June 30, 2009 12:08 pm

Woke up this morning with sunshine streaming in the home, got dressed and headed down to McDonald’s for coffee. After coffee, I went down to the senior center to get ready to deliver meals. Easy day-to-day even though they had soup today, I only had 15 clients. After I was finished delivering meals I stopped down it bi Mart to check my numbers but once again no luck. I then stopped at the dollar store to see if the atomic balls had arrived yet but it looks like at least another week... damn its my favorite one too. Back home now checking mail and taking care of business.

Where glorious Monday sunny, breezy, beautiful

woke up this morning before 6 AM, and then snoozed for about 15 minutes and then got up. Got dressed and then hit the street for McDonald’s for coffee with the guys. Left Arab on 8:30 AM to go deliver meals. 16 clients today, Jeffrey looked a lot better. After delivering mails I went down to the Santiam therapy place for my scheduled appointment of torture and physical abuse. Gage asked me if I was feeling any better and of course the answer was no and I think he realizes that. From there I went down to the Lebanon dog and had some biscuits and gravy and talk to Terri. Just before going in there I stopped at Nancy’s floral works in talked to Rhonda. It sounds like we will be having a barbecue before too much longer. I asked her what I could bring, I thought perhaps some tri-tip steaks, but she said just bring some beer. Maybe somehow I can get back into the loop of friends that we had before Julie and I got divorced. That’s one of the collateral damages of a divorce.

Another lovely day... blue sky with light little clouds.

Up this morning about 6:30 AM got dressed and headed down to McDonald’s after stripping the bed and putting the sheets in the washing machine. Coffee was actually drinkable this morning, not so strong that it could take the enamel off off your teeth. I was a little at unrest this morning not knowing for sure what I wanted to do today. I didn’t have a clear-cut answer even when I left McDonald’s. When I got home I decided that what I would do is wax the roof of the Toyota and hood and the two front fenders... what a remarkable difference a little bit of elbow grease produces. Now when it rains, (and it will) it should bead up nicely. Now all I have left to wax is the doors and the pickup bed. Leann left a nice reply on my blog (thank you Leann) and I do look forward to spending a little time with you. After reading your blog I was very happy that you are having a “free” day. We need to figure out how to give you more of them. The sheets from the bed are in the dryer now and when they are finished drying, I will remake the bed (crisp clean sheets, a great joy after a nice relaxing shower) I really love my bed, I just wish it wasn’t always empty. So much for that thought, I hope you all enjoy this Sunday. The Lord certainly gave us a nice one today.

Bless you all!

Saturday morning had a beautiful one at that!

The neighbor kid woke me up with his damn car at about 215 this morning, then I went back to sleep but kept waking up for some odd reason. I finally ended up getting up about 6:15 AM. Went out for coffee at McDonald’s and left there about 8:15 AM to go down to the flea market in the Elks parking a lot. I ended up buying a taser that puts out 200,000 V. You don’t want to grab the wrong end of that. The guy wanted $28 for it and I paid in $17. I really didn’t need it but what the hell. Somebody told it is a big flea market up in Brooks Oregon this weekend, but I’ve decided not to go I’ll go up there for the steam up in August. When I drove by Cecil’s place I noticed the flag up on his mailbox so he must’ve gotten a letter that I wrote him. We’ll see where that goes. I think I may put on my shoes and walk around the neighborhood and check out some of the garage sales and see what’s available that I don’t need or already have. Leann, if you’re reading this there is an open invitation...

Hallelujah! What a beautiful Friday!

Woke up early this morning will be for 5 AM then decided to go back to sleep for a while woke up again at about 20 after six, got dressed and headed down to McDonald’s for coffee. I left McDonald’s at about 20 after eight to go to the senior center and deliver meals. Today I have 18 clients. Excellent day outside sunshine, and a very light breeze, my weather for sure. I stopped down at the import store downtown where they sell swords and knives and all kinds of media will instruments of torture. I bought a small 24 inch blowgun, figured I’d get some practice in and maybe Bill would take care of some varmints. Back home now and disassembled the can opener from the senior center to clean it up and make it work the way it’s supposed to. I will return it to the senior center on Monday. I have a load of clothing in the dryer that I need to fluff a little bit and then fold and put away that I have a load of whites that are finished in the washer that I need to try and then put away. Other than that my day is pretty simple maybe I’ll have a beer (or two).

A very cloudy Thursday, and humid to!

I woke up early this morning and decided to back to sleep for a bit and ended up getting up at about 6:15 AM. Got up, made the bed, got dressed and headed down to McDonald’s for coffee. I took a couple of magazines to Ralph, I actually left McDonald’s for the senior center about 8:15 AM. Down to 15 clients today. After delivering meals I went down to Santiam therapy in preparation for my torture routine. I got the electrical stimulation and heat treatment again along with the manual massage on my neck and some stretches he also had me work out on a bicycle that you just use your hands on to loosen up my shoulders. My next appointment will be Monday at noon. Decided to stop at Lebanon shop and cart and pick up a few items I got another can of hot chocolate mix and 1/2 gallon of 2% milk and some low-fat cheeses and a one dollar necklace... exciting, huh? I have a few minor domestic chores to accomplish today but will not be spending any time outside in the humid weather. Hopefully you’ll have a wonderful day stop by again tomorrow.

Wednesday, a beautiful day and my day off!

What a beautiful morning, I had my arm clock set for 7:30 AM and actually got up at a little before 7 AM. Then off to McDonald’s for coffee. About 8:30 AM I decided to leave and go to Albany to Steve’s muffler shop for my 10 o’clock appointment thinking that he might give me an early. Ended up I didn’t feel too comfortable with the shop plus the fact that he didn’t have the correct muffler. So I opted to not do the job there. I came back to Lebanon and stopped at the NAPA store and picked up a muffler from Darren. From there I went to Pro auto and got an estimate from Jim who told me he could do the whole job for $89 parts and labor. I had gym bring me home and we act a little bit about the Harley and the Mini Cooper then he left to take my pickup back to his shop. I just finished doing the dishes and cleaning the counters in the kitchen and am now catching up with my e-mail and any other things that are computer related. I didn’t tell anybody yesterday but I got a call from Jonathan and I will be closing on my refinance on 8 July. I hope y’all have a great day I know I will.

Tuesday and a glorious day thank you Jesus!

Woke up early this morning tried to go back to sleep, ended up getting up at about 6 AM. Got dressed and went down to McDonald’s for coffee, had a confrontation with Tim, he interjected himself into a conversation between myself and California bill and had to spout off. I took the occasion to put him in his place, of course that will only be temporary Went down to deliver meals ahead 16 clients today and everything went very smoothly after delivering meals I stopped it bi-Mart to check my membership number, of course it was not listed. I then proceeded down to Santiam therapy to talk to the therapist and have my first session. The therapist name is Dr. Gage and we spoke for about 20 minutes and then he started to therapy with the electronic shock which stimulates your muscles that was quite an experience not painful but at times a little ucomfortable. That went on for about 20 minutes, and then Dr. Gage came in and did some hand massage of my neck and when he finished it we went out into the main exercise area and he showed me some exercises that he wants me to do to help loosen up the muscles and possibly provide some separation to the vertebrae in my neck. I truly hope this works. I stopped at taco Time and bought some lunch and Lollie called me from her home on the iPhone, she seemed quite happy, and that is a good thing.

A beautiful sunny Monday nice way to start the week.

I woke up at 5 AM then went back to sleep until about 6:15 AM then I got up and got dressed and went down to McDonald’s for coffee. I left McDonald’s at about 8:15 AM to go to the senior center and deliver meals. I was down three clients today. After I was finished delivering meals, I stopped at the credit union and got my account unlocked then off to Safeway to fuel up the Toyota pickup. I have gone through a lot of money this past week, some things were annual bills and other were unexpected expenses. Oh well, it all comes out in the wash. I don’t have too much planned for today although I believe I might do a load of whites. And vacuum the carpets. Hopefully those of you who read this blog will be able to go out and enjoy some of the sunshine, providing it lasts long enough.

Happy Father's Day everyone!

Well, to each and every one who is a dad, I say happy Father’s Day! I was up about 6:15 AM this morning, fed Ralphie, and then headed down to McDonald’s for coffee. Ralph was there as was Del. And a little bit later Bob showed up. I just now got home heads about 10 minutes until 9 AM. No phone calls yet from back East, I hope they don’t forget but one never really knows. I need to send Julie a text message and let her know that I will not be home from about 3:30 PM until approximately 8 PM today but that Ralphie will be in the backyard and that the side door to the garage will be open. It’s cool outside, I am not certain what the high will be but it’s 53° at the moment. The Mini Cooper and I will make the trip to Albany to go see the movie “Up” and then go to dinner at the Cascade Grill.

Saturday, here at last...

I slept better last night or at least it appeared so. I rose about 6:15 AM and went down to McDonald’s after having said Ralphie his breakfast. Had coffee with Del and Ralph, Ralph mentioned that he was going to go to the grand slam breakfast at Denny’s so Del and I decided to join him there. When we arrived Ralph told us that he had been mistaken about the price and said he was going to pay for our breakfast. So that’s what he did. It was a pretty good breakfast and there was plenty of eye candy to appease us. Back home now, clean the yard where Ralphie had done his duties then got a call from AT&T wanting to know if my phone was working properly which I assured them it was and then decided to take off their voice dialing feature which only applies to text messages as opposed to what I thought. Not too much is planned for today, except laundry. I will vacuum the house after Ralph goes back home on Sunday afternoon.

Today it looks dark and gloomy and could very well rain.

I woke up off and on throughout the night, my neck seems to be giving me a lot of problems. I finally fell back asleep and awoke about 7 AM. At that time I got dressed and went down to McDonald’s for coffee. About 8:45 AM I left McDonald’s to go down and deliver meals for the senior center. I got rained on for most of the deliveries, but by the time I arrived back at the center, we were seeing portions of blue sky. When I came home, I was surprised to see the iPhone tucked neatly between the screen door and the main door. Of course I was excited, and immediately started to activate the phone. I couldn’t seem to get it accomplished online, so I called and AT&T representative for assistance. During the course of his help I watched both of my phones indicate “no service”. I ended up having to go to RadioShack and have them call AT&T and find out what was going on. AT&T indicated that there were so many activation requests that they were running as much as 24 hours behind but they did indicate that I should check my phone about dinner time to see if it had been activated yet which I will do. Lollie and Gareth have not picked up their phones yet, Gareth does not want to have to deal with the long lines at the AT&T store and I can’t say I blame him. Julie just dropped off Ralphie, it’s a little after 4 PM. I told her that I probably will require surgery again on my neck. She thought that perhaps it would be a good idea to have it done here locally in case there are any complications. I had to create a new profile for MacSpeech dictate as the other one kept telling me that I had no microphone connected. But it seems to be working quite well now.

Thursday, overcast, 18 clients anything else?

I can’t really say that I slept well last night I had hoped I would but my neck Bothering me plus the habitual snoring it seems to have gotten worse as I’ve increased in weight, so now my intent is to lose the weight which, should cure a multitude of problems. In at McDonald’s at about 6:10 AM and left there about 8:15 AM. I had 18 clients again today and three frozen meals. Deliveries went off without a hitch I picked up my 55 gallon drum from John (no idea what I’ll use it for) then headed back to the senior center. I made a pulled pork sandwich and then back home. I put the drum in the shed and use my air blower to clean out the garage and clean off the driveway. No blue sky yet, but they predict it will clear off this afternoon. If it does, I’ll wash the Mini Cooper and maybe the pickup also.

A gray Wednesday...

Up a little after 6 AM this morning then down to McDonald’s for coffee. I left McDonald’s at about 9 AM. I had a bowl of Cheerios for breakfast and am now enjoying some hot chocolate. Scott, from Miller appraising, just called to tell me that he’s running about 15 minutes late. My friend Del and the gentleman from Arkansas had a discussion this morning at McDonald’s about the pros and cons of living alone as one gets older. I find it disenchanting that there is no way that is simple and convenient for the elderly to inform people when they’ve had an accident where they’re hurt without the involvement of the phone company. I don’t understand why we can’t use the technology that is already available and utilize the power lines that come into our home as a communications medium whereas an elderly person couldn’t wear a notification fob that they can activate and would send the message out over the power lines to a monitoring service that could work in conjunction with the power company. My theory is that 99% of the homes or perhaps even a greater percentage have power but many homes no longer use a landline but rather use a cellular phone. To my knowledge the monitoring companies that now use lifeline do not in fact work with a cell phone. And now, those are my musings for the day. Do enjoy your time on this earth.

I am sure glad it's Tuesday.

Woke up early again this morning then went back to bed till about 6:05 AM at which time I rose and got dressed and went down to McDonald’s for coffee. Good time at coffee then pretty soon it was time to go down to the senior center and prepare to deliver the meals for today. Before my delivery started I got a phone call from Dr. Thayer’s nurse, she informed me that the x-rays that they took of my neck last Thursday indicated a further deterioration of my upper cervical spine specifically between C-4 and C-5 vertebrae. Not good news, but it does tend to explain the increasing discomfort that I have in that area. I stopped at Lebanon shop ‘n kart and bought some cheese specifically a loaf of Tilamook sharp cheddar and some string cheese I also got 1/2 gallon of milk and a Father’s Day card for Sean and four sixpacks of the small cans of diet Pepsi. Then I went to buy Mark to check my number I was so lucky my number was one that did not get picked and on the way home I stopped at the post office to see if they issued the passport packets. I was advised to go online and download the form’s. Well it looks like it will go ahead and attend the therapy and see what that does for me but I already know that the ultimate cure will be additional surgery. Yuck!

Monday morning and the beginning of yet another week...

I was awake early this morning about 5 AM and decided to roll over and go back to sleep for a bit. Eventually got up about 6:20 AM got dressed and headed down to McDonald’s for coffee. After coffee and went down to the senior center to deliver meals, I had 18 clients today. The weather is pretty nice although it’s a little bit damp this morning it is very nice out now. On the way home I stopped at Rhodes Warden to see Melissa and find out how much my payment to sublimity would be now that I’ve dropped my daughter from the policy. It will be a substantial savings to me. I sent some PDF documents to Jonathan that he needed to see in order to further process my loan refinance. The mailman came just a little bit ago so I will go out and see what came and what didn’t come. Anyway, have a great day.

Sunday but not Sunny Day...

Coffee at McDonalds then back home. Bill, the ‘YardBird’ guy didn’t show up to get the business cards so maybe he’s sick or something... I will call him later this morning and see. Not much going on today, although, I might clean the bathrooms, especially the floors need to be swept and mopped.

Saturday morning, overcast and depressing...

Got up late this morning it was after seven then headed down for coffee at McDonald’s. Ralph and Del were already there and a little bit later Bob came in. A little bit of people watching and the usual banter then Del mentioned that there was a rummage sale at the Presbyterian Church. I decided I would go look around and see what was for sale. When I arrived at the church Martin and his son and daughter were the only ones doing the sale and there was absolutely nothing that piqued my interest. On the way back home I stopped at the Lebanon dog and had Terry takes me some biscuits and gravy two dollars is a heckuva deal. Back home now, having some hot chocolate and trying to decide how I might occupy the rest of my day.

Yesterday I got a note from Omar... seems that he will be "released"??? soon? who woulda guessed... the postmark was smudged so don't have an origination address... lotsa postage so go figure...

Overcast and possibly rain to come...

Well started out as a pretty typical day, coffee with the group down at McDonald’s then, as I was getting ready to leave Ralph pulled his car up next to me and wants me to listen to the noise his engine is making. It didn’t sound good to me, so I sent him out to see Mark. I have no desire to work on his car anymore, it’s just too difficult. Not sure what today holds, I don’t have any particular plans and I’m just now sitting down to an Egg McMuffin and some hot chocolate. To each who read this blog, I hope your day is blessed and you approach it with a good attitude.

My last work day for the week... Yea !!!

Up little bit earlier this morning that off to McDonald’s for coffee I left McDonald’s at about 8:45 AM to go down to the bank. Once I got to Wells Fargo, I found that they could not print out the deed. Went next door to the trophy store (my neighbor at home) and he printed out the copies for me. Back to Wells Fargo and the notary, Nicole, sat me down and I signed in the appropriate places. She is going to hold the document until Julie comes in to sign. Off to deliver meals, what a day I had the meals plus frozen food plus soup I felt like overworked delivery person. Once I got down there I stopped by Comcast to pick up the new box, brought it home plugged it in and it failed to work... so much for that deal, took the box back to Comcast exchanged it for another new box, came back home and hooked it up, and it seemed to work fine. Leaving out to go to Albany for my appointment with Dr. Thayer.

It's hump day today

Woke up early this morning then rolled over and went back to sleep till about 6:15 AM. Got up and got dressed and ready grabbed the cards for Bill and headed down to McDonald’s for coffee. After coffee, about 8:20 AM, I headed over to Julie’s house to pick up Ralphie. He certainly is walking slower, I truly don’t believe he has too much time left. He’s such a wonderful dog. Brought him home and let him out and gave him a nice doggie bone now he’s in the house taking a nap. Not a whole lot to talk about today, Ralph and I probably won’t do very much, he is unable to make the long walks that we used to take, but when I look into his eyes, they are still filled with the same love and admiration that he’s always had.

Today was Tuesday, no luck with my bi-Mart number...

I got up about 6 AM this morning got ready and went down to McDonald’s to have some coffee. Ralph was already there and reading the newspaper. I got my coffee and went and sat down. Nothing much new with the group today about 7:50 AM Nick called and so I moved to the back of the restaurant where was quieter so I could have my conversation with him he seems in pretty high spirits and we talked a little about him going to Diane’s pastor for some counseling on handling day-to-day issues. He actually seemed pretty receptive to that idea. A lot of what he said was admitting that at this point in his life he has no plan and no solid future in sight. I do believe that he has reached the point where setting down roots has become primary in his concerns. He has admitted at least to me, the mistakes he’s made in the past and the ones he wants to avoid in the future. I have great faith that he will be successful, he is following approximately the same timeline I did as I was growing up, not the legacy I wanted to leave him but that which he has to deal with. Other than that, the day has been very normal, after deliveries I stopped at Wal-Mart and asked Julie if I could get Ralphie tomorrow, to which she agreed readily and I also mentioned that she may need to sign a deed release form to which also she agreed. It is overcast and may end up being a little bit stormy.

Here it is Monday again how many are there in a year?

Woke up at 5 AM decided to go back to sleep got up at 6 AM got up clean my face brushed my teeth got dressed and went to coffee at McDonald’s. After that went down to deliver meals, I had 18 clients today and they were shorthanded so I had to seal my own meals. No big deal. Stopped at Safeway and fueled the Toyota $27. My mileage drop back from 28 to 23 miles per gallon, bummer! Instant messaging with Lollie at the moment, I just installed the new Safari four on my iMac. I think she installed hers to. At least now the cursor is working correctly in MSN. I’m glad of that. Hope y’all have a wonderful day.

The end of the weekend has finally arrived

I woke this morning about 5 AM and decided that that was much too early to get up especially for a Sunday morning. Rolled over and slept till about 6:22 AM at which time I rose washed my face got dressed and prepared to go to coffee. At McDonald’s, it was the same group discussions varied a little bit now and then but essentially a repeat of Saturday morning and Friday morning and almost every other morning, one difference is that Bill was there and I gave him the receipt for his business cards and told him that it would be a $30 charge. He proceeded to tell me that he blew up his lawn mower this weekend and had Sears come out to fix it and they accused him of running it with no oil. I don’t believe you ran it with no oil and Sears is going to fix it for him under warranty. Sometimes it is amazing how companies will attempt to get out from under their obligations by accusing the customer of misdeeds or erroneous procedural problems. It all boils down to money and the pursuit thereof. Strawberry fair is over for another year the carnies will be leaving this evening going to yet another city to ply their wares. I didn’t go to any of the events and yesterday didn’t even leave the house instead I decided to do some cleaning. Probably a better decision and it did save me money. That’s about it for now, hope y’all have a wonderful day.

Strawberry Parade day... too bad about the weather...

Well here it is Saturday, 6 June 2009. The big parade for the strawberry fair is supposed to kick off at 11 AM. I wish the weather would’ve been nice for it it’s a little on the chilly side and quite overcast and the prediction is for rain.

Woke up early this morning, about 5 AM then rolled over and went back to sleep until about 6:20 AM. Got up and went down to McDonald’s for coffee and left there before 8 AM to come back home. After arriving home I decided to go ahead and dust the furniture and clean the mirror, something that I’ve been putting off for a while. I do like the way it looks when it’s all nice and shiny but just don’t like getting it there. It’s not that I hate housework, it’s probably that I’m the only one to see it. We are, at best, an ego driven entity. If we don’t get our ego massaged now and then we lose the incentive to improve our lot in life. Being an effective human being is a complicated matter much of which takes place behind the scenes and we don’t physically control. The human psyche is, if nothing else, perplexing. To those who go to the fair, I hope you have a great time and if you have someone to share it with all the better.

Friday, and it's raining and will be for the kiddie parade

I woke up this morning about 5 AM and needless to say, that was not the hour in which I planned to rise. I went back to sleep for another hour and got up shortly after 6 AM. I got dressed then went down to McDonald’s for coffee. Ralph was already there and engaged in a conversation with another gentleman. I bought my coffee and sat down. Del was also there. We all did the usual banter back and forth and about 8:15 AM or so I headed down to the senior center to deliver meals. I had 15 clients today and one no-show. It started raining when I was about three quarters done. One of my customers said I gave them the wrong mail yesterday so I had Tori check my delivery sheet. They were wrong and I was right. I feel sad that the little kids won’t have nice weather for their parade, and this is the opening for the Carnival and it won’t have very nice whether either but believe me that won’t keep the dregs of society from showing up. People watching there is always challenging. So much for the blog Hope y’all have a wonderful weekend!

It is overcast and thunderstorms are predicted.

Went down and had coffee at McDonald’s and about 8:10 AM decided to come home and take care of some business. Yesterday, Ralph bought me a role of the new dollars. I paid him for them this morning. I turned the computer back on and the cable modem and everything seems to be working just fine. I stopped at the Lebanon Police Department today and pick up the application for their Academy program that will start in September. I wonder how many people will be getting meals today, Tuesday I was down to 15 clients. I forgot to mention that yesterday I had lunch with Candy at the Thai restaurant in town, I was not impressed with either the cuisine or the pricing. I liked the meals at Sum Yan better.

My day off

Coffee at McDonalds then over to get the Harley battery and after that to the courthouse for the I.D. Wouldn’t you know it, I forgot my wallet, something I rarely do. I will have to get the I.D. another time. I called Bobbie at the title company and she is working on the document thing and getting the title signed off by Julie. Candi called and we will have lunch at the Thai joint down by Duffys. at noon.

Overcast and dreary and potentially rainy today.

I woke up initially at 5 AM this morning after looking at the clock I decided there was no way that I was going to get out of bed that early. Went back to sleep and woke up about 6:20 AM, got up got dressed took my meds and headed down to McDonald’s for coffee. Ralph was already there as were a couple of the others so I had coffee and BS’d them little bit shortly after 8 AM I headed down to the senior center to deliver meals... today I was down to 15 clients. On the way home I stopped at LinnCo. And got a little bit of cash. Then I stopped at foothills supply and picked up five fiberglass rods to use as flower stakes. Not too sure what the weather will bring the rest of the day but I did hear mention of thunderstorms so it should be interesting to say the least.

The beginning of the week is here once again

I woke up this morning about 5 AM and decided that was much too early and went back to sleep till about 6:10 AM at which time I got up and got dressed made the bed and went down to McDonald’s for coffee. Had a good time down there conversing with the normal group who shows up I stayed there until about 8:45 AM then went down to the senior center to get ready to deliver meals. I was down to 15 clients today one of which was a no-show but he typically does not call when he’s not going to be home. After deliveries were done I stopped at Lebanon shop and cart and spent about $47 getting some groceries the majority of which was yogurt (on sale for four for three dollars) I can’t pass up sales like that. And the yogurt makes a very good snack. Right now I have the sprinklers and the soaker hose running for the yard and the flower beds.