Log time 1850:
Our normal wake up time is now 30 minutes earlier because of the longer days.
Today we returned to our standard Sat. Nancy and I walked to Panera for breakfast.
After a relaxing breakfast I took a 12 mile bike ride.
Great day for a ride. Spring has arrived. The leaves are nearly out and spring flowers in full bloom. Little League baseball has started. The bike path was crowded with bikers and runners.
After the ride I walked over to the Cascade Library. I read the morning newspapers. I read nothing that I want to comment on.
At home I had a quick lunch. In keeping with today's theme I decided to do some yard work.
I headed to ACE and bought a tree limb cutter and yard waste bags.
I also got our grill's propane tank filled. Grilling season will start soon.
Nancy and I spent about an hour trimming shrubs and removing a dead tree.
I took a short nap.
For dinner we went to a neighbor hood restaurant, Shepard' Grill. I had cod and Nancy had a bowl of soup.
It is now 1900 and we are getting ready to watch a streaming show on Netflix or Acorn.
Saturday, April 30, 2016
Friday, April 29, 2016
Friday April 29, 2016
Log time: 1955
We are finally getting rid of our jet lag. Up at a nearly normal time.
Sunrise today was at 0636. Love these early morning with the birds in full throat.
I did the calisthenics at home today because my sister, Helen, and husband Don are stopping for a cup of coffee about 1000.
While waiting for Helen I had coffee and read the WSJ.
Helen and Don came about 1000. They are heading home to Gaylord after five months in Tucson.
For the first time since we have been back I got on the bike and took the six mile route to the Y.
I ran a mile, showered and then headed home.
Quick lunch and then took Ms P on her normal walk. First time in two weeks. Ms P has been also suffering from some relocation trauma. Very sluggish.
Took a nice nap. Nancy fixed pot roast cooked in a crock pot. It was great.
Watched the news and then took a walk around the block.
It is now 2100 and we now are watching a second episode of Bosch on Amazon.
We are finally getting rid of our jet lag. Up at a nearly normal time.
Sunrise today was at 0636. Love these early morning with the birds in full throat.
I did the calisthenics at home today because my sister, Helen, and husband Don are stopping for a cup of coffee about 1000.
While waiting for Helen I had coffee and read the WSJ.
Helen and Don came about 1000. They are heading home to Gaylord after five months in Tucson.
For the first time since we have been back I got on the bike and took the six mile route to the Y.
I ran a mile, showered and then headed home.
Quick lunch and then took Ms P on her normal walk. First time in two weeks. Ms P has been also suffering from some relocation trauma. Very sluggish.
Took a nice nap. Nancy fixed pot roast cooked in a crock pot. It was great.
Watched the news and then took a walk around the block.
It is now 2100 and we now are watching a second episode of Bosch on Amazon.
Thursday, April 28, 2016
Thursday April 28, 2016
Log time, Wednesday 2030
We are back! We left Sunday the 17th for Ireland and returned last night the 26th.
We had a great time, Ireland is beautiful. Despite being 600 miles north of GR Ireland's Spring was in full bloom.
We were on a C.I. E. Tour. The tour took us around the circumference of the island.
Twenty six other folks accompanied us on the tour. Helping make the tour successful was a great tour guide.
The guide was a lover of all things American, country music, pickup trucks and Walmart.
We visited all the normal tourist stops including kissing the Blarney Stone.
We had lectures on the Potato Famine and the political problems with the English. Irish history is very sad and I can see why so many folks immigrated to North America.
Observations on Ireland:
I liked the rural areas with the green fields and all the livestock especially the sheep. It was springtime so we saw new born lambs everywhere.
All the farms were small. We passed through many small villages and every village had several small pubs. The pubs we visited were great.
I especially liked the Irish coastline. I was surprised that surfing is becoming popular. I doubt the water ever gets to 65.
Northern Ireland looks more prosperous.
In Wexford I purchased a history on the Hughes family. My Grandfather Hughes's family came from Ireland. However family lore has the Hughes family originally from Wales and then immigrated to Ireland for several generations. The Hughes history seems to substantiate this.
Blog continues Thursday April 28 at 1600:
Ruins of castles from the Norman era are everywhere.
I read the Irish newspapers and found that Ireland has the same problems as the USA. I was surprised that the Irish and EU politicians are dumber than ours. Is that possible? I think we handled the recession much better than the EU.
The food was good and very basic. I liked lamb stew and of course Guinness beer. We did tour a Guinness plant and a Waterford Crystal facility.
The Irish are hung up on the Titanic. We visited Cobh the last port of call for the ship before it went down. We also visited a museum in Belfast where the ship was built.
We were in Ireland on the 100th anniversary of the Easter Sunday uprising. This event started the Irish on their road to independence.
We took the Ring of Kerry drive, saw the Cliffs of Moher and Giant's Causeway.
We had major delays and plane changes getting to Ireland but the return trip went smooth. We both agreed that we will fly business class on our next overseas trip.
Arrived home on Tuesday at 1900. I woke early Wednesday, jet lag, so I went to Breakfast Club.
We both spent most of Wed catching up.
Thursday April 28. Busy day:
I walked to Y in heavy rain. For first time in two weeks I did some calisthenics. I did my routine at 50%.
Spent rest of day catching up and scheduling Vet, Dentist and various repairmen appointments. I also booked a room in Alpena for my 60th AHS reunion.
Got a call from my sister and she might stop by tomorrow morning for breakfast. She and Don are heading to Gaylord after spending the winter in AZ.
Nancy and I are headed to Panera for a bowl of soup tonight.
I would be remiss if I did not mention an unusual event on our trip. On our first day we stopped for lunch in a small Irish village. As we were getting off the bus I asked the driver where we were. He said Ferns, Ireland. I commented that I thought my Dad's cousin, Col Robert Rayburn, retired to a farm near Ferns. The woman who greeted us said she knew the Col. He had lunch at this pub nearly every day. She also took me to meet the bar tender who was good friends with the Col. The bar tender knew the Col was from Alpena. The Col was a legend in Ferns.
Robert Rayburn was a year younger than Dad. Dad and Mom graduated from AHS in 24 and Robert in 25. Robert Rayburn attended West Point and was a career Army officer. He retired to Ferns and raised jumping horses. Small world.
We are back! We left Sunday the 17th for Ireland and returned last night the 26th.
We had a great time, Ireland is beautiful. Despite being 600 miles north of GR Ireland's Spring was in full bloom.
We were on a C.I. E. Tour. The tour took us around the circumference of the island.
Twenty six other folks accompanied us on the tour. Helping make the tour successful was a great tour guide.
The guide was a lover of all things American, country music, pickup trucks and Walmart.
We visited all the normal tourist stops including kissing the Blarney Stone.
We had lectures on the Potato Famine and the political problems with the English. Irish history is very sad and I can see why so many folks immigrated to North America.
Observations on Ireland:
I liked the rural areas with the green fields and all the livestock especially the sheep. It was springtime so we saw new born lambs everywhere.
All the farms were small. We passed through many small villages and every village had several small pubs. The pubs we visited were great.
I especially liked the Irish coastline. I was surprised that surfing is becoming popular. I doubt the water ever gets to 65.
Northern Ireland looks more prosperous.
In Wexford I purchased a history on the Hughes family. My Grandfather Hughes's family came from Ireland. However family lore has the Hughes family originally from Wales and then immigrated to Ireland for several generations. The Hughes history seems to substantiate this.
Blog continues Thursday April 28 at 1600:
Ruins of castles from the Norman era are everywhere.
I read the Irish newspapers and found that Ireland has the same problems as the USA. I was surprised that the Irish and EU politicians are dumber than ours. Is that possible? I think we handled the recession much better than the EU.
The food was good and very basic. I liked lamb stew and of course Guinness beer. We did tour a Guinness plant and a Waterford Crystal facility.
The Irish are hung up on the Titanic. We visited Cobh the last port of call for the ship before it went down. We also visited a museum in Belfast where the ship was built.
We were in Ireland on the 100th anniversary of the Easter Sunday uprising. This event started the Irish on their road to independence.
We took the Ring of Kerry drive, saw the Cliffs of Moher and Giant's Causeway.
We had major delays and plane changes getting to Ireland but the return trip went smooth. We both agreed that we will fly business class on our next overseas trip.
Arrived home on Tuesday at 1900. I woke early Wednesday, jet lag, so I went to Breakfast Club.
We both spent most of Wed catching up.
Thursday April 28. Busy day:
I walked to Y in heavy rain. For first time in two weeks I did some calisthenics. I did my routine at 50%.
Spent rest of day catching up and scheduling Vet, Dentist and various repairmen appointments. I also booked a room in Alpena for my 60th AHS reunion.
Got a call from my sister and she might stop by tomorrow morning for breakfast. She and Don are heading to Gaylord after spending the winter in AZ.
Nancy and I are headed to Panera for a bowl of soup tonight.
I would be remiss if I did not mention an unusual event on our trip. On our first day we stopped for lunch in a small Irish village. As we were getting off the bus I asked the driver where we were. He said Ferns, Ireland. I commented that I thought my Dad's cousin, Col Robert Rayburn, retired to a farm near Ferns. The woman who greeted us said she knew the Col. He had lunch at this pub nearly every day. She also took me to meet the bar tender who was good friends with the Col. The bar tender knew the Col was from Alpena. The Col was a legend in Ferns.
Robert Rayburn was a year younger than Dad. Dad and Mom graduated from AHS in 24 and Robert in 25. Robert Rayburn attended West Point and was a career Army officer. He retired to Ferns and raised jumping horses. Small world.
Friday, April 15, 2016
Friday April 15, 2016
Log time: 1833
The day started cool 39 but reached a high of 72 today. Today was the warmest day of the year.
I did bundle up for the bike ride to the Y. I was surprised that the Y was nearly empty this morning. Are folks at home doing their taxes?
I am winding down so I will be well rested for our long flight to Europe. I did the routine at 75%.
The WSJ must also be taking a break because I found nothing that I want to comment on.
Kim came today to clean. After her shift she will take Ms P with her for a couple of weeks. Ms P loves Kim and her family.
I took a short walk before lunch.
After lunch I walked over to Macatawa Bank to put some items in our safe deposit box.
Nancy has completed packing for our trip but I have not started. Spent some time paying bills and cleaning up my in-basket.
For dinner Nancy and I headed to Sundance for dinner. I had a salad and Nancy had scrambled eggs and ham.
We are now watching the NBC news and at 1900 we will watch the PBS news. We will later spend some time watching shows on either netflix or Acorn.
It was great to see warm weather return. I put the snow shovel away.
The day started cool 39 but reached a high of 72 today. Today was the warmest day of the year.
I did bundle up for the bike ride to the Y. I was surprised that the Y was nearly empty this morning. Are folks at home doing their taxes?
I am winding down so I will be well rested for our long flight to Europe. I did the routine at 75%.
The WSJ must also be taking a break because I found nothing that I want to comment on.
Kim came today to clean. After her shift she will take Ms P with her for a couple of weeks. Ms P loves Kim and her family.
I took a short walk before lunch.
After lunch I walked over to Macatawa Bank to put some items in our safe deposit box.
Nancy has completed packing for our trip but I have not started. Spent some time paying bills and cleaning up my in-basket.
For dinner Nancy and I headed to Sundance for dinner. I had a salad and Nancy had scrambled eggs and ham.
We are now watching the NBC news and at 1900 we will watch the PBS news. We will later spend some time watching shows on either netflix or Acorn.
It was great to see warm weather return. I put the snow shovel away.
Thursday April 14, 2016
Log time, Friday @ 1700
It looks like it will warm up today but when I left it was 39 so I dressed warm.
Took the six mile bike route to the Y.
Calisthenics and then off to Panera. I finally found out why my Apple watch bike ride function was not working. I did not sync the watch with my new iPhone. I like the iPhone 6SE. It is much smaller than the 6+ so it fits in a shirt pocket. Large phones are easy to read but a bear to carry around.
The NY primaries are dominating the news.
Several big questions on the world stage, will Britain exit the EU and will Brazil impeach their leader?
After Panera I pedaled to Macatawa Bank to get some money for our Ireland trip.
I had a 1320 appointment with my skin doctor so as soon as I got home I headed to her office. She froze several spots and said see you in six months.
Quick lunch and then I took Ms P on a 1.5 mile walk. She is showing her age because the walk, despite clear pavement and pleasant temps, was difficult for her.
I took a short nap and then at 1730 Nancy and I got in the Taurus and headed to Russ's. We met Kathi Kothe. Kathi has lived in GR longer than Nancy or I have and this was her first trip to Russ's. I think she liked the food.
On our way home we stopped at Nordstrom Rack so Nancy could exchange a rain coat. Actually she kept the one she bought earlier.
Read the GRP and watch Vera on Acorn before turning in.
Temp to reach 70 tomorrow.
It looks like it will warm up today but when I left it was 39 so I dressed warm.
Took the six mile bike route to the Y.
Calisthenics and then off to Panera. I finally found out why my Apple watch bike ride function was not working. I did not sync the watch with my new iPhone. I like the iPhone 6SE. It is much smaller than the 6+ so it fits in a shirt pocket. Large phones are easy to read but a bear to carry around.
The NY primaries are dominating the news.
Several big questions on the world stage, will Britain exit the EU and will Brazil impeach their leader?
After Panera I pedaled to Macatawa Bank to get some money for our Ireland trip.
I had a 1320 appointment with my skin doctor so as soon as I got home I headed to her office. She froze several spots and said see you in six months.
Quick lunch and then I took Ms P on a 1.5 mile walk. She is showing her age because the walk, despite clear pavement and pleasant temps, was difficult for her.
I took a short nap and then at 1730 Nancy and I got in the Taurus and headed to Russ's. We met Kathi Kothe. Kathi has lived in GR longer than Nancy or I have and this was her first trip to Russ's. I think she liked the food.
On our way home we stopped at Nordstrom Rack so Nancy could exchange a rain coat. Actually she kept the one she bought earlier.
Read the GRP and watch Vera on Acorn before turning in.
Temp to reach 70 tomorrow.
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Wednesday April 13, 2016
Log time: 1942
Breakfast Club Wednesday so I get up with the alarm at 0550. Took Ms P out and could see that we had a nice day ahead.
The attendance at BC continues to decline. Today we had the senior Democrat on the Kent County Commission. She talked about the Democrats priorities. For decades the Democrats have been the minority party on the Commission. I liked her talk.
After BC I headed to our tax preparer in Jenison. Picked up our amended tax return.
Stopped at Starbucks in Breton Village and spent 45 minutes reading the papers. At 1015 I headed to the Y for my Wednesday swim. The pool was 100% full but I did get a lane. Swam 1,000 yards. I stopped at Meijer's to fill up the Cobalt.
At home I took Ms P on her daily walk.
Lunch and then ran the dishwasher and did a load of laundry.
Nancy worked at the Gardens this afternoon. She is going directly to Book Club after her shift. Book Club now starts at 1700.
I took a short nap and then at 1630 I headed to Uccello's. It is pizza night for Bob, Tom and Ed.
Got home at 1830 and took a walk around the block. Nancy got home at 1930.
We are now watching "Justified" on Amazon.
Breakfast Club Wednesday so I get up with the alarm at 0550. Took Ms P out and could see that we had a nice day ahead.
The attendance at BC continues to decline. Today we had the senior Democrat on the Kent County Commission. She talked about the Democrats priorities. For decades the Democrats have been the minority party on the Commission. I liked her talk.
After BC I headed to our tax preparer in Jenison. Picked up our amended tax return.
Stopped at Starbucks in Breton Village and spent 45 minutes reading the papers. At 1015 I headed to the Y for my Wednesday swim. The pool was 100% full but I did get a lane. Swam 1,000 yards. I stopped at Meijer's to fill up the Cobalt.
At home I took Ms P on her daily walk.
Lunch and then ran the dishwasher and did a load of laundry.
Nancy worked at the Gardens this afternoon. She is going directly to Book Club after her shift. Book Club now starts at 1700.
I took a short nap and then at 1630 I headed to Uccello's. It is pizza night for Bob, Tom and Ed.
Got home at 1830 and took a walk around the block. Nancy got home at 1930.
We are now watching "Justified" on Amazon.
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Tuesday April 12, 2016
Log time: 1732
The days keep getting longer. Today we have 13h09' heading to 15h on June 21.
Another nice day in GR. Today I did my calisthenics at home because I have some early morning errands to run.
My first stop was the MI DMV where I got purchased my vehicular plates and changed my address. I took my iPad because I anticipated waiting in line for a hour. Surprise the DMV was organized and I had my business completed in less than 15 minutes.
Next stop was the Sprint store. I had my new iPhone activated and all the files on the old phone transferred to the new phone. Total time at Sprint was over an hour.
At home I got out the bike and pedaled to the Y. I arrived about noon and thought the place would be jammed with folks working out over their lunch hour. I was wrong. I did my chin-ups and then ran a mile. Showered and shaved before leaving.
Nancy had a dentist check up this afternoon. I got home about 1330 and had a quick lunch.
Spent about an hour getting my new phone just the way I like it. Not all the file transfers were silky smooth so had to make some minor changes.
Took Ms P on a 1.5 mile walk.
I did a load of laundry and then a short nap.
Both Nancy and I are beginning to assemble some items for our upcoming trip to Ireland. The weather in Ireland will be mild with highs in the 50s and lows in the 40s. No rain for our first week.
After dinner I will take a walk around the block. Finish the evening watching some TV and reading the GRP.
The days keep getting longer. Today we have 13h09' heading to 15h on June 21.
Another nice day in GR. Today I did my calisthenics at home because I have some early morning errands to run.
My first stop was the MI DMV where I got purchased my vehicular plates and changed my address. I took my iPad because I anticipated waiting in line for a hour. Surprise the DMV was organized and I had my business completed in less than 15 minutes.
Next stop was the Sprint store. I had my new iPhone activated and all the files on the old phone transferred to the new phone. Total time at Sprint was over an hour.
At home I got out the bike and pedaled to the Y. I arrived about noon and thought the place would be jammed with folks working out over their lunch hour. I was wrong. I did my chin-ups and then ran a mile. Showered and shaved before leaving.
Nancy had a dentist check up this afternoon. I got home about 1330 and had a quick lunch.
Spent about an hour getting my new phone just the way I like it. Not all the file transfers were silky smooth so had to make some minor changes.
Took Ms P on a 1.5 mile walk.
I did a load of laundry and then a short nap.
Both Nancy and I are beginning to assemble some items for our upcoming trip to Ireland. The weather in Ireland will be mild with highs in the 50s and lows in the 40s. No rain for our first week.
After dinner I will take a walk around the block. Finish the evening watching some TV and reading the GRP.
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