Birds and bicycle gloves

Birds

We have a bird feeder in our backyard, which provides some enjoyable moments as we watch the birds. They range from a pigeon or two, to bright yellow, blue and red birds as well as the normal gray birds.

For some reason, the last few days, the birds have been in a feeding frenzy and actually have started hanging out at the bird feeder even if they aren’t eating.

I think there is supposed to be some kind of message in all of this, but I’m not sure what it is.

Gloves

While taking my bike riding gloves this morning, I realized the gloves don’t wear out from wearing them, it’s the putting on and taking off that are so hard on them.
Again, I’m sure there is some sort of message there.

I'll think about it some more tomorrow.

Cicadas and bullfrogs

Sitting out on the patio tonight listening to the cicadas. It felt like I was immersed in the sound, there is so many of them. It is an oddly comfortable sound, like the booming bullfrogs I hear in the morning.

I remember the cicadas when I was a child. I'm not sure what I associate with cicadas, but I have always enjoyed it and the sound relaxes me and is enjoyable.

I don't remember hearding bullfrogs before I moved to my current house, although I'm sure I heard them someplace. They are usually only active early in the morning and I like the sound.

Treefrogs, I can do without, although they don't bother me.

August in Tennessee

The weather is getting cooler, as the Summer of 2008 wanes. This morning it was 70 degrees and it was actually cool. I really notice the difference when I ride my bike in the morning. I'll need to get some more bike wear before this winter to keep riding through the winter!

One of the biggest problems in Winter, both for bike riding and walking, is the amount of time it takes to put on and take off the cold weather clothing! It may sound minor, but it adds up during "hyper time", which is the time between when I get up and when I leave for work.

Although I get up arund 3 a.m. to 3:30 a.m., and don't go to work until 8:00 a.m., I walk 30-45 minutes, read the paper, ride 30-35 minutes, eat breakfast, shower etc, take a nap, review and respond to e-mail/write e-mail etc., so the time goes fast!

I hate to see the Summer end. I love Summer and hot weather. While I like the August-November time, it also means the dreaded Winter is arriving (even in Lakeland, which has a wonderful climate, the Winter seems to last forever).

In spite of my exercise, I am still having a problem losing weight.l I guess the simple answer is I still eat too much!

We still enjoy watching the bird feeder. There is a wide variety of birds, red birds, yellow birds, bright blue birds etc. We really enjoy it. We have learned to bring in the feeder at night to stop the racoons from coming in and feeding!

We have been learning a lot about our Mac computers at the "Apple store". I wish PC's had a similar program.

Thoughts on my 61st Birthday

August 6, 2008:  Sometime this morning (I believe around 5:30 a.m.) I turned 61.  

I guess to a large degree, I feel "so what, I don't feel that old!".  And I really don't feel like I am anywhere close to 61 years old, either physically or mentally.

But I am, and, as adults always used to say when I was younger, yes time does pass quickly.  Even if the days drag, the months and years fly.  

I still think of things I intend to do with my life when I get a "round tu it" , or, as I say, "when I grow up."  At least we live in a day now when it is accepted that you can keep on doing things regardless of your age.  Retirement, even from my current position, seems far in the future (and I hope it is!).  I really don't see even thinking about it until I am 67 and hopefully not until I am 70.  

When I was a teenager, I remember hearing Pete Seger (spell?) sing about "Little Boxes" and I thought about how I didn't want a "predictable" life.  I didn't realize at the time that no life is "predictable" and I got my wish.  

Looking back, like everyone, I certainly made a few mistakes I wished I could take back, missed some opportunities I wish I could get again, but, overall....I'm pleased or at least accepting that it could have been a lot worse.  

I still enjoy Summer immensely (right now I am sitting on my patio, drinking coffee, and enjoying the wonderful 84 or so degree weather, watching the time so I can get ready for work.

Each Summer does seem to go faster and the cold of winter arrives quickly, so I have learned to relax and enjoy the Summer while it is here.  August 6, it is already getting darker quicker, and even in the hot days, there are signs of the Fall and Winter to come.  I dread the Winter, and shortly after the leaves have fallen, I think of how long it will be before the flowers bloom again, the  grass turns green and the trees come alive again.  The Winter goes so slow and the Summer goes so fast.

There is one sure thing in life.  In one year I will be 62, in 9 years I will be 70 (if I am lucky)!  I think my dream when I retire is to start where the Summer is endless and follow the Spring and early Summer north on my bicycle, taking it all in as I ride my bike.  (With a backup vehicle and staying in hotels of course!)

I find that I see so much more riding my bike.  I don't have the patience to walk and driving a car is too fast to really observe anything.  I try to ride in areas of the City so I can observe problems better, but time is always a factor (as is safety).  

Probably one of the hardest things about aging is watching others make the same mistakes I did-usually with the same consequences.  Sometimes they listen, usually they listen and forget and my mistakes do not have the value mistakes should have.  I have learned to study my mistakes, although it doesn't mean I always learn from them! 

Time to get dressed and go to work.  Another year of my life begins. 

August thoughts

We really enjoyed the Courter Reunion in Topeka. It was good to see everyone and, as an added bonus, we got to see Holton, the Solder Cemetary and other places I remember from many years ago! The visiting was the best and we are already looking forward to next year

The trip up and back was relatively non-eventful, which was nice! We went through Oklahoma City to pick up/drop off Angela, Kali and Katherine. They really enjoyed the swimming pool and visitng with everyone.

I am enjoying the hot summer (Aliene probably isn't enjoying it quite as much!). I do most of my exercise in the early morning now, but I do miss my bike rides in the heat. The morning temperatures are usually in the range of 81 to 86. It actually seems cool in the morning on my bike ride if the temperature is under 76 degrees. In that case, I normally wear a long sleeve shirt or jersey.

We enjoy our bird feeder. A racoon also started enjoying eating out of the bird feeder so we have to take it in at dark and put it out in the morning! Last week, on two occasions, deer came right up to our back yard.

I

Sweet or Unsweet?

One of the more endearing customs in the Memphis area is when I order "ice tea" and am immediately asked "sweet or unsweet".

I used to say "unsweet" and use sweetner for reduced calories, until I was given "sweet tea" by mistake.

I haven't asked for "unsweet" tea since! "Sweet Tea" is wonderful and well worth the calories! Every restaurant appears to make it different. Although some just toss in sugar, I have seen many recipes for making "sweet tea".

Oddly enough, I was in Nashville recently and asked for "tea" and was not asked "sweet or unsweet" and was bought some tea that reminded me or water! (I call it "skinny tea".) I though it was just an exception, exept the entire time I was in Nashville, I didn't get "sweet tea" and all of the tea was "skinny tea". (Memphis ice tea is what I call "full bodied"-usually reasonably strong and very good. I guess Memphis is more "southern" than Nashville than just geography!

My mom alwasy made strong ice tea. Oklahoma serves "skinny tea" also, so I almost quit drinking ice tea in Oklahoma City (might as well order free water!). It took me a while to realize Memphis not only has "strong" tea, but also that Sweet Tea is a wonder of it's own!

I have some catching up to do on all of the Sweet Tea I have been missing!

Summer in Tennessee

June 21 has come and gone, which means I had better start enjoying Summer as it will soon ber over!

I especially enjoy the little back patio of our house. I eat breakfast there almost every week day and enjoy just sitting with a cup of coffee and just "being". At night, I enjoy reading (and yes, occasionally napping!) on the patio.

I have started riding my bike each morning and have found it works well. (I can't ride it at night as often as I'd like due to meetings etc.). I take my walk, read the paper, bike and then eat breakfast, take a nap and head to work! I am already preparing for this winter since I am surprised at how cool riding the bike can be even in warmish weather. (I wear long sleeves for my morning ride.) I also ride in the heat, but I am slowly getting into "2 ride a day days" when time allows!

The early morning ride is nice, it is cool and little traffic. I can watch the dawn creep in, it seems like it is dark and then suddenly it is light.

Looking forward to the seeing everyone at the Courter Reunion!

Biking in the morning

I recently decided to start riding my bicycle every morning so I could ride it on a regular basis.  Due to evening meetings etc., I have a difficult time riding my bike during the week.  (I actually enjoy the heat, so it doesn't bother me.)

I walk first thing in the morning, so I changed my schedule to walk, then read the paper, then ride my bicycle and then eat etc.  

Thus far, I am really enjoying my early morning bike ride.  The main thing I noticed is that even in a temperature in the 70's, it is still cool to ride a bike in the morning!  This morning it was 69 degrees and I almost froze, even with a long sleeve t-shirt and a long sleeve jersey!  

Of course, this reduces my precious "early morning" time, but thus far it is well worth it.  Morning seems to be "hypertime" when time moves much faster than the rest of the day!

An Interlude

Last week, I stopped to pick up an item.  As I pulled in, I noticed a young woman on the ground in back of a vehicle with a scooter on it.  The thought crossed my mind that she was fixing the scooter. 

As I came out, the woman was still on the ground and waved and asked if I could help her.  The normal thoughts of a "set up" etc. crossed my mind, but I quickly dismissed them.

The young woman was severely disabled and had slipped on the sand and couldn't get up.  A man was there, but couldn't lift her because of her disability prevented the normal method of lifting.

Another man quickly arrived and we lifted her and helped her get into her vehicle.  (She apparently used the vehicle and then used the scooter to get to her location from the vehicle.)

The woman gave us a beautiful smile and thanks.  We looked at each other, I think each of us thinking of her courage and strength in refusing to succumb  to her disability. She obviously continued to live her daily life.  

After she again waved her thanks, we all walked away, having shared of life's interludes.  

CMA Fest 2008

The last three years we have attended CMA Fest in Nashville, which is a Country Music Festival. Many of the top stars appear, sign autographs etc. It is fun and relatively inexpensive and is really a unique experience. This year I decided to keep a current journal.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008: Traveled to Nashville. Saw Keith Anderson (one of my favorites), Joe Nichols, Luke Bryan and James Otto at a free concert downtown! Not bad when the CMA Fest doesn't start until Thursday!

We picked up our parking pass, our "freebie" bag, so we are ready to go!

The crowd is entertaining when there isn't any entertainment!

After getting to the hotel, we noticed we had missed several "fan parties" (including Tracy Bryd), but....we try to pace ourselves! Tomorrow will be a full day. We plan on going to the Riverstage (Jo Dee Mesina, Luke Bryan, Keith Anderson, Mindy McCready, Aaron Tippon, Mark Chestnet, Danielle Peck, Tracy Bryd among many others) and than going to the Convention Center for the booths, autograph/picture sessons and (perhaps most of all) the air conditioning!

One thing I really like about CMA Fest is that I always discover some new singer I haven't been aware of before who becomes a favorite. I especially enjoy the fiddle players.

(For example, I wasn't consciously aware of Keith Anderson, John Anderson, Jeff Bates and others until I saw them "live" at the CMA Fest.

Nighttime will be the "big" show at the football stadium.

Thursday June 5, 2008: Went to the River Stage. To hot and too many people (I'm not standing up in the hot sun for anyone!). Heard Jo Dee Messina but couldn't stand the heat!

Went to the Convention Center (exhibits, autographs etc.). Actually saw Randy Travis and almost got his autograph and a picture with him, but the line was too long. He was originally supposed to only stay for 20 minutes and he stayed much longer, so it was ok. He was good natured as he signed items even as he was leaving. Also saw Bucky Currington, James Ottto. Tracy Bryd, Billy Currington and a few others. We try to meet the lessor known ones also, it is always to talk with them.

Saw Brandi Thornton in the "Acoustic Corner" and she signed a picture and took a picture with Aliene.

At lunch at the Merchants, a welcome respite from the heat and crowd. The crowd seems much larger this year.

Went to the "Big" concert at the football field and saw Montgomery Gentry, Jewel, Kellie Pickler, Taylor Swift, Sugarland, and Rascal Flatts.

Friday, June 6, 2008:

Went to the "Riverstage". Much less crowded than yesterday, but just too hot. Saw Neal McCoy, Mgan Mullins and Jeff Bates before escaping to the Convention Center.

Had a lot of fun in the Convention Center, getting pictures (Lorrie Morgan, Alan Jackson (sort of, the crowd was so big it was hard), Little Big Town.) I walked around a corner and told Aliene "that looks like Aaron Tippon("kiss this)". Sure enough, it was and we jumped in and got our picture with him and actually talked with him. He was extremely nice. Also got our picture with Bill Anderson, Riders of the Purple Sage and a few up and comers who aren't well known. Went to the acoustic corner and saw Tulluride, which was very pleasant. A lot of fun again!

Lunch at Merchants again.

Big concert Friday night at football field was great on music, a little irritating on the trivial talk. We got very tired of seeing Kellie Pickler and Taylor Swith as presenters. Enjoy their singing but they just didn't have the experience to handle the presenting. They did an excellent job on singing Thursday night (Kellie Pickler wasn't as good as last year), but they are out of their league as presenters. Not their fault, they just shouldn't have been chosen for this.

Got really tired at the "are you having fun yet" and "get on your feet" comments all night, but it wasn't really that bad. We have seats where people standing aren't a problem.

Presenters included Jake Owen, Ashton Shepard, Jack Ingram, Lady Antebellium, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Josh Turner and Faith Hill. All did an excellent job, Josh Turner and Faith Hill were just super, but all did a great job.

Due to the chit-chat and small talk and delays, (plus a desire to avoid the traffic and get back to the room, since it was 11:30 p.m.) didn't see the "special guest", Keith Urban who was the last to perform.

Tomorrow, a priority is to get the tickets for next year, hopefully the same seats!

A lot of fun today, after getting tickets for next year, which was a real ordeal (plus losing our seats we had this year). They need to change that.

I am keeping my record of this on Google Notebook and am finding out that Google is messing up my computer. So much for Google programs. I am having to rewrite Saturday's account since Google did not save it.

Went to the Convention Center after standing in the sun for 2 hours (and finding our seats we had this year sold due to the obsolete system they have here).

Really enjoyed the Convention Center this year. Took pictures of Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Ronda Towns and others. Talked with Taylor Ware the "world champion yodeler" who I first saw perform at the Opry in 2005. (She must be around 12 years old), took a LOT of pictures I will post after I delete the bad ones!

Saturday night saw Craig Morgan, Little Big Town, Rodney Atkins, Trace Adkins, Alan Jackson, Kenny Rogers, Jason Michael Carroll, Jamey Johnson and Daryl Worley. Have to say Rodney Atkns and Alan Jackson did the best performances although I enjoyed all of them.

Sunday, June 8, 2008: Last day of festival. We went to the Convention Center one last time. Hear a performance by Timothy Craig (included a fiddle player).

Sunday night saw Charles Wicks, John Stephen, Phil Stacey, James Otto, Bucky Covington, Randy Travis, Sara Evans, Billy Ray Cyrus and Dwight Yoakam. Randy Travis has always been a favorite signer of mine and this is the first time I have seen him perform. I wasn't disappointed.

So ends CMA Fest 2008. We had a lot of fun and are looking forward to next years! The heat and sun on the Riverstage is a continual problem I feel they should do something about (put in fans, tents, or something! Next year we plan on having a "Festival Book' of pictures and autographs. We aren't really "autograph hounds", but I would have liked to have had Aaron Tippon and Randy Travis autographs.

One thing I really like about Nashville is stories similar to the story of Chuck Wicks. At the Convention Center I noticed there was a crowd around a man signing autographs named Chuck Wicks. I had never consciously heard of him so that night I was surprised to see him perform at the "Big Concert" . He mentioned that one year ago he had been up in the "cheap seats" and this year he was performing! (His breakthrough song is "Stealing Cinderella" ). I expect it is stories like that that keep a lot of aspiring singers, songwriters etc. coming to Nashville!

Coffee on the patio

As the summer continues (will actually, not until June 21, but I really consider this "summer"), I have relearned the simple pleasure of sitting on the patio with a cup of coffee in the early morning and just doing nothing!

I have recently been readying something every chance I get to save time and the other day I just sat on the patio and enjoyed a cup of coffee and listened to the birds.

I probably get more done in these moments than I do all day, as far as thinking. That is one thing I really enjoy about my morning walk and bicycle ride, it gives me a chance to think.

I am going now to enjoy my cup coffee in the early morning, doing nothing but enjoying my coffee and listening to the morning sounds!

Bullfrogs bellowing

The bullfrogs are bellowing each morning when I take my walk, which always means Summer is here, although the weather still isn’t all that summerish.

I really enjoy Lakeland. The trees, the tree canopy over many of the roads etc. is always enjoyable, especially in Spring.

Everything is busy at work, with budgets etc. and a variety of projects going on. I always have projects for “when things slow down” and then of course they never slow down so I have to move them up on the priority list!

Coming back from a family visit to Oklahoma City, we hit a railroad tie in the road (or rather it hit us) and ended up with two ruined tires and two ruined rims. The Police Department of the City of Hazen, Arkansas went above and beyond duty in helping us and two other cars that hit the same railroad tie.

Allstate Insurance was excellent in handling the claim. We discovered our “road hazard” policy sold to us by Acura of Memphis was useless, which now makes us suspect anything Acura of Memphis sold us. It included the provision that the tires had to be on the car and at the Acura of Memphis dealer and be inspected by the insurance company (which could take 3 days or more for the inspector to appear), which means basically the policy is worthless and we just wasted our money. I expect that will be the last car we ever purchase from Acura of Memphis!

Angela took the “Mensa” test on a dare and qualified to become a member. I’m not sure if she is actually going to become a member or not.

Looking forward to Summer and the Courter Family Reunion!

Greetings from Lakeland

Time passes fast, as I look at the last time I made a post!

Everything has been very busy, which makes time pass fast, but also means I don't get everything done I'd like to get done!

In a way, I almost dread the weather this time of year more than any other as the cold weather just seems to "hang on", with an ocassional warm day, but the overall cold hanging on. I can't really complain since the climate here is so nice. Still....

I am starting to bicycle more again. Why I never actually stopped, I was getting in a lot less bicycling than I usually do due to the rain etc. I still am able to take my morning walk almost every day.

This is always a busy time of year (City budget, meetings etc.) and it seems even more so this year.

Overall, everyone seeems to be doing well.

I've been reading "The Killer Angels" by Michael Shaara. It fits in well with my hobby of reading about Abraham Lincoln, who is # 1 on my "would have most wanted to meet" list. The Killer Angels is a book about the Battle of Gettysburg. It is actually a novel, but factually based.

As usual, I am backed up on my reading (both magazines and books).

First Croctus

Today I saw the yellow flowers of the first Crocus spring out, which means Spring can't be too far behind! I always wait for the first Crocus. I know there may be more cold weather but Spring isn't too far away!

February 29 yet!

Also, I always like to note the every four year extra day of February 29!

There is time

Realizing I hadn't written since February 1 reminds me of a conversation many years ago. I had mentioned to a co-worker that I was going to do something "when things slowed down". He looked at me and said "they don't slow down, there'll just be something else"!

I was reminded of this now since I have been busy and apparently felt I "didn't have time" to write. That conversation many years ago made me think and I gradually got to the point that I realize "things don't slow down" and sometimes I just have to make time.

Anyway, things have been busy. We are doing fine. I still find time for my daily walk and am still bicycling when the weather allows. I still try to read for pleasure occasionally, and visit with family and friends.

I wait for Spring. This time of year is when winter gets very old and I get tired of waiting for Spring and Summer. The air seems to remain cool well into April when suddenly it's Summer.

I always like to think that when I retire (I hope in many years and not in the near future), I'd like to "follow the Summer" one year and go to where Summer starts early and bike along with Summer. While I like Summer, I especially like the start of Spring, with the green grass, trees and the flowers bursting out into life, applauding and welcoming the return of Spring and Summer.

I'm tired of Winter already

Somewhere in the last week, I hit my "I've had enought of Winter, waiting for Spring" moment! Even though it hasn't been a "bad" Winter, I am ready for Spring, the hot sun, the green grass, trees, flowers, hot mornings and all the rest!

Some time I dream of following Summer, going down to Panama Cityand just going north with the Summer!

Memphis/Lakeland has a great climate and I enjoy it except for the time from around January 21 to mid-March! And I don't like the lingering cold air as Spring and Summer arrive. I always want to get someplace HOT about late January!

Brrr from Tennessee!

Winter is here! Actually the cold hasn't been that bad. I still am able to walk every morning (just dress for the cold) than it isn't raining. Bicycling is a little more of a problem. One major difference is the wind isn't here, or at least the trees help block it.

Glad to hear that Dick is finally out of the hospital. What an ordeal for both Anne and Dick.

Life continues to be very busy. It seems I am going from the moment I get up to when I go to bed, although I do like it that way!

I was just thinking how interesting it is to watch children grow up (both our own and co-workers etc.). I understand now why my parents friends were always amazed at how much we had grown since they last saw us! I know with our grandchildren, changes are noticable even in a few months.

This time of year, I am thankful for each day without ice or snow, figuring it is one more day until Spring!

2008

2008 is here-Let the year begin!

We had a nice Christmas in Oklahoma City. We visited on Christmas and also had a 90th Birthday for Aliene's mother. It was fun, but it is good to be back.

I like to reflect on New Year Eve and day on the coming year and the past year, although I don't dwell on teh past much.

One of my favorite quotes is "Don't look back, it detracts from the present". (The actual quote is from a movie, "I never look back, darling, it distracts from the now".) I also like the quote from Dale Carnegie "Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain-and most fools do". Anyway, so I don't spend a lot of itme on reviewing the past, unless I can learn from it or correct it, so I don't spend a lot of time on the "year in review" etc.

I am looking forward to 2008 and the events to come. I have already planned to attend the Courter Reunion in Topeka in July and am looking forward to it.

Hope you all had a good Holiday season and 2008 is starting out well!

Shortest Day of the Year

I always like December 21, "the shortest day of the year", because it means the seasons have turned and it is all towards Summer from here! True, I am sure some serious cold weather will arrive before Summer does, but at least there will be more light!

Blueberries and hypertime

I am glad to find that fresh blueberries are available year-round now! Frozen blueberries are ok, but fresh blueberries start my day off much better! I always put them in with my oatmeal in the morning.

I will never understand why time passes so fast in the morning. It seems no matter how much time I should have in the morming, time passes faster! I have heard it described as "hypertime", which is a good description.

This morning, I could swear someone moved the clock up, time went so fast!

I think of the morning as "my time" and maybe that is why it goes so fast. I g et up about 3:30 a.m., and it is time to go to work (7:40 a.m.) before I know it!

Why I enjoy an occasional morning meeting/breakfast out (on workdays), I really enjoy the time to get things done.

I especially like my morning walk. I think that is when I process thoughts and events and try to make some sense out of what is going on and life!