Summer 2013 August 26

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Summer 2013 August 25

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

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

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

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

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

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

Summer 2013 August 24

76/79 degrees, sunny.

Looks like a great weekend!  

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

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

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

Summer 2013 August 23

74/76 degrees this morning, relatively clear.  

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

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

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

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

Summer 2013 August 22

74/76 degrees this morning, still somewhat cloudy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

-Eating breakfast

-Watching "Mad Money"

-Reading the "USA Today" web site

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

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

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

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

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

Summer 2013 August 21

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

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

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

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

Summer 2013 August 20

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

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

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

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

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

Summer 2013 August 19

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

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

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

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

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

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

Still somewhat foggy and damp this morning.  Strange weather.

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

Summer 2013 August 18

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

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

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

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

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

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

Summer 2013 August 17

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

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

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

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

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

Summer 2013 August 16

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Summer 2013 August 15

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

Busy day today, meetings almost all day.  

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

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

Summer 2013 August 14

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

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

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

Summer 2013 August 13

73 degrees this morning, cloudy.

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

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

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

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

Summer 2013 August 12

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

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

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

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

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

Summer 2013 August 11

79 degrees Memphis, 71 degrees Oklahoma City

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

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

Summer 2013 August 10

81 degrees in Memphis, 71 degrees in Oklahoma City.

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

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

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

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

Summer 2013 August 9

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

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

As with all records, accessing them is the key.  

Summer 2013: August 8

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Summer 2013: August 7

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

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

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

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

Summer 2013: August 6

Happy Birthday to me!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Summer 2013 August 5

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

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

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

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

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

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

Summer 2013 August 4

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

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

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

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

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

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

Summer 2013 August 3

79 degrees this morning, very pleasant day, cloudy 

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

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

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

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

Summer 2013: August 2

Coolish this morning (70 degrees).  

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

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

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

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

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

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

Summer 2013 August 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Summer 2013 July 31

79 degrees this morning.  Started raining about 6:30 a.m., so couldn't sit out on the patio in spite of excellent weather.  

I really don't like rain.  I prefer sunny weather, even though I know rain is necessary.  I have never considered rain to be romantic.  Of course, it is one of those things that is out of my control, so I won't worry about it. 

One of the most important thoughts or concepts I have learned in life is don't worry about events or things I can't control.  Saves me a lot of time and wasted energy.  Of course, I do need to worry about my reaction or what I will do if an event happens, whether I can control it or not!

Hope the rain stops.  Went to the Redbirds ballgame last night.  I will miss the Redbirds games after the summery winds down.  For some reason, their home schedule ends in mid-August (instead of early September), so I am hoping they will be in the playoffs so we can see a game or two in September.

Summer 2013 July 30

Warming up.  74 degrees this morning.  Feeling now like a possible rain.

The landscaping company we paid a lot of money too to upgrade our landscaping apparently is not going to return to fix their mess, which means I have to hire another company to do it.  I get so tired of incompetent companies who won't return to finish up their work or fix something they didn't do right.  I know there are a lot of good companies out there, just hard to find the right one.  "Angies List" has been right in some cases, but not in others.  It isn't like a bad meal you can just forgot to sink a lot of money into a yard, or a house.

Summer 2013 July 29

Relatively cool weather this morning (70 degrees), it is turning out to be a cool summer.  I really noticed a lot of difference in the heat between here and Topeka, Kansas (it seemed a lot more muggy in Topeka, not sure why, maybe the altitude).

Speaking of time, one reason I don't watch many videos on the computer or watch hardly any live tv is that they seem to have no concept that my time is valuable!  I can't pick and choose, like I can a newspaper, written story on the computer etc.  I also rarely to to movies for the same reason.  I guess I don't like ceding control of myself to someone else.  I especially hate wasting my time on hearing/seeing sports news, "celebrities" I know nothing about (or could care less about) etc., or crimes that I don't need to know about.  I have always been that way, not a matter of "getting older" or whatever". 

School will be starting next month, meaning summer is almost over.  I will miss going to the Redbird baseball games, we really have enjoyed it, even when they lose it is fun to sit outside. the Redbirds are a class organization.  For some reason, baseball is the only sport I really enjoy seeing "personally and live".  Maybe because it is outside and has a relatively even pace (the length of the games is one thing I don't like).  Anyway, I will miss them.  The Redbirds are a class organization and I enjoy dealing them them and seeing the games, even if it does take up an entire evening.

Speaking of time, I try to not schedule early morning (8:00 a.m. or before) appointments, if possible, so I won't intrude on my precious morning "hyper time".  I scheduled one this morning for some reason.  

The Lakeland Election campaign will be in full swing soon.  Campaign signs will be allowed starting today and I'm sure the informational mailings will start.  I will be glad when it is over.

Summer 2013 July 28

Relatively cool this morning (73 degrees).  

Saturday and Sunday I am frequently the only person at ATC, although there are other "regulars" at that time, they are primarily weight lifters.  (This is in the 4 a.m. to 5 a.m. time frame.  During the week (primarily Monday through Thursday), I expect our little community is about 30 people, and can vary from 10 to 50.  There are about 20 "regulars" that I recognize as regulars.  I don't talk with any of them (unless I drive and shower there), except for an occasional "hi".  It is a part of my life where I don't really interact with anyone else, kind of like driving.  I do wave to the Walgreens truck driver as I ride through the Walgreens parking lot.  Apparently this is the time they trade drivers.  Other than the truck driver, I always wonder who leaves their car in the Walgreens parking lot all night.  (This isn't every day.)

Enjoying the weekend, as normal, not enough time.  I usually add a book or two to my list of "books to read" from the Wall Street Journal or New York Times and look in dismay at what I haven't read.  I am also far behind on magazines. But it is nice to be busy.  

Summer 2013 July 27

Warmer than I expected this morning, about 73 degrees, the point at which I try to decide if I will a long sleeve or short sleeve shirt and shorts or swearpants before I exercise.

One thing I really resent on all computer/technological products (and AT & T DSL) is the apparent assumption by the sellers that I have all the time in the world to spend on the phone on hold or "try this, try that" where a simple service call or bringing the product in would make the difference.

Dell Computer has to take the prize for inefficiency, incompetence and red tape nonsense.  I was ordering a computer or the City, which is exempt from sales taxes.  We have an account, which says we are a City, etc.  I was asked to submit a Tax Exempt Form, so I e-mailed a Tax Exempt form.  After about a week, I was advised the Tax Exempt Form needed to be made out to "Dell Marketing LLC" (or something like that) instead of "Dell Computers".  It seems they could have made that change themselves, rather than delay everything for several days. (I actually had to check on since it had been a week.)

THEN, they e-mail me (after another delay) and advise me I need to put the VENDOR ADDESS (which of course, is their address) on the Tax Exempt Form.  I made a note that I didn't have their address.  SO, they sent me their address (after another delay).

At this this point, I advised them I was buying it elsewhere and cancel the order, I didn't want to do business with them.

No wonder Dell Computers (wait, maybe it's Dell Marketing Ltd!) is having problems!

Summer 2013 July 26

Very cool this morning, 66 degrees.

I really get tired of the computer companies making junk and then trying to charge excessive rates to "fix' their mistakes.

Latest case was a Google Matrix 7 that failed after 7 months.  Staples refused to honor the guarantee (even though I had an "extended warranty" and they admitted the battery hadn't lasted near long enough.  

Apple is just as bad.  I have an iPod Nano (7th Generation) which won't sync now.  Makes it a piece of junk.  I can understand why Steve Jobs called so many things "s**t".  He produced a lot of it.  Some excellent products also, but also some real junk that Apple Computers never took responsibility for.  What really upset me was the extortive rates they wanted to give me advise on the ipod, which is only about 7 months old.  

Glad it is Friday.  Seems like a long week even though I took Monday and Tuesday morning as vacation time.  Of course, I'm still catching up.  

I keep a list of books I want to read.  My list has grown to the point, I know I will never read all of them.  Doesn't mean I can't try!

Summer 2013 July 25

Coolish (70 degrees) morning, not near as muggy.  Good day for cycling etc.

Went to dentist today about “tooth implant”  (actually two of them).  I need to bite the bullet (so to speak) and get it done.  It seems like a lot of money, but if I don’t do it I will probably regret it.

My problem developed right after the Air Force, I had a year to get free dental care.  I made the mistake of taking advantage of that and the Dentist pulled the tooth rather than take the time to do a  more complicated procedure.  I still think it was laziness on the Dentists part.

This required a “bridge”.   About 15 years ago, this bridge was replaced.  Since I am required to have two teeth implants.

I have decided I need to do something about “Time”, especially at work.  It seems the time just flies.  I don’t resent having to do most of my work at home, it is just the way it is, but it seems there is a lot of wasted time.

One of the times I really notice time fly is in the morning on “hypertime”.  Time just flies.  I like to walk, lift weights, bicycle, read my newspapers, catch up with my e-mail etc., as well as eat breakfast etc. before I leave for work (this includes at least a 17 minute nap, since I get up around 3 am)  I’ll keep working on it.

Summer 2013 July 24

78 degrees this morning, possibility of rain.  Good to get back to my routine of walking/cycling/reading the newspapers etc.  Listening to “Steve Jobs” while I walk again, finished “Man’s Search for Meaning”.  (Still trying to live the lessons I learned from both books.

Really enjoyed the Reunion.  It is nice to have several days to talk with everyone and not feel pressured to say everything in a few hours.  Of course, some things still never get said.

Summer 2013 July 23

Heavy rain, thunder and wind greeted us this morning as we drove into Lakeland.  I’m not sure if I have ever seen lightning like that.

The Summer, 2013 Courter/Wherry Reunion is over.  I always look forward to it and always feel some regret when it ends.

Otherwise, hectic day, trying to catch up etc.

Summer 2013 July 22

Extremely busy day.  Up early, breakfast, took Angela, Kali and Katherine to OKC, then on.  Caught up with e-mails etc. getting ready for an early day tomorrow.

Summer 2013 July 21

Enjoyable visit at the Family Reunion.  Ate too much, stayed up too late etc., which means it is fun!  

Saw a full-fledged rainbow last night.  Vibrant colors, almost a complete double rainbow.  Took pictures, but obviously no way to take a picture of that!

I do wish it would stop raining and clear up, but weather is one thing that you just have to accept what is happening!  (As I mentioned in the past, only I can decide how I will react).

Looking over pictures of ancestors, and educating a (somewhat) both interested and bored granddaughters.   From my own experience, I understand!

The “official” reunion is over, although a day of visiting will continue!  Hopefully the weather will be conducive to swimming.  

Visiting today, always feel a little sad as the reunion ends and people start leaving.  In most cases will be at least be another year before we visit again, in some cases it may be never.  A large number of relatives couldn’t attend this year, hopefully will be better attendance next year!

Summer 2013 July 20

I will always think of "Moon Day" on July 20, even though I slept through the Moon Walk.

I was actually in U.S. Air Force basic training in San Antonio, Texas.  We had been there since July 15 and the original culture shock was still there.  I think most of it slept through it.  A chance to sleep trumped a chance to view history in the making.

My memories of the first few days of Basic Training are blanked out.  Even after only a few days, I had no memories of the first few days of basic training, other than a few scattered memories.  

Late night storms last night, supposedly clear this morning.  I have enjoyed the visits with everyone, today more will arrive.  

I am glad Saturday is here.  When I am on vacation, I still feel the obligation to return work e-mails, check for phone messages etc.  Not a big deal, but I feel much more relaxed on weekends and Holidays than I do when I am taking a day of vacation.  

I enjoy having my granddaughters with us.  I think of the memories I have of childhood and I realize they are creating similar memories based on their relatives at the family reunion.

Summer 2013 July 19

A day of relaxation after the long drive yesterday.  The Reunion is going to be relatively small this year, for whatever reason.

 I forget about the Kansas wind and how flat it is until I return.  I think the nighttime heat is actually worse than Memphis and the morning isn't near as mild, even though the temperature is about the same.  Could be the humility also, or the type of heat. 

Good visit with everyone this morning.  Went swimming.  Went to see the "rainbow house".

Ate  "Dave's Famous".  I tried the XXX Sauce and immediately started baying at the moon!  It was HOT, but GOOD.  I liked the restaurant.

Thunderstorms after supper.  

I happened to walk to the lobby and saw Rebecca, who had just arrived.  Not more than five minutes Kim walked into the lobby, and then Eleanor.  I guess relatives do have some type of ESP link!  My Mom always seemed to me to have a very strong ESP type (for lack of a better term) link.  There are examples throughout her life of knowing someone was going to call, or knowing there was a problem.  The best example I can think of is on the day of her death, she called all of us children and many of her friends.  She didn't call to say goodby (I don't think).  I always regret I wasn't home when she called.  When I called back, she didn't answer, so I will never know what she wanted to tell me.  

Summer 2018 July 18

Looking forward to the upcoming family reunion.  

Currently in Van Buren, Arkansas. Drive from Lakeland was good, just a long, hot drive, but no traffic tie-ups or problems. I like the Hampton Inn here.  Normally we get upgraded, but we are normally here on a weekend.  We didn't get a major upgrade this time, but it is a nice room anyway.  

Supper at the "managers reception" at the hotel.  Actually, it was nice, a light meal that was free!

Up early this morning working on agenda items etc.  

Summer 2013 July 17

79 degrees this morning.  Excellent weather for my walk, cycle and sitting on the patio.

Finished "Man's Search for Meaning".  A great book.  As I mentioned, I listened to it and I  need to find a printed copy to look up some of the thoughts.

Deer in the trees behind my house this morning, it  ran off as I went to the patio.  It is nice to know the deer aren't by the development.  

Really hectic at work right now, but that is good, just time is at a premium.  

The Courter/Wherry Reunion is soon here.  It is always fun and a trip down memory lane.  We gather and have time to talk and not feel rushed, which is nice.  It has been held since 1947, so this will be the 66th Reunion.  (I attended the first one with my Mother, although I wasn't born yet, or maybe my Mom didn't attend, now that I think of it.  I do have a picture of the 1948 reunion.  They were held in Salina, Kansas at a part called "Sunset Park".  I always remembered it as a large park with a railroad tracks on one side, and a myriad of ponds, bushes, trees and places to play.  Years later, I returned and realized it was a relatively small park, much smaller than I remembered!  

I always enjoy the reunion, both for visiting with all of my relatives, but also for the chance to be with Angela, Kali and Katherine in a relaxed atmosphere for several days.

Summer 2013 July 16

Between 76 and 79 degrees this morning (depending on your location).  Excellent morning on the patio.

Sometimes I think a book comes up for a reason.  The book "Man's Search for Meaning" has some especially appropriate thoughts right at this time, especially the thought that a person "chooses your response" and doesn't let someone else decide for you what your emotional reaction will be.  That helped me change my initial reaction to anger to a more relaxed reaction.

I am always surprised (although I shoudn't be by now) when a business basically refuses to back up their work.  We had a local landscape company "English Garden" (recommended by the way) do some work, and now we are facing having to spend more money because they won't back up their work.  (Having to look at their mess every morning made me think of that.  I may try one more time to get them back to backup their work before I call someone else to clean up the mess of 3 dead bushes, a dead tree and a bungled french drain. the drain works fine, but the grass i dead on top from inadequate sod.)

Summer 2013 July 15

Reasonably nice weather this morning.  74 degrees at 3 a.m., some cloud cover.

Continuing to listen to "Man''s Search for Meaning".  He is now in the part where he is out of the concentration camp and is finalizing his thinking and "meaning' in life.  He makes some statements about a persons perception of the future.  Again, this is one book I will need to get a printed copy of so I can review parts of it.

Monday morning, perhaps dreaded because we lose control of our time for the week (depending on our schedules) and looked forward to for the events and possibilities during the week.

Summer 2013 July 14

Sunday morning, someone coolish, a few clouds in the sky.  Nice enough to sit on the patio.

Listening to "Man's Search for Meaning" this morning on my walk, the observation was made that all persons have the choice on how they respond to a situation.  They can respond in a variety of ways.  I am thinking this through and will try to apply it throughout the week, consciously deciding on how I will respond as various situations arise.  I will need to get a printed copy of the book (although I probably have one already someplace in my collection.)

I was just thinking this morning, 40 years ago as I was driving back from Virginia and my 4 years completed with the Air Force, I had a lot of choices and a lot of decisions to make as far as career etc, and must my life overall.  Now, 40 years later, I also have a wide variety of choices, but they are a LOT different.

Yesterday, just by chance, we noticed that oil was leaking out of our car.  Since we had just had it changed, we called the dealer, who immediately advised us to come in, found the problem (a set of washers had gotten stuck together) and fixed it.  This could have caused major problems on our trip to the Reunion, since the oil leak would have gotten worse as the pressure in the engine increased from the long term driving, probably eventually running the engine out of oil.  Sometimes small things can make a big difference.

A local charity is coming by this week that picks up donated items.  I'm going to spend part of today disposing of items I no longer have any use for.  It is liberating, but also provides a sense of loss, perhaps loss with the past.

Another thought in "Man's Search for Meaning" was that belief in a future is essential to human survival 

Summer 2013 July 13: 40 years

July 13, 1973:  This is the day I got out of the Air Force.  Since my regular enlistment end date of July 15 was on a Sunday, I got out on Friday, July 13.

I packed my items in my car, a Datsun 510, said goodby to my friends and took off on an epic journey.  I drove from Langley, Virginia (actually Hampton Roads) and drove up through Washington D.C., which I hit right at rush hour.  After a terrifying trip on the Washington D.C. beltway, I took the Pennsylvania Turnpike (the geography of it all escapes me).

I stopped somewhat at a motel in what I considered the mountains.  Obviously I was dead tired and woke the next morning to mountain streams outside my door.

I don't recall a lot of the rest of the trip.  I remember at one time, I stopped in a City named "Springfield" and was confused as to what state I was in.  In Lawrence, Kansas, I had car trouble and probably escaped a hefty bill by telling the repaid shop I had just gotten out of the Air Force and was coming back to Lawrence to go to KU and I would bring my car in then.

I visited my parents in Wakeeney, Kansas for about a month.  I felt the freedom (and the fear) of unlimited choices of what I could do with my life, and I considered everything.

One day I got in may car and headed for Wichita, Kansas.  I stopped at a small motel outside of Wichita State University and enrolled in the Political Science Department for a Masters Degree program.  (I couldn't get into KU, I was too late for enrollment for whatever reason.  Wichita State University let me enroll based on the fact they wanted different backgrounds in their program.  (I had a BA in Economics and also had spent four years in the Air Force.)  Although I had taken some courses in Air Force, returning to school was tough, but very rewarding.  I enjoyed my time at Wichita State.

I used to think of 40 years as old and now it is merely the time of my life since I got out of the Air Force.  

Even now, I can remember the thrill of starting life, (this was the time of the draft looming, so finishing the Air Force was my first experience of feeling the complete freedom to make choices. 

Coolish this morning.  Almost too cool to sit on the patio.  

Summer 2013 July 12

"Reading" (actually listening to) "Man's Search for Meaning" and "Steve Jobs" at the same time frame is a definite contrast.  In one, a man has almost unlimited resources and can get any material items he wants (even though he remains minmal and very non-materialistic), in the other, a man is stripped of everything, his freedom, dignity, and survives on a small amount of bread and soup each day.  Contrasts to say the least.  It has presented me with some powerful food (so to speak!) for thought.

71 degrees this morning, almost too cold to sit on the patio this morning.  Around 72 degrees is where I switch to shorts and a short sleeve shirt when I exercise in the morning.

I get the "weekend" New York Times delivered to my door (a real luxury by the way).  Try as I might, I can't read it on Friday morning before I go to work (along with the Wall Street Journal, Commerical Appeal and the on-line edition of the USA Today).  I would like to subscribe every day, but simply don't have the time.  I can handle it on Saturday and Sunday ok.

Busy day ahead, interviewing four applicants for Receptionist/Admin. Assistant.  I try to be fair and really determine who is best for the position and it takes a lot of energy, especially when literally all of them are well qualified for the position.  

Summer 2013 July 11

My "Steve Jobs" book listening on my walk had to take a break this morning.  My battery was low on the device I was listening on and I didn't want to take the time to find where I was on another device.  (Time is precious in the morning, when time seems to fly.)

"Man's Search for Meaning" is one of my "Round Tu it's", meaning I always planned on listening to it or reading it when I get a "round tu it".  It has probably been on my list since high school, or at least college.  

I started listening to it this morning, and I expect "Steve Jobs" will have to wait while I finish "Man's Search for Meaning", which thus far is a truly wonderful book.  (I am also enjoying "Steve Jobs", so it is a positive decision either way).  

While I enjoy reading, for some reason, I am not good at summarizing books.  My daughter, Angela, seems to have the magical power of "book reviews" (I think she should start writing them for a career, she is so good), but I have no talent whatsoever in writing a book review. I love to read Angela's review's of them.

It reminds me of when she as around 8 years old, we went to see "Turtle Diary".  I feel asleep but after the movie, she gave me a detailed review of the movie! I watched it again later and was amazed at how she got it so right!)

The day has been wonderful thus far.  About 80 degrees at 3 a.m., the patio is wonderful this morning. (I'll upload a picture).  

For some reason when I was walking this morning, I was thinking it was July 13, which will mark the 40th anniversary of my Air Force last day.  It bought back some real memories.