Spring 2014 April 4 Friday

73 degrees this morning. Heavy rain, wind and lightning.  Didn't walk or bicycle, did go to ATC for stationary bike.

Somehow the phrase "Stranger in my own Land"  (I'm not sure where that is from-i just checked and it is originally from a book by Robert Heinlein in 1961 about a human (from earth) who is born on  Mars and who comes to earth as adult.  However, most of the entries refer to a wide variety of groups in our society who feel isolated from the mainstream for whatever reason.  

I saw "Stranger in my own Hometown", which may be more appropriate and I was amazed to find it is a song by Elvis Presley!  

Anyway, the way this thought all came up was I noticed a meeting I would normally and like to attend, and I realize I couldn't attend it (or a lot of meetings) primarily because it could be seen as disruptive, since I am now "invisible" as the former City Manager.  Or maybe the large pink elephant (figuratively speaking, of course) that no one "sees" or admits to seeing.

However, it was a good 12 years, so I can't really complain.  Also, it is nice that this is a metropolitan area, so I'm really not restricted just to persons, businesses etc. in the city, in fact this was basically true while I was City Manager, since Lakeland has a limited retail base.  

I am beginning to realize that "older" people are also becoming "Strangers in their own land" in a general way.  I hear many stories of older people who are simply not considered for jobs etc. due to age as they become "invisible" people.  I am lucky in my retirement benefits, but I suspect there will be some massive reactions when people with 401 (k)'s that are insufficient reach retirement age and realize not only don't they have sufficient retirement, they also can't get a job at many places because of their age.  

I recently read that the US population who consider themselves "middle class" are decreasing (it was fairly substantial, I don't recall how much it was).  With the recent supreme court decision giving more influence to people/companies with money, more and more people will be disengaged from society with probably negative results. 

I think the supreme court decision will have even more effect on small communities as developers ete.  "buy" favorable decisions.  I have seen myself what happens when "machine politics" came to Lakeland with the resulting "spoils system", and it will not be a pretty picture if this continues to increase at the local level.  

Of course, all extremes normally tend to self-correct and hopefully the extreme has been reached and the correction will start.

Friday again.  The days continue to speed by.  To where, I don't know

That's it for now.

Spring 2014 April 3 Thursday

73 degrees this morning.  Finally!  Still a slight chill in the air.  Some clouds, expected thunderstorms and possible tornados this afternoon.

One little guilty pleasure I have each day (besides my music videos early in the morning and my naps) is the "comics" in the newspaper.  I read almost all of the comic strips in the Commercial Appeal.  I don't read two of them at all, I seriously follow or read about ten and the set are kid of hit and miss.  I prefer the comics where the characters can change, get married, die etc.  I guess for a brief period each cay I can enter a realm (or realms) of unreality.  

Sat outside on the patio for while yesterday planning on sitting out these some today.  Soon this all will be a distant memory and I want to experience it while I can.  It is strange to think that (probably) in the near future, the last 12 years will just be a  distant memory and I will wonder at times if they really happened.  One "real" aspect of this is some of the people I have met, dealt with and been friends with.  Both Aliene and I will early miss the friends we have made here and just many of the people we don't know as well also.

I say all of this as a result of listing our house yesterday.  It (the listing plus we already have an offer) really made the concept of leaving real.  I grew up in areas where the people were generally friendly and neighborly.  I have to say that the residents of this area (Memphis area/Lakeland etc.) are some of the best and most hospitable people I have ever met.  I know a lot of people won't believe me, but the drivers are the most courteous drivers I ever meet.  When I  visit in other areas, I notice the difference (more hostile etc.) immediately.  As far as the quality of the people, I can't say enough for that.

Back to the comics, sometimes when I feel time pressured, I think I need to skip them, but I always read my favorites.  I don't read the "peanuts" reruns, and there are several murky ones I don't read.

Promises to be a busy day, have several appointments etc.  plus bad weather is supposed to be coming in.  

Several days ago, I noted I was starting to lose track of what day it is.  One major factor is when the stock market is open, it definitely adds some pizzaz to the day. Not that I have much invested, it is just interesting to watch.

That's all for now.  I noted I seem to have a lot more energy early in the morning than late at night.

That's it for now.

Spring 2014 April 2 Wednesday

59 degrees this morning.  Hopefully another nice day to come!  I am looking forward to my early morning patio times in the near future!  (it is still a little cool for them.)

Commercial Appeal and other papers were very late this morning.  About time to go ahead and cancel them if they don't get here on time.  For some reason the normal carrier is great but the  substitute is always so late I normally just read the paper on the internet rather than wait.   Small things, but important to me when I get it.

Listed house this afternoon.  Had a verbal offer shortly after that.  rt

That's it for today.  

Spring 2014 April 1 Tuesday

64 degrees this morning.  Turned out to be wonderful, beautiful day.  Paper was late (again, while the temporary is delivering), but I managed to get my normal routine in.

Vist with Oral Surgeon for last review of teeth implants before the next step, which is to "uncover" the "posts" and putting a "healing collar" in them in about 2 1/2 months.  Hard to believe how time passes.  In 2 1/2 months, the trip to China will be over, the CM Fest will be over and who knows where we will be.

Carpets, tile cleaned today, house should be ready to go on the market this week.  

Had a nice bicycle ride this afternoon, followed by my usual soak in the whirlpool bathtub with a good book. (In this case, "Lincoln's Boys").  Also reading "The People of the Book" on my iPad for the Book Club.  It is a great book, especially after I sorted out the events and people.  I am about to finish it.  After the dentist visit, I went to my second place (Starbucks) and read for a while.  It was very nice.

Sitting outside tonight, dozing on my beloved back patio.  I realize I am in the process of saying goodby to my beloved patio, my wonderful house and the ever-changing woods in the back of my house and, even more so, my 12 years in Lakeland.  I don't feel I turned old while in Lakeland, but apparently others do.

I look back and try to remember, but many of the events are overshadowed by the realization that  Lakeland as I know it will b destroyed and as a large number of people worked to achieve for the past 12 years.  I am sure the worm will turn at some point, hopefully before the Lakeland experience is completely destroyed by ambitious spoiled brat politicians and the people they feed off of.  

Usually changes, even ones I don't like at the time, turn out  to be for the better.  Hopefully that will be the case in this change.  

For the first time since this change in my life occurred (since November 2013), I am losing track of days and what day it is, or, to be more specific I have to think at times to remember exactly what day it is.   The days are starting to flow together.    That is one reason I am glad I am taking action to change the situation.

That's it for today.  

Spring 2014 March 29 Saturday

52 degrees this morning, rain, wind.  A totally nasty day, although it appears to have stopped raining, still cloudy.

In my "second place"  (Starbucks).  Seems like it has been a long week, organizing house etc. as well as other activities. Book Club is this week, "People of the Book" is the book to be discussed.  It was originally scheduled for the March meeting. I knew I was going to be out, so I didn't bother to read the book and then the March meeting was canceled due to illness, so I am going to be busy reading the book over the next few days.  Also need to finish "Lincoln's Boys" so I can get it back to the library!  I really enjoy the book club, it is small, but it is fun to discuss a book with other persons who enjoy reading. I still have a lot of books to "weed"  (having weeded 64 in the last two weeks, but they were all "low hanging fruit" books that were easy to weed.

The phrase "So Many Books, So Little Time" certainly rings true whenever I go to the Library or Bookstore.  I see a lot of books I'd love to read and then I rethink such as "when am I going to get the time to read this" and I regretfully pass many of them by to be read "later"  (or probably never).  The regret of books not read!

I always watch in amazement as I watch people go through the drive thru.  Personally,  I don't like going thru driveways and I definitely don't eat in the car.  Much as I like to drink coffee while driving, I have never found a coffee cup that works.  All of them have some defect that creates a problem.  McDonalds is the only cut I feel comfortable drinking out of while driving and of course you can't use their cup again.  Somewhere there is a cup that is perfect for my coffee drinking while driving, but i  haven't found it yet.

Later....  Sun came out today but still cold.

That's it for today.

Spring 2014 March 31 Monday

43 degrees this morning.  Paper was late (substitute carrier), which throws off my entire early morning schedule (from 3 a.m. to 8 a.m., when my schedule is highly structured). 

Thinking about the delay in the paper  this morning reminded me  of the everything actions, activities etc. which make my life either happier, easier, more comfortable or just more bearable.  A few years ago (actually about 26 years ago, which probably qualifies for more than "a few"), I decided I needed to quit living in the future (I'll be happy/successful/ ? (pick it)  when.....) or worrying about the past (while recognizing and learning from mistakes, not dwelling on them) and try to "live in the present", in the sense that I enjoy and learn from each day, not in the sense of party every day, which to me would not be happiness.

A few years ago (this is probably about 15 years ago, which may qualify as "a few"-I didn't realize it had been that long myself until I started equating my age with the circumstances where this came up), I realized how happy (or at least comfortable) the small act of putting on lotion after I shaved made me feel.  I know, it is trivial, but it is one of those small things I enjoy.  I'm not quite sure why this makes me feel so good for a brief moment (it still does, and I consciously enjoy it), but I've leaned not to question it and just enjoy.  

Another is reading the newspaper(s) each morning.  This is  along standing habit and something I look forward to and miss if I don't get a chance.  Of course, it isn't just any old time, but in the morning.  I have really gotten to enjoy the Commerical Appeal, New York Times, Wall Street Journal and the on-line edition of the USA Today.  I am lucky I live where they are delivered, I realize I may not always be so lucky.

Another, of course, is my "power nap", which not only give me a little break during day, but is really a necessity.  I normally take one several times a day, and while I am driving, I  frequently will also take a 3 to 7 minute break every hour or so.  This isn't just for enjoyment, this is also a necessity and actually something I really enjoy, the break from having to constantly watch all time.  While at a rest stop an napping, I even enjoy the sounds of the cars and trucks going by on the interstate.

What made me think of all of this was body wash. While organizing, we found a number of small bottles of "body wash"  (or other similar names).  That is something I really enjoy, maybe it is the feeling that I am doing something special for myself.  Also, it feels good.  

Of course, riding my bicycle, but a special case of an enjoyable moment is the bath I take after a long bike ride.  I soak in "body wash", read a book and just relax for awhile.

We are continuing to "sort, organize and weed".  Not any fun, but something we have to do.  Should be a wonderful day, forecast of 70 degrees.

That's it for now. 

Spring 2014 March 30 Sunday

37 degrees this morning.  The cool weather continues.

Life seems to develop it's own patterns, and I still follow the patterns of doing certain activities on the weekend, especially Saturday.  Even though I could do them on a weekday, and probably with less hassle and crowds,  I wait for the weekend.  When "every day is a Saturday except for Sunday", it seems the patterns would be changed somewhat.  Even though I am keeping my general schedule (I get up at the same time, exercise etc. 

Signs of spring and summer are appearing and I except soon will be here.  Can't be too soon as far as I'm concerned.

My picture of Marilyn Monroe feel and broke the glass yesterday.  Fortunately we were able to save the picture itself.  Actually it is a signed poster of the Marilyn Monroe stamp.  I really didn't realize it had glass like that in there.  I pick up odd pieces of art here and there and I checked our other paintings etc. to make sure it didn't have similar glass.  

Reading "The People of the Book", trying to at least get some of it read before Book Club meets on Wednesday, to at least get the spirit of the book.  I didn't know what I would think of it based on reviews and some comments I had read, but it is interesting enough to keep me reading.  I am reading it on my iPad.  I happened to read a review and summary before I started reading the book, which helped m understand a relatively difficult book to understand what was happening.

Turned out to be a beautiful day, a little cool.

With the elimination of the Tennessee women basketball team, the only teams left are the ones I watch hoping they they will get beat, with an emphasis on Kentucky getting beat, hopefully as bad as possible,  if I watch it at all.      

We actually watch almost everything on tape so we can watch when we want to.  Also, I can skip over the "talking heads" and the "analysis", as well as the commercials.  

I was amazed that an old iPod Shuffle that I had given up for dead suddenly showed signs of life and now is holding a charge and acting like everything is fine!  This is one of the three "gumstick" iPod shuffles Apple made.  I think the 3rd generation.  I got them about seven years ago and they just keep on chugging along, with the original battery.  Actually, I have not replaced a battery in any Apple product i own (including a laptop purchased about 7 years ago that i gave to my granddaughter)  Super quality!  I ended up with three of these shuffles (two of them as gifts) and the battery is still good in each one.  I also have an iPhone 3 and 3g I use as an iPad Touch, I use them for music, books etc., and my original iPod is still working find.  My original iPad is still working fine, if a little old and cranky.  

Later....busy day, getting items boxed up, replaced the weed material and mulch in the area where we keep the trash carts.  I finished up with a bike ride, as it developed into a very pleasant day.  

Trying to develop the habit of keeping track of what I eat (and my exercise) on "MyFitness Pal" .  It does ell to keep track of what I eat, even if I estimate a lot.

That's it for today.

Spring 2014 March 28 Friday

62 degrees this morning.  It is always hard to decide how to dress (for exercise in this case) when the temperature is in the range of 60 to 75.  (Above 75, no problem!).  Even, for example 73 degrees, in the early morning  can be relatively cool, depending on how dressed.

It has been a strange journey to, literally overnight, go from receiving up to a 100 e-mails a day, numerous phone calls etc, asking for a decision etc. to literally none.  Obviously I still get a lot of e-mails (mostly junk) and a few phone calls and some personal decisions to be be made, but it is not nearly the same as making decisions all the time.  Hopefully I will get back to it soon, or at least some variation.

In a moment of weakness (actually, I thought a lot about it, the weakness was increased by a $30 sale) I purchased a "Silverlitr Ferrari" which is controlled by a smartphone/ipad app.  It is actually sold by the Apple Store, although I got it elsewhere, sucked in by the $30 discount and free shipping.

As I frequently do, it has set around the house for about 3 weeks while I adjust to it being here and trying to find time to spend on the learning curve to use it.  Last night i started, and I am pleased the learning curve doesn't appear to be that extreme (at least just to get it going).  I'll see what I can do today with it.  For some strange reason it is not unusual for me to purchase something (such as my fitbit force, an iPod etc.) and let it sit for several weeks while I look at it and get comfortable with it.  It may be a subconscious knowledge that the new items will take up time and I am trying to adjust to the time it will take and I am trying to adapt to the time it will take and deciding how to incorporate it into my schedule.  Even though I am busy in a different way now, I am still very busy.

Speaking of "busy", I am always shocked at how much time I can take "piddling" on the computer, especially the internet.  This morning, due to rain (meaning I don't ride my bike) and getting up early for some reason I had some extra time and I thought, "good, I can put the batteries in the Ferrari and learn how to use it, or do some reading, etc.  Instead after reading the USA Today on my iPad, I started piddling on the internet etc. and ended up wasting my extra time!  Aaaaaah!

However, I am glad I have plenty to do.  I haven't been bored for years (other than while waiting in line etc.) and would hate to be bored. I am especially in-tune with wasting time in the early morning.  I enjoy my time from approximately 3:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., although I normally spend about 2 hours of it exercising and reading the papers.  I spend about another 45 minutes taking a nap (usually in the 17 minute range, although it may be longer) and eating breakfast,     The rest of the time is normally spent on the computer, writing (including this), responding e-mails etc.  I rarely read books or magazines during this period.

If I am concerned about a memo or letter etc., I frequently review it and compose it in my head while i am riding or cycling and then simply write it down when I get home.

Heavy rain last night, supposed to continue to rain some today.  Heavy rain came while I was a at ATC fitness this morning, confirming my decision not to ride the bicycle to the club.

I kind of see the Ferrari remote car as a preliminary action to eventually getting a (toy) drone to play around with.  I always liked the idea of the remote controlled helicopter, but I never got one, I figured after I learned to use it it wouldn't have any purposes.  (Although I can't think of a purpose for the Ferrari, but .....I guess it fits in with my car collection.

That's it for now.

Spring 2014 March 27 Thursday

52 degrees this morning, but seemed much colder due to wind and mostiure in the air.  Cloudy, but since rain wasn't really fore cast until later today, I rode the bike.

Deleted 20,000 duplicate pictures yesterday at the Apple Store, but still have about another 30,000 to delete.  For some reason they are deleting so it probably means another trip back to the Apple Store.  Some kind of problem with their "faces" recognition program it causes the "faces" to duplicate.  At first I thought it was an error on my part, but now I don't believe so.  

I just realized the Apple Store is my "third place", like Starbucks is my "second place".  Of course I can't just go there and hang out, but with the open training, I can work on a project and have an expert on call in case I run into a problem. It works wonderfully, I don't know why more tech companies don't have some kind of program like that, instead of making you call and be on hold for hours while they try all kinds of time-consuming "tests" before admitting their product is defective and take it back or refund your money.

Back at my "second place" (Starbucks) waiting for Aliene to finish some items.  We are close to getting the house ready for sell, it has been a long process.  The Realtor may have us do some more, depending on what she thinks would help it sell.  

I had to stop my project of taking pictures of the Hot Wheels, since one of the rules of selling your house is no personal items like that (including stuffed bears, personal pictures etc.)  I didn't count them in the interest of getting them packed etc.  

I went by the library and saw several books I have wanted to  read, but I have too big of a stack of "to be reads" now!

That's it for now, may note more later depending on how the day goes. 

Spring 2014 March 26 Wednesday

30 degrees this morning!  About 17 degrees below "normal" and only 5 degrees above the record low.  Walked my three laps this morning,  didn't cycle since getting a sore throat and didn't want to make it any worse, although I feel pretty good right now.

I hope I don't get to liking wearing sweat pants and walking shoes too well!  Actually, I am ready to get back to work, to say the least.  I have avoided changing my schedule (including working most of the time and avoiding wasting time).  I have also tried to keep my skills upgraded and do my "continuous improvement". 

Going to the Apple store today, both for a learning session (still on the basics of the MacBook Air and iMac) and to find out how my desktop got 60,000 photos on it!  (Malfunction of the "faces" program on iPhoto  I believe.)  I probably have 12,000 legitimate pictures, and the 60,000 makes it run very slow although it's really not bad. I actually like some of the "faces" it created, but not 1000 of each face.

(At Apple Store right now, learned to efficiently "air drop" and also to use more than one "notebook".  About time I learned this!  I decided I was going to learn all the basics I could.  This will save me a lot of time!)

Currently in my "second place"  (Starbucks), waiting for another session with Apple, working on fixing my iPhoto.  Simon and Garfunkel are on the music system (the Boxer), which brings back memories, not the song as much as the singers.

"When the student is ready, the teacher appears".  Somehow that seems to happen me a lot at the Apple Store (not putting too much Zen thought here, just an observation).  This morning, I, in passing, mentioned a problem I was having with multi-tasking and he showed me something that will save me oodles of time in "multi tasking".  Strange I have been using Apple computers for 7, almost 8 years and I didn't know a basic function of multi-tasking.  With my MacBook Air I can simply "swipe" and switch between a theoretically unlimited number of notebooks. Saves a lot of time switching back and forth and getting lost when I am "cutting and pasting" etc.   I spent the entire time working on "air drop" (which is like magic) and the multi-tasking, plus the iPhoto on my desktop.  I am going to go in this afternoon and try to get my iPhoto collection fixed up once and for all and backed up to Flickr and maybe Tumblr.  

The Apple Store is always a delight to go to.  The "Creatives" and "Geniuses" are usually dedicated and very interested in any problem.  When it is open, there is a certain pulse about the place (not the right word, but all I can think of right now).  

Maybe I ought to apply at the Apple Store!  At least they don't appear to discriminate on the basis  of age.   Actually, it would be fun helping the Apple owners learn how to use their computers.

That's it for now.  

Spring 2014 March 25 Tuesday

37 degrees this morning.  We are in that S L O W period of warming up, where it seems to take forever for summer to get here, even in Memphis.  Some years it is mid-May before it has really warmed up.  I mentioned liking baseball yesterday, but we frequently avoid going to any games until early May, unless we are sure it is going to be warm, because it gets so cool at nights yet, too cool to just sit there and watch a game.  

One of the more fun parts of last weeks visit by Kali and Katherine (among many) was riding the bike with them.  Yesterday, at my afternoon ride, I missed having one of them riding with me.  I always ride my morning ride by myself.  (May have something to do with the time!)

The New York Times had an article about age discrimination this morning (even the old discriminate!)  Until 4 months ago, I wouldn't have agreed with it, now I definitely agree it is pervasive and there is little you can do about it, even when employers literally come out and say it is your age.  In a way it is strange since it is the discrimination that everyone (who lives that long anyway) will face.  It will definitely impact your life if you start looking for a job.  I guess it is a matter of that I wouldn't want to work at a place that views age in that way and go on with life.

Scheduled to work on the "MacBook Air" basics again (along with my iMac desktop) at the Apple Store.  The "one to One" program at Apple is certainly a huge benefit if you own any Apple products (although it is available at it's fullest benefit only for computers and laptops).   I always come away rejuvenated from the sessions and I always learn something.  (By the way, I am always pleased to see that, at least at the Apple Store, there is a wide diversity of "creatives" and "geniuses", with ages of all generations well represented, as well as all segments of society.  That is actually one area where someone could argue that age could be  a criteria, but I see no difference between the very young and the very old employees, they almost are all encouraging and informative, with only a few clinkers here and there.  There was one instance several years ago (when Facebook and Twitter came out) that one of the younger creatives couldn't hide his shock that I had a Facebook page.  This was well before it was commonplace, at least the general feeling was that it was for younger persons, but actually an older person helped me set it up, after I blundered around trying to set it up.

Spent a lot of time yesterday filling out the "Visa" applications for our China trip.  The highlight of the trip is the International City Manager Association (ICMA) International Summit, and a pre-tour Study Tour in Beijing.  We are going to spend a day or two on personal tours also.  I have the air flight,  the hotel reservations etc., but haven't finalized the personal tours.  We decided after a "private" tour in Washington D.C., it was well worth the money to take a short "private" tour of the highlights we want to see. I would never have seen Lincoln's Country Retreat on a regular tour and this gave me time to look at it in detail.

One of the more interesting tours we took in Washington D.C. was the "pedicab" tour, which was relatively inexpensive.  It also scared us at times, being the back end of a bicycle in Washington D.C. traffic.  However, it was fun and we saw things in a different light.  

The upcoming Tennessee City Managers Association conference is having a session on "Leadership lessons from Lincoln".  I am looking forward to the seasons since this has been a special interest of mine.

That's it for now.

Spring 2014 March 24 Monday

39 degrees this morning.  I am tired of wearing long-johns when I walk and ride in the morning!  I am ready for just putting on my shorts and t shirt and riding!

I always look forward to April and the start of baseball season.  Not quite sure why I started liking professional baseball, it is really the only professional sport I like and watch much.  (I don't dislike professional football, and do watch it occasionally, but am not really a fan of it.  It has become rather boring a lot of the time.)  Like college basketball and football, I can watch a professional baseball game where I don't really know anything about either team and develop a "favorite" and enjoy the game.  I also like auto racing, although it takes so much time, I normally watch only on tape.  

Since we started going to the Memphis Redbirds games I have become even more of a professional baseball fan.  What is really interesting is seeing the young players coming up and then hitting the "Wheel of Fortune" and getting called up to St. Louis.  We are basically Chicago Cub fans, but "knowing" the players (watching them play for the Redbirds), really had made St. Louis Cardinals a close second, if not an equal.  One thing I will really miss about Memphis if we move is the Memphis Redbirds.  Other cities may have minor league (AAA) baseball or even the MLB, but it won't be the same since the tie between Redbirds and Cardinals is what makes it so interesting.  The purchase of the Redbirds by the Cardinals really institutionalizes the relationship.  One of the regrets of moving if we move.  I realize the Memphis Redbirds are no different than any commercial business, but the stadium, and especially the Redbirds personnel and personnel at the stadium (and the concessions) really have made it a special experience.  It is just fun and one of our favorite pastimes during the summer months.  I think the saying that "life is a series of hellos and goodbyes" is especially applicable to AAA baseball.  You hate to see your favorite called up, but you feel good for the individual, regardless of how it affects the teams.

I always hated the saying ("life is a series of hellos and goodbyes) even as I recognized the truth to it.  Actually, every day is a series of hellos and goodbyes, even as you say "goodbye" to the time allotted for each day.  Even as I suddenly found myself with what I thought would be more time last December, I really didn't realize how I still feel extremely time limited now.  I think that is one reason I usually take the positive note, I don't have the time for negative thoughts.  Negative people will take care of themselves eventually.

I think the biggest problem with time management is setting priorities and saying "goodbye" to activities I enjoy.  I am really debating the amount of time I spend reading the daily newspapers I do.  I long ago learned to scan "Facebook" and ignore most e-mails etc., but I still have a problem setting priorities for time.  Most of my extreme time wasting activities (if you can call them that) happen early in the morning, my walk, bicycling, reading the newspapers etc.  All good activities, with at least the walking being a necessity.  

I do attempt to "manage" my reading by putting some articles aside/saving them to Evernote etc., but....my followup isn't always the best!  I'm still not sure how to handle this.  

Since my coffee brewer (It grinds the coffee immediately as part of the coffee making process) is so loud, I don't use it when we have guests in the house, but for some reason it doesn't bother Aliene.  So I am enjoying my first "real" coffee  in a week. While Kali and Katherine said they could sleep through anything, I didn't want to take a chance, so I ground my coffee in advance and used a "single cup" coffee maker.

Sun is out today.  Still cool, but it is nice to see the sun.  We are going to have to do something soon about the poor Weeping Willow Tree that is bent over in the yard.  (It bent over from the ice events.)

That's it for now.  Currently morning, will add more if the events or the day merit it!

Spring 2014 March 23 Sunday

38 degrees this morning.

Ready to get back to my regular schedule (which is rather irregular at this point anyway).  Have noticed a lot of "springtime" flowers, grass turning green etc., which is certainly welcome.  

All of the teams I was interested in at the "March Madness" have crashed (except for Tennessee) and only the ones I thoroughly dislike (such as Kentucky and Louisville, primarily because of what I think of the coaches and the "pro" type teams who are actually at college for probably the basketball season for one year)) are still in it,  I am amazed at the number of "sports talk" channels on radio and sports "talking heads" on tv etc.  I can't imagine listening to them, but everyone to their own.  One thing I really find irritating  is when a team loses by 3 points or so, and the announcers start to act like the team that "won" is so much better than the team that "lost".  While I feel it is true that good teams win the close games, it still is largely a matter of luck on the close games.   So much for that.

Being with Kali (14 years old) and Katherine (11 years old), I remembered (to some degree) how I felt at that age.  I'm not sure if things really have changed that much, except the environment and a lot of the learning procedures have changed a lot.  

I have spent so much time with correcting problems with both private and public organizations recently, primarily due to incompetence or attempts to overuse technology, I am beginning to wonder what does work right.   This includes government organizations as well as private businesses.  This includes Social Security (Where I have been told totally different answers by representatives within the same office), cell phone companies (one problem is corrected and another problem is created), organizations that use "on line" applications only, and the computer program doesn't work, or that require you to telephone and then they never answer the phone etc.  I am making a list and starting to keep track.  There appears to be a lot of reliance on technology that doesn't work because the people involved don't know how to maintain it etc. and they expect too much of technology.  It has been very frustrating.

That's it for today.

Spring 2014 March 22 Saturday

54 degrees this morning.

Kali and Katherine completed their visit.  It was a lot of fun and we got a lot done.  I am really impressed that an 11 year old and 14 year old can do so well!  We enjoyed their visit, hopefully they can visit again this summer.  

Just realized I haven't completed our income tax return this year.  Got most of it done earlier, just need to complete the final review etc.  I actually enjoy doing the income tax return (the process, not the paying).  I use a computer based return form now, so it is really easy. 

That's it for today

Spring 2014 March 21 Friday

46 degrees this morning.

Thank goodness I can finally write "Spring 2014"!  This has to be the worst, longest Winter since we moved to Lakeland.  I was going to write last night after it officially became "Spring", but other priorities (such as Kali and Katherine, eating and March Madness) got in the way.

We did a "tuit" yesterday, after 12 years, we visited Oxford, Mississippi and "the Square".  It was actually everything we expected and more, a lot of fun.  Kali and Katherine enjoyed it, with Katherine stating she "wanted to live there!".  We walked around the Square and ate at the "City Grocery", probably the closet to the concept of Southern Manners and elegance in dining that we will experience, at least for lunch.  We also saw the famous "Square Books" along Square Jr. (children) and "Off Square Books".  

I almost always take off my hat when I eat, more as a matter of my own preference, since other men rarely do.  The City Grocery hostess asked me to remove mine, which is rather embarrassing , but she was correct.  (I usually remove it when I sit down and she reminded me before I sat dow).  They do have a sign asking everyone to quiet their cell phones and "Gentlemen remove your hats".  We throughly enjoyed eating there.  They didn't have a lot of the vegan in our group, but other than that the food was excellent and I said the heck with carbs and at the candied sweet potatoes.  They also had their own specially blended coffee, which was excellent.  

Our next Tuit is to go to the Shiloh Civil War Battlefield.  I have lived probably about 40 miles from it for 12 years and have never gone.  We did go by the Parker Crossing battlefield one time (at Tennessee exit 108 on I-40) which was interesting.  

My cousin, Ken, provided me with a perfect solution to my dilemna of "too much stuff", especially things related to memories.  He suggested I take a digital picture, which is the perfect solution.  Sometimes the solution to a problem is right there!  When he suggested this, I had an "ah ha" moment of "why didn't I think of that!".  (I can even take pictures of my clothing I have grown attached to also, inc addition to the event t-shirts etc.  But, not the Hot Wheels.  They are staying!

The trip to Oxford was by back roads (which is about the only way to get there unless you go way out of your way, at least from Lakeland). That trip, combined with the detours to avoid I-40 constructed in Arkansas reminded me of my "Elk Mountain Rendezvous".  The Wichita Mountains are wonderful part of southwest Oklahoma.  One day a friend and I decided to visit the Wichita Mountains and hike.  We visited Medicine Park (don't miss this former resort town), saw "Mount Scott"  (I believe about 6,000 feet height, it looks like a thumb rising out of the ground), then on to the trails

We hiked up Elk Mountain.  On the way up, a buffalo was blocking the trail.  For some reason I proceeded on the trail.  The buffalo raised its "(MASSIVE) head and looked at me.  I said "Good Morning Mr. Buffalo".  The next thing I remember was thinking "I'm wrestling a buffalo, why am I wrestling a buffalo? The buffalo had charged me, or at least ran towards me.  When something like this happens, it seems to happen in a slow time frame.  I remember my thoughts, and I remember looking behind me and seeing the shocked look on the faces of my friend and two other hikers who had just rounded the corner.  

I don't think it hit me until later how dangerous it could have been.  It made a good story for speeches!  I hiked the Elk Mountain one more time, but I stayed away from the buffalo.  

That's it for now.

Winter 2014 March 20 Thursday

46 degrees this morning.  A little colder than I expected 46 degrees to be!  However, Spring is almost here!

The "toss and pack" is continuing.  Kali and Katherine have actually been a lot of help, not bad for 11 and 14 years old.  I was surprised at how many "Hot Wheels"  cars I have (both the Hot Wheels and other brands).  Hopefully they will see the light of day in the near future. I was thinking when I got out of the Air Force and my first move to my first "real" job in Liberal, Kansas, everything I owned fit in a car trunk!  Now I have a hard time getting everything in a moving van!  Possessions truly become our masters if we aren't careful.  

Starting on the book by Joshua Zeitz, "Lincoln's Boys" about John Hay and John Nicolay who were his Secretaries.  I didn't realize that his papers were private until 1947, so basically they were the only two who had full access to his papers.  When I was in Washington D.C. over a year ago, I especially enjoyed going to Lincoln's "Country House", although it wasn't open when  we went there.  It apparently was the only place he could truly relax.

In an epic fight with T-Mobile.  Since I use very little cellular (mostly WiFi) on my iPad, I bought an iPad from T-Mobile since they offer 200 mg of free 4g if you buy a 4g iPad from them.  In this case, I cancelled my ATT service for my old obsolete original iPad which was about $20 per month and agreed to buy the iPad for about $25 a month with 200 mb free per month.  (I actually bought an iPad Mini also at a slightly less charge, same agreement, so only the iPad Air was actually somewhat "free".)  SURPRISE.  There is a $10 per month"demand" charge for each iPad. I had to talk with two people at T-Mobile before I could even get them to agree that the $10 was not mandatory and then I was shunted off to someone else and I finally hung up.  However, at least I got them to agree that the $10 per month charge was voluntary and not mandatory.  They are as bad as airlines.

I have to admit I get really tired and angry of the price gouging by Delta and Hertz, but the personnel actually performing the service are almost always great and very helpful and frequently can find me a way out of some of the bureaucracy of both of them. 

That's it for new.  May add more later today as life goes on.

Winter 2014 March 19 Wednesday

54 degrees this morning, windy, so still very cool.  Spring is almost here.  I did see some Crocuses the other day (or what I call Crocus), which to me means Spring is here, with maybe a freeze or two left!

When we go out to eat with Katherine and Kali, we are probably a test to the server.  Kali is a vegan, Aliene can't tolerate gluten and I try to avoid carbs (except in fruit and vegetables).  Katherine will eat anything if she is in the mood for it.  Most restaurants are actually unfazed by it.  

It is strange what is difficult to toss or give away.  Some of the smallest things, many that I got free or have little actual value that I could buy anywhere for very little, are the most difficult to throw away.  For example, the "gimme" notebooks that I have lugged around for 10 years.  Surely it is time to toss or give them to a good home that will use them!  Ditto on many books, especially technical books for devices I no longer have!

Some books I will never give away, including "Watership Down", my collection of books on Lincoln, my Tony Hillerman books (including paperbacks), my collection of literature books I read when I was a child, my copy of "SnowCrash", Silent Spring etc.  As they say, so many books, so little time.  I love each book in it's own way.  Even the books I know I will never read, I have a hard time discarding.  My one positive factor is that if someone wants to read it, I will give it to her without pause.  Books need to be read!  

I actually don't have any real problem with e-books or e-magazines or e-papers.  Many bigger books are difficult to read since they get heavy.  On a long trip, having books on my iPad vs. lugging a bunch of books is not a difficult decision.  Ditto my subscription to a service that provides e-magazines for $10 per month, and my e editions of the Wall Street Journal, New York Times and Commercial Appeal.  I still read (and greatly prefer) the physical newspaper, but at least the e-edition is there.  They still have a lot of little problems come up, but overall they do a good product.

T shirts are the hardest thing to get rid of, since many of them are souvenirs and remind me of an event or person etc., especially a run, bike ride or some special event.  The ones that are too big, I finally packed away.  I believe I have compromised with Aliene that, of the ones that fit me that I know I will wear "sometime", I am packing them away, to see the light of day elsewhere.

However, I don't want to become like some people I know, and spend more than an item is worth to store it for years!  (This usually happens with furniture, and with the exception of my library card case, I have little attachment to furniture).  I was rather surprised at my impressive collection of knives I have picked up over the years.  They are small and easy to store, but when I need one.....

Just like pens and pencils, I have a bundle of them, but when I need one I can't find one!

That's it for today.

Winter 2014 March 18 Tuesday

34 degrees this morning. At least it was a sunny day, although still cold.  It almost seems like it will never get warm, that this is the "new normal!! (Not really, but early in the morning, I really begin to wonder sometimes if I ever really got up to 80 degree weatherI).

It has been fun having Kali and Katherine here (our granddaughtersI).  They have been a big help and it is fun riding the bike with them.

Aliene had a "nerve  block" shot this morning.  Hopefully it will help her back/legs.

I don't really like packing and storing items, it is like saying goodby to them.  Actually I have tossed more items than I expected, and I'm sure I'll get even better at tossing items as the actual move gets closer.  

I have written this at various times during the day.  I actually enjoy writing it the most in the early morning, especially when I have time to write and complete it.  I like writing later in the day in the sense I can speculate more about what has actually happened during the day, but I think the sense of time (in the morning I can always think "I have time later in the day".  I do, but i like to complete it in the early morning and then go back and revise it.

Like today, I am now facing writing the when I am tired and want to go to bed, and my thought processes aren't flowing.

Thats it.  

Winter 2014 March 17 Monday

34 degrees this morning. Waiting for Spring!

Overall productive day.  Kali and Katherine were a lot of help in the tossing and straightening up areas.  I also took them out bicycling fora  while and was pleased they were not only good riders, but also seemed to experience the feeling of flow and freedom bicycle riding provides.

Cold all day, miserable weather for March 17.  I did notice some Bartlett Pears blossoming the other day (they usually blossom right before the final freeze, but I don't recall them blossoming so late in the year).  Haven't noticed any  crocus yet, or at least what I call crocus.

I think the Spring is especially important because of the brilliant green, the tree colors and especially all of the flowers and plants flowering.  It just provides a whole new framework for my day.

Haven't gotten back to reading my novel, maybe will finish it tomorrow.  It is nice to "get into" a novel and want to finish it.  I was listening the Doris Kearns Goodwin's book on Theodore Roosevelt and I was surprised to hear her mention William Allen White, Richard Harding Davis ,  Lincoln Steffens, and several other persons who I read in the high school literature books of my brothers and sister.  Since we didn't have tv, I read the literature books many times.  I am glad I had the opportunity to read extensively than and especially had access to the books.  

Winter 2014 March 16 Sunday

45 degrees. Rain, high wind.

This is going to be a "toss and pack" week as we get our house ready for sale.  Want to get out of Lakeland before the city policies destroy the residential living environment.  

Coming through Arkansas, I wondered if I had taken a wrong turn and was at the Port Authority for New Jersey!  Continued traffic tie-ups and delays created by road construction.  For some reason, Arkansas allows very long stretches of road construction to stall traffic.  The State does do a good job of providing notice of the construction and providing recommendations for taking an alternative route.

The on-line version of USA Today has been quick to read the past week or so, since a large of the stories were on the "South by Southwest" event, which I have absolutely zero interest in.  Nothing against the event, I think the overall intent (to provide bands and music and now tech, exposure is great).  However, this morning, in the New York Times, I read that corporations have taken over the event and corporate logos, required use of corporate social media to get into the publicized events etc. gave me the reason.  Again, nothing against corporate sponsorship.  It seems USA Today could have set up a section for South by Southwest instead of littering its "news" section with what was really advertising.  (The actual story concerned how the corporate sponsorship of big names who are frequently advertising in themselves may be hurting the original purpose of the event, to provide exposure to new musicians.)

A lot of wind and rain yesterday.  Hopefully it will be much better this week, as Spring approaches, at least on the calendar.