Memorial Day was special to young Bobby Scott growing up in Alpena. Not only did we not have to go to school but Alpena always had a big parade. When I was a Boy Scout I marched in the parade with Troop 78. The parade ran from downtown to the cemetery. Military services were held at the cemetery including the playing of taps and a five gun salute.
Memorial Day was also significant because this was the day that my mother said I did not have to wear long underwear. Long underwear was a drag in warm weather.
It was warm today in GR. The afternoon temp reached 88⁰. We slept in until 0800. Today is going to be an easy day so about 0830 we get in the Taurus and head to the Brandywine for breakfast. We both had pancakes. After breakfast we came home and picked up Ms P and headed to Saugatuck. We were lucky to find a good parking space because the place was rapidly filling up with tourists. Nancy and I walked around the downtown and bought some rhubarb/strawberry jam.
I took a quick nap and then filled out a permit for our alarm system. The City requires a permit although they charge no fee. I took a bike ride around Reeds Lake and mailed my permit at the Lake Drive PO.
Nancy fired up the grill and cooked some steaks. We had steak, corn-on-the-cob and fresh fruit for dinner. The perfect way to start the Summer season. Nancy went to bed early to watch Law and Order. I stayed downstairs and watched a film on the Battle of Midway. The show was on the military channel.
On this Memorial Day I was asked if I knew anyone who was killed in Vietnam. I knew only one person who was killed. I did not know the Officer's name although I had played tennis with him two day before he was shot down. He was born in Germany and joined the Army after college. He was flying a light single engine observation plane when it was hit. A civilian employee of a Navy contractor was captured by the VC and listed as missing. I don't think he was ever found. A grenade was thrown into one of our construction offices injuring five. They all survived. Recently I met a MAC member who got cancer and the VA determined it was caused by Agent Orange. I talk to a fellow at the Kava House who still suffers from PTS.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Sunday May 29, 2011
Sunday morning and I was up before the alarm which was set for 0645. Our morning routine followed most Sundays. We swam, shopped at Meijer's and had Nancy's world famous poached eggs for breakfast. I even took an afternoon nap followed by a walk.
At 1630 Bob and Nancy got dressed up and headed to Meijer's Garden. We are attending the 50th Wedding Anniversary party for Ed and Mary Namey. The party was well attended and we got to meet the Namey's family. I was surprised at how many folks I knew who were friends or high school classmates of Ed and Mary. I met Mary's younger sister who now lives at Grand Lake which is about 20 miles north of Alpena. Mary's sister is the daughter-in-law of a high school classmate of mine, Dennis Bowen. There were a lot of folks who had attended Albion College. We got home about 2000. We watched one of the Bourne movies on TV before going to bed.
I remember Memorial Weekend in 1966. Nancy, Debbie and I were living at 875 Woodside Road in Redwood City, CA. I was really looking forward to this 3 day weekend because for the past month I had worked every weekend. On Friday night I told Nancy that we were going to sleep in. At 0630 the alarm went off and Nancy got up to shut it off. She thought it was a clock in the living room but it was silent. Nancy opened the door and said it was the fire alarm. We are on the third floor. Nancy grabs Debbie and heads outside and tells me to hurry. I was starting down the hall when I realized that I had forgotten my cigarettes. I run back get my cigs and then head downstairs. Nancy and Debbie were waiting for me and I was told there are more important things than cigarettes. I said I would walk a mile for my camels. The fire was confined to one apartment and was soon under control.
At 1630 Bob and Nancy got dressed up and headed to Meijer's Garden. We are attending the 50th Wedding Anniversary party for Ed and Mary Namey. The party was well attended and we got to meet the Namey's family. I was surprised at how many folks I knew who were friends or high school classmates of Ed and Mary. I met Mary's younger sister who now lives at Grand Lake which is about 20 miles north of Alpena. Mary's sister is the daughter-in-law of a high school classmate of mine, Dennis Bowen. There were a lot of folks who had attended Albion College. We got home about 2000. We watched one of the Bourne movies on TV before going to bed.
I remember Memorial Weekend in 1966. Nancy, Debbie and I were living at 875 Woodside Road in Redwood City, CA. I was really looking forward to this 3 day weekend because for the past month I had worked every weekend. On Friday night I told Nancy that we were going to sleep in. At 0630 the alarm went off and Nancy got up to shut it off. She thought it was a clock in the living room but it was silent. Nancy opened the door and said it was the fire alarm. We are on the third floor. Nancy grabs Debbie and heads outside and tells me to hurry. I was starting down the hall when I realized that I had forgotten my cigarettes. I run back get my cigs and then head downstairs. Nancy and Debbie were waiting for me and I was told there are more important things than cigarettes. I said I would walk a mile for my camels. The fire was confined to one apartment and was soon under control.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Saturday May 28, 2011
Saturday morning and I slept in until 0600. It looked like rain when Ms P and I went out.
Nancy's body pump class at the MAC was canceled today. I said lets go out for breakfast. Nancy said great. We were going to go to Wolfgang's but they had a line waiting to get in. We ended up at my favorite Bill's. I had the French toast special which included potatoes, sausage, and eggs. I like a well balanced breakfast.
I wanted to go on a long bike ride weather permitting. I loaded up the bike and headed to Riverside Park and the White Pine Trail. When I got to Riverside I could not find a place to park. A regatta was being held and the banks were loaded with spectators. I turned the car around and headed to Millennium Park. I hoped I could get 25 miles in before it rained. I had the trail to myself and was able to move right along. I did 26 miles. I missed the rain.
When I got home it still looked like rain so I took a nap. For dinner tonight Nancy and I went to Panera Bread for a bowl of soup. We watched a little TV and then headed to bed.
Nancy's body pump class at the MAC was canceled today. I said lets go out for breakfast. Nancy said great. We were going to go to Wolfgang's but they had a line waiting to get in. We ended up at my favorite Bill's. I had the French toast special which included potatoes, sausage, and eggs. I like a well balanced breakfast.
I wanted to go on a long bike ride weather permitting. I loaded up the bike and headed to Riverside Park and the White Pine Trail. When I got to Riverside I could not find a place to park. A regatta was being held and the banks were loaded with spectators. I turned the car around and headed to Millennium Park. I hoped I could get 25 miles in before it rained. I had the trail to myself and was able to move right along. I did 26 miles. I missed the rain.
When I got home it still looked like rain so I took a nap. For dinner tonight Nancy and I went to Panera Bread for a bowl of soup. We watched a little TV and then headed to bed.
Friday May 27, 2011
I did not get up until 0600. I took Ms P out and was surprised at how light it was. Sunrise today was at 0609 and sunset at 2111. We have over 15 hours of daylight. The weather folks said today would be sunny but cool. They were right.
The WSJ had several interesting articles. They reported on the US Supreme court support for AZ's Immigrant Law. I don't like the law and would like to see an amnesty program. But the topic is very emotional and I don't think we will see much action before the 2012 election.
I also read the article on how the Saudi's are trying to get all the Sunni nations to curb Iran. There was also an interesting article on how folks who had sued GM and won a settlement before the bankruptcy are not eligible for reimbursement. I try to follow the European Union and their problems with Greece. It looks like a real mess.
Today is lawn day and after lunch I got out my new gas powered mower and cut the grass. Being self-propelled really makes cutting the grass easy. I made a good decision buying this machine.
Tonight Nancy and I are going to a OHNA TGIF. The TGIF was held outside so we had to wear a sweater. I was surprised at how many people attended especially since this is a long weekend. We took a bottle of wine. I thought the wine was especially good but like a dummy I threw out the bottle. We were home by 2100.
The WSJ had several interesting articles. They reported on the US Supreme court support for AZ's Immigrant Law. I don't like the law and would like to see an amnesty program. But the topic is very emotional and I don't think we will see much action before the 2012 election.
I also read the article on how the Saudi's are trying to get all the Sunni nations to curb Iran. There was also an interesting article on how folks who had sued GM and won a settlement before the bankruptcy are not eligible for reimbursement. I try to follow the European Union and their problems with Greece. It looks like a real mess.
Today is lawn day and after lunch I got out my new gas powered mower and cut the grass. Being self-propelled really makes cutting the grass easy. I made a good decision buying this machine.
Tonight Nancy and I are going to a OHNA TGIF. The TGIF was held outside so we had to wear a sweater. I was surprised at how many people attended especially since this is a long weekend. We took a bottle of wine. I thought the wine was especially good but like a dummy I threw out the bottle. We were home by 2100.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Thursday May 26, 2011
Thursday and the morning was uneventful. I did have to wear my rain suit on my ride to the MAC and Kava House. It was not only rainy but also cold. Temperatures were in the 50s.
After lunch I ran several errands. I have a project to erect the antique dinner bell that I had repaired and painted last year. I was going to go to Miller/Zeilstra on Michigan Ave but when I got there I found out they had gone out of business. I stopped at Rylee's to see if they had wood posts but they did not. I did buy an attachment for my kayak rack.
Next I went to Home Depot to see if they had some wood posts. They did but the post dimensions were slightly larger than the original. I will have to check to see if the larger posts are adequate. I also looked at some beach chairs to see if they met Meijer Gardens requirement for use at their concerts. The seat can be no more that 12" above ground and the back must be 31" or less. The Home Depot chairs were 32" high and so were not useable. We purchased earlier this week some chairs from Costco that we thought would work but they too were 32" high. Nancy talked to the folks at Meijer Gardens and they said the 31" was cast in stone.
After my errands I was so frustrated that I took a short nap. At 1730 Nancy and I got dressed for dinner. We are meeting the Horling's at the Bone Fish Grill for dinner. I was surprised at how busy the place was. The food was very good and we enjoyed the Horling's company. We got home about 2100.
After lunch I ran several errands. I have a project to erect the antique dinner bell that I had repaired and painted last year. I was going to go to Miller/Zeilstra on Michigan Ave but when I got there I found out they had gone out of business. I stopped at Rylee's to see if they had wood posts but they did not. I did buy an attachment for my kayak rack.
Next I went to Home Depot to see if they had some wood posts. They did but the post dimensions were slightly larger than the original. I will have to check to see if the larger posts are adequate. I also looked at some beach chairs to see if they met Meijer Gardens requirement for use at their concerts. The seat can be no more that 12" above ground and the back must be 31" or less. The Home Depot chairs were 32" high and so were not useable. We purchased earlier this week some chairs from Costco that we thought would work but they too were 32" high. Nancy talked to the folks at Meijer Gardens and they said the 31" was cast in stone.
After my errands I was so frustrated that I took a short nap. At 1730 Nancy and I got dressed for dinner. We are meeting the Horling's at the Bone Fish Grill for dinner. I was surprised at how busy the place was. The food was very good and we enjoyed the Horling's company. We got home about 2100.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Wednesday May 25, 2011
It was raining hard when I took Ms P out at 0500 to do her bidness. She didn't want to get wet so she headed back to bed. Today is my easy day so I slept in until 0700. The rain appeared to have stopped so I rode my bike to "Bill's" for their pancake special. I am trying to speed up my reading but it still takes me over an hour to read the WSJ and DFP. It was pouring when I left "Bill's". I was soaked when I got home. I changed clothes and then checked my e-mail. At 1100 I got in the C2 and headed to the MAC for a swim. As I headed to the locker room I heard thunder outside. I turned around and asked if they were closing the pool. The answer was affirmative. I guess State laws says that pools must be closed during electrical storms. I can't win for losing.
It was raining hard so I headed to the Mall. I stopped at Barnes and Noble to look at some bike books. I also stopped at the Apple store to check out the ipad. The problem with the ipad is that it is bigger and heavier than my Kindle. I think the Kindle is a perfect size. It fits in small backpacks and is easy to read. But even the Kindle gives me sore wrists when I read for a long time. I did not buy an ipad.
It was still raining when I got home so I grabbed the Kindle and continued reading my Norwegian crime novel. I read for 45 minutes and then slept for 45. When I got up it had stopped raining so I went on a 3.5 mile walk.
Nancy fixed pinhead oatmeal for dinner. It was really good. I read the GRP and watched the news. I am totally turned off by the programming offered by MNBC in the evening. In fact I get mad watching the smirking Chris Matthews. I think the shows are sponsored by the DNC.
At 2000 I took at 2 mile walk. It is now 2114 and I am in my office writing this blog.
May 1961, Naval OCS, Newport , RI: I was never so busy in my life. Our days are crammed with classes homework and tests. We generally have a test every day. The Navy is very competitive and expects its officers to also be competitive. Every week our grades for every class are collected and a GPA is determined. In addition to grading the school work the Navy give each cadet a grade for his non-academic skills like shining shoes, appearance etc. These non academics skills are given a grade and included in the GPA. The grades are posted with the highest GPA being 1 and the lowest being 50. My first week I was below average. My many demerits lowered my classroom score. Stay tuned.
It was raining hard so I headed to the Mall. I stopped at Barnes and Noble to look at some bike books. I also stopped at the Apple store to check out the ipad. The problem with the ipad is that it is bigger and heavier than my Kindle. I think the Kindle is a perfect size. It fits in small backpacks and is easy to read. But even the Kindle gives me sore wrists when I read for a long time. I did not buy an ipad.
It was still raining when I got home so I grabbed the Kindle and continued reading my Norwegian crime novel. I read for 45 minutes and then slept for 45. When I got up it had stopped raining so I went on a 3.5 mile walk.
Nancy fixed pinhead oatmeal for dinner. It was really good. I read the GRP and watched the news. I am totally turned off by the programming offered by MNBC in the evening. In fact I get mad watching the smirking Chris Matthews. I think the shows are sponsored by the DNC.
At 2000 I took at 2 mile walk. It is now 2114 and I am in my office writing this blog.
May 1961, Naval OCS, Newport , RI: I was never so busy in my life. Our days are crammed with classes homework and tests. We generally have a test every day. The Navy is very competitive and expects its officers to also be competitive. Every week our grades for every class are collected and a GPA is determined. In addition to grading the school work the Navy give each cadet a grade for his non-academic skills like shining shoes, appearance etc. These non academics skills are given a grade and included in the GPA. The grades are posted with the highest GPA being 1 and the lowest being 50. My first week I was below average. My many demerits lowered my classroom score. Stay tuned.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Tuesday May 24, 2011
I never thought I would see this day but today is Blog 1,000. When Missy set me up I thought that maybe I would write about 60 blogs and then move on. I am trying to change the blog's format to make it more interesting. I think cereal night, world famous poached eggs, Kava House and MAC are becoming redundant.
Today was a beautiful sunny day with temperatures in the low 70s. I love this time of year. After the morning routine Ms P and I got in the C2 and ran some errands. I made a bank deposit, picked up my prescription at Meijer's and purchased rhubarb, cherries, and a new garbage can.
After the errands I loaded the kayak on the C2 and headed to Reeds Lake. I finally have figured out the best way to load the kayak on the C2. The only folks on the lake were several fishermen. I think that in the past two years about 5 new homes have been built on the lake. I bet every home cost more the $1,000,000. I got home at 1730 and after a quick shower I headed downstairs for dinner. We had leftovers this evening. I will watch NCIS and then head to bed about 2100. Lately, Nancy and I have watched TV in bed until 2200. I am saving all my reading for a rainy day. I hope the rainy day is 60 days in the future.
Today was a beautiful sunny day with temperatures in the low 70s. I love this time of year. After the morning routine Ms P and I got in the C2 and ran some errands. I made a bank deposit, picked up my prescription at Meijer's and purchased rhubarb, cherries, and a new garbage can.
After the errands I loaded the kayak on the C2 and headed to Reeds Lake. I finally have figured out the best way to load the kayak on the C2. The only folks on the lake were several fishermen. I think that in the past two years about 5 new homes have been built on the lake. I bet every home cost more the $1,000,000. I got home at 1730 and after a quick shower I headed downstairs for dinner. We had leftovers this evening. I will watch NCIS and then head to bed about 2100. Lately, Nancy and I have watched TV in bed until 2200. I am saving all my reading for a rainy day. I hope the rainy day is 60 days in the future.
Monday May 23, 2011
Monday morning and I did not get much sleep last night. We had several thunderstorms roll through last night. Ms P went bonkers so I grabbed her and headed to Debbie's bedroom and shut the door. I let her jump and bark until she ran out of gas and fell asleep. I keep the light on and turn the radio on loud and this seemed to settle her down some. I was tired at 0700.
I performed all my non-aerobic exercises at 100%, however, since I am still on the antibiotics medicine I am doing my aerobics at 50%. I set a PB in the 2K row this morning, 8'54". I pedaled to MAC and Kava House. There were a lot of puddles from last night's rain but the air was clean and fresh.
After a quick lunch Nancy and I headed to Costco to get some supplies. We also stopped at Macy's so Nancy could return a purchase. I took a short nap and then went on a 2 mile walk. Our evening consisted of cereal, GRP and TV. We were in bed by 2130.
I performed all my non-aerobic exercises at 100%, however, since I am still on the antibiotics medicine I am doing my aerobics at 50%. I set a PB in the 2K row this morning, 8'54". I pedaled to MAC and Kava House. There were a lot of puddles from last night's rain but the air was clean and fresh.
After a quick lunch Nancy and I headed to Costco to get some supplies. We also stopped at Macy's so Nancy could return a purchase. I took a short nap and then went on a 2 mile walk. Our evening consisted of cereal, GRP and TV. We were in bed by 2130.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Sunday May 22, 2011
Sunday morning and we are up at 0645. We followed our normal Sunday routine including my normal Sunday afternoon nap. After the nap I got on my AT and pedaled around Reed's Lake twice for a distance of 12 miles. It was sunny and warm today with temperatures in the 80s. Rain is expected tonight.
We will watch 60 Minutes tonight and it will be interesting to hear Lance Armstrong's reply to the doping charges. I wish we had a magic truth serum.
I have noticed over the past three years that winds have become more frequent and stronger. Is it because of global warming? When the wind is above 10 mph I can't go kayaking. Speaking of kayaking I think that biking has surpassed kayaking as my favorite sport.
May 1961, OCS Newport, RI: This is my first Sunday and we attended manatory church service and then had the rest of the day free. I even took a nap.
We will watch 60 Minutes tonight and it will be interesting to hear Lance Armstrong's reply to the doping charges. I wish we had a magic truth serum.
I have noticed over the past three years that winds have become more frequent and stronger. Is it because of global warming? When the wind is above 10 mph I can't go kayaking. Speaking of kayaking I think that biking has surpassed kayaking as my favorite sport.
May 1961, OCS Newport, RI: This is my first Sunday and we attended manatory church service and then had the rest of the day free. I even took a nap.
Saturday May 21, 2011
I set the alarm for 0630 so Nancy could make her body pump class. I slept in until 0700. I pedaled to "Bill's" for breakfast. After breakfast I pedaled around Reed's Lake.
When Nancy got home from the MAC she immediately started working in the yard. I took a nap. After the nap I grabbed Ms P and headed to Meijer's on Kalamazoo to get a prescription filled and buy some mouse traps. Last winter I set two trap in our garage. Nancy noticed them this afternoon and when I check I found out they were full. The Great White Hunter strikes.
I returned home and set the new traps. I also pedaled around Reed's Lake again. I have to get my legs in shape because on June 12 Missy, AJ and I are going on a bike ride through Amish Country in Ohio. This will be our third time for the ride. We are either going 25 or 50 miles.
For dinner tonight Nancy and I headed to Derby Station, a pub in Gaslight Village. I thought the food and surrounding were good and gave Derby Station a 3.2. Nancy gave it a 2.8.
Not much on TV so we read a little and then at 1000 we headed to bed. A wild Saturday night in GR.
1961 OCS, Newport, RI: This is our first weekend and we are all confined to the base. On Friday night Mike Company had to clean the barracks. We moved bunks and washed, waxed and buffed the wood deck. Of course we also had to clean the heads. After the cleaning was complete the Drill Instructor would inspect and if it did not me his standards we did it again. Every Friday night we cleaned our barracks. It did not take that long because we had a lot of folks helping.
Saturday morning we met at 0600 on the grinder for exercise and to practice marching and other military drills. The rest of the weekend was spent shining shoes and brass and doing homework. OCS was more mental than physical. We had classes every day and were assigned homework. Typical classes were: Naval History, Orientation, Operations, Navigation etc.
All candidates had the rating of "Officer Candidate Seaman Apprentice". We were paid $80 per month.
When Nancy got home from the MAC she immediately started working in the yard. I took a nap. After the nap I grabbed Ms P and headed to Meijer's on Kalamazoo to get a prescription filled and buy some mouse traps. Last winter I set two trap in our garage. Nancy noticed them this afternoon and when I check I found out they were full. The Great White Hunter strikes.
I returned home and set the new traps. I also pedaled around Reed's Lake again. I have to get my legs in shape because on June 12 Missy, AJ and I are going on a bike ride through Amish Country in Ohio. This will be our third time for the ride. We are either going 25 or 50 miles.
For dinner tonight Nancy and I headed to Derby Station, a pub in Gaslight Village. I thought the food and surrounding were good and gave Derby Station a 3.2. Nancy gave it a 2.8.
Not much on TV so we read a little and then at 1000 we headed to bed. A wild Saturday night in GR.
1961 OCS, Newport, RI: This is our first weekend and we are all confined to the base. On Friday night Mike Company had to clean the barracks. We moved bunks and washed, waxed and buffed the wood deck. Of course we also had to clean the heads. After the cleaning was complete the Drill Instructor would inspect and if it did not me his standards we did it again. Every Friday night we cleaned our barracks. It did not take that long because we had a lot of folks helping.
Saturday morning we met at 0600 on the grinder for exercise and to practice marching and other military drills. The rest of the weekend was spent shining shoes and brass and doing homework. OCS was more mental than physical. We had classes every day and were assigned homework. Typical classes were: Naval History, Orientation, Operations, Navigation etc.
All candidates had the rating of "Officer Candidate Seaman Apprentice". We were paid $80 per month.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Friday May 20, 2011
I cannot believe it is Friday already. How come the days appear to fly by on the nicest time of the year. I love late Spring. The weatherperson said that the heavy early morning fog would lift before noon and then we would have a beautiful day with temperatures in the 70s. She was right.
I rode my bike this morning for the first time in a week. I had no balance problems. Instead of going to the Kava House I pedaled home so Ms P and I could check out gas powered lawn mowers. Yesterday I had stopped at Rylee's. Today I stopped at Home Depot and the Bike and Mower shop on Fulton. The Toro mower I was looking at was a little cheaper at Home Depot ($20) but they could not service it. The Bike and Mower shop is now called Ada Bike Shop but the old owner still sells and services mowers. The cost at both Rylee's and Ada was the same. However, the Ada store would take my electric mower in on trade. I purchased the mower from Ada. Ada is a truly local owned store while Rylee's is an Ace franchise. Shop locally.
I started cutting the grass at 1530 and I was done in an hour. This is one hour less than the electric. In addition the gas mower is self propelled. I must admit the grass looks good.
Nancy and I stayed home tonight and had deli sandwiches for dinner. After my evening beer I took Ms P on a walk around the block. I was still hyper so I went on a 1.2 mile walk. It was a beautiful evening for a walk. The tress are leafed out and the flower are in full bloom. At 2115 I took Ms P out to do her bidness and it was still light.
I hope everyone is getting their 30 minutes in each day. I got mine in today.
I rode my bike this morning for the first time in a week. I had no balance problems. Instead of going to the Kava House I pedaled home so Ms P and I could check out gas powered lawn mowers. Yesterday I had stopped at Rylee's. Today I stopped at Home Depot and the Bike and Mower shop on Fulton. The Toro mower I was looking at was a little cheaper at Home Depot ($20) but they could not service it. The Bike and Mower shop is now called Ada Bike Shop but the old owner still sells and services mowers. The cost at both Rylee's and Ada was the same. However, the Ada store would take my electric mower in on trade. I purchased the mower from Ada. Ada is a truly local owned store while Rylee's is an Ace franchise. Shop locally.
I started cutting the grass at 1530 and I was done in an hour. This is one hour less than the electric. In addition the gas mower is self propelled. I must admit the grass looks good.
Nancy and I stayed home tonight and had deli sandwiches for dinner. After my evening beer I took Ms P on a walk around the block. I was still hyper so I went on a 1.2 mile walk. It was a beautiful evening for a walk. The tress are leafed out and the flower are in full bloom. At 2115 I took Ms P out to do her bidness and it was still light.
I hope everyone is getting their 30 minutes in each day. I got mine in today.
Thursday May 19, 2011
Yesterday my GP said I could resume my exercise routine but take it easy. I did everything at 75%. I thought I would have some difficulty running but my balance was fine. I did not ride my bike today because of the rain. After the MAC I stopped by D&W to get some yard waste bags. Nancy had heard that the City will eliminate the yard waste collection this year. She was led to believe that stores were running out of the bags and no new ones would be issued. I thought that D&W had a lot of bags.
I stopped at the Kent County Employee's CU to make a deposit. My next stop was Grand Rapids Street and Sanitation Dept. I ordered a 35 gallon recycle cart. The carts are free and we were the only home on the block that did not recycle. On the garbage front we are keeping up with the Jones. The folks at the Sanitation Dept said that the rumor that yard waste collection would end this year are false.
Finally I stop at my favorite hardware store, Rylee's. I looked at their selection of self propelled mowers. Pushing the electric mower and cord is too much work.
After a quick lunch Nancy, Ms P and I got in the Taurus and headed to Countryside Greenhouse to purchase some plants and hanging baskets. The place was jammed.
It being Thursday Nancy and I had dinner at Great Lakes Shipping. We watched some TV and at 2100 headed upstairs.
May 1961, OCS: Newport, RI: We get up at 0500 and they have lights out at 2300. We have about 15 minutes to do our morning toilet. We line up in formation for inspection and then we head to breakfast. I liked Navy food. Most of my classmates did not share my fondness for the food. We marched everywhere. We had classes all day. The classes were about one hour. In college when you took a test you could get partial credit if you set the problem up right but made a silly math error. The Navy does not give partial credit. "Attention to Detail" was heard over and over.
I stopped at the Kent County Employee's CU to make a deposit. My next stop was Grand Rapids Street and Sanitation Dept. I ordered a 35 gallon recycle cart. The carts are free and we were the only home on the block that did not recycle. On the garbage front we are keeping up with the Jones. The folks at the Sanitation Dept said that the rumor that yard waste collection would end this year are false.
Finally I stop at my favorite hardware store, Rylee's. I looked at their selection of self propelled mowers. Pushing the electric mower and cord is too much work.
After a quick lunch Nancy, Ms P and I got in the Taurus and headed to Countryside Greenhouse to purchase some plants and hanging baskets. The place was jammed.
It being Thursday Nancy and I had dinner at Great Lakes Shipping. We watched some TV and at 2100 headed upstairs.
May 1961, OCS: Newport, RI: We get up at 0500 and they have lights out at 2300. We have about 15 minutes to do our morning toilet. We line up in formation for inspection and then we head to breakfast. I liked Navy food. Most of my classmates did not share my fondness for the food. We marched everywhere. We had classes all day. The classes were about one hour. In college when you took a test you could get partial credit if you set the problem up right but made a silly math error. The Navy does not give partial credit. "Attention to Detail" was heard over and over.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Wednesday May 18, 2011
Today I had Breakfast Club. I set my alarm for 0545 but it did not go off. I forgot to push the final button. I got up at 0600 and took Ms P out. I had to hustle to make the 0700 meeting. I ended up being one of the first people to arrive. 85% of the folks in attendance arrived between 0700 and 0715.
After Breakfast Club I came home and took Ms P out. I then grabbed my Kindle and walked to the Kava House. I was surprised how much coverage was given to the infidelities of Politicians. These clowns never read the code of conduct for married men. The code should never be broken.
Nancy worked at the Garden this afternoon. I had a 1300 appointment with my GP, Dr Dave Kutsche. He looked over all the tests from my Monday visit to Emergency. He also checked me out and said that I should keep taking the antibiotics prescribed by the emergency room doctor. After the visit I took a 3 mile walk.
We had pinhead oatmeal for dinner. Pinhead oatmeal is a product of Scotland and Nancy found a supply on-line. It was good. We watched a little TV and read the GRP before heading upstairs.
Ms P is getting fat so I walked her around the block two times today. I also took a 1.5 mile walk before going to bed.
May 1961, OCS, Newport, RI: I cannot get the hang of marching. I am always out of step. Is it because I am left handed? I also am having some problems with the language. I learned that I should never say OK. A wall is a bulkhead and stairs are ladders or gangways. The floor is the deck and the toilet is the head. The drill instructors are always harping on Attention to Detail. For example: all your buttons must be buttoned. The buttons on your shirt must line up with your pant fly. The line is called a gig line.
Your entire shoe must be polished. This includes the webbing between the shoe and sole. And of course your brass belt buckle must shine.
Gigs are either good or bad. A bad gig is red and a good gig is blue. I don't think anyone every got a blue gig. I think 5 red gigs equals a demerit. 15 demerits and they kick you out. After 4 days of a 120 day school I have 5 demerits. I am in first place in my 55 member company. Since I have been a bad boy I must march for 4 hours this Saturday. Marching means marching back and forth along a 200 yard line. You must carry a 1898 rifle on your shoulder. Stay tuned
After Breakfast Club I came home and took Ms P out. I then grabbed my Kindle and walked to the Kava House. I was surprised how much coverage was given to the infidelities of Politicians. These clowns never read the code of conduct for married men. The code should never be broken.
Nancy worked at the Garden this afternoon. I had a 1300 appointment with my GP, Dr Dave Kutsche. He looked over all the tests from my Monday visit to Emergency. He also checked me out and said that I should keep taking the antibiotics prescribed by the emergency room doctor. After the visit I took a 3 mile walk.
We had pinhead oatmeal for dinner. Pinhead oatmeal is a product of Scotland and Nancy found a supply on-line. It was good. We watched a little TV and read the GRP before heading upstairs.
Ms P is getting fat so I walked her around the block two times today. I also took a 1.5 mile walk before going to bed.
May 1961, OCS, Newport, RI: I cannot get the hang of marching. I am always out of step. Is it because I am left handed? I also am having some problems with the language. I learned that I should never say OK. A wall is a bulkhead and stairs are ladders or gangways. The floor is the deck and the toilet is the head. The drill instructors are always harping on Attention to Detail. For example: all your buttons must be buttoned. The buttons on your shirt must line up with your pant fly. The line is called a gig line.
Your entire shoe must be polished. This includes the webbing between the shoe and sole. And of course your brass belt buckle must shine.
Gigs are either good or bad. A bad gig is red and a good gig is blue. I don't think anyone every got a blue gig. I think 5 red gigs equals a demerit. 15 demerits and they kick you out. After 4 days of a 120 day school I have 5 demerits. I am in first place in my 55 member company. Since I have been a bad boy I must march for 4 hours this Saturday. Marching means marching back and forth along a 200 yard line. You must carry a 1898 rifle on your shoulder. Stay tuned
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Tuesday May 17, 2011
Thursday May 12: It has been a week since we landed back in the USA. We are almost back to normal. Jet lag is gone and today I performed at 75%. I have my AT back with a new tire and my Brooks saddle is finally broken in. I really enjoy biking.
Nancy attended another luncheon today. We had dinner at Great Lakes Shipping which is another indicator that we are back to normal.
Friday May 13: The grass is really long and I must cut it today. However, the weatherman says that the rain will start about 1200. I forego rowing today but perform everything else. I start cutting the grass about 1100. The temperature was in the 80s so I had to stop and get a drink every hour. I finished my yard work by 1530. The weatherman was wrong it did not rain. Speaking of rain we had record rainfall in April. I took a short nap. Nancy and I stayed home and had a light dinner.
Saturday May 14: The alarm goes off at 0630 and I sit up and immediately fall back down on the bed. After a minute or two I slowly sit up. My balance was shaky. It was raining today so I take the C2 and headed to the Omelet Shop for a bowl of oatmeal. My balance problem seems a little better but I am still wobbly. I figure that I was dehydrated so I bought a bottle of Gatorade. I worked a little around the house and when the rain let up about 1400 I took a 3 mile walk. I also went to Woodland Mall to the ATT store to get my contact list on the Verizon transferred to new ATT cell. The company switched our cell phones to ATT. I also stopped by Barnes and Noble to purchase a 50 state Road Atlas and a MI County Atlas. I used a gift card from the Scott Team.
We went out to dinner with Ed and Mary Namey. After dinner we came back to our house for dessert. Ed and I also had a sip of Springback scotch that I brought home from Campbeltown. It was very strong.
Sunday May 15: We headed to the MAC at 0730 and we both swam 45 minutes. It rained all day. I filled the Taurus up and gas was $4.15. Nancy did fix her world famous poached eggs for breakfast. I took my Sunday afternoon nap and then went back to the Mall to get Nancy's contact list transferred. After my mall visit I took a 3 mile walk.
May 15, 1961 was my first day at the Navy's Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI. My flight out of NY to RI was cancelled so I took the train and a bus. I arrived at 0400 and they called Reveille at 0500. We all had to assemble on the Parade Ground (Grinder) for roll call. We were assigned to a company. Mine was Mike Company. The day was filled with getting all the books for our classes and getting uniforms. Our rank was "Officer Candidate Seaman Apprentice". The pay was $80 per month. My civilian job had paid $510 per month. All day long we had drill instructors yelling at us. Our standard everyday uniform was to be a pair of denim bell bottoms with a denim shirt. We had to wear Navy issue boxer shorts, tee shirts and black socks. Our shoes were white tennis shoes. The cap (head cover) was the standard white Navy dixie cup. They measured us for our dress uniforms. The dress uniform was white bell bottoms with white blouse (Navy term) and the black scarf. We wore black shoes with the dress uniform.
Every cadet was given a haircut. The haircut took about 30 seconds. They ran a clipper over your head. The floor was covered with hair. I had the distinction of being the only person who did not need a haircut.
The wooden barracks were built during WW II. They had a large open area where rows of bunk beds were stacked. We each had a locker. The bathroom had rows of toilets and sinks. There was not a partition in either the sleeping room or bathroom. The barracks had over 100 cadets.
We were given instructions on how to dress. How to make our bed and hang our laundry bag at the end of the bunk (lap the string 13 times, no exception). And most important how to line up and march. It was a very busy day. I think everyone asked "what have I got myself into".
Monday May 16: Ms P got me up at 0500. I slowly got up and headed outside. I was worried because my balance was seriously impaired. I had to lean against the garage for support while Ms P did her bidness. I wobbled back upstairs and told Nancy something was wrong. Nancy drove me to emergency at Blodgett. They took all kinds of tests including a cat scan and ekg. The conclusion was that I had a serious infection in my sinus. I was given a prescription and told to take it easy for several days. I did take it easy. I worked on my blog and caught up on some reading. We had cereal for dinner and then watched some TV and read the GRP.
Tuesday May 17: Ms P got me up at 0500 and we headed outside. My balance was a little better than yesterday. At 0730 the sprinkler man stopped by and turned on our system. I then very slowly walked to the Kava House and read the WSJ and DFP. It is now 1520 and I will walk over to Gaslight Village to make a deposit. Nancy is fixing me a shrimp dish for dinner tonight. She has a neighborhood board meeting tonight. I will read the GRP and watch NCIS. Can you believe it, I am caught up on my blog?
Nancy attended another luncheon today. We had dinner at Great Lakes Shipping which is another indicator that we are back to normal.
Friday May 13: The grass is really long and I must cut it today. However, the weatherman says that the rain will start about 1200. I forego rowing today but perform everything else. I start cutting the grass about 1100. The temperature was in the 80s so I had to stop and get a drink every hour. I finished my yard work by 1530. The weatherman was wrong it did not rain. Speaking of rain we had record rainfall in April. I took a short nap. Nancy and I stayed home and had a light dinner.
Saturday May 14: The alarm goes off at 0630 and I sit up and immediately fall back down on the bed. After a minute or two I slowly sit up. My balance was shaky. It was raining today so I take the C2 and headed to the Omelet Shop for a bowl of oatmeal. My balance problem seems a little better but I am still wobbly. I figure that I was dehydrated so I bought a bottle of Gatorade. I worked a little around the house and when the rain let up about 1400 I took a 3 mile walk. I also went to Woodland Mall to the ATT store to get my contact list on the Verizon transferred to new ATT cell. The company switched our cell phones to ATT. I also stopped by Barnes and Noble to purchase a 50 state Road Atlas and a MI County Atlas. I used a gift card from the Scott Team.
We went out to dinner with Ed and Mary Namey. After dinner we came back to our house for dessert. Ed and I also had a sip of Springback scotch that I brought home from Campbeltown. It was very strong.
Sunday May 15: We headed to the MAC at 0730 and we both swam 45 minutes. It rained all day. I filled the Taurus up and gas was $4.15. Nancy did fix her world famous poached eggs for breakfast. I took my Sunday afternoon nap and then went back to the Mall to get Nancy's contact list transferred. After my mall visit I took a 3 mile walk.
May 15, 1961 was my first day at the Navy's Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI. My flight out of NY to RI was cancelled so I took the train and a bus. I arrived at 0400 and they called Reveille at 0500. We all had to assemble on the Parade Ground (Grinder) for roll call. We were assigned to a company. Mine was Mike Company. The day was filled with getting all the books for our classes and getting uniforms. Our rank was "Officer Candidate Seaman Apprentice". The pay was $80 per month. My civilian job had paid $510 per month. All day long we had drill instructors yelling at us. Our standard everyday uniform was to be a pair of denim bell bottoms with a denim shirt. We had to wear Navy issue boxer shorts, tee shirts and black socks. Our shoes were white tennis shoes. The cap (head cover) was the standard white Navy dixie cup. They measured us for our dress uniforms. The dress uniform was white bell bottoms with white blouse (Navy term) and the black scarf. We wore black shoes with the dress uniform.
Every cadet was given a haircut. The haircut took about 30 seconds. They ran a clipper over your head. The floor was covered with hair. I had the distinction of being the only person who did not need a haircut.
The wooden barracks were built during WW II. They had a large open area where rows of bunk beds were stacked. We each had a locker. The bathroom had rows of toilets and sinks. There was not a partition in either the sleeping room or bathroom. The barracks had over 100 cadets.
We were given instructions on how to dress. How to make our bed and hang our laundry bag at the end of the bunk (lap the string 13 times, no exception). And most important how to line up and march. It was a very busy day. I think everyone asked "what have I got myself into".
Monday May 16: Ms P got me up at 0500. I slowly got up and headed outside. I was worried because my balance was seriously impaired. I had to lean against the garage for support while Ms P did her bidness. I wobbled back upstairs and told Nancy something was wrong. Nancy drove me to emergency at Blodgett. They took all kinds of tests including a cat scan and ekg. The conclusion was that I had a serious infection in my sinus. I was given a prescription and told to take it easy for several days. I did take it easy. I worked on my blog and caught up on some reading. We had cereal for dinner and then watched some TV and read the GRP.
Tuesday May 17: Ms P got me up at 0500 and we headed outside. My balance was a little better than yesterday. At 0730 the sprinkler man stopped by and turned on our system. I then very slowly walked to the Kava House and read the WSJ and DFP. It is now 1520 and I will walk over to Gaslight Village to make a deposit. Nancy is fixing me a shrimp dish for dinner tonight. She has a neighborhood board meeting tonight. I will read the GRP and watch NCIS. Can you believe it, I am caught up on my blog?
Monday, May 16, 2011
Wednesday May 11, 2011
The date of this blog is May 11 but I am writing it on the 16th. My last blog was April 25 the day before Bob and Nancy left on their big trip to Scotland. The following is a brief narrative on our trip and the week following.
Tuesday April 26: We load all our bags and Ms P in the Taurus and head to Cleveland. It rained most of our trip. We arrived in Cleveland in time to pick up AJ at pre-school. We then all went out to dinner in one of Cleveland's great local bars.
Wednesday April 27: We are leaving for Scotland at 1500. I walk to the Caribou Coffee shop to read my papers. At 1230 Missy takes us to the airport. We got through security ok and were settling in to wait for the time to board. Our flight was delayed several times because of conditions in Newark. After the last delay we knew that we could not make our connecting flight to Edinburgh. Nancy being as efficient as she is had Continental get us on a later flight. Instead of flying to Edinburgh we are going to Heathrow and then take British Midlands (BMI) to Edinburgh. We would get to Edinburgh about four hours later than our original flight. Our bags would follow, we hoped.
This was my second trip to Newark. The first time was 50 years ago in May. My flight from Newark to Rhode Island was also canceled. I had to take a taxi to Grand Central Station in NYC and then a train to RI. I was on my way to Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI.
Our flight from Newark to Heathrow was about 6.5 hours. We made our connection to Edinburgh.
Thursday April 28: The weather in Edinburgh was warm and sunny. The first thing I noticed was that all the trees were in full bloom. Edinburgh is 780 miles north of Grand Rapids but their Spring was two weeks ahead of us. The reason is the Gulf Stream. We are staying at the Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa in downtown Edinburgh. I thought the hotel was great. I gave it a 3.8 but Nancy gave it only a 3.2. Our bags had not arrived yet but Continental assured us they would arrive tomorrow. The first thing we did was to walk around the hotel area. We had dinner at a local pub in a renovated area of Edinburgh. In fact we had all our meals at local establishments.
Friday April 29: We are going to explore Edinburgh today. It is also the day of the Royal Wedding and a holiday. We had breakfast at a local hole in the wall cafe. I had a bowl of porridge (oatmeal), toast and coffee. My grandmother always told me that all Scottish children had porridge for breakfast. We ate in the cafe which we soon learned costs more than if you order take away. After breakfast we walked to the Old Town. On our way we walked along a side of Edinburgh Castle. Edinburgh Castle sits on a large rock outcropping. It is the highest structure in Edinburgh and it dominates the skyline. It is very imposing. We walked through Old Town and visited the many shops selling Scottish woolens, shortbread and whiskey. I almost bought a kilt. We stopped by a Scottish Tourist office to see about getting a hotel in Campbeltown. We had planned on driving to Campbeltown on Sunday. Campbeltown is the home town of my Great Grandfather McTavish. Nobody had heard of Campbeltown. But after a computer research they found it and told us that there were no rooms available on Sunday. I asked if they had not heard of Campbeltown how come all the hotels are filled. They explained that Monday is a holiday so the locals had probably booked all the rooms. We finally got a reservation at a B and B about 5 miles outside of town. They told us that Campbeltown had a taxi company. Our bags arrived today.
We stopped at the railway station to see if we could get a train on Monday to Campbeltown. They also had not heard of the town. Finally we stopped at the bus station and got tickets to Campbeltown. I decided that if public transportation was available that I did not want to rent a car and drive on the wrong side of the road.
We also stopped at the hotel and bought tickets for a tour of Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle. We are leaving tomorrow. We had dinner at another local pub and I had the steak and ale pie. I also tried some Scottish beer. I liked Tennant beer.
Saturday April 30: Another bright sunny day and most of the cafe's around the hotel are closed. We had coffee and a scone at Starbucks. Good ol Starbucks. We caught the tour bus at the hotel and headed out into the countryside. Loch Lomond is northwest of Edinburgh. We have to pass through Glasgow, Scotland's largest city. The countryside was beautiful, just like the postcards. When my grandmother Hughes visited Scotland in 1927 she said it was so green that she got the equivalent of snow blindness. I agree with Grandmother. I saw a first cutting of hay. We saw a zillion sheep and as many new born lambs. At Loch Lomond we took a boat ride around the lake. Loch Lomond is Scotland's largest fresh water lake. The western Highlands surround the lake. I think it is comparable to the finger lake area of NY. After the boat ride we get in the bus and head into the Highlands. We stop at a little village and have lunch. Nancy and I had an ice cream cone and walked around the pretty town. A lot of the locals were mountain biking and hiking in the area. I think the Highlands would be the perfect spot for hiking. The area is beautiful but they hills are not that difficult to climb.
Our final stop was Stirling Castle. Nancy and I paid our fee and walked through the Castle. The Castle is located in a beautiful area but certainly not as imposing as Edinburgh Castle. Our ride back to Edinburgh was very pleasant. The entire trip took about nine hours. The evening meal was at another local pub.
Sunday May 1: Today we are staying in Edinburgh. We bought a 24 hour pass on a local bus and rode all over Edinburgh. We walked around the Queen's summer home and Edinburgh Castle. We even found a cafe that had free internet. We checked our email and the weather back home. Edinburgh is a beautiful city. It is Scotland's second largest city with a population slightly under 500,000.
Monday May 2: We get up early in order to catch the first bus to Campbeltown. We had breakfast at the bus station. I was surprised at the number of folks on the bus. Public transportation appears to be very popular. It is a six hour ride with stops at all the small towns along the way. Once again the weather was beautiful. Campbeltown is located at the end of a peninsula. It is about 20 miles from the coast of Ireland. We traveled through the Western Highlands and also along the coast. The bus stopped at several Ferry stops so the folks could catch at ferry to the western islands. We saw a zillion more sheep. All the farms looked well kept and prosperous. We arrived in Campbeltown about 1130. My first impression of Campbeltown was what a beautiful town. They had palm trees growing along the waterfront. We stopped at the tourist office and got a map and got directions to the cemetery. We walked along the Quay wall on our trip to the cemetery. The homes along the waterfront were beautiful. The cemetery was large and well kept. Since Monday was a holiday nobody was working. We walked through the old area and could find no evidence of a McTavish. In fact an old man who lived in the area all his ninety years said that McTavish is not a common name in Campbeltown. Campbeltown has a population of about 6,000. It has many beautiful homes and we wondered why Great Great Grandmother McTavish, a widow, would leave this area with her three sons. The lady at the local book store said poverty was the reason. In fact all the young folks are leaving because there are no jobs.
The beautiful homes are now second homes. At one time Campbeltown had an active ship building, fishing and distillery industry. They have all moved except for two distilleries. It is very sad. We walked around downtown and then had dinner at a local pub. We hired a taxi to take us to the B&B. The B&B was housed in a manor built in the 1700's. It was set back about a 1/2 mile from the two lane highway. The place was what one would picture a country estate in the 1700s. Nancy and I walked around the grounds. The back 40 was a pasture for sheep and we walked up the hill to get a great view of the area. The place was very well maintained.
Tuesday May 3: Our host fixed a great breakfast. The high point of breakfast was a bowl of porridge made with pin head oatmeal. It was great. After breakfast we took a taxi back to Campbeltown. We had some time before our bus left so we headed to the whiskey store. I bought a bottle of single malt scotch whiskey. It is called Springbank and it is one of the two remaining distillers in Campbeltown. 18 year old scotch is not a poor man's drink. At 1115 we caught the bus back to Edinburgh. I was impressed with the bus service. Despite a lot of stops the buses were always on time.
Wednesday May 4: Our last full day in Scotland and we are going to spend it in Edinburgh. We visited the Art Museum and were surprised at the size and quality of their collection. Actually Nancy was surprised. I did not have a clue. We made some purchases and enjoyed our final evening meal at another local pub. I love pubs.
Thursday May 5: We get up early and took a taxi in order to get our 0925 flight to Newark. We arrived in Cleveland at 1600. Missy picked us up at the airport. The Scotland trip was great and I fulfilled a promise to my grandmother that I would visit Campbeltown.
Friday May 6: We all went out for breakfast and then Nancy and I packed our bags and Ms P in the Taurus and headed home. We got home about 1600. We went to a OHNA TGIF on Friday. It was held at a neighbor's new bakery. The TGIF was well attended. One of our neighbors asked what happened at our house on Wednesday. We did not have a clue so he told us that the GR Police were looking around the house. Kim the cleaning lady improperly set the alarm when she left.
Saturday May 7: Our grass could support half the sheep in Scotland. It was so long I had to set the mower at its highest setting. We had a quiet dinner at home.
Sunday May 8: We only swam 30 minutes this morning. At 1600 we attended a Mother's Day dinner at the Moleski's.
Monday May 9: It is back to normal. I did my morning routine at 50%. Nancy attended a luncheon.
Tuesday May 10: I increase my exercise output to 67%.
Wednesday May 11: Today is my easy day. I pedal the AT to the Bill's for breakfast. Nancy and I attended a charity auction at Meijer's Garden in the evening. We bid on a trip to Africa and for awhile I thought we had it but at the last minute some clown bid more. Nancy got dressed up for this event and she looked great.
Tuesday April 26: We load all our bags and Ms P in the Taurus and head to Cleveland. It rained most of our trip. We arrived in Cleveland in time to pick up AJ at pre-school. We then all went out to dinner in one of Cleveland's great local bars.
Wednesday April 27: We are leaving for Scotland at 1500. I walk to the Caribou Coffee shop to read my papers. At 1230 Missy takes us to the airport. We got through security ok and were settling in to wait for the time to board. Our flight was delayed several times because of conditions in Newark. After the last delay we knew that we could not make our connecting flight to Edinburgh. Nancy being as efficient as she is had Continental get us on a later flight. Instead of flying to Edinburgh we are going to Heathrow and then take British Midlands (BMI) to Edinburgh. We would get to Edinburgh about four hours later than our original flight. Our bags would follow, we hoped.
This was my second trip to Newark. The first time was 50 years ago in May. My flight from Newark to Rhode Island was also canceled. I had to take a taxi to Grand Central Station in NYC and then a train to RI. I was on my way to Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI.
Our flight from Newark to Heathrow was about 6.5 hours. We made our connection to Edinburgh.
Thursday April 28: The weather in Edinburgh was warm and sunny. The first thing I noticed was that all the trees were in full bloom. Edinburgh is 780 miles north of Grand Rapids but their Spring was two weeks ahead of us. The reason is the Gulf Stream. We are staying at the Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa in downtown Edinburgh. I thought the hotel was great. I gave it a 3.8 but Nancy gave it only a 3.2. Our bags had not arrived yet but Continental assured us they would arrive tomorrow. The first thing we did was to walk around the hotel area. We had dinner at a local pub in a renovated area of Edinburgh. In fact we had all our meals at local establishments.
Friday April 29: We are going to explore Edinburgh today. It is also the day of the Royal Wedding and a holiday. We had breakfast at a local hole in the wall cafe. I had a bowl of porridge (oatmeal), toast and coffee. My grandmother always told me that all Scottish children had porridge for breakfast. We ate in the cafe which we soon learned costs more than if you order take away. After breakfast we walked to the Old Town. On our way we walked along a side of Edinburgh Castle. Edinburgh Castle sits on a large rock outcropping. It is the highest structure in Edinburgh and it dominates the skyline. It is very imposing. We walked through Old Town and visited the many shops selling Scottish woolens, shortbread and whiskey. I almost bought a kilt. We stopped by a Scottish Tourist office to see about getting a hotel in Campbeltown. We had planned on driving to Campbeltown on Sunday. Campbeltown is the home town of my Great Grandfather McTavish. Nobody had heard of Campbeltown. But after a computer research they found it and told us that there were no rooms available on Sunday. I asked if they had not heard of Campbeltown how come all the hotels are filled. They explained that Monday is a holiday so the locals had probably booked all the rooms. We finally got a reservation at a B and B about 5 miles outside of town. They told us that Campbeltown had a taxi company. Our bags arrived today.
We stopped at the railway station to see if we could get a train on Monday to Campbeltown. They also had not heard of the town. Finally we stopped at the bus station and got tickets to Campbeltown. I decided that if public transportation was available that I did not want to rent a car and drive on the wrong side of the road.
We also stopped at the hotel and bought tickets for a tour of Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle. We are leaving tomorrow. We had dinner at another local pub and I had the steak and ale pie. I also tried some Scottish beer. I liked Tennant beer.
Saturday April 30: Another bright sunny day and most of the cafe's around the hotel are closed. We had coffee and a scone at Starbucks. Good ol Starbucks. We caught the tour bus at the hotel and headed out into the countryside. Loch Lomond is northwest of Edinburgh. We have to pass through Glasgow, Scotland's largest city. The countryside was beautiful, just like the postcards. When my grandmother Hughes visited Scotland in 1927 she said it was so green that she got the equivalent of snow blindness. I agree with Grandmother. I saw a first cutting of hay. We saw a zillion sheep and as many new born lambs. At Loch Lomond we took a boat ride around the lake. Loch Lomond is Scotland's largest fresh water lake. The western Highlands surround the lake. I think it is comparable to the finger lake area of NY. After the boat ride we get in the bus and head into the Highlands. We stop at a little village and have lunch. Nancy and I had an ice cream cone and walked around the pretty town. A lot of the locals were mountain biking and hiking in the area. I think the Highlands would be the perfect spot for hiking. The area is beautiful but they hills are not that difficult to climb.
Our final stop was Stirling Castle. Nancy and I paid our fee and walked through the Castle. The Castle is located in a beautiful area but certainly not as imposing as Edinburgh Castle. Our ride back to Edinburgh was very pleasant. The entire trip took about nine hours. The evening meal was at another local pub.
Sunday May 1: Today we are staying in Edinburgh. We bought a 24 hour pass on a local bus and rode all over Edinburgh. We walked around the Queen's summer home and Edinburgh Castle. We even found a cafe that had free internet. We checked our email and the weather back home. Edinburgh is a beautiful city. It is Scotland's second largest city with a population slightly under 500,000.
Monday May 2: We get up early in order to catch the first bus to Campbeltown. We had breakfast at the bus station. I was surprised at the number of folks on the bus. Public transportation appears to be very popular. It is a six hour ride with stops at all the small towns along the way. Once again the weather was beautiful. Campbeltown is located at the end of a peninsula. It is about 20 miles from the coast of Ireland. We traveled through the Western Highlands and also along the coast. The bus stopped at several Ferry stops so the folks could catch at ferry to the western islands. We saw a zillion more sheep. All the farms looked well kept and prosperous. We arrived in Campbeltown about 1130. My first impression of Campbeltown was what a beautiful town. They had palm trees growing along the waterfront. We stopped at the tourist office and got a map and got directions to the cemetery. We walked along the Quay wall on our trip to the cemetery. The homes along the waterfront were beautiful. The cemetery was large and well kept. Since Monday was a holiday nobody was working. We walked through the old area and could find no evidence of a McTavish. In fact an old man who lived in the area all his ninety years said that McTavish is not a common name in Campbeltown. Campbeltown has a population of about 6,000. It has many beautiful homes and we wondered why Great Great Grandmother McTavish, a widow, would leave this area with her three sons. The lady at the local book store said poverty was the reason. In fact all the young folks are leaving because there are no jobs.
The beautiful homes are now second homes. At one time Campbeltown had an active ship building, fishing and distillery industry. They have all moved except for two distilleries. It is very sad. We walked around downtown and then had dinner at a local pub. We hired a taxi to take us to the B&B. The B&B was housed in a manor built in the 1700's. It was set back about a 1/2 mile from the two lane highway. The place was what one would picture a country estate in the 1700s. Nancy and I walked around the grounds. The back 40 was a pasture for sheep and we walked up the hill to get a great view of the area. The place was very well maintained.
Tuesday May 3: Our host fixed a great breakfast. The high point of breakfast was a bowl of porridge made with pin head oatmeal. It was great. After breakfast we took a taxi back to Campbeltown. We had some time before our bus left so we headed to the whiskey store. I bought a bottle of single malt scotch whiskey. It is called Springbank and it is one of the two remaining distillers in Campbeltown. 18 year old scotch is not a poor man's drink. At 1115 we caught the bus back to Edinburgh. I was impressed with the bus service. Despite a lot of stops the buses were always on time.
Wednesday May 4: Our last full day in Scotland and we are going to spend it in Edinburgh. We visited the Art Museum and were surprised at the size and quality of their collection. Actually Nancy was surprised. I did not have a clue. We made some purchases and enjoyed our final evening meal at another local pub. I love pubs.
Thursday May 5: We get up early and took a taxi in order to get our 0925 flight to Newark. We arrived in Cleveland at 1600. Missy picked us up at the airport. The Scotland trip was great and I fulfilled a promise to my grandmother that I would visit Campbeltown.
Friday May 6: We all went out for breakfast and then Nancy and I packed our bags and Ms P in the Taurus and headed home. We got home about 1600. We went to a OHNA TGIF on Friday. It was held at a neighbor's new bakery. The TGIF was well attended. One of our neighbors asked what happened at our house on Wednesday. We did not have a clue so he told us that the GR Police were looking around the house. Kim the cleaning lady improperly set the alarm when she left.
Saturday May 7: Our grass could support half the sheep in Scotland. It was so long I had to set the mower at its highest setting. We had a quiet dinner at home.
Sunday May 8: We only swam 30 minutes this morning. At 1600 we attended a Mother's Day dinner at the Moleski's.
Monday May 9: It is back to normal. I did my morning routine at 50%. Nancy attended a luncheon.
Tuesday May 10: I increase my exercise output to 67%.
Wednesday May 11: Today is my easy day. I pedal the AT to the Bill's for breakfast. Nancy and I attended a charity auction at Meijer's Garden in the evening. We bid on a trip to Africa and for awhile I thought we had it but at the last minute some clown bid more. Nancy got dressed up for this event and she looked great.
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