The exodus has begun. The first of our friends, Russ and Beth Jackson left this morning. We had a large gang of helpful well wishers assembled and watching for any mistakes in their preparations to leave. That's the job of the seasoned camper. When people are coming or going, a large number of eyes are watching and critiquing your every move. This is at least 50% of the daily excitement. Pretty sad isn't it?
Actually we've had a busy week of partying. TC's front porch followed by more drinks and dinner at Helen Back. There were twelve of us and lots of laughs as usual. Friday Diane organized a gathering on the deck at the pavilion. There were sixteen of us, only a couple we could have done without. I won't mention names, but they left at 2:30 a.m. yesterday! Last night after watching the Butler victory, a gaggle of remaining friends went to Johnny Hustons for dinner and the WVU/KY game. West Virginia pulled the upset this time (way to go Big East Conference). Our group consisted of Diane & Jeff, Dave & Janet and Ron & Julie. There were soooo many memorable comments and one liners that I could fill an entire Blog with them. Most of these witticisms came from Dave and therefore didn't pass the PG rating of my "family friendly" Blog. Dave's witty repartee is without peer. His badinage and comedic banter far exceeds most mortals. Dave retired and sold his photography business a few years ago. His specialty was weddings of course. No doubt all of his clients were photographed "sans cheese". The problem most likely was having them compose themselves for the ceremony. Janet, Dave's wife, claims she's only responsible for herself. She takes no responsibility for Dave. They are truly a unique and delightful couple that we'll just have to wait for ours and their return next winter. They are leaving tomorrow.
I forgot to mention the census taker who came by last week. I told him our son had filled out the form in Indiana. He wasn't sure if he could believe me. Perhaps the fact I told him our neighbors (Diane & Jeff) were illegal aliens didn't help my credibility! There are a number of full timers at the campground. Full timers live in their RV's and of course must be counted somewhere unless they stay one campground ahead of the census taker.
Even though the weather this year has many of us saying, 'maybe we'll go to Florida next year', we've nonetheless had a good time and made a number of new friends. Mary Ellen and I were considering someplace new next year, but decided we'd miss too many of the "creatures" we've come to know here in Navarre. I meant 'creatures' in a good way.
Jeff informed me this morning that he has replaced the use of the vulgar expression BS with a less vulgar sounding word. So now anytime you come across an untruth, and you are tempted to use a derogatory and vulgar expression to let people know how you feel about it, simply substitute the word 'pelosi'; as in "I think I just stepped in some 'pelosi'", or "that's just a bunch of 'pelosi'". Simple enough, right. This is probably where I should stop. If I wrote anymore, it would just be so much 'pelosi'.
One important fact I failed to mention. Before Dave got into photography, he actually sold 'pelosi' to farmers!! What a guy!
jim
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
SAINT PATRICK'S DAY
Ten days have gone by since I last put fingers to keyboard. Even though little has happened since last time, I felt compelled to write something today.
Carol left a week ago. Mary Ellen has lost her casino & wine drinking buddy. That didn't stop us from visiting Beloxi again. We took an overnight bus trip which included three casinos. The bus took us to the Hardrock where we both won a small amount. The Grand was next, and that's where we spent the night. We got $15 slot money at each of the three casinos as well as three buffets. Before noon on our second day the bus took us to our final stop, the Isle. This is the first time that Mary Ellen and I both came back with more money than we took. Total winnings were about $80! I swore I would never eat again after two days during which four buffets were consumed! I have since broken my promise.
Yesterday was the start of the NCAA championship. After one day, my bracket is a mess. ND really disappointed again. They lost to Old Dominion by one point. They were pathetic. I don't know what happened to Luke Harongody. He only managed two points! Not very good for the Big East player of the year. The Big East is playing like they read too many press releases lauding the Big East as the top conference in the world. So far they are one for four. Doesn't sound like the toughest conference in the Nation to me.
Eight of us from the campground decided to go to Macguire's Pub for St. Paddy's day. Big mistake, huge! There were several thousand (slight exaggeration) people trying to get into a bar that probably holds 300. Not good odds. We ended up going across the street to a place called AJ's. When I say across the street, I actually mean one mile away. With a temp of 48 and a wind with the same two digits, I almost froze to death crossing the highway and trying to avoid two school buses that had me in their sites. After coming close to death while trying to avoid frostbite we finally arrived at AJ's. We pretty much decided we should have stayed in Navarre. Maybe if I was thirty years younger this might have been a fun experience. As it was, it was a "near death" experience".
Sunday, those clowns in Washington will finally vote on "Obamacare". I encourage all of you to vote against every incumbent regardless of party. A bunch of new jokers can't do any worse than the slime bags we have in Washington now. If you get the idea I'm disgusted, you're on the right track.
Don't forget to fill out your ten question census form. I've decided to put zero for the number of people living at our Indiana home. I figure the higher the number you report, they'll find a way to put a "per-person tax" on each. After all, it's only fair. Think of the amount of oxygen your using per-person, not to mention the 'deadly CO2' your releasing into the ENVIRONMENT. Global warming and all that crap! Your killing the planet you simpletons!
Back to the brackets for a moment. To show you how bad it gets for this BB expert, one of the teams I had in the final four was knocked out on day one. If ND was bad, Georgetown flat out didn't show up. Ohio U. was in control the entire game. G Town had no defense whatever. I'd love to know where the boys in gray hung out the night before the game. And what's with CBS's crack coverage staying with the KY v E. TN State game. I'd say there were at least four other close games they could have gone to. Did they actually believe the 30 plus lead that KY had in the first half was going to develop into a competitive contest. I say let ESPN handle ALL sporting events! If ND and G Town were bad, CBS was and is pathetic!
Till next time, "there's nothing wrong with California that a rise in the ocean level
wouldn't cure"
JIM
Carol left a week ago. Mary Ellen has lost her casino & wine drinking buddy. That didn't stop us from visiting Beloxi again. We took an overnight bus trip which included three casinos. The bus took us to the Hardrock where we both won a small amount. The Grand was next, and that's where we spent the night. We got $15 slot money at each of the three casinos as well as three buffets. Before noon on our second day the bus took us to our final stop, the Isle. This is the first time that Mary Ellen and I both came back with more money than we took. Total winnings were about $80! I swore I would never eat again after two days during which four buffets were consumed! I have since broken my promise.
Yesterday was the start of the NCAA championship. After one day, my bracket is a mess. ND really disappointed again. They lost to Old Dominion by one point. They were pathetic. I don't know what happened to Luke Harongody. He only managed two points! Not very good for the Big East player of the year. The Big East is playing like they read too many press releases lauding the Big East as the top conference in the world. So far they are one for four. Doesn't sound like the toughest conference in the Nation to me.
Eight of us from the campground decided to go to Macguire's Pub for St. Paddy's day. Big mistake, huge! There were several thousand (slight exaggeration) people trying to get into a bar that probably holds 300. Not good odds. We ended up going across the street to a place called AJ's. When I say across the street, I actually mean one mile away. With a temp of 48 and a wind with the same two digits, I almost froze to death crossing the highway and trying to avoid two school buses that had me in their sites. After coming close to death while trying to avoid frostbite we finally arrived at AJ's. We pretty much decided we should have stayed in Navarre. Maybe if I was thirty years younger this might have been a fun experience. As it was, it was a "near death" experience".
Sunday, those clowns in Washington will finally vote on "Obamacare". I encourage all of you to vote against every incumbent regardless of party. A bunch of new jokers can't do any worse than the slime bags we have in Washington now. If you get the idea I'm disgusted, you're on the right track.
Don't forget to fill out your ten question census form. I've decided to put zero for the number of people living at our Indiana home. I figure the higher the number you report, they'll find a way to put a "per-person tax" on each. After all, it's only fair. Think of the amount of oxygen your using per-person, not to mention the 'deadly CO2' your releasing into the ENVIRONMENT. Global warming and all that crap! Your killing the planet you simpletons!
Back to the brackets for a moment. To show you how bad it gets for this BB expert, one of the teams I had in the final four was knocked out on day one. If ND was bad, Georgetown flat out didn't show up. Ohio U. was in control the entire game. G Town had no defense whatever. I'd love to know where the boys in gray hung out the night before the game. And what's with CBS's crack coverage staying with the KY v E. TN State game. I'd say there were at least four other close games they could have gone to. Did they actually believe the 30 plus lead that KY had in the first half was going to develop into a competitive contest. I say let ESPN handle ALL sporting events! If ND and G Town were bad, CBS was and is pathetic!
Till next time, "there's nothing wrong with California that a rise in the ocean level
wouldn't cure"
JIM
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
IT'S A BLOG, LIKE
I'm batching it today. The ladies have taken another trip to Biloxi and the SLOTS. I'm sure they'll come home with a bundle of cash...ha, ha, ha!
Another Broken Egg for Breakfast this morning. It's my favorite restaurant in Destin for breakfast. A little pricey though. My omelet and coffee cost me $17! It did include the tip however. I had the distinct honor of sitting at a table next to three young female spring breakers. They provided my entertainment. As I listened to their conversation, I learned a completely new vernacular. 'It was like really like interesting. Their discussion centered around guys, like. There were these guys, like, at a party they went to like last night. Talk about hot, like 100%. They were like studly like, and one of them thought like she might be in love, like. It went on like from there.'
Last year I learned Canadian, eh. This year I've learned like 'girl-talk' 2010! Without the word, "like" those young ladies would have almost zero vocabulary. And to think they were college seniors, like almost ready to graduate. They'll probably graduate "magna cum like"!!
My birthday was a smashing success. In other words I lived to be there. Our friends Diane and Jeff came over for cake and ice cream after dinner at TC's Front Porch. They came with a six pack of St. Pauli NA with a birthday balloon attached. My present from Mary Ellen was The Nook e book reader. It was purchased early so that I could read some books on our way to Navarre. I love it. You can download books to your e book library and read them anytime. I've read about six books on it since we left home. I can lend a book to anyone who has the Nook. After two weeks the book automatically returns to my library. I haven't done that yet, but plan to do it soon. If any of you have a Nook, let me know and I'll send you a list of the books in my library. I'll be glad to let you borrow whatever you want.
Out protest regarding activities did some good. They will continue with donuts and coffee on Wednesdays and exercise every morning. We didn't actually have to block the campground entrance with our bodies. I was kinda like looking forward to a major protest.
That catches you up on all the excitement from here. When you reach 70, almost everthing is exciting. Tomorrow is another trip to Pensacola airport. Carol is leaving for home. Things will be rather quiet around here until Dan and family arrive in April. We look forward to their visit.
Talk with you soon. Till then, "health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in a hospital dying of nothing".
jim
Another Broken Egg for Breakfast this morning. It's my favorite restaurant in Destin for breakfast. A little pricey though. My omelet and coffee cost me $17! It did include the tip however. I had the distinct honor of sitting at a table next to three young female spring breakers. They provided my entertainment. As I listened to their conversation, I learned a completely new vernacular. 'It was like really like interesting. Their discussion centered around guys, like. There were these guys, like, at a party they went to like last night. Talk about hot, like 100%. They were like studly like, and one of them thought like she might be in love, like. It went on like from there.'
Last year I learned Canadian, eh. This year I've learned like 'girl-talk' 2010! Without the word, "like" those young ladies would have almost zero vocabulary. And to think they were college seniors, like almost ready to graduate. They'll probably graduate "magna cum like"!!
My birthday was a smashing success. In other words I lived to be there. Our friends Diane and Jeff came over for cake and ice cream after dinner at TC's Front Porch. They came with a six pack of St. Pauli NA with a birthday balloon attached. My present from Mary Ellen was The Nook e book reader. It was purchased early so that I could read some books on our way to Navarre. I love it. You can download books to your e book library and read them anytime. I've read about six books on it since we left home. I can lend a book to anyone who has the Nook. After two weeks the book automatically returns to my library. I haven't done that yet, but plan to do it soon. If any of you have a Nook, let me know and I'll send you a list of the books in my library. I'll be glad to let you borrow whatever you want.
Out protest regarding activities did some good. They will continue with donuts and coffee on Wednesdays and exercise every morning. We didn't actually have to block the campground entrance with our bodies. I was kinda like looking forward to a major protest.
That catches you up on all the excitement from here. When you reach 70, almost everthing is exciting. Tomorrow is another trip to Pensacola airport. Carol is leaving for home. Things will be rather quiet around here until Dan and family arrive in April. We look forward to their visit.
Talk with you soon. Till then, "health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in a hospital dying of nothing".
jim
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
FRIENDS
Our friends Jeanne & Sara left this morning. They were here for three nights. They picked a lousy time to be here since it was two days of rain, wind and cold. We did manage to have them to our place for dinner on Sunday and took them to Pensacola Beach for lunch yesterday. We did have a nice visit in spite of the weather. Of course we were planning to sit outside drinking wine, but that was not to be. Jeanne needs to be at the KOA in Hagerstown, MD by the 15th of March. That's when they open. Sara will drop Jeanne there and head to Charlestown, SC where she will operate as an independent contractor in the training and development arena. Sara is going to be a full time RVer. She got her Florida residency requirements completed while they were here. A lot of RVers use FL as their residence. It saves a great deal on taxes.
Yesterday our friends from Quincy, IL arrived. Jeff and Diane Bloss will be here till the end of March. This morning was coffee and donuts at the Pavilion. Everyone who is anyone at the campground was on hand. Beth and Russ Jackson returned from a week further south. I don't know if it was any warmer down there. We're supposed to have a few days of sunshine starting with today, although the temperatures aren't all that great.
Mary Ellen and Carol skipped exercise class this morning to go shopping in Gulf Breeze. They're checking out the "bargains" at Bells and the Bell's outlet. I'm sure there will be a few items purchased...can you say winter clothes. Speaking of Mary Ellen and her sister, they've made plans to return to a Casino in Biloxi on Monday. I guess they feel they haven't met their 'contributory obligations'. Mary Ellen and I are planning an overnite to Biloxi on the 14th and 15th. A little gambling and a much overdue "bath" for Mary Ellen. She really misses not having a bathtub at the campground. Using the bathtub in our RV requires 'contortionistic flexibility' to enter and exit. Best you just take a shower.
As I write this the sun is shining and the temperature is struggling to reach 50. The only downside is the 20 mph wind that is blowing on a continuous basis. Mary Ellen would say "at least we don't have snow", but personally I'm getting fed up with what's supposed to be FL. We're thinking we may not return to the Panhandle next year; at least not in February. Perhaps we'll head back to Crystal River???
I forgot to mention that Jeff Bloss is such a showoff. He backed their trailer in on the first try. It did my heart good that he had to readjust it since he was too close to the electric box to accommodate their slideout. Of course he didn't follow my example and detach their truck before finding out. Oh no, he couldn't give me the satisfaction of making the foolish blunder that I did. I think I've gone almost three days without doing anything stupid. Mary Ellen may argue this point, but trust me it's true. I'm shooting for an entire week 'sans stupidity'.
We're on the verge of an organized protest and perhaps picketing Emerald Beach RV Park. The reason for our protest is the cancellation of all activities beginning the 15th of the month. Normally activities go through the end of March. The reason for the cancellation is the managers (Wayne & Marge) are going on vacation the last two weeks of March. I'm sorry, but for what we're paying this is a lame excuse. There are other people who work here. I'm thinking we may lie on the concrete at the entrance, thus preventing any RV's from entering. What's the worst that could happen? How about an 85 year old driving a 42 foot RV shortly after taking his numerous medications. I can see the headline now..."Twelve 'former campers' mangled by an enraged octogenarian. Dementia and blindness may have been contributing factors. Protesters were simply impeding progress and should have known better. The RV driver was quoted as saying that when he attempted to stop, his wheelchair came down the aisle and knocked his blind wife off her feet and onto the gas pedal. Police said he did attempt to stop. No charges are pending. Activities are canceled until next season. Flags will be flown at half mast for 15 minutes this morning. It's the least we could do said one of the managers. Electric bills will be sent to next of kin!
Perhaps I went a bit overboard with my protest plan. We may have to call another planning meeting. I'll keep you posted. Till next time, "Psychiatry is the care of the id by the odd."
jim
Yesterday our friends from Quincy, IL arrived. Jeff and Diane Bloss will be here till the end of March. This morning was coffee and donuts at the Pavilion. Everyone who is anyone at the campground was on hand. Beth and Russ Jackson returned from a week further south. I don't know if it was any warmer down there. We're supposed to have a few days of sunshine starting with today, although the temperatures aren't all that great.
Mary Ellen and Carol skipped exercise class this morning to go shopping in Gulf Breeze. They're checking out the "bargains" at Bells and the Bell's outlet. I'm sure there will be a few items purchased...can you say winter clothes. Speaking of Mary Ellen and her sister, they've made plans to return to a Casino in Biloxi on Monday. I guess they feel they haven't met their 'contributory obligations'. Mary Ellen and I are planning an overnite to Biloxi on the 14th and 15th. A little gambling and a much overdue "bath" for Mary Ellen. She really misses not having a bathtub at the campground. Using the bathtub in our RV requires 'contortionistic flexibility' to enter and exit. Best you just take a shower.
As I write this the sun is shining and the temperature is struggling to reach 50. The only downside is the 20 mph wind that is blowing on a continuous basis. Mary Ellen would say "at least we don't have snow", but personally I'm getting fed up with what's supposed to be FL. We're thinking we may not return to the Panhandle next year; at least not in February. Perhaps we'll head back to Crystal River???
I forgot to mention that Jeff Bloss is such a showoff. He backed their trailer in on the first try. It did my heart good that he had to readjust it since he was too close to the electric box to accommodate their slideout. Of course he didn't follow my example and detach their truck before finding out. Oh no, he couldn't give me the satisfaction of making the foolish blunder that I did. I think I've gone almost three days without doing anything stupid. Mary Ellen may argue this point, but trust me it's true. I'm shooting for an entire week 'sans stupidity'.
We're on the verge of an organized protest and perhaps picketing Emerald Beach RV Park. The reason for our protest is the cancellation of all activities beginning the 15th of the month. Normally activities go through the end of March. The reason for the cancellation is the managers (Wayne & Marge) are going on vacation the last two weeks of March. I'm sorry, but for what we're paying this is a lame excuse. There are other people who work here. I'm thinking we may lie on the concrete at the entrance, thus preventing any RV's from entering. What's the worst that could happen? How about an 85 year old driving a 42 foot RV shortly after taking his numerous medications. I can see the headline now..."Twelve 'former campers' mangled by an enraged octogenarian. Dementia and blindness may have been contributing factors. Protesters were simply impeding progress and should have known better. The RV driver was quoted as saying that when he attempted to stop, his wheelchair came down the aisle and knocked his blind wife off her feet and onto the gas pedal. Police said he did attempt to stop. No charges are pending. Activities are canceled until next season. Flags will be flown at half mast for 15 minutes this morning. It's the least we could do said one of the managers. Electric bills will be sent to next of kin!
Perhaps I went a bit overboard with my protest plan. We may have to call another planning meeting. I'll keep you posted. Till next time, "Psychiatry is the care of the id by the odd."
jim
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Wichita
Well its been two weeks since I put fingers to keyboard for blogging purposes. I'm now really in the mood since I no longer have the Wichita speech/workshop occupying my brain space (of which there is less & less each day)! Actually, come to think of it, it's not there is less space, the problem is the space is empty!
I've discovered that my blogging is less about being informative and more about being good therapy for the brain. It's my way of delaying dementia. Having said that, there are a few items I wish to record for historical purposes. My sister-in-law Carol arrived at the Pensacola Airport last night. She will be spending a couple weeks with us. This is the fourth year that Carol has joined us in Florida. We really enjoy having her visit. She and Mary Ellen will be busy with the Casino and Wine routine. They have two bus trips to Biloxi on the agenda. The first one will be this Friday. These always give me some new material to Blog about (if you know what I mean)!
Our good friend Jeanne will be here for three nights starting on the 28th. Jeanne and her daughter, Sara, have been traveling throughout the U.S. since September. Jeanne and Sara have been blogging as they travel about in their RV. We first met Jeanne in 2005 at the KOA in South Bend. Jeanne was a campworker and friend from the start. After the 2006 season she left South Bend for a KOA in Hagerstown, MD. She will work there this coming year as well. I believe she needs to be back in Hagerstown in mid-March. Jeanne is one very talented and fun lady. She recently published her first book which is about living your life to the fullest. She has inspired me to begin organizing my thoughts with the hopes of publishing my own book soon. We've never met Sara, but I have this feeling she will soon be a valued friend as well.
On March 1st, our good friends from last year, Diane & Jeff will arrive. They will be here for the month of March. I know Diane will love meeting Jeanne and Sara. When I think about the potential chemistry among Jeanne, Sara, Diane, Carol and Mary Ellen, it is one scary scenario. Should be fun with perhaps a bottle or two of "cheap wine" being consumed. Wal-Mart has the cheapest wine with a cork on the planet. Anything cheaper would have a 'screw cap'. They tell me it's very good however. After a glass or two it probably tastes like it cost $100 a bottle! Let the games begin.
My Wichita speech went extremely well. There were 350 in attendance in one of the nicest auditoriums I've ever worked. The Mary Jane Teal theater at the Wichita Convention Center was excellent. I gave them two quick breaks during my two hours and thirty minutes up front. They all returned after each break which is always a good sign. I spoke on 'Developing Your Future Leadership'. Several people stopped afterwards to tell me how much they liked my remarks. I finished with only two hours to get to the airport for my flight back to Pensacola, so I didn't have much time to spend with my audience. Other than going thru Atlanta, the trip was seamless with no delays or other problems. Atlanta is worse than O'Hare. If you have connecting flights as I did, they are never on the same concourse. You take the train from one concourse to the other. Once there my gate was always a two mile walk. As all of you who take air travel know, security is a real pain. Shoes off, belt off, hands swabbed, computer out and on, e book reader out and on etc. etc. It's a shame all this is necessary.
My next project is a workshop in Iowa this spring and of course working on my book. I'm shooting for publishing the spring of 2011.
Well it's Wednesday, and that means donuts and coffee in the pavilion. This could well be the highlight of the day. With temps near 70 the last few days, a cold front has moved in with lows in the high thirties in the morning and only 50 for highs during the day. Things are supposed to improve again next week.
In parting let me share this, "the best thing about egotists is they don't talk about others". Talk to you soon.
jim
I've discovered that my blogging is less about being informative and more about being good therapy for the brain. It's my way of delaying dementia. Having said that, there are a few items I wish to record for historical purposes. My sister-in-law Carol arrived at the Pensacola Airport last night. She will be spending a couple weeks with us. This is the fourth year that Carol has joined us in Florida. We really enjoy having her visit. She and Mary Ellen will be busy with the Casino and Wine routine. They have two bus trips to Biloxi on the agenda. The first one will be this Friday. These always give me some new material to Blog about (if you know what I mean)!
Our good friend Jeanne will be here for three nights starting on the 28th. Jeanne and her daughter, Sara, have been traveling throughout the U.S. since September. Jeanne and Sara have been blogging as they travel about in their RV. We first met Jeanne in 2005 at the KOA in South Bend. Jeanne was a campworker and friend from the start. After the 2006 season she left South Bend for a KOA in Hagerstown, MD. She will work there this coming year as well. I believe she needs to be back in Hagerstown in mid-March. Jeanne is one very talented and fun lady. She recently published her first book which is about living your life to the fullest. She has inspired me to begin organizing my thoughts with the hopes of publishing my own book soon. We've never met Sara, but I have this feeling she will soon be a valued friend as well.
On March 1st, our good friends from last year, Diane & Jeff will arrive. They will be here for the month of March. I know Diane will love meeting Jeanne and Sara. When I think about the potential chemistry among Jeanne, Sara, Diane, Carol and Mary Ellen, it is one scary scenario. Should be fun with perhaps a bottle or two of "cheap wine" being consumed. Wal-Mart has the cheapest wine with a cork on the planet. Anything cheaper would have a 'screw cap'. They tell me it's very good however. After a glass or two it probably tastes like it cost $100 a bottle! Let the games begin.
My Wichita speech went extremely well. There were 350 in attendance in one of the nicest auditoriums I've ever worked. The Mary Jane Teal theater at the Wichita Convention Center was excellent. I gave them two quick breaks during my two hours and thirty minutes up front. They all returned after each break which is always a good sign. I spoke on 'Developing Your Future Leadership'. Several people stopped afterwards to tell me how much they liked my remarks. I finished with only two hours to get to the airport for my flight back to Pensacola, so I didn't have much time to spend with my audience. Other than going thru Atlanta, the trip was seamless with no delays or other problems. Atlanta is worse than O'Hare. If you have connecting flights as I did, they are never on the same concourse. You take the train from one concourse to the other. Once there my gate was always a two mile walk. As all of you who take air travel know, security is a real pain. Shoes off, belt off, hands swabbed, computer out and on, e book reader out and on etc. etc. It's a shame all this is necessary.
My next project is a workshop in Iowa this spring and of course working on my book. I'm shooting for publishing the spring of 2011.
Well it's Wednesday, and that means donuts and coffee in the pavilion. This could well be the highlight of the day. With temps near 70 the last few days, a cold front has moved in with lows in the high thirties in the morning and only 50 for highs during the day. Things are supposed to improve again next week.
In parting let me share this, "the best thing about egotists is they don't talk about others". Talk to you soon.
jim
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Back to the Blogosphere
Wow, its been nine days since I last took fingers to keyboard. There hasn't been a great deal to write about unless you consider winter storm warnings in Florida to be worthy of literary effort. Did you notice I just credited myself as being a literary genius? Well I didn't actually say genius until the last sentence. Anyway, the local weather people haven't been this excited since "Ivan". Our weather radio went off at three a.m. this morning warning us of a winter storm scheduled for TONITE at midnite! I can hardly wait to hear when it will go off when it actually gets here. Would you believe all Navarre schools are closed tomorrow? We may not even get any snow near the Gulf. Most, if not all is predicted for north of us.
We've had temps below freezing seven mornings since we've been here. As I told my son, Jim, Florida Sucks! This lousy weather will be with us for at least another week. I know it's much worse at home and especially on the east coast, but this is FLORIDA.
I feel bad for the cities like Mobile, Milton, Fort Walton and Navarre where Mardi Gras parades are scheduled over the next few days. The one in Navarre is on Saturday. A few weeks ago we were planning to go. I just don't want to stand on a parade route while freezing.
Yesterday Mary Ellen and I drove to Atmore, AL to the Wind Creek Casino. We were only there for four hours, but that was long enough for us to lose a few bucks. We had fun & lucked out at the Buffet. They were running a "buy one, get one". To top that the price for 'seniors' was only $10! Not bad for a full buffet for two.
The lousy weather is probably the best thing for my 'Wichita' speech a week from tomorrow. I certainly haven't been tempted to hang out at the beach. I think I'm probably over-prepared for this, but one can't really be too well prepared. I'm looking forward to it on the 21st. Two and a half hours in front of 500 attendees requires a little more prep time than normal. Fun, fun, fun!
When it rained a couple days ago, Mary Ellen and I went to a movie. We saw "It's Complicated". It was ok. Nothing special. I'd give it a 3 out of 5 Stars. It dragged at times and wasn't as funny as it could have been. The writers attempted a few 'lame situations' which allowed me to think I could have written some good lines for them. We only paid $6 for the matinee (that's for both of us). If you have to pay more than $3 each I wouldn't waste my money. If you do want to see it, it should be out on DVD very shortly. Rent it. Golly, I just realized I've slipped into my Siskel and Ebert role. I'm sorry, Siskel is dead. They were so much better when the two of them worked together.
We had dinner at Logan's Roadhouse a few nites ago. We had never been there before. We've been to Texas Roadhouse and of course Outback. Logan's was excellent and less expensive. We'll go back.
Well, back to Cabin Fever and of course the 'storm of the century'! Till next time, "if I had known I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself".
jim
We've had temps below freezing seven mornings since we've been here. As I told my son, Jim, Florida Sucks! This lousy weather will be with us for at least another week. I know it's much worse at home and especially on the east coast, but this is FLORIDA.
I feel bad for the cities like Mobile, Milton, Fort Walton and Navarre where Mardi Gras parades are scheduled over the next few days. The one in Navarre is on Saturday. A few weeks ago we were planning to go. I just don't want to stand on a parade route while freezing.
Yesterday Mary Ellen and I drove to Atmore, AL to the Wind Creek Casino. We were only there for four hours, but that was long enough for us to lose a few bucks. We had fun & lucked out at the Buffet. They were running a "buy one, get one". To top that the price for 'seniors' was only $10! Not bad for a full buffet for two.
The lousy weather is probably the best thing for my 'Wichita' speech a week from tomorrow. I certainly haven't been tempted to hang out at the beach. I think I'm probably over-prepared for this, but one can't really be too well prepared. I'm looking forward to it on the 21st. Two and a half hours in front of 500 attendees requires a little more prep time than normal. Fun, fun, fun!
When it rained a couple days ago, Mary Ellen and I went to a movie. We saw "It's Complicated". It was ok. Nothing special. I'd give it a 3 out of 5 Stars. It dragged at times and wasn't as funny as it could have been. The writers attempted a few 'lame situations' which allowed me to think I could have written some good lines for them. We only paid $6 for the matinee (that's for both of us). If you have to pay more than $3 each I wouldn't waste my money. If you do want to see it, it should be out on DVD very shortly. Rent it. Golly, I just realized I've slipped into my Siskel and Ebert role. I'm sorry, Siskel is dead. They were so much better when the two of them worked together.
We had dinner at Logan's Roadhouse a few nites ago. We had never been there before. We've been to Texas Roadhouse and of course Outback. Logan's was excellent and less expensive. We'll go back.
Well, back to Cabin Fever and of course the 'storm of the century'! Till next time, "if I had known I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself".
jim
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
THE DAY AFTER THE DAY FROM HELL!
Well it's Tuesday evening. The day after we moved from site 16 to site 11. Simple enough, right. Not really. Not the way I did it.
It all started at 10 a.m. The RV that had been on site 11 had left, so it was time for us to move. We did all the usual prep things. Removed the sewer hose, turned off the water, unhooked the cable, brought in the slideout, stowed the stuff inside for the short trip to #11.
The next step was to hook up the trailer and the truck. Normally this is something I can do with Mary Ellen's guidance in maybe two tries. I knew it wasn't going to be a good day when it took me maybe ten! Finally we were hooked up and ready to pull out of 16 and head for 11. This required a tour around the campground in order to get to our new home. As I was driving down one of the roads I heard someone yelling at us. I stopped and rolled down the window. The guy told us we had a flat tire (almost). He said you better hurry up before it goes completely flat.
We managed to finally arrive and began the process of backing into our new site. We had been in a pull thru and I hadn't backed the trailer for 3 years. This became quite evident after my first 3 attempts. Finally a kindly old gentlemen (must have been 85) said, "you might want to start out on the same side of the road as your site is. Otherwise you're going to wipe out 3 or 4 RV's on the other side of the road." Turned out to be good advice. I got in on two maneuvers. Looking good.
So we began all the usual stuff required to set up including detaching the trailer from the truck. Of course I still had the issue of a flat tire on the truck. I'd deal with that later. Mary Ellen hooked up the water and the cable. I took care of the sewer hose and plugged in our electric. We were about ready to open our slideout. OOPs. After all this and a flat tire to boot, I hadn't left enough room between the slideout and our
electrical box. We were about six inches too close.
I decided to cool down and take the truck to a nearby Goodyear Store and have the tire repaired. Of course the tire was now almost completely flat. I got out my silly little cheap compressor. The one that plugs into the cigarette lighter. With my compressor it would take about 30 minutes to get enough air into it to drive. Our new neighbor apparently saw what I was attempting to do (everyone watches new arrivals), and asked me if I'd like to use a REAL compressor. He didn't actually say that, but I knew what he was thinking. In 30 seconds the tire was inflated. I hurried to the Goodyear store and answered about 25 questions before he asked me what I wanted. He said it would be about 30 minutes. I called Mary Ellen and told her. After a half hour they still weren't done. They said they were having trouble finding the cause of the flat. I called Mary Ellen again. After an hour they told me they couldn't find anything in the tire, and had no idea why it went flat. They did replace the valve stem, just in case.
After all that the guy said, "keep an eye on it". It's not easy when you're driving!
Back at the ranch, the trailer movement awaited me. Mary Ellen had everything ready. She had unhooked the water, sewer, cable and electric. That left hooking up the trailer, and of course 'keeping an eye on the tire'! After 4 up and backs, I had moved the trailer over the 6 inches needed for the slideout. Now all that remained was reconnecting all the stuff and rearranging the stuff on the inside.
What should have taken till noon wasn't completed until 5 p.m. A very long day, and I only swore twice, maybe three times. Today we finished settling in. Today was beautiful. Sun all day and the temp got up to 62.
We Skyped with Mark today, and showed him the campground. Skype is quite cool. If you haven't looked into it, check it out.
I've failed to mention the bombing each night continues this year. As I write this the Air Force has us under attack. They seem to get closer every night. "THE SOUND OF FREEDOM".
Till next time, "the town was so dull that when the tide went out it refused to come back".
jim
It all started at 10 a.m. The RV that had been on site 11 had left, so it was time for us to move. We did all the usual prep things. Removed the sewer hose, turned off the water, unhooked the cable, brought in the slideout, stowed the stuff inside for the short trip to #11.
The next step was to hook up the trailer and the truck. Normally this is something I can do with Mary Ellen's guidance in maybe two tries. I knew it wasn't going to be a good day when it took me maybe ten! Finally we were hooked up and ready to pull out of 16 and head for 11. This required a tour around the campground in order to get to our new home. As I was driving down one of the roads I heard someone yelling at us. I stopped and rolled down the window. The guy told us we had a flat tire (almost). He said you better hurry up before it goes completely flat.
We managed to finally arrive and began the process of backing into our new site. We had been in a pull thru and I hadn't backed the trailer for 3 years. This became quite evident after my first 3 attempts. Finally a kindly old gentlemen (must have been 85) said, "you might want to start out on the same side of the road as your site is. Otherwise you're going to wipe out 3 or 4 RV's on the other side of the road." Turned out to be good advice. I got in on two maneuvers. Looking good.
So we began all the usual stuff required to set up including detaching the trailer from the truck. Of course I still had the issue of a flat tire on the truck. I'd deal with that later. Mary Ellen hooked up the water and the cable. I took care of the sewer hose and plugged in our electric. We were about ready to open our slideout. OOPs. After all this and a flat tire to boot, I hadn't left enough room between the slideout and our
electrical box. We were about six inches too close.
I decided to cool down and take the truck to a nearby Goodyear Store and have the tire repaired. Of course the tire was now almost completely flat. I got out my silly little cheap compressor. The one that plugs into the cigarette lighter. With my compressor it would take about 30 minutes to get enough air into it to drive. Our new neighbor apparently saw what I was attempting to do (everyone watches new arrivals), and asked me if I'd like to use a REAL compressor. He didn't actually say that, but I knew what he was thinking. In 30 seconds the tire was inflated. I hurried to the Goodyear store and answered about 25 questions before he asked me what I wanted. He said it would be about 30 minutes. I called Mary Ellen and told her. After a half hour they still weren't done. They said they were having trouble finding the cause of the flat. I called Mary Ellen again. After an hour they told me they couldn't find anything in the tire, and had no idea why it went flat. They did replace the valve stem, just in case.
After all that the guy said, "keep an eye on it". It's not easy when you're driving!
Back at the ranch, the trailer movement awaited me. Mary Ellen had everything ready. She had unhooked the water, sewer, cable and electric. That left hooking up the trailer, and of course 'keeping an eye on the tire'! After 4 up and backs, I had moved the trailer over the 6 inches needed for the slideout. Now all that remained was reconnecting all the stuff and rearranging the stuff on the inside.
What should have taken till noon wasn't completed until 5 p.m. A very long day, and I only swore twice, maybe three times. Today we finished settling in. Today was beautiful. Sun all day and the temp got up to 62.
We Skyped with Mark today, and showed him the campground. Skype is quite cool. If you haven't looked into it, check it out.
I've failed to mention the bombing each night continues this year. As I write this the Air Force has us under attack. They seem to get closer every night. "THE SOUND OF FREEDOM".
Till next time, "the town was so dull that when the tide went out it refused to come back".
jim
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