Winter 2014 January 30 Thursday

18 degrees this morning.  As an example of this winter, here are the stats that prove it is colder"

High/Low Wednesday:  35/10 (Temperature in Lakeland is normally a little cooler)

NORMAL:  51/33

Record HIgh:  70,  Record low:  5

For good measure, the Mississippi River at Memphis is 5.80, flood stage is 34.  

I love looking at these statistics each day.  I used to keep track of them in my journal, but it became a time thing, and then I quit looking at them every day even though I find them fascinating for some reason.  I especially like to look a the Mississippi level and wonder how this affects people.  

There are a number of persons who live along the Mississippi River (the largest i am aware of near Memphis is across the river on the Arkansas side).  They live in RV's, campers or tents and when the river floods the area you see the Rv's, campers and cars (many of vintage age to say the least) parked along I-40 out of the flooded area.  Not a bad life I guess. (Most of them have jobs etc, they just prefer alternative living arrangements.  

I always think about time, since it is always so scarce.  I am amazed at how much time I waste on "doodling" or just doing small tasks.  For example, some days it takes me 20 minutes after I get up to actually hit the street on my morning walk.  There is no reason I couldn't do it in five minutes, but....  Maybe I need the time for some reason. 

Currently, I feel reading my four favorite newspapers (New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Commerical Appeal and the on-line USA Today-Sections News, Monday, Tech and Travel only!) take too much time but it is frankly worth it to me.  Some time it may not be, but it is the favorite part of my day.  Responding to e-mail takes a lot less time now.  Facebook takes a few minutes, My fitness Pal takes a little etc. and soon I am out of time for other things!  It is amazing how much time the little things that fill my day takes.  

I had a friend once who emphasized that you have to "delete some events/tasks/habits etc. to add new ones".  I realize it is true, but I don't like it, any more than I like the comment that "Life is a series of Hello and Good-by".  Obviously this is true, but it doesn't mean I have to like it or ever accept it!  

Having just endured a big "Goodby", I can testify it is no fun.  Of course I say "hello" and "goodby" to all kinds of events, items and people.  No matter what I am saying "hello" to Thursday, January 30, 2014 and will say "Goodby" as of midnight, no matter what.  

I always liked the poem "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost. I can remember when I first read it (I believe in the 3rd grade or so in one of my brothers high school literature books.  My Dad didn't believe in tv, so I read anything I could get my hands on after I finished my library books!

The Library trip was our favorite.  We would almost always check out the maximum number of books on our weekly trips "to town".  I am always pleased to see the Holton, Kansas Library still there and still well-maintained.  My other primary library memory is the Russell, Kansas library.  If memory is correct, someone donated the funds to the Library for the new building (Kansas has an independent library system, which works well and is a progressive way to fund libraries).  It was a wonderful library, and I will always have a soft spot in my heart for Russell, Kansas and Holton, Kansas for their wonderful libraries and the Librarians who tolerated 7 children and 2 adults checking out the maximum books each week!  (I don't know that my Mom and Dad checked out the maximum or not, but all of us kids did.)

Strange that I now live in a city without a Library, although I have excellent access to a number of libraries.  

Winter 2014 January 7 Tuesday

5 degrees this morning.  (yes, five degrees, single digit!).  This is the coldest it has been since we moved here, I can't actually rememberer the last time it has been this cold.  Walked this mooring, not bad.  I don't bicycle out of caution.  I did ride yesterday in about 14 degree weather, and it really wasn't that bad, except for my fingers getting cold.  +15 libs over my target weight today, although only the Monday weigh-in is recorded.

Apple store today to try to figure out my iPhoto photos.  I have a lot of photos to delete and organize.  I am also going to try a new keyboard for my iPad which is connoted with magnets. I haven't had a lot of luck with magnet conniptions, but I couldn't really find anything else.  I bought a "smart cover", which turned out to be an absolute disaster, one of the worst products Apple has ever made.  (I dropped the iPad twice due to the defective "smart cover".  Even Apple personnel recommended I go to Office Depot (not specifically, but to another store) to get a decent case. Hopefully this will work out better, but I have 14 days to take it back.  

Noted in the WSJ this morning that "ginger" may help asthma.  I need to let Angela know about that.  I have "exercise induced" (which is made worse by cold weather) asthma, but it really isn't that bad.  I cover my mouth when I exercise in the cold and do the 'puffs".

The "puffs" are a perfect example of environmental stupidly or maybe a payoff some place.  The "puffs" were working find and were cheap to buy.  THEN to minimize the "environmental impact" of all of those puffs (probably  one minute of a small jet from all of them together), the FDA changed the standards and only one company could meet the standards.  Of course the price went sky-high and it doesn't work near as good.  I strongly believe in environmental improvement, but his was simply stupid, someone had they head in a place it shouldn't be.  To be honest, I don't know for sure that this explanation is true, but I know it went from a very effective drug to a lot less effective and substantially more expensive.  A pharmanist told me about the FDA and the reason for the change was the "environmental damage" caused by the aerosol. 

"Weeded out" two file drawers yesterday.  A lot of memories in there, but very little I really needed.  I thought about scanning all of it before I tossed it, but decided not to. Probably, after not looking at it for at least 7 years, I will need it tomorrow!  There are a few items I will send to "shoeboxed" to get scanned.   I am going back to try to weed one book per day.  It is hard to do, believe it or not. 

I looked at the "Apple" remote control Ferrari on the Brookstone web site, and, sure enough, I get this creepy message about the item in my Facebook news feed.  Makes you want to get disconnected, at least don't give your real name.  I'm sure I will start getting junk mail and junk phone calls now about it.  One reason I NEVER use the "sign in with Facebook" option.  

Need to go through my papers today again and start sorting stuff out.  Actually hasn't been that bad yet.  One good thing I don't have to weed stuff, I just want to slim it down a little!

Winter 2014 January 5 Sunday

48 degrees this morning.  Supposed to be much lower later today (in single digits).  It was supposed to rain at 4 a.m. this morning.  I even saw the little green clouds coming this way.  So I didn't ride my bike to the gym.  Of course, it is now 7:21 a.m. and it still hasn't rained!  Not that I will ever complain that it's not raining that day (although I realize we need rain).

Sunday morning, tomorrow is the first day after "the Holidays"  Eight of the 11 holidays actually fall from November 11 to mid-February.  

Started reading a book by Alan Greenspan, 'The Map and the Territory".  Perhaps I shouldn't be so surprised that it is so readable and informative, but I am .  It actually is an excellent book if you want to learn about the financial crisis.  Other books i have lined up and ready to read includes  Jim Cramer "Get Rich Carefully"  (CNBC "Mad Money); Christann Brennan, "The Bite in the Apple" and Jefferson Bass "Cut to the Bone".   The last is a "body farm" mystery.  These are just the library books I am reading, I have about five others ready to go.  Of course, I never have enough time, so I end up reading about a book every week.  I've had to cut out a lot of what I'd like to read, but I"m just glad I have the opportunity to read.

The "Body Farm" novel revolves around a real "body farm" around Knoxville (there are also a few others) that study changes in bodies etc. to help law enforcement.  I thought about, and probably will donate myself (after death of course) for the cause.  I like the idea of being outside instead of underground or burned up.  Not that I will probably care at that time, but who knows?

A lot of projects this week, primarily going through my stuff and trying tow weed out what to throw away, give away, sell or donate, if anything.  I also have some other projects (writing etc., training at Apple) I am working on.  Also plan on starting back at Toastmasters if I can find a club in a reasonable distance at a good time.

See three deer out back in the trees.  That is one reason I love this house.

Read this morning about an "all digital" library (all computers and iPads).  No problem with that but I hope they don't forget the traditional books.

Fall 2013 August 19

57 degrees, clear

Read in the WSJ this morning that the "left brain/right brain" theory is NOT correct.  It is based on some experiments (that would not be ethical today, probably) on patients with epilepsy 50 years ago and was not a valid basis.  Somehow, this gives me a sense of satisfaction after sitting through, or seeing innumerable books and articles touting the "left brain/right brain" drivel.  It is so good to be proved correct that it is not true!  I'll discard any books I have on "left brain/right brain", although I doubt if I have any.

We are planning on trying a new place for breakfast this morning.  We have been going to Starbucks, and while I love their coffee and atmosphere, their breakfast just isn't very good and is expensive for what it is.  Their "wraps" are frequently either over or under cooked and generally just aren't good.  Their coffee is great.  Aline loved the coffee drink she ordered, but the milk was disagreeing with her.  

Halloween is coming up.   I never was thrilled by this event, to be honest.  Too much like extortion, kind of like when you are in a store and they ask you to "add a dollar" for THEIR favorite charity.  I'll give to where I want, thanks.  Of course, 50% of the time the clerk acts snotty about it, like you are in the wrong for not giving in to their extortion attempt.  (However, how to I REALLY know that the money goes to the charity mentioned?  I have not gone back to shop at several places after such an incident.)  Kind of like Sams and Costco when they try to hardsell you on their "premium" memberships.  

Glad the weekend is here.  Frankly, I could use the break.  

Sounds like a storm coming in, wind is up (7:21 a.m., Saturday, October 19).  A review of the "weather app" indicates a brief rain storm is coming in.  The information provided by the "weather app" is amazing as are many of the other "apps" and the way the "iCloud" works.  It is so nice to be able to make a note, calendar entry or contact and it appears on all your computers.   Apple products are wonderful (when they work like they are supposed to). 

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 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 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.