Too cool to sit out on the patio this morning. Indulging in my secret vice, watching Country Western videos while reading, working etc. That is the only thing I miss when I sit out on the patio in the summer. Not sure when I started watching Country Video videos in the morning, but I have been doing it for years. "Watching" may be the operative word, since I frequently couldn't tell you what I actually saw, but occasionally one catches my attention.
I like a wide variety of music, probably partly due to my Dad who was a music teacher. I remember him listening to "Music from the Masters" on Sunday afternoon on WIBW Radio (Topeka) and take a nap. He would be surprised now to find numerous classical (and other) music channels both on radio and tv and especially the internet. I'm not aware of any any classical music videos though.
When I was in Oklahoma City in the early 1990's there was a hockey team called the "Oklahoma City Blazers" that provided inexpensive and fun entertainment. I always loved the opening where they would turn out the lights, the hockey team would come out and skate, spotlights would come on and some music would play which sent chills down my back. For years, I have been trying to fine the name of the song when purely by accident the other night I heard it on the Memphis Public Library station on Memphis music (but I think they were emphasizing Chicago music with Memphis connections for some reason).
It was the opening notes of Styx "Fooling Yourself". One of life's great puzzles finally solved!
I am hoping I can get by photo's in iPhoto figured out. Somehow they got duplicated (maybe when I bought a new computer) and it is a mess trying to find one.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Summer 2013 June 29
Saturday morning, slightly coolish on my favorite spot, my back patio, but still the best place to be. (Temperature is 68 degrees)
The wind is up slightly, (but nothing like yesterday morning), so the wind in the trees is pleasant.
July 1 is always an important date in City government because that is when the new fiscal year starts. Somewhat of a second New Year.
The wind is up slightly, (but nothing like yesterday morning), so the wind in the trees is pleasant.
July 1 is always an important date in City government because that is when the new fiscal year starts. Somewhat of a second New Year.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Summer 2013 June 28 (Summer Storms)
In spite of forecasts of rain, I was able to get all of my exercise in this morning. I frequently walk even in the rain, but I avoid bicycling in the rain or even when the streets are wet.
However, about 6:30 a.m., the wind came up (very strong for Lakeland) and now the rain is falling hard. Some lightning and thunder, but primarily wind and rain.
When I use the iPhone weather app or watch the radar on TV, I am amazed at the advances in weather forecasting and information. Of course, the weather is still here, but at least we can prepare somewhat for it. With the number of trees in Lakeland, wind is always a problem.
June 30/July 1 will mark the midpoint of 2013. It has been an extremely fast year! "Early Voting" on the referendum on the creation/establishment of a Lakeland Municipal School System is tomorrow, June 29. The actual election day is July 16.
Heavy rain (6:53 a.m.) but it looks like it is going through relatively fast. Hopefully, no wind or water damage. One of my lawn chairs blew over, so it was a very strong wind.
Listening to "Steve Jobs" on my morning walk. A very interesting and well written book that includes a lot of observations that impact our culture and views of business development, especially creativity, marketing and personnel development and supervision.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Summer 2013 June 27
84 degrees at 3:00 a.m. this morning! I love Summer! Actually it is cooler now (about 6:30 a.m.) because it has clouded up some.
I am against irrigation systems for grass (waste of water etc.) on principle, and mine seems to know it. Even though I have it set not to spray my favorite place on the patio, somehow the wind manages to change to spray it so it is wet when I go to my patio in the morning!
Thursday morning. The week seems to speed by. I go to work, the day is over and I realize I have basically spent all my time in meetings, conversations or phone calls and I still have all the memos, letters and e-mails to return! It keeps life interesting anyway.
Looking forward to the Courter/Wherry reunion in several weeks. Angela, Katherine and Kali all look forward to it also.
I am starting to think about riding my bike more to prepare for the "Ride with the Summer" either in 2014 or 2015. I may do some longer rides to prepare. I really am not used to riding with people around me, so I may enter some (of the slower) "rides" of 20 miles or so. I would like to do the "Ride Across Tennessee", but it always seems to be on time when I have another conflict.
"Early Voting" on the Lakeland Municipal School referendum is this Saturday. We expect a good turnout.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Summer 2013 June 26
Time happens. Like it or not, time goes on, so I figure I may as well enjoy or at least be productive!
Sitting out on my patio. I have developed a routine of working on e-mails, memos etc. on my desktop and then coming out on the patio. Beautiful morning. I saw a deer near the back yard last week but haven't seen it since.
I have a long list of books I am interested in reading some day, with "some day" being the operative word.
I have decided to start paring my "stuff" including my books, which is especially painful. (I'm not paring my Hot Wheels collection, that is the only thing that is increasing!
I can't feel the days get shorter yet, but I know they are getting shorter. Of course, the majority of the summer is still to come.
Listening to "Steve Jobs" as I walk each morning. I am amazed at how the personal computer industry developed, almost in spite of itself. It is a very interesting book and is about a lot more than "Steve Jobs".
Sitting out on my patio. I have developed a routine of working on e-mails, memos etc. on my desktop and then coming out on the patio. Beautiful morning. I saw a deer near the back yard last week but haven't seen it since.
I have a long list of books I am interested in reading some day, with "some day" being the operative word.
I have decided to start paring my "stuff" including my books, which is especially painful. (I'm not paring my Hot Wheels collection, that is the only thing that is increasing!
I can't feel the days get shorter yet, but I know they are getting shorter. Of course, the majority of the summer is still to come.
Listening to "Steve Jobs" as I walk each morning. I am amazed at how the personal computer industry developed, almost in spite of itself. It is a very interesting book and is about a lot more than "Steve Jobs".
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Summer 2013: June 25
On my walk this morning, the book I was listening to, "Steve Jobs", somehow got "rewound" and I ended up listening to most of what I listened to yesterday again. That is ok if my mind wandered, but this book is good enough I concentrate on it, so it was irritating to have to listen to it again and try to refind my place.
I blame Audible (owned by Amazon) for an amazingly poor product and even worse customer service. I am supposed to be able to record the audio books one time to a CD and it simply doesn't work. Numerous calls and e-mails to Amazon/Audible have no result.
Of course, my experience with Amazon has been amazingly poor service, little or no response, other than the continuous clutter of books etc. that Amazon "thinks" I will be interested in, which I automatically send to my trash. I am amazed Amazon actually thinks they have ANY idea of what I want to read and I deeply resent their thinking so.
Back to audio books, I also dislike Apple products for that reason. The first iPods had a switch to avoid accidentally brushing the iPod (in my case, an old iPhone 3 I use for an iPod Touch) and changing the book.
I know, I can stop using Audible books and certainly can get by without Amazon. As soon as Amazon starts collecting sales tax, I will never order from them again. If I could find a replacement for Audible books, I would.
Spent yesterday at the Tennessee Municipal League conference in Memphis, picking up the required "continuing education" credits for my Certified Municipal Finance Officer designation. I worked too hard for it to let it lapse! Overall it was good.
Another beautiful morning out on the patio. I love my time out here and really value it. I wonder if I would value it so much if I had more time.
I was pleased last night I was able to change my battery on my bicycle helmet light (the back one that flashes red etc that supposedly can be seen for a mile). Being a mechanical zero, I am always pleased when I take the time to figure something mechanical (and it works), I am pleased. I'm not really sure if that is actually "mechanical", but I'll assume it is for my purposes anyway. Sometime maybe I will learn to change a tire on my bike, although it is more effective to just avoid flats!
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Summer 2013 June 23
Although I can't feel the days getting shorter, I am sure they are. Actually, the days seem to be static for several days before the sun starts its decline earlier.
One of my original iPod "shuffles" (the gum package kind, the very first design) just had it's battery go out for good. Since I got it almost 7 years ago, that is not bad for a battery. Of course, it cost (last I checked) $52 to replace the battery, which is more than the new shuffle cost. I think I will buy a battery ($6.00 or so) and try to replace it myself. If I mess it up I haven't lost much! Maybe a project for my daughter and granddaughters.
I actually have three of the original shuffles, I use them daily on a rotation basis when I exercise. I like them a lot better than the newer iPod Shuffles, a case of design improvement not really being a design improvement. The new iPod shuffles are a lot more difficult to use than the original shuffles. They hold a lot more, but so what!
Overall, I have been impressed with Apple batteries. I have an "original iPod" (80 GB) which is at least six years old, and an iPhone 3 which has to be at least 5 years old, both of which I use on a regular basis. (The iPhone 3 is no longer connected, but I use it as an iPod Touch.
Went to a Redbirds game last night. I enjoy sitting out in the wonderful weather and enjoying the game.
Today is somewhat of a "work' day since I have a presentation to a homeowner's association.
One of my original iPod "shuffles" (the gum package kind, the very first design) just had it's battery go out for good. Since I got it almost 7 years ago, that is not bad for a battery. Of course, it cost (last I checked) $52 to replace the battery, which is more than the new shuffle cost. I think I will buy a battery ($6.00 or so) and try to replace it myself. If I mess it up I haven't lost much! Maybe a project for my daughter and granddaughters.
I actually have three of the original shuffles, I use them daily on a rotation basis when I exercise. I like them a lot better than the newer iPod Shuffles, a case of design improvement not really being a design improvement. The new iPod shuffles are a lot more difficult to use than the original shuffles. They hold a lot more, but so what!
Overall, I have been impressed with Apple batteries. I have an "original iPod" (80 GB) which is at least six years old, and an iPhone 3 which has to be at least 5 years old, both of which I use on a regular basis. (The iPhone 3 is no longer connected, but I use it as an iPod Touch.
Went to a Redbirds game last night. I enjoy sitting out in the wonderful weather and enjoying the game.
Today is somewhat of a "work' day since I have a presentation to a homeowner's association.
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Summer 2013 June 22
Saturday morning on the patio, another beautiful day!
Musing about my recent trip to the CMA Fest. Memphis residents are much better hosts than Nashville residents/businesses. It is almost universal. Memphis residents, police, businesses etc. are much more helpful and courteous, almost never uncaring and rude as most persons in Nashville are. Just my opinion from my experiences. Maybe it is because Memphis has much better sweet tea than Nashville does. (Nashville has the weak tea of OKC, Memphis has strong tea and the sweet tea, which I avoid due to calories etc., is absolutely wonderful.
Overall, a busy weekend planned.
Went to "On the Border" last night and overindulged in refried beans and tamales. I have a weak spot for tamales ever since I went to Denver between my Freshman and Sophomore year of college (to work at Samsonite) and I bought tamales from vendors on the street corner.
The next year the street vendors were gone, I always wonder what happened to them.
Musing about my recent trip to the CMA Fest. Memphis residents are much better hosts than Nashville residents/businesses. It is almost universal. Memphis residents, police, businesses etc. are much more helpful and courteous, almost never uncaring and rude as most persons in Nashville are. Just my opinion from my experiences. Maybe it is because Memphis has much better sweet tea than Nashville does. (Nashville has the weak tea of OKC, Memphis has strong tea and the sweet tea, which I avoid due to calories etc., is absolutely wonderful.
Overall, a busy weekend planned.
Went to "On the Border" last night and overindulged in refried beans and tamales. I have a weak spot for tamales ever since I went to Denver between my Freshman and Sophomore year of college (to work at Samsonite) and I bought tamales from vendors on the street corner.
The next year the street vendors were gone, I always wonder what happened to them.
Friday, June 21, 2013
Summer 2013, June 21, Summer is Here
Summer 2013 is here! Of course, it also means the days will start getting shorter, but there is still the majority of summer left!
This morning is a beautiful day. The sun is shining and the birds are singing, and I am scheduled to have BBQ for lunch, so it will be a great day!
I have been testing the "Google" $250 notebook made by Samsung. I never bought a Samsung product that was reliable and this is the last of a series. In the late 80's, I had a Samsung Monitor that lasted about a day past it's warranty, last year I had a Samsung phone that didn't even make it past it's warranty, This "Google Notebook" impressed me at first, but it will suddenly freeze up and you will lose a lot of your work.
So much for Google, back to Apple! I had hoped I would like it. I actually do like it, but it is worth what you pay for it, or perhaps a lot less.
I am saving this every few sentences to avoid losing it.
Sitting on my patio, enjoying the early morning and looking forward to Summer!
This morning is a beautiful day. The sun is shining and the birds are singing, and I am scheduled to have BBQ for lunch, so it will be a great day!
I have been testing the "Google" $250 notebook made by Samsung. I never bought a Samsung product that was reliable and this is the last of a series. In the late 80's, I had a Samsung Monitor that lasted about a day past it's warranty, last year I had a Samsung phone that didn't even make it past it's warranty, This "Google Notebook" impressed me at first, but it will suddenly freeze up and you will lose a lot of your work.
So much for Google, back to Apple! I had hoped I would like it. I actually do like it, but it is worth what you pay for it, or perhaps a lot less.
I am saving this every few sentences to avoid losing it.
Sitting on my patio, enjoying the early morning and looking forward to Summer!
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Summer 2013 June 20 The Bullfrogs are back!
This morning, while out for exercise, I heard the bullfrogs in the pond again! That makes my heart sing, since it means (to me) that Summer is truly here!
Of course, after tomorrow, the long descent into Winter starts again, but the greater balance of the Summer is actually left!
Today promises to be a busy day. I have to go to Memphis for an early morning meeting (groan!) and then it is busy for the rest of the day also. When I have to go through early morning "rush hour" traffic, I always am thankful I don't have to do it every day!
I took down the bird feeders about a month ago and really miss watching the birds. A "weasel" (probably actually a raccoon) kept getting into the feeders.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Summer 2013: June 19
The year 2013 is almost half over. As always, it is hard to believe time is going so fast. I look at undone tasks that I have been planning for years and wonder where the time goes. Or another amazing event is to look at a shirt or book and realize I have had it for 30 years!
Hopefully rain is over for awhile. City budget is basically completed, which is a relief until it needs to be amended! There is always something to do.
I do spend a lot of time on exercise and reading newspapers (and magazines), but I guess I figure it is worth it. I currently read the Commercial Appeal, the Wall Street Journal, the on-line edition of USA Today (which is one of the best on-line papers) and the Friday, Saturday and Sunday editions of the New York Times. I'd like to get the daily edition of the New York Times, but I really don't have the time. I do read a brief summary the NYT puts out.
Today is a wonderful morning.
Summer 2013 June 18
Rain last night. (and yesterday afternoon).
Didn't ride my bicycle to the gym, but I did get my other exercise in. Cloudy and muggy this morning (71 degrees when I got up).
I recently joined (or participated in starting) a "book club". We missed the first meeting because of the CMA Fest, but read the book "The Supreme's at Big Earl's All You Can Eat" (or something like that). It was a wonderful book, and emphasized to me again on how many wonderful books there are out there that I haven't read! Giving new meaning to "So Many Books, So Little Time"!". If you have a chance, read it, it will be a new experience!"
I have been keeping a list of books I have read since 1989 when a friend gave me a book about books that had a calender (without dates). I occasionally make an attempt to put them on my computer, but never have finished.
I am always amazed when I come across a book I read (such as "Bright Lights, Big City" and realize it has been 20 years since I read it! It literally just seems like yesterday!
Going to the University of Memphis campus for a meeting this morning. Not looking forward to the drive.
Didn't ride my bicycle to the gym, but I did get my other exercise in. Cloudy and muggy this morning (71 degrees when I got up).
I recently joined (or participated in starting) a "book club". We missed the first meeting because of the CMA Fest, but read the book "The Supreme's at Big Earl's All You Can Eat" (or something like that). It was a wonderful book, and emphasized to me again on how many wonderful books there are out there that I haven't read! Giving new meaning to "So Many Books, So Little Time"!". If you have a chance, read it, it will be a new experience!"
I have been keeping a list of books I have read since 1989 when a friend gave me a book about books that had a calender (without dates). I occasionally make an attempt to put them on my computer, but never have finished.
I am always amazed when I come across a book I read (such as "Bright Lights, Big City" and realize it has been 20 years since I read it! It literally just seems like yesterday!
Going to the University of Memphis campus for a meeting this morning. Not looking forward to the drive.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Summer, 2013: June 17, 2013
Yes, I know it isn't technically "summer" yet, but I celebrate it anyway. I figure summer is here when I can sit out on my patio in the morning, and spend the weekend in shorts, t-shirts or polos and scandals (depending on what I am doing).
I recently discovered "Next Issue" which is an "app" that includes a wide range of magazines for "one low monthly fee" ($9.99 for basic, $14.99 for "premium"). I am trying it for one month free. Probably won't have time to really use it.
May be rain today.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Summer 2013 June 16
My oldest brother's birthday (Vincent) is today.
Enjoying another morning of sitting on the patio, finishing reading the paper etc.
I think about my journals sometimes. The written ones are packed in a box somewhere and the computer entries are somewhere in cyberspace. Probably never to be seen again.
With some reluctance, I have gotten used to reading e-books on my iPad. I use my original iPad one and have a Nook and Kindle apps.
I also have gotten used to listening to audio books while we drive and on my morning walks. Still have bouts of inattention, but overall enjoyable and another way to actually multitask and "read" the many books on my list to read. The books certainly make the time go faster when we are traveling. I keep a list of books I want to read on "Evernote" and the list just keeps growing, with my pathetic attempts to whittle it down by reading the books on it! Just too much to do!
Still trending up to the "longest day of the year"!
Enjoying another morning of sitting on the patio, finishing reading the paper etc.
I think about my journals sometimes. The written ones are packed in a box somewhere and the computer entries are somewhere in cyberspace. Probably never to be seen again.
With some reluctance, I have gotten used to reading e-books on my iPad. I use my original iPad one and have a Nook and Kindle apps.
I also have gotten used to listening to audio books while we drive and on my morning walks. Still have bouts of inattention, but overall enjoyable and another way to actually multitask and "read" the many books on my list to read. The books certainly make the time go faster when we are traveling. I keep a list of books I want to read on "Evernote" and the list just keeps growing, with my pathetic attempts to whittle it down by reading the books on it! Just too much to do!
Still trending up to the "longest day of the year"!
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Summer, 2013: June 15
A weekend, thank goodness. First day of sitting out on my back area enjoying coffee and working etc. I'll try to get a picture of the back yard on there. (I do post in on my Tumblr and twitter pages.)
This is the summer I will actually turn 66, an age I couldn't imagine not too many years ago.
Enjoying the weather and thinking about how to celebrate the "longest day of the year" (not really, because the longest day of the year also means the descent into winter! Or something like that.
Didn't get my Wall Street Journal for some reason this morning. I miss it when it doesn't come. It is a real blessing to be able to the the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times delivered to my door! (I only get the Times on Friday, Saturday and Sunday since I literally don't have time to read it during the week.).
My typical morning is to get up about 3 a.m., usually piddle for about 10 minutes, walking for 30 minutes, than bicycle to the gym, where I am on the stationary bike (really the newspapers!) for about 34 minutes, bicycle back, shower, take a 27 minute nap (why 27 minutes? I don't know either!). Then I work for about an hour and a half (reading, sending e-mails, updating things, writing memos I don't get time to do during the day etc.), than eat my breakfast of Oatmeal, blueberries, and (lately) and apple with peanut butter and then head to work!
Somehow it all works out and I love my routine. I also drink about 8 cups of coffee (as measured by Starbucks, which is about 3 real cups of coffee!)
This is the summer I will actually turn 66, an age I couldn't imagine not too many years ago.
Enjoying the weather and thinking about how to celebrate the "longest day of the year" (not really, because the longest day of the year also means the descent into winter! Or something like that.
Didn't get my Wall Street Journal for some reason this morning. I miss it when it doesn't come. It is a real blessing to be able to the the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times delivered to my door! (I only get the Times on Friday, Saturday and Sunday since I literally don't have time to read it during the week.).
My typical morning is to get up about 3 a.m., usually piddle for about 10 minutes, walking for 30 minutes, than bicycle to the gym, where I am on the stationary bike (really the newspapers!) for about 34 minutes, bicycle back, shower, take a 27 minute nap (why 27 minutes? I don't know either!). Then I work for about an hour and a half (reading, sending e-mails, updating things, writing memos I don't get time to do during the day etc.), than eat my breakfast of Oatmeal, blueberries, and (lately) and apple with peanut butter and then head to work!
Somehow it all works out and I love my routine. I also drink about 8 cups of coffee (as measured by Starbucks, which is about 3 real cups of coffee!)
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Summer 2013 The Beginning and the End
June 13, 2013:
This is the time of year that I love, the days are getting longer, hot weather is coming and on weekends and evenings I can enjoy the weather (barring rain or storms).
It is somewhat bittersweet each year to realize that at the height of Summer (June 21), the days start getting shorter and it is a sure thing that Winter is coming again! However I enjoy the summer while it is here.
We just got back from CMA Fest in Nashville last weekend. It is always fun and relatively inexpensive. We get to see the "legends" as well as newcomers and the established stars (such as Taylor Swift, Brad Palsy, Derick Bentley, Carrie Underwood, Zac Brown Band, Little Big Town, Kenny Rogers etc.
I always realize how courteous and friendly Memphis is when I go out of town.
We have been really busy, which is nice in a way, but it is difficult to keep up with everything. I still get up around 3 a.m. and walk and ride my bike etc.
I started a "written" journal in 1988 and now don't have a written journal with all of the electronic alternatives. I miss writing on paper, but not so much that I insist on writing in a paper journal!
This is the time of year that I love, the days are getting longer, hot weather is coming and on weekends and evenings I can enjoy the weather (barring rain or storms).
It is somewhat bittersweet each year to realize that at the height of Summer (June 21), the days start getting shorter and it is a sure thing that Winter is coming again! However I enjoy the summer while it is here.
We just got back from CMA Fest in Nashville last weekend. It is always fun and relatively inexpensive. We get to see the "legends" as well as newcomers and the established stars (such as Taylor Swift, Brad Palsy, Derick Bentley, Carrie Underwood, Zac Brown Band, Little Big Town, Kenny Rogers etc.
I always realize how courteous and friendly Memphis is when I go out of town.
We have been really busy, which is nice in a way, but it is difficult to keep up with everything. I still get up around 3 a.m. and walk and ride my bike etc.
I started a "written" journal in 1988 and now don't have a written journal with all of the electronic alternatives. I miss writing on paper, but not so much that I insist on writing in a paper journal!
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