I'm exhausted. Lots of stuff going on, plus it seemed like it was 100 degrees out there today. My weather app says only 90. Sigh. Here's the back of an eagle statuette on the conference table of the office in which I spent the afternoon:
Thursday, May 31, 2012
What a Day
May 31, 2012
I'm exhausted. Lots of stuff going on, plus it seemed like it was 100 degrees out there today. My weather app says only 90. Sigh. Here's the back of an eagle statuette on the conference table of the office in which I spent the afternoon:
I'm exhausted. Lots of stuff going on, plus it seemed like it was 100 degrees out there today. My weather app says only 90. Sigh. Here's the back of an eagle statuette on the conference table of the office in which I spent the afternoon:
Gas Prices
May 30, 2012
I had to fill up today and noticed prices had dropped again. At least it's going in the right direction, but still up there. I like going to the Chevron on NW 34th St. near the new senior center, and Northside Park. It's usually cheaper than other stations in town, hence my nickname for it of "Cheapie Gas". Sometimes the pumps are all in use though, and there isn't a lot of room to wait in line. If I have enough gas left I usually run errands and then return to see if things have cleared up, but when I don't and it's desperation time I have to go to the expensive place just down the street from us. They are typically (wow, when did the 'cents' sign get taken off of keyboards? Probably 1985 given my skills of observation) $0.15 higher than Cheapie Gas.
I had to fill up today and noticed prices had dropped again. At least it's going in the right direction, but still up there. I like going to the Chevron on NW 34th St. near the new senior center, and Northside Park. It's usually cheaper than other stations in town, hence my nickname for it of "Cheapie Gas". Sometimes the pumps are all in use though, and there isn't a lot of room to wait in line. If I have enough gas left I usually run errands and then return to see if things have cleared up, but when I don't and it's desperation time I have to go to the expensive place just down the street from us. They are typically (wow, when did the 'cents' sign get taken off of keyboards? Probably 1985 given my skills of observation) $0.15 higher than Cheapie Gas.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Beryl-ing Through
May 29, 2012
Finally the rains hit for real! Luckily Beryl never made it to hurricane status and do significant damage. Some places in Jacksonville lost power I heard, but even then Beryl was losing force. It's been raining since Sunday afternoon, more on than off, which is really good.
We decided to go out for dinner tonight to Main St. Pizza. Mike warned me that the thunder was approaching again, but I disregarded the warning. We drove off and ended up getting dumped on so hard I had to pull off the road until it eased up a bit.
Finally the rains hit for real! Luckily Beryl never made it to hurricane status and do significant damage. Some places in Jacksonville lost power I heard, but even then Beryl was losing force. It's been raining since Sunday afternoon, more on than off, which is really good.
We decided to go out for dinner tonight to Main St. Pizza. Mike warned me that the thunder was approaching again, but I disregarded the warning. We drove off and ended up getting dumped on so hard I had to pull off the road until it eased up a bit.
This is the view out of the windshield while we were parked.
Memorial Day
May 28, 2012
Happy Birthday Zach!
It was a rainy Memorial Day this year. My prayers go out on behalf of all the families who have lost loved ones in the service of our country.
Happy Birthday Zach!
It was a rainy Memorial Day this year. My prayers go out on behalf of all the families who have lost loved ones in the service of our country.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Pentacost
May 27, 2012
Today was Pentacost Sunday. Mike went golfing with his trainer Shelly and her husband Jason. It rained on them, but that's ok--we needed the rain more than they needed to golf ;) They came over for dinner and we're watching "Tucker and Dale vs. Evil" right now. If you haven't seen that movie, do so--right now! ;)
Today was Pentacost Sunday. Mike went golfing with his trainer Shelly and her husband Jason. It rained on them, but that's ok--we needed the rain more than they needed to golf ;) They came over for dinner and we're watching "Tucker and Dale vs. Evil" right now. If you haven't seen that movie, do so--right now! ;)
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Gator Gauntlet
May 26, 2012
A few weeks ago my trainer Charles mentioned he was going to participate in this, and then the newsletter from the health club talked about completing it being someone's goal. I thought it sounded kind of interesting and thought I'd go take a look.
I showed up a little before 10 a.m. and the parking was full so they were sending people to EHS to park and get on a school bus shuttling back and forth. Most of the people on the bus with me were participating, but there were a few spectators as well. The bus dropped us off on Hawthorne Rd. and we all walked back into the site.
I was wondering how they were going to keep the mud pits muddy, with the lack of adequate rain, but seems they trucked in quite a lot of water. I could only see a few portions of the race route, but it included a large mug pit in front of the castle, a thing where people had to crawl under wire like in military training, and a (small) fire line to leap.
I saw the health club group readying for their run as I was leaving. I hope they were able to finish and have fun doing so :)
A few weeks ago my trainer Charles mentioned he was going to participate in this, and then the newsletter from the health club talked about completing it being someone's goal. I thought it sounded kind of interesting and thought I'd go take a look.
I showed up a little before 10 a.m. and the parking was full so they were sending people to EHS to park and get on a school bus shuttling back and forth. Most of the people on the bus with me were participating, but there were a few spectators as well. The bus dropped us off on Hawthorne Rd. and we all walked back into the site.
I was wondering how they were going to keep the mud pits muddy, with the lack of adequate rain, but seems they trucked in quite a lot of water. I could only see a few portions of the race route, but it included a large mug pit in front of the castle, a thing where people had to crawl under wire like in military training, and a (small) fire line to leap.
I saw the health club group readying for their run as I was leaving. I hope they were able to finish and have fun doing so :)
These 'knights' were guarding the bridge, forcing the racers to go through the mud on either side.
I have to say that the port-o-potties at this event were the nicest I've ever seen. They had a little shelf up high so you could safely put your stuff there, as well as artwork on the walls and a hand sanitizer dispenser. Classy! :)
Friday, May 25, 2012
Let Them Eat Cake
May 25, 2012
So pretty...all these delicious things I shouldn't eat...sigh. It's kind of funny though--I don't have nearly the sweet tooth I used to have. I look at all these desserts and know that they would taste good, but I don't have all that much desire to eat them. I guess it's not a sweet tooth anymore, just a carb tooth. I crave mashed potatoes, rice, and really good bread. Well, ok, chocolate too sometimes :)
So pretty...all these delicious things I shouldn't eat...sigh. It's kind of funny though--I don't have nearly the sweet tooth I used to have. I look at all these desserts and know that they would taste good, but I don't have all that much desire to eat them. I guess it's not a sweet tooth anymore, just a carb tooth. I crave mashed potatoes, rice, and really good bread. Well, ok, chocolate too sometimes :)
Strange how many photos I take in the grocery store...
On another note, I saw this linked on Twitter the other day and thought most of it was cute, but really loved the first step: 13 Simple Steps To Get You Through A Rough Day
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Shall We Pray?
May 24, 2012
We met relatives at Smokehouse restaurant and we all admired their stained-glass windows. My mother-in-law asked if we should pray :) I said if she felt inclined, then she should! Nothing wrong with that :)
We met relatives at Smokehouse restaurant and we all admired their stained-glass windows. My mother-in-law asked if we should pray :) I said if she felt inclined, then she should! Nothing wrong with that :)
Phillip :)
May 23, 2012
Congratulations to Phillip Phillips, the winner of American Idol last night. I liked him, but didn't think he'd win. I just hope his health is good enough for him to survive all the appearances that go with the title.
Congratulations to Phillip Phillips, the winner of American Idol last night. I liked him, but didn't think he'd win. I just hope his health is good enough for him to survive all the appearances that go with the title.
Bro-mance is in the air :)
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Alleluia Ringers
May 22, 2012
The Alleluia Ringers from Concordia University Wisconsin came to my church for a concert tonight. They played beautifully as well as being a lot of fun. The 2 guys on the bass end, the Js, even have their own Facebook Js Fan Page. This photo was at the beginning of the concert when the players were lined up on either side of the church. These ladies were closest to us.
I thought it was interesting they had 3 members from Trinity Lutheran in Roselle, IL. My grade school, St. John Lutheran Wheaton, IL used to play theirs in our conference games :)
The Alleluia Ringers from Concordia University Wisconsin came to my church for a concert tonight. They played beautifully as well as being a lot of fun. The 2 guys on the bass end, the Js, even have their own Facebook Js Fan Page. This photo was at the beginning of the concert when the players were lined up on either side of the church. These ladies were closest to us.
I thought it was interesting they had 3 members from Trinity Lutheran in Roselle, IL. My grade school, St. John Lutheran Wheaton, IL used to play theirs in our conference games :)
Grocery Store
May 21, 2012
I get a chuckle out of this aisle at the grocery store. "Ethnic Foods" for some reason doesn't include "Hispanic Foods" ;)
I get a chuckle out of this aisle at the grocery store. "Ethnic Foods" for some reason doesn't include "Hispanic Foods" ;)
Lawnmower
May 20, 2012
I felt horrible when I woke up--extremely sore--but needed to get some activity and the recent rain had inspired the grass to stretch up a few inches, so mowing the lawn seemed in order. Seth had to get the darn thing started.
I felt horrible when I woke up--extremely sore--but needed to get some activity and the recent rain had inspired the grass to stretch up a few inches, so mowing the lawn seemed in order. Seth had to get the darn thing started.
Egretably
May 19, 2012
We gave Lake Santa Fe another try since it had been raining almost every day for the last week. The water level was still pretty low, but we did get the boat out of the canal and out on the lake. Right at the mouth of the canal, an egret was chilling. As we approached he took flight. I've always wanted to catch a photo of one like that, and even though it's not centered, I'm glad I got him in frame :)
We gave Lake Santa Fe another try since it had been raining almost every day for the last week. The water level was still pretty low, but we did get the boat out of the canal and out on the lake. Right at the mouth of the canal, an egret was chilling. As we approached he took flight. I've always wanted to catch a photo of one like that, and even though it's not centered, I'm glad I got him in frame :)
High Quality H2O
May 18, 2012
A glass of good-tasting water is awesome :) I'd say it's underrated, but I think most people actually do appreciate having good clean water.
Happy Birthday Carol!
A glass of good-tasting water is awesome :) I'd say it's underrated, but I think most people actually do appreciate having good clean water.
Happy Birthday Carol!
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Slippery When Wet
May 17, 2012
After my session with Charles I relaxed in the hot tub. There were a lot of people there today. One lady was a teacher that was in physical therapy after some thugs at her school attacked her. I wish her a speedy recovery. Shortly after speaking with her, I was looking off across the big pool and saw another lady slip and fall on the tile :( I didn't know how seriously she was hurt, but I went running into the locker room yelling for anyone that worked there to come out--if she was seriously hurt she was going to need attention from trained personnel. By the time I was back out by the pool she was on her feet and had 4 or 5 people helping her. I hope she's ok.
After my session with Charles I relaxed in the hot tub. There were a lot of people there today. One lady was a teacher that was in physical therapy after some thugs at her school attacked her. I wish her a speedy recovery. Shortly after speaking with her, I was looking off across the big pool and saw another lady slip and fall on the tile :( I didn't know how seriously she was hurt, but I went running into the locker room yelling for anyone that worked there to come out--if she was seriously hurt she was going to need attention from trained personnel. By the time I was back out by the pool she was on her feet and had 4 or 5 people helping her. I hope she's ok.
Eat Fresh
May 16, 2012
The Starbucks guys may know my order by heart, but the Subway people know Seth's order by heart, and that's harder. We went there for dinner since we both like it and Mike's still out of town, and when Seth got up to order they just started making it. He loves that ;)
The Starbucks guys may know my order by heart, but the Subway people know Seth's order by heart, and that's harder. We went there for dinner since we both like it and Mike's still out of town, and when Seth got up to order they just started making it. He loves that ;)
D3
May 15, 2012
The big day--Diablo 3 was released today. I don't play it, but the rest of my family does. Seth was so happy he had no more exams the rest of this week and had lots of downtime to play--I think Blizzard may have coordinated that with his teachers. Mike had planned on changing his work schedule up so he'd have time free to play, but that was scrapped when he had to make an extra trip to Seattle this week instead. He was still able to play a little. Not sure if Zach is playing or not this time around. Everyone online was talking about it. Whenever the game servers went down, there was an uproar and an increase in traffic on every other game ;)
The big day--Diablo 3 was released today. I don't play it, but the rest of my family does. Seth was so happy he had no more exams the rest of this week and had lots of downtime to play--I think Blizzard may have coordinated that with his teachers. Mike had planned on changing his work schedule up so he'd have time free to play, but that was scrapped when he had to make an extra trip to Seattle this week instead. He was still able to play a little. Not sure if Zach is playing or not this time around. Everyone online was talking about it. Whenever the game servers went down, there was an uproar and an increase in traffic on every other game ;)
More Medical Stuff
May 14, 2012
Had to have blood drawn in preparation for my physical next week. It was nice of them to have wrapping on my arm that matched my outfit ;)
Had to have blood drawn in preparation for my physical next week. It was nice of them to have wrapping on my arm that matched my outfit ;)
Mother's Day
May 13, 2012
We had a lovely brunch with Mike's Mom Roanne and her husband Larry for Mother's Day. Then Mike took me to see Straight No Chaser at the Phillips Center. They were great! If they are performing near you I highly recommend you go see them--they put on a fantastic show :)
They actually encourage photography during their shows. Too bad I only had my iphone and we were in the mezzanine. The zoom on the iphone is kinda lousy. On the other hand, it was nice to just sit back and enjoy the show without worrying about recording.
We had a lovely brunch with Mike's Mom Roanne and her husband Larry for Mother's Day. Then Mike took me to see Straight No Chaser at the Phillips Center. They were great! If they are performing near you I highly recommend you go see them--they put on a fantastic show :)
They actually encourage photography during their shows. Too bad I only had my iphone and we were in the mezzanine. The zoom on the iphone is kinda lousy. On the other hand, it was nice to just sit back and enjoy the show without worrying about recording.
Love Bug Season
May 12, 2012
I never knew there was a real bug called "love bug" until we moved to Florida. Near as I can tell they are called love bugs because they find a mate, literally hook up, and stay connected all the time--flying, crawling, whatever--until they die I guess. Twice a year the love bugs are swarming--first in late spring, second usually early fall. They don't bite or anything, and they fly pretty slowly, so you can avoid them or just ignore them for the most part, unless there are so many of them they get in your hair/face/whatnot.
The biggest issue people have with them is that their guts eat through car paint. If you drive during love bug season, your car will have a nice layer of dead love bugs on the front. You have to wash them off or you'll have problems with your paint.
The love bugs were swarming down by Butler Plaza but they did not cooperate with having their pictures taken. I couldn't get a good shot of a big group, so here's one couple on the windshield:
I never knew there was a real bug called "love bug" until we moved to Florida. Near as I can tell they are called love bugs because they find a mate, literally hook up, and stay connected all the time--flying, crawling, whatever--until they die I guess. Twice a year the love bugs are swarming--first in late spring, second usually early fall. They don't bite or anything, and they fly pretty slowly, so you can avoid them or just ignore them for the most part, unless there are so many of them they get in your hair/face/whatnot.
The biggest issue people have with them is that their guts eat through car paint. If you drive during love bug season, your car will have a nice layer of dead love bugs on the front. You have to wash them off or you'll have problems with your paint.
The love bugs were swarming down by Butler Plaza but they did not cooperate with having their pictures taken. I couldn't get a good shot of a big group, so here's one couple on the windshield:
Aging Eyes :(
May 11, 2012
I've noticed my eyesight getting worse over the last year or so, and thought it was time to get an eye exam. I haven't had one for 20 years (that I can recall anyway). I went in on Wednesday and had the exam and the dilation and the whole shebang. Turns out I do need reading glasses, but the dilation made my vision so fuzzy I couldn't really see the difference between frames. I came back with Mike when he had his exam and checked everything out with clearer sight :)
I've noticed my eyesight getting worse over the last year or so, and thought it was time to get an eye exam. I haven't had one for 20 years (that I can recall anyway). I went in on Wednesday and had the exam and the dilation and the whole shebang. Turns out I do need reading glasses, but the dilation made my vision so fuzzy I couldn't really see the difference between frames. I came back with Mike when he had his exam and checked everything out with clearer sight :)
The Hat
May 10, 2012
Seth has started to become known around town by his hat. He loves it because it is comfy, but he also gets many comments and questions from people while he's out and about. Too bad the school doesn't allow hats except from Nov. 1 to Mar. 1. Hatist!
Seth has started to become known around town by his hat. He loves it because it is comfy, but he also gets many comments and questions from people while he's out and about. Too bad the school doesn't allow hats except from Nov. 1 to Mar. 1. Hatist!
Pile of Crap
May 9, 2012
I felt energetic again today, but instead of going for a long walk, I thought I should try to get some work done around the house. I decided to clean out one corner that had a stack of storage bins filled with crap, and more stuff just stacked on top. I actually got a lot done and cleared out most of the pile. All that's left is shredding some old receipts and statements and stuff. I came across this old list of school supplies for when Seth was in 8th grade (almost 4 years old). I thought it was a funny thing for me to have shoved into the pile instead of just throwing it out after getting the supplies. Oh well. That's how piles of crap are made :)
I felt energetic again today, but instead of going for a long walk, I thought I should try to get some work done around the house. I decided to clean out one corner that had a stack of storage bins filled with crap, and more stuff just stacked on top. I actually got a lot done and cleared out most of the pile. All that's left is shredding some old receipts and statements and stuff. I came across this old list of school supplies for when Seth was in 8th grade (almost 4 years old). I thought it was a funny thing for me to have shoved into the pile instead of just throwing it out after getting the supplies. Oh well. That's how piles of crap are made :)
Kettlebell
May 8, 2012
This is my newest enemy, the kettlebell. Charles has me working with 15 and 20 lb. kettlebells doing various exercises. I can actually do most of them the right way. There's one where if I do it incorrectly I whack myself in the wrist with this sucker. I have sore wrists often...
This is my newest enemy, the kettlebell. Charles has me working with 15 and 20 lb. kettlebells doing various exercises. I can actually do most of them the right way. There's one where if I do it incorrectly I whack myself in the wrist with this sucker. I have sore wrists often...
Rain O'er Me
May 7, 2012
May 6th was a 'lost day'. I was soooooo sore and tired from my long walk, I did as little as possible and forgot to take a photo.
The 7th was a nice rainy day. It really poured down and it was relaxing to watch and listen to the rain.
May 6th was a 'lost day'. I was soooooo sore and tired from my long walk, I did as little as possible and forgot to take a photo.
The 7th was a nice rainy day. It really poured down and it was relaxing to watch and listen to the rain.
All Wee-wee'd Up On Cuatro de Cinco
May 5, 2012
I actually wasn't wee-wee'd up, and most of the day it didn't even occur to me that it was Cinco de Mayo. I just like using that phrase ;)
Another day where I felt really good and wanted to get out and get some exercise. Seth had a long study session to go to, so I thought I'd go get a closer look at a couple of things in town. All the years we've lived here, I've driven past these planet monuments on 8th Ave. I've been curious what they look like close-up, but never actually went over to see.
There are also two nice-looking wooden walkways that lead off the north side of 8th Ave and I wondered where they led. I assumed they hooked up somewhere back in the woods. My plan was to park at Westside Park, walk east on 8th Ave, take the first wooden walkway leading north, follow it around until it came out on the 2nd walkway farther east on 8th Ave, then continue east until there was a safe place to cross the street and walk west on the other side, following the planets back to the park. I figured it would be about 2 miles--very doable.
NOT TO SCALE
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ N /|\
~ Westside ~ |
~ Park ~ 1st walkway 2nd walkway
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ X X
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
8th Ave.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *Mars *Jupiter *Saturn *Uranus *Neptune *Pluto
| | | \
S \ \ \_____Earth
u | \ ___Venus
n Mercury
(We'll see if this looks even remotely readable when I finally post it)
So...the walk didn't exactly work out the way I planned. Getting to the first walkway was fine, but it didn't hook up with the 2nd one. It ended in the middle of the woods with a bunch of dirt paths leading off from it. I asked some other people if they knew where any of the paths went. They said if I kept going straight I'd come out on 16th Ave. At that point I figured I'd rather walk more out of my way and know where I was, so I went forward. There was a sign as you exited the woods onto 16th Ave. saying this system of trails was part of the watershed for Hoggetowne Creek and Possum Creek, and that about a mile east was a way leading to Fred Cone Park, which had another trail. I knew I didn't want to go that far, and this sign gave me hope that there would be another sign pointing to wherever that 2nd walkway really was, so I turned east and just kept walking.
There either wasn't another sign, or I just missed it. I walked to 22nd St., turned south, hit 8th Ave. again and picked up with Pluto just a little west of the intersection on the south side. There was a plaque at that end which told me this was called the "Solar Walk".
Each monument showed the symbol of the planet--Pluto will always be a planet to me--and some quotes either directly about the planet, or at least something about space. There were quotes from scientists, authors, presidents. On the panel that faced the street there was a plaque on each obelisk with information like when it was discovered, mass, gravity compared to Earth, distance from the Sun, a bunch of other stuff.
It was pretty cool, even if my knees had clocked out somewhere up on 22nd St. On the way back I discovered the 2nd walkway was just west of Neptune, and that that trail dumped out on 25th Terrace. If I had known to walk down 25th Terr. off of 16th Ave. I could have trimmed 1-1.5 miles off my trek. Oh well. The second half of the walk was definitely slower paced than the first half, but I did make it back to my car (and my water). I estimate I ended up walking about 4 miles instead of the planned 2.
I was utterly exhausted but I knew I'd be done for if I didn't stretch and/or soak, so I went to the health club. I had packed a gym bag ahead of time for this, so I had my swimsuit and everything handy. I did a little stretching (not enough) and then hit the hot tub. It felt so good :) When I got home I knew I'd better use the RTS so I did some of that while slumped on the couch. Oof.
I actually wasn't wee-wee'd up, and most of the day it didn't even occur to me that it was Cinco de Mayo. I just like using that phrase ;)
Another day where I felt really good and wanted to get out and get some exercise. Seth had a long study session to go to, so I thought I'd go get a closer look at a couple of things in town. All the years we've lived here, I've driven past these planet monuments on 8th Ave. I've been curious what they look like close-up, but never actually went over to see.
There are also two nice-looking wooden walkways that lead off the north side of 8th Ave and I wondered where they led. I assumed they hooked up somewhere back in the woods. My plan was to park at Westside Park, walk east on 8th Ave, take the first wooden walkway leading north, follow it around until it came out on the 2nd walkway farther east on 8th Ave, then continue east until there was a safe place to cross the street and walk west on the other side, following the planets back to the park. I figured it would be about 2 miles--very doable.
NOT TO SCALE
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ N /|\
~ Westside ~ |
~ Park ~ 1st walkway 2nd walkway
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ X X
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
8th Ave.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *Mars *Jupiter *Saturn *Uranus *Neptune *Pluto
| | | \
S \ \ \_____Earth
u | \ ___Venus
n Mercury
(We'll see if this looks even remotely readable when I finally post it)
So...the walk didn't exactly work out the way I planned. Getting to the first walkway was fine, but it didn't hook up with the 2nd one. It ended in the middle of the woods with a bunch of dirt paths leading off from it. I asked some other people if they knew where any of the paths went. They said if I kept going straight I'd come out on 16th Ave. At that point I figured I'd rather walk more out of my way and know where I was, so I went forward. There was a sign as you exited the woods onto 16th Ave. saying this system of trails was part of the watershed for Hoggetowne Creek and Possum Creek, and that about a mile east was a way leading to Fred Cone Park, which had another trail. I knew I didn't want to go that far, and this sign gave me hope that there would be another sign pointing to wherever that 2nd walkway really was, so I turned east and just kept walking.
There either wasn't another sign, or I just missed it. I walked to 22nd St., turned south, hit 8th Ave. again and picked up with Pluto just a little west of the intersection on the south side. There was a plaque at that end which told me this was called the "Solar Walk".
Each monument showed the symbol of the planet--Pluto will always be a planet to me--and some quotes either directly about the planet, or at least something about space. There were quotes from scientists, authors, presidents. On the panel that faced the street there was a plaque on each obelisk with information like when it was discovered, mass, gravity compared to Earth, distance from the Sun, a bunch of other stuff.
It was pretty cool, even if my knees had clocked out somewhere up on 22nd St. On the way back I discovered the 2nd walkway was just west of Neptune, and that that trail dumped out on 25th Terrace. If I had known to walk down 25th Terr. off of 16th Ave. I could have trimmed 1-1.5 miles off my trek. Oh well. The second half of the walk was definitely slower paced than the first half, but I did make it back to my car (and my water). I estimate I ended up walking about 4 miles instead of the planned 2.
I was utterly exhausted but I knew I'd be done for if I didn't stretch and/or soak, so I went to the health club. I had packed a gym bag ahead of time for this, so I had my swimsuit and everything handy. I did a little stretching (not enough) and then hit the hot tub. It felt so good :) When I got home I knew I'd better use the RTS so I did some of that while slumped on the couch. Oof.
AVENGERS!
May 4, 2012
Mike was out of town at a golf tournament, Seth was finished with testing for the week...it was Avengers time! There was a not-very-long but unmoving line at the concession stand, which ended up being for the best. We only had a few minutes before the posted start-time so I gave up on waiting in the snack line. I didn't need to eat any popcorn anyway.
The movie was great, as you've probably already heard :) One of my favorite lines was in the commercials but was still funny in context:
Captain America angrily to Ironman: Take off the suit--what are you?
Ironman (deadpan): Genius billionaire playboy philanthropist.
*laugh*
My other favorite line was when Captain America understood the Wizard of Oz reference. I was the only one in the theater laughing immediately. Then the dialog made it really obvious and everyone else in the theater caught up to me ;)
Mike was out of town at a golf tournament, Seth was finished with testing for the week...it was Avengers time! There was a not-very-long but unmoving line at the concession stand, which ended up being for the best. We only had a few minutes before the posted start-time so I gave up on waiting in the snack line. I didn't need to eat any popcorn anyway.
The movie was great, as you've probably already heard :) One of my favorite lines was in the commercials but was still funny in context:
Captain America angrily to Ironman: Take off the suit--what are you?
Ironman (deadpan): Genius billionaire playboy philanthropist.
*laugh*
My other favorite line was when Captain America understood the Wizard of Oz reference. I was the only one in the theater laughing immediately. Then the dialog made it really obvious and everyone else in the theater caught up to me ;)
Jimmy John's
May 3, 2012
Mike and I had lunch at Jimmy John's because it was close to his doctor's office and he had another appointment. I enjoyed reading all the signs posted on the walls of the restaurant. Here's one that seemed particularly poignant:
If you've done those 3 steps, that's all you can do. If the other person doesn't accept, then it is no longer your problem. Like the Lord's Prayer says "forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us".
Mike and I had lunch at Jimmy John's because it was close to his doctor's office and he had another appointment. I enjoyed reading all the signs posted on the walls of the restaurant. Here's one that seemed particularly poignant:
If you've done those 3 steps, that's all you can do. If the other person doesn't accept, then it is no longer your problem. Like the Lord's Prayer says "forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us".
Busstop Rant
May 2, 2012
I was feeling particularly energetic and went for another long walk in my neighborhood. The thing with walking in my neighborhood is that there are no 'blocks'. It's more-or-less an elongated sideways '8', with little streets leading off of the loops, and the entrance to the neighborhood is like a long tail. We live near the entrance, so for me to go for a walk it's a mile and a half to go down the tail and around the first loop of the 8, then back up the tail to my house. I often get to the halfway point and rest for a little bit. There's a nice convenient (uncomfortable but any port in a storm) cement bench at the school busstop there.
There was a year of my oldest son's high school experience where he had to go to that busstop to get picked up by the school bus. The bus basically drove right past our house twice to get to that stop and back out of the neighborhood, but they refused to pick him up anywhere but the stop that was 3/4 of a mile back into the neighborhood. Gotta love transportation cutbacks and bureaucracies that give drivers absolutely no leeway.
I was feeling particularly energetic and went for another long walk in my neighborhood. The thing with walking in my neighborhood is that there are no 'blocks'. It's more-or-less an elongated sideways '8', with little streets leading off of the loops, and the entrance to the neighborhood is like a long tail. We live near the entrance, so for me to go for a walk it's a mile and a half to go down the tail and around the first loop of the 8, then back up the tail to my house. I often get to the halfway point and rest for a little bit. There's a nice convenient (uncomfortable but any port in a storm) cement bench at the school busstop there.
Just another cool-looking plant-based thing. I liked how the vine looped over the tree.
There was a year of my oldest son's high school experience where he had to go to that busstop to get picked up by the school bus. The bus basically drove right past our house twice to get to that stop and back out of the neighborhood, but they refused to pick him up anywhere but the stop that was 3/4 of a mile back into the neighborhood. Gotta love transportation cutbacks and bureaucracies that give drivers absolutely no leeway.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
A Ray of Sunshine
May 1, 2012
I was outside in the morning to take out the garbage and recycling, and just caught these sun rays peeking through the trees.
I was outside in the morning to take out the garbage and recycling, and just caught these sun rays peeking through the trees.
Hmm, well it's harder to see here. Take my word for it--it looked cool :)
Confirmation Sunday
Apr. 29, 2012
It was Confirmation Sunday as 7 young people were confirmed in their baptism. I didn't know any of them, but I still get emotional as I remember my own confirmation. I also like hearing the Bible verses the kids choose.
I remember how my whole confirmation class chose our verses. On the first day of 8th grade class with the pastor, he told us all to write down any 2 Bible verses for the next class. He didn't tell us what they were for, just to bring in 2 (or maybe he did, but I didn't hear it). Well, those ended up being the verses printed in the bulletin for our confirmation 9 months later. I didn't dislike mine, but I would have put a little more thought into it if I knew that's what they would be. Psalm 23:1 would probably still have been one of them (it was also a favorite of my mom), but instead of John 3:16, I probably would have picked Ephesians 6:11--Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. The next several verses talk about various pieces of armor symbolizing truth, faith, salvation, and the Spirit. Always liked that one :)
It was Confirmation Sunday as 7 young people were confirmed in their baptism. I didn't know any of them, but I still get emotional as I remember my own confirmation. I also like hearing the Bible verses the kids choose.
I remember how my whole confirmation class chose our verses. On the first day of 8th grade class with the pastor, he told us all to write down any 2 Bible verses for the next class. He didn't tell us what they were for, just to bring in 2 (or maybe he did, but I didn't hear it). Well, those ended up being the verses printed in the bulletin for our confirmation 9 months later. I didn't dislike mine, but I would have put a little more thought into it if I knew that's what they would be. Psalm 23:1 would probably still have been one of them (it was also a favorite of my mom), but instead of John 3:16, I probably would have picked Ephesians 6:11--Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. The next several verses talk about various pieces of armor symbolizing truth, faith, salvation, and the Spirit. Always liked that one :)
Mmmm, Calzone
Apr. 28, 2012
Main Street Pizza again for dinner, since Mike had some low blood sugar going on. Their calzones are humongous, which guarantees at least 2 meals out of one.
Main Street Pizza again for dinner, since Mike had some low blood sugar going on. Their calzones are humongous, which guarantees at least 2 meals out of one.
Here Comes Speed Racer
Apr. 27, 2012
I get a kick out of this table at BubbaQue's. It reminds me of those toddler beds in the shape of race cars or dinosaurs or whatever. And people will sit here--more power to 'em :)
I don't normally like web sites that automatically start playing some kind of video or audio, but I thought that one was kind of cute, so I went ahead and left the link. At least it doesn't go on for long and it doesn't loop, so there's that.
I get a kick out of this table at BubbaQue's. It reminds me of those toddler beds in the shape of race cars or dinosaurs or whatever. And people will sit here--more power to 'em :)
I don't normally like web sites that automatically start playing some kind of video or audio, but I thought that one was kind of cute, so I went ahead and left the link. At least it doesn't go on for long and it doesn't loop, so there's that.
Dice
Apr. 26, 2012
We stopped by Mega Gaming and Comics looking for some specific game tokens. They didn't have any, but it's always fun looking at all the dice in the display case.
We stopped by Mega Gaming and Comics looking for some specific game tokens. They didn't have any, but it's always fun looking at all the dice in the display case.
Lighting
Apr. 25, 2012
I liked the way the sunlight was coming in from our front window and shining on the floor tiles. It also made me appreciate again the fact that our house is much less cluttered these days :)
I liked the way the sunlight was coming in from our front window and shining on the floor tiles. It also made me appreciate again the fact that our house is much less cluttered these days :)
Graffiti
Apr. 24, 2012
Had lunch with the LLL again today and when I was walking out to my car I thought the Hoggetowne Creek branch looked interesting. After I took a couple of shots I noticed the graffiti on the supports.
Had lunch with the LLL again today and when I was walking out to my car I thought the Hoggetowne Creek branch looked interesting. After I took a couple of shots I noticed the graffiti on the supports.
Praise in the Field
Apr. 21, 2012
This was the 7th annual Praise in the Field concert :) The last few years they've held it at the downtown Bo Diddley Plaza, which seems to work out well. There is some seating, people can still bring their own chairs or blankets, and all the electrical equipment is covered on the stage in case of rain.
This year there were 4 groups performing: the praise band from Servants of Christ church; a band called Crossroads; First Things First, the praise band from First Lutheran Church; and Backseat Disciples, the band of the founder of Praise in the Field, Gary Hartge.
It was a lot of fun as always :)
Apr. 22, 2012
Seth came home from the Mu Alpha Theta Florida State competition. He did really well as did Eastside. They came in 6th in the state and had quite the haul of trophyage.
This was the 7th annual Praise in the Field concert :) The last few years they've held it at the downtown Bo Diddley Plaza, which seems to work out well. There is some seating, people can still bring their own chairs or blankets, and all the electrical equipment is covered on the stage in case of rain.
This year there were 4 groups performing: the praise band from Servants of Christ church; a band called Crossroads; First Things First, the praise band from First Lutheran Church; and Backseat Disciples, the band of the founder of Praise in the Field, Gary Hartge.
It was a lot of fun as always :)
Apr. 22, 2012
Seth came home from the Mu Alpha Theta Florida State competition. He did really well as did Eastside. They came in 6th in the state and had quite the haul of trophyage.
2 of Clubs
Apr. 20, 2012
Mike really needed to destress and also try out his 2 new golf clubs so we went to West End. He got a bucket of balls for the driving range and I got some Mike's Hard Lemonade :)
Mike really needed to destress and also try out his 2 new golf clubs so we went to West End. He got a bucket of balls for the driving range and I got some Mike's Hard Lemonade :)
Fenced In
Apr. 19, 2012
I think this fencing lattice is pretty and matches the shed perfectly. It just arrived at Home Depot after we put in a special order for it. Not sure when it's going up, but when it does I'm sure it will look good.
I think this fencing lattice is pretty and matches the shed perfectly. It just arrived at Home Depot after we put in a special order for it. Not sure when it's going up, but when it does I'm sure it will look good.
Walking
Apr. 18, 2012
Out for another walk around the neighborhood. I love these plants because they aren't too flashy but are still gorgeous.
Out for another walk around the neighborhood. I love these plants because they aren't too flashy but are still gorgeous.
Puzzling
Apr. 17, 2012
Mike has gotten back into jigsaw puzzles and this one is in progress on our card table in the middle of the living room. Unfortunately the table isn't quite big enough, but for now it'll do.
Mike has gotten back into jigsaw puzzles and this one is in progress on our card table in the middle of the living room. Unfortunately the table isn't quite big enough, but for now it'll do.
Rid Me of This Meddlesome Car
Apr. 16, 2012
We needed to create some space for Seth to park his newer car, so that meant we had to get rid of the old one. After a few false starts on selling it, we finally decided to take it to the scrap metal yard. As soon as we drove in the gates, we had 4 people wanting to buy it. I said to Mike "We should have brought it here weeks ago!" :)
We needed to create some space for Seth to park his newer car, so that meant we had to get rid of the old one. After a few false starts on selling it, we finally decided to take it to the scrap metal yard. As soon as we drove in the gates, we had 4 people wanting to buy it. I said to Mike "We should have brought it here weeks ago!" :)
Arts Festival
Apr. 15, 2012
Our friend Howard promised his wife Eve that he'd go to the Arts Festival with her. Howard and Mike usually golf together on Sundays. Mike needed to get his bromance time in, and I needed to get my steps done, so we went to the festival as well. It was actually fun. I'm not a big art person usually, but when I like something, I like it. We saw a few things we each liked and bought a couple of small pieces of pottery. Maybe we'll be ready for the lawn decorations next year :)
Our friend Howard promised his wife Eve that he'd go to the Arts Festival with her. Howard and Mike usually golf together on Sundays. Mike needed to get his bromance time in, and I needed to get my steps done, so we went to the festival as well. It was actually fun. I'm not a big art person usually, but when I like something, I like it. We saw a few things we each liked and bought a couple of small pieces of pottery. Maybe we'll be ready for the lawn decorations next year :)
Lake Santa Fe
Apr. 14, 2012
Our neighbor Phil took us out on his boat on Lake Santa Fe. The water level was really low--we need rain! It was tricky getting out of the canal that leads from the public dock to the lake. It was only deep enough right in the middle, and even that wasn't deep enough in some places. We had to take turns with other boats that were returning to the dock. We did eventually get out onto the lake, but unfortunately we also had engine trouble from crud that got clogged up in there. We still had a good time just floating out on the lake and enjoying the day. There was a tiny smattering of rain. There was also big excitement when a mouse joined us in the boat. He ended up trapped in a corner while we made it back to the dock.
Hamlet Quote
Apr. 13, 2012
Things didn't end up happening as planned. We just hung out at Google for a few hours while Mike and Steve got Mike's computer working again. Steve's dog was a cute and mellow golden retriever that hung out with us. I killed some time helping out with the 25-foot-long crossword puzzle they had tacked on their bulletin board. The clue that ran the entire length was "Hamlet soliloquy". Seth had to memorize it this year for English class, and I could hear him saying portions of it, but I didn't know the whole thing. I filled in bits and pieces while getting the down clues.
Things didn't end up happening as planned. We just hung out at Google for a few hours while Mike and Steve got Mike's computer working again. Steve's dog was a cute and mellow golden retriever that hung out with us. I killed some time helping out with the 25-foot-long crossword puzzle they had tacked on their bulletin board. The clue that ran the entire length was "Hamlet soliloquy". Seth had to memorize it this year for English class, and I could hear him saying portions of it, but I didn't know the whole thing. I filled in bits and pieces while getting the down clues.
'Whether tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune...'
Horse Creek Winery
Apr. 12, 2012
So, Mike had a [tech] problem with his computer which required [tech] that had to be done on a Google campus. He didn't want to fly, so he found the 3 closest places to which we could drive. I was hoping we could go to the one in South Carolina--it looked like a prettier drive. But he was given clearance for the Atlanta office, so that's where we went. The plan was to drive up Thurs. night, spend the night in Atlanta, then go to Google Friday morning. I was planning on going to either the zoo or the aquarium while Mike fixed his computer.
The drive up went pretty well. When we entered Georgia we saw a billboard for Horse Creek Winery. We decided we'd stop and give it a shot:
We liked a few of their wines. Most of them were very sweet. We're not that into sweet wines, but we ended up buying 4 bottles of the less sweet ones.
So, Mike had a [tech] problem with his computer which required [tech] that had to be done on a Google campus. He didn't want to fly, so he found the 3 closest places to which we could drive. I was hoping we could go to the one in South Carolina--it looked like a prettier drive. But he was given clearance for the Atlanta office, so that's where we went. The plan was to drive up Thurs. night, spend the night in Atlanta, then go to Google Friday morning. I was planning on going to either the zoo or the aquarium while Mike fixed his computer.
The drive up went pretty well. When we entered Georgia we saw a billboard for Horse Creek Winery. We decided we'd stop and give it a shot:
We liked a few of their wines. Most of them were very sweet. We're not that into sweet wines, but we ended up buying 4 bottles of the less sweet ones.
Dentist Visit
Apr. 11, 2012
I had to go for my semi-annual cleaning at the dentist. Here's my hygienist :)
I had to go for my semi-annual cleaning at the dentist. Here's my hygienist :)
Insurance
Apr. 10, 2012
We had to meet with our insurance agent today. I just wanted a copy of her contact info and we were on our way out the door so I didn't have time to copy it all into my contacts list, so I took a picture. I don't know if she'd mind if I posted her business card online, so I'm being safe and blurring it. I suppose if you really want an insurance agent in my town you can google for one :)
We had to meet with our insurance agent today. I just wanted a copy of her contact info and we were on our way out the door so I didn't have time to copy it all into my contacts list, so I took a picture. I don't know if she'd mind if I posted her business card online, so I'm being safe and blurring it. I suppose if you really want an insurance agent in my town you can google for one :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)