Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Wednesday November 30, 2016

Blog time: 0900

Easy Wednesday, I slept in until 0700 waited for the sunrise and then pedaled to Panera. Had an oatmeal breakfast and after reading the news I am thinking of a swim at the Y.

Some interesting items in the news.

PE Trump picks his Treasury Secretary, Steven, Mnuchin. I am not sure I like this choice. Mnuchin is Wall Street. Trump campaigned against the elites.

Demographers are reporting that in some States White deaths exceeds births. The 2020 census should provide some interesting facts regarding the makeup of the USA.

Interesting election in Italy this week. If the referendum passes the Italian senate will be changed making the legislature more efficient.

The President of South Korea is in deep trouble because of influence peddling by an associate. Looks like she will resign. Corruption is rampant. Several big corporations seem to wield tremendous power.

Finally China is rolling back some job security protections. Seems many large state owned corporations have serious money problems and need to reduce payrolls. What happened to the Communist Worker's Paradise?

Pedaled to Y and swam 1,000 yards. Every lane was filled. Took my normal bike ride home but in reverse. Temperature was in high 40s with sun.

Nancy is working at the Gardens this afternoon. She was gone when I got home. Took Ms P on a nice long walk. We did see a lonely robin.

Before lunch I did a load of laundry and took out the trash and recyclables. Also got out my fifty year old suit and checked it over. Looks ok. Tomorrow Nancy and I are attending a Christmas Gala at the Gardens. Suit and tie are required. First time this year I will wear a suit and tie.

Took a short nap and now I am in my office writing thus blog. According to my watch it is now sunset, 1708.

It is that time of year when I get out the family archives and start updating the family tree. I am using a family tree software called My Heritage. They now have an app which I will download tonight.

Light dinner tonight and then some Netflix/Acorn or Amazon watching.

Tuesday November 29, 2016

Blog time: 1050 drinking coffee at Panera.

Up at 0630, Nancy heads out for her Tuesday swim and I did some calisthenics, ate breakfast and waited for the sun. Sunrise today was not until 0752 but when the sun came out it was bright. First sunny day in about a week. We now have 09h 19' of daylight heading to 9 hours on Dec 21.

The temp was in the high 40s when I headed out on the bike. Not much evaporation this time of year so I had to negotiate several large puddles.

Cascade Road is one of the busiest roads in the county but I am amazed at all the wildlife I see while biking along the Cascade trail. Today saw a small crane standing in a creek with a fish in his mouth. Also encountered a large flock of turkeys feeding near the road. Wildlife makes the ride enjoyable.

Donald Trumps impact on the economy is still the big talk on morning business shows. The election in France and upcoming election is other EU countries has business folks spooked.

I don't want to sound like a converted Catholic but I am a big fan of a diet called SOS, stop only sugar. (Available at Amazon) I have been on the diet for almost two years. I started at 162 and for over a year my weight has been at 140. It is painless. Sorry bout the preaching.

While I am still preaching I cannot say enough about my iPad and iPhone. I am a walking office. I do my banking, blog and reading on the iPad. I presently read the WSJ, ENR, GRP and Alpena News in addition to books. I can also watch Netflix and Acorn. Ain't tech great! Of course if I am hacked all the accolades are off.

Trump has got to come to grips with his business and conflicts of interest. This includes his family.

Castro denied Cubans basic freedoms. I hope civil liberties will be granted to the Cubans soon. President Obama was right to start the process of normalizing relations. Hope the PE continues.

Took Ms P on a walk and had a quick lunch. We got in the Escape and ran some errands.

First stop Breton Village. Nancy visited Talbots's and I looked in Fitzgerald's. Nothing purchased. Next stop Trader Joe's where we purchased some wine.

Took a nap. Nancy fixed a crock pot dish for dinner. It was very good.

Read the GRP and we watched the first episode of The Crown and now are watching a BBC show called Dr Foster.


Monday, November 28, 2016

Monday November 28, 2016

Blog time: 1100 at Panera

It was raining hard when I got up this morning but had stopped when I headed out.

Dark and gloomy on my bike ride to the Y. The rain must have been heavy because I encountered a lot of big puddles. Also encountered a large flock of turkeys. Do turkeys go south?

I expected the Y to be crowded with folks trying to work off the Thanksgiving pounds. I was wrong.

On morning shows Hillary Clinton is getting a lot of bad press for joining the recount so late in the game.

Did the BRexit signal the restless electorate. First Trump and then Fillon in France. Throw the bums out seems the battle cry.

Rain is expected later this afternoon so as soon as I got home I took Ms P on a long walk.

Finally a dark gloomy day with rain coming, the perfect excuse to stay inside.

Nancy and I spent several hours downstairs working on our computers. Nancy was purchasing gifts online.

I did some computer banking, paid bills, emptied my in basket, filled out a health survey on 23&me and paid my last installment to the IRS.

I even made a comment on Facebook and did a load of laundry.

Had a light dinner, watched the news and right now we are watching Harry on Acorn.

Sunday, November 27, 2016

Sunday November 27, 2016

Weekend Update:

Saturday November 26: Up at 0515 and we all took Debbie to the airport for her trip back to San Jose.

Drove home and then Nancy and I walked to Panera for breakfast. We watched the sunrise at Panera.

At home we got back in the Escape and ran errands. First stop Home Depot Nancy bought an orchid.

Next was Pet Smart for some special dog food.

At Costco we picked up photos.

Final stop Walmart, nothing purchased.

Walked to Cascade Library. Sat in their comfy chairs in reading room and read the news.

Peggy Noonan wrote a great article in the WSJ, "No More Business as Usual, Mr Trump". She said PE Trump must give up his business to avoid conflict of interest. I think it is a no-brained.

What is with the recount so long after the election? If the Dems had doubts on the vote count a recount should have been started within days. Not three weeks after the election.

Immediately after the 1960 some folks were suspicious of the Chicago vote count. Nixon decided not to ask for a recount because it was so divisive.

Lunch and watched some of UM/OSU game. Bummer.

Took a nap.

Moved back into downstairs bath.

Nancy fixed soup for dinner.

Watched some Netflix before turning in.

Sunday

Up at 0650 and got ready for Sunday swim. We both swam 1,000 yards.

No Meijer's today. Attended the 1000 service at Trinity Lutheran.

Nancy fixed her world famous poached eggs for breakfast. I had mine with waffles.

The day was dark and gloomy. Temperatures were in the high 30s.

Ms P needed to get out of the house. We took an nearly two mile walk.
Sunday nap and then took a two mile walk. I got my 30 minutes outside.

For dinner we had hot turkey sandwiches. We have finished all the Thanksgiving food.

We will watch 60 Minutes and if time allows a Netflix show.

Saturday, November 26, 2016

Friday November 25, 2016

Blog time: 1115 sitting at Panera

I keep getting alerts that today's Black Friday sales will set a record. How do they know it is only 1115 EST? Nobody made a big deal of the Friday after Thanksgiving when I was growing. I was happy no school.

I loved to play hockey. In Alpena we played outdoors. If we were lucky we could find a pond that was frozen on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Good memories.

Speaking of memories on this day in 1961 I arrived on Midway Island to begin my tour. Looking out the plane' window I saw a small speck of an island. Midway is 1300 miles west of Honolulu and 140 miles from the International Date Line. It is part of the Hawaiian chain of island but not part of the state of HI.

Slept in until 0700. No MVP for Nancy today but I got on the bike and headed to the Y. The Y had a lot of families playing basketball and other family activities.

I thought being Black Friday traffic on 28th St would be heavy. It was not. The parking lot a Meijer's was not full. Panera is also empty.

One of the big issues I have with the PE is his opposition to immigration especially from Mexico. Today's WSJ has an article on the plight of small businesses that need workers. No workers are available locally or if they are they are unwilling. These vacancies can be filled by Mexican workers. What is the downside to workers who have a work ethic, are family oriented and want their kids to get a good education? Wise up PE.

As soon as I got home I took Ms P on her walk. We walked in a gentle mist. She was a reluctant walker.

Lunch and then I drove to Meijer's to pick up a prescription.

We all spent the rest of the day inside. I did get my 30 minutes in.

Left over turkey and fixing for dinner. We finished watching the Bond movie and an episode of Ms Fisher.

Friday, November 25, 2016

Thursday November 24, 2016

Blog time: 1930

Happy Thanksgiving!

It was a normal November day. Dark, gloomy and cool. I am glad Thanksgiving is in November because Thanksgiving is a happy family oriented holiday and cheers everyone up.

In my 78 years I have only spent three Thanksgiving away from family. The Navy was the reason for my absence.

My favorite Navy Thanksgiving was fifty five years ago. I had Thanksgiving meal at the BOQ at the Pearl Harbor Navy base in Hawaii. The next day I got on a plane and headed to Midway Island for my 1 year 2 week 3 day tour.

Prior to my marriage to Nancy, my family had Thanksgiving at my Grandfather Scott's farm. It was a big family gathering with at least 20 folks in attendance.

Nancy and I have shared Thanksgiving since 1965. They were all memorable.

Today we all slept in. When I did get up I did the calisthenics at 50% and rowed for 10 minutes.

Nancy spent the morning getting our Thanksgiving meal prepared. My only job was to stuff the turkey.

Took Ms P on her walk.

We sat down to our feast at 1430. It was great. Turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy and super dressing. Finished with pumpkin pie.

I did get the car out and made a trip to Meijer's to pick up a prescription. On the way home I had to stop the car to let five deer saunter across Tahoe Drive.

Talked with Missy and AJ and later with Steve and family who are in AZ with Veronica's family.

We are now watching a James Bond movie on Amazon.

Thursday, November 24, 2016

Wednesday November 23, 2016

Blog time: 0910

Sitting at Starbucks in Breton Village.

Up at 0550 and got ready for Breakfast Club. It was raining and pitch black when I headed out. Luckily the temp was 33 so no snow or ice.

BC was very crowded this morning. The speaker was Rev Fetting a fellow BC member and retired pastor at Park Congregational. He talked about the first Thanksgiving. It was well received.

I will spend some time reading the news before walking over to Orvis to purchase some suspenders.

I will suspend comments on the news for the holiday.

Plan to go swimming at the Y. Debbie and I are having lunch at Yesterdog. Yesterdog is on Debbie's must list of restaurants to visit during her stay.

Purchased the suspenders at Orvis. The pool at the Y was very crowded. School was out and I think a lot of offices are closed so all these folks headed to the pool.

As soon as I got home we all piled into the Escape and headed to EASTOWN. First stop was Yesterdog. Debbie had two, I had one and Nancy had a coke. The original Yesterdog is really quite good.

Next we visited three antique stores. Nothing purchased but it was fun looking.

It rained all day so I did not take Ms P on a walk.

We had a light dinner. Debbie had chicken and noodles and I had a bowl of cereal. Nancy had toast.

We watched Goliath on Amazon, actually two episodes. We like this show.

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Tuesday November 22, 2016

Blog time: 2130

Nancy got us up early so she could get her swim in.

I did all the calisthenics and a row at home. No Y today.

Showered dressed and Debbie and I walked to Leo's for breakfast.

It was cold, mid 20s, when we left with bright sun.

Leo's is 0.3 miles from the condo.

Leo's has great hash browns. We had the standard eggs, toast and hashed browns. Great place and within easy walking distance.

After breakfast I grabbed my iPad and walked to Panera.

Trump still dominates the news.

I don't know who is advising Trump about dealing with the press. He had some news execs in and complained of a bad photos showing his double chins. Give me a break, now SNL will have a field day. Henry Ford had a good philosophy, Never Complain Never Explain.

Is Stephen Bannon, Trump's strategist, a loose cannon? Some of his views on immigration and trade are counter to mine.

Most of the world is confused by Trump's actions so far. He is hard to pin down which I think is good.

On my way home I stopped at Macatawa Bank to make a deposit. The nice cashier showed me how to make a deposit using my phone. So no more trips to bank to make a deposit.

Took Ms P on a walk around the block. Cool but sunny, perfect day for walk. Noted ice forming on the ponds.

For dinner tonight we drove to Shepard's Grill. I like this small cozy neighborhood pub. Good food and atmosphere.

Read the GRP and watched NCIS and Bull.

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Monday November 21, 2016

Blog time; 1135 sitting in Panera.

Slept in until almost 0730. I did the at home routine had breakfast and bundled for my bike ride to the Y.

Both Nancy and Debbie were up and ready to start the day before I left.

The temp was in the high 20s when I left home. Did my calisthenics and mile run before heading to Panera.

I left Panera at noon because the place was full and they needed a table.

The President- elect is putting his team together. I just hope cooler heads will convince the PE that free trade is good for the USA and President Obama's Asian Trade Pact only needs some minor tweaking.

Immigration will be another important issue that requires early action. I don't think you can deport folks who were born in the US to illegals.

Took Ms P on a long walk. I was finishing lunch when Nancy and Debbie came home from shopping.

Debbie wanted to go to the WWW outlet store in Rockford. Got in Escape and headed to Rockford. Debbie bought several pair of Merrills.

Took a short nap. We had dinner at Russ's. We all had the chicken rice soup. Debbie and I also had a burger.

We are now watching Goliath on Amazon. We liked the first episode so we watched another.

Monday, November 21, 2016

Sunday November 20, 2016

Blog time: 1115 Monday sitting at Panera

Sunday a very busy day for Bob and Nancy. A brief summary.

0750 up and head to Y for our swim.

After swim return home to change clothes.

1000 attend the Rejoice service at Trinity Lutheran. The Rejoice service is laid back with a brass band and it is held in church basement. No written program, the hymns and prayers are projected on screen. Same homilies as formal service. They also take up a collection. I liked it Nancy wants a more formal setting.

At home had quick lunch. 1230 head to Mary Namey's to pick her up and take her to the airport. She is spending Thanksgiving with her son in Virginia.

1500 head to Nancy's friend and fellow book Club member Judith's condo. Judith is having an open house for another book Club member, Bev.

Bev is moving to Temperance, Mi.

1630 pick up Debbie at airport. Debbie is spending Thanksgiving with us. Great to see her and look forward to the next week.

We had dinner at Brann's. Debbie and I had the sizzler. I forgot how good Brann's sizzlers were.

Finished reading the papers and watched Rake on Netflix before turning in.

A really busy but enjoyable day.

Saturday November 19, 2016

Blog time, 1030, sitting in Cascade Library.

The weatherman was right. Nancy and I walked to Panera against heavy wind and blowing snow/rain mix.

Panera was nearly empty so we got a seat near the fireplace.

We had our standard Saturday morning fare for breakfast, oatmeal, bagels, banana and coffee.

Much easier walking home because the wind was at our back.

At home Nancy started the laundry and we got the downstairs bedroom ready for Debbie who arrives tomorrow. She is coming home for Thanksgiving. Apple gives their employees Thanksgiving week off.

Walked to Cascade Library and read the news.

Tried to take Ms P on a walk but too cold and windy.

Finally had a chance to sit down and clean my desk.

For the first time this year I watched the final quarter of a UM game. Next week's game will be interesting.

Nancy fixed spaghetti for dinner. We watched some TV before turning in.

Saturday, November 19, 2016

Friday November 18, 2016

Blog time 1100, sitting at my favorite table at Panera. Another warm sunny fall day. 64 degrees now but high temp tomorrow will be 38. Rain, finally, moves in late this afternoon.

I noted the Y was nearly empty. Is everyone deer hunting?

Speaking of deer Nancy took Ms P out yesterday and four deer ran across their path.

Today's news is still dominated by Trump's transition. Trump supporters like his selection of AG and National Security Adviser. His opponents think the selections are deplorable. I think the jury is out.

Trumps big problem might be his children and the Trump businesses. He has to eliminate any conflict of interest.

I think folks want to know what his policy towards China will be. China is the 900 pound gorilla in the room. Trade and South China Sea are major obstacles.

As soon as I got home took Ms P on her walk. Nancy had lunch with friends.

Took a short nap and then we got in the Escape and delivered an exercise ball to Mary Namey.
We stopped at Trader Joe's and bought some two buck chuck and a frozen chicken pot pie for dinner.

We watched the last episode of Agatha Raisin on Netflix.

Friday, November 18, 2016

Thursday November 17, 2016

Blog time: 1015, at Panera eating a banana and drinking milk. No coffee until my acid stomach reaches neutral.

We got up at 0630. Nancy headed to MVP for her Thursday swim.

I did all my calisthenics at home. At 0800 I got in the Escape and headed to St Mary's Lab. This morning I am having some blood tests recommended by my GP yesterday.

After the Lab I headed home and had a quick breakfast. I did spent some time cleaning up after Ms P. She had an accident. I attribute the accident to old age.

I will read the papers before getting on the bike and heading to the Y for my mile run. Will stop at Macatawa to get some money for Kim. Kim will clean tomorrow.

Trump still dominates the news.

Iraq still has not captured Mosul. Russia and Syria are still destroying Aleppo and the US and allies still do nothing.

Got on the bike and headed to the Y when I had a change of plans. Took a longer bike ride instead.

Took Ms P on a walk, showered and then had got in Escape and headed to Hobby Lobby. We bought an artificial tree and several Christmas decorations.

Lunch and then took a nap.

For dinner tonight Nancy and I walked to Shepard's Grill. I had a great burger and Nancy had the bean soup. Still warm when we walked home. The Super Moon is gone. Low temp tonight will be 54. It will also be the high temp for tomorrow.

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Wednesday November 16, 2016

Blog time, 0930 at Panera eating an oatmeal breakfast. My bike ride to Panera was in heavy fog. I had all my bike lights ablaze.

Thank God today is my easy Wednesday. I think I am experiencing a fall let down and need to recharge.

Will head out in an hour for the Y and a swim.

I have my annual physical at 1400.

I make use of my time before the swim by catching up on the news.

The news is all about the Trump transition.

I started my swim wearing my Apple Watch. I set it on the "other" workout option. Swam two laps and noted that my arm movement must have disconnected the function. I took off the watch, dried if off and continued the swim. It is working fine.

Biked home and got ready for my Doctor's appointment.

Annual Physicals are not what they use to be. Not as much poking and prodding mostly talk. The Doc has standard questions and he puts my answers into the computer. He scheduled some blood work and sent me on my way.

It was nearly 1600 when I got home. I took Ms P on her walk.

Nancy worked at the Gardens this afternoon. They were not very busy.

Light dinner, we watched the news. We are now watching "The Fall" on Netflix.

Warm spell predicted for Thursday and Friday, high 60s. Snow coming for Saturday and Sunday.

Tuesday November 15, 2016

Blog time:0930 sitting at Panera drinking milk and eating a banana.

Rearranged the schedule today because of a 1130 Doctors appointment.

Performed calisthenics at home and I rowed 10 minutes. Based on my Apple Watch 10 minutes of rowing is equivalent to a mile run.

November 15 and in Michigan this is the first day of deer season. No tracking snow today but snow is forecast for this weekend.

Started reading the news but did not get far because of Doctor appointment.

Started out in heavy fog and the fog had not burned off at 1030.

Today I am meeting with the sleep doctors assistant or more properly Physician's Assistant.

My Sleep Apena machine is connected to the internet. We reviewed my sleep record for the past month. It looks like the machine is doing its job. Next appointment is in one year.

Stopped at the Tailors and picked up my favorite raincoat. They put a new zipper on it.

Also took the Taurus for a fill up. Regular gas was below $2.00 per gallon.

Nancy had a Dental appointment today and she had some crowns installed.

Quick lunch and then a nice nap.

Took Ms P on a two mile walk. She needed the extra distance because it was such a dark gloomy day. Being outside lifts the spirits of both dog and master.

Tonight Nancy and I are headed out to Noto's for the monthly neighborhood dinner.

The get together was well attended. We spent three hours eating and conversing with neighbors. A great evening.

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Monday November 14, 2016

Blog time: 1130, sitting in Panera.

It was 39 when I left this morning but another sunny day. I think we are setting a record for daily sunshine in November.

Now that the leaves are off the trees I can see houses and outbuildings that are not visible with full foliage. Some really big homes set far back from the road.

It is Monday so the Y was crowded. How come it is not as crowded on Wednesday and Friday?

I did the calisthenics and mile run.

Spent some time reading email and finishing Sunday's blog before starting on today's news.

Trump still dominates the news. The EU is worried that a populist movement like Trumps in several EU countries could upset EU stability. Most populist movements are anti immigration and anti trade.

At home I took Ms P on her daily walk. Lunch and then we all piled in the Escape and headed to Breton Village. I visited Orvis and Nancy stopped at Talbots nothing was purchased.

We stopped at Costco and bought cheerios, cheese and chips.

I am still under the weather so I took a long nap.

Light dinner and then watched the news. We are now watching Jericho on Acorn. The last episode.

Monday, November 14, 2016

Sunday November 13, 2016

Blog time: 1700

Slept in until almost 0715. Drove to the Y and did some calisthenics and a mile run. No Swim today, Nancy is still in Chicago.

At Meijer's I filled the Escape up and then bought yogurt, milk and dog food.

Had a light breakfast. Attended the 1115 church service.

Took Ms P on her walk, we encountered three deer near the condo. I read several sections of the GRP. Of course I took my Sunday nap.

In about 10 minutes I am loading Ms P in the Escape and heading to Kalamazoo. Nancy's train comes in at 1900.

Stay tuned!

The ride to Kalamazoo was uneventful.

The moon was full and very bright. The weather folks call it a super moon.

Nancy's train was on time. I was surprised at the number of cars on the train, I counted at least eight. Nancy said the train was full.

We got home at 2030. Read the GRP, found out about Nancy's great weekend in Chicago. She had a great time.

Sunday, November 13, 2016

Saturday November 12, 2016

Blog time: 0830, starting this blog sitting in Panera.

Normally sitting with Nancy but she is in Chicago for the weekend. It has only been two days but I am missing her.

It was 26 degrees this morning. First morning with temps in the 20s. Despite the cold we have bright sunshine. Sunshine trumps cold.

After Panera I walked over to Meijer's and picked up a prescription.

Took Ms P on a long walk. She does not mind the cold.

Nice day for a bike ride so I pumped up the tires and headed out on a short, 9 mi, but scenic route. It took me by Laraway Lake. The leaves were so thick on the path that when climbing a steep hill my back tire had trouble getting traction. The back wheel would spin.

I took a long nap. For dinner I walked to Panera for a bowl of soup.

I am now finishing reading the WSJ and looking at headlines from U.K. Papers. Donald Trump and what his impact will be dominates.

Will the Keystone Pipeline be resurrected along with coal fired plants? The Climate folks are worried but if done right they will be an economic plus.

I think the most worrisome unknown is the Trump foreign policy? Only time will tell.

Tonight I will continue watching The Last Kingdom on Netflix. The series is an adaptation from several books by English author, Bernard Cornwall. I am a big fan of Cornwall.

Friday, November 11, 2016

Friday November 11, 2016

Blog time: 1100 sitting in Panera.

Happy Veterans Day. Ask an old Veteran his service number and I bet 90% will rattle it off. Mine was 652654, you never forget, even after 55 years.

Another trip done memory lane. On this date, Friday November 11, 1955, I played my last high school football game. It was a home game and we played Hamtramck. Hamtramck was a small town surrounded by Detroit. It was 250 miles from Alpena. We traditionally played a home and home series.

The reason for the game was that Hamtramck had a huge Polish population as did Alpena. Kind of a pole to pole game. We won.

The highlight of the series was when we traveled to Hamtramck, in my case 1954. The bus would stop at the huge Hudson's Department store in downtown Detroit and let us out so we could ride the moving stairs, escalators. Big treat for the kids from Alpena as was staying in a hotel.

Hamtramck is no longer home to Polish folks but is a majority Muslim City.

Ms P is still confused about Nancy's absence. We have an appointment with the Vet at 1300.

Yesterday we had steady winds with velocities over 20 mph. It blew the leaves off most trees. Our beautiful colors are gone.

Started reading the papers but had to leave early because of Ms P's Vet appointment.

The Vet checked Ms P out and said she was in pretty good health. She did get a distemper shot.

I ate a quick lunch and then took a nap. Took Ms P on a short walk.

I decided that I needed some greens in my diet so I walked to Sundance. Had their Cherry Chicken Salad.

Had an opportunity to finish reading the WSJ. The entire issue was about the impact a Trump administration will have on almost everything. What a waste of time, how would anyone really know?

Nothing on regular TV so it will be a Netflix evening. I started watching a Viking series last night. I liked it but Nancy never would.

Called Nancy and she was just getting ready to attend a play. She is having a good time.



Thursday, November 10, 2016

Thursday November 10, 2016

Blog time: 1417

Busy day, we got up at 0630 and got ready for our trip to Kalamazoo. Today Nancy is taking the train from Kalamazoo to Chicago.

We stopped at Panera to get some bagels and coffee to take with us.

Bright sunny day so the trip was very pleasant. It has been awhile since I have been in downtown Kalamazoo but we found the station.

Nancy was told when she bought her ticket that the return trip on Sunday was full. She bought a ticket for a return to GR. The arrival time in GR was midnight Sunday. Today she got a return ticket to Kalamazoo. Arrival time in Kalamazoo is 1900.

On the way home I stopped at the Under Armor store in the discount mall and bought a cold weather tee.

At home took Ms P on a 2 mile walk. I did my calisthenics at home. Also rowed ten minutes. Showered, shaved and had lunch.

I have a 1530 Doctors appointment. I am seeing the Doc who is treating my Myasthenia Gravis.

I waited an hour for the Doctor. The up side to this delay is that I had time to read the WSJ. The entire issue was about what impact a Trump administration would have both locally and internationally.

I finished the afternoon with a 1.5 mile walk.

Light dinner and now watching the news on NPR. The rest of the evening will be a Netflix event.

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Wednesday November 9, 2016

Blog time: 0850 sitting in Hall Street Bakery waiting for Mr Thanh the tailor to open.

Picking up a pair of pants I had suspender buttons put on.

Hall Street Bakery is located near our old neighborhood, Ottawa Hills. Drove past the old home on Mackinaw and it looks good.

Breakfast Club Wednesday: Up at 0545 and was totally surprised that Trump had won. Not only that: the GOP retained the Senate.

Boy the pundits sure blew it! Just like the BRexit vote.

Has the establishment lost touch with the rank and file. I sure have. I did not vote for Trump, instead I voted for Johnson.

As I have said before I am amazed at how dumb smart people are.

Breakfast Club this morning had a speaker from the Nature Conservatory. It was very interesting. I was surprised at how many acres of land had been donated to the Conservatory. Once land is in the trust it must remain wild.

Stay tuned

Stopped at Mr Thanh's and picked up my pants. Next stop Orvis to see if they had the suspenders I saw in their catalog. They did not have the suspenders and could not find them on line.

Stopped at Y and did both calisthenics and mile run.

Filled up the Escape. Gas was $ 2.19

Took Ms P on her walk. Another great day for a walk with temps in 50s.

Lunch and then took a short nap.

After nap headed to Chow Hound to buy a new Pooper Scooper.

Tonight Nancy has Book Club. I am meeting Tom Moleski at Vitales on Leonard for dinner.

I had spaghetti and Tom had a sub. Tomorrow Tom and Linda are heading to Miami for a Caribbean cruise.

It is now 1800 and we are deciding what to watch on Netflix/Acorn. Tough decision!

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Tuesday November 8, 2016

Blog time: 1045 Drinking coffee at Panera.

It looks like we have a mild, 50s, cloudy day ahead of us. No rain is predicted.

Election Day, I passed three polling places on my bike ride this morning. The parking lots at all three locations were jammed. I think the only thing I can predict is a good turnout. All the pundits say it will be President Clinton tomorrow.

My first vote was in 1960 and I voted absentee because I was a student at UM. I voted for Nixon and Sam Southwell for Alpena County Surveyor.

Speaking of UM sixty years ago this fall, 1956, I started at UM. Tuition was $125. Being a small town kid from Alpena I experienced some major cultural shock.

Blog paused at 1100.

Blog resumes 1750:

Of course the election dominates the news.

The Chinese premier continues to consolidate his power. The President of Turkey is doing the same. Sometimes too much power can be a curse especially is something goes awry.

Took Ms P on her walk and then had lunch. After lunch got in the Escape and ran errands. First stop Chow Hound. Bought dry dog food and a mineral block. I put the mineral block in the back yard for the deer.

A Meijer's I picked up a prescription. Bought long sleeve tees at Costco.

Short nap and then wrote short letters to Grandkids. Walked to the mailbox and posted the letters.

Ironed five pair of khakis.

Nancy is fixing chicken, sweet potatoes and Lima beans for dinner.

Pause for dinner.

Great dinner! We watched all the election coverage until 2015 and then switched to Acorn.

We are watching Agatha Raisin. In fact we are now watching a second episode.

I remember the first Presidential election I was interested in. It was 1948 Truman vs Dewey. My parents were die hard Republicans and interested in public affairs. The Detroit Free Press had a tally sheet that one could fill in as State returns came in over the radio. No TV in 1948. Dewey had a Michigan connection. He was raised in Owosso and graduated from UM. Truman won in an upset. I fell asleep right after the polls closed so I did not get to fill out my tally sheet.


Monday, November 7, 2016

Monday November 7, 2016

Blog time 1040 at Panera

Great to see the sun up an hour earlier than last week. Left home at 0800 in bright sunshine.

It was 43 when I left home and now at 1040 it is 57. Still some warmth in the sun.

Clinton cleared, election tomorrow and what impact will Trump or Clinton have on the economy was all the cable business shows talked about this morning.

Ada and Cascade Twp have staked out the edge of the bike/pedestrian for their snow plows. I use the stakes to stay on the path in areas where leaves obliterate the path's edges.

Blog resumes @ 1840

It was dark at 1725: no more after dinner walks.

Today's news was mostly about tomorrow's election.

The battles for Mosul, Iraq and Raqqa, Syria looks promising for the US and their allies.

British court has made BRexit more complicated.

Nancy had another appointment to get a shot in her foot. The series of eight shots are intended to end her foot pain.

Almost 70 degrees when Ms P and I headed out for our walk. The last day temps get above 60 for awhile. Absolutely beautiful fall day. We passed a number of neighbors out enjoying the great day.

I cleaned my in basket and checked bank accounts early this afternoon.

Walked to Meijer's for a loaf of small sourdough bread. I use the small size bread to put my cheese on.

I did take a short nap. We had a light dinner and now are watching PBS evening news.

Election Eve and the candidates are jumping all over the nation.

I remember Election Eve in 1976. Jerry Ford was holding a rally in downtown GR. Nancy and I took the kids and headed downtown. I was amazed at the size of the crowd. It was enthusiastically for President Ford. I was leaning towards voting for Carter but the the crowd convinced me Jerry Ford was my man.




Sunday, November 6, 2016

Sunday November 6, 2016

Blog time: 1650, sitting at dining room table drinking a glass of Red Breast Irish whiskey.

I am glad DST has ended. Left for the Y this morning in bright sunshine.

Nancy and I wear our swimsuits on Sundays so we can get into the pool fast. I was glad we did because every lane was filled. Other folks must be doing the same.

Bob and Nancy each did our 20 laps, 1,000 yards.

No Meijer's today. Nancy fixed her world famous scrambled eggs for breakfast.

We changed clothes and headed to Trinity Lutheran for the 1115 service. Pastor Bob gave an upbeat homily today. Yes the Lutherans no longer have sermons. Bottom line the election is nasty but goodness will prevail. I liked the upbeat tone.

I really like Time magazine's front cover picture, The End is Near. Humor never hurts.

Took Ms P on a 1.5 mile walk. Quick lunch and then my mandatory Sunday nap.

You know you are getting old when instead of watching the Lions in overtime you elect to go on a walk with your wife. Today was a beautiful fall day.

Speaking of weather today we have 10h46' of daylight, heading to 9h on Dec 21. It could be worse. Edinburgh, Scotland has only 8h46'.

Nancy is fixing hot dogs and clam chowder for dinner. Sounds good.

Tonight will read GRP and watch 60'. Might watch a show on Netflix/Acorn.

Saturday, November 5, 2016

Saturday November 5, 2016

Blog time: 1150

Nancy and I walked to Panera in complete darkness. We ate our breakfast and watched the sun come up. We walked home in bright sunshine.

In yesterday's blog I wrote about Turkish Navy civil engineers who were in my classes at UM and also at Port Hueneme, Ca. I was digging through some archives and found their names. LTJG Ozcan Ardan and LTJG Sabahattin Sagiroglu. I wonder what kind of career they had? Are they still alive? I just Googled Ozcan and got several hits. It looks like he passed away in 2005. Sabahattin has a facebook page.

Continuing down memory lane I got out my high school yearbook, 1956, and found that last night, first Friday in November, AHS played Bay City Handy in Bay City. My last out of town football game. It had snowed the night before and I remember the field was cleared just before kickoff. My Uncle Harold and Aunt Helen from Alma drove over to see the game. I was very proud that they would make the trip to see me play. We won and I had a good game as I recall.

Speaking of high school sports in the 50s, football was the only fall sport. No cross country or soccer. Alpena High was unusual in that we had a coed gymnastics team. It was very good and won the state in 56. Boy's basketball was they only HS winter sport. No sports, except gymnastics, for girls.

After Panera I took a 12 mile bike trip. Absolutely beautiful fall day.

Nancy is working the Christmas sale at Meijer's this afternoon. Because of parking problems I drove her.

Took Ms P on a two mile walk before lunch.

Nancy did the laundry this morning so I spent some time putting clothes away.

Read the WSJ and then at 1630 headed out to the Gardens to pick up Nancy. Nancy said the sale was a big success.

Nancy is fixing spaghetti for dinner. It smells great.

It looks like a Netflix/Acorn evening. I will have to remember to turn the clocks back.

Friday November 4, 2016

Blog time: 1115

Once again I am starting this blog sitting at Panera drinking coffee. Today was the latest sunrise of the year, 0820. DST ends Sunday.

It was 36 this morning so I ditched the knickers and put on the lined jeans. My 7.5 mile bike ride to the Y was in bright sunshine.

I was just starting the ride when I had a big doe run across the street in front of me. It is that time of year when the deer are moving.

The morning business shows are all guessing what the impact a Trump or Clinton victory will have on business. I really don't think it matters.

I will pause while I read some news and eat my banana.

The Alpena News report today that NE MI had their best apple crop in years. Good news because I consume a lot of apples. Also understand that we had bumper corn and wheat crops.

Turkey continues to clamp down on business leaders. Major power grab by President Erdogan. Will Turkey continue to be a good ally?

In 1960 the Turkish Navy sent a number of young officers to UM. They were classmates in the civil program. Great guys and very smart. They had visitor status at the American Legion and would invite fellow classmates to the Legion for a beer. We would spend the evening toasting the Turkish Navy.

In 1961 after OCS at Newport RI I was sent to Port Hueneme, the home of the Pacific SeaBees, for the two month Civil Engineering Corps Officer's School. I was surprised to find three of my Turkish Navy classmates also in attendance. I have a warm spot for the Turkish Navy's Civil Engineers.

Kim came today and cleaned. The house looks great.

Did not get home until 1300. Took Ms P on her walk. We then emptied all the floral boxes on the deck. Growing season is over. Also took bird seed and feeder out to deck. Bird feeding season is starting.

Late lunch and then ran errands. Filled up the Escape and then stopped at Ace Hardware and bought yard waste bags.

Took a short nap and then Nancy and I headed to Meijer's Garden. We attended a Holiday sale for members only.

We had dinner at the small Mexican restaurant, La Laguna, near Shepard's Grill. They have great Tamales.

We are now watching Broadchurch on Netflix. Actually we are watching it for the second time. We did not realize it until the show was almost over.




Thursday, November 3, 2016

Thursday November 3, 2016

Blog time: 1055, sitting at Panera

How about them Cubs! Went to bed around 5th inning, woke up and saw the game was tied and in a rain delay. Checked at 2 and saw the Cubs had won.

Heavy rain yesterday and last night filled every pond and depression. Noted on my bike ride to the Y that all the small streams I pass were running full. The rain also brought down a lot of leaves. The path was covered with wet leaves making it very slippery.

Nancy did not go swimming this morning because she has a Dentist appointment. She has to have some major dental work done.

November 3 and I am still wearing my knickers. We have had a warm fall.

The morning business shows have been talking about the difficulty retailers and delivery services have been having getting seasonal workers. I went to the mall several days ago and Help Wanted signs were everywhere. The industrial plants in GR have also been hiring.

Time to break: news reading time

Trivia fact, growing up I never knew a man with a first name of Scott.

The Law of Unintended Consequences rears its head. The Feds have turned the screws so tight on conventional banks that they are reluctant to give mortgages to folks with less than perfect credit ratings. Non banks like Quicken Loans now provide over 50% of all mortgages.

The Federal Government should keep its nose out of the economy.

When Nancy and I bought our home the rates were so high that we purchased the home using a Land Contract. I don't think Land Contracts are used much anymore.

Is their a more incompetent government in the world than Venezuela?

After Panera took Ms P on her daily walk.

This afternoon we ran ran errands.

Stopped at Macatawa to get money for Kim. She is cleaning tomorrow.

Dropped off Nancy's absentee ballot at the Cascade Twp office. The clerk told me that this election has the most absentee ballots she has seen in 20 years.

Stopped at Sam's Club to check out the store. Gas today was $1.96. We checked some prices of popular items at Sam's to compare with Costco's price.

Next stop Costco. Gas was same price as Sam's. In fact Jif peanut butter, Cetaphil lotion, Aveeno lotion and Cheerios were the same price.

Took a short nap and then we headed out to a Shepard's Grill for dinner. Shepard's Grill was jammed. It is a popular local restaurant. We saw several neighbors. Nancy had a bowl of soup and I had their lake perch sandwich. Love their perch sandwich!

We are now watching The Fall on Netflix.

Five more days till sanity returns. I hope!!!






Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Wednesday November 2, 2016

Blog time: 0845

Easy Wednesday, did calisthenics at home, 50%, and headed out to Panera for breakfast. Sun did not rise until 0818 so I left home in complete darkness. I have a built in head light and a rear light on my rack plus a light on my backpack. I put them all on blinking mode.

The warm weather continues. It was 58 when left home. My phone said no rain until noon but it has been updated and the rain is suppose to start any minute now.

Today I will fill out my ballot. This will be Presidential election 15 for me. Kennedy/Nixon was my first. I have never worried so much about my vote for President.

I regretted one vote and that was my vote for LBJ. I thought he would keep us out of Vietnam. Was I ever wrong!

Stay tuned, I will take a break to read the news.

The big pipeline explosion in Alabama is suppose to impact gas prices along the east coast. The line is over 5,000 miles long and the main supplier of gas to the east. I checked gas prices in GR today and they were $2.09.

President is trying to restart the Asian Trade Pact. I am a free trader and hope it is passed. However, Trump and Clinton favor protectionism.

After Panera took a 12 mile bike ride. Rain was imminent so I took Ms P on a quick walk.

1300 and it started to rain hard. Quick lunch and then I filled out my absentee ballot. It was a very long ballot.

Got in Escape and ran errands. First stop Cascade Twp offices to drop off ballot. Next the tailors to pick up pants. I had suspender buttons sewn on.

Stopped at ACE Hardware and bought bird seed. It is that time of year where we start feeding the birds.

Speaking of birds I have not seen a Robin since late September. Early departure for warm climates?

Nancy came home early from the Gardens because of the rain.

Took a nap and then a walk around the block.

Light dinner, watched the news and now are watching a Scotland Yard, Inspector Jericho, show on Acorn.

It is that time of year when the weather makes it difficult to get out side. Remember that for good health getting outside for only 30 minutes should be first on your daily agenda.




Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Tuesday November 1, 2016

Blog time: 1040 sitting at Panera.

What a difference a day makes. This morning was 20 degrees warmer than yesterday. Out with the lined pants and in with the knickers.

I left at 0815 several minutes before sunrise but I had all the bike lights working. We had some light showers last night. But arrived at the Y in bright sunshine.

Lately the bananas I get each morning have rotted sections even though the exterior looks good. No more bananas. I think I have read of a blight that is damaging the banana crop.

Only one more week of the insane electioneering. Enough!!

Time out while I read the news.

The business news folk are all a twitter with the Feds upcoming meeting. Why?

China, Russia and Turkey are all clamping down on press freedom. Turkey should be worrisome for the US and NATO since they are suppose to be an ally.

I did not know that the Catholic Church in China is controlled by the government. The government appoints Bishops and other officials. Freedom of religion?

We should appreciate our freedoms.

News Alert! Two weeks until the start of Deer Hunting season. In the 50s it was the policy of AHS to give boys three days of excused absences for hunting. Sorry girls?

Took Ms P on a nice long walk. Nice sunny day for a walk. Temps got to 71.

After lunch got in the Escape and ran errands. Stopped at World Market and bought four bottles of Three Girls wine. This wine was recommended by a wine buyer for a World Market store in Ventura, Ca. We met him on our recent trip to the Rockies.

Bought a Map of Chicago for Nancy. She is visiting Chicago in a couple of weeks.

I did take a short nap. Nancy and I finished the afternoon with a walk around the block.

For dinner Nancy cooked a crock pot apple and pork dish. It was great.

Watched the news, read the GRP and we are now watching NCIS.