Take A Little Trip

 Tuesday, the Wife sent me a text out of the blue late in the afternoon. She was feeling torn about a wedding she wanted to attend - it is for a nephew, a son of one of her brothers. Wife wants to go, but the Daughter said she was not going. The big problem is that the wedding is in Ohio, and the final date to RSVP was Tuesday. The Wife felt she could not go alone, dealing with renting a car, booking flights, and hotels.... plus she felt she would truly get lost. So I did what any husband would do, I said I would go with her, and I would take care of all the details for the trip. She should do the RSVP, and we will go from there.

The wedding is set for August 2nd, at 10am. Weird to do it on a Friday, and int he morning at that. Maybe it is the Amish-type way of things, as this family practices in a similar way. What will be nice is a day or so extra before having to be back for work on Monday, that Indianapolis is not too far away, and we plan on flying out of Indy, so will have some time to visit a small bit of family. I've contacted an Uncle, and reached out to my Sister that leaves in Frankfort. Hoping to visit both before flying out on Sunday, but will see. I need to book a hotel for a couple nights in Indy, and find a flight home yet - things to do today.

One stipulation I made to the Wife, about going on this trip, was I was not flying economy. It was going to be first class, or business. No way was I going to be crammed into a little seat for 3+ hours. So it is the first time we have flown first class. I know, it is more expensive, but I told her my comfort was important, too, and it was a vacation of sorts to do the trip. She consented.

Today is the 4th of July. A day of celebration of the USA becoming a nation, even if the date is not historically correct. Last night seemed to open the holiday for the fireworks were popping off all hours of the night. Tonight and through the weekend will be much worse.

Looking forward to a couple things this weekend. Friday, I set up plans to meet with RM for lunch at a diner we both like. I remember they had a good-sized/priced salad there I am looking forward to eating. RM should get the salmon dinner (a jest to her). I'm sure she will read this before we meet-up, and therefore our conversation will have to trend to other things. Then on Saturday, Doodad will be here for the circus! I need to double-check the light rail stops and figure out which one we will need to get off at. Still not sure about supper that evening, and if the boys can make it. I know one of the Sons is moving on Monday....

And with that, I shall end this for now.

PeacE

Aaannnndddd... The Weekend Is Over

 Last Thursday evening, my Brother started texting me. There were new issues going on in regards to the trip. I was not happy. I mentioned to the Wife, that when I meet up in the morning, I would make a final decision. So Friday morning I went over, and he had fixed the issues, and we decided to still go. So my Brother, his Youngest Son, and I loaded up and headed north. The trip itself isn't much to talk about. I had to listen to all of his family drama, which all I could is roll my eyes and shake my head. We got up to St Johns, and his Son loaded up the Rav with what he felt was important and needed to bring back down to the Valley. Brother got to visit a short while with one of his grandkids. I just sat there out of the way pretty much. Then it was back down to Show Low where I was able to find a room.

Saturday the Son asked about his girlfriend coming over, and his baby. She lives near where we were. So we spent most of the day there, so they could visit. Then early evening, she got her sister to babysit, and we went up to the VFW there for a bit. Sunday we checked out and headed back around 10:30, dropping the girlfriend and baby off on the way. It was a pretty quiet ride home, thank goodness. Made it back to his place around 3 I think it was. They unloaded and I went home to an empty house. The Wife and Youngest had went to Tucson Saturday, and I guess they stayed the night. They made it home somewhere near 10pm I think (I was asleep).

This morning has started out weird already. I was up at 6:15am, and around 6:30 the Wife says she slept through her alarms, and could I run Youngest to school - grumble grumble. Then Youngest says he isn't feeling well, and asked to stay home, adding he would work some on make-up homework to get his grades up. Of course, no one but me can make that decision (only because I am awake). Fine. Stay home.

So, let's add in some back pain (from sleeping on a way different bed and the long sit time driving), irritation at the Youngest, haven't made time for breakfast, and just because - makes this morning mot a pleasant one. Today I will be catching up on emails I didn't bother with over the weekend. Sending yet another to the Company (the correct address now). Got a Dr appointment for a 6-month follow up in about a week or so. My BP has been good, but the glucose has been rising a bit... think they may increase the meds for that one - not sure.

Well, guess I should get the day started....

PeacE

Late Start Yesterday - Early Start Today

 I haven't been to bed yet. Correction: I haven't been to sleep. I think it is because I slept in a bit later yesterday morning (as did the Wife after dropping Youngest off at school). I laid down near midnight, and tried for an hour or so before just getting up so as not to wake the Wife. I came into the office, thinking to watch a movie or something, but  started looking at some of the book sites I go through, and pulled in some more authors/books I want to try reading - meaning, these are already published pieces, not necessarily for a review (though I could do one still). I then went to my ebook library program (Calibre, if you must know - which is completely free to use) and started comparing that to my 'Want To Read' list on Goodreads.com - and there were some I removed from that list, and some I removed from my library. I try not to keep books that I just didn't like, so anything in the 'Books Read' library, are probably books I enjoyed or am willing to recommend to someone. I have like over 30 sections in the entire library, as I try to sort the books out ie) a longer series, or collection of series that continue the long story. Some I just have by author name, as that author wrote many books (mostly series in my library) like Lincoln Child & Douglas Preston writing the Pendergast series (separate from their individual books written) (also, 'The Relic' the first book, was made into a movie, but the series character Agent Pendergast, was not in the movie - weird fact).

Okay, okay. I just spent another 45 minutes going to check one thing, and then found some more books to get, plus wasting that time instead of finishing this post....

So last Saturday I had met my brother up at the Post. He had asked about me going up north this weekend to visit his kids. I scoffed and said something along the lines of 'Like they want to see me'. But I guess they do. His wife (notice she only gets a small 'w') isn't going, so I thought about it. I was thinking this could be good, as he and I don't get 'alone' time where we can talk. But then I found out there was a friend of the kids that he was planning on picking up and taking as well (there and back). Well, I told him I needed to talk to the Wife, and see what she thought. Then I get a call from him today, that there was another small change in plans - I am not sharing here, as it is not mine to do so, but it is a consequence of him not raising his children very well, in my opinion. 

Well, the Wife and I had our lunch date (went to Cracker Barrel, and it was hmm, okay. I brought up about this possible trip, and she thought it would be good for us to have some time together. So I said I would go. I'm paying for two nights at the hotel, and he is paying for the gas (about $5/gal right now). I demanded we take my car (better gas mileage, plus the AWD should the need arise). Plan is to leave Friday late morning I think, and return by Sunday evening. It shall be an interesting trip..... hoping I can get some reading time in as well.

Besides packing a backpack with a couple days worth of clothes, and getting the hotel reservation done, not much on my plate of things to do today. I know I am meeting some buddies around 5pm when the NFL draft starts today. For the past few years we have always met up to watch round one, regardless where our teams pick in the order. Just like to see who we get, and who got whom. I mostly do it to hang out with friends, as I can't keep sports facts in my head like they do. Never could, but some stupid trivial fact, and I'll never forget it. Sigh.

I think I might work on my music list on Spotify, so will have some good traveling music. Might play some Warcraft. Might even be nice to get a nap in, but at this rate, I may pass on that so I will sleep good this evening. Who knows what will happen...

Edit: I never did get to sleep. I did lay back down, but couldn't even nap. So gonna be a long day ....

PeacE

Another Boring, and Sober, Saturday Night

 Another long, boring week has come to an end. Friday did end with an email from the Company though, with a brief 'questionnaire' to fill out regarding one's current availability for Projects. OF course, I had mine done within five minutes of receiving the link. I am so ready to get back to work. I went out that night to the VFW as my usual routine. By the end of the night, I might have another Santa gig for a nearby American Legion. They are supposed to call me and give me details of what they would want of me, before I commit to anything.

Saturday was spent not doing much. Middle Son came over to help out with mowing of the lawn, and helping move some heavier items around front for the bulk trash pick up that is due soon. Youngest Son helped out doing the trimming around front. I went up to the 99 Cent store to stock up on 2-liters of Mountain Dew and Pepsi, as they almost always have them there for $1. No Mtn Dew.... so got extra Pepsi, and a couple Shasta Lemon-Lime. They Wife had me get some packages of pasta. I threw in a few other minor items for lunches for me, and a couple snack items. So I'm stocked with stuff for the next couple weeks. Found some Tampico iced tea up there too! The Wife had found a Peach flavor one a few days back, and thought it was that store, and sure enough it was. I grabbed her a couple more quarts, and they had one lemon left, so I grabbed it to try (I hate peach tea). It's not bad! I like many of the other Tampico drinks available by the gallon at most stores, but ad never seen the tea.

Sat around most of the afternoon binging on episodes of 'Blue Bloods'. With supper the Wife and I watched the final episode of "Bull", and I headed to bed. That was about 9pm. Just after 12 I am awake again. Damn bladder. But I knew once I got up to go that sleep wasn't going to be coming back for awhile. So here I am at the computer, trying to find something to make me sleepy enough to go lay down and try to sleep again.

I'm leaving Friday for Las Vegas. A fried has retired from his many years of service in the Army, and is doing a Guys Only retirement party/ get-together. There are about 10 of us in total going, and 4 that are riding up from the Valley together. We are staying at a nice Casino further south on the strip, where one friend's family has been going for years, and gets many comps. The NPRC Rodeo championships are there that weekend, too, so rooms were a bit higher priced, but will still save some money on food and drinks thanks to connections. I know I won't lose much gambling, as I am not into it. I might end up in an Uber up the street to Madame Toussad's or something. I think I might have mentioned all that before some time. Coming home Monday. The Youngest has a Homecoming game, Competition on Saturday, and the district exposition on Monday evening, so I will miss two of the events.

The Wife may be returning to the workforce soon. She had a couple phone interviews last week, one which had her do a physical one as well. Unfortunately, that one turned her down. Have not heard from the other one. I have no idea how many other places she might have applied at, or have places in mind yet. But it is a start.

Nothing more to clear out of my head today.

PeacE

Sneaking Out

This weekend, my Grand daughter, Doodad, celebrated her 3rd birthday. As a responsible adult, and loving Papaw, I snuck the family out of town and down to Tucson to spend the day with the birthday girl. Yesterday was a good day with family, even though it was a group of more than 5 of us. The oldest Son even came down as well, so I had my family all together. It was good to "catch up" on all the things going on in my kids lives, and the celebration for Doodad was fun. I even got in a picture voluntarily with my two older Sons just to show off their beards....

The boys are 21 on the left, 17 on the right. That's my old, fat self in the middle. The 21 said he just trimmed his down for work, since he just got promoted into management, and the 17 said he has only been letting his grow since Spring Break (about a month ago). I've had mine growing for over a year.

Needless to say, the return trip home was uneventful, and any trap the Containment Police tried to set up did not work. Everything pretty much returns to normal today.

The only important thing i need to do today is set up the youngest's follow-up appointment so he can get the arm casted. I was surprised the hospital, nor the provider, called on Friday to check up on him.

PeacE

Looking For Some Extra

Oh man, am I feeling a bit whooped. Sunday night found me back home from a four-day whirlwind of traveling and visiting with family/friends back in the Midwest. Straight back into work on Monday morning, and now it is Wednesday, and I am feeling worn out already.

The trip started off on a bad note. I had arrived at the airport about 4 hours early for my flight as it was the easiest ride I could get to there. About an hour before the flight was to depart, it got delayed for 6 hours. Needless to say, that cut into some of the time I had allotted to visit some family in Indianapolis. Friday got on the rode a bit later than I meant to do, but the drive up to Wakarusa to see Grandma & Grandpa was good. They were surprised, not knowing I would be there. The Daughter and SIL made it in Saturday morning. The family get together went well. My buddy from MI came down and we had supper followed with a couple hours of tale swapping. Monday drove down to Frankfort, had lunch with my lil Sissy, stepmom and nephew. The Daughter and SIL followed back to Indy to an Uncle's house, then I had to go to the airport. Missed seeing some I wanted to see, but already talking about another trip possibly next year.

It was a bit depressing to see G&G this year. I know it has been 5 years since my last visit, and in that time they both have gotten older, had bad illnesses/falls. Gramps has a bad cough from pneumonia that he will have to his grave per the doctor. Grams is blind in one eye, and though has gained more mobility, still has problems with some joints/bones from a bad fall she had. Both are slowly losing some of their previous acute mental acuity. Noticed some name mistakes, much pausing in speech to "recollect the thought" and even some going off on a tangent to the convo. But being in their later 80s, it makes sense. Just don't like to think of them getting to the passing away stage of life.

While driving, had hit a few light rain mists, but never hit any rain. Indy got some while I was up north, so missed it all. Come home to possible storms here in Phoenix, but nothing as of yet. The monsoon humidity is up though, and I have been sweating buckets for the past couple of weeks. My biggest worry is if I am drinking enough water to help stay hydrated. Been getting some small muscle cramps every now and then, and I know that is a sign to drink more water.

At least it is Wednesday.... count half the week almost over.

PeacE

Yesterday Ended Well

Yesterday, the Wife and I celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary. Hard to believe she has put up with me for that many years. For lack of being super-rich, we settled for a nice dinner of the two of us at a local restaurant called Black Angus (a steakhouse), and did some shopping afterwards. T'was nice not to have the kids along, aside from the extra amount that would have been spent for dinner, the quiet conversation would never have taken place otherwise. We made it a bit of an extension, too. The dessert we brought home we will eat it tomorrow evening after dinner .... without the kids around .... even if we have to hide in shed out back. I am sure we won't have to go to those extremes.

Sunday will be spent at Sis' for lunch as planned still. Tonight I received a phone call from her to double check our attendance for lunch. Usually, are responsibility to bring food-wise is like chips/dip or the equivalent. This particular time though, I have been asked to bring something else ... a dessert I make that is similar to cheesecake, but not. Seems everyone in the family likes it. I had sent over a couple pies of it last Thanksgiving, since our family was spending the dinner with the Wife's side of the family. It went fast I heard. As it does with the Wife's family as well. What can I say, I do something pretty damn good every once in a while.

Rusty, Spawn of Satan, has dropped back into his regular routine very quickly. For being a cat on the loose in the city for the first time, for a period of a little over 24 hours, being back home is probably pretty nice for him. I have only once seen him show an interest in the front door since that night he came back home. Now, if he could lose interest in other things such as trying to claw furniture, and jumping back and forth across my bed (and me) in the middle of the night ... that would make me more of a cat-liker. In fact, as I write this, his Fat and Laziness is sitting in the chair next to the desk, giving me the look as he knows I am talking about him. I can't wait til I get to the point I can - what's it called.... when you make inanimate, or non-human things more human-like (personification?) ... when I can do that with him.... and then just drag him through the wringer. Heh. Something to look forward to. Be prepared, my whiskered adversary.

Still don't know when my daughter's graduation announcements are to arrive. Yeah, I know. Like a month and a half til the event, and no announcements. SO, if you are family, and you actually read this stuff, email me your address so I can get you an announcement.

We have finalized our Family Trip dates. I need to contact family/friends back in IN/MI to warn them of our eminent arrival. Tonight, some of the shopping we did was for pricing on stuff for the trip. Such as DVD player w/screen for movies. Amazing how small those things have gotten now. Not surprised at the cost though. Sheesh! Looked at digital cameras as well. The Wife has been taking my Sony Cybershot lately, though she complained she does not know how to use it. I bitch about how I need it so when I need it, it is handy. We priced out some cameras for her tonight, and I think I have her talked into one, which we will get before our trip. I did get a new USB hub for the computer, and just had to pick up a movie. "Chronicles of Riddick". I got the whole set now. Watched it tonight too. I forgot how much I liked it.

It's after 3am now. I need to get busy on this other thing before I can get some sleep. Got some story stuck in my head I need to get typed out to at least be able to sleep. And who knows, maybe it will turn into a short story.

PeacE

Happy 6 AM to you!

I can't remember offhand the last time I voluntarily was awake at this hour of the morning. But lucky for you, here I am all bushy tailed and ready for the day! In fact, I have been that way for the past 2 hours. Usually I am up at such an early hour to relive bladder pressure, but for some reason today was different. I just couldn't go back to sleep/ Must have been those dozen 10 minute naps I tool while trying to read a book yesterday. I dunno.

So what is there to do at 4 in the morn? Not much at my house. I don't have cable, or satellite, so only local channels that show nothing much but reruns of news and paid infomercials. Read a book? Eh, not really. My favorite reading place is in the bed, and that would wake the Wife. So, instead, I go back to that damn project of scanning pics. Not too shabby. I have scanned about 75 in the past 2 hours. At this rate I might be done by 2012 - in time for the end of the world. Hmph!

The days are just going by too slow for me to get to my trip dates. I haven't been to Ind in over 11 years, so am looking forward to seeing many old friends and family. Hoosierboy mentioned something about how I am going to love the Indy airport. Is that sarcasm I detect? Is it that bad to maneuver through? I have been to that airport in over 20 years - I am sure it has changed.

Welp, I have nothing of major note to share yet today. The weekend was pretty slow. Maybe something will happen and I will have to do an update... Til next time.

PeacE

I Could Kill Kodak

I remember back several years ago, when I was a much younger boy, and CD's weren't around and VHS/Beta were the rave. And even some time before them. But I would love to go to Grandma's house and we would beg them to get out the old 8mm soundless films they had taken over the years. Mostly it was stuff prior to my being born, but there were a few years after, that I was, too, a film star. Then after watching reels of film, I would want to go through photo albums for hours. Especially if it had anything of my Dad in them. I still like to do that. Grandma has even put together a few albums for each of us siblings, of special pics of our Dad through his years prior to his passing. It was a great gift. My uncles one year took all the film reels and had them put on to VHS tape. A few years back the grandparents gave me an edited tape with mostly stuff of my Dad, and his family. Yeah, pictures and films were such a wonderful back then.

Now I can't stand pictures. I am tired of looking at them, touching them, trying to figure out who-what-when-where-how old-why and label each one correctly. Oh, and let's not leave out scanning the damn things. Yeah, back to scanning.

We (being the Wife and I) went through the three boxes of photos we have and selected certain photos to complete this project I had been working on. No biggee. I actually got them all done. Now I have to figure which pics came from which package and put them back. The Wife was good and many are numbered, as are the packages.

So why do I hate photos so much? Because of sensible ideas. This particular idea is - since we have dug ALL our pictures out from the storage/shed/albums/etc, why don't you just scan them so we can have ALL photos on disc? Yeah, I started THAT project yesterday. Most packages are easy to date/explain. Oh, that was Easter of 2002, or that was the 1st SeaWorld trip and the kids were this old... But then there are many I look at and wonder, who is that person, or which newborn kid of mine is this? Luckily, the choices are narrowed a bit as David wasn't born until we had gone digital (thank a god).

Okay, enough raving about that. Now you kow how I am spending most of my early summer. At least it is inside and air-conditioned, plus I can work at my own pace. Just wish I was getting paid more than self-satisfaction.

My sights are set on Indiana now. As of this morning, I have paid for the flight and rental car for my trip. I am leaving Phoenix and spending 10 days in Indiana and Michigan. I even emailed out my itinerary to friends/family I hope to visit this morning and replies have started arriving. If anyone is interested, I am arriving July 17th and leaving the 27th. Both to/from Indianapolis. I am so excited!!!

I'll have to see about borrowing a laptop or something so I can blog whilst on the trip. Then again, maybe I won't. I don't know. But what is sort of funny is when I get back, the Wife will be gone with the boys already to camp for a week. Another week with just the daughter - who will be able to cook my meals. Life works out good sometimes.

Alright, I gotta get back to work. See y'all later.

PeacE