Winter 2014 February 27 Thursday

21 Degrees this morning!  Spring, where are you!

Currently in my "second place" (Starbucks).  Early this morning to get car serviced, which is always an expensive proposition!  At least the car dealership has a nice waiting area with free coffee and water and even snacks and a light meal.

In the throes of making a final decision about medicare advantage plan (or supplement).  Fortunately we can change in six months or so if I pick the wrong one.  

In a waiting stage right now, as I wait for responses etc.  I have been busy sending out resumes, looking at medicare plans and similar items.  Now I am starting on my the China plans.  I should have been a travel agent. I really enjoy planning trips, probably more than I enjoy taking them.  In the case of the China trip I probably will also use a travel agent.   I have enjoyed reading about China, how to travel there, various tours etc.  I have even started to re-listen to Henry Kissinger's "China" to remember some of the history and culture.  I don't think I could ever learn to use chopsticks, but I can try.  One problem is I hate to commit to a specific flight since it is so expensive to change the flight and my plans could change. 

My jaw is a little swollen from the surgery this morning, for some reason.  I always get a little worried about that.  It doesn't hurt tho, which is good.  This phase was a lot better than the first phase, even though it did include a small graft. I will be glad to get it completed.

in spite of the cold, the sun is out today, which is nice.  

I started reading a book by Anne Hillerman, Tony Hillerman's daughter.  He was one of my favorite writers and i actually met him and had him sign a book for me when he appeared at the National Cowboy Hall of Fame.  So far she appears like she is maybe a little different writer than her father, but just as good in her own way.  I"ll read it and see.  I have been agonizing over medicare and the health plan so I haven't read a lot of it, but so far it has been an interesting read and I'm going to set aside several hours to enjoy it.

Winter 2014 February 26 Wednesday

30 degrees this morning.  I am tired of winter and ready for Spring!

Since I hadn't received the information I was supposed to receive from Medicare by today, I had to to the local Social Security Office and see the federal government in action.  I see the results of the political fat cats who brag about "cutting the budget" while they feather their own nest (My representative loves tax cuts, except for the crop support payments he gets of around 3/4 million dollars a year).  

i got their at 8:00 a.m. since they were only open from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.  There were already 10 people in line.  We stood in 27 degree weather for an hour as the line lengthened to about 50 people .  The building refused to let people in, even though it was 27 degrees and they had chairs inside.  By definition most of the people in line were either old or extremely young or disabled.  

I can't blame the people who work there, I blame the politicians who brag about "cutting costs" and not considering the effects on the people.  I don't see how they can sleep at night.

However this was one case where the representative I talked to was a "true federal bureaucrat".  She only wanted to get rid of me.  Most of the people I have dealt with at Medicare have been very helpful (once I get through to them frequently with a 2 or 3 hour wait).  She was truly uncaring and what I would consider a true uncaring bureaucrat who was there just for her paycheck.

Anyway, I got it done and got it sent in.  I can understand why people hate the federal government, but they are looking at the wrong place when they try to blame the people working there, they need to look at the politicians.  Of course, the original person I talked to with Medicare apparently never sent out what he was supposed to.

I talked with another person looking for a job the other day and we both agreed that the employers who require "on line applications" should try it themselves sometimes and they will see why they have a hard time getting good applications.  Most on-line applications are defective and almost impossible to fill out.  I was thinking it was just me, but apparently they are uniformly disliked.

On a good note, the dental surgery Tuesday morning apparently went well as my jaw feels good.  I am glad that part is over, I only have several crowns to put on the "posts" , which I believe I have done in about three months.

Now we need to decide on a "Medicare Supplement" policy.  After looking at everything we are going to the "Medigap" policy and not the Advantage Plan.  I am glad the process is over. (Almost, as soon as we get enrolled, which we only have two days to do.)

Today is the third Anniversary of the date I suddenly thought I had a lot of time to fill.  I have been busy the entire time, and still am woefully behind in my reading etc.  

Winter 2014 February 25 Tuesday (Part II, After Surgery)

Dental surgery this morning.  Seemed to go well.  This was "phase II" and involved screwing the structure of the new teeth in the jaw.  I was out most of the time.  Oral Surgeon seemed to feel everything had gone well.

Feeling a little woozy yet and face is still numb. Stopped by Steak n Shake for two Strawberry Shakes (one of the few times I have my favorite food). Going to take some pain medicine, to keep ahead of it.

Really wild dreams during surgery

Winter 2014 February 25 Tuesday

37 degrees this morning.

Next phase of tooth implants (perhaps teeth implants, since there are two of themI) is this morning. I am currently in the dreaded time of "no water, no food", which basically makes me want to get the surgery over so I can eat and drink water!  I normally eat breakfast shortly after 6 a.m., so I am hungry!

The phase this morning is screwing the base teeth into my jaw.  The screws were put in my jaw  in September when the two teeth were ext rated and the bone transplant was done.  The bone transplant was the worst.  Of course, I associate the bone transplant with the devastating city elections etc. It seemed to give me a headache for several months.

Somehow I associate difficult times in my life the books by Khaled Hosseini.  When I was have surgery for skin cancer (including transplanting skin etc.I) I was reading "The Kite Runner" and associated with the realization that pain was part of life and perhaps a stage of life that we need to adjust to.  (Actually, the pain of skin cancer surgery isn't that bad, it is just the anticipation perhaps, or maybe like the grain of sand in your shoe.)  Anyway, somehow, reading The Kite Runner" during this process helped.  I never really got into his second book "A Thousand Splendid Suns", and then I read "And the Mountains Echoed" after my separation from employment, when I understood why I still didn't have time, even when it appeared all I should have was time, after at least 30 years of having very little leisure time.  Even three months later, I still haven't found time to read etc., like I expected, and my day is filled with activities that, at least appear, to seem to be important.  I found looking and preparing for employment is almost a full time job.  Many positions require extensive time answering detailed essay questions, multiple phone interviews etc. which take more time than you would think.

In addition to age, I found I am in an interesting situation.  Lakeland is around 13,000 population with 31 employees.  Most cities of 13,000 have around 150 to 200 employees (some many more, some many less) and most cities with 25-49 employees are in the range of 2500 to 5,000 population.   If I apply to a City of 10,000 to 19,000 the question is can I supervise that many personnel, if I apply to a city of 4,000, they ask why I want to go to a smaller city!  This isn' a major obstacle necessarily, but it is one I have to explain and I think it is a major factor in the selection process, depending on whom the other applicants are  When combined with my age,  it provides some interesting hurtles to get around.  I'm not really complaining about it, what is, is.  Like everything else, I need to be aware of the possible problems of these situations and the perception it may create.  

Perhaps I will write more later after the surgery, perhaps I will be sleeping and not get around to it!  However, normally I am ready for some strawberry shakes by "happy hour" (1/2 priced shakes and soft drinks) at Steak n Shake.  Since I have to eat soft foods for several days, it gives me the chance to indulge in my favorite food that I normally avoid!

Winter 2014 February 24 Tuesday

32 degrees.  I am ready for some warm weather and winter to be over!

I noted that the Fitbit Force is not even going to be sold, even with a new model, which is disappointing to me. Hopefully Apple with come out with an iWatch.   Samsung is bringing out one that sounds interesting, but I have never had a reliable Samsung product.  I had a monitor go out in the early nineties right after the warranty expired, and bad luck with a Samsung tv, phone (actually  both the original and the replacement), so I decided not to buy any more Samsung products. In all fairness,  other people have had good luck with Samsung products, but my experience indicates I must be allergic to their products or something.  My Apple projects just keep plugging along.  Of three "shuffle" iPods I got about 7 years ago, two of them are still plugging along (with the original batteries), ditto with the IPod and all of the iPhones and Apple Computers I have.  

It is so good to be home, even if it is cold!  Sun is shining this morning which is nice.

My life will take on another stage this week as I convert to Medicare health insurance coverage (hopefully!).  I am waiting on the forms from Medicare.  

Still seem to be stuck in a narrow band of about 6 lbs on my weight.  At least I'm not gaining beyond that, which is nice.   I think peanut butter is probably one problem, so I am going to start weighing the peanut butter I eat to make sure I don't eat too much peanut butter.  i have also been  more relaxed about occasionally eating bread etc. (although on  a very infrequent basis), so I probably need to tighten  up on that.  I like using "my fitness pal" to monitor what I eat, but it is sometimes time consuming to keep up with it.  They need to have a better search capacity.

(Later):  Didn't do my weight any good, had my favorite dish as Corky's BBQ, tamales and chili!  It definitely fills me up.  (It is listed as a "starter" appetizer, but it is an "ender" for me also!

I believe this will be my 300th post.  (This is on my blog at RobertWherry.com)

Winter 2014 February 23 Sunday

43 degrees this morning (OKC)

it is good to be home.

My Fitbit Force is being recalled due to the band apparently creating skin rashes on a small portion of users. While I appreciate the thought, they will have to pry my Fitbit Force from my cold hard hands!  (Unless they offer me a newer model).  It is a wonderful device (I'm not sure what else to call it).  It is kind of like I perceive Apple products, somewhat minimalist in design, but powerful underneath.  I am used to wearing relatively ornate watches (not fancy, but I know it is  a watch).  The Fitbit Force is very minimalist, at least the black color one is.  You wouldn't even know it was a watch (I have to actually press a button to see the time).  However, it also tells me how many steps I walked today, how much time was "active" steps, how long I was in bed, how long I actually slept, how may upstairs steps I took etc.  It can do a lot more if I want to pay $50 per year, but I honestly don't care much how I compare to other users or having "friends" of a device.  I understand the new Apple IOS will be able to tell the difference between bicycling and walking, which would be great. 

A nice weekend, good to be home, although I have to admit Lakeland seems less and less like "home" every day as it changes into some type of megalomania type of government. One of the first times I"ve ever send grant funds that are not accepted touted as "savings" to enlarge the impression that there are all kinds of costs savings (how to turn $120,000 until $1.3 million-Amazing! I can only imagines what other illusions are being presented!)  I still enjoy our house and will miss it.

Next stage of my "teeth implant" this week.  Not looking forward to it, but on the other hand, I'm glad it is proceeding to a conclusion.  After this, I only have one more stage to complete the teeth implant.  

Winter 2014 February 22 Saturday

48 degrees (Oklahoma City) 41 degrees (Memphis)

I have to amend my comments about on-line newspapers.  The Wall Street Journal for iPad is great roughly equal to the USA Today on-line newspaper.  For some reason, the Wall Street Journal on the computer is a lot harder to follow, but the iPad edition is organized well.

Wonderful day today.  Sunny, not too cold, although still somewhat cool.  

Sitting in my "second place", Starbucks.  Enjoying an "iced coffee" one of the first of what is hopefully a long hot summer.  I found if I drink two iced coffees (I get free refills), I really shouldn't drive for awhile!  Regular coffee doesn't affect me that way, but the ice coffee at Starbucks does.

Good day, spent part of day with Kali, then Angela, Katherine and Kali and I went to the Library Book Sale.  In spite of trying to "weed" books, I couldn't help but pick up several more books, but I did restrain myself.  

Enjoyed my morning swim in the wonderful swimming pool here. 

Winter 2014 February 21 Friday

32 degrees (Edmond), 38 degrees (Memphis)

Only 30 days until Spring begins!  I should be seeing the first crocus in just a few weeks and then the leaves start to turn green and the flowers pop out!

Visited with an old friend and co-worker yesterday.  It was an enjoyable visit. A little bit of a trip down memory lane, so to speak. I think it is important to honor and remember the past while not getting caught up in any regrets or "might of"'s.  Actually  it was very positive and focused on what had and is  being accomplished.  A Mayor told me once that a City was like a ship cursing down the river, people got on and got off, Commanders changes, but the ship keeps on going down the river. (Although in cases where you have leadership that acts like a spoiled brat and is primarily interested in feathering the next for future political gain, the ship may stall out for a while or probably go in reverse).

Somehow, in the past 30 years I became a baseball fan.  I think it started in the mid-eighties.  I now look forward baseball starting as one of the many benefits of Spring.  Baseball has become my favorite sport, especially in personally attending.  We enjoy the Memphis Redbirds and if we leave Memphis, not attending their games will be a big regret.  Somehow, it was especially enjoyable watching the players as they tried to achieve the next level (Major League Baseball team of St. Louis) and see many of them succeed.  Last year it was amazing how many were called up and became successful players for St. Louis.  We enjoy the zaniness of the games and and entertainment, the crowd and just sitting outside and enjoying the weather.  (I also enjoyed the barbecue and piling jalapenas (sp) on top, following by ice cream.  I don't know if it will be the same at another ball park or not.  Our favorite team is still the Chicago Cubs, but we root for the St. Louis Cardinals because we have watched so many of the players personally at the Redbirds games.  I also like the "Rocky Redbird" mascot a lot better than the "Fredbird" St Louis mascot.  The "Fredbird' has never made any sense to me.  However, there are probably more important things for me to be concerned about.

I read all of my newspapers on line while I am out of town.  For some reason, the Wall Street Journal "on line" is very difficult to read.  The New York Times is finally getting it's act together on the on-line edition and the Commerical Appeal is definitely the best format for on-line reading.  I still much prefer the physical paper.  One exception is USA today, where I feel the on-line version is actually better, at least for my needs. 

Winter 2014 February 20 Thursday

68 degrees (Edmond, Oklahoma), 63 degrees, Memphis

And how the wind does blow!  Always surprised (I shouldn't be) when in Oklahoma, open the car door and almost get blown away by the wind!  Even worse than usual today, winds up to 60 mph.  I was happily adjusted to living without the wind!  Even to the point i didn't ride my bicycle in high winds.   Of course, in Oklahoma, if you don't ride your bicycle in the wind, you don't ride your bicycle at all!

In Oklahoma for a "baby shower" for Aliene's Grandson and his wife.  How time passes!

I am always surprised when hotels don't seem to "get" it that they don't really save any money by apparently adjusting their heating so it doesn't heat!  We just stay in another hotel!  I wake up early and I always resent having to sit by  HVAC unit blowing cold air when it should be warm!  A complain always brings apologies, but no corrections.  I'll try to complain here before I name the hotel because it otherwise is a nice, reasonably priced motel.

My favorite hotels are the Hilton group, followed by Marriott.  I find Marriott rooms too small and a little pricy usually, but the staff is always wonderful.  My favorite hotel in OKC is a Hilton Garden Inn, with a wonderful swimming pool and HVAC that isn't noisy!  I even have visions of living there full-time, just so I can swim in their wonderful pool every morning.  (Not really, but the pool is absolutely wonderful, always the right temperature, water clem and most of all it opens at 6:00 am. so I can swim with no one else in the pool!  I am not a swimming as such, I just like to paddle around, but I really enjoy it).

This thought came up this morning when I noticed an ad touting the "best" Hampton Inn's , one of our favorite hotels to stay at.  What surprised me was none of my favorite Hampton Inns were on the list, but several were that I have stayed at and didn't really care for.  (It wouldn't be fair to name them, some of them I only stayed in once and/or it was several years ago,).  Of course, to be absolutely honest, I sometimes judge my stays on whether I am upgraded or not and the quality of the HVAC.  I was surprised my all time favorite Hampton Inn (Clarksville Arkansas) was not on the list, if nothing else for their wonderful swimming pool and the cheerful lady at breakfast, as well as the excellent staff.

I always miss my house when I am out of town, although I expect with the change of Lakeland,  we will be moving before the deterioration starts.  We'll miss Lakeland, but Lakeland won't be Lakealnd in four years anyway.  

Winter 2014 February 19 Wednesday

61 degrees this morning.

I will be glad to say "goodby" or at least "see you in six months" to my winter walking clothes.  It is strange, many of them I have had for years and literally never worn until this winter, when I have worn almost all of them at some time.  It will be so nice this Spring and Summer to simply put on a t shirt, shorts and my bandanna "hat" and go to a walk and bike ride!  

Went to the Doctor yesterday for normal appt.  I always feel a sense of relief when I leave without being advised I have some dread disease or major problem.  Actually, the nurse took my blood pressure (100/68) looked at my lab results (all within limits) and asked "what was I doing here!".  The Doctor (who is a great Doctor) went over everything and of course, suggested I watch out for low blood pressure.  He explained as I lost weight (which is very slow now, but at least decreasing), my blood pressure also went down.  If I started feeling dizzy when I got out of a chair etc., it could be low pressure. 

Applying for Medicare, a stage of passage, I guess.  It has been rather bewildering even for me, and I am used to regulations.  I made the mistake of filling out an on-line questionnaire for information and got 10 phone calls and 5 e-mails in 10 minutes.  The phone literally ran 30 seconds after I made the mistake of hitting send, putting my phone number on it.  In fairness, all the calls were polite and non-pushy.  Since I am enrolling under a special exception (I didn't apply at 65 since I had employer coverage), I had to call and couldn't enroll over the internet.  When I finally got through, the representative was courteous, knowledgable and courteous, but I still haven't gotten the information I need to fill out and send back by February 28. I at least understand my options, thanks to Consumer Reports and the information provided by Medicare.

Still thinking about starting a private business.  The more I think about it, the more I like it.  I have a lot of self-initiative and can work independently.  I am brainstorming now.  I get so angry when I hear about some of the people who are discriminated against because of their age that I feel I ought to try to do something in that area.  Oddly enough, I don't resent it as far as I personally am concerned, at least for City Manager positions.  I feel the elected officials should be able to hire whom they want, if my age is a problem so be it, that is their problem.  Some of the other stories I hear (being laid off right before retirement, led on and then laid off etc. just infuriate me.  While it isn't legal (age discrimination) it is very hard to prove and most people don't want to file complaints or lawsuits for that or even very overt hostile worksite situations.  

Watching Richard Engel (NBC Foreign Correspondent).  It is amazing where he turns up, I really wonder what kind of life he has.  I really admire him for the work he does.  I don't believe I would want to do it (maybe 40 years ago).  He turns up everyplace.  

Reading "The Circle" and trying to decide if I am going to continue.  So far it has kept my interest, but I hope it doesn't degenerate into complete fantasy.  I don't mind fantasy (I loved "Snowcrash") as long as they don't degenerate into one of those things that "I can't describe it,but I know it when I read it"!  One of my secret vices is "Jack Reacher" novels (Lee Child), I devour them as soon as they come out and frequently listen to the audiobook also.

Winter 2014 February 18 Tuesday

37 degrees this morning.  I am so ready for Spring and Summer.

Thought I had lost a "wallet" I carry as kind of a supplemental wallet since I don't like to have "thick" wallets.  I looked all day yesterday and even checked at places where I had been .  Even though it didn't include my drivers license and my "main" credit cards, it did include gift cards.

While walking this morning, I though about it and concentrated on my movements.  When I got home I walked to may favorite chair and there it was! Just for the heck of it, I checked the contents and was surprised to discover it had over $200 in case (I NEVER carry that much cash!), about $200 in gift cards (Barnes and Noble, Outback, Starbucks etc.), my AARP Card, an American Express Card and a Discover Card and my car insurance verification.  And about $260 in uncashed checks.  I don't even want to think about the time involved in chasing everything down if I had lost it.  

I carry my Drivers License and main credit cards in my cell phone case, which works well.  Except that several weeks ago, we were about to leave for a plane flight and I realized I didn't have my drivers license.  When I drive to the gym (raining etc.), I take my Drivers License out and I had left it in my exercise clothes pocket.  I'll never do that again!  I could easily have driven tot eh airport and not had it with me and not noticed it until I was at the airport.

I am thinking of starting my own business.  I am still applying for jobs, but the thought of being in business for myself is rather alluring.  It is the perfect time for it and I could afford to start slow and build it up, if I could find the right business model.  I've thought about it all my life and I will never have a better time than now.  Something to think about.  I have several applications out, but it appears my age is going to be a barrier.  Something I found no one talks about until I mention it than I suddenly get a torrent of words about similar (age discrimination) experiences.   In some cases it has been overt and even used as a reason, so it is not hidden, and it is definitely out there.

Oddly enough, I hadn't even really thought about my own business much until after I went to a "1 to 1" training at the Apple Store yesterday.  The "Creative" who helped me was so positive and supportive, I had the brainstorm (this morning actually) that that may be a viable alternative.  There isn't any direct relationship, but somehow what we went over (actually it was on the iPad), I think it somehow unleashed my creative thinking patterns?  Or something like that.

I am now in the throes of thinking about specifically what type of business I'd like to start.  Of course, I"d gladly exchange the thoughts for a challenging City Manager job in the right place!

Winter 2014 February 17 Monday

37 degrees this morning.  I will be so glad when Spring is here.  I am tried of having to "bundle up each morning before I walk and ride my bike.  If it is a typical winter, I should be seeing a Crocus (my name for any Spring flower in the next two weeks or at least the first two weeks of March.

Of course, then it is mid-May before it actually gets warm, although there are a lot of nice days.  I hope the excessive cold weather goes away.

Just thinking again about the "delusion" that I will ever "get a round-tuit" as far as reading many books I have saved for years on the premise that "sometime" I would actually get around to reading(or rereading) them.  I now realize that I probably never will so it may be better to release them to someone who will read them.  Ditto for things that I will use "sometime". (With the notable exception of my "hot wheels" collection which I intend to keep as long as I can remember what they are and then maybe  donate them so they will be used).  This  includes pens, golf clubs, cute little notebooks, conference bags, old computers, palm pilots, and whatever else I may find.  

I still enjoy the "Fitbit Force".  It is amazing.  One thing really puzzles me is that I put it on "sensitive" for monitoring my activity during sleep and my sleeping time went down about half.  I put it back on "regular" and my steady sleep returned.  

The Fitbit Force "app" is much easier to use and if you buy a Fitbit, be sure to get the app for your smart phone.   I don't pay a lot of attention to the other stuff, except for the "steps" when I am away and can't exercise on a regular basis.  

The "Sleep101" app for the iPhone is miserable compared to the Fitbit Force.  One thing I especially like about the Fitbit Force is that it is attractive enough I can wear it as a watch (at least for causal dress).  I have to punch a button to see the time, but with iPhones etc., I can see the time anyway.  

Another "tuit" I planned "when I have time" is to learn more applications for my computers, iPads etc.   However, I have learned that "when the student is ready, the master appears" applies to computer applications.  Until I want to use it for something, I probably won't learn it as effectively as if I had a use for it right now and usually it is better if I try it myself before  I go in for a class on it, because I'll remember it better. 

Winter 2014 February 16 Sunday

39 degrees.  Still seems colder than that, I guess the continued cold has gradually seeped into my  body infrastructure.  Or more likely, the 85 degree weather I enjoyed last Sunday through Wednesday spoiled me!

I had a problem with my MacBook Air, basically concerning use of iMessage and FaceTime.  I called Apple and was amazed at the time and care the Apple representatives took to resolve the problem.  I started with one and was transferred to a more experienced specialist (I assume).  He kept working on the problem.  After I advised him I had an appointment at the local Apple Store "Genius Bar" he asked me to contact him and tell him what the problem was so he would recognize it in the future.  I don't think it was an act, he felt a real concern that he couldn't solve the problem and it bugged him!    I went to the "Genius Bar" where the "Genius" worked on it in a very dedicated matter until he found the problem, which was a fluke type of cause (my clock time was set incorrectly due to me traveling to another time zone and the program refused to work since the time showed as the future, which didn't compute, or something like that!.  I e-mailed the Apple representative and advised him of the solution.

This holiday will honor my favorite President and historical figure, Abraham Lincoln.  I actually have an extensive library on him and have read a lot of books on him.  While in Washington D.C. last year, I went to his "country house", where he spent a lot of time by himself, or with friends, to get away from the White House.  I never tire of reading about him.  Partially due to my being in Tennessee, partially my reading about Lincoln and partially due to a wonderful tour of Gettysburg, I have also read a lot about the Civil War.

My newspapers arrived "on time" Saturday and Sunday so hopefully Friday was a one-time glitch.

Winter 2014 February 15, 2014 Saturday

28 degrees this mooring.  However, it seemed a lot colder than that, perhaps doe to the moisture from all the rain yesterday.

Almost seemed colder than the -14 degrees in Colorado last week (it seems like a lot longer than that!), but then the air in Colorado is so much crisper. I really enjoyed the Colorado air, must be from the altitude (or maybe the attitude!).  Anyway the -14 wasn't all that bad as long as I had something on my hands.

I remember working at Samsonite summers when I was going through college.  Colorado was a whole new world to me and not just because of the altitude.  (Although I noticed when I went back to Kansas after spending the summer in Colorado how much hotter it seemed in Kansas!)  I was not used to the cool air (in the shade) or the traffic, large crowds etc.  I actually really had a lot of fun. I didn't have a car, so I learned how to use the bus.

In a really strange coincidence, I moved right next door to my High School superintendent  who was in Denver going to school!  I don't recall his name now, but he was the Superintendent/Principal at Dorrance.

It was a good experience for me.  I worked in a factory (actually on the assembly line) and learned a lot there as well as the first large city I had even lived in.  It was probably a little overwhelming, but I enjoyed Denver.  I also developed an attachment to tamales.  The first summer I was there they were still selling them on the street corner and they were so good!  The next summer they no longer sold them on street corners, don't know if it was a health or economic issue.  Several years later I was stationed at Lowry AFB near Denver while attending training in the Air Force.  

Speaking of Dorrance, that was where I had one of my favorite/most influential teachers, a man named Jack Green. He taught government and journalism (or whatever they called).  While I was already interesting in government, he also taught me to write news releases, which has helped me organize my thoughts in writing ever since.

Sun is shining today.  Hope it is a better day than yesterday.  

Winter 2014 February 14 Friday

39 degrees this morning.  Good to get back to riding he bicycle again.

Newspapers were late again this morning (5:30 a.m. verses usual 3:30 a.m.).  This appears to be a regular time rather than an exception, so my lifelong attachment to printed newspapers may be ending as I will cancel all my papers if the late delivery continues.  If they don't come before I ride my bike to the gym (around 4 a.m.), they aren't a lot of good to me.  

Valentines Day.  For some reason Aliene and I have never had any luck in that the tradition of going out to eat on Valentines Day, so we simply stopped going out to eat on Valentines Day.  Our first Valentines Day dinner ended up at the Village Inn and went downhill from there in future Valentines Days.  We finally gave up and go our for lunch and don't even go out in the evening, at least for a meal.

I was sad to see the Comcast/Time Warner merger.  Comcast is already the worst at gouging "fees" (such as the fee for an item you are supposed to attach to tv's that I have never gotten to work) as well as extremely poor customer service.  They are basically unregulated and it shows.  

Back to the newspapers, at least i will eliminate one step in "recycling" if I never buy the printed newspaper in the first place!  

Heavy rain today, windy.  

Winter 2014 February 13 Thursday

27 degrees this morning.  Walked, but not bicycle (Doctors appt. early)

Have to say I still like the climate here for the most part, but not this winter.  It has been a lot colder than usual.

My experience at the Super 8 with the irregular (and finally no) internet made me realize how reliant we are on the internet.  I literally felt like I was back in civilization when I got a reliable internet signal again.  The airplane travel was much nicer with the internet available.

Trying to get back into the everyday routine (or what appears to be that).  I had some things I had to do a FedEx Kinkos, and they did a super job.  I was impressed.  Not cheap, but not bad either.

Actually called medicare today.  When I got through, the representative was very pleasant and competent.  Getting through was tough.  I made the mistake of going on the internet to look for info, and stumbled into the wrong page and had 8 calls and 10 e-mails in 5 minutes from sales persons.  I felt like I was being attacked.  I retreated to research it on my own.  I have until Feb 28 to take action.  

Trying to get back into the routine, or rather, do everything I haven't done yet.  Long ago, I realized I would never finish everything.  

Winter 2014 February 12 Wednesday

54 degrees this morning.  I am writing this as I am flying from Phoenix to Houston (and on to Memphis) at 37,000 feet in the sky.  Neat.  

I sometimes think of the lyrics " you don't always get what you want, but you get what you need" (or words to that effect).  I have found that to be true more often than not. Sometimes I am saved by the fact I didn't get what I thought I wanted.

Aliene and I are considering moving to where we want to live and then I"ll look for a job rather than the other way around.  Like they say "when the student needs a Master, the Master appears", I am hoping when the right job appears I will be  there.  (That may have lost something in translation.)

It is  nice to be home.  

Winter 2014 February 11 Tuesday

61 degrees this morning (Quartzsite, Arizona)

No internet all night, very limited breakfast.  This is one motel I will never stay at again (Super 8).

Back to Phoenix, surprised at the feeling I was returning to civilization  and a decent motel/hotel.

I am always surprised when I feel that "age" is a major problem for me, but that is one thing I can't change, so I can't be unduly concerned about it.  Probably better not to comment further on it or be concerned about it.  If someone feels that way, I always hope they will somehow let me know before I put a lot of time and effort into something.  Or at least give reasons other than veiled comments that are nothing but cover words for saying that they think I will retire shortly etc. .  Discouraging, but not something to worry about. I realize that isn't the only reason and people have other valid reasons for the decisions they make.

I always feel the darkest hour sometime comes right before dawn, I guess the problem is knowing when the darkest hour is!  However, i don't get discouraged to any great degree, perhaps I am being shown a new direction, perhaps the right opportunity is just around the corner.  Many times, something that I considered unfair or bad luck or whatever was a means to jump high enough to realize I was in a rut and I had to get out of the rut.  A rut can be comfortable because it is familiar but that doesn't mean it is where I should remain.

Winder 2014 February 10 Monday

54 degrees this morning (Quartzsite Arizona).

The project I have been working on for several months is finished, I don't know how successful it was.

Quartzsite is a very unique, wonderful town.  You can look up the details, but my personal experience is that the residents (whether seasonal or year round) really care about the town and there are a large variety of unique and wonderful people, events and places!  (As well as a wonderful climate)

It is good to finally feel like I am getting close to 100%.  Obviously somewhere Aliene and I picked up a bug and not a very nice bug.

I have been working on the two projects for so long I will probably feel like I have all kinds of free time tomorrow!

We are enjoying our trip, but definitely ready to get home.  However, we both realize that we are in a state of change in our lives, no matter what happens, which can be somewhat unsettling, as well as exciting.  I think some of it is potential for change and an array of alternatives that are all major changes and many of the alternatives are not our decision.

Winter 2014 February 9 Sunday

43 degrees this morning, Sedona, Arizona.  Beautiful place.

Aliene still sick.  Went to a wonderful breakfast in the hotel.  Coconut steel cut oatmeal, parfait, bread w/peanut butter and a wonderful view and service.  I'm sorry Aliene missed it, since they had a lot of Gluten free products (including gluten free pancakes and bread).

Aliene sick, but we drove to Quartzsite.  We drove around and feel in love with it.  A wonderful town and, better yet, wonderful  people and a wide diversity of people.  Better yet, it is about 84 degrees! 

Aliene still not feeling well so retired early.  

Project is tomorrow (Monday morning), see how it goes.  I really like this Town, it is something you need to experience!

Winter 2014 February 8 Saturday

23 degrees this morning.  Feeling much better this morning, if a little shaky.  I am watching what i eat and am avoiding anything that may resemble meatloaf.  Bumpy flight on the way to Phoenix, glad I was feeling better.  

Beautiful weather in Phoenix, but now Aliene is feeling sick.  Drove to Sedona.  

I thought of the many times I have driven  throughout my life and where my life was when I drove it. My life has changed, but the land has not changed.

Feeling much better now, but now Aliene is sick.  At least I am definitely understanding of how she feels.

Sedona is a beautiful area, I am sitting and watching the sunset on the moutons while Aliene sleeps.  Although we didn't see any of it, (other than through the hotel window), it is nice to be here.

Winter 2014 February 7 Friday

-2 degrees this morning.  

Slept most of day yesterday up to this morning.  Ate breakfast (a little only!) this morning, small bit of illness this morning, but started feeling better.  Drove to the project city to look around, then, feeling effects of being sick (weak) went to hotel.  

Hopefully will feel better for my flight to Phoenix tomorrow morning.  I know I couldn't have flown Thursday morning.

Glad to get to a Doubletree Hotel.  Still slept a lot.  Haven't slept this much in years.

Winter 2014 February 6 Thursday

-2 degrees, Denver area

Ate some meat loaf last night and started vomiting all night.  it was not good.  Developed dirahar in the morning.  Set around all day and slept.  Hope I feel better Friday.  Didn't eat anything all day.  Miserable.  Without meaning to sound crude, there was vomit all over the bathroom.  I cleaned it up the best I could.  Hope they don't charge me for the towels and they clean up.  I felt better after each time, there it would start again.

Stopped vomiting in the morning, but extremely week and slept, slept, slept.  It is like a wild dream.

Winter 2014 February 5 Wednesday

-14 degrees this morning (yes, that is minus)  Temperature seemed to vary between -5 to -23.  Near Denver Colorado.

Project today.  Overall, project seemed to go well.  Picked up at 7:45 a.m., back around 8:30 p.m.  Enjoyable staff.  Don't know how I did, don't feel like I always made my point well.

Change is difficult.

Went across the street and had meat loaf.

Winder 2014 February 4 Tuesday

30 degrees this morning.  Stayed at Marriott Courtyard so could catch flight to Denver in spite of possible bad weather .  Southwest Air flight to Denver went through Chicago.  Flight delayed in Chicago so late getting into Denver.  Light snow, which I am definitely not used to driving in.  Temperature was around 7 degrees, but it didn't seem that cold.

Drove to project area scheduled for Wednesday, but snow didn't really make it all that effective.

I decided I have prepared enough for the project tomorrow.  I am going to relax and try to let the information jell in my mind.

Cold weather here isn't near as cold as Memphis or OKC or Washington D.C. weather  (where I froze at 20 degrees).  Even 7 degrees here didn't seem that cold, when I had to leave my hands out, or touched something left outside, it seemed cold.

Hotel is ok for the price (Comfort Suites), but I prefer Hampton Inn.

Written February 4, posted February 10

Winter February 3 Monday

27 degrees this morning.  Thought it was going to be slick out based on "freezing rain", but wasn't bad at all.  Did my usual exercise routine, except  riding the bike outside.  Some of the small trees and plants do have ice on them and the trash cart was frozen shut.  Our weeping willow looks like it has laid down and fallen asleep.  (It is still small, but is large enough to be a real pain to try to tie so it is straight).

I didn't think it would take me long to read the on-line edition of the USA Today this morning (I read it while I eat breakfast) since it appears to be all about the Super Bowl, Super Bowl ads etc. that I could care less about.  I'm not much of a pro-football ban anyway (I probably hold the record for falling asleep while watching every Super Bowl ever held!  I feel asleep at the 1965 Super Bowl and at least dozed during every one since.  I'm not making fun of it, I can understand the passion for it, especially if your team is in it (I was for Denver, but....)  I feel that way about baseball, but pro football just isn't my favorite sport, although I enjoy college football.  

Back to the on-line edition of the USA Today, this morning they had some very informative stories this morning that took me longer to read than normal, they were so good.  I "saved" them and hope the app doesn't crash before I get the info.  USA Today actually has some excellent articles, among a lot of fluff.  I enjoy skimming the News, Monday and Tech sections (and occasionally the travel).

For example, it has an article about the "digital" news organizations basically being pyramid schemes (pump them up and sell them high) since the advertising support just isn't there.  (I always wondered where they thought the advertisers were coming from.)  Another about 'on line consultants" that will be valuable in the future, another about health (100 years ago, giving birth was almost as dangerous as breast cancer now, the average American RETIRES at age 62, 100 years ago, the average American DIED at AGE 51!!!  Amazing, if true!  In addition, the average person had 35 years of leisure (Holidays, vacation, retirement etc.) in 1990 and in 1870 the average person had 11 years of leisure!  If you earn $70,000 you are in the top .1% of the WORLD.  (This is from a story by Motley Fool).  

Still like my "Fitbit Force".  I am starting to wear it instead of a wrist watch (I can get the time by punching a button, but then every cell phone, computer and other gadget has a clock on it also.)  It seems to be a little too eager to count my steps (or I walk a lot more than I think I do.).  I did change the settings for sleep to "sensitive"  (and immediately saw my "time actually asleep"  (i.e., not awake or "restless") drop by an hour, but it isn't supposed to change the step counting.  

Busy day ahead.  May be some tough decisions to make in the next week.  

Winter 2014 February 2 Sunday

37 degrees this morning. Rain and wind.  Started to walk, but finally had to come back since the rain was just coming down too hard and I really had to question myself if it was worth it!

In spite of the time saved by not talking my all, the morning "hyper time" and my piddling around created time problems again, even on Sunday morning!  As discussed previously, I am amazed at how much time small activities end up consuming.

Forecasting snow here today, I believe the first actual snow in a winter of very cold (for this area) weather. 

Sometimes I get the largest insights just be chance.  At least it may by an insight.  A friend was talking about how she too Sylvan Learning Center since her reading comprehension was poor.  She said they taught her to "understand the first line before she went on to the next line".   Sounds simple, but i expect it is a major building block of reading comprehension.  (I'll have to look up their techniquesI).  I haven't tried it yet, but I intend to on certain material.  She said it made a major difference in there reading comprehension. 

I think I may have had the same enlightenment about writing when I was in high school.  I learned about the "5 W's and the H", and about how to structure a news story.  I feel that has always helped me with writing.  I literally never get "writers block" and I think a major reason is that there is a structure and I just need to fill in the blanks, to a point.  I mentioned to a friend once that I frequently compose a memo or letter while I am riding the bike or walking and I just physically type it out when I get back.  While my  reading comprehension is ok (Of course, I love to read, but that doesn't mean my comprehension is always good, and I can use the technique of "understand the first line before going on".  Of course, that assumes there is a reason to understand the first line!

Went to Apple Store yesterday.  As I usually found, I received outstanding, even better than outstanding service.  I am impressed by 90% of the Apple personnel, how dedicated they are.

Our big adventure awaits. 

Winter 2014 February 1 Saturday

55 degrees this morning.  Actually the forecast is for colder weather, although it should reach 60 degrees today.  In my "second place"  (Starbucks) on a Saturday morning. Busy weekend and week of preparing for several events.  

While computers are wonderful, sometimes it is just easier to read printed material, so I got a new toner cartridge and printed out some material I need to review.  

Disappointed to learn the the lack of volume in my (less than six month old) MacBook Air has a defect that Apple Computer is ignoring.  I almost never use volume on my MacBook, so I didn't even realize it was a problem until this week.  On reviewing various Apple Computer sites, I learned it apparently is a defect in the computer. However, I am heading to the "genius bar" and will see what I can find out.  Of course, as usual, the Genius Bar appointments aren't available until next Tuesday (this is Saturday), so I'll see if I can get in for a no-show.  In addition, I found out that the ocassional problem in signing out of Gmail (which is an irritation) is ALSO an Apple Computer problem that they are trying to blame on Google.  I may need to rethink my loyalty to (premium priced) Apple products after my experience last week!  

Speaking of "trolls", I was surprised to find that Google/Youtube had blocked my music on a Youtube video (which is when I learned about the volume problem on my computer) because some "copyright troll" was claiming the copyright on the music.  However, it is totally original music (with some Garage Band music that is all in the public domain).  I went to protest this and of course received a threatening note from Google that they would cancel my account if I protested and they found in favor of the copyright troll!  Welcome to 1984, except big business is the villain. I will probably protest anyway, because it just isn't right that some troll company goes around claiming copyrights they don't have.  Probably try to extort some money of "grant" me use of my own music!  And of course, Google is there helping them along, I"m sure for a good sum of money.

Reminds me of some music outfit that kept trying (in my opinion) to extort "licensing fees" from the City.  I received numerous calls that were basically veiled threats that they would attack us legally if the City didn't pay "protection" fees (sounds like the Mafia!).  Of course, they had some fancy name for it (licensing fees" or something like that).  Even an attorney said it was "easier to pay", but I never paid and won't, since there is no way the City was using any music copyrights.  The tyranny of the computers and big tech companies and, like always, someone trying to find an easy way to get money.