Summer 2013 August 31

79/80 degrees this morning.  A little muggy. 

Last day of August of 2013.  To say the year has flown by would be to minimize it.

The early morning has it's own little world, and I am both a participant and an observer in it.  Almost every morning I wave to the newspaper carrier, the Walgreens truck driver (they apparently change at this Walgreens at the time I ride my bike by) and, of course, the other persons who work out what could be considered early (in the 4 a.m. to 5 .am. range).  

When I think about it, there are a lot of little subcultures we exist in daily, from our drive to work, have coffee at Starbucks on Saturday morning and breakfast at Steak n Shake on Sunday morning.  We get to "know" people and then wonder what happened when they disappear and never return.  Since in most cases we never know their names, or frequently even their occupations, just that they occupy that little subculture and we meet daily or weekly or even monthly or several times a year (in the case of the Hampton Inn we stay at on the way to OKC where they recognize us by name as we walk in the door, and ditto with the Hilton Garden Inn in OKC) where we truly minor actors in their stage of life.

The wonderful start of a 3-day weekend!  I love it!  The empty slate lies before me, although I know I won't get close to getting done what I plan!

Went to a new restaurant last night "Jacksons on the Square", a wonderful place.  Service was excellent and some of the best blackened catfish (with crab on top) that I have ever had!  It was a truly wonderful experience and it wasn't all that expensive.  Certainly not cheap, but affordable for an occasional meal. 

Summer 2013 August 30

77/79 degrees this morning.  A slight touch of muggy in the air, although still relatively coolish (to get hot later)!

Time keeps getting away from me, as it seems my attempts at organization to get more done are successful, which only brings more things to be done since I am getting more done!  

Friday, the last work day in August. One thing I am lucky about, I almost never have "writers block".  That may not be good if what I write isn't that good, but at least I get something out!

Labor Day always reminds me of the time I feel on my bike (I believe 4 years ago).  I scraped my arms and knees and realized I wasn't immune from falling.  It was a very low speed fall, which I think almost made it worse.

I love 3 day weekends.  The time seems to spread out, and then of course, I get busy and the 3 days speed by.  Anyway, I enjoy the anticipation and the 3 days.

Summer 2013 August 29

74/77 degrees this morning.  Relatively coolish, almost too cool to sit out on my patio (but not quite).

The book "The Willpower Instinct" reviewed this morning the technique of "surfing the urge" as a way of willpower, either the "will" or the "won't".  Interesting concept, I have actually used it myself and it is effective.  I finished listening to the book and started listening again, although I will probably get the book to read and listen to something else.

I like my quiet time in the morning when I sit down to write this Blog.  I feel a sense of being unhurried.  It doesn't really matter how much or what I write, but it is the opportunity to do so, the fact I make the time to be able to write something if I want.

I think that is also why my walk is so important (I can think what I want and think through problems etc.) and my cycling.  My stationary bike riding gives me the chance to catch up on my reading (especially the daily newspapers) and my nap provides the opportunity to meditate and escape for 27 minutes (or whatever!).  

What is great about writing this is that I can write about anything I please, and as much or as little as I want!

3-day weekend coming up.  I am looking forward to just hanging out. 

Summer 2013 August 28

72/74 degrees.  Coolish tinge to the weather.  I was surprised when I was at the Courter Reunion in Kansas in July how much more hot and muggy it is at night and in the morning.  It is almost always relatively pleasant here at night and early morning no mater how hot it gets during the day.

Listening to "The Willpower Instinct" still.  Today involved the power of  the "white bear" (trying not to think about a White Bear, and of course that is all you can think about) and how it relates to willpower as far as behavioral changes regarding smoking, dieting, spending etc.  It is a great book and I am going to buy a physical copy so I can study it.  

August is almost over.  I really noticed this morning how it gets light in the morning so much later than it used to.  The passage of time, something you can't control.

I am about to "upgrade" my New York Times subscription to 7 days per week, (now I have only Friday, Saturday, Sunday), a decision I may regret, due to the lack of time.  I am just amazed I can get the latest edition delivered to my door step at 3:30 a.m. each morning!  That is just amazing.

Actually have no evening meetings until next Tuesday and that is the only one next week.  And Monday is a holiday!  

Summer 2013 August 27

73/74 degrees.  Definite coolness in air and I really notice the shorter days of sunlight now.

Still listening to the "Willpower Instinct".  This morning's segment included the power of suggestion in how decisions are made. I definitely need to get a copy of this book!  Maybe I will even offer to instruct a class in it for discussion purposes, or at least I will look to see if anyone if offering a discussion group on this.  One part this morning also reviewed the power of committing to an action, in this case an e-mail to someone you didn't know in the group, asking if that person had kept their commitment.  

I live by the minute in the "hyper time" of the early morning.  I know, almost to the minute what time I will be doing something based on when I get up and if I dither or not before I walk (answering e-mails etc.).  

The Lakeland political campaign has been interesting to observe (fortunately I can't participate).  It has certainly been a stage of a variety of behaviors. 

The power of WD-40 is amazing.  I have always thought it is something of a wonder product and it came through again.  Ever since we moved into our house we have been assaulted with the noise of squeaking doors.  I even planned to take off the doors and soak the hinges (well, the little bolt thing) in oil.  I tried some WD-40 on the doors over the weekend and, wonder of wonders, it worked and we now have silent doors.  (If I could just use it on some people or stereo systems!)

My newspaper carrier is wonderful.  He comes by almost every morning at about the same time and rarely misses a newspaper or fails to get it in a good place on my driveway.  Best of all, he is early enough I can get the papers after my walk.  

Summer 2013 August 26

77/79 degrees, ovearall clear, still seems coolish.

Busy week ahead, busy day today.  Overall, a very nice weekend, I had time to catch up on both work and personal items and do some light reading.

Caught up in the "hyper time" of the morning again, running behind schedule. I like Monday, especially when my week is fairly clear, since it is like a big chalkboard just waiting to be filled.  Of course, as I even start to think of the week, I see more and more items that will fill up the time.

The book "The Willpower Instinct" that I am listening to has some answers for that in that our "future self" always has more time, energy, ambition and willpower etc. that our "present self" does!  (I think I have that right.

An interesting concept, and I can see the truth of it.  I think that is why people tend to over schedule and frequently end up not meeting all of our commitments etc.

I'm not sure how you resolve the problem, perhaps being aware of it.

Oh yes, I forgot to include that our present selves do not think about impact to of our future selves of  the e-mails, text messages, phone calls, new requests etc. 

I understand originally the book was a 10 week course.  Maybe someone offers it locally, it would be very interesting to take.  Maybe I can really abuse my future self and even commit to teaching such a course!

It is always interesting (and frustrating) to watch your ambitious plans for the week evaporate under the burden of the present.

Summer 2013 August 25

77/79 degrees this morning.  Actually feels slightly cooler than that now.

Relaxing day yesterday, ate breakfast at Starbucks and then caught up on both work and personal items.  I looked at some magazines I had accumulated and attempted to get them to the  "give away" bin.  A very few (such as the Harvard Business Review's that had some what seemed to be special articles in) I haven't up on and figure "some day" I'll get a "round tuit"!  

Usually I don't keep anything past when the next one arrives, so the daily newspaper goes when the new one arrives and, in most cases, the magazine goes when the next one arrives.  It keeps the clutter down.  I even subscribed to a "e-magazine" appt so I can eliminate some physical magazines, plus I may save some money in the process, but probably not.

Speaking of clutter, I am faced with realizing I really need to declutter my e-mails and get ride of LITERALLY thousands of e-mails, most of which I will never need again, many which I never looked at in the first place.  I'm sure there is a magic formula for this (such as the delete button), but I find myself hesitating.  I may just delete everything and assume it is on a backup someplace, if not I'll never miss it.

I remember my first "PC" computer, I had years of records on it, it crashed and I never once had to access the backup.  It was just stuff I never needed.  Of course, I keep a lot more of my life on my computers etc.  now than I did back then.  

Sunday morning, 1/2 of the weekend gone.  Next weekend is a 3-day holiday, which is nice.  If I take a day of vacation, I may get calls, e-mails etc., but if it is a holiday (especially a major one like Labor Day), if I get a call I know it is probably an important one.

Summer 2013 August 24

76/79 degrees, sunny.

Looks like a great weekend!  

I have really noticed in the past few months especially how little mail (U.S. Postal type mail, not e-mail) I get.  The result of e-mail, text messaging and Facebooking I assume.  All my life I have loved getting the mail, or at least the anticipation of getting the mail.  When I was a child, our mail box was about a half-mile away and I walked each day when possible to wait for the mail carrier.  He had one of the first Volkswagon bugs, probably because all the roads were mud-not gravel, dirt that turned to mud when it rained.  (I went back to visit several years ago, and it had just rained-all the roads were STILL mud!).  

I thought about this while listening to "Willpower", which mentioned again about the anticipation of pleasure being more important than pleasure itself.  

Maybe the weekend is the same way.  I love weekends for the flexibility, even if I do decide to work, but I also enjoy going back to work on Monday.

Summer 2013 August 23

74/76 degrees this morning, relatively clear.  

Listening to book on "Willpower".  After a slow start it has become a very intriguing book and I am going to buy or borrow a copy.  At the point I stopped today, the authors were making the point that "Technology" was a worse addition than any drug due to the power of anticipating (not receiving, note) continuous pleasure.

Kind of like me and my "planning" travel.  I love to plan trips, frequently more than I actually enjoy the trip.  There is nothing I like better than to plan a trip.  In another life and time, I may have been a travel agent.  In any event, I understand my pleasure at planning.  I used to "plan" which tv shows I would watch each week until I realized I really didn't like tv that much.  Ditto with movies and planning to watch sports events on tv.  I realized I enjoyed the planning, but not the actual event. (I do enjoy travel however!)

Friday is "news day" when I get the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Commercial Appeal (I read a brief edition of the New York Times on M-Thursday).  

It makes me realize that my concerns and cares are relatively minor when compared to many other persons, both in the U.S. and especially many other countries.  

Summer 2013 August 22

74/76 degrees this morning, still somewhat cloudy.

I realized this morning how much shorter the days are getting.  Like the frog in "gradually boiling" water, I didn't realize how much later the sun was rising.  I used to note the sunrise and sunset in my daily journal and maybe I need to start again to realize the passage of the seasons.  

Listening the the book "Willpower"  (I'm sure there are many books with that title, I'll check on the author), and learning some very interesting ideas, especially about the pursuit of "pleasure" and "happiness". 

I get my audiobooks from Audible and, as an Amazon.com company, they have the famous horrible customer service if you have a question or need help, so it is difficult to do anything other than "listen" to the book.  I can't really go back and listen to certain parts as I can with a CD due to limitations imposed by Audible which don't make any sense.

Anyway, the book has some interesting comments about why we always think "tomorrow" we we will have more time and why people get addicted to video games, eating etc.  (it's not that it brings you pleasure, it's that you always think the NEXT time will be pleasure and fulfillment).   I'm sure those are relatively common ideas, but I like the way the book presented it.  This will probably be one of those times when I get the physical book so I can review some of the specific ideas.

The book had one example of what had to be a highly unethical (if it had been done now) study that tied in electrodes to subjects brains and than allow them to "pleasure" themselves as much as they wanted.  People pushed the button so often they frequently even wouldn't eat and had to be forced to quit.  (This is a rough idea of it, I need to research this some more).  

Otherwise, life continues. It is so busy, I find myself multitasking too much.  For example yesterday I realized I was (at the same time):

-Eating breakfast

-Watching "Mad Money"

-Reading the "USA Today" web site

No matter how good I am at multitasking there is no way I could really maximize any of them.  Actually that is ok, as long as I realize I'm not really doing all three tasks well.  Obviously eating breakfast doesn't really matter whether I am effective or efficient.  All I want to do from watching "Mad Money" or reading USA Today (website) is get the highlights.

USA Today has the best website newspaper of any newspaper I have seen.  I never watch the videos (due to time limitations), but I like the way the stories are arranged, I can skip all the junk stories about sports, "celebrities" etc. and just read what I want.

Actually the Memphis Commerical Appeal has the best "e-newspaper" of them all, it is an exact replica of the actual newspaper and, unlike the New York times and Wall Street Journal, it is actually easy to navigate and read.  Really as good or better than the physical newspaper, although I prefer the physical newspaper.

When I am out of town, I always ready the Commerical Appeal on-line, but really don't have the patience to read the New York Times or Wall Street Journal on-line.  They are poorly organized and awkward.  

I was reading some City Manager comments on the City Manager section on "Linked in" and I was stunned at some of the comments in answer to a question about "a good City Manager is always in trouble".  Hopefully I misunderstood some of the comments or they were half-way joking.

Summer 2013 August 21

72/75 degrees this morning.  Feels warmer, although my bike seat was moist while I was in the gym.  

Last Memphis Redbirds ball game last night.  We enjoyed the summer at the games.  Although their season could have been more successful, we enjoyed the games and the atmosphere.

I have noticed that political campaigns bring out both the worst and best in people, and it has never been more noticeable than in this campaign.  That is not a judgement, just an observation.  

Time flies in the morning.  In spite of combining activities, etc, I run out of time in the morning.  I call it "hypertime".  I probably plan too much and expect I will get too much done, but it is the one time of day when I can work with few distractions.

Summer 2013 August 20

72/75 degrees this morning.  Still relatively cool, was slightly foggy, clearing now.

I now have a date for my first "tooth implant" visit (which will be the worst, operation wise).  I guess I'm glad to get it started, I certainly don't want the are flaring up sometime, although it has been almost three years since I was advised I needed it done.  (The original suggestion was for a new bridge etc.).

I plan on starting to catalog my "hot wheels"  cars sometime, I don't know if I should use Tumblr or a blog.  

Didn't listen to the "willpower" book during my walk this morning.  Actually, I forgot it.  I don't mind walking without any book etc., it is still a good time to think and prepare for the day ahead, maybe more so, except I like the idea I'm getting educated while I walk, somewhat like I enjoy the idea of reading the newspapers while I ride the stationary bike.  Kind of like buying time.

If I had the money, one of the few things I would lavish money on is a driver.  The thought of all the time I waste driving is enough to make me check on what a driver would  cost (too much!), but at least it is fun to dream.  Even here, where I live relatively close to work, I could save an hour a day I could use on reading etc.  Such are dreams!

Summer 2013 August 19

67/70 degrees this morning.  Summer, where are you!

Monday, start of a busy week.  Actually have meetings scheduled every night this week, plus a full day of activities.  

Still listening to the book on "Willpower".  Not bad, I have picked up a few points  consciously and maybe some subconsiously.

I always wonder about subconscious learning.  I believe that behavior can be changed by subconscious (and repeated) suggestions, so I assume learning is the same way,  I may try it.  In the past, I have used the subconscious technique with some success.

My Granddaughters start school today. One is in the 8th grade, one in 5th.  I remember when I was in the 8th grade and I am just glad I made it out of that period alive!  Kali appears much more grounded and ready for the adventure.  I always try to remember that you raise children so they can learn to live without you and as a separate person and life.  You are successful if your children can live without you.

One month until the Lakeland election (Sept. 19).  This is a very long campaign period.  I will be glad to see all the campaign signs come down. 

Still somewhat foggy and damp this morning.  Strange weather.

The birds are noisy this morning.  I really miss watching the birds on the bird feeders, but...not the varmints they attracted.

Summer 2013 August 18

67/70 degrees this morning.  Foggy outside, at times during my bike ride, almost foggy to the extend of being light rain.  Chairs etc. have heavy due on them.

English Garden failed to come out and finish the landscape project again, which probably means the trees will die again etc.  

Preparing myself psychologically for having two teeth (tooth?) implants sometime in the near future.  They will replace a bridge.

It all started after I got out of the Air Force.  There is a one year period that you can get free dental care (or some version if it).  I decided it would be prudent to take advantage of it, which was a very bad decision.  The dentist involved apparently thought it was easier to remove the tooth than to take the trouble to try to save it.  I realize now a simple (even at that time) root canal would have saved the tooth.    

Anyway, rather than replace the bridge again, it looks like getting teeth implants is the best way to go, primarily because it will help prevent damage to other teeth and is "good for life" if done right. It is a long process (about 6 months total), but I feel comfortable with  the Oral Surgeon involved and feel this is a good time to do it.

Redbirds game last night was rained out (at least for us, since we left at the rain delay, although the game was eventually finished).  Every summer has a special memory (or memories) and I think we will remember the Summer of 13 for the very enjoyable nights at the Redbirds games.

Summer 2013 August 17

70/73 degrees this morning, maybe a warmup is coming!  In a way, this has been a "lost summer" in that actual summer weather was sporadic at best.

Listening to a book on "willpower".  My mind wanders, especially after listening to the great book  "Steve Jobs".  I believe there are some books (or maybe subjects/types of writing) which do not just translate well for listening.  Or maybe I'm just not all that interested in the subject.

They did discuss the value of "meditation".  I don't know if my naps can be considered meditation, but I value them.  I take a nap in the morning (every morning) after my exercise and shower, a nap at noon, when possible, and a nap after work.  I find that time is valuable for decision making and preparing.  

I mentioned to someone once that sometimes I could go on a walk or a bike ride and basically write a memo in the head and it would be ready for me to just write down when I got back.  To some degree, meditation is that way, except I almost always take a nap or at least fall into an inactive subconscious state where I am not actively trying to do anything (if that makes any sense).

Although form of meditation I find valuable is writing my thoughts down.  I have gone back to a private journal where I can rage and rant, not random thoughts or plan,  knowing that it is unlikely that anyone (including me) will ever read the words.  

Summer 2013 August 16

66 degrees this morning!  I am ready for the return to hot weather, although the daytime has been nice, weather wise.

Finished reading (actually listening to) "Steve Jobs".  It is a great book on the development of the computer age, regardless of what you may think of Steve Jobs or Apple Computer.  I will probably buy the book just to have it around to re-read.  He made some major mistakes on products (I have several of the latest iPod Shuffles to prove it!), but also some wonderful products (iPhone 5, iMac etc.).

I thought the second of my three original iPod shuffles (the gumstick ones) battery had gone out this morning, but I think it is recharging. I really like the gumstick ones and feel the iPod shuffles after that were basically failures.  I do like the latest iPod Nano.

I started listening to a book on "Willpower".  I'll give it several sessions, but was not impressed by the first listening.  I guess I don't have the willpower to suffer through it!  

The political campaign in Lakeland continues.  Obviously I can't say much about it, except it brings out the worst in some people and the best in others.  Worst of all, it trashes up the environment with signs.  Realize they may be necessary, but I'm not sure why.  In as way it is insulting to voters to assume their votes can be obtained by a large number of signs hoping they will vote based on name recognition like selling soft drinks.  At least is will be over in a month or so.

The last weekend of Redbirds baseball (The Memphis Redbirds, the minor league team for the St. Louis Cardinals).  It has been a lot of fun attending the games.  While both Aliene and I are extreme Chicago Cubs baseball fans, we have become (almost) as extreme St. Louis Cardinal fans since many of the players we have seen playing on the Memphis Redbirds are now stars of the Cardinals.  Hard not to be for them.  The Memphis Redbirds also just are a class organization and the Autozone baseball stadium is wonderful.  We are rapidly becoming diehard (whatever that means) Cardinal fans.

Friday.  While I spend much of my weekend on work activities, it is difference since I am not tethered to the office etc.  Gives me a chance to catch up on work as well as personal activities.  

Summer 2013 August 15

63 degrees this morning.  Obviously not sitting out on patio!  Good weather for walk and cycling, a little cool.  Of course next winter with temperatures like this I would think it was a heat wave!

Busy day today, meetings almost all day.  

After not doing so for some time, I have decided to return to writing a "private" daily journal on a regular basis, even if it is just a jot.  I'm undecided on whether to make it paper of computer.  I rarely write on paper anymore.  

Bicycle needs a new seat.  I hate to let it go for several days since I miss my riding, although I'll check and see if they can do it the same day.  My bike is now around 7 years old.  While I prefer the riding position of my previous mountain bike, it has been a good bike.  I plan on buying a "transport" or a "touring" bike as my next bike, probably with electric assist or maybe even an electric motor.  On the other hand, what I'd like to do is buy one of that type and also a mountain bike.

Summer 2013 August 14

70 degrees this morning (actually 70 or 73 degrees depending on the site).  It actually felt cool during my exercise this morning.

I ate some popcorn (the caramel and cheese kind which I shouldn't eat anyway!).  It affected my sleep in ways I won't mention, but my iPhone app clearly indicated I slept at "77% efficiency" as opposed to my normal 97% or so efficiency.  The app says to strive for 85% efficiency, so I thought maybe I wasn't doing something right that I was so "sleep efficient"  I guess the app does work!

A little cool to sit outside this morning, plus I want to finish watching the Cardinals game (taped) and "Mad Money".  I hate it when tv interferes with my life (even taped tv!), but I could decide to enjoy the patio and not watch it also.  

Summer 2013 August 13

73 degrees this morning, cloudy.

August 13, it is hard to believe it is actually August 13, 2013.  Almost like a dream.

This morning I skipped all of my exercise, and will delay any water or food as I am having he dreaded "lab test" this morning.  Usually I get there as early as possible since breakfast is usually my biggest meal, plus I hate going without water and coffee!  I do plan on going to City Hall for a short meeting before I get to the Doctors office for my lab test.

Visited with the Oral Surgeon about my tooth implants.  Not a pleasant procedure, but it has a high success rate.  Hard to argue with an over 90% success rate.  Main problem will be finding two or three days when I can take off and "take it easy".  The entire process takes about six months, so at least the cost can be somewhat spread out, but my limited dental insurance will help ease the pain in my wallet.

Some years ago, I had a friend tell me that "Life is a series of Hello and Goodby".  Much as hated the saying I have to admit it is true, with both the original "Hello" (birth) and "Goodby" (death) somewhat of a mystery.  While turnover at City Hall is normally very low, it has been higher recently based on a number of factors.  I think the recently family reunion and birthday events, wedding showers, births etc, made me think of the "life goes on" process, or maybe one of the sayings my first Mayor mentioned when he said "the City  (or Life) is like a ship going down the river, people get on, people get off, but the ship keeps on going down the river.

Summer 2013 August 12

79 degrees this morning.  Some lightning to the north, almost didn't cycle but decided it was far enough away.  Apparently at least some rain will continue. Overcast this morning.

Read this morning about "bots" that send out "non-human" messages (e-mails tweets, posts etc.).  Apparently only about 35% of such activity is actually human, the rest is some type of bot or what they termed "socialbots".  I know there was a reason I ignore most tweets et.

3-D printing is a technology that I think will really have an impact on society.  What, I don't know, but I expect it will be a major impact.  I try to read anything I can about 3-D printing and "socialbots". (and hope it's not from a "socialbot"!

 Nice morning on the patio, although I am really ready for the sun and some dry summer weather.

Going to Dentist today for a "consult" about having two teeth implanted to replace an existing bridge.  Not looking forward to it, but glad the medical advance is available!

Summer 2013 August 11

79 degrees Memphis, 71 degrees Oklahoma City

"Birthday breakfast" with the children, grandchildren etc. was nice.  Almost everyone was there, and it was enjoyable.  It is  a tradition that perhaps has  replaced the "birthday lunch or supper" with a birthday cake.  A chance for everyone to meet and catch up.

Drive back was uneventful, except for some areas of heavy rain.

Summer 2013 August 10

81 degrees in Memphis, 71 degrees in Oklahoma City.

Spent much of the day with Angela, Kali and Katherine, which is fun.  It is nice to be able to spend time with them in a  relaxed atmosphere.  

It appears the rain has receded, at least for a while.  

I am tying to watch my food intake again, as long as I maintain a "low carb" diet I seem to generally be ok.  If I start the "this one time" eating, it tends to come back to haunt me!

I recently read an article about how to learn from your mistakes.  (Referring more to work than to personal, but it probably applies both areas.  Admitting them is just the start. Also you should recognize HOW it happened, write down what happened (so you remember what led to the mistake) and then consciously resolve it won't happen again.  I know, easy to say....

Summer 2013 August 9

82 degrees in Memphis, 74 degrees in Van Buren, Arkansas, with rain.

 I have been keeping a "journal" (with occasional lapses) for about 25 years now, since the summer of 1988.  Some are in electronic form (perhaps forever lost in the 5 1/4" "floppy disks" with "Leading Edge" work processing, others are in boxes, the last few years they are on the "cloud" or in public blogs.  I originally started just writing my thoughts (very private), then started a "calendar" of where I went, ate etc.  I actually have kept that up fairly well.  As time got limited, I limited my time spent on my personal journal, but almost always kept up my calendar.  I envisioned myself going back over the years to see how I grew (or didn't grow), perhaps to see how I resolved conflicts, while I made the decisions I did etc., but actually never have.  I actually benefit a lot just from writing about my day and what has happened and how I feel.

As with all records, accessing them is the key.  

Summer 2013: August 8

81 degrees this morning.  Some lightning (no rain yet), so I just walked and didn't cycle.

Hoping the new plants in the yard will furbish (I think that is the right word).  I hate to see a plant die, even more when it cost so much to plant it!  

Crepe Myrtle are so beautiful this time of year.  I love Spring with all the flowers, new grass and leaves etc. and the reason I like Crepe Myrtle and Day Lilies so much is that they bloom in the late Summer (I guess "bloom" is the correct word).  I like the beauty of annuals, but I hate that they only live one season, although I guess that is their purpose.

I got a "candidate" brochure put on my mailbox last night.  Not "in" my mailbox, that is fine, but "on" my mailbox.  I don't know why people who are running for elected office (or their supporters) think they can break the law, actually technically a federal law.  I should have left it on the mailbox for the mail carrier to deal with, but instead i just tore it up.  (It didn't matter whose it was. Illegal is illegal.)

The "forest" in back of my house seems to lurk in the summer, when it is full of trees.  At night, it could actually even be the scene for a scary movie.  However, I look at it as having hundreds of friendly birds, and the home for many other animals, probably including some I don't really want to think about!

I miss my bird feeders (or rather the birds they attracted), but I don't want to deal with the raccoons, and the pests who come up to feed on the feed the birds drop.  

When I was a child, I remember birds "teasing" the cats by flying at them, occasionally the bird would get nailed by the cat. Fortunately, no cats ever came around the bird feeders, at least that I am aware of. 

Summer 2013: August 7

79 degrees today.  Stars were out when I exercised, cloudy now.  Rain? 

Spent over $900 yesterday on correcting what, in my opinion, illustrates  incompetence on the part of the plumbers (Arlington Plumbing) and the builder (Grant and Company).  Defects included the dishwasher not being hooked up to hot water (meaning we have been washing dishes in cold water all these years), defective parts in faucets and stools,  etc.  Now we have to correct the squeaking in all the doors etc.   If we ever build a house again, I plan on an inspector being there all the time.  Overall we love the house, but the defects like these shouldn't have happened.

I will be so glad when the political season is over.  While I realize they may be necessary the campaign signs make me feel like I am living in an unregulated commercial zone.  I dread the thought that it is still a month and 1/2 to the election.

English Garden did an excellent job of replacing the bushes.  The yard looks so nice now, I"ll try to get some pictures.   

Summer 2013: August 6

Happy Birthday to me!

76 degrees, cloudy, no rain right now, may arrive later.  

Another year older today!  I still sometimes feel that this is a dream, as time simply can't pass this fast!  I don't really have any thoughts about getting older, or I guess I do, but I don't have time to write them down right now, maybe later!

Relatively busy week scheduled, I have a lot of "read" & "write" projects that take time and concentration.

School started here yesterday, the start of school always signals that the Summer is starting to wane.

It has been a relatively cool summer here (in my opinion),  major heat waves and actually has been relatively comfortable most of the time.

May add some thoughts later about my birthday, or maybe not!  

Summer 2013 August 5

Happy Birthday to John and Mary Anne!  (I won't mention their ages, except to say they are my OLDER brother and sister!)

78 degrees this morning.  Able to walk, but light rain prevented me from bicycling to the gym (I drove).

ATC Fitness in Lakeland plays the most horrible music.  It is hard to describe except I'd prefer the cats yowling in the forest at night to this junk.  I think it is supposed to be relaxing, but it just makes me angry for some reason.  Even headphones don't help when I have to take a shower there.

Can't sit out on patio this morning due to rain. Still, I enjoy the house also.  

Aliene made some meat loaf yesterday (my favorite food and she makes the best meat loaf) so I can enjoy it for several days.  

Monday, the weekend is past.  I had a good relaxing weekend, got some work done, and otherwise caught up.

Summer 2013 August 4

73 degrees this morning, a little cool.  Out on the patio, but a cool breeze is making it a little cool.

Birthday days are upon us!  Mary Anne, John and I.  It was always a fun time. (As I remember it anyway)

Weekend has been busy in spite of myself.  My "books to be read" list keeps growing.  I did finish "Watchers" yesterday, which is for our book discussion page.  I read an "e-book" version of it, and read it in moments when I had time.  

School starts tomorrow here.  In a way it signals the end of Summer, and is, for some purposes.  However, here, the Summer really continues into almost November (sometimes up until Thanksgiving) and the true Winter seems to hit around Christmas and last until late February and then an extremely long Winter/Spring of coolish weather that seems to last forever until mid to late May. 

Not a lot planned this weekend, working on some items for work (letters to applicants, memos, planning etc), going to the last of the Redbird ball games for the season.  I was surprised at myself that I really enjoyed attending Redbirds ball games, I have been attending (in sporadic fashion until about 4 years ago) for almost ten years now.  

While I ride my bicycle daily (except when it is raining), I haven't resumed my long distance rides (hour or more), mainly due to time.  I will need to start training soon since the time is coming for my "ride with the Summer", either in 2014 or 2015.  Perhaps I just need to go out and do it.  I am trying to figure out how long it will take me and the best routes.  My experience with biking in the same lanes as cars indicates it is NOT a good deal for the bike rider!  That is my primary concern

Summer 2013 August 3

79 degrees this morning, very pleasant day, cloudy 

I especially enjoy Saturday and Sunday morning for the opportunity to sit out on the patio a little longer.  Even then, the time goes too fast!  Soon the time will come when it is too cool to sit out on the patio, although I usually can until early November.  

The woods sit in back of my house, quiet and presenting a smooth surface to what I expect is a seething caldron of birds, insects, animals etc. playing out their daily life.  It is much more open in winter without all the leaves etc.

Soon we will have lived in our house (with this wonderful view!) for almost 8 years (I believe-it is amazing how time gets lost in the mass of time gone by).  We actually bought the house in August and moved in in December.  It is a wonderful house, and we have really enjoyed it, especially the view.

I finally had to take down the bird feeders, and haven't put them back up, since raccoons or some other animal kept getting into them.  (I was also concerned about the pests that came to feed on the seed the birds dropped.) The birds always throughly enjoyed the feeders, although I expect there are many others available. 

Summer 2013: August 2

Coolish this morning (70 degrees).  

TGIF.  I am ready for a weekend, although the week seemed to fly by.  Finishing a long process today of final interviews for a Receptionist/Administrative Assistant position.  Three very qualified persons, which means at least it is a positive choice, although a difficult choice.

Listening to "Steve Jobs", who believed in (and practiced) a minimalist life style.  I look around and see how possessions have taken ownership of me, not always a negative.  I tend to hang on to things (especially books and clothes) until they wear out.  

i remember when I first started working I rented everything so I wouldn't have to worry about it.  As the years went by, I accumulated items, and now look aghast at all the stuff.  However, I have a hard time giving away my books, even ones I haven't touched for years, my clothes (I recently lost enough weight to justify keeping some clothes for years on the basis that "I could wear them when I lost weight!, which is a wonderful feeling!  I want to throw away all of my "too large" clothes, but Aliene insists on putting them away "just in case".  

Of course, my Hot Wheels (Matchbox etc.) collection will die with me.  I will always pack them up and take them with me.  I will probably leave them to an orphanage or someplace where they will be used.  Or maybe a museum if there is such a thing as a "Hot Wheels Hall of Fame".  I don't know why I am so attached to toy cars (and similar vehicles), but it is an inexpensive hobby and one that I enjoy.  I actually bought my first "Hot Wheels" car in 1980, when my daughter was less than a year old.  Over the years, I pick them up, with no real purpose in mind, just nice or unique to look at.  I have a lot of race cars.  I don't "play" with them, but I do like to display them and change the displays.  

One reason August was always my favorite month probably was because it was the "birthday month".  John and Mary Anne were born on the same day (August 5) exactly one year apart and I came along 3 years later on August 6. We would aways combine into one big birthday part, usually at the swimming pool.

I can remember the swimming lessons we had when we were kids.  We would actually walk (on mud roads in bare feet" for over three miles to be picked up by a bus and then we would walk back three miles.  (It may be 4 1/2 miles). That is the absolutely truth!

Summer 2013 August 1

79 degrees this morning.  Still slightly coolish from the rains last night.

I am amazed that Staples Office Supplies and Dell Computer stay in business based on their horrible customer "service".  

As discussed before, an item I bought at Staples Office Supplies quit working.  I following instructions and, in spite of having purchased an "extended warranty" that guaranteed in house repair, I was advised to "call the 800 number".  I did and was advised a "box to return the item will be sent to you".  That was over three weeks ago.

I even received an e-mail from the Staples "Office of the President" and they apologized and said I would be send a "store card" to purchase another item to "fulfill the contract".  Guess what?  That was two weeks ago, still no action!!!  Pathetic.

Dell Computer isn't much better.  I have written on this before, so I won't bore you with it.

I always like August.  Of course, my birthday is in August and the weather is usually the type I like.  I actually enjoyed going to school so I alway anticipated returning to school.

One think I don't personally like about election campaigns is all of the yard signs.  I realize they are necessary and all that, but I am so glad when the election period and (most of) the signs are picked up, at least no new ones are put out.  

August ought to be an interesting month.  I hate to see baseball season end, but it also means (college for me) football will begin. 

My six (or seven?) year old MacBook battery is finally going out.  I get a message to "replace soon".   I hope that is referring only to the battery.

The morning "hyper time" continues.  I don't really know where the time goes in the morning. It is like someone forwards the clock.