Summer 2013 June 30

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.

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.

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.

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.

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".  

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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"!

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!)

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!

Newspaper again

The Commercial Appeal was delivered too late to read this morning.  If the delivery schedule has changed to make my delivery late again, I am going to cancel the subscription and get my news elsewhere.

Light bulbs

Light bulbs must communicate.  After not having a light bulb go out for months, we had five light bulbs  go out over the weekend!

Newspaper

Recently, I was asked to write what I did each day in six words.  I assume I was supposed to write some pearls of wisdom on may job.  However what I wrote was:

Exercise, Newspaper, Coffee, Listen, Resolve Conflicts

That actually does describe my day.  My morning exercise routine is extremely important to me.  Almost as important is my daily newspapers (I actually get two Monday through Thursday, three on Friday and Saturday and two Sunday newspapers, not counting subscriptions).  Coffee is also a big part of my early day.

Listening is probably one of the biggest parts of my job and is the essential part of it.  Really listening, not just hearing.

As some know, my routine was disrupted when my newspapers started arriving at 5:00 a.m. or so instead of 3:30 a.m. or so.

I normally get up about 3:00 a.m. or so (no clock, I just wake up).  I walk several miles and then bike to the gym where I ready my daily newspapers while I ride the stationary bike.

The late delivery of my newspapers severely disrupted by schedule since I need about an hour to answer e-mails and prepare my day before I go to work, plus I absolutely have to have my 27 minute nap before I go to work!  Not getting the newspapers by 3:30 a.m. means I had to go to the gym and THEN read the newspapers after I got back from the gym, which didn't leave me time for the hour to prepare for my day at work.

Due to a wonderful person at the Commerical Appeal and my news carrier, he changed his delivery times and I now get my newspaper at 3:30 a.m  again.  It is hard to believe a small thing means so much, but I feel so much better now!

Nashville

I recently spent some time in Nashville.

Taking a walk downtown looking for a place to eat.  Inspired by fiddle music, I entered the "Broadway on Second Street".  They had food, so I ordered and listened to "Katie and Mark" play County Western music, at times with the fiddle playing.

Fiddle/violin music for some reason has always had a special attraction for me.  My Mom told me that even when I was a child, I'd stop what I was doing and listen when I heard the violin or fiddle.

I remember attending a small festival in some small city in Kansas years ago (I forgot the name of it) and I watched a fiddle player and I literally got lost in the music.  He noticed my attention and it was like we developed a special bond as he suddenly broke into one of the my favorites, "Orange Blossom Special"  Chills went down my back as I felt myself riding on the music and the fiddler played directly to my attention.

Some time later, I say Jana Jay play fiddle at a Cowboy Hall of Fame festival.  Again, the music moved me to the point that I started taking violin lessons.  I bought many of her albums and to this day I listen, to her music and chills go down my back.

I practiced violin about 10 years (note, I never said I played it!), I finally quit due to some skin problem on my hand and time limitations.

Walking down Nashville streets have a special attraction for me as I hear the fiddle music and want to go in to listen.  I listened to "Katie and Mark" for about an hour as I slowing finished my food.  I found the servers at "Broadway on Second Street" especially attentive and nice.

I feel a little frustrated as I walk down the streets of Nashville, hearing the fiddle music.  While I want to hear the fiddle music, since I don't drink alcoholic beverages for carbonated beverages, and I can only eat so much, my options are limited for listening.  I found very few places offer anything else (such as coffee or bottled water), so I am limited.  Maybe I can ask for a glass of water and give a big tip to listen!

The End of a Tradition?

Ever since I was in the 7th Grade, the daily newspaper has been my special time of day, that time of day I treasured.  When I was in the 7th Grade,  I used to grab the newspaper and read the comics.  My Dad told me if I just read the comics, he would stop taking it.  So....I faked reading the paper from cover to cover, and then started REALLY reading it from cover to cover and have ever since.

Currently, I take the Commercial Appeal (Memphis newspaper, overall a good newspaper), the Wall Street Journal and the Friday/Saturday/Sunday editions of the New York Times (I still don't know how they get it out here for early morning delivery, but I love it).

My paper used to be delivered about 3:15 p.m.  I get up and walk about 3:00 a.m., do some weights and then bike over to the gym.  For years, I get the newspaper, cycle over the the gym, where I read the newspapers while I rode the stationary bike.  

About a month ago, the papers (all delivered by the same person) started coming at 5:30 a.m., 6:30 a.m. etc., any time, but always too late for me to the gym with me.  

This throws me off, where I used to have time to read the newspapers while on the stationary bike, now I have to read the newspapers when I get back so I no longer have time to read and enjoy them.  

After complaining to the Commercial Appeal about late delivery, it is obvious they aren't going to do anything, so I will just cancel it, thus ending approximately 52 years of daily newspaper reading. 

I have no intention of paying for a digital newspaper or reading it on the iPad or computer.  I may as well watch it on tv if I'm doing that.

I'll miss my daily newspaper, but it will free up more time for me to do other things I enjoy doing.

Winter continues!

Saturday, February 2, 2013:  The winter continues and I am READY for it to be spring!  It already seems like a long winter and it is just February 2!   Of course, the winter hasn't been that bad and I think it is so colorful here in Spring, Summer and Fall, it is hard to  get used to the drabness of winter.

I got a "cold" in early January and then Aliene got one.  It lasted about 2  1/2 weeks overall, only bad a day or two but it just kept me feeling under the weather the whole time.

Aliene had her thumb operated on Wednesday, January 30, 2013, so she will have her arm in a cast and not be able to drive for at east 6 weeks.  At least she has had the operation and won't have to go through that again.  She feels ok overall, but still has some pain where they operated and she is getting used to using her right hand a lot.  It is awkward for balance etc.

I have been busy at work with numerous projects etc.  It definitely makes the time go fast as I wait for Spring to spring.  Many of the projects are almost unique, so they are enjoyable to work with.

January 5/14, 2013

2013 is here.  It is strange that the New Year seems like it happened a long time ago.  It is frustrating to have so much I want to do and not have the time to do it.

It was nice to have the break, although I got a "cold" New Year Eve and am JUST (1-14-13) in the process of getting over it.  It has been a long process.  I actually didn't feel the full effects until Sunday, January 6 and I actually missed work Monday, Jan 7, I felt so bad.  (First day I'm lost at work from being sick for six years!)

Aliene also has the same thing, although she also has a cough, which makes it really bad.

The days are already getting "longer" (well, more daylight), which makes me feel good.  Only about 60 days before the first signs of Spring!

What is really so bad about my cold is I haven't been able even to walk, much less ride my bike or exercise.  I tried a short early morning walk one day and got worse, although I don't know if the walk is responsible.

This morning (1-14-13) it is 28 degrees, with a chance of "wintry mix", in other words miserable winter weather!

We had a nice Christmas in Oklahoma City, although it got down to 13 degrees, which is much colder than it normally gets out here.  We flew up and back, which is expensive, but we don't have to worry about the weather that way.  It did snow on Christmas Day in OKC, but Aliene and I didn't have any plans, so we ate "Christmas Brunch" at the hotel and just stayed in the room all day.  We had planned on going to a Movie.  We always plan to attend some movie, but rarely do.

We did see "Lincoln" and it was good.  I am a "Lincoln" fan and have a collection of books about him as well as the Civil War.  We plan on going to Washington DC and I am looking forward to seeing some of the places that I missed in the past.  

Another week is starting.  Time just seems to fly, as I watch my unread pile of magazines  and books gather.  I have decided to not get any more magazine subscriptions or books until I whittle down what I have.  

I love newspapers.  I can actually get "same day" subscriptions to the Wall Street Journal and New York Times, so some days (Friday and Saturday), I actually get 3 newspapers. (As a reality check, I get a physical copy of the New York Times on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and the Wall Street Journal does not publish on Sunday.)  

I also read the on-line version of the New York Times on days I don't get it, and the on-line version of USA Today as well as the local Commercial Appeal so I am hopefully well-informed.

I refuse to let newspapers gather like I do magazines. If I don't read it the same day, it gets recycled.  Of course, it helps that I read the newspapers while I am on the stationary bike.

Christmas 2012

Christmas Day 2012

This is one of those years where Christmas seems to arrive suddenly.  Perhaps it is because the normal lull between Thanksgiving and Christmas did not seem to happen this year.  It remained (and remains) busy.

I am amazed at how fast children grow, and I always notice it in Christmas pictures etc.  I now understand when I was a child and adult relatives and friends would be surprised at how much we had grown!  I literally see children grow between visits.

We are in OKC, awaiting a Christmas snow (a "White Christmas").  For Aliene and I, all of the family activities are done by late afternoon Christmas Eve (although this year was somewhat of an exception as we didn't get through until about 9 p.m.)

Christmas Day used to be a puzzlement as we realized all family activities were completed and we might as well go back home.  However, we have come to enjoy the opportunity provided by a Christmas Day without any planned activities as such.  This provides an opportunity to reflect and discuss that I have come to value rather than considering it a "wasted day" because I didn't accomplish anything.

Kali turned 13 during the year, Katherine is 10.  I saw Angela (my daughter)  become a different person acting on the stage, a part of her I was pleased to see and never knew existed before.

I celebrated my 65th birthday and I assume became officially "old" although, as many people note, "I don't feel that old", which I assume is someone presumptuous, since I have no idea how it is supposed to feel.  I hope to work for a few more years (hopefully in Lakeland, a city I really love) and then I hope I can start a second career in an area I am slowly focusing on as the time approaches.  I just hope I can maintain a fresh and innovative approach to my job and not allow myself to get into a  behavioral rut.

A word here about Coffee!  I no longer drink any kind of "pop" (as I called it when I was a  child) after I learned that the affect of carbonated drinks did to my GERD.  To lose weight I basically stopped eating bread and potatoes since Christmas 2011 (losing 45 lbs in the process), so I consider Coffee to be my "last vice", a "vice", I greatly enjoy.  I probably have become somewhat of a "high maintenance" customer in restaurants by insisting on fresh, hot coffee.  I see not reason to pay $2.50 (more or less) and get a lukewarm cup of old coffee.  In fact, anymore when I order, I specifically ask for a "fresh" cup of coffee.  I don't always get it, but at least then I feel I can complain!

I have come to judge restaurants on their coffee.  For example, Steak n Shake, Firebirds, certainly Starbucks all have outstanding coffee.  J. Alexanders coffee is basically always lukewarm (they make it and serve it out of "warming pots' each day that don't keep it warm), TGIFridays' coffee is literally undrinkable (I don't know why, but all Friday's have the same undrinkable coffee, so it's not the server-it takes like a particularity nasty instant coffee).  Cracker Barrel varies, but is normally good, although not excellent.  Other restaurants (such a Macaroni Grill), it seems three is an unwritten rule that you don't get refills on coffee although they have excellent coffee.  Bonefish has excellent coffee and alos is reasonably good on refills.

I got back into bicycling this year.  I always have bicycled some, but this year instead of driving to the gym, I bicycle, thus getting my bicycling in and also saving some gas and being environmentally positive.  I also ride for an hour or more on weekends and nights I don't have meetings (last few weekends and evenings excepted due to rain or cold!), which I really enjoy.

Snow is forecast for today.  I don't like snow or wind and is one reason I really like Lakeland.  While it snows there, the snow is usually gone fast and high winds are rare.

A few Christmas's ago (I believe 3 years ago, how time passes!), it snowed 14 inches in Oklahoma City over Christmas.  We were snowed in our hotel for 2 days and basically lived out of vending machines.

I hear sleet outside, which was the forecast, sleet and then snow Christmas Day, which means we will be snowed in for the day.  It is now 6:19 a.m., Christmas Day, 2012.  I think I"ll run down and see if any coffee is available!

The Machine II

Today I decided to go ahead and get an appraisal on my house for a possible refinancing.  If it comes back low again, it should provide us with justification for the State Board of Equalization to reverse the decision of the County Board of Equalization.  If it comes back at the "comparable" price indicated by the comparable sales, it will be enough for refinancing the loan which will save us a significant amount of money!

The Machine

The Machine

In March of this year, we decided to refinance our house.  We didn’t realize we were stepping into a well rehearsed money eating machine.

The appraisal came back too low to refinance the house.  We accepted the decision as one of those facts of life until....

The County Assessor assessed our house at approximately $30,000 more than the appraisal we had received just several months before.  

We protested the assessment, which was lowered slightly.

In the meantime, we contacted our existing bank (Wells Fargo) about refinancing since the interest rate was now about 1.5% our existing loan rate.  Of course, Wells Fargo played all kinds of games to avoid refinancing, including not returning our phone calls etc., so I gave up.

Shortly before the appeal final date, I checked “Zillow.com” and was shocked to find the value of the house was estimated at $20,000 below our original appraisal, so I filed an appeal to the Board of Equalization.

Several months later, I received a Notice to appear before the Board of Equalization.  I went to their offices, a converted house, and, with a 10 a.m. appointment, was finally heard at about noon.

When my time came, I bought up my Appraisal and the Zillow.com estimate.  I was shocked when the members of the Board of Appraisal basically laughed at my “certified Appraisal”  and reaffirmed the original Assessment.  This, after watching the Board of Equalization reduce Assessments on the basis of “comparable values” (NOT Appraisals).  The Board basically said the Appraisal wasn’t correct since the Appraiser didn’t demonstrate how the comparable values were used to set the value of my house.  (If I understood correctly, this meant my house was actually worth $30,000 more than the “refinancing Appraisal”, which meant I actually should have qualified for a refinancing, saving about $300 per month!

So, actually I was happy, since I thought the Refinancing Appraisal would be corrected and I would qualify for a refinancing loan at even lower than the original refinancing rate.

I called the Loan Officer at the Bank and advised her of the “incorrect” appraisal and asked how I got it corrected.

Of course, she advised they have a “rotation list” of Appraisers and the Bank HAS to take the appraiser who pops out, regardless of whether she is competent or not.  They are absolutely barred from asking an appraisal be adjusted! This may sound good, but it means I wasted $400 on an incompetent Appraisal without any recourse.  Not only was I out $400, since the Board of Equalization laughed at the Appraisal, I am also out another $200 in taxes that either aren’t justified if the Appraisal is correct or I am out several hundred dollars per month due to an incompetent appraisal.  

The Bank representative advised me my only option was to pay another $400 for an “Appraisal” by another “appraiser by lottery” and we could be cheated out of another $400.

I feel like we are caught in a machine system that benefits the other parties while the consumer gets taken.  Being out $400 without  any chance of appeal (and then having the Board of Equalization basically say the appraisal is incorrect and still have no chance of appeal) is simply not right!

I don’t know what I am going to do yet, except I will appeal to the State Board of Equalization and try to get the Appraiser to explain why the Board of Equalization made the decision that his appraisal was incorrect.

I’ll keep you advised. 

I have a Learning Experience

Saturday, I had a valuable experience.  My bike ride started out well as I rode down Highway 64.  I was even reaching 26 miles per hour on the flat, which is wonderful for me, since I normally don't get over 20 going downhill.  After I got about six miles out, I suddenly realized that if the wind was at my back, I was going to be going into the wind on the way back!!  

I quickly turned around and headed back, about 4 miles into a 20 mph (and better) wind.  Worse yet, I could see a storm blowing in!  

A Fall Day in November, 2012

As the time change approaches, today (Saturday, November 3) is a wonderful day, sunny, light wind and 70's.  There is rain and cold coming in.

Thinking over the past year, I made some major changes in my exercise and eating routines.  I started "commuting" to the gym (which isn't really much since it is only about a mile), but I also started bicycling on my bike a lot more while maintaining my daily walk of 34 minutes or so that I have been maintaining for years.

Several years ago I started riding the stationary bike while reading my morning papers, instead of sitting around and reading my morning paper.  That helped my shape some, but a major factor was

-Eating a lot less bread (flour), potatoes and sugar!  The day after Christmas I started on a "low carb" diet and as a result i have lost about 45 lbs, decreased my shirt size from 18 1/2 to 17 (slim in some cases) and from around a 42 to a 36 waist.  I have also had to make major investments in new clothes but it is worth it!  What is especially fun is now being able to wear clothes I haven't been able to wear for years!

I recently started riding at night and weeks (in addition to my morning ride), frequently an hour or so.  I am surprised at how much I enjoy it and how few aches and pains (at least thus far) that I have from the increased cycling.  

To say I feel better (and I never really felt bad) is an understatement.  What is really nice is that I really don't miss the bread and potatoes.  I do miss the "sweet tea" (as it is made in Memphis!) and I have not (and will not) give up peanut butter!  As long as I continue to lose or at least maintain my weight I am happy!  

These are my thoughts on this wonderful fall day, 2012.  For some reason the Daylight Savings Time time changes is a time to reflect, especially on Sunday when the "extra" hour created by "Fall back" is available.

11 years in Tennessee!

11-1-01:  I started as City Manager of Lakeland 11 years ago today.  It also was my first Board of Commissioners meeting!  I couldn't forecast the next 11 years obviously, but if I could have, I wouldn't have changed my decision to come to Lakeland.

Aliene and I both agree we made the right decision in coming to Lakeland.  I have learned a lot and it has been a very rewarding position.  

Looking back, I am amazed at the changes in the past 11 years.

So busy I haven't really kept up this blog like I should have.  I have been keeping up my "calendar" (where I record major events of the day), but I haven't really kept up my journal where I go over my thinking and actions I have taken.

Sometimes I think to some degree my exercise has replaced my journal time.  I actually spend quite a bit of time exercising.  I walk for about 34 minutes, then bike to the gym (about 16 minutes both ways with some extra riding), ride on the stationary bike for 36 minutes (while I read the Commercial Appeal and Wall Street Journal).  Some days I ride the bike up to an hour more.  

I love the early morning time.  I usually get up around 3 a.m., take my walk, then ride to the gym, then back home.  I then take a short nap (27 minutes or so), and then work for about an hour, then eat and off to work!

Usually I find I can "write" memos or letters etc. while I am walking/riding and then I just put it on the computer when I get back!

Start my 12th year of Lakeland tomorrow!  Who knows how long I will be here.  I'd like to stay here another 5-7 years before I retire, but that is not all my decision!  I'd just do the best I can every day and go from there.

2012 Continues!

Saturday, October 13, 2012:

Extremely busy Fall!  No excuse for not writing more often, I just haven't.  I am keeping busy, which is good.  Most days, I exercise starting at around 3 a.m..  I walk about  34 minutes, bike to the gym (where I bike on a stationary bicycle while I read the newspapers).  Depending on meetings etc., I try to bicycle about 50 minutes each weekend.

Delta Airlines, which is the main airline out of Memphis, is extremely frustrating to book.  We actually try to drive whenever we can (or drive to Little Rock or Nashville and take SWA) rather than give in to their irrational fares.

We are going to do some landscaping in our yard, primarily to hide the ugly fence next door.  (I'll  try to post a picture of it, you can't believe it).  

I finally upgraded my personal phone to an iPhone 5 (from an iPhone 3, so I jumped about 4 generations!)  It is quite a phone.  I am getting used to "iCloud".  While Apple products can be frustrating, I still am using 3 "shuffles" (the chewing gum    size) and another iPod that are over six years old and still have the original batteries.  I feel like the   new shuffles are not near as good as the old ones.  

My Mother's LIfe, from the Perspective of the 15th Anniversary of her death

15 years ago today, I received a phone message from my mother, and she ended the message with a kind of gasp. I called back and didn't get an answer.  It didn't alarm me much because I assumed she had fallen asleep.

The next morning I called and when I didn't get an answer I called my brother in law and my sister checked and found she had died either during the night or that morning  

Later we found she had called all of us children, and many of her friends and relatives like she knew it was her last day.

The services were in Soldier, Kansas, near where we lived on a farm near Holton, Kansas for many years.  When I was a child, I remember visiting the Soldier Cemetery on Memorial Day to visit the graves of my Grandfather and Grandmother.  The Soldier Community is a unique small Community which maintains the Cemetery in pristine condition and also maintain a community center.  The people in the community still provide a lunch on Memorial Day and provide catering for funerals.  It is a very unique city.  We visit and find the tradition continues, the Cemetery is in excellent shape and the community center, with the outside playground, is still in excellent shape.

The week of the funeral was beautiful fall weather.  As I watched the leaves turn, I wondered why the end of human life couldn't be as beautiful as the end of Summer.  My Mom would have appreciated the fact that an American Indian presided at the services and he told stories about her life he learned from talking with all of us about her life.  

15 years later, I still have a problem reviewing the papers of her early life, with all the hopes and dreams of the young.  I review them and I think it makes me see her more as the individual person she was rather than my mother, which she also was.  

 It is difficult to imagine that 15 years have gone by since that day in 1997.  As I age, I appreciate more and more both what Mom and Dad went through, although I can't imagine how they did it with seven children to care for.  

The Invisible Man

(With apologies for H.G. Wells and Ralph Ellison).

As I continue to prepare for my "Ride with the Summer" (from Mexico to Canada) in either 2014 or 2015, I have started riding in the daytime in addition to my normal riding early in the morning.  I plan on training to do a 15 mile ride in October and next summer be prepared to do one of the week long rides of 50 miles or so per day (Free Wheel in Oklahoma or Ride across Kansas or Ride Across Tennessee) to help me prepare.

Since I am not used to riding with substantial traffic, I reviewed the guidelines and quickly realized I need to "act like vehicles don't see me".  The very first day I found value in that concept.  Another not even close to creating any problems, a vehicle made a left turn in front of me and probably didn't even see me.  This was in spite of my bright "high visibility yellow" shirt, and flashing lights etc.

I started "commuting" to the gym each morning, but that is in the dark with little traffic.  Riding in the daylight with substantial traffic is a new experience for me, since this is the first time in several years I have ventured to right the bike in the daylight.  I realized 2014 or 2015 would be here fast, plus I just enjoy it.

I am asked about getting bored while riding the bike.  Actually, I almost never get bored.  Many letters and memos have been "written" while I was on the bike!  I just need to return and write what I composed in my head!

In the early morning, I normally wear my iPod and listen to music.  (I listen to audiobooks while I walk in the morning.)

I am currently riding about 60 minutes per day, plus 36 minutes on the stationary bike and 32 minutes of walking.  This was over the Labor Day weekend and included 42 minutes of bike riding during the day in addition to my normal morning ride.  I don't feel like I have time time to ride as much as I need to to prepare for my "Ride with the Summer", but I'll do what I can!  

Bike Commuting

I have been "commuting" on my bike for several weeks now.  It has been an interesting experience even though it is a short "commute" since it is from my house to the gym early in the morning, not to the office!

I take my walk, and then ride my bike to the gym to (I know, this sounds strange) to ride the stationary bike while I read my newspapers for the day.  Fortunately I have a great paper carrier who gets my papers to me early.  

I finally resolved the Wall Street Journal problem and it is delivered with the local paper, so I have plenty to read while I am riding the stationary bike!

I have quickly gotten addicted (in a positive sense) to my bike commute each morning and look forward to it.  Traffic is not a major problem (this is about 3:45 to 4 a.m.) and I am "well lit" by flashing lights and reflective clothing.  I think I look forward to my walk (about 30 minutes) prior to the bike ride and bike ride as a way to reflect.  

As I mentioned to someone recently, a lot of memos, letters and e-mails are written while I walk and ride the bike, I just have to write them down when I get back!

I love listening to music while I ride.  I know I'm really not supposed to, but I do use earplugs that I can hear traffic with. 

I listen to non-fiction books while I walk and music while I ride my bike.  

65!

My 65th birthday has come and gone, and I am now "65".  Actually had a nice birthday, really don't feel older.  Actually I have been so busy with a variety of projects I haven't had time to post.

I think the worst thing about getting older is you really realize the limitations of time, how little time you have to explore new worlds and really learn how to do something.  There are a number of computer programs I'd love to learn, many books sitting on my desk (well, really, the floor) I'd love to read, magazines that I toss without reading because the next issue is here etc.  

While I'm not even close to thinking about retiring, I like the idea that in a few years I may have the time to investigate and learn more.  Of course, I wonder if I will care when I have what some people have told me is "every day is a Saturday"!  Somehow, I have have a feeling I will be just as pushed for time when I retire as new projects arise to fill the time.  I have always assume that what makes time so valuable is how little there is of it, but from what I have seen if you have a variety of interests you can never get bored.  

Time Warp

As I approach my 65th birthday, I still have a hard time realizing I will actually be 65 years old.  All my life, I have thought about 2012 being some mythical time when I would be 65 and officially old.  I may be officially old.... but

Of course, I am approaching 65 shortly, and I don't feel old.  Other people might perceive me as old, and in real terms, I will be old, but I hardly think or feel like I thought 65 years old would feel when I was (say) in the seventh grade.

It was five years ago that I wrote that in "ten years I would be 70".  It is almost like a time warp that five years have went by in such a short time!  Certainly the time from when I was in the 8th grade and now is definitely like a time warp.

Fortunately I don't feel any need to act, dress or think "young".  I hope I think, act and dress as I want to and not "young" or "old".  

Unlike my Dad, my views and feelings in many areas have changed significantly and differing from the way older age affects how people perceive the world.  It's not necessarily bad or good, just the way it is.  

Above all, I have tried to keep my thinking and behavior flexible so I can adjust to changing conditions while have a hard backbone of core beliefs that do not change.  I guess only people who know me can advise if I succeeded or not.  

I think the hardest thing about living life is that options close as you get older, normally starting around the mid-thirties.  I  suddenly realize that an option is no longer available and I don't necessarily feel sad about it, but I realize it is what it is.  

Bicycle Commuter

This is my start of my training for my "follow the summer" ride I plan on making in two years.  I need to get used to biking in traffic.

This morning I decided to "commute" to the gym by bike rather than drive.  (Hardly a major decision since it is only a mile or so.)  The expected hassles of locking my bike, taking care of the helmet etc. were not exceptional and I enjoyed it.

It may seem a little weird to bike to the gym to ride the stationary bike, but that (riding the stationary bike) is when I read the morning papers.  

I have been a newspaper reader since I was in the 7th grade, and it is one of the more enjoyable moments of my day.  

40 pounds!

This morning I weighed myself and found I have lost 40 lbs since the day after Christmas!

I am pleased, and primarily because I am not really on a "diet" that I will eventually get off of.  It is just the way I eat and live, which hopefully means I can maintain it well.  My actual goal is to lose about 15 more pounds, but it doesn't really matter.  My main goal is to not gain it back!  I have a significant investment in new clothes to provide an incentive, but the best incentive is the way I feel

In the Midst of Chaos

This has been a really busy summer for a number of both personal and work reasons.  Yes, I love it!  There have been some challenges and that is what living is all about.

I was thinking this morning of the events in the day I have really come to value, which includes my early morning 35 minute walk, (listening to a non-fiction book, normally on a subject I normally wouldn't read about) outside bike ride on may bike and then I go to ATC (Around the Clock) fitness to ride the stationary bike for 35 minutes while I read the daily papers (Commercial Appeal and WSJ, except I add the NY Times on Friday, Saturday and Sunday) and listen to music on my ancient iPods  The three "gumstick" iPods are at least 6 years old and appear to still have a strong battery.  Thank goodness, because it costs more than they are worth to replace the battery!  I found that the new "shuffle" iPods are near as good as the original "gumstick" ones are.

Then I have my 27 minute nap (why 27 minutes, I don't know) and then, weather permitting, I sit out on the wonderful patio and work as I listen to the wind blow through the woods in back of my house.

Small pleasures but essential!  Then I eat my oatmeal and blueberries and head off for work.

I don't have any similar rituals at night, or even during the day, except for my coffee, so that is probably one reason I treasure the early morning hours and keep waking up earlier and earlier!

Moon Day revisited

Friday, July 20, 2012:

Another Friday!  Sitting on the patio on a beautiful Friday morning. I love the patio in the early morning, the cool breeze and the noise of the forest behind the house.

On July 20, 1969, I was in San Antonio Texas (Lackland AFB) going through basic training in the Air Force.  I had started July 15, 1969, so it was still a very new experience!  We got "off" that day since it was "moon day", but it wasn't really like  day off! I didn't have any idea of the experiences yet to come (both good and bad).

Also, throughout my life "65" years has always been some kind of threshold, so the year 2012 always had a special fascination with me.  Now, I find out it is really just another year and (hopefully) "65 years old" will be just another age.  

OMG, I'm 65!, part 1

Within three weeks, I will be 65 (August 6).  It is a shock to say the least, although I can't say I didn't know it was coming nor am I really upset about it.  It is what it is.  In a lot of ways, I feel lucky.  I am relatively healthy, I have a job I enjoy and thrive at, I enjoy my house and basally enjoy my life.  I was also very lucky to meet and marry Aliene over 15 years ago!

When I was a child, I remember how adults mentioned how the years sped by and I fully realize now what they meant!  I have to admit, I don't consider 65 "old" anymore and the age I consider "old" has gotten older each year!

Years ago I thought I would be retired either at or before 65.  Now, I can't imagine myself being retired and hope to work until at least 70, assuming I still enjoy my job and am relatively healthy.

Trying to decide about Medicare and all of the options.  Since I am covered by the City of Lakeland group health insurance, I don't need it but realize the possible danger in not getting it now.

The Countdown to Age 65 has started.  I'll see how I feel as the dreaded age approaches!

Courter Reunion 2012

Left on Wednesday for Courter Reunion 2012.  Scattered rain throughout the trip, nothing bad.  Aliene, Kali and Katherine.  After initial qualms decided to drive our car with over 100,000 miles (which we trust all the same!) instead of a rental vehicle.

Overall trip went fine, one delay.  Stopped at RubyTuesday's in Russellville Arkansas, where I had my usual meat loaf with garden bar and snap peas.  Longer wait than usual.  As I mentioned, Ruby Tuesday has my 3rd favorite meat loaf, with the # ! being Aliene's and # 2 being Crackerbarrel.

Arrived at our favorite hotel, Hampton Inn at Exit 55 in Clarksville too late to swim.  They have a wonderful swimming pool here.  They left some peanut butter cookies (my favorite) in the room and I break my eating plan (no cookies usually) for these!  They are wonderful.  (We stay here a lot on our way back and forth from Oklahoma City. I highly recommend it if you are ever in the area.

Thursday, July 12, 2012:  Woke up at 3:06 a.m., didn't want to get up too early since driving through to Topeka.  Got up at 4:06 a.m. and worked, responded to e-mails etc.

Breakfast at Hampton Inn, headed for OKC to pick up Angela.  Stopped at the Oklahoma Welcome Center (as normal), the "Fiesta Convenience Store" at exit 278 and the Love's at exit 200.

Got to OKC early, went to Penn Square (Where Kali and Katherine shopped at Justice), lunch at Jimmy's Egg (where I used the last of a gift card I received for Christmas).  Aliene to hair appt.

Angela's car is having transmission problems, so picked her up at transmission shop

On to Topeka in a crowded car!.  Gas at the Loves at 122th Street and then on to Topeka with only one stop at the New Haven Turnpike spot.  On the turnpike, averaged 80 mph with light traffic, so a good trip!

Arrived at Topeka around 8:20 p.m., happened to drive in right behind Kim and Jerry (my Brother in Laws) and met Rebecca (my niece) and Margaret (sister) as they were getting out of their car!. Shortly after, met Eleanor (sister) and Rebecca's dogs!

Settled into room, Target for water etc.

Friday, July 13, 2012:

Up at 3:36 a.m., worked on e-mail etc.  Clubhouse Inn, Topeka, Kansas # 108

Pavilion, around 6 a.m., Eleanor there.  Jerry joined, then Rebecca, Kim, etc.

Breakfast, Clubhouse Inn

Rain most of morning, visited etc.

West Ridge Mall, lunch at Chick-Fil-a (Cow, got free entree for wearing hat).  Aliene, Angela and girls shopped at Justice etc.

Swim with Katherine.

Visited, Supper at On the Border

Visited at hotel with Aliene, Margaret, Eleanor, Barbara, Mary Ann, Mary Lou, John etc.

Saturday, July 14, 2012:

Up at 4:01 a.m., worked, checked e-mail etc.  Joined the early morning crowd on the Pavilion and visited.  Ate breakfast at hotel.  Pavilion Crowd included, Eleanor, Jerry, John, Rebecca, Margaret.

Visited most of morning as Kenneth, Aunt Eleanor, Chuck and Le Ann arrived.  Lunch at Chipolta. (sp).  Surprised that they are glutton free.  Excellent food.

Visited afternoon. Saturday night supper at Cieras (sp) Italian.

Sunday, July 15, 2012:

Early morning crew at Pavilion again.  Jerry, Eleanor, Margaret, John, etc.  Breakfast, hotel.

Visited, then lunch at Cracker Barrel.  Actually had some of the chicken which was excellent.

Courter Reunion pictures and meeting etc.

Holton (Soldier cemetery) with Eleanor and Aliene.  Snack at Trails Inn.  Always amazed at how active the little town of Soldier is and how they maintain their park and cemetery.

Supper at Chipolta.  Swim with Kali and Katherine, then visit around pavilion.

Worked, caught up on some paperwork, ready to return to the real world!

Monday, July 16, 2012:  

Clubhouse Inn.  Up early, breakfast, pack and say goodbye's to the persons left.  

Drive down Kansas Turnpike (I-35) went well, light traffic.  Stopped in Guthrie for gas, girls wanted to eat at Arby's, so I tried a salad.  Not bad.

Returned Angela and girls safely, headed for Exit 55.  Stopped in Alma, Arkansas for "last supper" at Braums (I even had a medium strawberry shake!)

Arrived at exit 55 (Hampton Inn, Clarksville, Arkansas).  Went swimming in their wonderful pool.  Upgraded to room with whirlpool, which is nice.

Up at 3:30 am., headed for Lakeland

Arrived in Lakeland, ate breakfast, headed for office.

Courter Reunion 2012 is over.  

The Courter Reunion is always kind of a yardstick for me, I think since it is so close to my birthday and it is the start of the end of Summer.  I have actually attended (I believe) continuously since 1988.  

It was a nice reunion.  I like the laid back atmosphere where you can sit and talk with one (or more) persons for a long period of time, take a break etc.  It is always somewhat of a bittersweet feeling, since you know you probably won't see most of them (or any) for a year.

I'll add some pictures.

Summer of 2012

The Summer of 2012 is almost 50% over (for all intents and purposes!).  It has been busy, I haven't kept up with my blog, diary or other notes!  I didn't do my June 21 beginning/ending of summer.

However, I AM in my favorite summer place.  Sitting on my patio in the early morning reading, drinking coffee (and water) and working on my computer!  Not quite as poetic as "Standing on the Corner in Winslow, Arizona", but I think of it during the long winter and decide to enjoy every moment of it in the summer!  Aliene and I actually went to see the "Standing on the Corner in Winslow, Arizona".  The City (or Chamber) have quite a promotion of the song!  I'm tying to think of a poetic way of describing my favorite early summer pastime, but I haven't some up with anything yet.

I enjoy the hot summer, heat doesn't bother me a bit.  I am enjoying the Summer of 2012 and only wish I had more spare time!

I was glad to see a deer in the "forest' in back of my patio the other morning, I thought maybe the development had scared off all of the deer.

The last suits?

One of the "good" "bad" results of losing weight is having to buy more clothes.  And more clothes!

I have had to buy 2 suits, new belts, shirts, slacks etc. to the tune of a substantial amount of money.  It is fun to find "new" "old" clothes that I saved for "when I lose weight" and it has actually happened, but I didn't save enough and I didn't realize how old they were.

The thought crossed my mind that this could be the last suit I will ever buy, considering my age.   Although I hope to keep working for at least 6 more years, (and living for many more than that)  I don't wear suits every day, so they could last for a considerable period of time.  The slacks, shirts etc. probably (or should I say hopefully!) will be replaced since they will wear out, although I still occasionally wear my 40 year old cowboy boots, and some 30 year old shirts and coats!

I did pick some sizes that will allow me to lost more weight (my goal is another 20 lbs) and hopefully not have to replace everything!

Thoughts on Bull Frogs and aging

The bullfrogs are croaking on my morning walks/bike rides again, which to me indicates that Spring and Summer is coming!  I have heard the first croaking in the past week, and I know warm (and hot) weather is coming!

It also means it is the summer I will turn 65 years old.  I never really thought 65 years old would feel like this (although I won't really know until my birthday and I actually tell someone I am 65 years old-I still haven't gotten used to telling people I'm over 50 years old!

Not that I regret turning 65 years old, it is just a fact.  I just hope I can continue to enjoy life for as long as it is a quality life.

I am glad I have continued my exercise, reading and working.  I walk approximately 1/2 hour every morning, then ride my bike (most mornings) and then go one to the gym (which is 1/2 mile away) and read the morning paper while I ride the stationary bike at a slow speed.  I still enjoy reading a physical paper while I am at home, although I have gotten used to reading newspapers on the internet while I am traveling away from home.

Aliene and I started watching our "carbs" right after Christmas.  Since the day after Christmas I have lost over 30 libs, which make me feel good.   Also, I have "grown into" some clothes I had previously grown out of, which makes me feel good.  Aliene has lost about 16 lbs, which is even better than me considering the relative weights.

While I enjoy all of the technology and the "social media" etc., I have found I don't write in my blog near as often for obvious reasons and I miss it.

Wonderful Spring day today!  Actually wore scandals, shorts and t-shirt and enjoyed being outside!  Wonderful to feel the Spring come, although it certainly hasn't been a bad Winter.

What is especially good, as I lose weight, I come into a whole new wardrobe of clothes that I haven't been able to wear for years, but always kept because someday....  Maybe "someday" is finally here!  I lost weight by what I call a "modified" low carb diet.  I rarely eat potatoes or bread and avoid foods with high carbs, although I do continue to eat oatmeal and blueberries (my favorite breakfast), which is relatively high in carbs and I eat a lot of high carb fruit and vegetables.  Although I haven't bothered to look through all of the details, I understand that the carbs in bread, potatoes and sugary foods are worse than the carbs in vegetables and fruit since they are a lot faster hitting your bloodstream.

Anyway, I think it is a eating pattern I can continue without any real problem.

I noticed I haven't been "blogging" much lately.  I think it is partly because of the many other opportunities (that still take your time since as Facebook, Twitter etc. and partly because it has just really been busy.

Winter Thoughs

As happens every year, I am amazed at how fast the year goes. Already almost March!

Of course, that also means the days are getting longer and Spring is coming! In spite of the fact it has been a mild winter, I am ready for Spring and Summer to arrive!

Today, it is cold (for here, 31 degrees), but sunny, so it should be a nice Presidents Day.

Although it seems a holiday and a vacation day should be the same thing, I like Holidays much better. If I get a call on a holiday, I know it normally is an emergency! On Vacation Days, I feel like I need to check phone calls etc. (I do on Holidays also, but I rarely get any on Holidays!)

Some of the Crocus flowers (they probably are something else, but I think of them as Crocus) are already blooming, probably to be frozen in place by at least one more freeze before winter is over!

Weight goal is reached!

I was pleased to note at my "weigh in" today, I reached my Weightwatchers weight goal! Of course, it just means I set another step goal (on to my final goal), but I am excited about reaching it.

I have been on "on line" weightwatchers for several years with some success, but also weight gains. The day after Christmas, I went on a very modified "low carb" diet. Basically I cut out potatoes and bread and many sweets (with high carbs). I was pleased at the results, especially since it is an eating plan I can continue as a "permanent" eating plan.

I was surprised at how may carbs fruits etc. had (although when I think about it, it makes sense), but I did learn that these are "good carbs".

I am continuing my exercise also, which I expect helps.

On to my next goal!

Jury Duty 2/6/12

Last December, I was called for a "Jury call". I drove down expecting 300 people or so, but there were per 3,500 of us!! I realized it when there was a traffic jam near the building where I was supposed to report to!

It was actually handled exceptionally well, and I was a assigned a week to report and advised basically unless I was dead or in the hospital, I was expected to report.

I have never been on a Jury before and have all of the thoughts about how good our jury system is, so it has been an exciting time (even if I am hungry, bored and hoping I can go to the bathroom!).

I get a whole $11 per day, which has to pay for parking ($6), lunch (who knows) and driving down here. (The gas to drive down here costs at least $6.)

Monday, February 6, 2012:

Jury duty this morning. Rushed to get here on time, sat for a two hour "orientation". Called five juries and I wasn't called yet! Now, 11:17 a.m., hopefully will make it until after lunch and then they may cut me loose for the day.

Rather interesting. The person doing the orientation is exceptionally good and they had a Judge (Judge Ward) stop by and kind of give a pep talk. My "hotspot" came in handy as they have a desk for computers, but no Wi Fi. I am sitting here hoping my hotspot and computer has enough battery power to keep going until I get home! Tomorrow, I'll being my electric cords!

Actually enjoying the free time to work without interruptions (although I did check for messages and check e-mail).

This entry will be continued.

Monday, Feb 6 (continued): At lunch in downtown Memphis (a BBQ place, but I had catfish.

Of course, called for jury duty immediately after lunch. Selected for jury, but can't comment it on it further until after Jury Duty complete.

Actually, I have been very impressed by the jury process in Shelby County. The Administrators are very professional and the Judges go out of their way to be fair and discuss the jury process.

Coffee Filters and Razor Blades

As 2012 starts (yes, I know, I have not kept up my blog, too many other distractions), I think of ways I measure time besides days or years.

In the early morning as I make my coffee, I look at the large pile of filters and think about the future represented in those filters? Where will I be and what will have happened by the time the stack of filters is used up? What changes will I have made, been made for me?

Strange to think of the future as represented by the use of the coffee filters, usually one each day. I don't even know how many filters are in a stack, probably 500 or so. I take a stack that seems like a bunch, but is manageable. Each time I get a new stack I think about what has happened and what the new stack will bring.

I don't remember when I started drinking coffee, probably in college. My parents were coffee drinkers, although they tended towards (if I remember right) decaffeinated coffee, which I don't really consider coffee.

I am lucky that I can drink a cup of coffee and fall asleep. I love drinking coffee and frequently drink coffee throughout the day, after starting the day with eight cups of coffee before I go to work (well, I don't really consider the coffee as measured by the coffee maker a true "cup", but, whatever). Also, it's not really 8 cups, since rarely finish the coffee.

I love hot, fresh, coffee and absolutely hate old and cold coffee. I don't hesitate to send coffee back if it is too cold or old (usually both) and also never hesitate (after breakfast time) to ask if the "coffee is fresh" and refuse to order coffee (just water please) if the sever doesn't brighten up and say "I'll make a fresh pot". I figure if I pay $2.50 for a cup of coffee, they can make it fresh or at least have fresh coffee!

My favorite coffee? At home, Starbucks "French Roast" is the only way to go. (I'm putting a coffee pot of my own at the office so I can have it at work also).

As far as eating out coffee, Starbucks, McDonalds and Steak n Shake are all excellent. TGIFridays coffee tastes like it is instant and I quit ordering it . (TGIFridays dose have excellent sweet tea). Cracker Barrel coffee is excellent as long as it is fresh and hot.

I LOVE the Starbucks ice coffee, especially in summer. I do have to avoid driving after I have a refill though, the only time I get a light "coffee high"!

Razor blades-I measure the past through razor blades. This started in college when the "disposable" razors first came out. I was so poor that I cabbaged onto some of the free disposable razors and used them literally months at a time. (Maybe why I grew a beard for awhile!)

Whenever I replaced one, I would think about what happened in the past, the time measured by the razor. Years ago, I got tired of the disposable razors and went to a razor blade with disposable blades. Now I change the blade every "regular meeting" of the Lakeland Board of Commissioners, which is once a month. It makes me change it before it gets too bad, plus it provides me with a measuring device.

Such are my thoughts in the early morning, before the everyday world starts and time is measured in hours, minutes and seconds!

Hope all who read this are having a wonderful 2012!