Wet certainly does get old after awhile...

Coffee at McDonalds in the rain, then as usual, off to deliver meals to the indigent with a smile on my face and nourishment in my hands. Back home now, it is still raining and no particular let up is in sight. Stopped at Bi-Mart to check numbers but nothing good for me there, I did however, purchase a analog dial Taylor bathroom scale so will attempt to track my weight once again... that could go either way.

I've decided to share some pictures I received from a friend that are breathtakingly beautiful and I am certain that you all will appreciate the stunning photography that created these beautiful pictures... please, do enjoy them.

Presidents day, but we are still doing our thing at the Meals on Wheels center

Coffee at McDonalds then deliveries. I went to Comcast and got a couple of the converter boxes then off to the Senior center to deliver meals. I stopped on the way home at LinnCo and dropped off the letter for Marilyn. Got home and hooked up the converter box for the bedroom set and after a little searching, got the correct codes and now it is fully functional again. Also reprinted a mileage sheet to include todays run... for some silly reason I thought today the center was closed... good thing I checked it out.

Dreary day, glad I'm inside

Sorry about not posting yesterday, I really was just busy with emails and other things and it slipped away... Facebook seems to be occupying a bit much of my time...

Coffee at McDonalds then to Roths, but nothing appealed to me so now back home. Cleaned up the kitchen and checked on what time the Nextel cup race will be starting.... looks like about 1pm. It rained last night and the streets are still damp. I expect that it will continue to be damp all day with periods of rain... a good day to be inside.

Such a gorgeous day... Mini time !!!

Got up early this morning then Coffee at McDonalds and after that to deliver meals as usual... I had 19 clients today and the Edwards decided to cancel so now will be at 17. I am going to go to Costco today and probably Fred Meyer too and see about getting another heating pad for the bed... Costco proved to be interesting, I did get some albacore and some peanut butter (not the tainted type) and managed to buy 2 pairs of jeans. The price was right and with luck, they just might fit too. I also got some Cheezits and a box of Wheatthins, one of my favorite snack crackers. A bottle of imported oversized stuffed olives manage to fall off the shelf and into my basket so I gave it a ride home too. Stopped in at Fred Meyer to see if they had the heating pad and they told me that it was a seasonal item and they no longer had any... Can you believe it “seasonal” for a heating pad??? So then I went to the electronics area and got a WII steering wheel and a new game “Call to Duty” which is a FPS game (first person shooter) about the world wars (past tense). From there, back home. Clynton came by and I gave him the T-shirt that I purchased in Daytona Beach for him... he thought it was hilarious. I wouldn’t choose to wear it at church. Getting close to shower time now so will send this post to the blog.

Back to the routine now...

Coffee at McDonalds and then off to deliver meals. Took John a t-shirt, he was wanting to pay me but I declined. 20 clients today, one of them was the final day for her so back to 19 tomorrow. I stopped in at Roths again and got some cookies and crackers and 3 loafs of cheese. Damn I hate it that they are closing. Weather is moderate today, looks as though it could rain later.

He's happy to be home and Oh Daytona was such a good time...

Well it’s Wednesday and I am feeling pretty foxy.  It's been quite a stretch since I last posted but I warned ya I would be gone... anyway, here goes...

I decided not to deliver meals today as I actually got home very late due to some airport problems both in Charlotte and Phoenix. I gotta tell you that the Daytona trip far exceeded my expectations and I would have been happy to spend twice as much for the good time I had. Saw the grandkids and Mandy at Charlotte, we had about 45 minutes together before Sean and I boarded the plane to Daytona. We got there about 9am and checked into the hotel (we ended up renting a car at the Daytona airport... can you believe $530 for 4 days.??? It was nice to have transportation, but not that nice. We unloaded the car at the hotel then headed out to the track... Daytona International Raceway is HUGE. I couldn’t have imagined, watching the races on TV the enormous size and complexity of the place. Fortunately, we had ‘Cold’ passes, which are good for everywhere when the cars are NOT on the TRACK. We meandered thru the pits, the gas fueling place, the area where the Goodyear Racing tires are all mounted up, strolled thru the pit area, got to see the cars in the garages with the folks working on them. I got to say Hi to Jack Rousch, he is the epitome of an asshole though, just looked at me and scowled and walked on... I also said hi to Tony Eury Jr. , Dale Jr’s Brother and leader of the crew... he is another guy that is NOT personable. Lots of pictures, as a matter of fact, 250 of them just from my camera. The weather for Thursday and Friday was warm and humid and partly sunny. Saturday weather was postcard perfect... as a matter of fact, mother nature grilled me really well on saturday. I’ve been peeling and scratching my scalp since. Sunday was OK, but the rains eventually did show up and that stopped the race at lap 152 which was well past half way so Matt Kenseth, being the leader at the time the red flag was dropped, was declared the winner. I never did get anywhere close to Dale Jr. but that’s OK. I might just track him down next time I am in Charlotte. Great time, Great to be back so on goes the saga...

Tomorrow... Oh Yeah !!!

Well, today was normal in all respects with the exception that I got to share lunch with a damn nice lady and a true friend... something we all should try to do more often.

I am home now and doing last minute laundry and what not in preparation for my pending vacation to Daytona Beach.

It was snowing lightly when I went to coffee this morning and all thru the deliveries too but now it has quit and we are faced with typical February weather, that being overcast and damp.

---

Oh how long the wait...

I slept pretty well last night after getting up about 12:30 to investigate a noise or at least what I thought was a noise. Nothing seemed amiss so back to bed I went. Up this morning about 6:50 and off to Coffee at McDonalds and then went to deliver meals... had 19 again today, that seems to be the constant for now. Stopped at LinnCo to see when to expect my replacement debit card and they said 7-10 days so I will likely not see it till I return. It is overcast today and the prospect for rain looms in the everpresent moment. The outlook for weather in Daytona has turned worse as the week progresses... I can only hope that the weather predictions there are as unreliable as they tend to be here in the valley...

Next Sunday I will be in Daytona...

I was going to sleep in this morning, but for some reason could not stay the course and was down at McDonald's by about 7:15. It was a good morning peppered with rousing conversations that were all over the place. It is overcast today, not really too cold, but cool enough to warrant a jacket or at the least, a heavy shirt. I was going to stop and get some milk a the store but decided to use the dairy creamer powder that I have at home.

I've been watching the time trials for the Daytona 500 and that is interesting, still wondering what the weather is going to provide... out of 365 days in the year wouldn't you think that asking for 4 nice days was a reasonable request... especially at Daytona, Fl.???

Great breakfast...

I met with my daughter, Melissa, at Sally Mae's for breakfast this morning.  It was a great meal and good conversation too.  She is so much more grounded in her thinking now that she is older... a true pleasure to talk to.

She has her dramaturg competition, (actually an evaluation) in Idaho next week so that will prove interesting, she tells me that it could make or break her budding career in theater... I told her, not to worry, they have her package and there is nothing at all she can do at this point to change the outcome.

Hard for her to put it on the shelf though, as she said, so much is tentatively on the line based on the outcome of this one event.

She says all the news stories about Wells Fargo Executive vacations and stuff is a bunch of bunk... they were actually for tellers that met their banks goals in the previous year... Journalists... getting to have the same rep as lawyers... that can't be good.

---

Friday... next Week I leave... Yea !!!

Wet and overcast but still friday in any book.  Nothing too new or unusual about today, I did stop my mail delivery for the period of time I will be gone.

My neighbor was going to gather it for me, but they made a last minute decision to go the Arizona for a week... they will be looking for Native American artifacts, arrow heads etc...

Lollie is on a trek to lose weight but I know for a fact that watching diet alone does NOT work... you have to move... Took me forever to accept that fact and I went thru all the denial tricks in the book.... move and it will go.

---

Here it is, Thursday already.

I checked the extended weather report for Daytona Beach, Fl.  It don't look too promising at this point.  I can only hope that their weather people are no more qualified than ours here in the Valley are.

In any case, it will be a good time I am certain of that.

---

Yet another beautiful day...

Clear this morning on the way to Coffee at McDonalds and then while there the fog really rolled in thick. It’s now 10:32 am and clearing up nicely. Del came by for a visit and stayed for about 40 minutes. I have a load of laundry in the dryer now and the other in the washer. That will take care of that stuff for awhile. I am headed over to Albany this afternoon early and will stop at Kohls store and maybe even Costco. Leann, I hope you get better.. those damn migraines are a pain you know where. My mother used to suffer from them too.

Nice stretch of good weather... I hope it prevails for awhile..

Up later than usual this morning... last night it seemed like dream after dream and none of them made any sense to me. Tossed and turned all night. Anyhow, after Coffee at McDonalds I was off to deliver meals today. Tomorrow I will be off so that will be nice too. It’s a beautiful day out today. Leann, I hope you are up to enjoy it as I know how much you like sunny days. I don’t hear from Cathy much at all anymore, I suppose she is quite busy with school and the grandkids...

A most beautiful Monday...

Coffee at McDonalds then off to deliver meals again... 19 clients today. Took the remainder of the zucchini bread down to the Meals center to share with them. Beautiful day outside, blue skies with a smattering of clouds and the temperature is semi mild. Stopped in at Roths on the way home and picked up some wings and a breast for dinner tonight. I have the hot chocolate in the making now and will enjoy a cup soon.

Beautiful, Cold and the 1st...

The first day of February... Cold and clear. A great way to start off the month. Next Saturday, I will meet with Melissa for breakfast at Sally Mae’s out on the hiway. Coffee at McDonalds then I decided to have a half order of biscuits and gravy at AppleTree’s. It was good and just the right amount. Home now, I just finished cleaning up the dishes from last night. I’ve not used the dishwasher for a long time now... maybe I should. Well, my hot chocolate is made so now would be a great time to check the email and see what has arrived so far...

Yet another Saturday...

Coffee at McDonalds and on the trip there, the fog was almost too thick to see thru. I had a good visit, although I must admit that the group seems to have shrunk from what it was earlier this last fall. Perhaps the winter cold keeps them in. I stopped at Bi-Mart and purchased a nice hand held mixer for those jobs that don’t require the robust power of the big one I have. Stopped at Roths and got a couple cake doughnuts and another can of hot chocolate mix plus a gallon of milk which will carry me thru the time that I leave for Daytona Beach.

Nothing short of YUCK...

Off to coffee I go, I need to put a knife blade on the front of the pickup to cut thru the fog this morning... At the Meals site, I had 2 cancels from what would otherwise have been a 19 client day... Fog all the stinking way too... Stopped at the Denturist to see about repairing a crack and now will be going back at about 2pm to retrieve my chewing device. Hope you all have a great day, albeit a little chilly one.

Surprised about the Fog??? I was too.

Foggy this morning when I got up, then I left the house for my usual Coffee at McDonalds. From there off to deliver my meals, the fog is still here but maybe not quite as thick. I have 18 clients today. Nothing special today, I did meet Kima on the way home, he is borrowing my big jack to change out the fuel pump on his pickup... it will make lowering the tank a lot easier. I like posting to my blog straight from the journal although it makes me alter my style a little bit...

Mid week and all is calm on the home front...

Well, I got up about 6:30 and got dressed then fed Ralphy. After that I opened the garage side door so he would be able to go to the back yard then went to have Coffee at McDonalds. Back home now and making some hot chocolate. I will probably have an English muffin also. It is a very predictive routine and one I likely should consider changing at some point. Boredom is a great incentive but I have yet to act on it. Hope you are all having a great day or at least have some plans.

SNOW???? ya gotta be S@#$%&$ me !!!

Got going a little earlier than I normally do this morning, I was surprised at how warm it was compared to the forecast of 24˚ for last night. I had Coffee at McDonalds then off to deliver meals, I had a new client today, he lives right across S. main from Kari place. Tomorrow I will get another one at Stillwater Apartments. Stopped in at Bi-Mart to check my numbers and I am increasingly certain that they’ve removed my number from the pool... I bought a payday candy bar there then went to TacoTime and got the luncheon special for $5 bucks... Back home and cleaned the dishes, ate lunch and now here I am updating the Journal and the Blog...

Why should they feel priviledged??

Coffee at McDonalds then off to deliver meals. Stopped at LinnCo and got $40 cash. Beautiful day outside today, very crisp, but the sky is nice and blue. Tori told me today that I would get another client tomorrow, it will be on my route so no mileage change... On the way back home I noticed a DHS car run the stopsign at 7th and Walker so I followed the lady till she stopped and told her that I noticed and that perhaps she should pay more attention to the stop signs... So happens it is also a school crossing. Damn State employees think they are above the law I think.

I seem to be having difficulties in posting to this blog from my journal... It did work for awhile then something changed and I am confused as to what it was... I know for a fact that Google has changed the password length requirement and who knows what else... Change. -( not always good...

Time to shower and get ready for the evening.

Has some of the stew I made and am even more convinced that seeing the end of it will be a day to celebrate...

Been emailing with Dan about the problems posting from MacJournal to my blog.  He gave some suggestions and the last one seemed to work.

Tis the Lords day, make well of it...

Sunday, raining and once again gray skies. I can empathize with those who are adversely affected by winter weather. Anyhow, Coffee at McDonalds then back home. I am making a cup of hot chocolate and will likely have an English muffin to complete the breakfast routine. I’ve almost decided to use MacJournal as the vehicle to my online blog as it would eliminate a duplication of effort... more personal thoughts will remain in my journal though... I’ve been reading in the ‘Readers Digest’, an article about the benefits of writing a “Memoir”. Perhaps someday I will...

Mild weather and domestic chores beckon...

The weather seems milder this morning, but for some reason the house seems cold.  Perhaps turning up the heat would help.

I have a friend, Randall Gordon, who is an aspiring artist (of the photographic genre) who's site is listed on my blog page.  He has some interesting art and I recommend you visit.

Nothing too special planned today except the domestic stuff.  More later if I feel moved...

---

Yet another end of a beginning...

Today the weather was mild, somewhat cloudy but not bad.  The weatherman said that perhaps we could see some moisture, but likely those odds will improve over the impending weekend.

A lady, at the Senior home I deliver meals to, invited me today to share in their monthly potluck dinners... she said I needn't bring anything, rather they would just enjoy my company...

I make friends of the elderly and the indigent quite easily as empathy seems deeply ingrained in my psyche.  I am happy for that as there is great need for more folks who show empathy for the less fortunate.

I hope you all have a great weekend, I don't have much planned, although Saturday night I will be watching a UFC fight that should prove to be exciting.  It's not everyone's cup 'o tea though.

---

Warmer, but not 'Warm'

Coffee this morning then off to do my delivery route... 

I was down to 15 today, and even one of them wasn't there... another said they would be stopping service for awhile... considering some of the meals, it is certainly understandable.

Nothing major this day, got a load of clothes in the dryer and that's about it.

Leann, I am going to put Omar in a trunk and secure it well... also will put in some purina and a gallon of room temperature water.

---

Wicked cold again last night...

Coffee at McDonalds, the temp is again 24˚ and to me, that is just to freakin cold to get too involved with anything outside... I am off today, not delivering as it’s my day off. Sean called and we’ve got all the arrangements pretty much done for the Daytona trip. I will be flying into Charlotte he says and then we will fly out to Daytona from there... how neat is that? I will get to see the kids hopefully, probably at the airport but I don’t care...

After talking to Sean, I booked a room for 5 days at the El Caribe hotel, it lies on the Ocean.  Not too bad a price, about $1,100 bucks and we will do a sneaky pete on the room.

I talked to Nick a few moments ago and told him to check with Sean about a quickie visit at the Airport during my layover.  I hope he does, it wouldn't seem right to not see him too.

Bundle up, she's chilly out there.

I made zucchini bread yesterday and this morning I sliced a bunch up and took to McDonalds to share with the coffee group.  Everyone seemed to like it and I didn't bring any back home... It's good to share.

Cold again this morning but clear and beautiful too.  I would much prefer the cold to the damp and gray.

Today is Martin Luther King day so most services will be closed and perhaps it would be a great time to reflect on the impact he had on the world.  As the events tomorrow will attest, we've come a long way baby...

---

Brrrrrrrrrrrr. Baby it's COLD !!!

24˚ this morning... frost on the pumpkin would be an understatement.  Absolute blue sky and what appears to be a beautiful day... bundle up though and for sure don't put your tongue on a flag pole...

Later on I will be going out to Jefferson to visit my ex-neighbor, Clynton.  I sure miss his family living across the street.  Great people.

A little update, I just finished whipping up a batch of zucchini bread and put it into 2 breadpans.  It looks good and by golly I think it will be delicious too.

I am getting to be quite the little house bitch ain't I??

Update:  I decided this afternoon to take the Mini for a drive and go see my ex-neighbor, Clynton.  He has a nice place in Jefferson and after I got there I realized that I had been by it many times when driving a core truck for Bennie Graves... small world.

It was just a gorgeous day for a drive, I had some really neat classical music on the stereo and was just cruising and enjoying the scenery... Leann you would have appreciated today...

---

Yesterday is gone... nothing lost

Nothing really worth posting yesterday so I decided to just let it slide...

Today I was up a little later then had coffee at McDonalds.  After coffee, I came back home to take care of a few things and then headed down to AppleTree's to have breakfast with a friend.

We enjoyed our breakfast and had some great conversation.  It's sometimes amazing how different subjects come up and solutions seem so easy from one side of the table to the other.

We spent about an hour and a half chatting and enjoying our meal.  After that, we went our own ways, I came home and after sitting in the house and looking at the clear blue skies, decided to wash the mini... it looks a lot better.  I might wax it tomorrow, depending on the weather.

Nothing special going on this evening, I am showered and changed and thinking about dinner.  I've decided that I will make some zucchini bread tomorrow... this time I will use the larger bread loaf pans I think.

I hope you are all having a great Saturday and perhaps a leisurely Sunday will also be in your plans.

Leann, sorry to hear of your 'soreness', but it simply means that you are putting the right amount of effort out to eventually see significant results... You Go Girl !!!

Cathy... where be you girl???

---

Just another day...

Coffee this morning then deliveries... ho hummm.

Do you hate paying insurance bills as much as I do... damn.  I had to pay landlord insurance on the house my Mom's second husband still lives in... which in itself wouldn't be so bad if I even liked him.

Oh well, I suppose that in honoring her request I need to be tolerant... still hate insurance though.

It's done for another year... God willing I will be able to sell it before it's due again.

---

Fog rules...

Quiet morning, coffee with the group then off to Julies church to pick up Ralphy for a day visit.  He is amazingly spry for an old dog...

Stopped at McDonalds and bought him a sausage biscuit then we came home and I gave it to him.  I cleaned up the kitchen and fixed some hot chocolate and a sourdough english muffin for breakfast.

Ralphy is sleeping now, seems that he does that a lot more, indicative of his age I'm sure.

Nothing special planned for today, Julie will pick Ralphy up about 5pm.

Cathy, thanks for the humorous jokes you sent, really made my day... Hope you are making progress on getting your system up and running.

---

Truly, what DO Weathermen actually know???

I'm amazed at times by the forecasts that are put forth by those working for the weather bureau... Oft I wonder, do they work in really dark little rooms with absolutely no connection to the outside world... staring intently at a green hued monitor trying to decipher the displayed statistics and later convert that information into something understandable by the rest of us???

It truly challenges my imagination when I hear them say things like 10% chance of rain today and I am standing at my front window and staring into a virtual downpour of rain... Works the same with sunshine predictions too.

If they would just use a coin toss to predict the weather, the odds of them being right would improve dramatically.

Yesterday they said that we would have beautiful weather the remainder of the week... overnight, weather armageddon struck and they predicted that we would have nothing but solid fog for the next 6 days... I am looking out my window at some beautiful blue sky... Go figure.

Leann, where are you hiding??

---

Odd weather today, beautiful for a short time then "Fog".

After the usual coffee clatch this morning,  I went to deliver my meals and had 3 no shoes today... after returning to the Senior center, I was off to the credit union to cash a check and ask some questions about 'Bill Pay'.

Pretty much I've decided to give it a try for a month or so but my gut feeling is that I will probably cancel the service... we will see

I couldn't believe the weather... on the way to coffee it was cloudy but you could see pretty good, during coffee, the stupid fog rolled in... about the time I finished deliveries, the sun was out and blue sky was everywhere...

After being home for about 2 hours, the fog rolled back in...

Weird winter so far, we can only hope that it won't last too much longer.

---

Just thought I would stop by and say Hi.

Nothing special today, lazing around and thinking of peaceful places I would rather be...

Hope your day is grand and good things happen for you.

---

Just another day... no snow ~ yet...

Well, this morning I awoke at 3am for no particular reason then fell back to sleep and got up about 6:40 and headed down to McDonald's for my habitual coffee time.

Afterwards, I came home, cleaned up the kitchen stripped the bed, started some Oatmeal and hot chocolate.  

The plan for the day is laundry and perhaps dusting the bedroom furniture.  It is a dismal day, overcast but not yet raining.  I would almost pay for a peek at the sun... then I would bitch about it if it stayed too long...

I received a really nice candy thermometer from my Sis and bro in law as a birthday/christmas gift.  Nicest one I've ever seen for sure.

Also received a super nice birthday card from my sister.  Both my daughter and youngest son have offered up birthday greetings, but Sean is conspicuously absent in this event... perhaps he will call today.

Upon reflecting, I must again recommend to all of you to see 'Gran Torino' this is truly a moving work and one of Eastwoods best.

Be good today, unless you wish to misbehave and if you do choose the latter I hope it makes you happy...

---

Fog?? where...

Foggy this morning, foggy delivering meals, clear going to Albany, foggy coming home...

Nice day, but the evening was to say the least, extraordinarily wonderful.  The movie, 'Gran Torino' was exceptional and most certainly should get an Oscar and the Actor with the Oscar should be Clint Eastwood.

Dinner with Melissa was wonderful both meal wise and conversation wise.  We've been so very long in reaching this plateau.  I love her.

Hope your day was even half as good as mine.

---

One more day to go...

Wet and windy... and now foggy.  Got all my stuff done and my questions answered so I feel good about the day.

I've not much planned for the day, I may dust the bedroom but everything else is pretty much ok.

I will meet up with Melissa tomorrow evening in Albany at AppleBees restaurant and she is buying me dinner for my birthday... It should be a good time and I look forward to it.

---

Wells Frago, here I come...

Man oh man has Philomath changed since the last time I was over there... I cannot believe how they changed the traffic pattern thru the downtown area.

Left Lebanon about 10am and headed West to P-town and got to the bank about 10:50.  The 'Banker' named Julie helped set up the account and explained all the options etc...

Melissa came in about 5 minutes after I arrived and in the mean time all the ladies at the bank told me how much they like her... That makes a dad pretty proud to know that his offspring is well thought of.

On the way home, I stopped at Emmons Meat market and dropped $30 on some salmon and buffalo jerky.

They are freakin expensive but I rarely stop there so this was ok.

---

A little damp but Tuesday still..

Nothing very exciting happening today.  Did the coffee thing and the meals deliveries, but nothing stands out as exciting today.

The weather was quite 'un-winter-like' today... much warmer than one would have expected.

After deliveries, I stopped at LinnCo to talk to Molly about the odd behavior of the 24/7 click website yesterday.  She made a few phone calls and found out that there were system 'difficulties' yesterday and that they had to do a system restore...

Hi Cathy, Hi Leann and of course....Hi Omar.!!!

What a day, I hope something good happens today.

The new picture is awesome!! amazingly, there will very soon be a new resident and with him we rest our hopes of 'change' and hopefully a resuscitation of the grandeur that once was the U.S.A.  

Good Luck President Obama, I for one will be praying for your success.

---

Another week beginning..

It was warmer this morning, but the rain was constant.

Went to coffee and enjoyed that then off to take care of the needy by delivering my meals.

I stopped when done at LinnCo and talked to Karen to let her know that the unique identifier field still lacks cursor focus but the other two work correctly.  Also when viewing account activity, your entire account number is displayed which is a security issue.  She knows and will re-address the issue.

Then I stopped at Roths and bought an onion to put in the ham and navy bean soup.  It sure does smell good.

---

Was there a yesterday???

I apologize for not posting yesterday, the day was mostly spent reading and listening to music and a little TV.  I did get on the computer but never ever thought too much about posting as the day was slow and I was even slower.

Melissa brought her new beau by about 6:30pm and visited for awhile.  

His name is Ermine and he is a couple years younger than Melissa is.  The lad seems to have a nice manner about him and has his head on straight.  He tends to be quiet spoken but at the same time well spoken.

He is attending W.O.U and is pursuing a liberal arts degree... he is a good dancer (theatrical) and Melissa tells me a good photographer also.

After they left, the evening drug on for about 3 days then I went to bed...

Today is yet another day of cold weather (25˚) this morning and now it is socked in with fog.  The roads were dry but slick in places this morning on the way to coffee.

After coffee I stopped and got the beans to make Ham and beans for tomorrow.  I will soak them overnight and start boiling the ham bone tomorrow morning.  It should be good, I will add a rue to it so that it will have a gravy.  I also got some cornbread mix for some biscuits.

Anyone hungry yet???

---

Wind and rain and wind...

Early this morning along about 4am or so, the wind and rain was so severe on the side of the house my bedroom is on, I truly thought that it had ripped the siding loose and was rattling it around.  Honestly, I thought when I got up that I would see it lying on the carport.

Lucky for me though, it was just a very violent session of wind and rain and no damage was done.

Coffee at McDonalds and then off for the daily meal deliveries... I had 17 clients, two dropped off and one returned.

On the way back home, I stopped in at Stutzman stove and got a quote for the installation of a free standing gas stove (heater).  It is something I have considered for some time and never bothered to price out.

If I should choose to do it, it will have to wait for quite awhile as the expense is more than I could bear for the time being.

No news from my blog friends, makes me wonder if they are on strike...

Everyone enjoy the weekend and keep an upbeat attitude.

---

Finally we approach the final moments...

2008 is winding down... the ball is ready to drop in NYC and the world in general is ready to put this one in the bag.

My year has generally been OK, fortunately I didn't suffer quite as bad as some folks did and for that I am eternally thankful.

I've been fortunate to make some very good friendships and at the same time put distance between present and past.

I am excited about the new year, the prospects of seeing our new President make great headway into curing some of the problems that have made this past year so memorable... Not in a good way unfortunately.

I will be bringing in the New year with a wonderful friend and her brother and girlfriend.

Looking forward to next year, I may try to travel a little more, and especially get more involved in the things that I enjoy.  That would include helping folks and improving myself along the way.

I will have a new picture up for tomorrow... one that I deem appropriate.

Happy New year to those who read this blog and may 2009 bring you new expectations, great health and personal satisfaction.

Thanks Leann for a great evening... drive carefully and talk at you later.

---

Today was my last day this year...

After a rousing coffee hour, I went to deliver my last meals for this year... I have tomorrow off and Thursday is a holiday so Friday will be my first day delivering meals and it will be the 2nd day into 2009.

A quiet day, after finishing the meals thing, I came home and got out the ham that Sean sent me and divided it into packages for vacuum packing and freezing minus a nice portion for snacking on this afternoon.

Along about 3:15 I decided to go to Bi-Mart and check my numbers... of course none of them showed up on the big board so before I left the store I checked the price on my favorite soup.  The sign said $1.99 a can so I picked up 4 cans and went to the checkout.

There, the clerk told me that it was actually on sale for $1.25 a can so I went back and got a case for a total of 16 cans.  Normally $32 for $20... one helluva good deal for me.

Nothing special planned for tonight.

---

Mundane Mondays Make Me Mad...

Pretty nifty use of the letter 'M' wouldn't ya say??  Nothing to great happening today, coffee as usual then off to deliver meals.

Stopped at Roths to get some stuff to make a neat energy bar that Winnie gave me the recipe to plus I picked up a monster 'flat iron' steak for my birthday and a few other items.

Home and made some hot chocolate and had the piece of ham that Del gave me and an English muffin.

When I arrived home, the ham from Sean had gotten here... that will be good.

Talked to Lollie a little on the phone, I mentioned to her again that she repeats herself a lot and of course she denied it... stubborn girl that Sister of mine.

This morning while at the Senior Center, Leann called and extended an invitation to me to join with her and her brother and his girlfriend for New Years Eve festivities... very nice to be invited... Thanks young lady !!

Don't know what the day will hold, the weather is of course not very nice so I shall forego any venturing outside...

---

Ho hum...

Not too excited about today... Del sent me home with a chunk of ham that he had cooked with the expectation that I would use it to make some gravy and have it over some of my home made biscuits... actually not my recipe, and I've only made them once but they did turn out great...

I have a load of laundry in the dryer to fold and absolutely nothing else on my plate for today.

Nice list Leann... all very good goals and I will be rooting for you on each and every one of them...  (Tice's should be 'Ticks').  I know, I hate it too... some call me the grammar or spelling police... I don't mean to be but that is what it is.

Shall I pick the '10' or will you??

---

Saturday morning... more of the same

It is odd, to go to coffee at McDonalds and realize that Harold and Marilyn won't be there... Yesterday, Harold was served a 'No Trespass' order by McDonalds via a Lebanon police officer... evidently he made contact with someone and it was deemed inappropriate... Odd, he is in his 80's and I think that there was an over reaction.

I briefly considered starting a petition to get the order lifted, but I truly don't know enough of the particulars to justify such an action.  I do pray that it is temporary though.

Anyway, most of the same gang was there so life will go on.  Our society, even though very permissive in many areas, is still very conservative in others.  One can never be too careful of their actions and the things they say.

It brings to the fore front of my mind how vulnerable we actually are and often times it is only the perception rather than the actual that convicts us.  I don't like the direction the world is going.

Very windy out this morning.  Not too much dampness, but some for sure.  I only plan to do some laundry today, and not too much of that.

---

The years end approaches...

A typical valley winter day today, chilly and damp.  I don't think that we've seen the last of the snow days but at least for now they are hidden here.

Yesterday, "Christmas Day" proved to be a very pleasant experience, both with my daughters visit and then the afternoon spent with a dear friend... we shared a wonderful meal together at a nice restaurant and then enjoyed an animated film at a local theater.  

Upon leaving the theater, it was dark and so we decided to take in the lights that put up to commemorate the seasons festive nature.  Peoria road provides one of the most memorable light displays and then many of the homes we drove by had very nice displays also.

It was obvious that this year not quite as many people went all out to decorate, but those who could do so, did.

We finished our tour about 8pm and our afternoon together ended... it was and will be a cherished memory for both of us I am sure... Friends are such a wonderful thing to have.  Thank you Leann.

---

Well... it's here

365 days ago we were in this same warm fuzzy holiday feel good place... or at least that is where we wanted to be.

A tremendous amount has changed in that short year and yet 'Christmas' maintains a magical day feeling when we gather with family and friends and celebrate our reasons for being alive.  We watch the toddlers opening gifts that to them look pretty but they still aren't too sure about the fat guy in the red suit.

Hot chocolate and 'sticky buns' abound and cheery music blares out of an over priced stereo.  Huge hugs go around the room and smiles stretch from ear to ear...  Thank you God for this holiday and the opportunity to celebrate your Son's birth.

I hope and pray that this next year will be more positive for everyone.  I would personally like to see more love and empathy for the less fortunate.

Well my friends, go an open your gifts if you've not yet done so.  You hold a fond place in my heart and my hope is that Santa was good to you.

---

"Christmas Eve", a most wonderful time of the year...

I awoke early today, about 5:20 or so.  No particular reason that I could put my finger on, so I have attributed it to having gotten a really good nights sleep.  It doesn't happen all that often as I suffer from 'sleep apnea' and cannot tolerate the cpap machine.

It is warmer this morning, and wet, very very wet.  There is still remnants of snow in the surrounding foothills with more predicted for the Northwestern part of the state... Portland will long remember this winter me thinks.

Fred and Dorothy are hosting a little pre christmas get together at their place this afternoon so I will drop by there for a little bit.

Not too much planned for today, I will likely go to Shari's and get a gift card for Melissa, I have no idea what she might like other than that...

---

A little more and a little less

This morning came as a surprise to me, not that actual morning itself, but rather the presence of the 'white stuff' on the ground with more in the process.

Upon retiring last night, the tube said that we would likely not get any snow down on this end of the valley but as usual, their bubble was a little off center.

I think it would be nice to have a white christmas so I am not too disappointed in the results.  The question of course is how long will it last?

Leann, if you read this, I won't be taking the Mini out if the weather remains like it is... the car would do quite well but from what I've observed of others on the road it's just not worth the risk involved.  I will drive the Toyota, heater works fine and it will carry me/us where ever we need to go.

---

Well finally, we get our snow...

A little late in coming based on the situation up North, but Lebanon, the banana belt of the Willamette Valley is finally catching up with the rest of the state.  Snow started this morning while I was at coffee and is drifting in at a leisurely rate...  No deliveries of meals today either.

Hope all is well and you are all safe and sound.  More as the day progresses...

---

On this very Sunday...

Nothing much is new, my wish is that God blesses you in ways you'd never imagine.

I ask that God grant me more patience and a deeper love for my fellow human and more guidance in all that I do.

Everyone have a Great day and be careful.

---

Warmer, wet but expecting much worse...

I rose a little later this morning as I stayed the course later last night.  I knew that it would be raining this morning but thought that perhaps a little more snow might make an appearance... 

The weather is warmer this morning than it has been, but according to the weather report on Channel 2 last night, we are in for the mother of all storms this weekend, one to rival the storm that paralyzed Portland for 4 days in 2004.  I think this is going to be a winter for the record books.

After coffee at McDonalds, I went to Appletrees and had a half order of B&G and then went to the Lebanon Rehap center to vist Henry Hoffman... I found out yesterday that he had 2 strokes while at home.

He is doing pretty well, still pretty affected on the left side but he can talk with a very minor slur and seems in pretty fair spirits...  He is a really nice old fella and I used him for the past two years to weed my flower gardens.  Looks like I may need to find someone else this year.

Melissa spent the night at her boyfriends parents house near Portland last night as the roads were still not too safe.  Hope she returns to Corvallis today.

Dusting the bedroom is on the plate for today, laundry is taken care of so that won't need attention.

Aren't you just SO excited though... Christmas is just around the corner...!!

---

Nature's quilt of quiet and warmth...

I knew last night before retiring that it had snowed... not a lot, but an inch or so.  It was what I expected to see this morning when I arose to prepare for the day... I also knew that we wouldn't be delivering meals again today.  I've made my client calls so that is done

Not too sure what the day will bring, I don't have much to do but noticed dusty conditions in the bedroom on my furniture so will likely run a rag over it.

Leann, so you don't think you will make it to work eh??  As far as the price of chains go, if you look around, you can find some that would be pretty inexpensive, they aren't the typical tire chains, but would be great for the little bit you might need them...

---

Just another day... no snow ~ yet...

Coffee and deliveries... ho hum.  I had expected a little bit more from the weather/storm front, but it seems that Portland and such got the most of it.

I haven't totally discounted it yet, but I've yet to see it too.

If the weather is at least dry on Christmas day, I will take out the Mini and Leann and I will go see a movie and maybe have Christmas dinner... something that friends should probably do more often... as lives become even more complicated, free time seems less available and the cost of entertainment is hard to justify.

One of the advantages of not having a significant other is you basically only have to worry about your own expenses except of course during the holiday seasons.

---

Cold but not as cold as yesterday

It was cold this morning, but much warmer than it was at 9pm last night when the temperature dipped to 10˚.

Coffee first then home to get the defective cartridge then back to Postal connections to get it replaced.

Mailed the last xmas card out and signed a petition to keep the aux post office open.

I will pull the lamp from the Toshiba and send it off today.

I just returned from the UPS store where I sent the defective lamp for the big screen... it will certainly be different now, watching the little 20" toshiba that I will bring out from the bedroom... 

Sorry Leann, we won't be watching a movie on the big screen on Christmas.

Maybe we can go see a movie if they are open or perhaps just drive around a bit and look at lights... suggestions??

---

Extreme cold can be and is painful...

This morning's venture into the realm of mother nature proved to be anything but a pleasure.  It was 14˚ when I got up to go for coffee.  Even gripping the steering wheel of the Pickup proved to be uncomfortable as I wasn't wearing mittens or gloves.

After coffee I shagged it down to deliver meals and was scheduled at 22 (the most of any of the routes).  During the course of running the deliveries this morning I had two clients cancel and another was a no show.  My route should now even out at 19 or 20.

It is beyond being beautiful today... I believe that the colder it is outside, the bluer the sky becomes.  Makes me happy to be alive and chases any doldrums right out of the picture.

Leann, Cathy got back yesterday but her computer router seems to be on the fritz so we won't see an update for her for a bit.

You are off today so what are you planning???

---

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells. Camels in the Snow...

I awoke to the beauty of a white lawn and streets that are eerily quiet with the blanket of snow.

I tried out the traction this morning on the empty streets and that is always fun to do.  It amazes me though, the number of people who don't know how to approach driving in the snow.  I didn't see any accidents but am pretty sure that there will be several.

I've paid my bills so now must see what remains in the coffers to support my habits till the next payday.

I am instant messaging with Leann at the moment, a fun thing.

Omar doesn't know what a 'Stallion' is Leann.

---

Darn... I can see the grass

Well I awoke this morning expecting to see a gentle white blanket covering the landscape... Not yet.  It will happen I do believe that, but as weather always does the unexpected here in the Valley, I suppose it will be later rather than sooner.

Nothing too exciting is happening right now, I did order a toaster oven from Williams and Sonoma yesterday though.  I felt that turning on the big oven was wasteful when I only need a toaster oven for most things I heat up.  The nice thing about this one is that it is a convection oven too and has a full range of temperatures and the digital features that make it handy.

It is made by Breville of Australia and they've quite a name for quality and I expect to put it to good use.  You can even bake a full sized pie in it and up to a 13" pizza.  

Leann, thanks for your posted comment, Sunday will be OK, but not much is planned.  Call if you like or I may call you.  Wish I knew your schedule especially your sleeping one so that I wouldn't disturb your rest...

Anyway, have a great day and I will have MSN on.

---

Brisk, but not frozen... yet !

I woke at 7 this morning and dressed and headed to McDonald's for coffee.  Not many of the group were there this morning.  Del and I decided to go to Appletrees for breakfast (he owed me one).  I saw Davey boy and his wife and mom there and we chatted a bit.

Back home now and folded and stashed the first load of laundry and the last one only has a heavy flannel shirt and a towel in it and it should be dry in a minute or two.

Nothing special planned today, No need to go out so I might get caught up on my DVR recorded movies.

---

Winter?? here? now??? This weekend for sure.

Cold, that is what it was... all morning during deliveries it was just cold, the wind had picked up and there was no avoiding it.

21 clients again today and one of the ladies got a truckload of stuff...

I still wouldn't trade being able to help them though.  Not all things that are rewarding in life are fun or easy.

Well, I checked earlier and saw that Leann was logged into MSN, but sent her a message and no response... I assume that she just forgot to log out last time she was on.

The remainder of the day hasn't improved the weather at all, as a matter of fact I think it has gotten worse... The Sunday forcast of 33˚/18˚ is not very encouraging at all... hope you have your snow tires on.

---

Chilly day and much to do...

Well coffee was good and a lively crew also.  Left about 8:30 to go to the Senior center to prepare for the days meal deliveries.  21 clients again today but we had sandwiches and soup and frozen meals so it was quite a chore... tomorrow will be nicer.

Went to WalMart after deliveries and got gift cards and Christmas cards to send out... then I stopped at the little auxiliary post office and sat down and addressed all of them and bought stamps and mailed them.

I've decided that I am going to print out mailing labels from now on because I really don't care to hand address envelopes anymore.  I also am going to buy a box of cards and that way I don't spend an hour while inundated by literally thousands (it seems) of card choices.  Plus it will be more affordable.

Not that I am being cheap, but my money doesn't go any further than yours does so conservation is a requirement.

Leann, Cathy is on the boat probably by now... hope she has a good time, by the way got your card and thus your mailing address... keep an eye on the mailbox. 

---

No fog but I got the dog...

I am blessed I suppose, I have some good friends and today I get to share some time with my buddy Ralphy, not the crusty old guy I have coffee with but rather my four legged friend.  He doesn't hear well anymore, but then neither do I.

It's nice to not be delivering meals today, Wednesdays are my only day that I don't deliver now (except of course the weekends).

My friend Leann has evidently been swamped with things to do as I've not heard from her for a couple days now.  Cathy is preparing for her cruise today and will depart tomorrow.  Lucky gal.

Candi is in process of dealing with her present guy friend and it tends to be a sticky wicket at times.  Too bad people often prove to NOT be what they advertise themselves as.  I am WYSIWYG.  No false pretenses or misrepresentations here.  I tell you how I feel and I don't believe in slathering the truth in sweetness.  It tends to be a double edged sword though so one must be willing to suffer the consequences of being what I term as a 'Realist'.

Not much on the agenda today, but this evening I will probably go out and get the gift cards and xmas cards so I can mail them tomorrow.

I hope that your day is happy and joyful...

---

Day off tomorrow then two more and 2 left...

Fog is the order of the day it would seem, I am so amazed at the number of drivers that fail to realize that their headlights are not only so they can see but more importantly so that they can be seen.  Especially in the dense fog that we've experienced the last month.  What are they trying to do, save the electricity??? Dumb @$#%&'s.

I had 21 clients today and of them one of the new ones was a no show and one of my regulars also but he rarely calls though I remind him every time.

The Holiday spirit seems alive and well as I drive my route I see more and more decorations up... I try to avoid the stores though as they are packed.

I need to get to Walmart tomorrow and get the grandkids gift cards and christmas cards too.  They are the only ones I will buy for this year.  Money is tight and people need to conserve their dollars.

I will be spending Christmas day with a friend, she did have plans, but they've changed so we shall share a dinner out and a movie in and maybe some popcorn too.

---

Busy busy day, 19 today and 21 tomorrow... whew !!!

I was up early this morning, a little before 5:30am.  I wanted to get the stew started and needed to brown off the stew meat and chop the veggies and assemble it all in the crock pot, add the beef broth and stew seasoning packet.

After returning from a busy delivery schedule, as I entered the tent, the aroma of cooking onion permeated the air but by mid afternoon it just smelled like good stew.

Del came over a shade past 1pm and we chatted a bit and I had him read some articles and voice his opinion.  Sometimes an outside source can see things that you yourself are blind to.

Things at Meals on Wheels seem to really be picking up, I have the second largest route today and will have the largest one tomorrow and for the foreseeable future.  They will have to recruit more drivers if this keeps up.

Had a great lunch with Candi yesterday afternoon.  She is seeing a guy but I think the bum is going to be history pretty soon.

Leann has been very busy what with the preparation for the holiday seasons.  Cathy is just about to Jump ship... literally.

---

Contrast is just outside my window...this is 'whether weather'.

As the title might imply the question of 'whether' to do things is dependent upon the 'weather'.  I believe that today I will make some zucchini bread, I have the ingredients and I want something sweet.

Stopped at Roths after coffee to get the things I forgot yesterday when getting supplies for the 'Slow Cooker' stew I plan to make Monday.

As I compile the cost of buying the ingredients and time invested in the production process I find that the 'Stew' will not by any means be cheap.  I hope that then end justifies the means.

Leann, my comment was not meant to chastise in any way, just an observation.  I did decide after reading your comment that perhaps I should revert to the scenes I had been showing... I hope you like todays Masthead, it truly depicts the season (weather wise).

By the way, the ~ The tent dweller ~ is a link to Omars blog.

If you've not checked out Omars latest adventure, I recommend you do... this is truly classic.

---

Sunny Saturday...

Well it was certainly chilly this morning, had to kick open the flap to the tent as it was encased in some serious frost.

Decided to take the Mini to coffee this morning, I am always a little paranoid about where to park it as I would rather not accrue parking lot tags on it if possible.

Some of the regulars were there and about just as many didn't bother to come in so it was a smaller group this morning.

After coffee, I came home and started the one load of laundry I need to do today.  I've no special plans today but I may stop at Roths and get some stew meat and put together a stew for the slow cooker tomorrow.  Hopefully I will be successful in putting together a delicious stew and then I can freeze some portions for later on.

Hope all is well in the world of readers of blogs and also that my friends are doing well too.

---

Finally, the "End of the Tunnel" has arrived

It often amazes me how long it takes to get from Monday to Friday and this week managed to stretch my imagination even further.  I suppose the reason was that I delivered all five days though.  Starting Monday, I will deliver 2 days, have a day off and deliver 2 more days.

It was cold this morning and there was frost on the pumpkin as they say.  I liked the briskness of the air and the bright blue sky though.

17 clients today and it will likely go to 18 pretty soon.  Not a bad load, except for days like today where you have 6 items to carry to the door.  I truly do not like 'soup' day.

Not too much planned for the day, but I think I might go to Sum Yan's for dinner tonight.

So tell me, what plans have you ???

Be sure to check out 'Omar's' blog today... 

---

A gorgeous day with blue sky and crisp temperatures...

Coffee at McDonalds as usual.  A great group of people, but poorly attended this morning for whatever reason.  I paid Ralph back for the roll of dollars that he picked up for me...

Off to deliver meals, no rider today... nothing but fresh air and a sense of tranquility.

I've no plans for the remainder of the day, I did stop at Cecil's and took off some retaining boards from the shed roof for him... he seems to be holding his own.  Margaret's daughter is spending a few days with them to get away from her houseful of people.  She recently had a hip replaced and there is just too much going on at her place.

On the way home from meal delivery, I stopped in at Roths and got some crackers... they've been out of the regular saltines for about 5 days.

Leann, I hope your time at work is going well, are you still pursing the shift to days?? I know you want that... perhaps you could contract with Omar to eliminate one of the day slots so you could move up??

---

A very 'certain' odor persists...

Wednesday, not only known as 'Hump day' but in my case the last day that I carry with me on my route an older gentleman by the name of 'Bob'... he is nice enough of a guy but as I have found with many elderly folks, he tends to shy away from ample use of 'Soap and Water' and thusly emits a rather pungent odor that lingers after he leaves.  

I believe the reason elderly folks do this is that frequent bathing tends to dry out their skin and make them uncomfortable.  For those so afflicted, I highly recommend a good deodorant.  I didn't mention it to him, but did have to air out the cab a little.

We've had fog and clear and low clouds as a weather experience so far... I have a load of clothing in the dryer and then my chores for the day are done.

From now on, I will deliver meals every weekday except for Wednesdays.

---

Another Monday and for awhile, 'Blue sky'

Started out a foggy morning at coffee and then beautiful blue sky appeared and now, just after noon, we have the overcast low cloudy stuff.

Leann and I will catch a movie tomorrow afternoon, she mentioned maybe getting something to eat so I am bringing along some rabbit pellets as they are pretty munchy.

Omar now how his own blog, view it here.  I figured it was time for him to branch out on his own and entertain those who visit him...

---

Gout anyone?? I truly believe that is what is attacking my right foot.

Last night proved to be miserable.  I couldn't get my right foot in any position that didn't prove to be painful.  Though the pain is across the top of the foot, if you apply pressure to the joint closest to the ball of your foot it is very tender and at this time sore.

From what I know about it, gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the joint and can be brought on by things in your diet, alcohol seems to be a major contributor but then probably other things as well...

Does anyone know what they test to determine if gout is the ailment... it is the urine or is it a blood test??  I will ask Gareth, and see how they determined that in his case.

As I was hobbling to leave the house for coffee this morning, I passed the main bathroom and heard some suspicious splashing sounds... I opened the door and peered in and there, in a brimming pool of water, sat Omar with this big grin on his face... I asked him just what he thought he was doing and he replied "I'm taking a 'local' cruise".  I almost fell over.

---

It broke... really it did !!

About 9:45 last night, just as a show I was watching on the big screen was hitting the apex of excitement... I hear a loud 'Pop' and the screen goes totally black... I watch the led's on the front and they blink in an interesting pattern... I get the book out and discover that this particularly intriguing pattern of blinking means that the projector bulb has imploded and will require replacement... Freaking wonderful I think.  Omar seemed to get some perverse pleasure out of this...

I look around on the internet, fully expecting to pay the price I saw shortly after buying the Toshiba... in excess of $350 for a bulb... as my tummy rolled and my wallet groaned, I happened to find a place called 'Advance Lamps'... they carry the bulb and for a remarkably low price of $132 and $13 shipping.  After looking around for other places and maybe lower prices I settle on this one and order the blasted thing.  It will ship out Monday, coming via pony or perhaps camel express.  Hopefully I will have it by next weekend.

In the mean time, I take the other Toshiba, this one a 20" LCD that I had in the bedroom and put it into service in the living room... Omar states that he maybe needs a magnifying glass... a quick and well aimed boot in his arse changes his tune.

Overcast today but not too bad... I will try to watch the Beav/Duck game if it's on but other than that, nothing special planned.

---

'Black Friday'... I actually did shop.

After rising late, really late, I went to McDonalds for coffee and the usual crew had alread come and gone.  I had my coffee and a few familiar faces showed up and some families with really obnoxiously loud squealing brats came in so I knew it was time to move on.

Stopped in at Roths and got some hot chocolate mix as I was out and picked up a small jar of unsweetened applesauce (to replace the oil) in my zucchini bread recipe.  I may make some tomorrow.

The sky was brilliantly blue this morning, but now the fog has taken over a portion of the sky.

Omar came out of the dungeon shortly after I got back home and offered to fix some breakfast... he had a bag and the bag was moving so I declined the breakfast offer and will ponder what may be in the bag and whether he will actually eat it... Fear is a good thing sometimes.

---

Brunch with the 'Daughter', should be nice...

The Brunch with Melissa was really nice, she arrived at 9am and from there we went to Roths and got the stuff she wanted to fix.

Back home we worked in harmony in the kitchen preparing the brunch meal which consisted of apple filled sausage patties, memosas, waffles covered in strawberries and scrambled eggs.  We not only shared brunch, but also good conversation and happy thoughts.

Nick called while we were eating so I cut him short and may call him back later today.

The weather is typical 'Fall' weather so nothing particularly new there...

After leaving here, Melissa will go to Hillsboro to have Turkey dinner with her boyfriend Ermine and his family.

Thanks to the Lord, I had a great day and hope you all did too.

---

Today, it is my privilege to feed the poor...

Well the weather outside isn't great but not too bad... still some low lying clouds/fog but that's OK.

I will work the 'Soup Kitchen' this afternoon to help feed those less fortunate than myself.  It feels good to give something back to those folks who are less fortunate than yourself.  I've never worked there before so it should be a good experience for me.

The picture I posted is my most sincere wish to all who might view this blog.  I hope you appreciate having your families near, whether it be parents or grandkids or a mixture of both.  It is a time of hope for all of us so look forward with an optimistic heart and remember to love others as you love yourself.

Omar made a brief appearance and mentioned that he was not going to be with me for the Thanksgiving holiday... I can't help but wonder where he might be spending it.

Happy Turkey day to you All !!!

---

No Monday and very little Tuesday...

Unfortunately, Comcast, here in Lebanon suffered some problems Monday..  I noticed that after having lunch with Leann, I got home and was unable to log onto the internet...

I won't bother with details but I will tell you that after much effort both on the tech's side and my side, here I am back on and it took a little over 24 hours to do... That included a trip with computer, to Corvallis Mac store where the iMac got a clean bill of health, the deal was to make sure that it didn't have problems and so I felt good about that.

A stop at Comcast in Lebanon and hooking it up to their system yielded negative results too so then back home... I took my time and hooked everything back up and that 'What the hell' and clicked on 'Safari', my web browser and to my astonishment, it hooked right up... I like magic... on a stage or a floor show, but not in my home...

But it's up and running now and seems good so I guess that is all that can be expected.

Omar has been busy with a puzzle... I don't think it helps that he can't read and it's a crossword puzzle... sometimes.

---

Grey? or Gray?? either way...

The sky is blanketed in a cloak of misty Grey air, as though the clouds had descended upon the ground.  Dampness prevails, the roads are damp and there is a chill to the air...

Coffee was what it always is, the usual folks show up with the same old stories and attitudes... It amazes me how easily I've fallen into the daily habit of coffee with friends.  The coffee isn't all that good, but it is the extension of myself into a known group that seems comforting.  Part of aging I am certain, especially when one lives alone.

Nothing exciting is on the agenda for today, I think that perhaps I will vacuum as it seems that I've not done that for awhile.

I hope your day is bright and happy.  Mine will be fine, better once the sun appears.

---

My dream home...

I don't know where the picture was taken, or from which region of the country, but obviously not the 'Pacific Northwest'.  I love the log cabin appeal and have always dreamed of having one.  Maybe someday.

It is wet this morning, accompanied by some fog... the dampness is not due to rain but rather the fog I believe.

Nothing too pressing is scheduled for today, I am thinking about driving over to Staples in Albany as I need a new mat to put under the desk chair... the one I have has many cracks in it and is no longer serviceable.

I am toying with the idea of a future trip to North Carolina... likely I would drive the Mini.  It would probably be about a month long saga.  The whole plan is fiction at the moment but could transition to fact at some point in the future.

Nothing from Omar this morning...

---

Awaking to a beautiful sunrise...

As I drove to McDonalds this morning, I was greeted with a very beautiful sunrise, one that I've deemed to be 'Sky blue pink' a term garnered from my ex-wife and I's early days together.  Often when I see such a beautiful sunrise, I have to take a moment and say a special thank you to our Creator... who else could manifest such beautiful color into a greeting for all humanity??

Not much new outside of that though, the meals deliveries were normal.  I did stop out at walmart to get a new pad for the chair to roll around on but they had nothing.

Stopped on the way back to the tent and got some milk and a couple other minor items.

Tonight is, of course, Friday Night Smackdown so you know where I will be for about 2 hours.  I know, it's fake, but so are many people and it hasn't stopped me from associating with them.

Omar once told me that watching wrestling is how the Terrorists train to subdue the Amerikans who bother them... I chased him for about an hour with a hefty spatula... I'll show him Terrorist... little bugger.

---

Rain, wind, rain, wind etc...

Blustery would be the correct description of what the weather was like at 6:30 as I left for coffee.  The leaves have all fallen from the trees in my yard, there are those in the neighborhood that have stayed on for an extended visit, but they too will eventually fall... probably as the frost eventually comes.

McDonalds is experiencing some growth, they are remodeling somewhat, putting in a custom drink counter and a more efficient coffee dispensing area.  The work is supposed to be finished after ThanksGiving but until that, it is in disarray.  

One must wonder where all the dust and dirt goes... especially with the kitchen and food prep areas in such close proximity to the contstruction work.  I am pretty sure we ingest part of it.

Omar told me this morning that he has 'Seen the Light'... of course that piqued my interest so I asked him exactly which 'Light' he had seen and he smiled and said "the one in the closet".  I smacked him and went to coffee.

---

A Friend, a visit, another day.

A little fog this morning, drove the mini to coffee.  After coming back home I noticed some scrapes on the mag wheels on the mini so I re-colored them with a magic marker.  I think that the low profile tires make it easier for the rims to contact rocks and other things encountered on the road.  

I have a brunch appointment with a friend today.  It is always good to keep up friendships... sometimes even better than familyships... (neat word eh??)

Omar was reading the Koran this morning when I left.  I looked at it one time and found it to be interesting, but not compelling enough for me to change my religious preferences... Omar, on the other hand, can use all the religious guidance he can get regardless of the source.

Brunch went well, I ordered a cobb salad which unfortunately was par for the course at Sharis... I refused to pay for it and after we went our separate ways, I stopped at Quiznos for a sub... Damn Sharis anyway.

After that, I headed over to Albany to my Sheriff interview and from there to the Regal theaters where I got a ticket to see Saw V...  

I then walked over to Fred Meyer and got another game for the Wii and a special controller holder that makes it more like a pistol type thing.  After that I went back to the theater and sat in the car until showtime...

If you by chance have a queazy tummy... Saw V ain't the ticket for ya.  I loved it but then after all, I live with Omar.  Gave me some great ideas for next time he taxes my patience.

---

Once again, the sky is blue... mostly

Although it was chilly while delivering the meals today, it was nice to see some blue sky for a change.  Fog is one thing that I have no appreciation for.

14 clients today, the ones added are close together so that makes it nice and it only added 1 mile to the route.

Tonight is wrestling so that is something I can enjoy.  Although it is fake and for entertainment purposes only, I do still enjoy the story lines.

Nothing special about today, Omar mysteriously re-appeared this morning... when I asked about where he'd been, he mumbled something about mist and lost his way... I saw some suspicious piles, steaming a little in the furthest corners of the back yard.

---

Fog and more fog...

It was cold this morning, I heard it got down to 37˚, but don't have an outside thermometer.  It felt cold and of course, the fog didn't help either.

Today is the final Nascar race of the season and I have no doubt that Jimmy Johnson will be the champion, 3 year running... quite the accomplishment but then every dog has it's day.  Hopefully another driver will rise up to be champion next year... I would love it to be Dale Jr.

A friend is coming over to watch the final race.  It will be nice.

I thought I had a fleeting glance of Omar in the fog bank that surrounds the tent but when I looked closer, there was nothing there... except this strange odor.  I wonder?

It would be nice, if you bother to read this post, leave a comment, at least that way I would know you had visited...

Carl Edwards won the race, Jimmy Johnson the Championship and my poor Jr. DNF.

---

Is it is or is it ain't???

Illusions... I've always been facinated by the tricks that the mind can play on us.. the picture above is nothing but an illusion.  They tend to defy logic and make your mind laugh.

Del and I went to Shirley Mae's for breakfast this morning.  It is nice to take a friend and do something out of the ordinary now and then.  Tends to break up the monotony of living alone.  They happen to serve an extraordinary 'Spanish Omelette' that I am sure many of you would enjoy.  My recommendation would be to forego the prior evening meal as this breakfast will certainly fill your tank.

The drive over was nice, Del and I took the mini and he was surprised at the amount of room inside.  You see two guys get out of a mini, especially the size of Del and I, you go Huh???

Fog prevails and the sun keeps trying to burn thru but no luck yet.

Omar went out to empty the spittoons this morning and ran slam into a fog bank and I've not seen him since... poor guy.

---

The 'End' is often the 'Beginning'

The fog this morning reminded me of winter mornings on the shoreline in Norfolk, Virginia.  Having spent nearly 10 years in that area, I saw just about every kind of weather one would want to experience and some that I would rather have avoided.

The prediction is that the fog will lift this afternoon, but if present conditions are an indication of what's to come... the prediction would be wrong.

I had 12 clients to deliver meals to today and two of them, my Aunt and Uncle, were missing in action.

Starting Monday, I will be up to 15 clients again.  It tends to fluctuate depending on weather other routes get too many new clients or lose too many and the dispersion of clients becomes too uneven.

I will add 1 mile to the distance I travel.

---

Lovely day and angry sky

Had coffee with the group this morning then about 8am, Del and I took off in his car for his Dr. appt. in Albany.  This is the day that he has the catarac taken off his right eye.

After dropping him off, I went to the Linn County Courthouse and paid the property taxes for the other tent.  I did it grudgingly and without any degree of elation or happiness... though the property is 100% paid for, I still have to rent the place from the State of Oregon under threat of losing it should I default in payment...  I will be happy to finally sell it some day.

Del did well and was in good spirits as I picked him up.  We stopped at a store in old towne Albany and looked around for a bit then headed back to Lebanon.  I dropped him at McDonalds then got my pickup and came home.

My dear friend Cathy Taylor called shortly after I arrived home to inform me that her daughter, Christy, finally had the baby... a large child by any standard at 9+ lbs and over 21" long... no wonder Christy wanted to get it out.  Congrats to both mother and Grand Mom...

Omar is absent today, there was a trail of chestnut shells leading to the dungeon so who knows what mischief he might be up to...

---

Blow baby blow... The wind has arrived.

54˚ outside, but the wind has picked up dramatically.  I am happy though as it is taking care of a task I dislike, mainly, raking leaves... Mine have departed the yard for points unknown...

---

I need a new 'hoof', mine's broken

Happy Veterans day to those who served and those who've given the ultimate.

The parade will be wet and probably not too comfortable.  I will be here in the comfort of my home.  I applaud those who attend, your patriotism is appreciated.

My right foot is acting up again and I feel the need to perhaps have it replaced... unfortunately, that would likely make the problem worse.  I don't know where this pain comes from, it gives no warning of it's impending arrival and there is never any trauma involved, no discoloration or swelling or anything.

Omar offered to 'make the pain go away', it is the method that he may employ that bothers me and keeps me from accepting his offer... that and the glint in his one good eye...

---

Friends... whence have you gone??

The start of yet another week... the last four posts I put up have garnered '0' comments so I guess my readership has declined to nothing...

Even Omar has noticed the obvious lack of comments... Oh well, others have lives to live and I suppose I should get one too... perhaps it's time to kill the blog and let it slowly die and disappear as have so many other things... OR NOT !!!

Anyway my friends, the innocuous drivel shall continue for awhile until at least I've exhausted my supply.

---

Sunday... let us praise the Lord

Wet and a little windy but that's ok.

Raceday today.  Nothing much going on, I did go to Wal★mart and pick up a case for the Nüvi so that is done.

I wonder where Omar put the chestnuts he was counting... I've looked in most of his hiding places but not found them.  I did ask him how many he counted and after a moment, he started to take off his slippers so I knew the number must have been under 20.  Not bad for an Arab.

---

The main picture isn't far away...

It is blustery and cold with light rain at the moment, the morning seems to have digressed into a plethora of winter blues...

I had coffee this morning then went to Wal★mart and got some crackers and while there I noticed that they had some good healthy choice soup on sale so I bought 4 cans.

After I got home, I went over and helped Clynton a little bit loading some of their household items into a borrowed trailer.  Alonzo and Clynton's brother were there also.  They've since left to take it out to the other house.

Today will be an inside day, not much good going on outside except the 'Fall' weather which has abundantly made it's presence known.

---

Thanks for 'Fridays'

Great day... I cannot say enough for it.  The deliveries went good, spilled bean soup on myself and had a no show for a delivery... I love it when a plan comes together.

Went to Costco this afternoon, drove over in the Mini and damn... that is a fun car to drive.

Finally found a GPS unit that I like and that will pair up with my phone so I bought it... it's a Garmin Nuvi 760 and a dandy unit too.

To use it in the Pickup, I will have to install a cigarette lighter receptacle but that's no big deal.

Tonight is SmackDown so my entertainment is lined up... no females to share time with so might as well drool over the hard bodies... NO you dummy, the Diva's.

Omar has taken up counting chestnuts... I am not sure why, but he's collected a goodly number of them so far.

Enjoy your weekend.

---

Hmmmm... what can I say?

Good discussions at coffee this morning, we all have opinions, some that are easily justifiable and others that are simply a gut feeling.

Merkley upset Gordon... a good sign for Oregon I hope.

Melissa came by the house so I could install the replacement tags for her license plates.  I also noticed a low tire so told her to have Les Schwab check it out.  I also signed off on the Title to her car and gave that to her with the advice to put it someplace safe NOT in the car.  She said she would.

Nothing special planned for today as the weather is still wet and although I need to rake the leaves, trying to do so when they are wet is useless.

Leann, Omar says thanks.  He is in the midst of his morning prayer routine after which there are some animal droppings in the yard that need his attention.  Nothing like raining on his parade.

---

A Fresh and bold new beginning...

I am a happy camper this morning.  The future, as I see it, looks much brighter and the potential for our wonderful country to regain it's prestigious position in the world looks achievable once again.  

Mr. Bush... it's time to pack your suitcase of disgrace and exit.  Your reign of failure has ended.  I am sorry you failed so miserably.  The American people deserved more.

Mr. Obama, to you sir, I wish safety, good judgment and the support of our Nation.  

It is a time of new beginnings, a time to right the wrongs that have been committed and hopefully a time to regain the prosperity that once adorned our country.  Many perils await our new president, but I for one will be doing what I can to ensure his success.  May God bless him.

Omar asked me about dual citizenship... says he really likes our new president.

I believe that many things are going to undergo massive changes and others will be subtle changes.  The man I will support, Barack Obama, will forever change the face of politics and the perception of America around the world.

---

"1" more day... are you ready??

Finally, the end of the electoral process is in sight.  How nerve racking must this be for the candidates and their families??  Can you even fathom the amount of '$$$' that has been spent in this election year??  Could you justify spending that kinda dough on an election??

While an enormous amount of money has been spent to basically change the face of Washington politics, how much change will we, the citizens of America actually see??  We vote 'Hope', and that is all we can do.

The weather is not too bad, a little warmer than I expected and perhaps even a little bit drier too.  Don't expect that to last too long though.

Tonight is 'bonus' night for me, I will be cooking a steak for dinner with some nice boiled potatoes and a fresh salad.  To top it off, my dessert will come in the form of a 3 hour special of WWE Raw... How good is that?? guess what.. no calories in that dessert.

Omar will be watching it along with me, but from a safe distance... he knows I like to practice some good old 'Choke Slams' on him now and then and has taken to watching from afar.  (Some Arabs are pretty smart).

Y'all have a wonderful day... Oh, Alabama, you have a great football team, can't argue that but your political stance is still Civil War era... Oh well... Cathy, can you believe that Hal thinks Obama is a Muslim??? how dumb.

May your wishes be granted  tomorrow...

---

Texas Speedway will be my focus today...

Coffee then home to a rainy morning and hopefully a good race in Texas.  I know that Jimmy Johnson will likely win it, but the idiot, 'Kyle Busch' did win the Nationwide race yesterday so he might end up being the wild card.  Can't stand the arrogant little shithead.  He can drive though.

Nothing to exciting here today, but then that is OK too.  I am anxious for the Presidential debacle to be ended so that we can have hopefully new direction and actual 'Leadership' in the USA again... We are a great country, but our past leadership (8 years) has done very little to promote our 'good' image... Hopefully our next leader will turn that around.

---

Rain is here... and there... and it would seem, everywhere

The scene in the picture above is one that will likely become quite familiar in the coming months... With that in mind, I've decided to decline my Sisters invitation to come to their house for Thanksgiving and instead will do volunteer work at the Lebanon Soup Kitchen over the holiday.

It was raining when I left for coffee this morning and I am pretty sure the next few days will provide us with more of the same.  Thankfully the grass is growing at a slower rate...

The trees have given up some of their leaves and it colors the grass for now.  Next dry day I will have to mow, just to pick up the leaves.  Seeing them go is like watching an old friend drive away... Nice to see them on their way, but anxious for their return visit.

I've paid the hounds for the first of the month, but their hunger will return on the 15th... they never get full, do they!.

Housework is done and yet there is always something to do.  I would rather visit with company, if I had some.

Omar is busy sweeping up a mess he made in the tent, looked a little bit like tinsel and maybe a christmas bulb but I am not sure.  I was watching CNN last night and he asked me what I was watching... I told him I was catching up on the Presidential race...

He didn't have much to say about that, but I know he is thinking...

Your comments are always welcome so let me know how your life is...

---