Thursday August 30, 2018

Thursday August 30, 2018

Blog time 1100 at Panera 

It was cool, low 50s, and dark when I went out at 0630.  Sun does not come up until 0704.  Hours of daylight, 7h14’.  

Nancy left early for her Thursday swim.  At 1000 she is picking up Mary Namey and they are driving to Grand Haven for lunch with their friend Bonnie Cowles.  

I left at 0800, blue skies, sun and for once no humidity.  Pleasant day for a bike ride.  You know school has started because it seems like 30% of vehicles on Cascade Rd are school buses.  Another sign school has started all summer school classes at the Y have ended.  The place is quiet.

I am wearing a UM shirt at the Y.  Many folks have asked me who will win Saturday night’s game against Notre Dame.  Of course I say UM but I really don’t care.

Yes Duct Tape is the magic fix all.  A small hole in the international space station was patched with duct tape.  Red Green was right.

Because of the Labor Day weekend most high school football games are this evening.  A gift to northern Michigan tourist business.

We had a dry July and early August but with recent rains we are now 3” above normal for the year.  Over 6” of rain in August.

At home I spent the afternoon checking finances and ironing three pair of khakis.  I use to hate ironing but Nancy purchased a big heavy iron that make pressing a pair of pants a breeze.  Why is one pant called a pair?  

Each year I sign a yearly maintenance with a local Heating and Cooling Company.  Have been disappointed with the my current HVAC firm and will not renew.  Called the firm we used on Mackinaw and they are sending me a service agreement.  

I was short on cash so hopped on bike and headed to Macatawa Bank to use the ATM.  Normally would have walked to Bank but with my sore hip I use the bike.

Nancy did not get home until 1700.  She said they had a great lunch in Grand Haven.  

For dinner Nancy fixed a bowl of cream crab soup.  Very tasty.  Dishes, short walk and then prepared the evening cheese and apple snack.  Tonight we watched an episode of Scott & Bailey.  I also finished the Clinton/Patterson book.  Good read.

Wednesday August 29, 2018

Wednesday August 29, 2018

Blog time; 1430 sitting in den at home

Breakfast Club Wednesday, up with the 0515 alarm.  Again we had heavy thunder storms roll through last night.  I took Ms P out at 0530 and it was still raining.  However, it was much cooler, low 70s.

Stopped at Panera for a coffee to take with me.  It was still dark when I got on the freeway.  Traffic was heavy.  Where are all these folks going at 0630?  I heard the average commute in West MI was 40 minutes.  Does work start at 0700?

Good crowd today.  Today’s speaker talked about long term care insurance.   I don’t know if this topic was appropriate for BC.  Most members are over 80.

After BC I headed straight home.  The Direct TV tech was already working.  He installed a new controller and upgraded the software. Everything seem to be working fine.

While the Direct TV tech was finishing up the Property Manager’s maintenance man arrived to replace some broken wood deck planks.   Wow! repaired TVs and deck in one day.  We also ordered a modem to serve as a backup if our existing one goes kaput.

Nancy worked at the Gardens this afternoon.  Before she left she drove me to Ada Bike.  I picked up my bike and pedaled home.

This afternoon I followed my normal Wednesday afternoon routine.  Trash, laundry, and a nap.  I finished my afternoon activities with a bike ride to Meijer’s to pick up a prescription.

We had a light dinner.  Dishes and then I took a short walk.  After our cheese and apple snack we watched a new show on Prime.  The show is called Tunnel.  It involves a murder on the tunnel between the U.K. and France.  The show is in both English and French.  We watched two episodes.  I loved the show but Nancy had mixed feelings.  

Tuesday August 28, 2018

Tuesday August 28, 2018

Blog time 0930 at Panera

Another night of thunder storms and heavy rain.  The warm humid weather will continue through today.  

Nancy headed out early for her Tuesday swim.  She was apprehensive because the pool closes during electrical storms.  She was in luck, the pool was reopened right after she arrived.

I have a 1030 Doctors appointment so no Y today.  I did the calisthenics and stretches at home.  Showered and then drove to Panera for an oatmeal breakfast.

Doctor Santos checked me over and said see you in six months.  I liked that.

Morning doctor visit and this afternoon I volunteered do some painting at church.  This evening Nancy and I are working the Tuesday concert at the Gardens.  Busy day!

This and that:

Great to hear we have reached a trade agreement with Mexico.  I hope Canada follows soon.  Never a good idea to be on the outs with our neighbors.

Neither of my Grandmothers drove a car.  

We put up trade barriers that impact farmers.  So our brilliant minds in DC will pay the farmers for their loss.  Does this make sense?

I can’t name one player on the Detroit Tigers.

Left Doctors at 1130.  Shower, quick lunch and then head to Trinity Lutheran.  Today I taped and put a prime coat on two walls of the Sunday School room.  Left at 1500.

At home Nancy told me the Direct TV repair man had not arrived.  We had to call and reschedule for tomorrow.  No TV tonight.  

I again showered and at 1600 we left for Meijer Gardens.   A chicken sold tickets and I took tickets from 1700 to 1900 when the concert started.  For dinner I bought two hot dogs and a beer.  I did not get a chance to sit down because the concert was canceled because of approaching electrical storms.  Picked up our chairs and headed to the car.   I was disappointed that Security would not let me leave the grounds with my beer.  I had to toss a nearly full beer.  Bummer!

We encountered heavy rain with thunder and lightning on our way home.  I poured a glass of wine and watched an episode of Endeavour before heading to bed.

We turned the AC on before bed to reduce the temperature and humidity in the house.  I left it on until 0200.

Monday August 27, 2018

Monday August 27, 2018

HAPPY BIRTHDAY;  NANCY LOUISE PATTON SCOTT

Today is the birthday of my child bride of 53 years.  She is not only the love of my life but my best friend.  

Last night we had Rice Krispies evening, Snap, Crackle and Pop.  The thunder and lightning really upset Ms P.  I think this was the loudest storm of the year.  I know a weatherman who is a regular at the Y.  He said that his rain gauge had 1.3” of rain.

Early Nancy headed to MVP for her healthy lifestyle class.  After breakfast I took my 7.7 mile route to the Y.  

Busy day today.  I have to take my bike to Ada Bike at noon.  I have volunteered at church to do some painting so I am meeting Nicky Ferguson at 1330 to get my assignment.

A sure sign that the seasons are changing.  Acorns and walnuts are falling.  The bike path is loaded with nuts, the eating kind.

Quick lunch and then I head to Trinity Lutheran to get my work assignment.  The church is undergoing a massive renovation.  Noise and dust everywhere.  It was hot, 89, and humid and Trinity had no AC.  

My job is to put the prime paint coat on the Sunday School room.  I spent an hour sanding.  Painting starts tomorrow.

At home took my second shower followed by a short nap.  Light dinner tonight.

Our Direct TV went out so I spent about an 90 minutes on hold only to find out that they cannot help.  A repairman is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon.

Although no TV we still had WiFi so we turned on Apple TV.  Watched an episode of Endeavour.

All the kids and grandkids talked to Nancy today wishing her a Happy Birthday. 

Sunday August 26, 2018

Weekend Update for 25/26 August 

Blog time 1545 sitting a dining room table

Boy! we had some heavy thunder showers roll last night.  Slept in until nearly 0800.  It was still raining at 0800.

Because of the rain we drove to Panera.  Had our normal Saturday morning breakfast.

At home Nancy started the laundry and I ran several errands.  The rain had stopped at 1100 so I took a short bike ride around the block.  

Shower and a quick lunch and then we grabbed Ms P and headed to Vet.  The Vet said that seizures are not uncommon for dogs.  We were told of several anti seizure medicines that are available but they come with bad side effects.  We decided on a wait and see option.

Last night was the first night of high school football.  Alpena High for the first time in ages won their first game.

I remember the first game of the 1955 season.  I was a senior and played guard and linebacker.  Our opponent was the Collegiate Institute of Soo Ontario.  We left Alpena about 0500.  No Mackinaw Bridge in 1955 so we took a ferry across the straits.  When we got to American Soo we had to take another ferry across the St Mary’s River.  It was an afternoon game.  I got to play the whole game.  We won.  Happy return trip.

We had chicken noodle soup for dinner.  Perfect meal for a gloomy day.  Debbie FaceTimed us tonight.  We watched a show on Prime before turning in.

Sunday August 26, 2018

It was warm and muggy when first went out today.  Temps might reach 90 today.  Following our summer schedule we took our Sunday walk around the block, 1.5 miles.  

I had breakfast and read a few sections of the GRP before heading to Trinity Lutheran for the 0915 Celebration service.  Good crowd this morning.  I was surprised when Pastor Bob mentioned the troubles in the Catholic in his Homily.

After church we headed to Meijer’s for supplies and gas.  Gas this week has gone up $0.10 to $2.94.

At home did some calisthenics and stretches.  Read a few more sections of the GRP before lunch.  The morning news shows all had tributes to Captain  John McCain, USN.  Rest In Peace Captain.

Took my afternoon nap.  Finished the afternoon with a short bike ride.  I needed a shower after the ride.  It was hot and very humid all day.  Turned on the AC and left is on until 0300 Monday 

Nancy fixed her world famous scrambled eggs for dinner.  I had mine with a piece of spinach pie.  

Finished reading the GRP before switching to Prime TV.  We watched an episode of Endeavour before turning in.

Friday August 24, 2018

Friday August 24, 2018

Blog time 1120 at Panera

Slept in until 0650 this morning.  I did not want to sleep in because I am on a tight schedule this morning.  I must be at Trinity Lutheran at 1300.  I volunteered to do some painting so today I will find out exactly what is required.

Nancy headed to MVP about 0800 and I soon followed her out the door.  Today I followed by 7.7 mile route to the Y.  Saw about 30 turkeys but no mammals.

Last day of summer school for kids at the Y.  Our local school district, Forest Hills starts Monday.  High school football started last night.  Eight man football is big in NE Mi.  I want to see a game.  I think it is very fast and high scoring.

I keep getting news alerts that Senator McCann is stopping treatment for his brain cancer.  I always liked Senator McCann.  He was a third generation Naval Officer.  It was an act of courage when he refused an early release from POW prison because several other inmates were next in line.  The VC thought they could get points because McCann was the son of the Admiral in charge of operations in the Pacific.   John Paul Jones would be proud.

President Trump lost my vote when he said his heros don’t get shot down.  Didn’t he know that in addition to Sen McCann, President George H W Bush also got shot down.  President JFK had his PT Boat destroyed.  This act of disrespect was uncalled for.  God Bless Senator McCann.

Halfway home from Panera my phone goes off.  The church lady said we had to cancel this afternoon’s meeting.  Rescheduled for Monday.

Shower, lunch and then some minor chores.  Because of the canceled meeting I had time for a nap.

Nancy received a text from Houlihan’s saying she gets $15 off her meal during her birthday week.  Of course we had dinner at Houlihan’s and we split her free apple pie with ice cream.  This evening we gave Houlihan’s an A-.  

Ms P gave us a scare this evening.  Nancy was putting put out some food when Ms P had a seizure.  Her back legs gave out and she collapsed and rolled on her back.  She experienced some spasms.  I picked her up and after several minutes she returned to normal. It was scary.  We will take her to the Vets tomorrow.

This evening we watched “Prime Suspect; Tennison” and “Murder in Paradise” before turning in.  Rain predicted for tonight.

Thursday August 23, 2018

Thursday August 23, 2018

Blog time 1125 at Panera

I was first one up today, 0630.  Sunrise today is 0656.  Could not take Ms P out because the sprinklers went off.  Usually the sprinklers only work on MWF.  Why they went off today is a mystery especially since we have had over 1.5” of rain this week.

Temperature this morning was in low 50s.  Coldest morning in weeks but today’s bright sun will result in high temp in 80s.  80s is good.

Mona and Helen slept in this morning.  When they got up Nancy fixed them her world famous scrambled eggs for breakfast with bacon, fresh strawberries and coffee.  

Helen and Mona left a little after 0900.  I helped Nancy clean up before heading to Panera.  Today, like yesterday my bike ride will be the reverse of  my normal ride.

The conviction of Cohen and Manafort will probably spell big problems for President Trump.  It will be especially bad if the Dems gain control of the house in November.  The political ads have already started for the November election.  I always thought Labor Day was the start of the silly season.

At home after a shower and lunch I started with some chores.  I did two loads of laundry.  Called DirectTV about who owns the satellite dish and other equipment.  They said that we had already paid for the equipment.  We also have no contract so terminating the service is no problem.  Tomorrow ATT and Comcast.

We had a light dinner.  After dinner I got on my bike and pedaled to a strip mall at the end of 28th Street.  As a prelude to Saturday’s Classic

Car Tour down 28th all the cars are on display.  There were about 100 cars from Model A Fords to Corvettes, and old pickups.  I did not see any Studebakers, Packards, or Hudson’s.  Big crowd viewing the cars.

At home I prepared the cheese and apple snack.  We watched an episode of Prime Suspect, Tennison.  Nancy headed to bed and I watched Frontier before turning in.

  

Wednesday August 22, 2018

Wednesday August 22, 2018

Blog time 1015 at Panera

It was cool, 53, and windy when I first went out.  Today is my easy day.  Reduced calisthenics and stretches at home and then I bike to Panera for an oatmeal breakfast.

After breakfast I jumped on my bike and started on my normal bike ride to Panera but today I reversed the route.  First stop was Panera.  It is an easier ride backwards.

Bike question of the day.  When I get on my bike I swing my left leg over the saddle.  Do right handed folks swing their right leg?

Stopped at Macatawa Bank on way home to get some money for Kim who cleans on Friday.  I think Kim has been cleaning for us for over 20 years.  

This afternoon Nancy is working at the Gardens.  She left me several projects to do this afternoon.  My Sister, Helen, and her friend Mona are staying at our place tonight.  They are visiting the Quilt Show at DeVos Convention Center and will arrive about 1600.

Took out trash before lunch.  No laundry today because Nancy wants the washer and dryer closet door closed.  If I do laundry I have to leave the door open for 12 hours.  Can’t have exposed washer and dryer when we have company.

Helen and Mona got to our house at 1600.  They said the Quilt Show was jammed.  Nancy got home at 1700. For dinner we headed to the Cork restaurant at Watermark Golf Club.  We had a light dinner.  The food, drinks and atmosphere at the Cork is great.  We collectively gave it a B+.

At home we spent the evening in the living room talking.  Talking with friends is great.

Tuesday August 21, 2018

Tuesday August 21, 2018

Blog time 1145 at Panera

Boy did it rain last night.  Heavy downpours with thunder and lightning.  Sure sign Ms P is getting old.  She slept through the storms.

The rain had stopped when went out at 0700.  My weather app said that the rain will restart at 1100.  Will have to hustle to get my routine in before the rain.

Nancy headed out to her Tuesday swim and I soon followed.  Today I took my shorter, 5 miles, route to the Y.  I want to beat the rain.

Nancy and I are working the concert at the Gardens tonight.  The rain should have moved through by 1700.  I hope so, but will take a raincoat just in case.

Critters report:

Lately we have seen more animals in our back yard.  Yesterday it was deer and a fox.  This morning I saw several turkeys.  Of course we have plenty of geese.

Speaking of geese, today’s Alpena News had a article on a goose hunt in Alpena.  The City Council voted for the hunt.  Geese are a major health problem because they poop all over the place.  Cascade Township where we live should consider a hunt.  The sidewalks in our area are covered with droppings.  A dead goose is a good goose.

The trials and investigations of folks linked to the President still dominates the news.  If the Dems win control of the house then impeachment talks will dominates.  

I spent the afternoon clearing my in basket.  My next project is to find out if switching internet companies is good for Bob and Nancy.

We left home at 1630 for Meijer’s Garden.  Nancy and I worked the concert tonight.  Nancy sold tickets and I took them.  We lucked out no rain.  The Tuesday Concerts features local talent.  Unlike last week, tonight’s talent was not very good.  We left early.

We watched a 30 minute Netflix show before turning in.  A cool wave is moving in.  Temps predicted to be in low 50s tonight.

Monday August 20, 2018

Monday August 20, 2018

Blog time 1120 at Panera

Tough night for Nancy.  She had an upset stomach and was up most of the night.   She finally fell asleep early this morning. No MVP today.

I expected to encounter a lot of traffic this morning because the Forest Hills Schools were starting today.  WRONG!  Forest Hills starts next week.

Summer school classes were still in session at the Y.  I like all the noise and energy these young folks bring.  It is catching.

From the morning news:

Asia Argento who accused Harvey Weinstein and is one of the original #MeToo leader has been found to have paid a 17 year old boy to keep quiet about her unwanted advances.  Maybe the problem is not gender but just loose morals.

When will the Mueller probe end.  I am so tired of all the coverage.  Got off the pot.

POTUS is wrong to roll back emission standards for coal plants.   If the coal industry cannot produce emissions that are equal to natural gas they should be shut down.

A measles outbreak in the EU because some folks are not getting their kids vaccinated.  Vaccinations should be required for admission to schools.  No shot, no school.

China and USA are starting trade talks.  Nobody wins in a trade war.

After lunch I started running errands.  Stopped at Meijer’s for wine and crackers then I headed to the Breton Car Wash.  I got the deluxe wash, interior and exterior.  At Sam’s Club purchased Pinconning soft cheese and freshly baked baguettes.  

I took our modem that AT&T says is not working to Staples.  The tech looked at the unit and told me that it is obsolete. They no longer sell it.  Bummer.  

I had been calling my computer guru about our internet problems.  He finally got back to me and said he would be at our house in an hour.  As soon as I got home I plugged the old modem back in.  Guess what!  the internet started working.  

I called the guru back and said everything was ok.  He has recommended for several years that I switch to Comcast.  I think he has convinced me.  Will do some research tomorrow.

Light dinner, short walk and snacks before switching on our Apple TV.  Great to have internet back.  We watched two episodes of “Prime Suspect: Tennison” before turning in.

Sunday August 19, 2018

Weekend Update

Saturday August 18, 2018

Blog time 1445 sitting at dining room table.

Today we have a different Saturday schedule.  I have to work at Trinity Lutheran today starting at 0900 so no walk to Panera.  It was warm and cloudy when Nancy and I drove to Panera.

Panera was nearly empty.  We had our normal Saturday fare.  Talked and enjoyed breakfast before I had to head out.  I am driving to church and Nancy is walking home.

We had about nine church members helping to move furniture.  One of the workers was Keith Golhke. Keith is from Alpena.  Keith graduated from AHS in 73 vs 56 for yours truly.  There are many Golhkes in Alpena.  We completed our assigned task in just about an hour.

Nancy did laundry this morning.  She also took a short break to visit an Estate Sale.  

When I got home I put on my bike riding clothes and headed out on a 12 mile ride.  Great day for a ride.  I did not see any critters on my ride but earlier I saw two Sand Hill Cranes.  They are a magnificent bird.

At home had lunch and then a shower.  After I finish this sentence I will take a nap.  Tonight Nancy and I are meeting the Horling’s, Hal and Karen, at Marco’s for dinner.  Stay tuned. 

We arrived at Marco’s at 1800 and we were glad we had reservations because the place was full.  I don’t think there was anyone younger than 65.

Marco’s has great food and tonight was no exception.  We spent two hours drinking, eating and conversing with the Horlings.  A great evening.

We headed to bed as soon as we got home.  We both have good books we are reading.

Sunday August 19, 2018

Alarm goes off at 0615. It was warm, dark and foggy when I first went out.  Needed a flashlight.  We took our Sunday walk around the block.  Today we went counter clockwise.  It is exactly 1.5 miles.

Nancy showered, I had breakfast and at 0845 we headed to Trinity Lutheran.  On our way we saw two sand hill cranes in a field near our condo.

Good crowd at today’s service.  After, we headed to Meijer’s for groceries and gas.  Gas was $2.84 today.

I did do some stretches and reduced calisthenics when we got home.  Took Ms P on a short walk in the backyard.  We saw the resident fox.  I think he hunts moles.  Most folks can’t believe that we have sand hill cranes, foxes, turkeys, geese and deer living in our backyard.  We live two blocks from 28th Street one of the busiest streets in MI.

Quick lunch and read several sections of the GRP before my nap.  I was going on a bike ride after the nap.  But Nancy said our internet was out.  Usually I just unplug the modem and then replug it and our service is restored.  Not today.

I spent a two hours talking to an AT&T tech trying to get the internet working.  She finally said it was our modem and hung up. Nothing is more frustrating than calling tech support.  Finally, I called my computer guru for help. No answer yet!

Nancy fixed her world famous scrambled eggs for dinner.  I had mine with spinach pie and watermelon. 

After dishes I took my walk and then prepared cheese and apple snack.  With no internet we watched 60 Minutes and read the GRP.  Nancy sat in the living room and read her book.  I watched a movie on TNT.  

For the first time in ages we were both in bed before 2130.   We read our books.  Yes folks the printed page.  What a novel concept.