The Race starts in less than an hour. Everyone else is in bed, sleeping in. Waiting for me to start breakfast, I guess. Blustery today, but better than yesterday. Went to the casino yesterday. After taking the dog for a walk to be sure. Had a good time: nice run at the craps table only to my winnings at a bj table in about 15 minutes. Brutal! Had a very nice dinner in the restaurant: something called Chicken Oscar. Chicken breast with crab meat and a very tasty sauce. I shouldn't have but got P to split a piece of "Grandmothers Cake" Some sort of lemon filling in a pie crust with pine nuts and generously sprinkled with powdered sugar. Very good. After wards I played some slots with P. Actually converted my $20 into $85 at one of the nickel machines! It was starting to get a bit crowded so when I found a seat at a bj table I took it. Did all right! They were using a machine that constantly shuffled the cards. They used five decks, but every time there was about a decks worth of played cards the dealer would feed them back into the machine. The pit boss said the dealing machine was for a different game except they didn't get the rest of the table set up in time for the weekend. They had already installed the machine, so they were using it to deal bj with. I think it created a better distribution of the cards. We didn't seem to get the runs of big cards or small cards that you usually get when they stop and shuffle the decks all at once. At any rate, I was able to covert my $40 into the $100 I walked away from the table with. So, I had some cash in my pocket when I got home! A pleasant change from the usual turn of events. And the place was so crowded when we left that we couldn't get to P's favorite slot machines to put the usual out the door $20 deposit. Not a bad day.
Nothing planned for today... Watch the race and crank up the bbq if the weather calms down some by late this afternoon. Tomorrow I think we're scheduled to go downtown, scope out the giant Mickey Mouse statue that is on display for the next couple of months before moving on. P's really into the Mouse. That's just an excuse to go downtown and explore a little more. Hope the weather is nicer!
Sunday, May 30, 2004
Sunday, May 23, 2004
Parenting....
Took the step-son and his girls to the concert last night. Dropped them off. Then P and I were foot loose and fancy free. So we went to the diner and ate. We split a cheeseburger and fries just so we would have room enough for desert. We must be getting old. While P qualifies for senior citizen rates in certain places, I don't .... yet.
A little tv, a little reading in bed and that was it for us. Boy, we are a couple of real live wires! I was on the computer early this morning when Scott came down to relate how one of his girl got sick three songs into the main concert! Bummer Dude! The joys of being a parent.... They left and had to call a cab to bring them home. He said they could hear the band playing a bunch of the old hits while they were out in the parking lot waiting for the cab. And they'd been waiting for three months for this concert. Major disappointment. Happy to say the daughter is feeling better today, but......
Time to rearrange things in the den here. Too much stuff, too cluttered. Have to clear off a space if I ever want to do anything, like write a note. There must be a better way to configure the furniture in the room. I like the computer table where it is, have a great view of the backyard, the critter feeders and birdbath. And there aren't too many places the treadmill can go either. Kind of limits the possibilities. Unless something radical is done. Move something to another room? No, then you start getting into P's space. That adds a whole other dimention of things to consider that I'm not sure I want to tackle just yet.
A little tv, a little reading in bed and that was it for us. Boy, we are a couple of real live wires! I was on the computer early this morning when Scott came down to relate how one of his girl got sick three songs into the main concert! Bummer Dude! The joys of being a parent.... They left and had to call a cab to bring them home. He said they could hear the band playing a bunch of the old hits while they were out in the parking lot waiting for the cab. And they'd been waiting for three months for this concert. Major disappointment. Happy to say the daughter is feeling better today, but......
Time to rearrange things in the den here. Too much stuff, too cluttered. Have to clear off a space if I ever want to do anything, like write a note. There must be a better way to configure the furniture in the room. I like the computer table where it is, have a great view of the backyard, the critter feeders and birdbath. And there aren't too many places the treadmill can go either. Kind of limits the possibilities. Unless something radical is done. Move something to another room? No, then you start getting into P's space. That adds a whole other dimention of things to consider that I'm not sure I want to tackle just yet.
Thursday, May 20, 2004
How many days to that long weekend?
Thursday afternoon, stuck away in my little room. Listening to the local classical station on my radio. No windows in this room. Looking out the door, over the cube wall that hides me from casual passers by, I can see the reflection of the sun on the hallway walls... when it shines. I've been working on the Self Appraisal portion of my performance review (due Monday). Tooting my own horn. While usually something I have no problem doing, in fact enjoy doing, it's difficult to do on demand. And especially about the work I've been doing. Now, don't get me wrong, I've been busy. But at what? I help out a lot of people with their little projects. How do you write that up to sound official for your boss to put in your review? Good Luck! Plays well with others? I should get credit just for maintaining the basket of candy. I'm sure the chocolate and sugar have helped out a lot of people. Given them that energy lift to make it to 5:00.
I'm bored.
Memorial Day coming up quick. The beginning of Summer. The Indy 500. I remember the multifamily cookouts in the backyard, running around with all the other kids in the neighberhood while all the parents sat around talking and fixing the meal. We would listen to the race on the radio. Mario Andretti, Al Unser, Andy Granitelli, Roger Penski, all the greats creating even more drama to the day. It was the one time of the year we made our own ice cream. All the kids had to take a turn at the old hand crank ice cream maker. Ice cubes, rock salt and the handle got harder and harder to turn until it was deemed done by my mother. It was the best in the world! A dish for desert in the early twilight with all the parents sitting around with a pleasant glow from the fresh air, the sunshine and the drinks, sated with more food than they should have eaten, feeling pleased with themselves and the world (this was the late 50's early 60's after all).
Yeah, it's a little different these days.
But I'm still looking forward to it!
I'm bored.
Memorial Day coming up quick. The beginning of Summer. The Indy 500. I remember the multifamily cookouts in the backyard, running around with all the other kids in the neighberhood while all the parents sat around talking and fixing the meal. We would listen to the race on the radio. Mario Andretti, Al Unser, Andy Granitelli, Roger Penski, all the greats creating even more drama to the day. It was the one time of the year we made our own ice cream. All the kids had to take a turn at the old hand crank ice cream maker. Ice cubes, rock salt and the handle got harder and harder to turn until it was deemed done by my mother. It was the best in the world! A dish for desert in the early twilight with all the parents sitting around with a pleasant glow from the fresh air, the sunshine and the drinks, sated with more food than they should have eaten, feeling pleased with themselves and the world (this was the late 50's early 60's after all).
Yeah, it's a little different these days.
But I'm still looking forward to it!
Monday, May 17, 2004
About that depression in your head......
So, it's Monday again. A nice weekend for the most part. Made the cross town trip to visit the brother in law, check up on him after his major surgery. He and the dog were taking it easy. He's still in a lot of pain, more than he remembers from the enteritus surgerys in the past. He's a bit depressed (and medicated), not a lot of fun to be around. We stopped at Busters and picked up some po boy sandwichs on the way there. He wasn't really hungry but he did eat the whole thing with two side dishs. P cleaned up while we were there, washed the sink full of dishes, went out to pick up a prescription and Pepsi. She is probably out there right now. She's concerned. Especially with his new propensity to fall. He said he fell in the Albertsons parking lot the other day. He doesn't know all the ways he can move that will cause him to fall. Falling in public, spilling his grocerys all over, not a good moment for R. He has a very cool and confident air about him. If he can't do it well or know the way to do something he just won't do it. Falling for no reason, especially in public, does not fit into his self-image. Definately not!
So, as one could imagine, he's a little depressed. Not that he would admit it. P went out Sunday morning to cook him breakfest. She tried to get him up and about, suggested they go play some video poker. He wasn't having any of it. I think it's the pain medication. But still, for him to pass up a chance to play some poker.... he is off his feed. All we can do is stand by and carefully watch. It's been three weeks since his surgery. How much time will this take to heal?
While P was out cooking eggs and sausage for R, I make Scott take a shower and get cleaned up. Took him with me out to get some potting soil and flowers. We pulled out the painted flower pot and filled those sucker up. Made a nice little arrangement going up the steps to the front porch. We sat on the porch in the late morning sun when we were done, watching the world go by, listening to the classic rock radio station through Scotts open window. At least none of the neighbors told us to turn it down.... I got my new tree trimmer and hacked away at the bottom of the tulip tree for a while. It's one of those things, like cutting table legs to keep the table from rocking.... a little off here then it doesn't look right over there so a little off there. It's STILL lopsided, so some off here....and here....and here..... I was able to stop while there were still leaves on the tree. Barely. I was able to get all the mess into the yard debris garbage can. Problem is that it wont be picked up for another week and a half. Have to get atleast one more lawn mowing into it too. Wish me luck.
So, as one could imagine, he's a little depressed. Not that he would admit it. P went out Sunday morning to cook him breakfest. She tried to get him up and about, suggested they go play some video poker. He wasn't having any of it. I think it's the pain medication. But still, for him to pass up a chance to play some poker.... he is off his feed. All we can do is stand by and carefully watch. It's been three weeks since his surgery. How much time will this take to heal?
While P was out cooking eggs and sausage for R, I make Scott take a shower and get cleaned up. Took him with me out to get some potting soil and flowers. We pulled out the painted flower pot and filled those sucker up. Made a nice little arrangement going up the steps to the front porch. We sat on the porch in the late morning sun when we were done, watching the world go by, listening to the classic rock radio station through Scotts open window. At least none of the neighbors told us to turn it down.... I got my new tree trimmer and hacked away at the bottom of the tulip tree for a while. It's one of those things, like cutting table legs to keep the table from rocking.... a little off here then it doesn't look right over there so a little off there. It's STILL lopsided, so some off here....and here....and here..... I was able to stop while there were still leaves on the tree. Barely. I was able to get all the mess into the yard debris garbage can. Problem is that it wont be picked up for another week and a half. Have to get atleast one more lawn mowing into it too. Wish me luck.
Saturday, May 15, 2004
Dog Walks
Just finished taking the dog for his Saturday walk. He will not let me out of his sight on Saturdays and Sundays until he gets his walk. He knows the signs... Taking a shower, which sneakers I put on, and especially, getting some lifesavers out of the cubboard to suck on while on the walk. By that time he's going bonkers! I attach his leash, open the door and he's gone like a shot! At least to the end of the leash (one of those kind that extends to 20') For the first couple of blocks he's pulling so hard my arm is extended and I have to trot just to keep up. About an hour's walk this morning: around the neighborhood, to the atm machine for some cash, 7-11 for lottery tickets (can't win if you don't play) past the vet (sometimes we stop in just to say Hi, but he hasn't wanted to the past several walks....maybe he remembers that last shot.) I swear, if I wasn't along he would know exactly where to go. Follow one of the typical circuits around the neighborhood and then back home for a drink of fresh water and a treat. He's sacked out in the livingroom in front of the sofa in the sun now. He's had his excercise, time for a nap.
P and I are about to head over to her brothers place. Time to checkup on him. He's been home for little over a week now since his major surgery: fixed three aortic anyurisms. MAJOR surgery. One of the surgeons nicked a femoral nerve and now he has to use a cane and be very careful of how he moves. There is a certain way he can move and all of a sudden he loses all feeling and control of one of his legs. He falls down. Not the ideal situation for someone with a fresh 20 inch scar across his stomach.
We're off!
P and I are about to head over to her brothers place. Time to checkup on him. He's been home for little over a week now since his major surgery: fixed three aortic anyurisms. MAJOR surgery. One of the surgeons nicked a femoral nerve and now he has to use a cane and be very careful of how he moves. There is a certain way he can move and all of a sudden he loses all feeling and control of one of his legs. He falls down. Not the ideal situation for someone with a fresh 20 inch scar across his stomach.
We're off!
Thursday, May 13, 2004
Next
So, couple of days since the first post and nothing serious has happened. Perhaps a second post is in order. See if it really is ok.
I have another hemaphersis appointment at the Red Cross tomorrow afternoon. I'm up to 150 total units. Won't be long before I hit the magical 160 mark (20 gallons). Thats a lot of body fluids. And only once has it been for a specific person. All the rest of the time it has gone into the "general purpose" fund (slush fund?) I have to think about what movie I want to watch. The movie is the best part of the whole process. Last time I watched Babettes Feast. It's subtitled and the significant other doesn't have the patience for that. Good movie though! I usually scope out what everyone else is watching. It must be a case of the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. I've seen nearly all the movies they have so it become a case of what do I want to watch a second (or third or fourth) time? It doesn't take me long to identify movies I've seen already. A couple of scenes. It's interesting to see what choices different people make. Because there are 18 to 20 people watching movies or tv in the same room they are all wearing head phones. And as such, they are the only one watching the movie. It is what THEY want to watch. There was no negoitiating with any one, there was no compromise. How often does that happen? Where you get to choose the movie you want to see without having to even think about what someone else might want to watch. Not very often! At least in my life....
I have another hemaphersis appointment at the Red Cross tomorrow afternoon. I'm up to 150 total units. Won't be long before I hit the magical 160 mark (20 gallons). Thats a lot of body fluids. And only once has it been for a specific person. All the rest of the time it has gone into the "general purpose" fund (slush fund?) I have to think about what movie I want to watch. The movie is the best part of the whole process. Last time I watched Babettes Feast. It's subtitled and the significant other doesn't have the patience for that. Good movie though! I usually scope out what everyone else is watching. It must be a case of the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. I've seen nearly all the movies they have so it become a case of what do I want to watch a second (or third or fourth) time? It doesn't take me long to identify movies I've seen already. A couple of scenes. It's interesting to see what choices different people make. Because there are 18 to 20 people watching movies or tv in the same room they are all wearing head phones. And as such, they are the only one watching the movie. It is what THEY want to watch. There was no negoitiating with any one, there was no compromise. How often does that happen? Where you get to choose the movie you want to see without having to even think about what someone else might want to watch. Not very often! At least in my life....
Tuesday, May 11, 2004
Thrills
Rats!
The hard drive I keep all my music on developed amnesia. First it told me it couldn't access a song, then a directory and after I rebooted it said that drive wasn't formatted, did I want to format it now??!!! Technology!?! What the...... We're talking about 130G of files! Gone.
Just like that!
Luckily, I still have a lot of stuff I burned to CD before I got the big drive.
So, I just get to fill it up again.
The thrill is in the hunt, right?
The hard drive I keep all my music on developed amnesia. First it told me it couldn't access a song, then a directory and after I rebooted it said that drive wasn't formatted, did I want to format it now??!!! Technology!?! What the...... We're talking about 130G of files! Gone.
Just like that!
Luckily, I still have a lot of stuff I burned to CD before I got the big drive.
So, I just get to fill it up again.
The thrill is in the hunt, right?
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