Wednesday November 7, 2018

Wednesday November 7, 2018

Blog time 1110 at Panera

Breakfast Club Wednesday, I got up with the 0515 alarm.  Took Ms P out.  It was 37 degrees and windy.  At least the rain had stopped.

Stopped at Panera to get a coffee to take with me downtown.  Good crowd at BC.  Also a lot of sad faces because most members are Republicans.  

Today’s speakers represented an organization that provides shelter to women subject to abuse.  They are soon to open a new shelter.  Good talk.

Nancy and I arrived home at the same time.  Nancy took a class at MVP this morning. This afternoon she is working at the Gardens.  I have a 1300 appointment with my ENT Doc.

I just made my 1300 appointment.  The Doctor deadened my nasal passage and put a scope up my nose.  He was looking for polyps.  The Doc said good luck no polyps, see you in six months.  That was great news.

At home I started my normal Wednesday chores, trash and laundry.  Because of the colder temps my laundry is about twice the warm weather load.

Spent some time in the office before a nap.  After the nap, took a short walk.

Quick dinner and at 1800 Nancy and I headed to Trinity Lutheran for video two in a series called the historical Jesus.  We have a short discussion after the video lead by Pastor Bob.  I find the series very interesting.

At home we watched an episode of DCI Banks.  Nancy headed to bed and I watched an episode of Britannia on Amazon.  

Tuesday November 6, 2018

Tuesday November 6, 2018

Blog time 1105 at Panera

This morning Nancy and Ms P were up before the 0615 alarm.  I quickly got dressed, turned off the alarm and headed out.  It was a very mild 50 with drizzle.

For the first time in several weeks Nancy is going to MVP.  She will do some stretches and light exercises.  Every day in every way she gets better and better.

Today I wore my rain gear.  The only problem was I got overheated on the 7 mile to the Y.  

Today, finally, is Election Day.  I passed two polling places on my ride to the Y.  They both had a lot of traffic.

The turnout for today’s election is suppose to be heavy.  However, at the Y and Panera I did not see any “I Voted” stickers.  

This and that;

Remember the Hole in the Ozone layer.  The depletion of the Ozone layer was big news several decades ago.  Increases in Skin cancers and other ailments were attributed to this loss.  The cause was CFCs being released.  CFCs were banned and now the ozone layer has almost recovered.  Cooler heads prevailed over the hysterical ranting of the greenies.

The first election I had an interest in was the 1948 Presidential election.  My family was for GOP nominee Tom Dewey.  Dewey was from Owosso, Mi and a UM grad.  I had a score sheet that I cut out of our newspaper.  As the returns came in I would fill in the votes.  Of course we got all our info from radio station WATZ Alpena.  Truman won Dewey lost.

Quick lunch and then some errands.  First stop was the Cascade Library.  I picked up a book for Nancy and then renewed by Library card.  Next stop was Ada Bike.  I am having snow tires put on the Bianchi.  They are also replacing my front caliper brake with a disc brake.  Disc brakes have superior stopping power.  Us old guys can’t be too safe, especially in winter.

I did some office work.  Was going to take a walk but it was raining.  In fact it rained all day.  What better way to end a gloomy afternoon but with a nap.

For dinner tonight Nancy fixed a chicken breast with dressing and Lima beans.  I love dressing.  After dinner I fixed Nancy her cheese/pill treat.

We were going to watch NCIS tonight but it was preempted by election coverage.  We watched an episode of Brokenwood Mysteries on Acorn.  Before we dozed off we knew the Senate was still GOP and the house was Democratic.   

Monday November 5, 2018

Monday November 5, 2018

Blog time 1045 at Panera

I had the alarm set for 0615 but Nancy and Ms P were up just before the alarm.  We took Ms P out for her morning duties.  The temperature was a mild 40 with a slight drizzle.  What is a slight drizzle?

Thank goodness only one more day!  Turned on TV to get weather but got nothing but political ads.  All the ads were nasty.  When are we going to return to civil behavior?  Would it help if we eliminated political parties?  Candidates would run on a nonpartisan ballot.

At 1000 Nancy is taking Ms P to the groomers.  Nancy said today is her last day without exercise.  She has declared herself well and will return to MVP tomorrow.

It appeared that the drizzle had stopped so I headed out for the Y.  I got 2 miles into the ride when the drizzle returned.  Shortened my ride by 2 miles.  

Classes at the Y were going full blast this morning.  They ran out of exercise mats.  I had to wait 10 minutes to get one.

It was still raining when I left the Y for Panera.  Rain will continue off and on through tomorrow.  Accumulating snow is predicted for Friday.

This and that;

With EST sunrise is at 0721 meaning I leave home in daylight.

Today I will take bike in to get snow tires put on.  My bike’s snow tires have steel studs.

Everyone I talk to in the morning has already voted.

In my youth all males got their hair cut at a barber shop.  My dad and I went to Roy’s.  Roy had all the hunting magazines like Sport’s Afield, Field and Stream.  This time of year the conversation was limited to deer hunting and football.  Liked hearing all the chatter from the men.

I am exactly a year behind in reading Time Magazine.  I am amazed at how wrong the reporters were now that a year has passed.

Because I shortened my bike ride earlier I took a longer route home after Panera.  I got home at 1230 which is near my normal time.  

Nancy took Ms P to the groomer today.  She looks great.

The low tire pressure light went on in the Taurus.  After lunch I took the car to Meijer’s and filled all tires.  They were low according to the gage.  I remember when all the gas stations would not only fill your car but check your tires and battery.  It was part of the full service.  It cost me $1.50 to fill the tires today and I had to do it myself.

At Meijer’s I purchased toothbrushes and shoe laces.  Tried to purchase some 6” x 8” stationary but no luck.  No luck at Staples either.

This afternoon I wrote my monthly note to the Grandkids.  I experimented with typing the notes.  After several tries I finally succeeded.  My handwriting has gotten so poor typing is the only option.  Best class I had in high school was typing.

While addressing the envelopes I had to look up the zip codes.  In my youth there were no zip codes or no telephone area codes either.  

This afternoon I also fixed our apple snack, and walked to the mailbox to post the Grandkids note.  Finally I took a nap in my den recliner.  I slept super sound because Nancy had to wake me for dinner.

We had our usual light Monday dinner.  After dinner I fixed Nancy her cheese snack.  She takes her pill with the snack.

Tonight we watched an episode on The Bodyguard.  Rain will continue through tomorrow.

Sunday November 4, 2018

Weekend Update for WE 4NOV18

Blog started 11/03 at 1435 sitting in office.

Ms P was up at 0530 so I took her out.  It was a cold 39.  Went back to bed and got up at 0700.

Today we drove to Panera for our Saturday breakfast.  I had oatmeal, coffee, banana and bagel with peanut butter.  Nancy had hazelnut coffee.  After breakfast we drove to Pet Smart to get some meds for Ms P.

At home Nancy started the laundry and I headed out on 12 mile bike ride.  Great day for a ride, sun and temps in the mid 40s.  Saw no critters on the ride but I just looked out the office window and saw a robin.  Must be the dumbest bird in Mi. Snow predicted for next week.

Nancy finished trimming plants.  I took the cuttings and filled up a yard waste bag.  The Township will pick up the bag on Monday.

Tonight we are attending a concert.  The symphony is playing the music of Leonard Bernstein.  We had dinner at the Sports Bar in the Amway Grand Plaza.  As always the Amway like it predecessor the Pantlind have a great burgers.

We attending the preconcert lecture on the program, very informative.  Nancy enjoyed the concert.  I gave it a C+.  We got home at 2230 and after setting our clocks back we headed to bed.

Sunday November 4, 2018

Ms P was not told of the end of DST.  She woke me at 0530.  It was raining and cold, 38.  I headed back to bed and slept until the 0615 alarm woke me.  Nancy is still wearing her boot so I walked around the block solo.  Quick breakfast and then headed to Panera for coffee.  We headed to Trinity Lutheran at 0840.  

For the second Sunday we had the service in renovated Celebration Hall.  Another huge crowd was in attendance.  The Church’s kitchen is back in service so coffee is now available.  Yes folk’s we can drink coffee in church.

Today’s Homily talked about respecting the views of fellow citizens.  Love and forgiveness should guide our daily life.

Stopped at Meijer’s for gas and supplies.  Gas was $2.67.  At home did some modified calisthenics and finished yesterday’s blog before lunch.  I took a nap and then paid bills and walked to mail box.  I needed my rain coat.  It has rained all day.

Nancy fixed her world famous scrambled eggs for dinner.  I also had spinach pie, bacon and a croissant.  Good meal.

This evening we watched 60 Minutes and then the Amazon show Grantchester.  The episode we watched was not very good.  

Debbie FaceTimed us this evening.  We got caught up on what is happening in San Jose.  Debbie is coming to visit Thanksgiving.  She gets to GR on Monday the 19th.

Friday November 2, 2018

Friday November 2, 2018

Blog time 1115 at Panera

Up with 0615 alarm.  The temperature was 39 but no rain or wind today.

After breakfast I unlocked the Bad Boy bike and found I had a flat tire.  Bummer!  Unlocked the Bianchi, pumped up the tires and headed out.  Started at 0800 so I rode 18 minutes before sunrise.  Next week I will be riding in daylight.

Today at the Y I saw Dr Santos and Dr Yurko.  Both docs have me as a patient.  I think it is good that Docs can take a day off.  In my youth Doctors worked 24/7.  

This and that;

During my youth mom would fix “cornmeal mush” for lunch.  The mush was in the shape of a burger and mom would fry them.  I put maple syrup on mine.  Great cold weather lunch.  Do mother’s still make cornmeal mush?

Talking about mush only four more days of negative political ads.  Most folks will be glad when the elections are over.

The first time I was old enough to vote in an election was 1960.  JFK vs RMN.  It was an exciting time for me.  Everyone watched the first presidential TV debates.  I voted for Nixon.

The trial over Harvard’s admittance procedures is over.  The only take away from this trial is that white heterosexual males don’t have a chance.

After lunch I loaded the Bad Boy and headed to Ada Bike.  They were not busy so they changed the tire in less than 10 minutes.  

Spent some time in office.  No nap today because at 1600 we are heading to the Christmas Sale at the Gardens.  Today the sale is for volunteers only.  It opened at 1600.  Big crowd,  Nancy bought several Christmas ornaments.  I bought Christmas cards and a pack of paper placemats that had a Normal Rockwell winter scene.  We stayed about an hour.

For dinner we stopped at Bravo, an Italian restaurant.  The place was noisy and crowded.  We both ordered spaghetti and meatballs.  Very good.

We arrived home at 2000.  Watched an episode of Endeavor before turning in.

Thursday November 1, 2018

Thursday November 1, 2018

Blog time 1150 at Panera

I set the alarm this morning for 0615.  Want to take Ms P out early to avoid accidents.  It works.

Nancy is leaving early today.  She is picking up Kathi Kothe and taking her to her PT.

After breakfast I headed out.  It was 0800 and sunrise not until 0816 so I had all my lights blazing.  Can’t wait for DST to end.  It was in high 40s with no wind.  Perfect for a bike ride.  A lot of trees have lost their leaves.

Since I have discontinued my stretches, my time at the Y is less than 30 minutes.  I got to Panera at 1000, early for me.  I had just settled in when I noticed Nancy walking in.  She said she needed a coffee so I bought her one.  We sat and talked awhile.  Nancy said Kathi’s PT session went well.

This and that;

Every morning and noon I watch business channels on TV.  I have concluded that these folks do not have a clue.

The U.K. papers have pushed BRexit talks to the back pages.  Will it happen?

Is France’s Macron imploding?

Brazil has a new very conservative President. 

I expect a lot of news this month on WW I.  This is the 100th Anniversary of the end of the war.

First of November and high school winter sports teams can start practice.  Steve always looked forward to the start of hockey.  Now his high school, Ottawa Hills, does not even have a team.

At home I showered and had a quick lunch.  This afternoon we are running errands.  First stop was the Vet’s office to schedule a grooming appointment.  Ms P really needs a good grooming.

We stopped at Meijer’s Pharmacy to pick up Ms P’s meds.  At Sam’s Club we bought Pinconning soft cheese.  Nancy picked up a prescription at Costco.  Ms P’s meds cost more Nancy’s.

Unloaded the Escape and then took the Taurus for gas.  It was nearly empty.  Not often I have a $50 fill up.

Finished the afternoon with our apple snack, a nap and then a walk.  For dinner Nancy fixed a nice salad with chicken breast.  Very good.

We watched Vera on Acorn.  We were in bed by 2200.

Wednesday October 31, 2018

Wednesday October 31, 2018

Yes folks another Halloween Day.  I am not a big fan of Halloween.  As a youth I did go trick or treating but did not soap windows or do other mischief.  I really got turned off Halloween during our last years on Mackinaw.  We would have over 200 folks come to our house.  Most of the kids were bused in.  Giving candy to a young man with facial hair and no costume violated the spirt of the day.  I always hoped for rain.

We had thunder storms roll through last night.  It rained hard.  The rain stopped about 0600.  The temperature was 50 when I first went out.

Nancy’s foot bothered her last night.  Yes, the foot she had surgery on.

We noticed three large deer in our back yard this morning.  First deer sighting in several weeks.

Today is my easy Wednesday.  I did calisthenics at 50% before heading to breakfast at Panera.

After Panera I took my hilly bike route home, but today I rode in opposite direction.  Taking the hills in the opposite direction is much easier.

Nancy is working at the Gardens this afternoon.  It being Wednesday I did the trash, recyclables plus two loads of laundry.  I found time for a short nap.

As soon as Nancy got home we had our apple snack.  Early dinner and then at 1800 we left for Trinity Lutheran.  Tonight we are attending a class on the Historical Jesus.  It was very interesting.

We left the house dark so to discourage trick or treaters.  I really don’t think anyone stop.  We watched an episode of Scott & Bailey before turning in.  Temps will only get to low 40s tonight.