I just remembered it is the Wife's birthday today. I almost screwed up....
PeacE
Thursday, December 8
Oh Geez...
I have been sitting here staring at the screen for about 20 minutes now. Nothing comes to mind that I feel like sharing, or even trying to write about. I can't even get my mind to think of anything. I randomly glance around, hoping by seeing a random object, it will throw some kind of thought that will get things started....but it doesn't seem to be happening.
The Reverend Mother found the last item I needed to get for Christmas things. I rephrase that, the last item for the kids. I still need to find a couple more things for the Wife. I had searched several stores with no luck for this item, and somehow, she just happened to come across it while she was out yesterday.
I need to start checking the file size when I download/order books. I thought I had come across a couple newer ones from Stephen King a few days back, and so I downloaded hem to my Kindle. Turns out they were both just novellas, so were very quick reads. I was happy at least I had not paid for them. But I need to check the file size, so in the future, I still don't make that mistake.
PeacE
Tuesday, December 6
I Think it is Finally Here
After about a week of lower temperatures, I think that winter has finally arrived here in the Valley of the Sun. After an extended period of time with the warmer weather, things have finally dropped down to just the 50's during the day. It will probably remain this way with few fluctuations, until March. The quilted flannel shirt, and winter comforter on the bed are sure making things more comfortable - even for me!
Oldest son's concert last night was good. Being the only French horn player, he had a couple small solo parts in the handful of selections they played. Afterwards, I found out he has been selected to go to All-State Band. There were only two students selected from his whole school. Next week the middle son will be debuting his trumpet skills for the first time with the elementary school concert.
I am feeling pretty tired this morning. Sleepy-tired, to clarify. I know I slept good last night, and even had retired at a decent hour. It's taking me a bit to wake up and feel motivated today. I have plans to meet up with Reverend Mother in about an hour, and the two of us go out to do some shopping. Mom is good at helping see ideas for things that I would normally pass over. Even if I decide to not do that idea. Especially when it comes to getting things for the Wife. I hope to get her birthday and Christmas stuff done today, and a couple things for the kids. We might even have lunch together. Either way, I know RM will like just being able to hang out with me (even if I ain't much fun).
Monday is my doctor appointment, and I have not hit my goal for the total amount of weight I had wanted to lose. As of a week ago, I only had 9 pounds to reach it, but have not pushed myself. I will be getting back into the gym hopefully tomorrow morning, and find out how bad the damage is (weight-wise). Either way, what I have lost is always good, and I know the Doc will be happy to see that.
Welp, I think I am going to call RM and head over to her place a little early. If I don't get off the computer, I know I will end up later than the time we planned to meet up.
PeacE
Oldest son's concert last night was good. Being the only French horn player, he had a couple small solo parts in the handful of selections they played. Afterwards, I found out he has been selected to go to All-State Band. There were only two students selected from his whole school. Next week the middle son will be debuting his trumpet skills for the first time with the elementary school concert.
I am feeling pretty tired this morning. Sleepy-tired, to clarify. I know I slept good last night, and even had retired at a decent hour. It's taking me a bit to wake up and feel motivated today. I have plans to meet up with Reverend Mother in about an hour, and the two of us go out to do some shopping. Mom is good at helping see ideas for things that I would normally pass over. Even if I decide to not do that idea. Especially when it comes to getting things for the Wife. I hope to get her birthday and Christmas stuff done today, and a couple things for the kids. We might even have lunch together. Either way, I know RM will like just being able to hang out with me (even if I ain't much fun).
Monday is my doctor appointment, and I have not hit my goal for the total amount of weight I had wanted to lose. As of a week ago, I only had 9 pounds to reach it, but have not pushed myself. I will be getting back into the gym hopefully tomorrow morning, and find out how bad the damage is (weight-wise). Either way, what I have lost is always good, and I know the Doc will be happy to see that.
Welp, I think I am going to call RM and head over to her place a little early. If I don't get off the computer, I know I will end up later than the time we planned to meet up.
PeacE
Monday, December 5
I'm Stumped
Welcome to another chilly morning in the Phoenix area. I know many of you are having MUCH colder weather, but I really don't care. All I know is I am glad I am indoors, have heating, and plenty of coffee. Though, I may regret all the coffee in about an hour - if you know what I mean!
Yesterday afternoon I spent working on cutting down the rest of the dead tree in the back yard. Got it down to a stump, and a majority of the branches cut down for firewood. My BIL was down and we loaded some into their small car for him to take back up north to Payson where it gets much colder (in the mountains - they get snow). The rest I should have finished cutting up before Christmas, and will send the rest with him then. I need to figure out the easiest way to remove the stump. I'm in town so a stick of dynamite won't be acceptable. My yard doesn't have vehicle access, so can't use a truck to help pull it out. I have a feeling I will have to dig down around it, then cut through the roots and try to get the stump cut off a bit below the ground surface. Not looking forward to the digging and all. I may wait til warmer weather - like April, before I try it.
The Wife's birthday is this week. I need to get out and do some shopping to find her a few items, and then a few more for Christmas. She had gone out this weekend and did some shopping for stuff for the kids and other family members. I guess from her opinion, the crowds weren't too bad at the stores yet, but still enough inconsiderate people that block aisles, and push in front of you. I am not looking forward to the experience.
Today I think I am just going to rest. My back and legs are sore from all the cutting, etc. I thought I was in better shape, but I guess my gym work-outs aren't quite the same as what I was doing yesterday. The muscle rub came in good this morning for the legs so I can walk with a little less aching.
Oldest son has his Christmas concert tonight. I am glad it is a 'come and go' event, where each of the performances are in a different area of the school. this way we don't have to sit on the wooden bleachers in the gym for multiple groups performing before we can leave. Just hear his group, and be done. The middle son has his next week.
Well, have a few other things to do. See ya next time.
PeacE
Yesterday afternoon I spent working on cutting down the rest of the dead tree in the back yard. Got it down to a stump, and a majority of the branches cut down for firewood. My BIL was down and we loaded some into their small car for him to take back up north to Payson where it gets much colder (in the mountains - they get snow). The rest I should have finished cutting up before Christmas, and will send the rest with him then. I need to figure out the easiest way to remove the stump. I'm in town so a stick of dynamite won't be acceptable. My yard doesn't have vehicle access, so can't use a truck to help pull it out. I have a feeling I will have to dig down around it, then cut through the roots and try to get the stump cut off a bit below the ground surface. Not looking forward to the digging and all. I may wait til warmer weather - like April, before I try it.
The Wife's birthday is this week. I need to get out and do some shopping to find her a few items, and then a few more for Christmas. She had gone out this weekend and did some shopping for stuff for the kids and other family members. I guess from her opinion, the crowds weren't too bad at the stores yet, but still enough inconsiderate people that block aisles, and push in front of you. I am not looking forward to the experience.
Today I think I am just going to rest. My back and legs are sore from all the cutting, etc. I thought I was in better shape, but I guess my gym work-outs aren't quite the same as what I was doing yesterday. The muscle rub came in good this morning for the legs so I can walk with a little less aching.
Oldest son has his Christmas concert tonight. I am glad it is a 'come and go' event, where each of the performances are in a different area of the school. this way we don't have to sit on the wooden bleachers in the gym for multiple groups performing before we can leave. Just hear his group, and be done. The middle son has his next week.
Well, have a few other things to do. See ya next time.
PeacE
Saturday, December 3
Tackling a Tree
We have a tree in our backyard that is dead. When we moved in, it seemed okay. If I remember right, it was an orange tree, and actually was producing fruit. Anyhow, over the years, it has just slowly stopped producing, and branches would go without leaves. This past year or more, it has just stayed bare year round. The Wife decided it needed to come down, so a few months ago (about 3-4) she purchased a chain saw.
It's just an small electric one. But it would suffice for the tree, and maybe very few smaller projects around our home that would require a chain saw. Since I had handled chain saw before, I said I would get around to getting the tree cut down. Of course, that was like the middle of the AZ summer, and it is just too hot to be doing yard work in the afternoon, and by the time evening came with a more comfortable temperature level, we were doing other things, etc. Needless to say, the tree remained.
Last night the Wife asked if I was ever going to get the chain saw oiled and ready to go. I shrugged and said what's the rush? It's waited this long. Seems her brother is going to be down this weekend, and the wood we cut from the tree, he is willing to take back up north and use for his fireplace. He lives in a town where one does not have to call to hear a recording say if it is a no-burn night or not. I finally relented, and said I would take care of it today, so the wood would be ready to pick up tomorrow, or Monday. I'm sitting here now, sipping on my coffee, waiting the morning to warm up to about 50-60 before I bother getting started. I hope it takes no more than say maybe an hour or so.
I talked the Wife into going shopping while I am tackling the tree. She and the oldest son are going out, trying to get the younger ones some things, and maybe other family members outside our household. I am trying to get her started and out the door now so maybe I can get out to the pub with my buddies this afternoon. We'll see if that happens....
PeacE
It's just an small electric one. But it would suffice for the tree, and maybe very few smaller projects around our home that would require a chain saw. Since I had handled chain saw before, I said I would get around to getting the tree cut down. Of course, that was like the middle of the AZ summer, and it is just too hot to be doing yard work in the afternoon, and by the time evening came with a more comfortable temperature level, we were doing other things, etc. Needless to say, the tree remained.
Last night the Wife asked if I was ever going to get the chain saw oiled and ready to go. I shrugged and said what's the rush? It's waited this long. Seems her brother is going to be down this weekend, and the wood we cut from the tree, he is willing to take back up north and use for his fireplace. He lives in a town where one does not have to call to hear a recording say if it is a no-burn night or not. I finally relented, and said I would take care of it today, so the wood would be ready to pick up tomorrow, or Monday. I'm sitting here now, sipping on my coffee, waiting the morning to warm up to about 50-60 before I bother getting started. I hope it takes no more than say maybe an hour or so.
I talked the Wife into going shopping while I am tackling the tree. She and the oldest son are going out, trying to get the younger ones some things, and maybe other family members outside our household. I am trying to get her started and out the door now so maybe I can get out to the pub with my buddies this afternoon. We'll see if that happens....
PeacE
Friday, December 2
Dead is Dead
I found out earlier today, that someone I knew had died. His name was Pat. I didn't know him like a best friend; but I had known him for a few years. He was part of 'Our Crew' when I started the Over the Line in San Diego back in '06, and was there still this past summer when I went again after a hiatus. And even those years I wasn't able to go, he was there, plus I saw him here locally at our regular drinking hole.
He died this morning.
People do that, don't they? I mean, he wasn't young and like 20-something. He was old enough to be retired and "working some" or whatever he wanted to do. Hell, in today's economy, that would be saying more...
His name was Pat. I have downed innumerable drinks with the man, and to my disgrace, I never even knew his last name. I never knew his family, wife, or anything else.
I remember, not every time I saw him, but most were the same: have a few drinks together (if at the pub) or at least toast who's house we were at for whatever party. And definitely not leave out the OTL trips in the summer to San Diego - though, those details, well, even *I* don't disclose all.
The word I heard, he was up in Northern AZ, hunting Elk. This morning, he was dropped off where he wanted to be. After a bit of time, he wasn't answering his cellphone, so they got back round to where he was, and found him propped up next to a tree. I heard he was smiling, though he had passed away.
I hope he went that easy. I think everyone hopes that anyone that dies goes easy.
I'm still a bit depressed about it. Pat was one of those people you just instantly love. I have never seen him sad, mad, depressed, or anything negative. And I feel worse, I think, that I didn't know him better than what I did. Pat was still one of those few, that if asked, I would drop everything, give everything, for, if he asked.
And I still didn't know him.
And already, the world is a sadder place without him.
Rest in PeacE
He died this morning.
People do that, don't they? I mean, he wasn't young and like 20-something. He was old enough to be retired and "working some" or whatever he wanted to do. Hell, in today's economy, that would be saying more...
His name was Pat. I have downed innumerable drinks with the man, and to my disgrace, I never even knew his last name. I never knew his family, wife, or anything else.
I remember, not every time I saw him, but most were the same: have a few drinks together (if at the pub) or at least toast who's house we were at for whatever party. And definitely not leave out the OTL trips in the summer to San Diego - though, those details, well, even *I* don't disclose all.
The word I heard, he was up in Northern AZ, hunting Elk. This morning, he was dropped off where he wanted to be. After a bit of time, he wasn't answering his cellphone, so they got back round to where he was, and found him propped up next to a tree. I heard he was smiling, though he had passed away.
I hope he went that easy. I think everyone hopes that anyone that dies goes easy.
I'm still a bit depressed about it. Pat was one of those people you just instantly love. I have never seen him sad, mad, depressed, or anything negative. And I feel worse, I think, that I didn't know him better than what I did. Pat was still one of those few, that if asked, I would drop everything, give everything, for, if he asked.
And I still didn't know him.
And already, the world is a sadder place without him.
Rest in PeacE
Pat is on the left in this pic from July 2011 at OTL
Thursday, December 1
Down With The Sickness
My youngest woke this morning, and started coughing. That bad, croupy-sounding kind of coughing. Obviously, he is not going to school today, and the Wife took him over to Grandma's (my MIL) as usual. I am headed over there in a few to sit with Dad so Mom can get out for some shopping. Depending on how the son feels, I may offer to bring him back home, and spend the day here with me. I just hope this is not the start of the cough going round & round our household, where just as one is done with it, another starts. I know the Wife can't even think about going to work if she is even coughing a little bit. She is in the Healthcare field (PT) so can't be near patients when she is sick. We had been fortunate that seemingly most of this year, we weren't passing stuff around constantly.
It's actually a bit chilly today here int he valley of the sun. Taking the trash down tot he street, I actually had to put a T-shirt on, and debated sandals or something to keep my feet from the cold concrete. It actually is sort of cloudy...maybe some rain today?
Yeah, talking about the weather is about as much excitement as I can handle today.
PeacE
It's actually a bit chilly today here int he valley of the sun. Taking the trash down tot he street, I actually had to put a T-shirt on, and debated sandals or something to keep my feet from the cold concrete. It actually is sort of cloudy...maybe some rain today?
Yeah, talking about the weather is about as much excitement as I can handle today.
PeacE
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