Monday, June 30, 2008

The last day of June was nice and sunny.
This morning I had to attend the Grand Rapids Building Authority monthly meeting. The staff pointed out that my term on the Authority expires on 07/01/08. The city manager said that he is going to try and get me reappointed in time for the next meeting. No major issues were on the agenda and the meeting adjourned around 1100.

In the afternoon I pulled weeds under our big blue spruce in the front yard. I filled 1 Grand Rapids leaf bag. After pulling weeds I packed up my kayak and spent 2 hours on the Grand River. I paddled from Riverside Park to the 6th Street Bridge and back. It was a pleasant trip.

This evening Nancy and Bob are going to watch the swimming trials.

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Sunday was cool and humid with scattered showers. Bob and Nancy got up bright and early, had breakfast at Perkins (we had a coupon) and then travelled to Livonia for a trade show. Nancy had to buy some items for the hospital gift shop. Next we travelled to the Ikea store.

On our way back we stopped at the discount mall in Howell. Arrived back home at 1800. Nancy owes me big time.

Saturday, 06/28/08

Today is warm and humid. Threatening rain all day. This morning after breakfast of oatmeal and reading the NY Times, I decided to go kayaking. Not a hard decision. I have not been on the impoundment caused by the Weber Dam over the Grand River in Ionia County. I checked my handy dandy boat launch map and found a launch near the dam. It was a pleasant ride on gravel roads. On the way I saw numerous deer and noted that the corn will be knee high by the 4th.

I paddled 3 hours on the impoundment. Going from the dam to David Hwy and back. 3 hours is about the maximum time I can spend in the kayak. After 3 hours the 3 B's take over (back, butt and bladder).

Tomorrow, Bob and Nancy are going to Livonia so that Nancy may purchase some items for the hosipital gift shop. We will also go the the Ikea store.

Since we will eat out tomorrow, we have decided to stay home this evening. Nancy will prepare her world famous hot dogs.

Friday, 06/27/08: 2100 houea

Today was hot and humid. Typical morning except I overslept by 30minutes. I have finally figured out that oversleeping is not a big deal. Rain this afternoon. Nancy and Bob went to dinner with the Tom and Linda Moleski.

Michigan type thunderstorms are rolling in. Must turn off computer.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

A nice summer day, hot and humid. Today is officially the first day of my retirement. I will only do occasional consulting on an hour by hour basis. No projects over 8 hours. Started the day with my usual routine of exercise at home, bike to the Michigan Athletic Club for chin ups and a run. I then bike to a coffee shop for coffee and an opportunity to read the paper. In afternoon I mowed the grass using my new push reel type mower. Just like when I was a boy. I did raise the setting to make is easier to push.

At 1730 Nancy and Bob visited "Great Lakes Shipping" for an hour of music, beer and sandwiches. We sat outside. Summer is great.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Cloudy with chance of rain. The perfect day to sit in front of my computer and finish my project. I completed the project at 1330. I now have to figure out how I want to spend my free time. This will be an enjoyable undertaking.

My priority list is:

• kayak
• bike
• learn Spanish
• read more books
• chores around house

I have also been asked to teach 2 seminars at the U of M on bridge design using prestressed concrete beams. I am mulling over this proposal.

I have 2 kayaks, a 12 footer and a 15 footer. When I paddle on local stream I use the 12' kayak because it is easier to handle. With considerable practise I have mastered the J stroke using a canoe paddle. I prefer a canoe paddle because of its light weight and I think it puts less strain on the joints. Presently am using a carbon fiber bent shaft paddle that weighs ounces. I also use the paddle backwards of its intended use. I just tell the purists that it is easier for an old man.

I am rambling too much. Heading outside for a 3 mile walk.

Tuesday 06/24/08

Today was sunny and warm. However, I had to finish my project. Spent most of the day in front of the computer (bummer). Did get a call from Carl Walker, an old U of M civil engineer. He asked if I wanted to be in charge of a seminar on precast bridge beams to U on M structural engineers. I am thinking that this is something I can do.