Alabama - Tuscaloosa to McShan to Havana to Carrolton to Yantly.

Saturday, 10 December 2022: Guest Room

For the last two days, Kady and I have been adjusting the guest room.  Step one was to get some carpet guys out to stretch the carpet and anchor it.  This was not done by the idiots who installed it.  At the last minute, she decided she wasn't painting.  YAY!  That let us put in the new bed, move one of my bookcases there, move in her oval desk, and shuffle the books.  Mine went downstairs, and hers came upstairs and into her new guestroom/study.  That sounds easier than it was.  I probably made twenty trips up and down the stairs, carrying books both ways.

I finished up this morning after breakfast.

For lunch, we picked up a pizza from A Squared Pizza. It was really good.  This cat cooks pizza in his home on Saturdays,  you sign up for a time slot, drive there, and he brings it to your car.  Cash Only.  It felt a little like a drug deal.  He's getting so popular that he's booked through March.

He's got the bread and the sauce down, but he needs to double the amount of pepperoni.  I prefer Kim-Style Deep-dish Skillit Pepperoni Pizza a LOT!  She says that his pizza was better, but that's BS.

Tomorrow, packing for Tennessee.

There are al lot of things that fell nicely into place for this to happen - getting out of the Army, getting a divorce, her coming back to the church (cult), me continuing to attend, her looking past my faults, and me getting up the nerve to ask her out.  We had to deal with a lot of negativity about our relationship from the members of the church (yeah, I said "Cult"), from the pastor (cult leader) on down (sheep).  No one, it was obvious, thought we would make it.

We showed em!  Yeah.  Forty-one years and going strong.

I know I'm lucky.  Winning!

We stayed in pajamas all day and ordered in Bone Fish Grill.

Yesterday, I went for a two-hour walk at Ivy Creek Natural Area.  It was nice, but I went much farther than I had planned.  I put away my map and followed the signs and blaze markers, and, somehow, I missed a turn, which took me way out of my way.  I had to turn on my Garmin's compass, align my map, and pull out my phone map to get my bearings.

When I got home, I asked Kady is she was worried.  She said that she wan't because my Icon was moving on Google Maps. Hahahaha.  The girl tracks my every move, the little creeper.  I was gone a long time, so, I'm guessing she was just checking.  You know, a bear could have been dragging my carcass.

I've seen enpugh woods a streams for a while.  I need an downtown trip with my camera this week.

I took all my camera kit and my monopod, giving it all a shakeout walk.  It was obvious that I need to lighten the load, being selective about what I take on long walks . . . or use my backpack.  For Battlefields, photo trips, and short walks, it was fine, but long walks should include only the Monopod and the camera, plus binoculars.  That's all I used today.

My Garmin Solar Tactical continues to amaze.  I had it track me everywhere I went with GPS and used the compass to keep my map oriented North.  I had the presence of mind to download the trail map this time.  That's a MUST in this park.

It was quiet and peaceful out there.  I only saw two other people, one on a bike and one walking his dogs.  This is a multi use trail park, so I usually see a lot of walkers, some mountain bikers, and a few horses when I'm out there.  I don't know whey, but I rarely see any wildlife.  It was like that today except for a few birds  flying about through the trees.

Next pretty day, I'm going to Ivy Creek Natural Area.

Thursday, 1 December 2022: Google Home

My new Google Nest Battery Camera came in today and I set about setting it up.  I began like I always do, With Nest.  Nope.  This camera can only be set up with Google Home and by migrating your Nest account over to Google Home.  In no time at all, I had a big ole mess on my hands.  I couldn't see the new camera on Nest.  I couldn't see the old Cameras on Home, and, worst of all, Kady couldn't sign into anything.

I went to bed with it still fucked up.

Wednesday, 30 November 2022: Rain

It rained all day, no tornadoes though.  Mississippi and Alabama had a bad time of it.

The only thing I did today was take in the new freezer and put it out in the shed.  Kim was a big help.  We need one.  SS killed a steer and had it butchered.  He is giving us half the meat.

I watched Cyrano tonight.  Loved it!  I finished The Crown.  It was only OK.

Tuesday, 29 November 2022: The Grands

I worked on my telescope this morning after sweeping off the front porch for Kim.  For us, really.    I don't like leaves on the porch.  I had my scope on a tripod to use like an alt-azimuth mount, but it was too wobbly.  I put it back on its Equatorial Mount.  Now I'll have to look up how to set it for this area . . .again.  I can never remember how to do that.

I walked yesterday and it was glorious out, cool, but not cold.  I wore running pants and a hoodie.  I usually listen to Radiolab when I walk.  I listened to an episode that told the story of when the Supreme Court started getting out of their lane.

I'm glad to be home.  Look at me being nice.

I went over to Jay's yesterday to watch Emily while he was in a meeting.  Kelly is in New Jersey.  When Emily came in from school, she told me she would be in her room.  I told her she could do that after she gave me a hug and said hello.  Kids!  How quickly they grow up.  Jake came in about 4 and sat with me a while.  We talked College, Good Grades, Extracurricular Activities, learning to write well, and School Clubs.  He seemed interested when I showed him Warbler's Club Videos . . . the male chorus I was in at Woodlawn High.

No walk today.  Listening to Sting and Pavarotti.

Sunday, 27 November 2023: Charlottesville a Day Early

I was so happy to get out of there and back home.  Within minutes, I had my things put away, trimmed my beard and hair, took a shower, and had my clothes washing.

Sleeping in my bed tonight should be amazing.

Saturday, 26 November 2011: Iron Bowl

I got up way before everyone else and watched another episode of The Bear.  I'm Hooked!

When A got up, he turned on soccer.  Ugh.  Understandable, I guess; he played in high school.  He played for a while in Manhattan, too.

Jay, KS, Em, and Jk came in for a couple of hours   The place got loud.  We order food from Buffalo Wild Wings, not my favorite, but my Honey BBQ wings were decent.

It was fun watching Michigan beat up on The Ohio State University.  It was not so much fun watching the Iron Bowl.   It was a sad year; I feel for the Auburn team.  They had everything stacked against them but they never quit.  The second half, AU played them tight, being outscored by only one point.

We played cards after the game, more Wizards, which I hate.

Friday, 25 November 2022: A Better Plan

E was having workmates over, but, because the baby has something, they have elected to stay away.  We still got chili for lunch.  Yay!   I should have gone walking, but it is very dreary and cold out.  I stayed in PKs all day.

SGM felt a lot better today and her fever was down.  Such a happy little girl.

Given the option, I actually voted to watch USA World Cup Soccer instead of football. which was, of course, a huge mistake.  Soccer is the most boring sport in the world, more boring, even, than golf.  Is this the only sport where two teams play for hours and no one scores and fans are ok with a tie?  England-0, USA-0.  Yawn.

Jay suggested a show on Hulu, The Bear.  I began watching today and it is so good that I'm going to say, after only two episodes, that it is is a Favorite.

Thursday, 24 November 2022: Thanksgiving

We're back in Frederick, arriving yesterday.  Today, A&E laid on a feast that would have fed a small village.  E's friend Julian joined us.

The baby is ill with something, again.  It's one thing after another.  Thank you, Day Care.  A&E took her on a 5K Turkey Trot this morning.  The temperature was in the 30s.  That was probably a mistake.  She was feeling pretty rotten by the afternoon.

I don't know what our plan for tomorrow will be.  I'm hoping to get downtown to see the boats on the creed, which are decorated each year for Christmas.

We'll watch the Iron Bowl here and leave for home Sunday morning.

Saturday, 19 November 2022: Jim and Jimmy John's

My Brother, Jim, and I had a good long video coffee this morning.  We used Instagram Messenger; it wasn't bad.  He told me all about his surgery and Lynn's condition and their recovery.  Ah, but we ae all getting old.  He's 74, a little over 4 years older than I am.  We had good talk and I'm sure we'll do more.

We met Jay, KS, Em, and Ann for lunch at Jimmy John's.  I'm sure Em chose the place; JJ's is her favorite..  I had a Pepe, Original, without mayo.  Not too bad.

Auburn beat Western Kentucky, a really good team.  War damn Eagle!

I have started The English on Prime, a Wild West series  staring Emily Blunt.  It's really good, though I doubt she could have made that shot with the flimsy little bow.  Whenever I say some is unrealistic in a show or movie, Kady always reminds me that my favorite show is about Dragons.  Game - Set - Match, Kady Neel.

Wednesday, 16 November 2022: Cutting Out The Bad Stuff

Beginning Saturday, I have been cutting out the sugar in my diet and counting my calories.  I set 1800 calories a day as a goal and have been under that every day.  This is not a struggle and I'm having no cravings.  As of this morning, I have been walking regularly, and exercising to burn off more calories and, as of this morning, I have already lost 5 pounds.

I'm dedicated.  I turned down Bonefish Grill today; SS and Kady went without me.  I've cut my breakfast in half.  I'm using the Fitbit calculator and Kady is helping me estimate the calories when she makes something.  I've cut down on my snacking, grazing, and a lot of the bread. . . . my waist can't afford it.

Monday, 15 November 2022: SS Visit

SS drove up from Tennessee today.  When he and Kady get together, it' fun' gang-up-on-John-time.  Mostly it's fun.  Yesterday, SS began a "discussion" about which I lost my mind,  The two of then didn't "get" what I was saying and kept cutting me off mid sentence, before I could bring t back around.  I had to go upstairs to the War Room to cool off.  Once done, I went back down and apologized for losing my cool.  They were gracious and acted like it was no big thing.

The rest of the night was fun and lighthearted.

I think this one reason why I love writing here - no one can interrupt me.

Kady made Sweet Meatballs and Potatoes au gratin last night.  A favorite.

Yellowstone was good last night, not great.  It seemed a little disjointed, like it didn't fit together.  It certainly didn't flow well.  I can see where they're going and I think it'll pick up but It was actually kind of boring with too many long, evil looks between Jamie and Beth.  Look, we got it; they hate each other.  I was glad the 2.5 hours ended . . . a first.  It was time for bed.

Friday, 11 November 2022: Rain

The outer edges of Tropical Storm Nicole hit us last night; it's been pouring all morning.  This is OK with me.  I was supposed to take the Christmas Boxes back over to Jay's and do a Goodwill run today, but It looks like I'll have to put that off till Tomorrow.  I've just texted my vet friends with Veteran's Day wishes and KS with a Happy Birthday.

It's Founder's Day at VMI, but I guess the parade will be canceled.  That's too bad; this one was to honor General Peay.  I am glad I decided not to go.  Who wants to drive in weather like this?

Ah.  The Crown is back on.  I'm such a fan.  Ghosts and Shantaram continue to be awesome.  

Wednesday, 9 November 2022: The Spoiler

I am more surprised this morning than I was when Trump won the presidency.  My plan went to shit.  I voted for Biden for three reasons - 

1. I wanted Trump out of the Whitehouse at all costs.  I thought he was more moderate than he has proved to be.

2. I figured he'd screw up bad enough (and he has) that a Republican president would be assured in 2024 through 2032.

3. I had hopes that we  Republicans could take the house and senate to stop any Biden nonsense until we could vote him out.

So, why didn't the red wave happen?  The answer is - TRUMP.  There are still enough people who hate that guy, who won't vote for anyone even loosely associated with him.  

Trump needs to shut his mouth and get out of politics.  He's a pain in the ass and is going to be a huge fly in the ointment two years from now.

Another thing was evident - Republicans choose shitty candidates.  Seriously, Dr. Oz . . . Hershel Walker . . . Sarah Palin?  Idiots!

At least, after being soundly defeated, maybe we've seen and heard the last from Beto and Abrams . . . two democrat idiots.

So, instead of the Red Wave, now we wait for the final results to see if we did anything at all.  Can we live with the status quo for another two years?  

Tuesday, 8 November 2022: Happy Inconclusive News

After a doctor's visit with ECG, we seem to be just fine.  A blood test will tell us more, which is due in tomorrow.  Basically, our NP said it could be a lot of things, but that our heart looks healthy.

This is one old boy who'll sleep better tonight.

Good walk this morning, 4.5 miles with no hip pain.  Voted this afternoon.  Republican.

Monday, 7 November 2022: Maybe It's Something I Ate

We're going to the doctor tomorrow for a little checkup.  A thorough Internet self-diagnosis was accomplished but not enough for one of us. The Kiddos are supportive and a bit more emphatic about a plan of action.  Let's just say this issue needs to be checked out.

I didn't do a damn thing today.  Oh, Wait!  Mosquito Coast is back; I watched that.  Prime announced today that Carnival Row will be back for one more season beginning on 17 February.

Friday, 4 November 2022: Abortion

On my walk today, I went back to RadioLab and listened to No-Touch Abortion.

I've been struggling with this issue since rejecting the cult and all its teachings.  One of those teachings was about when human life begins.  Our Pastor (cult leader) taught that the Bible said that life began at first breath.  He used the verse in Luke (Luke 1: 35) that said, "the holy thing (in Mary's womb) which shall be born of thee" to prove that god considered the fetus a "thing" until birth.  We took this and ran with the notion that abortions were OK until the baby took its first breath.

I've said before, The more I studied, the more I realized that the bible didn't say many of the things I had been taught as Devine Truth.  This is a perfect example.  Reading down to verse 41, the "thing" in Elizabeth's womb is clearly called a baby (Βρέϕος).

This issue has troubled me for some time.  I'm not sure where I stand.  When is the fetus "alive?"  Is there a point during the gestation period when the fetus becomes a human being?  Is it at fertilization, when it has a heartbeat, when it reacts to stimuli, or when it looks like a baby?   Where's the science on this?

This episode on RadioLab dealt with the newest science on the Abortion Pill.  The Science is in - Most women can abort a pregnancy, up to ten weeks, with the pill, as long as they have no underlying medical conditions.   In most cases, this can be determined with a questionnaire while meeting with a doctor over video.

The pill is illegal in many states, so, women wanting abortions are finding workaround solutions.  There is a good podcast on this at The New Yorker Radio Hour - The New Abortion Underground.

Neither of these two podcasts dealt with the politics of the issue, No-Touch Aportions dealt with the science while The New Abortion Underground reported on how the pills are getting from Mexico to American women with restricted access.

But . . . What about the Moral and Ethical implications?  What are our American Norms and Standards?

" . . . one thing I think important to note is that we're talking about abortions with pills, but there are a chunk of people for whom that doesn't apply at all, you know? They need to get the old-school, you know, surgical abortion. " ~ Dr. Avir Mitra, MD

Latif didn't ask, "Why."  I can only guess that this "chunk" is populated by those in the latter stages of pregnancy . . . after ten weeks. . . after the fetus looks like a baby, has a heartbeat, and reacts to stimuli.

Come on Radiolab!  Ask the hard questions!

So, where am I on this?  I'm leaning toward Ten- Twelve Weeks.  Before is OK, After is Not.  I'm leaving room for extenuating circumstances and emergencies. 

I'm not 100% there.

I'm waiting on the science.

I'm Rain-Xing the windshield today.  Kady made Pizza for dinner, after which we watched Ghosts.  Thorfin is my Fave.

Thursday, 3 November 2022: Was it Five Years Ago?

Afton sent me a photo from her FB Feed, a five-year reminder of my retirement parade at VMI.  Wow.  Five Years.  Though I didn't want a big-to-do, it turned out to be a fun day.

I had a light breakfast and a light salad for lunch.  Done for the day. 

Kady has begun her downsizing plan for the Guestroom; it will become an office for her with a twin bed.  The bed arrived today from Ikea.  Sandy is due-in in a couple of weeks.  He'll bring us half the bull he just took to the butcher and go away with the current guest bed for his farmhouse.

Tuesday, 1 November 2022: Dental

Kady and I drove to BV today for dental.  All is well in that area.  What I've been doing around where I had the infection is working.  Our next appointment is in May.

Tonight, I watched Em while Jay went to BJJ.  I say I watched Em but she stayed upstairs the whole night talking to her friend online.

Monday, 31 October 2022: Auburn

Auburn Fired Brian Harsin today.  Who's Next?  Hell, I'll go and take the $15M in two years.  I wonder how many Ex-Head Coaches we have on the payroll there.  It's such a shit show.

Tonight, we hid from the trick-or-treating kids.  You do that in our neighborhood by turning off your porch light.  We left at about 7 to watch Smile at Alamo Cinema.  I like that place and like their pizza.  The movie was freaky and scary.  I think it is the best scary movie I've seen in a while.

Sunday, 30 October 2022: New Show

I've been watching Shantaram on Apple TV and it is incredibly good.  I highly recommend it.

Otherwise, I haven't done a thing all day.

Friday, 28 October 2022: Costa's Famous BBQ Charlottesville

We just had a fun meal with Ann, Jay, and Em.  My Idea.  I had Kady bring in some Costa's BBQ sauce from Birmingham.  Next we ordered some nice buns and Lay's Potato Chips from Walmart.  Kady, then, ordered two pounds of pulled pork from Martin's Grill and I picked it up.  Kady heated it all up and . . . Voila!  Coast's in Charlottesville.  Pretty Great.

Em came over this morning while Jay attended a meeting.  Unexpected, but welcome.  It wrecked my morning routine, but we had a lot of fun.

Tuesday, 25 October 2022: YES, You CAN go Home Again

Sorry, Thomas.

Kady and I were home by 1000 hours yesterday.  I went straight into my Back Home Routine - Unpack the car (including the Coffee Table), move all of the bags upstairs, throw my dirty clothes in the washer, take a shower, wash and dry my clothes, unpack and put away what I didn't wear, fold and put away the clean clothes, download my photos to my computer, and then put away all of the things that went with me (Laptop, Camera, Pistol, Flashlight, Hearing Aids, . . . ).  While I did all of this, I watched the season finale of House of the Dragon.  It was another great episode.  OK, Let's Dance!  The Greens are going Down!  Come on Season 2!

When I was done, I cut off all my hair and trimmed my beard.  Ah.  I feel so much better.

Lastly, I went to get Taco Bell.

Today, I've been file organizing and creating an encrypted thumb drive and an encrypted file.  On these, I'll keep a new Private Journal I've been writing . . . you know . . . deepest, darkest thoughts stuff.

I watched Em tonight while Jay went to his BJJ class.  I hardly saw the girl.  She played outside until 1838, came in, ate, and then told me she was going upstairs.  I could hear her chatting with someone online, probably her aunt.  Babysitting is easy.

Sunday, 23 October 2022: Just. One. More. Day.

I'm so tired.  I don't sleep. walk, or eat well here.  That is partly MY fault.

Kady and I are watching the baby while the kids go to the Green Bay vs. Redskins game in DC.  We'll leave tomorrow morning for Charlottesville and HOME.  After I unpack the car, set up Kady's Coffee Table, and wash my clothes, I'm going to Nap.  When I wake up, I'm going to walk and work out.  IF I eat, it's going to be light.  

I love the time with E, A, and SGM but I need to get some sleep, work my body, and Purge!

I have a lot on my To-do List for next week.  The most important to me is to begin a Personal Journal.  I need that.

Wednesday, 19 October 2022: Short-Lived

Feeling Better.  I felt a little tired and "off" yesterday, but feel just fine today. 

SGM is still feeling poorly but is still her normal, happy self.  She is the easiest baby, ever.

I emailed my RSVP for the Founders Day Activities at VMI telling them I wasn't coming.  I'm pretty sure I won't be missed.  VMI is Anxiety and Stress that I have left behind.  Going back to Lexington for this event has been the biggest thing on my mind since getting the invitation.  Should I wear a suit, trim my beard, or cut my hair?  Who'll be there?  With whom will I talk, sit, . . . ?  What should I say to General Peay?  How should treat MG Wins and the BOV members?  What could I possibly say to them, being true to myself?

And then it hit me last night - Just don't go.  Don't let the nonsense that is VMI re-invade your life.  Boom.  Problem solved.

Monday, 17 October 2022: Relapse?

I've been out of my house less than 24 hours and I've got . . . something.  It feels like the onset of the Covid I had a month ago - upset stomach, lowgrade fever, achy joints, tired, my scratchy throat is back . . .

Great.  When I told Kady, she said something dismissive, and I growled at her.

The baby is still Ill.  She's such a happy little thing, but I  don't think she feels well.  She still has a bad cough and coughs all through her nap.  I think she has Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

Saturday, 13 October 2022: Full Day

I've been invited to General Peay's Award Ceremony and the Founder's Day Parade and Reception at VMI on 11 November.  I want to go, but I tried on my suit coat and It's snug.  I have until the 4th to RSVP, which gives me 17 days to work off some of my belly.  ABS!  I began those yesterday.  I've been pretty strict on myself and my diet since Monday - two meals a day, nothing after 1500, and NO SNACKS!

This is good motivation; I really want to go but I ain't going looking like I do.

Yesterday, I worked out all day long, which is what I need to do.

AU looked a lot better this afternoon against Ole Miss, but it took benching Ashford for a series to get his head together.  He was like a new man when he came back in.  He and Tak had words on the sidelines.  I can only imagine Tank had had enough of the sloppy play.

The Tennessee vs. Alabama game was crazy.  Go Vols.

Just before dark, Kady, Jay, and I drove to Somerset to do the flashlight maze at Liberty Mill Farm.  It was so much fun.  They really are organized and have the best maze I have ever seen.  The map they gave us was essential; we might still be out there.  Jay was amazing leading the way, while I conferred with him and double-checked his work.  The compass on my Garmin came in handy.  Kady kept us abreast of the Tennessee-Alabama game for the last two quarters.  Our Gearlight headlamps were perfect.

Thursday, 13 October 2022: Last Day

The weather was rainy in Appomattox and pretty in Charlottesville, so, rather than sit in the cabin all day and do nothing, we drove back home.  Neither of us saw any benefit to sleeping there tonight, only to drive back tomorrow morning.  Easy Choice!

I just changed my Cell Service to Xfinitymobile from Google Fi.  Being on the same plan saves us $35 + tax a month.  Being on Xfinity saves $20 a month and Kady's iPhone can make Wifi Calls.  All other things are equal, even coverage, which seems the same.  Easy Choice!

I just watched She Hulk Finale.  I sure hope they do more seasons.  Easy Choice!

Wednesday, 5 October 2022: Maker's Mark

Yeah, Maker's Mark.  All Of It.

Tuesday, 27 September 2022: Brain Fog

I don't feel like doing much today; I feel blah.  It's almost noon and I haven't gone for my walk, which means I probably won't.  I'm guessing I'm still not over the COVID.  Some days I feel great, others, I feel tired and unable to focus.

I'm also a bit irritable.  I've been deleting people from my contacts and from my web page.  I began with those people I have not heard from since retirement.  No great loss, most of them.

I need to grab my camera and go.

I took my telescope out tonight for a good look at Jupiter.  Yep, still out there.  It is bright as can be and you can see Callisto, Io, Ganymede, and Europa.  So Cool!

Thursday, 22 September 2022: NAS Nonsense

I've been fucking around with this NAS all damn day, trying to figure out how to do common sense things, and not getting anywhere.  I took it back to factory settings three times, streamlining my setup each time and trying new things.  The ASUSTOR Training Videos were useless and over-dubbed with electronic disco music.  Must be a Chinese Thing.

This process certainly isn't intuitive.

Finally, I found a video by an Aussie who took me step-by-step through the process in a common sense pattern.  In no time, I had it set up and running like a Network Drive.

My first order of business was to upload all of my Photos, which is why I got this thing. Next, I'll set up a sync for my Hard Drive.  

Kim made her Prosciutto and Caramelized Red Onion Pizza today, a John Favorite.  It's like eating candy.

Tuesday, 20 September 2022: Good Snow

Holy Cow!  HBO is making a Jon Snow sequel!  It may be out as soon as January, starring Kit Harrington.  I'll bet anything that they'll make a West of Westeros series as well.

Neither of us are feeling well, so we were more than glad to be home and more comfortable.

Last night, in a group text we found out that KS and Ann both tested positive for COVID and they have the same symptoms.  We tested and both of us indicated positive as well.  I've kept myself busy all day, cleaning up, folding clothes, watching videos, and transferring files, just to keep my mind off of it.

I've also been sucking on Hall's Cough Drops.

Friday, 16 September 2022: Enough Sleep

I lay in bed last night, wide-eyed, until about 2 AM.  When I finally fell asleep, it was sound.  I felt pretty well this morning and got up with SGM and E.  I went for a two-mile walk when SGM left for daycare, and it wiped me OUT!  By 1000, I was ready for a nap.  I didn't wake till 1400, but felt tons better.

Thursday, 15 September 2022: Biological Hot Potato

We think it began when SGM came home from daycare with a cough.  E caught it next, then A, and now we all have it.  What we have may have actually begun with Jay.  I came down with it yesterday.  I'm weak as a kitten, have a fever, a cough, night sweats, and body aches.  It has been a vicious cycle, hopping from one person to another and then making the rounds again.  Kim is on day five and still feels bad.  I talked to Kady about staying home, once we get there, until we are all over this bug.  I think she agrees.

I slept in this morning until almost 9, and then went back to bed after some Cheerios.   I crashed HARD!  I don't even remember getting back up.

She-Hulk S1: E4 dropped today.  If you are not watching this, shame on you.

I went for a short, slow walk this afternoon and sat in the sun for about thirty minutes.  It did me a world of good.  E and I walked a bit when she got home.

Monday, 12 September 2022

Jim's surgery went well.  It turned into a quadruple bypass.  The doctor said it went as expected.

We're back to Frederick for the week, helping E while A is fishing in Canada.  I came packed for a week, though I may go back on Thursday to watch Em if Jay feels like going to Brazilian JuJitsu.  If I need to do that, it'll mean coming back up here to fetch Kady on Sunday.

It rained on us all the way here, though not hard.  It made traffic slow.

I need a good walk tomorrow.

I watched House of Dragons S1:E4 last night.  I watched it again this morning.  This is a really good show but not as rich in characters or storyline as Game.

Saturday, 10 September 2022: Pay to Lose Saturday

It was a CRAZY day in College Football.  Alabama and Auburn squeaked by with wins.  Alabama was playing Texas which was a good game.  Welcome back Texas and Hello from your future conference.  Alabama was their own worst enemy with over 100 yards in penalties.  My personal opinion is that if you are penalized over 100 yards, the other team should be awarded 6 points.

Nick will hurt them next week.

Two of my childhood friends, Jim Lewis and Tom Saffles and their wives were in a car accident on their way to the game.  Tommy's wife seems to have taken the worst of it.

AU was playing what I hope is a very good San Diego State team and could not stop them.  It was the third quarter before AU got their collective shit together.  For most of the night, The Tigers looked more like the Keystone Cops, dropping passes, tripping each other, fumbling the ball, throwing interceptions, and blocking each other. They better be a lot more focused next week against Penn State.  They better be BETTER!

Other big teams didn't fair so well.  TAMU lost to Appalachian State, Marshall beat Notre Dame, BYU beat Baylor, Kentucky beat Florida, and Tennessee beat Pitt, All of which were predicted to go the other way by large margins.  I'm happy anytime TAMU and Notre Dame lose but this was simply delightful.

Next week, College Game Day will be at Appalachian State for the first time ever.  The celebration will continue!

I think we're seeing an unexpected result of the NFT Pay-to-Play Bull Shit. Is the Pride gone?  Were we watching Quiet Quitting on the field?  Are players scared that if they get hurt that they'll get fewer contracts?

Friday, 9 September 2022: News from Alabama

My brother let me know that he is having open-heart bypass surgery on Monday.  He'll take four weeks of medical leave from BSC.  Hopefully, this convinces him he needs to retire and slow down.

I watched Em tonight so Jay could take KS out to dinner before her trip.  It was pretty easy.  She played with friends until 1830.  I fed her her favorite meal and then sent her to bed at 1930.  We watched Heartland for a while and looked at photos in Carl Sagan's Pale Blue Dot.

It looked for a while like Kady and I would need to drive to Maryland to help E.  But by the time E got home from work, everything was fine. 

Wednesday, 7 September 2022: Shopping

I love Staples and Office Max; I can shop there for hours.  I think this comes from the most exciting shopping of the year as a kid - Shopping for the School Year.  This always meant New Clothes, Shoes, and School Supplies.  To me, there is nothing better than a good pen and pencil and a fresh notebook.

Well, the notebook inside my canvas cover, the bane of Cadets, was once again, used up.  This would happen once a year at VMI, filled with To-Do Lists, names and penalties for cadets, and notes for myself and for the staff.  I bought this one when I retired and it has taken almost four years to fill it.

After my breakfast and a walk, I cleaned up, put my bedclothes in the washer, and drove to Staples.  I found a new book that fits my cover (Tru Red Dotted Journal 5.5 x 8), a sketchbook, and some 2" x 1.5" Post-its that I use for Family Tree Research.  I stopped to see if there were any interesting pencils or pens but didn't find any that interested me.  I'm a big Pentel person.  I also like Zebra's 400 Series.

I filled the car at the new Sheetz on the way back to the house.  We may go to Maryland this weekend.

Monday, 5 September 2022: Not a Day

Kady and I agree - Today is not a day, we're not doing anything.

I have some clothes to fold but that's it.

OK, I have to wash my shower curtain but that's all I'm doing.

Oh, Look!  My office floor needs vacuuming.

The Kids left this morning, leaving the house empty for the first time in eight days.  It's so quiet.  Every time I leave their place, I forget something.  They make fun of me.  Today, THEY left their phone chargers.

Hahahahahahaha 

I watched Elvis on HBO.  I was never a fan, but this movie is really good.  Highly suggest!

Sunday, 4 September 2022: Steak

How long has it been since I was last at Texas Road House?  We went today and I got a small steak, baked potato, and corn.  Amazing.

I had a short walk this morning and then we went downtown to walk about, see all of the wedding venues, and grab some lunch.  The Mall was covered up with people as were the eating places.  Location, Location, Location!  You can't go wrong with a restaurant down there.  We elected to drive back to 29 and Texas.  Good Call!

SGM is feeling bad and running a low-grade fever, probably from the shots she got before they left Frederick.  They plan to leave tomorrow morning.

I excused myself at 2100, went to my room, and watched House of the Dragon.  It just keeps getting better.  Love this show.

Saturday, 3 September 2022: Football Season Begins

I moved Aubie, My New AU Cap, and my Auburn blanket downstairs first thing this morning.  After my shower, I put on my "I May Live in Virginia but I'm Always in Auburn Country" t-shirt.  I'm ready.  SGM learned to say "football" this morning.  She's ready.  Kady and A have said that they want to watch ND vs. Ohio State instead of AU vs. Mercer.  Wrong Answer, but, I guess that they are ready too.

War damn Eagle!  All In.  Let's Go!

I have decided not to go to VMI for the Women's Reunion.  I don't need that in my life. 

Later - 

AU looked good though it is hard to tell, playing Mercer, how we will look when playing SEC teams.  Our first real test is Pen State in two weeks.  Kady, A, and E watched the Ohio State - ND game, instead.  Sacrilege!

A made Tacos for Game Food.  The pork didn't taste much like a Mex dish but it was solid.  I made a BBG Pork Soft Taco that was to die for.  It's a Thing!

At the Weather Delay, I went to bed.

Friday, 2 September 2022: Good Week, Good Weekend

Mitch left for Bama this morning.  I think he snuck out about 0200, wanting to beat the holiday traffic.  I wasn't worried.  He's a professional driver and drives hundreds of miles every day.  He called to let me know he was almost home.

E, A, and SGM came in last night, and Jay, KS, Em, and Ann stopped by for supper.  E plans on running the Charlottesville Women's 4-miler tomorrow morning, but I bet she doesn't.  I think she was enjoying being here for a long weekend of decompression.

Thursday, 1 September 2022: The Interview

Mitch and I took the day off from traveling.  We went for breakfast at Michael's Diner.  It was a good choice.  The coffee was good, my Bacon, eggs, and grits were perfectly cooked and the biscuits tasted a lot like my mom's.

Back at the house, we sat at the dining room table and talked about Grenada.  I recorded it to use as a reference for a story to include here.  Working!

In the afternoon, we went shopping for his Granddaughters.  Kady sent us to The Virginia Shop.  They have the coolest stuff there.  He picked up a couple of Virginia Love t-shirts and birth-month bracelets.  The folks were really nice there.

I got him hooked on Game of Thrones before he went to bed.

Happy Birthday.

Friday, 26 August 2022: Working with a Chromebook/Chromebox

Small adjustments have to be made when leaving Windows.  One of my biggest problems was the Amazon Music App.  Since it is designed for phones and tablets, it fills the whole screen on top of all other windows.  I've been working with it.  This morning it hit me - BROWSER BASED!  Everything I do is on my browser, why not my music?  I checked, and sure enough, Amazon has a browser music player.  Done!

I'm not loving Snapseed but I like it better than Photoshop Express.  I'm sure I have a LOT to learn.

Thursday, 25 August 2022: More Things

Happy Birthday, 82nd Airborne Division!

Jay came over this morning to help me get the guest room closet doors out of the attic.  Once done, I took our giveaway stuff to Goodwill and then went to Lowe's for new hardware for the doors.

The doors looked like an easy job but turned into a pain in the ass.  By the time I had the new hardware installed, I was worn out.  The doors are hung, but not perfect.  Kady decided she wanted to turn them around so the best side would be out.  That sounded easy, too.    Silly me. 

The Chromebox/Chromebook plan is working.  I figured out how to switch between my primary site and my photo account.  Though not as easy as on a windows computer where I can have them open at the same time, this works nicely.  I've linked my two backup drives to it and have been playing with Snap Seed.  I know how to watermark my photos but can't do it without a touch or touch screen.  I might just stop doing that.

Wednesday, 24 August 2022: Timberwood Grill

Jay, KS, Kady, and I met at Timberwood Grill for lunch.  Oh My!  It was delicious! I had their Al Capone Burger (Grilled onions, Applewood smoked bacon, and smoked Gouda, topped with white truffle horseradish mayo and served on a pretzel bun.  I added mustard because it needed mustard.) and a three-bean salad.  

I'd go back for dinner if I could.  Why haven't we been eating here all along?  Hell, it is only two minutes from our house.

KS ordered General Tso's Cauliflower, which Jay explained was "like General Tso's Chicken, only with Cauliflower and not Chicken."  I responded,  "Thanks Buddy.  Is that why they call it General Tso's Cauliflower?"  My son is a hoot.  I tasted it and it tasted like Cauliflower with some sauce on it.  Not Good but better than plain Cauliflower, which ranks down there with Brussel Sprouts and Cardboard.  Kady had a burger and fries.  Her fries were amazing but I'll still get the Three-Bean Salad with a side of Three-Bean Salad.

After lunch, I unhooked my Windows computer, completely, and hooked up my Chromebox.  I needed to fore the move and force myself to figure out some issues I have with Interoperability with my peripheral devices like my scanner, printer, and external drives.  Weening myself off Photoshop will be the roughest.  Snapseed and I need to become close friends.

If this all goes well, I may revisit the Home Server idea for the windows computer.  Kady and I watched the Finale of Only Murders in the Building last night.  Good one, guys!  Give us more!

Monday, 22 August 2022: Cleaning and Purging

Once I finished with all the scanning, I began purging CDs, DVDs, books, clothes, and junk from my room  My process was sound; I have a ton more room now.  I also put the Power strip for my computer back on the side of my desk with Velcro and then re-routed and organized all the cables.  I'm happier with it.  I'm about ready to put away my windows computer and use my Chromebox.  I may try that after Mitch leaves.

Thursday, 18 August 2022: Emotional Nonsense

I had a little episode last night.  I'm guessing it came from whiskey and all of the past memories resurfaced by the photo scanning.  When Kady called me to dinner, I went to the kitchen, where I became confused, disoriented, and emotional.

I'm sure her view of this is different, probably more correct.

I went to bed sad.

Friday, 12 August 2022: I Hate Apple

I hate all things Apple.  iTunes and I have always had a fight going on. 

I've been playing my old CDs and they are amazing.  I opened the first box and started with Bryan Adams.  Holy Shit, what great music.  Next up . . . The Bangles.  It hit me.  Rip these and put them on your iPod, which was gathering dust in my electronics box under the bed.

If you want to put music on an iPod, the easiest way is to download iTunes to your computer.  Ah, but you have to remember your account password.  After going through the password recovery process, which had to include Kady as the primary account holder from fifty years ago, I got into my account.  THEN . . . I had to answer two "Security Questions," again, FROM FIFTY YEARS AGO.

Security Questions?  Do you Apple people still use Security Questions?  How Quaint!

Now, I know the name of my first pet and first car, but couldn't get both of them correct - spelling or wording, something, I don't know.

By the time I finally got in, I was entirely fed up with Apple, iTunes, and the iPod . . . AGAIN!  I Erased the iPod, deleted my account, and uninstalled the App on my computer.  I took the iPod down and gave it to Kady.  "Sell This!  I don't care if you only get $5."  Next, I went into Autofill to delete passwords for anything Apple.

FUCK YOU Apple.

Yeah, I know I'm half the problem but Ahhhhhhhh.  I feel better.  Hurray for Google, Autofil, Streaming, VLC, Edifier, a computer that still plays CDs, and Suzanna Hoffs.

Later:

I've been scanning photos all day.  My goal is to have them all scanned, backed up, and in the trash by Tuesday.  As I scan them, I'm categorizing them by family and person, so that I can separate them further one day.

It is a big job but I need to get it done.  It will free up a lot of space in The War Room.

Thursday, 11 August 2022: Bogged Down

Just before lunch, I picked up a box of cookies from Crumbl Cookies, and then went to the library and the post office for Kady.  Once done, I drove to Booker T. Washington Park to see the Bog Garden.

It sounded fun and looked interesting on their website, but, in person, it is a bit underwhelming.  An Albemarle Garden Club project, it looks like it hasn't been touched in years.  They put a lot of work into it, signage, plants, stepping stones, a boardwalk, and a bee motel, it's too bad it is so run-down.  This could be really beautiful with just a little work. 

The "Bee Hotel" looked mostly vacant, which usually means it hasn't been cleaned in a while.   Visiting the Bog Garden was a lot like seeing the "botanical garden" last week.

I'll visit it again in early spring.  Maybe I'll take my hammer and a few nails.

Poor Charlottesville.  They have such big dreams.

Tuesday, 9 August 2022:  Dive!  Dive!

I tried to kill my Pixel by taking it in the pool.  I swam a lap before I realized it was in my pocket.

Still works, though.  Google says to turn it off, dry it with a soft cloth, and lay it flat to dry at room temperature.  I let it dry all day long cranking it back up at about 1900.  It survived.

I won't do that again.

While my Pixel was off-line, Kady and I texted over Google Chat.  I liked it.

I feel much better today.  I even went for a short walk.  More tomorrow.

Saturday, 6 August 2022: Uugghh

My sore throat is gone, pretty much . . . 

But now I have a full-on cold.  I'm smarter than it is, though.  I've been always been a proponent of rinsing your sinuses when a nasal issue shows itself.  I rinsed this morning, twice, and That fixed That!  I took some DayQuil for the other symptoms and that did nothing.

This afternoon, I killed it.

I made some strong Earl Grey with honey and, once upstairs, poured in some Jack Daniels.  That worked wonders . . . or . . . I just didn't give a shit anymore.  So, I had another dose.

Friday, 5 August 2022: ACK

I now have Kady's sore throat and cold.  I'm gonna take a nap.  No more Brasco/Cat duties.

Wednesday, 3 August 2022: Dental Round Robin

I went to the Endodontist today to check my tooth.  They did a 3D scan, found nothing, saw no indicators of abscess, and said it was a periodontic infection (what I told everyone it was).  Then they charged me $231 for my piece of mind.  You're Welcome, Neely!

Feeding Brasco (now named "B-Rascal" by my Echo Dot) isn't too bad, but getting him to do what I want when outside is a struggle.  Today, his poo routine was interrupted by the dogs that we met everywhere we went.  I'm also feeding Ann's Cats.

Wednesday, 27 July 2022: The End

I follow very few celebrities on Instagram.  One I follow because I worry about her.  Constance Wu is a troubled soul, beaten down by our societal ills, getting off of social media for a while, and then returning only recently.  Constance is beautiful, talented and from what I can tell, a very lovely person.  In her first post, this morning, she led her followers to a movie, in which she stared, I was a Simple Man.

This movie is beautiful.  It is moving, haunting, breathtaking, and thought-provoking. I enjoyed it very much.  All old men should watch it.

Yesterday, I took a different approach to my bug photography.  I went back to Ivy Creek with the zoom lens on my camera.  It made all the difference.  My photos were clearer because I was not enlarging and I didn't have to work as hard to get to my subject.  Nature was playing its part with loads of critters visiting the Wildflower Garden.

Pretty soon there is going to be a consumer backlash directed at all of these streaming entities.  Netflix is already seeing the loss of over a million customers.  Next will be Disney and HBO.  Hulu, Paramount, and Peacock will follow.  Why?  We're all going to watch ourselves into the poorhouse.

So.  My radio came today . . . the first one I ordered.  As I guessed, it was misdelivered to another address and the people at that address opened it, realized it wasn't theirs and brought it to me . . . a month later.  Maybe they were away.  Maybe they are just lazy.  Whatever, I now have two identical radios.  I asked Jay if he wanted it and he did.  It worked out.

Kady and I both have itchy traveling feet. I've been begging to go anywhere.  Today, she told me about a cabin where she wants to stay.  It is always booked, but she found a week in October open.  On the river, secluded on fifty acres, and has TV and WIFI.  SOLD!  I'll post a link after we visit.

Thursday, 21 July 2022: Em

I didn't walk this morning; I didn't really feel like it.  At 0900, I went to Harris-Teeter to pick up my prescription of Amoxicillin, taking my first dose as soon as I got back to the house.  I have to take four pills a day for six more days.

Kady and I didn't go to the pool because KS called and asked if we could watch Em for about an hour.  For our trouble, she said she would bring us Jimmy John's.  As soon as Em got here, I told her to come up to my office.

The dance party began right away.  She introduced me to Kidz Bop Kids, by taking control of my Alexa Dot.  We took a break to play the guitar.  I taught her Em and D.  She did a great job, but after a while, looked at her fingertips and then at me as if I was torturing her.  I explained.  We went back to dancing.

She thinks my dancing is just fine.  She's still young.  I really enjoy my time with her.  She is so smart.

KS brought me a Thai Chicken Wrap.  Where has this been all my life?  Delicious!

Kady and I went out in the afternoon to mail some boxes, drop a book, take stuff to Goodwill, and ship a box from UPS.

I cleaned the War Room when we got home.  I don't say that lightly.  It's a big Job!

Sunday. 17 July 2022: More Sissy

I'm not doing anything today, I guess.  I skipped my walk, my planned French Toast Breakfast turned out to be a bowl of Special K and a banana, and I've done no exercises.  Hey, It's Sunday!

I think I'll just watch more Sissy.  Prime has a lot of her movies for free.

"Who can bear to feel himself forgotten?" W. H. Auden  Me.

Thursday, 14 July 2022: It Wasn't My Way

After my walk and breakfast, I cut my hair.  It looks better.  The Robert E. Lee Look  that I had going on doesn't suit me.

I've been talking with Ryan.  I feel for her, a state away from her fam, with two little boys, and finishing up her divorce.  The guy in all of this will regret losing her; she's a great girl.  She's moving on quickly.  Her family helped her move into a new, bigger apartment.  I told her that for purely selfish reasons, I wish it were in Charlottesville.  True.  I miss her.

And I miss Catherine.  I texted her too.  She's so funny.

We stayed at the pool for over an hour today and were in the water most of the time.  We're both getting as brown as berries.

"Almost cut my hair.  It happened just the other day.  It's getting kinda long.  I guess, I coulda said it wasn't my way." ~ David Crosby

Wednesday, 13 July 2022: Back on Track

I walked this morning before it got too hot , then had breakfast.  That seems to be the best solution to the late morning heat.  At 11:30, Kady and I went to the pool.  The water was less chilly and we stayed in the pool almost the whole time.  After lunch, I went to the gym and had a good workout.  Kady made burrito bowls, which we ate while we watched Only Murders in the Building.  I practiced my Thai Chi after that.

It was a good day.

Tuesday, 12 July 2022: Guadalajara

Kady and I met Jay for lunch.  I tried the Fish Tacos which were sub-par.  No Bueno!  The conversation was a bit sad and stressful.

Tonight, I went Out Back for a cigar and whiskey.  That helped.  I acted like I was in Key West.  The heat was such that it felt like I was right there.  I even had a nice off-shore breeze, coming through the trees ahead of the thunderstorm.  It was very buggy out there.

Thursday, 7 July 2022: The FOB

After much ado, the fob arrived, and the insurance company agreed to pay for it. This has only taken 2.5 months or something. Today, I went to get it done, but that's OK, they have good WIFI at Battlefield Toyota.  One of the girls there is an uncommonly beautiful girl.  She was dressed to the nines and sitting at a desk, right inside the front door.  The whole time I was there I thought about what a great photo subject she'd make.

Yesterday, I spun back up my Photosite and Photo Instagram. I need to take it slowly with new photos, not old photos from my primary site. I designed a new, undated, watermark. I'll type in the actual date of each photo once watermarked.

I'm staying with the People-Places-Things format. I think it works just fine . . . and I have no other ideas. I plan to post two photos of each person, place, or thing, with stories.

Kady, KS, and I went to Alamo Theater to see Jurassic World Dominion last night. Cool Place. We sat on the second row in recliners while a waiter brought us food and drinks. I had the Omnivore Pizza, which was delicious. Kady's popcorn was good, and KS had Pineapple Upsidedown Donut Holes, which were spectacular.

The Movie, though panned by the critics, was big fun for the three of us; we're Jurassic Park Fans. I liked how they brought all the players back and how it all pieced together. The Plot was solid, with just the right amount of "save the planet" commentary.

Tuesday, 5 July 2022: Marisol

I made the huge mistake of going with Kim to watch Candyman at Jay's house.  What a load of Woke Shite!  This film turned the Candyman into a crusader, killing bad white people . . .white mean girls at school, white police, a white art critic . . . so many white people that I lost count. And, why?  Because Candyman was avenging all of the bad things that Whitey had done to black people over the centuries.

You can't even go to see a slasher movie without social commentary these days.

What a waste of my time.

Today, I had the windshield replaced just in time for the rain.  Filled up the car.

In more important news, I found something for which I have been looking for years.  I had a dream during my afternoon nap about buying a place to live in Key West.  When I got up, I began looking online.  Since I felt filthy rich in the dream, money was no issue, so I began looking at things over $2 Million.  At $3 Million, the place at 330 Julia Street looked familiar.  Holy Cow!  It was the Marisol Cigar Factory from the show Key West, Episode 12: The System.  I've been searching for this place for three years, intent on seeing it on my next trip.

When I told Kady, her reaction was less than enthusiastic.

Someone has really done a great job with it.  Now, all I need is $3 Million.

Sunday, 3 July 2022: The Terminal List

I finished The Terminal List this morning; it was super good!  Chris Pratt, Taylor Kitch (Tim Riggins!), and Constance Wu (gorgeous girl) were a great team, the storyline good, and the villains were perfectly despicable.  Jeanne Tripplehorn did some great acting.  The ending was perfect.

While cleaning out her desk, Kady found 16GB (2 x 8) of ram, which she and Jay pulled out of her old HP laptop or leftover from when they upgraded her All-in-one Desktop.  I installed them inside my 8GB Laptop.  Winner!

I read an article today about the recruiting woes of Auburn's football program.  I think our success is ranked behind Vanderbilt.  On the same page was an article about Auburn's new Plains NIL Club and Auburn NIL, which seem a little behind the power curve to me.  If we're going to pay players to play NCAA sports at Auburn, then we should have jumped on the bandwagon first.  I think this NIL shit is going to ruin college sports.  Watch!  in four years, no one will be able to compete with Texas Teams.  We'll see A&M rise to the top of the SEC, Texas will hire the best players in the nation, and SMU will probably come back strong . . . they KNOW how to do this better than anyone.  Why?  TEXAS MONEY!

Kady and I went to Jay-and-KS's for supper tonight.  KS made Stouffer's Lasagna and Kady's Salad.  Though all of the women in my family make their own badass lasagna we all agree that it is smart to save the trouble and cook Stouffer's.  So Good.  We were supposed to play games, but I don't think anyone was highly motivated.  They began talking about scary movies and renovation shows, which left me out, not my forte, but I enjoyed listening.  I live with funny folks.

Ann brought Dairy Queen Blizzards for everyone.  Girl Scout Thin Mint is back. 

Wednesday, 29 June 2022: Damn, this water is Cold!

Great walk this morning.  It was beautiful and I ran into a beautiful girl down by the school.  I got a call from Kady who simply said, "Stop!"  I looked around and she was walking behind me, having gone the wrong way on Ashford after checking my location on Google Maps.

The Little Creeper - She knows where I am at all times.

We went to the pool when it opened.  The water was really cold from the night before, in the 50s.  I got in for about 15 minutes; she didn't get in at all.  But she is getting all brown.  So Cute!

Tuesday, 28 June 2022: Fun Kady Day

After my walk, Kady and I went to the pool together.  I had a great time and I think she did as well.  She made burgers last night, so I made one for lunch to go with my salad.  For dinner, she made a deep-dish, Detroit-style Pizza.  It was really really good.  The thing was almost two inches thick, with three kinds of cheese, and pepperoni.  I only ate one piece.

Only Murders in the Building dropped three episodes of Season 2 today.  Kady and I watched the first one tonight.  Cara Delevingne, who I believe to be one of the most beautiful women on the planet, is in this season.  She's just another reason to love this show.  Yes, I know she's gay, but I'm convinced that this is because she has never met ME.

Rick Dees was on WSGN when I was in High School.  WVOK wasn't cool.

At night, we could usually pick up WGN, AM 720, out of Chicago, a cool station back then.  It was our favorite "Parking" station.

Kady asked me what I wanted for Father's day; I told her a Radio.  I went searching and decided on an AM/FM radio made by Sangean.  The price was right, it looked good, and, I thought, if it didn't sound good, I could send it back.

The first one was lost in shipment, so we reordered.  It arrived while we were in Frederick.  Jay picked it up from the porch on his way home from work.

I set it up Friday night but began programming it today.  It is amazing!  I've been listening to it all day.  WNRN, FM 91.9 is my fave station.

Good Choice, Neely.

Friday, 24 June 2022: Fun Things

Last night, E&A gave me two Nest Drop Cams and a Google Nest.  I'll play around with them when I get home, looking to move the house to Google Home and away from the Nest App and Alexa.  I may leave the lights on Alexa.  Then again, Kady may nix the whole idea.

We'll be headed home around 1300, as soon as A get's home from work.  My radio is finally here.  This time, Amazon delivered it to the right place and I had Jay pick it up before it went missing again.

Before I left for Frederick, I put my room back in its previous arrangement.  Though I liked my Daybed and Desk in the center of the room, it was crowded, leaving no room to do abs or Thai Chi.  Lining the walls with furniture is my optimum solution.

Wednesday, 22 June 2022: Day-Date

Kady and I went to see Top Gun: Maverick today,  Wow, what a great movie!  

After, we drove to Frederick to keep Savannah tomorrow.  She's mostly recovered from an ear infection, but she still can't go to day-care.  I'm looking forward to watching her.

We should be on our way home Friday night.

Sunday, 19 June 2022: Let's Go

I'm back on my walking and diet routine.  Tomorrow, I'll add the Pool and Gym.  We'll also eat dinner at J&K's to celebrate Jk's birthday.

I had a tough night last night, with heartburn all night long.  I blame the soul food.

Saturday, 18 June 2022: Summer Slump

I HAVE to get back to walking and to the gym.

Today, we met Jay, KS, and Em at Dairy Market for lunch.  So far, the food I've had there has been un-remarkable.  I'm not a fan.  Today, I ate "soul food" at Angelic's Kitchen.  I had over-cooked fried shrimp, under-cooked hushpuppies, and a half ear of corn heavily coated in butter and salt.  Not Good.  Last time I had a sandwich from Take-it-Away.  I don't remember what I had and I just checked their menu and couldn't find it.  I remember it being unremarkable.

I had some cinnamon ice cream from the ice cream place (whose name I don't remember).  It was way good.  It was too much!

I came back home for a nap.

Friday, 17 June 2022: Kady's Birthday

SS cane in about 1230, driving his bike up I-81 in 97-degree heat.  Hero!  I picked up the cake at 1400 from Albemarle Baking Company.  It was beautiful and turned out to be delicious.  KS called to say their AC was out and that she was waiting on the repairman. Jay brought over the food and then returned with the family at 1800, AC repaired.

Had my plan been executed by the family, it would have been a real shit-show.  As it turned out, it went well.

About 1257, Amazon delivered my radio somewhere other than here.  My neighbor's ring-cam saw the truck pass my house and then leave two minutes later.  I looked on all of the porches in the neighborhood.  Radyo, Yok!

Thursday, 16 June 2022: A Star Trek Exposé

Well, this week, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds lived up to its name. Episode seven of Season one, The Serene Squall, featured this creepy little alien that looked kinda like a girl, but with all the mannerisms of a rail-thin, effeminate guy.

When I started watching the episode, my first response was to turn it off and Google what the fuck the thing was.  Certainly, it was the scariest monster/alien ever on Star Trek.

The entire episode was the perfect Exposé on just how stupidly far we've gone in this Strange New Country in the name of social equality and justice.  It was grotesque watching this little alien priss around on camera giving Spock advice on "being yourself" equating Spock's ancestry to its own sexual ambiguity.  I laughed out loud when Spock called the idea "Illogical."

Yes!

Laughingly, the writers, though I'm sure they thought themselves very Woke and clever, made the alien a Villain.  It should be considered so for taking a part that should have gone to an actual woman.

Tuesday, 14 June 2022: Feeling Better

I felt pretty rough this morning.  It may have been that I slept too long.  I felt like I had a slight fever, my back and neck were both sore, and my stomach still felt upset.  After breakfast, I began to feel much better.  My strength was back.

I felt better and better as the day went on.

Kady and I ordered my glasses today and began looking at Progressive Sunglasses.  I began watching 1883 again and watched No Time To Die.

What else do I have to do?

Monday, 13 June 2022: uuuugh.

I feel like shit.  I'm tired, my stomach is queasy, and I ache all over.  I've been sleeping all day.

Sunday, 12 June 2022: Back Home For Some Weather

I have decided on my favorite route to and from Frederick - Highway 20 to 231, Highway 231 to 522, Highway 522 to 130, and Highway 130 to 15.  We went that way on Thursday and came back that way today.  It is a really relaxing and beautiful drive.

As soon as we got home, I unpacked the car, hit the shower, washed, dried, and put away my clothes, and then began re-arranging the War Room.  Why I've never thought about this before is beyond me.  I put my desk and the Day Bed in the middle of the room, back to back, with my desk facing away from the window, between the bookshelves.  I sit between the window and the desk, my books within easy reach.  The Day Bed faces the Chest, where I'm considering placing a TV.

I still have some arranging to do, but just minor stuff.  It looks pretty cool.

Saturday, 11 June 2022: Future Shock

Kady and E hit me with a huge surprise last night.  E and A are thinking about getting another Golden Doodle.  I was SHOCKED.  Even more shocking - I'm all for the idea.  The idea of a new puppy, walking him, training him, and talking to him, sounds so good to me.

She immediately said, "Ik"  Then, every time I said Icky, she ran her finger through the Cheerio.  So smart.

She still refuses to walk.  I think she doesn't want the responsibility.

Kady has been ill since Monday night.  I think she'll feel better today.

It looks like rain.  That's fine; I was able to get in my walk, the flowers need it, and I love the rain.

Sunday, 5 June 2022: Nothing Going on Here

I went for a long walk.  That's it.  I tried to watch the new Star Trek episode but fell asleep. 

Friday, 3 June 2022: Day 1 in Frederick

We all got up with the Baby, E at 0530, Kady at about 06, and I finally got up at about 0630.  The baby is still having nothing t do with me, but warmed up a little this evening.

E had a meeting this morning and went to work after that.  Kady and I went for a walk when she left and sat out back in the sun for a while.  It was great out there, sunny, warm, with a nice breeze blowing.  I nodded off and began dreaming about Basic Training in Ft. Jackson, South Carolina.  Though that was in the winter of 1976, the weather the whole time was warm and sunny, and there were days when we napped under the pine trees when the wind was cooling us down.

Tonight, I picked up food for them from Plaza Mexico.   The place was packed.  There was music in the park, so the park was packed too.

Thursday, 2 June 2022: Back in Frederick

I went for a walk this morning at 6.  It was cool when I began and hot by the time I got home.  I met Kim going out the door on the way for her walk.

After my shower, I made breakfast, filled up the car, went to the library for a book, and then picked up biscuits at Bojangles.

At 2 pm, we left for Frederick, taking our time on the backroads.  It was really beautiful.  Virginia is so green from all the sunshine and rain.  We got to the house just before E and SGM.

This baby is perfect!  She's so talkative and playful.  I think she'll be a comedian.

We'll be here for 8 days or so, while Andy is on a man-trip with his dad, uncles, and cousins, fishing.  It's nice that Elise wanted him to go.  He's been such a champ through all the things that have happened since the wedding.

Wednesday, 1 June 2020: Early Mornings

I set my clock for 0600 this morning and had an early walk.  It was already war.  Both Kady and I have been doing that all week.  It has gone into the 90s for the last three days.  As I was ending my walk, she was waiting for me across from the school.  We walked back together.

Once home, I began packing for ten days in Frederick, washed some clothes, and had my breakfast.  Kady went to have her hair done.

When she got back, we went to Bonefish Grill, one of our favorite places.  It Was Not Good . . . at all.  The bread was stale, the Bang Bang Shrimp was mushy (I think they served us the last of the shrimp in the pot), and my meal was only so-so.  Kady was unimpressed.  We're not complainers but we probably won't go back for a while.

Tuesday, 31 May 2022: Changed Plans

I drove to Lexington this morning for lunch, for an optometry appointment, and a planned to drive out to Colliersville for photos.  I got to Muchacho Alegre at about 1130 and had the fish tacos.  They were better than I remembered.  I have eaten fish tacos all over and these are, by far, the best.

It's amazing how fast you can eat when motivated.

My optometry appointment went well and the doctor said my field of vision has improved, there are no signs of cataracts, and my eyesight has not changed.  She wrote me a prescription so I could order new glasses and sunglasses.  I'm thinking Ray-Bans.

I decided not to go to Collierstown; there was nothing out there worth the trip.  Besides, my eyesight was too blurry to do more driving than I had to, and taking photos was problematic, so I drove slowly down State Road 252 to Staunton.  It was a smart move and a better, more beautiful drive.

Thursday, 26 May 2022: Yawn

Yesterday, I walked.  Today, I hit the Gym.  That's all.

Tuesday, 24 May 2022: Scheduled Maintenance

I took the Venza in for an oil change and tire rotation, all complimentary.  It was a wet but easy drive.  I love Battlefield Toyota.  Still no word on the Key Fob replacement.

A little after 1400, I got a text from Ellen asking what I was doing.  She was driving on I-64 from Hampton and wanted to stop by.  We went with her to Sultan Kabab, and as quickly as she was here, she was gone again.

While we were out, I got a call from Roger telling me he was headed for Tampa.

Saturday, 21 May 2022: Mitch and Marlene

I'm in Alabama.  Mitch called me yesterday to tell me Marlene, his wife, had died.  Her funeral is today.  I jumped in the car and drove all afternoon and evening, arriving after midnight Alabama Time.  So, I'm in the Hampton in Cullman.  The funeral is at Destiny Church at 1400.

Poor Boy!  I can't imagine being in his shoes, losing the girl he's been married to for over 40 years.  I don't want to imagine that.

The drive down went smoothly until I got to Alabama, and then Google Maps took me through the Alabama countryside, down roads where the speed limit was 40mph, for miles . . . and miles.  Nothing goes slower than driving in the dark at 40mph down Alabama country roads.  I was super happy with the car.  It got great gas mileage, handled well, and had the pick-up with which to merge onto the highway.  My phone and Android Auto are fighting again.  It worked well in Virginia, but after stopping at the Tennessee welcome center, it began cutting off and re-setting.   Mid-Tennessee, it wouldn't stay connected at all.  I had to navigate the rest of the way by holding my phone.  NOT GOOD.

I should have brought my pretty little navigator/traveling partner, but she's still recovering from, what we found out was a sinus infection.  I headed to Walmart to buy a cable adapter and a car-phone mount, after a very unsatisfying Hampton Inn Breakfast. I should have gone to Cracker Barrell, which is within walking distance.  At Walmart, I bought a short cable and some velcro instead of a car mount.  The short cable seemed to work.

When I stopped for gas in Tennessee, I was immediately approached by a very dirty and strung-out girl in her thirties.  She asked of she could ask me a question.  I said, Yes.  Then she begin her sob story - she didn't have a license and didn't want to get in trouble for driving without one, blah-blah-blah, so on and so forth.  I stopped her mid-sentence.  "Stop!  Get To The Point!  What do you want?"  "I was wondering if you had a few dollars you could spare."  I almost yelled at her, but put on the aggressive SGM face, "NO!  Go Away!"

She almost ran.  A few seconds later, I saw her approach two young girls with pink and green hair.  "Can I ask you a question?"

Afterward, I began to think about how she had approached from the rear of the car and how she took my focus completely away from my own safety and the security of my vehicle.  It is a wonder I wasn't clubbed in the back of the head by some druggy boyfriend.

The memorial service was good.  The scruffy guy was my favorite of the two pastors.  He had a fire in his belly and really brought his message home.  The older guy was more laid back.  Whoever chose the music needs to sit down with me for a chat.  The tunes chosen were s heart-rending that they basically ripped your feelings out of your soul and stomped them on the floor.

There was no follow-on event, so I went to Jim-N-Nick's BBQ for Dunch.  I had the brisket, potatoes salad, and baked beans.  I also had their muffins, which are the best thing on the menu. 

Mitch picked me up and took me to his house.  I met Tabatha, his niece (gorgeous girl), their husbands, his uncle, and the lady who lives on their property.  He and I sat over in a corner and talked about old times.

Thursday, 19 May 2022:  Full Day

I began my day over at Jay's house, walking Emmy to the bus, then walking around the block with KS, and then having coffee with them both.  KS did well on her first walk.  We took it slowly and kept the distance short.  I could tell she was favoring her right side just before we got back in the house.  She shared her Krispy Kream coffee, which was good.  Jay made his normal Decaf Drip. 

On the way back home, I got Kim and myself a Bojangles biscuit and then went for a longer walk.  When I got to the one-mile mark, I got a Duo call from E and SGM.  I sat on a bench, under a tree, and had a good long chat with them.

Kady went to the doctor for her annual checkup.  Everything looks fine but had a prescription for antibiotics in case she has a sinus infection.  I hope this helps.  She's been pretty miserable for the last six weeks.  After her appointment, we went to Wendy's.

Sal texted to check-in and to send me a video of Rosalee singing Gory, Gory, the old paratrooper song.  Pretty adorable.

Monday, 16 May 2022: Highly Motivated

As of this morning, I weigh 235lbs.  That's down front 244 after visiting E for SGM's Birthday and a pound less than I have weighed in two years.  I did it by being more faithful to my Intermittent Fasting program for two weeks.

I've walked every day since getting past the infection and did 4 miles this morning.  It was so muggy that I was soaked in sweat.  It felt so good.

Kady still feels bad, but swears she's going to have a "normal" day today.

Friday, 13 May 2022: Stormy Weather

Everyone seems to be surviving with mild or no symptoms.  SGM can't get any sleep because of her cough.  Kady is having trouble sleeping.  E has some congestion.  The others, including me, are asymptomatic.

I've walked the last couple of days, short, but nice.  I even cooked out kebabs on the grill, yesterday.  Kim did all the work.  All I did was stab everything with our fun Turk skewers and cooked em up.  Delicious!

Today and the weekend are supposed to be wet and stormy.  I like stormy.

Sunday, 8 May 2022: Better

I woke in a heavy sweat Saturday morning, feeling better than I had all week.  Everything was working better, and my trips to the bathroom were less frequent.  I even drove for food for Kady and me.

This morning I packed for the beach, still feeling much better.  I went to BoJ's for biscuits and did a few small things around the house, getting ready for next week.  The trip isn't looking much like a beach trip; the weather is going to be cloudy and cold all week, so there'll be no swimming, no sunning, and very little outside time.  To make matters worse, the baby is running a fever as of today and the kids are weighing their options.  I'm guessing there's a 50% chance we cancel all together and just stay at home, and to hell with the money.

This is a bad plan and I don't see it coming anywhere close to slaking my thirst for warm sand, ocean waves, and sunrises or sunsets, while smoking and drinking.  I'm going to have to make my own plan.

Tuesday,  3 May 2022: Rough Night

Man, I was up and down all night, shivering, achy and other symptoms I won't share here.  I went to my doctor, actually a nurse practitioner, and she said I had an infection and proscribed an anti-biotic, twice a day, seven days.

No Kidding . . . I had Kady pick me up some adult diapers. 

Nap Time.

Monday, 2 May 2022: Back to my Routine . . . as best I can

I've been such a good boy today.  I delivered KS to Physical Therapy, Hit The Gym, Grabbed Kady a breakfast at BoJ's, and went for a walk.  It may be time to begin walking first.  It was 77-degrees at 1030. That'll be the teas - will he actually go to the Gym after walking.

Discipline!

Lunch was at Dairy Market, a very cool Charlottesville destination for food, packed into the old Monticello Ice Cream factory building.  I had the Full Cuban from Take It Away and it was more than I could eat.  It was fantastic, but the bread needed to be toasted on the outside.  It was a bit mushy.  I plan to cook the second half in the Waffle Iron to press it down nice and flat.

Back home, while the kids played Catan, I napped.  We went to Jay's for dinner, Taste of China, all the tastes.

Thursday, 28 April 2022: Maryland

WE drove 29/15 through Lucketts this morning, eating lunch at Roots Café and Market,  After lunch, we took HH and BH to Lucketts Store for a look around. Frederick, Burgers.

A made burgers on the grill.

Wednesday, 27 April 2022: Buck and Heather

After taking KS to her PT session and working out at ACAC, I picked up Buck and Heather at the Charlottesville Airport.  They arrived right on time and texted me to come forward.  We met Kady, Jay, KS, and Ann at Taste Shack for dinner.

Monday, 25 April 2022: Spring Cleaning

Kady's on a tear.  In preparation for her Niece's visit on Wednesday, she's cleaning the house, top to bottom.  It doesn't need it as she is a very fastidious housekeeper, but she's cleaning anyway. Good Impressions and all that.  I told her to make a list of the things I could do to help.  My list included the front porch, Swiffering the hardwoods (stay out of the kitchen), vacuuming the carpets, and cleaning the hall bathroom (that's the one I use and a constant mess).

After my walk, I took on the porch, sweeping and hosing it off.  Then I washed down the plant stand, pots, and lanterns.  Next, I tackled the hall bath.  I was surprised.  It wasn't that bad.  Swiffering the stairs was easy.  I'm saving the downstairs Swiffering and vacuuming for tomorrow.

I ordered an English Translation of A Season in Hell by Arthur Rimbaud which came in today.  I spent a little time with it this afternoon.  If you've seen Eddie and the Cruisers, you'll understand why I've meant to read this for years.   This kid was seriously twisted.  The collection seems to be a lot of pseudo-intellectual, adolescent crap, written by a  malcontented little prat, but I will continue to read.  Why am I reminded of Catcher in the Rye?  If you know me, you know my loathing of that piece of junk.

Sunday, 24 April 2022: Doing the Things

I washed the outside windows yesterday using Windex Outside (of course).  That shit works.  Screw the bottle to the hose, set it on rinse, and then spray.  Set it on wash, spray from bottom to top for ten seconds,  Wait 20 seconds, thoroughly rinse and then rinse some more. Poof, Clean Windows!  The stuff even works through screens.

Jay came over today and installed a new vent fan and light in the Master Bath.  Sounds Easy.  It wasn't.  The boy was soaked head to toe in sweat.  I had a great time handing him things and listening to him talk shit to wires, ducts, screws, and such.  After, he patched the ceiling from the last fan replacement fiasco.  All I have to do now is sand, paint, and reinstall the cover.

After he left, the new Crucial  DDR4 2x4GB RAM cards came in the Post for my Chromebox.  I upgraded to 8GB, hoping it would make the machine fast enough for decent quality DUO Video streaming.  It Should.  Pages load much faster now.  I see no real difference in the Chromebox (which needs a name) and my old Dell (Starship).

"Post!"  Hahahaha.  Brit Speak!  Still sneaks in every once in a while.

Friday, 22 April 2022: Bad and Good

With every bad thing that happens, comes a good thing.  I'm a firm believer in silver linings.  Today is the anniversary of one of those happenings, the death of RSM/2BC Eric.

I don't think about it much; it makes me angry.  His was a preventable death.  Had one person taken the appropriate action, Eric would have survived this day, those years ago.  Was it eight?  As sad and as horrible as it was, I gained a friend, Ashley Ryan.  She and I remain close to this day and she remains one of my favorite people; I consider her one of my Best Friends.

She texted me this morning to check on me.

I need to drive to NC to see her.

After my breakfast this morning I had a virtual coffee with PBG.  We talked for over an hour, continuing our convo after running into each other in Lexington.  Our chat was very troubling.  I feel for her and her messed-up life, but I can't let it invade mine.  I'm not sure what she wants, but she wants something.  It is sad that I have to be so suspicious, careful, and impersonal when it comes to this person.

Before my walk, I did a Target Pick-up for Kady.

I spend a bit of the afternoon working on the first two movements in Tai Chi.  I think I have them down pretty well.  In the evening, Kady made Tacos.   Yum.

Thursday, 21 April 2021: Battlefield Toyota

I got up early this morning and drove to Cuppepper to have the molding replaced behind the right rear seat.  Battlefield Toyota took the Venza right into the shop and had it done in about an hour, working off a recall that we hadn't been notified about in the process.  The waiting area is really nice as are the staff.  These guys are great.

I was home before 1000.  The weather was dreary so I didn't walk or go to the Gym.  I feel like a slug.  Tomorrow, Both!

I started watching HBO's Barry on Jay's recommendation.  I'm hooked.

Wednesday, 20 April  2022: Tasker

I took KS to her P-T appointment at ACAC this morning at 0900.  I hit the gym while she was there, which was a lot less crowded than I guessed it would be.  After taking her back home, I went for a walk.  Simple Day.

Tuesday, 19 April 2022: Two Left Feet

I went back to Tai Chi yesterday and we practiced Movement #10: Wave Hands like Clouds.  It crushed my soul and made me realize what I've always known - I'm a clutz!  It also made me want to quit, but I'm not going to do that.  I've found the Twenty-four movements on Youtube and plan on practicing every day until it clicks.

Be a  Tai Chi Jumpmaster, Neely!  Hands, Feet, Breathing, and Eyes working together as a Team.

Kady and I are still in C'ville; she's still feeling shitty and has been in bed for almost a week.  She was up yesterday but is back in bed today.  Poor baby.  She refuses to go to the doctor.

I took Coffee over to Jay and KS's house this morning for a coffee date with them and Ann.  I enjoy that so much.  I'll begin taking KS to her physical therapy appointments tomorrow.  It took a little convincing Jay to let me do that; he's always so worried about inconveniencing us.

Friday, 15 April 2022: KS Surgery Day

My walk this morning was about three miles.  The weather was perfect and I enjoyed myself, but I mostly thought about KS along the way and what she would be enduring in the next few months.  She had surgery on her right hip today.  It went fine, but recovery and physical therapy lie ahead for her.  She has to stay completely off of it for about 6 weeks.  That'll be tough.

I took my first class of Tai Chi at the gym today.  It was tough going trying to do the movements with my shoulder, but I think it will help.  I'll go again next Wednesday and then Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday,  each week after that.  I told Sally that I felt like " a tone-deaf kid at the grammar school talent contest or the uncoordinated kid with two left feet at the dance recital."  I liked it though.  Certainly, I was among my people.  I like the instructor.

I met Em at the school bus stop after school, while Jay drove KS home.  They passed me as I waited.

Back home, I felt more tired than I probably should have after one session of Tai Chi; I napped sitting straight up in my office chair.

Once downtown, I parked on Main Street and walked around the town taking photos. I ran into PBG, an old friend from the Silverwood days.  We sat at a picnic table next to the car and caught up.  There is still a whole lot of CRAZY there and her lack of veracity was on full display.  Her life is still a mess.

For lunch, I went to Matsumoto Sushi and had Philadelphia Roll, California Roll, and one the chef called This Is How We Roll, which was the best thing I've had in a long while.  I also had Edamame.

I tried taking a different route home, using Highway 608, but made a wrong turn at Highway 56, ending up on Highway 11.  Next time I need to download the route for offline use.  There are a lot of dead spots in the cell coverage out there.

It was a fun day.

Sunday, 3 April 2022, Computer Work

My SSDs came in today.  I replaced my Desktop HDD with these two drives and set them up to mirror each other for backup.  The mirroring process was much easier than I expected.  Now my Desktop is faster and file explorer, though still hanging up a bit, loads smoother.  These drives are small, only 500GB, so I will use them for new files or new versions of old files, only.

I set up the old HDD as an external drive so I will be able to access my old files with a push of a button.  Old Files are backed up to two other HDDs, which are disconnected and safely stored away.  Next, I will destroy all of my old CDs.

Wednesday, 30 March 2022: Signs of Spring

After coffee with Kelly, I took a long walk in the cold.  I had to bundle up.  By the time I was finished, it had warmed up a bunch.

It was just warm enough out today to wash the car.  I cleaned the entire outside and the car looks a whole lot better.  I still need to  Armor All the exterior plastic parts, something that I don't think has ever been done. Tomorrow it is supposed to storm, so this weekend will be the best time to give it another wash, wax, and treat the plastic.  Once the outside is finished, I'll detail the inside, which looks pretty good, except for the carpet under the driver mat.

Kady bought all-weather mats for the front back and trunk and they fit like a glove.  She also got two tag frames and I put them on.

Damn, my life is boring.  I wouldn't change a thing.

Friday, 25 March 2022:  Singing His Songs

Today was a better day.  I didn't think about Cooper as much and when I did, I was simply grateful for the years we had with him and all he gave us.  I also thought about how his last moments were the best they could have been.  The doctor told E and A that they could take him home, but that he'd probably not make it through the night.  I imagine that, had they done that, he would have died while they were asleep, alone.  Going the way he did, with the doc's assistance, he was surrounded by his family, happy, in no pain, went to sleep, and died quietly.  

As I walked today, I sang his songs, those we'd written together over the years - Mister Cooper (to the tune of Mr. Sandman), Come on Cooper (to the tune of Air Force One), and Cooper Ooh-Na-Na (to the tune of Havana). 

Tuesday, 22 March 2022: Garbage

This morning was gorgeous.  I should have been out on a long walk, but I sat Out Back waiting on the garbage man.  That's right, the damn garbage man.  Last week, for some reason, they picked up everyone's garbage but mine.  That left me to cram my garbage from this past week on top of what was in the can from last week.  I'm guessing it was just a mistake; I've certainly done nothing to piss them off.  As a matter of fact, I think they like me.  They must have figured out that I pressure wash a dirty can when I get one back, so they keep bringing me dirty ones.

I wish we had our own cans.  The trade-off is that they come behind the house every Tuesday to roll our cans to the truck.  Nice.  At VMI, the Lexington garbage guys wouldn't walk six feet from the curb to the patio and they loved to destroy your cans or lids by ripping off the handles or leaving the lids in the road to be run over.

So, I sat out back waiting, cleaning up the backyard a bit, listening to my Summertime Mix on Amazon Music, and typing this post.  They showed up at 1400, as Kady and I were going to the gym.

Saturday, Kady and I will drive to Richmond to pick up our car, a Venza, which I am already calling as The Camry Wagon.  Wednesday next week, I'll go back to the VA Clinic to pick up my hearing aids, which I am calling My New Headphones.  I've been telling everyone that the first thing I'm going to do is go out in the woods to listen to the birds.  I'm thinking Ivy Creek Natural Area!  Next Thursday, Kady leaves for Tennessee, to visit SS for his birthday.

Monday, 21 March 2022: Back to Work

Last night was a sad end to the 2021-22 Auburn Men's Basketball season.  It was an amazing year, but 79-61!?  Holy cow.  They fell apart.  Passing, ball handling, shots, rebounding and everything else was the sloppiest I have seen all year.  After the fourth steal and fast-break score by Miami, I had to shut off the game.

Time for some Auburn Softball.  The girls are kicking ass!  Again!

Yesterday, I finished the next to the last movie in the Marvel Universe, Avenger's End Game.  Today, I watched Wanda Vision, all nine episodes.  I think it was as good as any of the movies and better than most of them.  Next is Loki.

I walked three tough miles today, lots of hills.  I hate that route Kady and I went to the gym at 1400.  She did the elliptical trainer while I did Arms.

Friday, 18 March 2022: Audiology

I had a nice walk after going to get Kady a Bojangles biscuit.  I went for about 4.75 miles.  I need to push it to 6.  It was hot, approaching 80-degrees, but it felt so good..

This afternoon, I had an audiology appointment at the Charlottesville Veterans Administration Clinic  I took a hearing test.  I have more high-range loss in my left ear, though my best ear, my right, is about where it was the last test.  That was good news.

The Audiologist, a pretty young girl from the mask up,  fit me for a set of Hearing Aids, silver, to blend with my hair color.  She said that when I have them in that I won't be able to hear the ringing in my ears.  That, too, was good news.

Thursday, 17 March 2022:  Fitness

Jay and KS returned our car today.  They had it all this week while their's was in the shop having an oil leak and the air conditioner repaired.  Now that it is back, I'm going to the gym every weekday from now on. Well, tomorrow I have an audiology appointment at the VA clinic here in town.  The end state here is to get those hearing aids I was told years ago that I needed.

Hearing Aids.  Good Grief.

I walked for a couple of miles this morning, keeping it short as it looked like rain.  I made it to the house just as the bottom fell out.  This afternoon, it cleared and Kady and I did another two miles.

Kady and SS began talking about our next trip.  They're thinking Utah . . . see all of Utah.  I'm good with that.

Wednesday, 16 March 2022: Stop running, Neely, you'll only die tired.

Over the last few days, I have become increasingly sore from running,  So sore, that I didn't want to do anything the day after a run, no walk, no gym, no workouts at all.  It hit me - This race and getting ready for it, has spoiled my happiness and fitness.  I used to love my walks ands couldn't begin my day without one.  I've let running spoil my love for walking.

So, I'm stopping.

I just texted E with this decision.  I took all the markers off my calendar and deleted the C25K app from my phone.  Now, I'm going for a long walk.  I'm taking my camera.  I'm going to enjoy this and, hopefully, work out the kinks running has added to my body.

Today was Sally's surgery and that went well, no stint.

Later: I did four miles at a good clip without worrying about how it would affect my run tomorrow.  It was actually Hot out there.  Yay for Spring!  I'm already looking forward to my walk tomorrow.  Now it is time to exercise.

Monday, 14 March 2022: Switching Over

Dumping Windows, though not completely, has been a blast.  I've been planning this for months and it has gone extremely well.  I received my ASUS Chromebox yesterday, as well as a timely Keyboard and Mouse.  I turned off my Dell Desktop, and put my Chromebox on my desk, wired it to the Modem, plugged in the dongle, ran an HDMI cable to my monitor, set the monitor to automatically recognize which source port was active.  There were no issues and the setup was simple.

As I began trying it out, I ran into only one issue - PeacockTV.com won't stream on this device.  Everything else and all of our other services work just fine.

Next, I streamlined my system by uninstalling all of the Apps that came with it.  I kept Chrome (of course), Play Store, Calculator, and Snapseed.  I downloaded Amazon Music.  Now, I do everything except photo manipulation and music on my browser.  I may have to add a video program.

This whole Google experiment has been fun, easy, and very successful.  Had I received the free Pixel 6 from US Cellular, my total cost of transition to a google phone, laptop, and desktop would have been less than $500.   Buying the phone pushed me over a grand, but, it is proving worth every penny getting away from Microsoft and Samsung.   And, I like Google Fi a lot better than US Cellular.

Sunday, 13 March 2022:   A Weekend Off

I  haven't done much this weekend, partly because Kady is under the weather, but, more because Jay has our car.  His car is in the shop till, maybe Wednesday, and he has the greater need.  I watched Dune Part One again, finished re-watching the last season of Yellowstone, and watched a few other lesser things.  I ordered a ASUS Chrome Box, a Logitec Mouse and Keyboard, and a XQD mamory card for my camera.   I cleaned my room a bit and vacuumed the carpet.  My wireless Dell keyboard just crapped out on me, but I had a wired one from a past computer that is keeping me going.  Damn if I don't like it better.

That's about it.

I wrote Ryan, Vicki, Bill P, and Courtney D, trying to re-establish contact with them.  Ryan is the hardest.  She's young and doesn't converse back-and-forth well.  She answered right back and I responded, but now, crickets.  I know she's a busy single mom in a new job.  No worries. Bill shot me an e-mail right back.  I haven't heard from Courtney yet; I may have to call.  I know Vic will write when she gets the time.  Writers have other things to write.  Sally remains my most faithful correspondent; we write every day.  I love her. 

Later: 

Just when I thought my weekend was going to be completely boring, my Chromebox and peripherals came.  Setup was easy.  This is a nice little computer and it is all I need to do all my stuff.

Thursday, 10 March 2022: Recovery

Yesterday I fed my feelings; I ate everything in sight - Eggs, Grits, and Trail Mix while we watched Ghosts, Kady's Homemade Pizza, and then Kady's Feel-Better-Cupcakes.  I paid for that last night.

This morning, I was up before my 0630 alarm, showered, and picked up Bojangle's breakfast for Jay, KS, Jk, and me.  E called as I was going in the door so we all talked to her on speakerphone as she drove to work.  I took Jk to school and, then picked up breakfast for Kady.

Wednesday, 9 March 2022

I sold Bess today.  The process was fast and easy, like ripping off a bandaid, but it left me far sadder than I imagined.   

Saturday, 5 March 2022: Swings and Sticks

My Google Fi is working like a champ here in Frederick, unlike US Cellular.  Cell Service here is normally suspect with any carrier, but Fi is solid.

SGM got us all up at 6 am.   Normal.  She has a bottle, plays, gets a diaper change, and then is ready for a nap at about 7 am.  As per normal, there is nothing I like to eat here, so I waited for them.  E made some biscuits and I found some  Apple jam in her fridge.  I ate that.

That was about noon.

I took Cooper for a long walk and by the time we got back, the kids and Kady has eaten lunch.  As I instructed, they got me a salad from Chick-fil-a.

Cooper was great on the walk and we went for 2.5 miles.  That's the farthest we've been together since getting here from Kansas.  It was good to spend time with him.  Around 4 pm, we took SGM and Coop to the playground.  SGM got to swing, Cooper got to go off-leash.  Crazy Dog cased a stick until her was exhausted.

Friday, 4 March 2022: Cooper's Hair

Kady and I drove to Frederick this afternoon to spend the weekend with the kids, SGM, and Cooper.  We arrived at about 1530.  Cooper met us at the door.

MAN!  His hair is growing like wildfire and it's dark red.  He's beautiful.  I think he feels more confident with his hair.  Certainly, he feels better since all of the Chemo has worn off.

Straight off we had to play keep-away, do tricks for snacks, and fetch the ball.

SGM is taking her own sweet time learning to crawl.  I think she prefers the ease of Combat Rolling around the room.  She may not walk until she's two.  The girl is gorgeous!

We had Plaza Mexico for supper.  I got their Street Tacos.  Oh, my goodness, they were good.

Wednesday, 2 March 2022: Confirmation

I met with my Orthopedic Surgeon this morning, seeking advice and direction, moving on from where I am.  He said that I am right where I should be and to continue doing what I'm doing.  He gave me a couple of exercises, modified some of those I've been doing, and showed me how far he wanted me to move my arm.

I call this Success.

Kady and I went for a walk along the  Rivanna River this afternoon, starting at Darden Towe Park.  It was really nice there and the day was perfect.   Her car is still not ready.

Monday, 28 February 2022: 1883

"What is death? What is this thing we all share?  Even stars die, and we know absolutely nothing of it."

We 1883 fans have lost so many great loves along the way, but none more painful than losing Elsa, our guide at every step.  Certainly, this show will go down in history as one of the best stories about the west ever written and put to acting.  It will be watched again and again.  It will never grow old.

And the wisdom of this character will live on.  Her insights about life and death will rival the eternal bards.

Thanks, Taylor Sheridan.

After Elsa's death, she says of the last moment of life -

"There is a moment when your dreams and your memories merge together and form a perfect world. That is heaven.  And each heaven is unique.  It is the world of you.

The land is filled with all you hold dear and the sky is your imagination. 

My heaven is filled with good horses and open plains and wild cattle and a man who loves me.  It is always sunrise in my world.  And there are no storms.  I am the only lightning. 

I know death now.  I've seen it.  It had no fangs.  It smiled at me.  And it was beautiful. "

Saturday,  19 February 2022: Nothing

It is a Nothing Day.  I think I'll nap.

Thursday, 17 February 2022: Focus: a note to self

John,

• You have too much time on your hands and too much time to think,  You need to stop the nonsense and refocus on what is important.

• Stop fretting over a phone you don't need and over a carrier who has always given good service.  Keep your Samsung; it does what you want it to do.

• Stop trying to get away from Windows.  Microsoft is not hurting you and Chrome Book won't run Photoshop or your Scanner.  Your Computers are fine . . . better than fine.

• Focus on your fitness.  Go to the gym every weekday.  Run.  Finish the Couch to 5K plan and start your 10 K Training.  Work on your shoulder religiously.  Do that Thai Chi shit and try other stuff.

• Focus on your hobbies.  Play your guitar, daily.  Read before you forget how.  Go see a battlefield.  Go take some photos.  Look UP!  Take beautiful photos.

• Focus on your family. Do something with Jake!  Day Dates with Kady!  Runs with E.  Stargaze with Em.  Study the Packers.  Babysit for the kids for dates.

Monday, 14 February 2022: Back Home

Kady and I drove home this morning after A took SGM to daycare.  We took Highway 340 all the way back.  I like that route.

This afternoon, Jim McCullough called to invite me to the 2-505 Medic Reunion in San Antonio in November.  Jim was the Medic Platoon Sergeant when I was the Scout Platoon Sergeant.  He's a great guy.  I'm going to try to make it.

Sunday, 13 February 2022: Super Bowl Sunday

Frederick got about an inch of snow this morning.  Thank goodness it didn't stick on the streets or sidewalks.  Our plan is to head home tomorrow morning and I do not want the snow to interfere with that.

I sleep well here.  The basement is so cold, that I can sleep under three blankets.  I didn't get up this morning until 8 am.  Cooper had already gone out and had his breakfast.  SGM was playing on the floor.  A and E were both on their phones.  

Good Morning!

Saturday, 12 February 2022: So Much For The Hike

By the time I got my ass out of bed this morning, E had left, A and SGM were up and playing, and Cooper had been out for his walk and had had his breakfast.

E was called into work to help do some much-needed upgrades on the facility's infrastructure.  We haven't seen her since.  We were supposed to go hiking today, but that wasn't looking likely. 

When it became clear she would be later than expected, I took Coper for a walk.  Sixty degrees and sunny is a lot different than sixty-six degrees, overcast and windy.  Yesterday, I wore a t-shirt and shorts.   I was plenty warm.  I tried that again today and froze.  I don't think it was evident to Cooper, but I rushed him through his constitutional and headed straight back to the house.

We watched Auburn beat TAMU in basketball.  There is no team I like beating better than A&M.  I don't like them.  I've been there three times and they are a weird bunch of people and their Corps is a clown show.  Watch one parade and you'll see what I mean.

I played with SGM a lot more today.  She is such a jewel, the happiest baby I have ever seen.  She loves playing bashful with me.  I'll say, "Hey Girl, Hey."  She'll laugh and hide her face in Kady's blouse.