Thursday November 15, 2018

Thursday November 15, 2018

Blog time 1110 at Panera

Ms P got me up at 0550.  It was cold, 25, but no snow.

Nancy is going swimming this morning and later has a dentist appointment.   She is driving the Escape because yesterday the Taurus’s change oil light came on.  I will take it in the afternoon for an oil change.

After breakfast I headed to the Y.  Today I am riding the winter bike because the weather folks say it will be snowing by 1100.  They were right I just looked out the window and sure enough it was snowing.

November 15 is a big day in Mi because deer season starts today.  Even my Dad headed to deer camp.  He would leave for camp on the day before and would stay a week at camp.  Actually the camp is quite nice.  It consists of a log main building complete with lounge room with a huge fireplace, a restroom and a sleeping room.  They also had a separate log dining room and kitchen.  The camp hired local farm women to prepare three meals a day.  Not exactly roughing it.

On this date in1938, Ossineke, MI,  Great Grandfather Sanborn noted that deer season started today.  GGF was not a deer hunter because he spent a busy day cleaning and hauling manure.  He moved 26 loads.  He also moved a stove for Robinson.  He mentioned shutting up his chickens.  Busy day for an 82 year old gentleman.

Left Panera at 1130, quick shower and then lunch.  After lunch I got in the Taurus and headed out.  Stopped at Meijer’s to pick up prescription.  I then headed to Fox Ford for an oil change.  I picked the perfect time because the waiting time was only 90 minutes.  I took my iPad and had a chance to get caught up.  On way home I stopped at Meijer’s and filled up.  Gas was $2.39.

We left home at 1700 and headed to Shepard’s Grill for dinner.  We each had a bowl of soup.  Shepard’s is a neighborhood bar.  We met several neighbors.  It was snowing hard when we left Shepard’s.

At home we watched the news.  Finished the evening watching an episode of Call the MidWifes.  

Wednesday November 14, 2018

Wednesday November 14, 2018

Blog time 1000 at Panera

Today is my easy Wednesday.  Ms P got me up at 0500.  Took her out and headed back to bed.  Finally got up at 0700.  

Nancy left home at 0730 for her class at MVP.  She has a busy day. This afternoon she is working at the Gardens.  This evening we are attending another lecture at Trinity Lutheran.

I did my normal Wednesday light calisthenics at home before heading out.  Pumped up the tires on the winter bike and headed to Panera in bright sunshine.  It was cold, 25.   This morning I had an oatmeal breakfast.

Overheard several men talking about going deer hunting.  Tomorrow is opening day.  Small town bars in NE Michigan look forward to this time of year.  I have been told over 75% of their annual revenue occurs during deer season.

This and that;

A great invention that we really don’t need.  Heated car seats!  Love them.

Quilted jackets are very popular in cold weather.  They are warm and very light.  However, I like good old wool.  I just bought a wool pea coat.  Great coat.

It appears an agreement has finally been reached on BRexit.  No one in the U.K. either for or against likes the final draft.

 Got home from Panera at 1200, quick shower and then lunch.  At 1300 I headed for my appointment with the Sleep Doctor.  I have sleep apnea.  I started with a CPAC machine but disliked it.  I made some adjustments in my sleep environment like purchasing a wedge pillow and not sleeping on my back.  These slight changes seem to have worked.  Nancy says I no longer snore or stop breathing during sleep.  I told this to the Physician’s Assistant and she said to continue with this routine.  Made an appointment for next year.

At home I started the laundry and took out the trash and recyclables.  I did find time for a short nap.

Nancy got home at 1630.  She said despite the bright sun attendance was very light.  Everyone must be deer hunting.

Quick dinner and at 1800 we headed to Trinity Lutheran.  Small crowd tonight for lecture three on the Historical Jesus.  Pastor Dan substituted for Pastor Bob.  Nancy said she was impressed with  Pastor Dan’s handling of the Q/A session after the lecture.

At home we watched the final episode of the Bodyguard.  I liked the show.  Temps will reach the low 20s tonight.

Tuesday November 13, 2018

Tuesday November 13, 2018

Blog time 1100 at Panera

Today I got up with the 0615 alarm.  It was cold and spitting snow when we went out.  It was 28 and the high temp today will not get above freezing.

Good news today for the first time since her surgery Nancy is going swimming.  I am glad because Nancy is a great swimmer and swimming is great exercise for us old folks.

After breakfast I got on my winter bike and headed out.  It was snowing and the snow was beginning to stick on the trails.  Today I took the shorter, 5 mile, route to the Y.   The 15 mph wind had dropped the wind chill to low teens.  BRR.

Followed my normal routine, calisthenics and a walk.  Lately I have been trying to walk at a 20’ per mile pace.  Today I walked 0.6 miles at this pace with little pain.

This and that

I always enjoyed this time of year in my youth.  High School football season was over.  I could not play hockey until Thanksgiving when it got cold enough for the lake to freeze.  I had a chance to get caught up on my school work.  After school I would work at my Dad’s office for several hours and make some money.  Very relaxing time.

The very best winter activity is playing pond hockey with your friends.  No rules, just fun!

When I ride my bike on these cold days I put my phone in my pant’s front pocket.  I notice that about noon by phone’s battery is nearly discharged.  I get a warning message.  Several minutes on the charger and it is back to 90%.  I think the cold discharges the battery.  Today I put the phone in a warm interior pocket.

Comic books are back in the news with Stan Lee’s death.  I loved comic books.  I always looked forward to my monthly issue of Looney Tunes.  I was also a fan of Captain Marvel and Batman.

Got home at 1230, quick shower and then lunch.  Nancy and I headed out to Fox Ford to pick up the Taurus.  Nancy then headed to Kohl’s and I drove to the Apple Store.

The tech at Apple checked my phone’s battery.  It is working at 91%.  Apple does not recommend replacing the battery until it reaches 78%.  Bottom line, when riding bike I should store my phone in a warm place.

On my way home I stopped at Macatawa Bank.   Made some transfers and got cash for Kim who cleans on Friday.

I have been writing about gloomy November.  On this evening news the weather man said we will have sun tomorrow.  In fact we will have more hours of sun than in the previous 13 days.

On this day November 13, 1938 in Ossineke, Michigan.  Great Grandfather Sanborn wrote;  it was Sunday, the Ossineke Methodist Church’s collections were $11.80 and eight folks attended the service.  Apparently not many Methodists in Ossineke.

Nancy fixed chicken noodle soup and a hot dog for dinner.  Tonight we watched NCIS and Bull.  Sun with cold for tomorrow.

Monday November 12, 2018

Monday November 12, 2018

I have been setting the alarm for 0615, but lately I get up with Ms P which is about 0600.  When Ms P gets up, we get up and take her outside.  Her discharge system waits for no one.  It was a pleasant 35 with no wind.

Nancy has resumed her normal schedule at MVP, except for swimming.  She left at 0703.  After breakfast I unlocked the Bad Boy bike and headed out.  The snow is gone from paved areas so no need for the winter bike.  The leaves are gone so I can see into the wooded areas.  Always looking for critters.  None spotted today.

The Y was crowded today. I think folks want to get ahead on their exercise routine before the Holiday eating season begins.

At Panera read the papers and talked to several men who I knew were veterans.  I asked if they can remember their military service number.  They all repeated it with no hesitation.  Some thing you don’t forget.

This and that;

I was disappointed with PONTUS for missing several Armistice Day events.  It sends a bad signal.  Good grief the President has to perform many duties that he might not like.  

I am totally turned off by the President’s lack of civility.  John Wooden said it best “be nice to people on your way up because you might meet them on your way down”. Sound advice Coach Wooden.

November in Michigan is dark and gloomy.  I am glad we have deer season and Thanksgiving to wash away some of the gloom.

Detroit has always been known as a great sports town.  This year they don’t have much to cheer.  The Lions, Red Wings and Pistons are having less than stellar years.

Today Nancy had lunch with several friend from the Gardens.  They ate at the cafe in Schuler Books.  Nancy loves this cafe.

I called Fox Ford to see if the Taurus was ready.  They did not return my call until 1700.  I told them I would pick up the car tomorrow.

After lunch I got a call from my old boss Dave Despres.  Dave is 92 and can no longer drive.  I think the November gloom must have got to him.  We talked for nearly two hours.  

I completed the afternoon with an apple snack, a nap and walk.  We had a light dinner.  Prepared Nancy’s cheese snack and then filled my wine glass up and settled down to watch some Netflix.  We started with Ozark followed by Scott & Bailey.  

Sunday November 11, 2018

Weekend Update for WE 11Nov

Blog time 1545 on Sunday the 11th at 1545

Saturday November 10, 

The alarm goes off at 0615.  I went out and saw an accumulation of snow.  I guessed about 1.5”.  The temperature was 28.

In addition to the cold, the snow would make walking difficult.  Tahoe had not been plowed but no problem for an AWD.  We drove to Panera for breakfast.  Today I had earned a free bowl of oatmeal.  The place was empty.  We spent over an hour laying out our plans for both this weekend and the holidays.

The Taurus is still at Fox Ford waiting for a new tire.  We expected a call some time today telling us to pick up the car.  It never happened.

Nancy started the laundry and I read the papers.  At 1100 Nancy drove me to Ada Bike.  I picked up the Bianchi.  It has new steel studded snow tires and a new front disc brake.  I now have a good winter bike with good traction and great stopping power.  I rode the bike home and was pleased with its ability to move through snow covered trails.

At home showered and dressed for this evening.  Tonight we are attending a Pop’s concert.  It is called Simply Sinatra.  The music of Frank Sinatra.

We left home at 1800.  We did not have reservations for dinner but the Boars Head had seating.  We both had a sandwich.  I also had a wine.

The concert was great.  The singer and his band which was backed up by the GR Symphony performed all the Sinatra favorites.  Of course both Nancy and I knew the words to every song.  We were disappointed at all the empty seats.

We got home a little after 2200.  We both had a soft drink before heading to bed.

Sunday November 11, 2018;  The 100th anniversary of the WW I Armistice, thus the name Armistice Day.  In my youth 11/11 was called Armistice Day and always celebrated on 11/11.  It is a national holiday.  The name was changed in 1954 to Veteran’s Day.

The roads were dry so Nancy and I could enjoy our Sunday morning walk around the block.  We had a deer run across our path.  Watching the deer made my day.

After breakfast I made a quick run to Panera for coffee.  We left home for Trinity Lutheran at 0840.  The new renovated Celebration Hall has a common meeting area.  It is very warm and pleasant.  Today free samples of recipes from the church cook book were provided.

The Church recognized Veterans today.  All veterans had to stand for a special recognition.  Today’s Homily dealt with the rich folks sharing resources.  I think Pastor Bob’s hidden message is we should heavily tax the rich.

After church we headed to Kohl’s.  Nancy bought several pair of pants on sale.  Next stop was Trader Joe’s for wine and several frozen dinners.  Finally we stopped at Meijer’s for weekly supplies.  Gas today had dropped to $2.54 per gallon.

I read several sections of the GRP before lunch.  After lunch took a quick nap.  At 1600 we headed to Houlihan’s for their free Veteran’s Day meal.  I had the fish and chips.  Nancy had a bowl of soup.  We were home by 1730.

This weekend we FaceTimed with Missy and AJ and on Sunday Nancy FaceTimed with Alessandra.  Last night we visited with Debbie and got caught up.  Debbie is spending Thanksgiving in GR.  

We watched 60 Minutes before switching to Netflix for another episode of Bodyguard.  I am hooked on this show.

Friday November 9, 2018

Friday November 9, 2018

Blog time 1020 sitting in living room

Despite being retired for ten years I still look forward to Fridays.  Today was special because we had snow on the ground.  The temp was at 32.  The snow will continue until 1700.

Today we are having the plumber come and clean out our dryer vent.  Expect them to arrive mid-morning.

I did the calisthenics at home.  I left home at 0730, before Nancy headed to MVP.  Rode the bike to Panera for an oatmeal breakfast.  Left Panera at 0830 and came straight home.  I had to take a towel and wipe the snow off the bike.

The Plumber arrived at 1000.  He spent several hours cleaning the vent.  

Our washer and dryer are stackable with the dryer on top.  They are wedged into what was intended to be a pantry.  The plumber had to move the units out of the pantry closet.  I had an opportunity to vacuum this area.  It was filthy.  I don’t think it had been cleaned in years.  

The plumber installed all new vent piping.  The new vent should last at least as long as we live in the condo.

Nancy ran errands this morning.  When she got home she told me the low tire pressure light had gone off.  After lunch I took the Taurus to the Ford dealer.  They looked at all the tires and found a nail in the left rear.  I was told the wait would be at least two hours.  Luckily I brought my laptop.  I got caught up on my reading.  

Looked around the dealership and almost bought a car.  The 2018 Focus cars have been reduced dramatically.  Since any new car will be a replacement for Nancy’s Taurus I thought perhaps I should check with her.  Oh! the lessons you learn in 53 years of marriage.

The service man told me the damage to tire required a replacement.  Unfortunately they did not have a replacement in stock.  They would get one tomorrow.  I said ok and they drove me home.

At home I vented my frustration by taking a 1.5 mile walk.  It was a brisk walk because the 18 mph wind created wind chills in the teens.

Nancy fixed chicken noodle soup for dinner.  It hit the spot.

We watched the last episode of Endeavor this evening.  I like the show.

Weather folks say accumulating snow this evening.  If fact it was snowing hard when I went out at 2200.

Thursday November 8, 2018

Thursday November 8, 2018

Blog time 1110 at Panera

Up with 0615 alarm and headed out with Ms P.  It was a cool, 36, but no rain or wind.

Nancy headed to MVP for a class.  After breakfast I headed out to the Y.  Took my 7 mile route.  This morning I did not see any critters.  Where are they?  Maybe they are in hiding.  

One week to the start of the firearm deer season.  Nowadays you say firearm because we also have an archery, crossbow and muzzle loader deer season.  In my youth there was only the firearms season.  It was a big deal in Michigan.  Construction projects shut down and stores and businesses worked with reduced staff.  At AHS boys got two days off for deer hunting.  Of course no break for girls.

This and that;

With recent winds most trees have lost their leaves.

What message is the stock market sending?  It seems to have a mind of its own.  More important does any one care?

What is happening with BRexit?  It has dropped off the front page.

Most stores have their Christmas displays up.  I think it is a bit early.

Why does POTUS keep shooting himself in the foot?

As soon as I got home I showered and ate a quick lunch.  We made a quick trip to Costco for Cheerios, sandwich thins, eye drops and chicken noodle soup.  Costco today was selling scotch and some whiskey in 1.75 liter bottles.  Good grief it would takes us two years to finish.

I did notice that folks were buying these large bottles.  In fact almost every customer was purchasing several bottle of alcohol or wine.  Must be the time of year.

Lately I have been taking a short afternoon nap in my recliner.  I sleep well in the recliner.  I think because the recliner keeps my head elevated all my breathing passages are open resulting in the sound sleep.  

For dinner tonight Nancy and I headed to Brann’s.  For liquid refreshment Nancy had a margarita and I had some red wine.  It was happy hour so all drinks were 1/2 price.  

Nancy ordered a chicken cranberry sandwich and I had a bowl of lobster bisque.  Of course I helped Nancy finish her sandwich and fries.  We even had some chicken left over for Ms P.

We got home in time to watch the 1830 news.  The show was dominated by the shooting in Thousand Oaks.

At 2000 we switched to Netflix and watched an episode of Bodyguard.  I like this show.  It appears the UK has CCTV cameras on every corner.  Talk about invasion of privacy.  Nancy headed to bed.  

I stayed up and finished reading GRP and WSJ. Had the football game on in the background. I think Thursday football is overkill.

It was snowing at 2200.  The weather folks say we should wake up with snow on the ground.