Another pretty sunday...

Up about 7am and then to McDonald's for coffee with the guys. Stayed till a little after 9am then off to MegaFoods for some pepper and a 9v battery. Dropped $15 for those two items... my, how prices have shot up since the last time I bought pepper... of course, I like the course ground so it is a little more. Less grinding, more cost??? Anyway, a beautiful day awaits those who would venture out.. I hope my friend in Corvallis doesn’t have to sleep thru it as I know she loves the sunshine. May God bless all.

It is a beautiful Saturday morning

I woke up a little bit later this morning it was about 8:05 AM then I decided to go to McDonald’s for coffee. About 9:15 AM I came back home. There is a dog that lives behind me and for some reason it is just barking and barking and barking. I don’t know if the neighbors are gone or what but I wish something would happen to that dog. I checked my mail and looked around at a few of the sites on the Internet and now I have a load of laundry washing in the washing machine when that is finished and dried I will fold it and put away. I believe that I will mow the grass in the backyard today as it is getting much taller than I like. And besides that I believe that the rain is projected for the future. Hoping that each of you has a wonderful weekend, see you later...

This is Friday and a very beautiful day.

This is quite a beautiful day, the sun is out, and the sky is nice and blue and I just got back from walking around downtown Lebanon. As I was walking I was thinking about my conversation with Nora last night at the Internet café. I said and did some things that probably in retrospect I would not do again. At times when I pray to God I think of how lucky I am that he provided me with such a wonderful woman and it is at times hard for me to realize that we don’t communicate as clearly as we should and that problem is because of the language differences. But all in all I must say we do rather well. Each time that I speak to her I miss her more. Waiting for things has never ever been my strong suit and it continues to be a weak area. But thanks to my belief and the strength of my belief in God I am getting better at it. I do pray that each and every one of you can enjoy this beautiful day that our Lord has provided for us.

Another day in the valley...

I woke up about 4:45 this morning and Text'd Nora that I love her... no answer but I am sure she didn’t have her phone with her anyway... it is late evening there. Went to McDonald's and had coffee as usual, I chatted with Marie as she had breakfast and she told me that she had written an email to Nora... I am glad that they communicate well. Off to deliver meals now, in the fog.

Chilly this morning what a beautiful day all in all.

Well my friends I went down to McDonald’s and had coffee this morning and from there I came home and proceeded to start putting together the package for the visa fiancée service. After making it to Wal-Mart and getting the copying done I came back home and put everything together then took it down to the Federal Express office and sent it off. It’s out of my hands now it will be delivered to the fiancée visa service by 1 PM tomorrow. The copying a Wal-Mart only cost me $3.50 for over 50 copies and it cost me $26 to send the package via Federal Express. But now the only thing left to do is wait and make sure that my package is correct and then the only processing left will be by Nora on her end. All I can say is wow! Other later today I will put together an identical package and store it away for future use should I happen to need it. That was a suggestion by the fiancée visa service. Anyway to each and all of you I wish a happy day and a lovely warm afternoon.

Today is the most beautiful sunny day and the temperatures are not bad

I awoke this morning at about 1:30 AM got up and checked my mail on the computer and was back in bed by 2:30 AM and then didn’t wake up again until 8:30 AM. Perhaps the jet lag thing is finally over. I did not stop at McDonald’s to have coffee this morning but rather went straight to the senior center and had coffee there. I had 17 deliveries today and after I finished my deliveries I stopped at megamart And they had Gala apples on sale for $.58 a pound so I bought a bag of 10 apples and also bought three of the six packs of the many Pepsi cans. Not too much going on today-to talk to Nora tonight about 6 pm and will probably chat for a couple of hours. Hope you all enjoy the day it looks to me like the weather for the next week will be absolutely gorgeous.

Good Lord, is it really this early???

While I can’t believe it’s this early. I went to bed and slept really well last night until about 3:30 AM this morning. I woke up thinking about Nora and wishing that I were with her but realizing of course that I have other things that I must take care of first. Complications delays and matters of the heart they all tend to disrupt my thinking pattern. Oh well it will all come together in good time. Falling in love with this woman has changed my entire life and my outlook on so many things and I must admit most of them are for the better. I will deliver meals today and must also drop off my September mileage list. I will stop at Safeway and check on the Western Union prices for sending money to Daet. I’m not suppose to send any money until November. Anyway I will make the most of today and I hope you all do the same thing. Take care and God bless.

Sunday, cold, dreary... typical valley fall day.

I awoke this morning early about 5 AM and then decided to go back to sleep for a while and woke up again at 7 AM. At that time I got up and went down to McDonald’s to have coffee. I stayed there until about 8:45 AM then came home. I probably will not hear from Norah today until later on this evening when it will be about 9 AM in Daet. She will then be at the Internet café on a rented computer. I am excited about the possible return oversees in January at which time I will potentially stay for two months. It will give me the opportunity to meet her family both close and distant relatives and experience the Filipino culture up close and personal. My very best wishes to those of you who read this blog I hope you have a most wonderful Sunday. I will see you tomorrow.

Saturday... rain looms.

Up early, it is just now 5:30. Down to McDonald's for coffee with the crew... I stayed there till 9am so I could talk to Maria a little bit, told her of my plans to go to Philippines after the 1st of the year and spend a couple of months with Nora and the family. I feel better today, the cough is still around, but later today I may go to Wal★Mart and get some cough drops. Have a wonderful day everyone...

Overcast and rainy would be the forecast for this day.

I slept thru the night, the Nyquil really knocks me out. Didn’t rise until almost 9am then went to McDonald's and got some coffee then down to the dog for biscuits and gravy. I gave Terry a magnet from Korea. Back home now and don’t have much planned except for folding the last of the clothes I washed yesterday. I hope the birth certificates and Jimmie’s death certificate come so I can submit the visa package for Nora and I. Have yourselves a grand old day..

Thursday and the last work day of the week now.

Up at 2:30, messed with the computer for a bit then back to bed and tossed and turned till 4:30 and got up, showered dressed and waited till 6:15 to hit McDonald’s. Everyone happy I was back so that was nice, off to deliver meals, Tori told me that an oldtime delvivery driver returned and will have my route Fridays so I am back to 3 days a week. Back home by 11:20 and finishing up the laundry and waiting for Nora to come online at noon. Have a good day everyone.

Today is Wednesday and no word yet from Nora...

Even though I had my phone with me lash night on the nightstand, no phone call from Nora so I’m sure that she has not yet obtained another phone. Sadly, I believe that what greeted her in Manila was probably devastating to her. I pray to God that none of her family was injured and hurt or missing or God Forbid, killed in the flooding. I went to McDonald’s this morning for coffee and the whole group was basically there and everyone was glad to see me back. I did get to talk with Marie while she ate breakfast and expressed her my concern for Nora’s safety and the fact that I have not yet heard from her. It has been quite sometime since my emotions have run the gamut as they have during this event. Falling in love with Nora was very easy she is such a wonderful person very easy to love leaving her behind was excruciatingly hard, as it should be. My major concern at this time is her safety and well-being. Talk to y’all later, hope you have a grand day.

UPDATE... I got an email from Nora's sister (that I stayed with) and she said that Nora is fine and on her way to Basud, the province that her children and father live in about 170mi from Manila... so she is safe and I am relieved...

I am finally home, with great regrets and worry about Manila and my fiancé's safety...

Well it is Tuesday afternoon, here I am in Lebanon and surprisingly I just left Seoul Korea. The international date line can really mess with your mind. I had a wonderful stay in Seoul with my future relatives and most importantly my future wife. Leaving her was very difficult for me as it was for her as we both went our separate ways her one home to the Philippines and Manila and I back here to Lebanon. We are wonderful time and during my stay there even though the apartment that her sister and husband have is very cramped and very small and may even smaller by the addition of me. We did make do and we did get along very well. The weather was not my favorite, being hot and humid and there being no air conditioning in the basement apartment. Unfortunately the windows were very small and very few so the use of a fan became imperative to my survival. Seoul is a very bustling city 8 million people strong and absolutely no real estate that is not used regardless of how small it may be there will be some kind of a business and it if you were to compare it to something you could relate to perhaps think of one of the ant houses that you can buy for children after it’s been occupied for some time and look at all the various little trails and those communities within that is very much what it is like in Seoul may branch out in every direction and everything is uphill from where ever you are. Nora is everything I hoped she would be in 100 times more she’s the most honest and caring person I believe I’ve ever met her sincerity is unequaled. It’s hard for me in a way to explain the difference between the Filipino culture and the culture that permeates the Western Hemisphere. My prayer and my hope is that she never loses contact with her culture is one of the things that makes her so very attractive. We got up at 4 AM this morning in Seoul and by 5:15 AM we were in a taxi and then onto a bus to make the trip to Inchon Airport. I got her to her she needed to be so she could go through immigration and prepare to board her aircraft which would leave at 8:30 AM. I said goodbye to her at the gate and then I proceeded to wander around the airport until 2:30 PM when my flight boarded. My flight was good it was on a 777 aircraft which is the wide body, the aircraft was not filled to capacity and I didn’t have any annoying children sitting behind me this trip. The flight took less than nine hours as we had a tail wind of over 100 mph for 90% of the trip. Once I arrived at San Francisco, I made my way through customs and immigration and then turned around and did the same thing when I prepared to leave for Portland. The flight was just a little over an hour and 15 minutes long and basically uneventful. I can tell you that the cooler weather that greeted me in Portland was a welcome sight.

Well it's the 10th of Sept and I am amazed at how quickly time is passing...

Hi everyone... having a wonderful visit here in Seoul, not a place I would choose to live, too many people and the weather is just not my cup of tea... Nora and I will be completing some necessary paperwork this weekend in preperation of submitting her fiance visa package. Perhaps we will be able to escape to a little park this weekend, who knows. I've been contemplating how difficult it will be leaving her on the 29th. As with all who find themselves newly in love, the pain will be acute, but I will deal... the wait after I back home will be worse. I managed to lose a good friend this week. Sometimes we just can't hold on I guess. I do wish her the absolute best that life has to offer, she deserves it. To the rest of you who may wander thru my post from time to time I wish you the best and hope as you read this your day is going well... Later on...

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Today is Sept 6th in Seoul... hot humid and hot

OK, I know that I said that I probably wouldn't put anything up here till I retured from Korea, but ya know, I lied !!! I am staying with Nora at her Sister and brother in laws place here in korea, their entire house would fit in my kitchen/dining/living room and there are (including me) 5 of us here. Boy, you talk about learning how to live in different conditions. Let me tell you though, they are the most accomodating lovely people I've met in a long long time. Lyn, Nora's sister is of course philipna, her husband (I can't even pronounce his name ... it sound like 'Chaise' but drop the 'se'. Very nice, quiet man and wanting so badly to communicate across the language barrier and it is difficult. Lyn has a good understanding of English, not like we do, but good enough to communicate and with minimal effort you can understand what it is she is saying, and she knows a fair amount of Korean, having the benefit of living with a Korean man. They have a little boy, he is 6 years old and this little guy looks like a Sumo wrestler... he has an absolutely unsaitable appetite for just about any thing that will fit in his mouth... cute little guy though. Last night, Chai told Lyn that he wanted to take me to a Korean restaurant for dinner... what an experience that was, from the sitting on the floor to the cooking of the various meats and he also introduced me to a Korean style whiskey that I must tell you reminds me of Hudson Bay 151 proof rum... I am quite certain that it took off at least one layer of skin in my throat... Not bad after the initial swallow but Oh my, that first one is something. The way they eat is to take a leaf (good sized) of lettuce or a large spinach leaf and pile on the meat and other condiments, then wad it up and stuff it down the hatch. Again, to be able to experience the culture in it's natural setting is absolutely irreplaceable. Now a word about my bride to be. In my mind, for a long time, I've harbored the image and thoughts of what a woman would be like if I could pick all the attributes like you do clothing out of a closet... In a word, Nora fits the bill perfectly. She is so very genuine and honest and by nature, nuturing in all aspects. I knew, that if I prayed hard and long enough, God would answer my prayers and in Nora, my prayers have been answered I assure you. The hardest thing next to leaving here at the end of the month, will be the waiting that we will have to do before she is allowed entry to the United States. My eldest son, Sean, said, 'Dad, you're crazy', my hope of course is that it was meant in a good way, the other two, Melissa and Nick have made no response at all so I suppose either they didn't get the email or perhaps they just don't know what to say... either way I do hope that they accept her... in the chance that they for some reason don't, well.... that brings up some rather ugly possibilities so I will just hope they do. Take care my friends, pray for my happiness and safety and I will post another day...

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Well today is 1 September tomorrow I go to Portland and Thursday Korea...

Oh my goodness how exciting is that. I almost cannot wait. Today was my last day delivering meals until I return. I had 18 clients and after we got back to the senior center I told Deborah it’s her job now. Stopped at the credit union and took out some cash, picked up Cathy for lunch and we went to Ixtapa Mexican restaurant and had the lunch special sort of. She came back over the house for a little while and look at the color that I painted the dining room and we chatted for about an hour then I took her back over to Julie’s house. Came back home and got online and did my bill paying so that is now done. I will have to check on the 15th and make sure everything was done correctly. It is an absolutely gorgeous day outside earlier, it was a little more humid but now it’s just great I am anxious. I hope you all have a wonderful day and chances are that I will not blog tomorrow and you will not see anything on my blog until my return from Korea. May God be good to each and everyone of you.

Lovely day, but getting humid

Up early and down to McDonald's for coffee... left there about 8:15am and went to the Senior center to deliver meals... A lady named Debra rode with me today and will again tomorrow. She will be doing my route in my absence. After deliveries, I turned in the no solicitation form to Wells Fargo then stopped at Rhodes warden and had Tracy take care of the issue with Sublimity. Idiots. Have a great day everyone...

It's cool to the point of almost cold outside overcast and spotty fog...

My sleep last night was not particularly restful, seemed I was tossing and turning most of the evening trying to find a comfortable place for my neck I eventually got up about 6:15 AM got dressed and went down to McDonald’s for coffee. Ralph was already there and later others meandered in Delbert came in and I asked him if he would mind taking some photos of me that I could send to Nora so that she would no what I would look like when I arrived in Korea. We left McDonald’s at about 8:20 AM and Dell took about eight photos of me in the outfits that I would be wearing when I arrived in Korea and I consequently e-mailed those two Nora and actually the photos were not too bad so I sent some to Lollie and Gareth so that they will have something to scare away the rodents. Last load of laundry is in the dryer and I may have a quick load to run on Tuesday I’m not sure yet. It will be Tuesday that I actually packed my suitcases. I need to call Julia’s Slife and make sure that she is going to be able to give me a ride to the airport on Wednesday. If not, Delbert will be able to. Time is winding down and the excitement is winding up how neat! I do hope you all have a wonderful Sunday and I hope that God blesses you in all you do.

Saturday morning and much cooler...

I woke early this morning the first time just before 5 AM then I went back to sleep and got up about 6:15 AM after getting dressed I went down to Raulle’s barbershop and got a haircut. My barber told me that my hair appears that there and that there is obvious regrowth in the areas where there was no hair three months ago. The product that I’m taking is Biotin and it is a B. complex vitamin. My sister and her husband have been using it for a couple of years now and their results have been very good. The day today is overcast and considerably cooler than it was yesterday. I don’t have anything in particular that I have to do today, I believe I will wait and do my laundry either Monday evening or Tuesday afternoon. I haven’t heard much from Cathy since our trip to the coast, she did call a couple of times and we chatted, I believe that her and Julie and her family have some plans to do things to entertain Cathy. I can’t believe that I actually had to turn on the heat this morning, not something one would expect to do at the end of August. I hope you all have a wonderful day.

And overcast Friday with rain predicted

I woke up before 6 AM this morning laid in bed for a little while then got up and went down to McDonald’s for coffee. Ralph was already there in a little bit later the rest of the group showed up. I left about 8:20 AM to deliver meals. When I got to the center I found that I had 17 clients. Everybody was home so I didn’t have to bring any meals back to the center. After deliveries I stopped at LinnCo and let them know that I would be traveling overseas and they could annotate my card accordingly. From there I went downtown and stopped in at the dog and said hi to Terri. When I got home, I called Wells Fargo and let them know that I was traveling overseas and they made the appropriate annotations to my account and after that I called American Express to let them know the same thing they said nothing was needed because my card has an electronic chip that can recognize when it’s being used outside the country. I called AT&T and inquired about the increase in my phone bill and they told me that the calls that I make to South Korea are billed at the rate of $.15 per minute as opposed to the nine cents per minute that I thought I was being charged which actually only applies to a landline not a cell phone. It looks as though I will have to curtail the length of my calls somewhat. I have nothing special planned for today, however, first thing in the morning I will be getting a haircut and then of course coffee. Time is running short and the excitement is running long. Leann, thank you for the offer, it is much appreciated. I do believe, however, that I have the situation handled. I hope you’ve taken a moment to get a hold of Cathy, I’m sure you two would get along well.

What a gorgeous Thursday it is today...

I woke early this morning and decided to wait till a little after 6 AM to rise. Then I did get up got dressed and went to McDonald’s for coffee. Dell came in about 730 or so and I gave him the e-mail correspondence between Brandy and I which was extremely innocent as I had alluded to earlier we discussed the lady in his life, sadly she has a lot of issues that he has no control over its a battle of futility I believe. I had 19 clients today and believe it or not every one of them was home I finished deliveries about 11:20 AM and stopped in town to pick up my package and also stopped at Nancy’s florist and Rhonda was actually there today. She is aware of the situation and maintains a zipped lip. She invited me to come over to her house on Saturday to look at the cabin that Matt is building in their backyard and we might even put together a barbecue. I have a little bit of paperwork at the house that I need to work on today prior to my trip. Dell told me this morning that if Julia cannot give me a ride to Portland he would be more than happy to. May the best of our great Creator can offer be afforded you today and I do hope you enjoy it.

A beautiful day for my day off started a little bit foggy though...

I was down at McDonald’s for copy by about 6:15 AM this morning Ralphie was already there. I was really surprised about 7:30am or so Delbert came in. We talked a little bit and I guess Nancy, his girlfriend, is blaming me for all kinds of weird stuff going on I can’t say I understand it and somehow brandy from my Photoshop elements class is also involved. Weird people. I picked up Cathy at Julie’s house about 8:45 AM and we proceeded over to the coast. We stopped at Lincoln city and also at Depot Bay and finally at Newport. We walked around the various cities and did some shopping and sightseeing. We had lunch at Moe’s in Newport and after we had lunch we shopped around the wharf side shops and eventually got back to the car and headed back to Lebanon via Toledo. The drive was beautiful and the scenery breathtaking we had a great visit and a really good time. On the way home I stopped at the Arco by the freeway and filled up in Mini Cooper. From there I dropped Cathy off at Julie’s house and came home I checked the mail and my passport is here so I feel good about that then I got call from Cathy she said she couldn’t find the key to get in so I told her I’d come over I started over there and got just past grandpas grocery and she called and told me she found the key so back home I zipped. Also in my mail I discovered that the State Department sent back my birth certificate which I would need anyway. A great day I cannot complain at all. I hope you all had equally good an experience.

I'm glad it's Tuesday and I have tomorrow off Lookout Coast...

But this morning before six well not really up but I was awake, about 615 I rolled out of bed wash my face and got dressed and headed down for coffee. I was the only one there again shortly thereafter several others came in. I did talk to Julia about coming by the house a few times when I’m gone just to make sure that it’s safe and sound. Stopped in town and dropped off something they haven’t fixed and it should be done by Friday. Not too much special planning for this trip abroad, there are of course the necessary items clothing, medication, camera, etc. rather than hassle with toiletries and acceptable sizes, I will buy new once I am there. I am home now I cleaned up the kitchen ate some tomatoes that rose gave me. Now enjoying a cup of hot chocolate. To each and all enjoy today

What a gorgeous day today is the beginning of the week Monday...

I woke up earlier than 6 AM this morning and laid in bed until about 615 at which time I got up washed my face and got dressed and then ambled down to McDonald’s for coffee. Ralphie wasn’t there yet, he came in about one half hour later. During the course of the morning’s conversations the question about where Delbert might be or what he was up to came up. I decided at that time that after I delivered meals I would go out to his house and see him. When I got to his house his Buick was in the driveway there was also a Ford high-rise van there an older one. And look like one that was wheelchair accessible. I knocked on all the doors and I hollered for him but no answer. I didn’t smell anything bad or find any bodies, so I must assume that he was with someone in their automobile. I left him a note on a piece of cardboard with the date and the time of my visit. He’s going through something right now but am not sure what it is. Having friends, means caring and caring means going out of your way sometimes to check on them and make sure that they are okay that is what friends do. Hopefully he will see the note and respond to it. If he chooses not to then I wish him the best on the path he has chosen. Hope y’all have a wonderful day today I know that is my intention and of course you know, tonight is WWE SMACKDOWN and this is following a monumental pay-per-view. I have to assume there will have been subtitle exchanges during the matches yesterday.

A beautiful Sunday and tomorrow starts a new week...

I woke up this morning before daylight and then laid there until I saw the light streaming through the bedroom window, I arose at about 6:15 AM got dressed and went down to McDonald’s. There was no one there when I got there, Ralph came in about 20 minutes later. I stayed there till about 8:15 AM and then came home. I cleaned up a few dishes and also cleaned the window ledge and those things that were on the window ledge in the kitchen and made a cup of hot chocolate which I am currently enjoying. I got most of all the housework done yesterday so I really don’t have anything that I have to do today. I didn’t hear from Cathy so I have to assume that Julie and her were busy catching up as friends normally do. I am sure they will go to church this morning and of course I have no idea of what their remaining plans are for the day. An interesting side effect of divorce is how one gets ostracized regarding family information and friend information that used to be a commonly shared thing. Not a problem for me, over the past three years I have adapted well and of course have new circles of friends that I associate with. Life goes on the battle continues some days are good and some days are better. I pray that each and every one of you enjoy today if you enjoy church I hope was a good service and if you don’t I hope you had a good time anyway.

A nice Saturday morning (I thought it was Sunday)

I woke up this morning before 6 AM and laid in bed until about 6:15 AM then I got up and got dressed and went down for coffee. Ralph was already there, not surprising to me. And so was Safeway Joe he is an interesting character. I stayed down there until about 8:20 AM then came home and on the way home I decided to wash the Toyota when I got there. So now it is nice and clean. Today I need to clean the house do my dusting and probably will vacuum also clean the counters especially in the bathrooms and the kitchen and I don’t know if I will clean the mirror today are not maybe not it doesn’t look that bad. Cathy arrives from Alabama today for her vacation I hope she’s feeling good she was starting to get some kind of a cold or something I certainly don’t want that. Anyway my hope is that all who read this have a wonderful day go do something exciting and enjoy the weekend.

Here it is Friday and it's overcast and about 25° colder.

I woke up about 6:15 AM got dressed and went to McDonald’s for coffee after coffee I went down and delivered meals, I was down to 17 clients today. After deliveries I came home and picked up my package and took a downtown and exchange it for a different package which was not a bad idea because I like the new package better than the other package... confused yet??? Me too! I wrote nor a letter and will take it down to the post office this afternoon as I missed the mail pickup here at the house. Our mailman who delivers the mail has been very sporadic regarding the times that he shows up. It’s part of the improved postal service I’m sure... probably keeps the terrorists guessing. I am instant messaging with Sister Lollie at the moment. I am not sure what time Nora will get up this afternoon. But of course I will look forward to talking to her. Lollie is so easily confused it amazes me.

Thursday, seems nice so far...

Up early and down to McDonald's for coffee... Ralph is already there. Counters were dirty when I got there and the blonde behind the counter didn’t seem particularly interested in cleaning them so I took out the camera and took some pictures... the counters got cleaned quick after that. Sometimes, people just need a little incentive to do the right thing, in this case, her job. 20 clients today with 1 no show. Back home, picked up the envelope with Dr. Stevens address and the info and headed to Philomath to meet with Melissa for lunch. We went to a little diner, she says she always comes there. I had a little salad and she had this huge hamburger/bacon/everything with a monster order of tots... Now I know why. Left there at about 1pm and headed back to Wells Fargo to drop her off then over to Corvallis and my appt. with Dr. Stevens. Surgery that would remove some of the back of the tongue and the uuvulva and tonsils seems the option surgically, I told him I am going to try the weight loss approach which he said could make the difference. Headed back home now... assholes are burning the fields and plowing dust today... the sky looks like crap.

Today is Wednesday and it's supposed to be another record-breaking hot day.

Usual routine this morning, got up, dressed and down McDonald’s for coffee. I was back home by about 8:15 AM and is a raised the garage door I looked at the Mini Cooper and decided today is the day, drove it out of the wash but build up the bucket gave it a good wash job it’s all dried off now and sitting out there looking pretty. If I don’t do that the only thing I probably will do is try to stay cool inside. I got pretty warm just during the time it took to wash the Mini Cooper.

Dear Leann, yes, she did love them, I was amazed when she sent pictures of how large the bouquet actually was... she wasn't there when they called to deliver it so she had it delivered the next day... Needless to say, it had a monstrous "WoW" factor. Thanks for your comment darlin...

What a beautiful Tuesday and it will be a scorcher...

I woke up before 6 AM this morning but didn’t actually get up until about 6:15 AM and after getting dressed I went down to McDonald’s for coffee. The routine very rarely varies much except possibly in a time that I leave the house. When Murray took a break for breakfast I showed her the pictures of the flowers and pictures of Nora that I received. She thought they both look very nice. After deliveries I stopped at LinnCo and cash the Apple rebate check and from there went to Bi-Mart and checked my membership number which once again managed to be a loser. And then I stopped at Dollar tree to see if they had gotten in any of the atomic fireballs and of course they have not. Back home and trying to stay cool now I may do a load of laundry today.

It's Monday beginning of the week and a beautiful day

While I was out this morning at about 6:15 AM got dressed and went to McDonald’s for coffee. Believe it or not my left foot was back to feeling pretty bad again so there I was like Chester on Gunsmoke limping along. Went down to the senior center and got my deliveries done that I stopped down at the Lebanon dog and had an order of biscuits and gravy before going over to visit with Wayne, Maria’s husband. Chatted with him for a little while and now I’m home and it’s 1:10 PM.

Well here it is Sunday and a beautiful Sunday too...

I was a lazybones this morning I didn’t get out of bed until about 7:30 AM and then I went down to McDonald’s for coffee. Ralph was there and one other person and a little bit later Dell came in and Gary and his wife and then just before I got ready to leave a couple a gentleman from Australia sat down and I chatted with them for a few moments and then I left to come home. I was able to hobble into the McDonald’s restaurant without benefit of my crutches this morning that’s not to say that my left Achilles tendon was being any nicer to me, I just refused to use the crutches. Vanity or just plain stubbornness I don’t know which prevailed. Once I got home I cleaned up the kitchen I’m amazed at times how much dust is generated in this house and I am positive that it comes from the ductwork because the house is never left open. I will have to address that situation. I instant messaged with Nora for over four hours again last night, it’s amazing how much one can learn about another during the course of gentle conversation. Nora has not had a particularly easy life and I have developed a very deep appreciation for what she has experienced. It does make me appreciate what we have here in the United States as American citizens and also the things that we take for granted. We are a very opulent society very self-centered and self serving in comparison to many other cultures. Not everything about Americans is bad obviously I think as a society we have a lot of very positive intentions unfortunately many of them are wrapped in a cloak of graft. Okay, I will step down off the soapbox now. And let me wish you all a wonderful Sunday do something nice for yourself and your family and whatever that is approach life with a positive attitude and be appreciative for the things you have. Later dudes

Saturday morning is overcast but projected to be warm

I woke up this morning, and my left foot is bothering me quite a bit the Achilles tendon is very tender and makes walking very difficult however I did get out of bed get dressed and go down to McDonald’s for coffee, it would seem that old habits are hard to break. Got back home about 8:30 AM and after using the restroom decided I wanted to take a shower so now I am clean and sitting here in my pajamas with absolutely no intention on leaving the house I even had to dig up the crutches. I cannot understand this. The left foot started exactly the same way as my right foot did about a year ago, pain across the front top of the foot and then migrated back to the Achilles tendon with great tenderness but absolutely no outward signs of any trauma or any swelling or anything its just weird. If it follows the path of the right but it will go away in about a week. I just wish I knew what caused it. And don’t anyone say it’s “Old Age” *grin*. Anyway have a great day I will in spite of this. Later...

Friday thank God it's Friday...

Woke up this morning and I was a little bit cooler over cast and looked like it may have rained just a little bit overnight. I appreciate rain now and then as it helps to settle the dust and cleanse the air. Got up about 6:10 AM got dressed and went down to McDonald’s for coffee. As you can imagine the usual suspects showed up it’s amazing the things that I don’t learn by going down there. Today the big topic of discussion was whether or not the floor tile or clean in a certain area. I had 20 clients I showed up at the senior center but by the time I left I was down to 19. I stopped at LinnCo after deliveries to cash a little bitty rebate check. One thing I noticed on 2nd St. they have eliminated the stop signs by the post office or what was the post office so we no longer have a stop there. It’s nice to know the city keeps up with changing traffic patterns. I have no pressing issues and no particular plans for the day but I believe that tomorrow morning after I get back from Jack’s place I will wash the Mini and possibly the Toyota they both need it especially after the field burning and dirt plowing that took place. Anyway my hope is that each and every one of you enjoy this lovely weekend the weather is supposed to be quite toasty tomorrow so hopefully that will play into your favor for any plans that you might have.

It's cool and Thursday... how good is that??

I was up about 6:15 AM this morning and then went down to McDonald’s for coffee and chatted with Marie for a little bit and then went down to the senior center to deliver meals that place was a zoo this morning. The weather is cooler it’s a little overcast but starting to clear now. I called Tracy at Rhodes Warden insurance and need to change where my insurance payment for the vehicles is deducted from LinnCo to Wells Fargo. I will talk to Julie the banker at Wells Fargo and ask her about international money transfers to the Philippines, I did see that they have an international funds transfer option that you can sign up for but I’m not sure at what cost. I started to talk with Lollie on MSN but she was just getting ready to fix breakfast and of course for foo foo coffee.

Wednesday my day off it did rain last night...

When I walk this morning and got up and got dressed and got ready to leave for coffee I noticed that it had rained last night I never heard it rain but it was evident when you look outside the street was wet and I was a little bit of water in the bird bath. Coffee was good and I had good conversation with Maria, back home now and it’s 10 minutes after 9 AM. I put the dryers on fluff, when it clicks off I will fold the clothes and put them away. Nothing much is scheduled for today I will watch the movie “Taken” and then later on take it back to the red box. I almost forgot on the way home I stopped at the post office and mailed the first letter to Nora and bought stamps for an additional 10, paper trails are important in the whole process.

Another nice day but it's going to be warm one

I woke up early this morning probably about five and decided to lay in bed for a while and I ended up getting up about 6:30 AM. I got dressed and went down to McDonald’s for coffee. Ralphie’s giving me the cold shoulder, I guess our little confrontation yesterday is still under his skin. Oh well, he’ll get over it. After delivering meals I stopped at Wells Fargo to check and see what time automatic bill pay would be deducting money from my account and have decided that I would discontinue paying on the first and the 15th as all companies have a grace period of at least 10 days. I stopped at Nancy’s florist to see Rhonda, but she is in Portland with her mom since they moved her up there to be under Kaiser coverage. It’s all about money folks never think that personal care enters the situation at all. Have a great day this is the beginning of my day off which will culminate Thursday morning when I go back to work.

Sunshine and beautiful Monday

Woke up about 6:30 AM this morning got up and got dressed went down to McDonald’s for some coffee. Ralph was there already. About 8:30 AM I left to go to the senior center and deliver meals today, I had 20 clients today. After the deliveries were over I stopped at Wells Fargo to check on automatic bill pay and I think I will be pretty simple to set up and after that I went to Lebanon water and sewer to see if they would do a yearly average payment like Northwest natural gas does, but they do not offer that service and so I asked him what would happen if I overpaid the bill that was due and they inform me that that goes into an overage account in my account and that’s the first place that my payments come from should they need to be made so that’s another way to skin the cat. The fact of the matter is once I set up Bill pay through Wells Fargo I will have access to it from anywhere in the world so it’s really not an issue. I did get a short e-mail from Nora this morning she seems tired from A combination of the weather and the work she does or stress or what. Anyway I will send her a letter back and we’ll see where that goes. Have a beautiful day enjoy yourself and do something constructive.

Yet another Sunday, overcast and cooler.

well is up about 6:15 AM got dressed and headed down to McDonald’s for coffee, Ralph was already there and then the rest of the usual suspects came in shortly thereafter we sat around and chatted for a while then I got ready to leave it was about 9:00 AM and I decided to stop by at the dollar store and see if my atomic balls came in yet, they hadn’t, it’s only been two months now. I just finished a nice e-mail to Nora, I spoke to her last night for an hour and 28 minutes I couldn’t believe it when I looked at my phone and saw the amount of time. It’s difficult to communicate across cultural lines when the other person doesn’t have a complete comprehension of English and I have literally no comprehension of Tagalog. Communications for me are best accomplished via e-mail which also gives Nora the opportunity to have her sister who is conversant in English to look at it and make sure that it is understood the way it is written. I am excited about the budding relationship and also the trip to Korea. Hopefully my passport will arrive by the end of this month. Life has thrown me out another curve, it has put me in a place where new opportunities abound perhaps happiness lurks around the next corner. I have always disliked being alone and it was never my plan. With God’s help I believe that something good and permanent can arise from this relationship. At least I hope so. I certainly hope y’all have a wonderful day it is cooler today the potential for rain is there which we certainly could use a little bit. I hope happiness floods into your day today and brings a smile to your face.

Today is Saturday and it looks be a nice day...

I didn’t sleep too terribly bad last night woke up a little up her 6:30 AM then after getting cleaned up and dressed I went down to McDonald’s for coffee and Ralph and I pulled in at the same time The instant messaging between Nora and I last night was very interesting and very informative I think on both sides. Her ability to converse in English is much different than mine and thus there are small misunderstandings that occur, but on the whole we managed quite well. Nora did ask me to have Marie call her and I did tell Marie and when I spoke with Marie this morning she told me that she had tried to call Nora five times but nobody picked up the line. It becomes an interesting situation when one crosses cultural lines and tries to understand the other culture based on your culture and your cultural experiences. One must maintain an open mind and be very curious about what is meant in the other culture. I find it to be an intriguing experience and in many ways very rewarding. I have no particular plans for this day, but tomorrow will likely bring laundry and a few other sundry items that need to be attended to. I hope you who read this blog have a wonderful and rewarding day.

Overcast gray and wet it's Friday!

Sleep last night was interrupted numerous times trying to get comfortable. I awoke just after daylight and then later in bed until about 6:10 AM at which time I got up got dressed and went to McDonald’s. At about 8:35 AM I left to go to the senior center to deliver meals for the last day this week. Tori had added one more so I had a total of 18 clients today. A few rain drops here and there but nothing to worry about however if the sky is any indication we will see more before the sun sets. I really believe that going to physical therapy for the issue of my neck has created more pain and less relief than I had before. The hardest part remains waiting for that are all just appointment in his evaluation and then whatever the eventual proposed solution is maybe they will prescribe some type of pain medication I rather hope so. And then, if you can believe it, my stupid right foot started hurting like the left one did about eight months ago almost coinciding with the change of weather. Anyhow, my my optimism remains high and I know that this will eventually pass I just wish there were less pebbles on the path that I travel barefoot on.

It's Thursday morning and fairly chilly

I woke up this morning about 4:30 AM or so and then went to sleep I got up at 6:10 AM got dressed and went down to McDonald’s to have coffee. From there I came back home for a little bit to take care of a personal matter and then went down to the senior center to deliver meals, I had 17 clients today. Today is overcast and it was chilly enough to require and over shirt. When I finish deliveries I decided that I would have my lunch at the senior center, it wasn’t too bad, but I passed on the desert. Once home I decided to have a brownie and some milk as my desert. I think the rest of the day will be pretty quiet.

Wednesday overcast and much cooler...

When I went to bed last night it was very difficult to get to sleep it seemed that the neck pain was much more pronounced and I couldn’t seem to find a position that relieved it. Eventually though, I did fall off to sleep but it was not a restful sleep. Up this morning at 630 then down to McDonald’s for coffee. I left there a little after 8 AM after having visited with Maria for a few moments. She will be helpful in my relationship building with Nora. Nora does not have a strong command of the English language nor does she have the ability to express herself thoroughly in English. I can only imagine the difficulty she must experience. For those of you uninformed, Nora is a lady actually it’s Maria’s niece and she lists in the city of Daet in the Philippines. She is currently in Seoul Korea working as there are no jobs in the province that she lives in. We are developing a friendship which could turn into a romance and who knows what the eventual outcome may be. Sometimes life provides surprises that we don’t expect, this friendship has resulted in my applying for a passport and potentially looking at a trip to Korea yet this year. Two years ago you couldn’t have convinced me that this might be possible. One must approach life with an open mind and open heart put the past away and look forward to the future our past experiences may make us walk more gingerly as we tread the future, but it should not keep us from experiencing new things and new opportunities. The past should certainly be a well of experience but it should not be a shackling experience. Move forward albeit cautiously. On to another dismal subject, that being the current weather even though I’m sure we all appreciate the cooler temperatures. There is just something about blue sky and light fluffy clouds that invigorates the soul. I hope you all have a lovely day and that you do something that makes you feel good about yourself see you later...

Well, I'm pretty happy that it's Tuesday and I have tomorrow off...

I woke to a cooler lower temperature and morning the time was about 6:30 AM last night was not a good nights sleep wise but I’m becoming used to it. Off to McDonald’s for coffee and after that meal delivery. Two new clients on the route today one is brand-new and the other one is a renew. I really like most of my clients they are nice people, John Harner gave me a honey dew melon today, that was nice. After deliveries I went down to Bi—Mart to check my numbers and none of them came up and from there I walked down to RadioShack which will now be known as the shack and there was nothing there to interest me either. Back home now, I’ve stripped the bed to launder the sheets and I folded and put away laundry from a load I did yesterday afternoon. Doesn’t my life sound exciting? Hmmmmm, I thought so. Dear Leann, this is just for you if you have started your new blog would you be opposed to me reading it? If so I understand if you wouldn’t mind, why don’t you e-mail me a link to it. Thanks kiddo, hope you have a great day!.

Week began this day and warm it is...

I got a little bit later this morning was about 7 AM, had down for coffee at McDonald’s and got there the same time Ralph did. He was wearing a new T-shirt that Johnny had brought him from Alaska. Left about 8:10 AM to come home and print out a message for the UPS delivery guy then off to the senior center to deliver meals. 14 total clients today, Tori told me she will be increasing my route as there are other routes who are heavier than mine. On the way back in after deliveries I stopped and made a deposit at LinnCo. Back home now, having some toast and orange juice as a belated breakfast. Hope everyone has a great day myself included.

Well here it is Sunday the end of the week and quite a bit cooler...

I got up about 7 AM this morning went down to McDonald’s, Ralph was already there. He was in a particularly argumentative mood today so when he left to go home I was not particularly sad to see him go. In speaking to my friend Del, I’ve concluded that should Ralph end up wrecking this car, I will not help him find a replacement again. I think that it would be enabling him and I fear not so much for him but for those around him. I would have compassion in my heart for the fact that he would no longer be mobile in the sense of having his own transportation, but I would feel better knowing that the rest of the population would be safer in the long run.

There comes a time when friends must intervene in the behalf of those who choose not to make sensible decisions on their own. I know he would never pass a driving test. Del and I went out for breakfast had apple trees restaurant and we both had a half order of biscuits and gravy. I’m not sure what today will hold as far as activities go, but will make the best of it either way.

Saturday morning and all is well and even the weather is nice.

Woke up this morning to a beautiful day, got dressed and went down to McDonald’s for coffee and there sat Ralph’s new car... well new to him anyway. Enjoyed coffee and afterwards I decided to go down to the Saturday market. Nothing really new down there but I did buy a bag of peanut butter cookies. They are small cookies and that’s really all I wanted. On the way home I investigated a couple garage sales, at one, I bought a couple of plaques for Sun plaque and a Moon plaque to which I will attach hangers and hang them on the wall probably in the dining room. At another sale I bought three wire clamps (for what I have no idea) and a very small bone statue of a Buddha. All for $.50. You do realize I am a big spender! I don’t have any particular plans for today, I may do a load of laundry this afternoon and if it’s not too hot I may wash the Toyota pickup. I don’t like to wash it if the temperature is too hot because the soapy water dries on it before I can rinse it off. Ralph seems pretty happy with his little Subaru, he paid $1000 for it and in all honesty it’s worth about $300. But as they say to each his own, at least now he’s once again mobile. My hope is that each and every one of you enjoyed today with the nicer weather perhaps you’ll be able to do some of the things outside that you had to forego last week. In any case, have a great day!

It is a nice day today, not only because it's Friday but because it's cooler.

I slept in until about 7 AM this morning then got up and went to McDonald’s. Ralph had told me yesterday that he wouldn’t be there today as the fellow with the Subaru was going to pick him up this morning. Deliveries as usual then I stopped at LinnCo to make a deposit and now back home. I think tonight I will go down listen to music at the dog, I don’t know who is scheduled to be there but it beats sitting alone in the house. Seconds to minutes to hours to days to weeks to months to years so goes the progression of life at each injection we have opportunities some we take advantage of others we disregard opportunities lost can never be recovered. So, making the most of each opportunity becomes paramount. May each of you live each second of your life as though it were the last make memories that you can look back on instead of regrets of missed opportunities. Life is a series of choices... make good ones.

Not quite so hot today, thank God!

I was up around 6 AM it’s morning went down to McDonald’s for coffee and Ralph came in about 10 minutes later. We sat around told a few stories and about 8:39 AM I left as I needed to stop and cash in Ralph’s gold for folding money. It’s easier for me to carry that way. I got my deliveries done post haste and then headed over to Albany after making a quick trip to the house to get what I thought was my birth certificate. Went to the Albany post office and filled out the forms for a passport had my picture taken and then the gentleman told me that what I had was a hospital certificate of birth and that is not the same as a birth certificate issued by the state (something to do with money generation I believe) so at least I did get the pictures taken for 15 smackers. From there I went to the hospital and checked in and they were able to get me in earlier than my 3:15pm appointment so I had to take my little pill right away. Of course they don’t have the open MRI so I got to crawl down the tube but accompanied by lousy jazz music played way too loud and a machine that sounded like it was trying to come through and get me I managed. They said the pictures came out well so hopefully that will give my doctor the information he needs to move us forward in the saga of the neck.

Stopped at Arby’s for lunch then back home. Life is interesting now I have to order a copy of my birth certificate from the state of Oregon to the tune of $52.50 of course that does include FedEx shipping amazing how much more official documents cost. Pardon my French but I think they’re bloodsucking bastards. So tomorrow I will fax the form to them and then I should have my state blessed birth certificate within three days. This passport has cost me about $170 I better use it huh? Anyway that’s the down and dirty of today have a lovely.

Well today is officially my day off from delivering meals and another hot one

I get up about 6 AM this morning and got ready to go to McDonald’s for coffee and I got a call from Ralph, he said his hip was hurting him so I offered to go over and pick him up. After picking him up we went to McDonald’s and had coffee. He was ready to go again before 8 AM so I took him back home and told him that I would pick him up this afternoon at about 4:30 PM. One often doesn’t realize how inconvenient it is for people not to have a car. I can only imagine what it’s like on the other side having to ask people to take you places. Mobility, is one of the things that the elderly value the most and wants mobility has been removed from their environment they lose a lot of their incentives to socialize and get out and do things which typically results in a loss of the will to live life to its fullest. I have a friend, her name is Leann. It seems to me that she is going through some periods in her life that are causing her problems. I would like her to know that regardless of what transpires in her life where would battle she may be fighting I am still her friend. She is a good woman but she has definitely had some trials in her life. There are many people in that same boat and my compassion reaches to each and every one of them. I have another friend by the name of Cathy, who lives in the South and just had an operation on her eyelids she tells me now that she gets hit on by men in their 20s... that should inflate her ego. For those of you who have to work in this weather please do be careful take lots of liquid take care of yourself and remember in very hot conditions your temper runs close to the surface. God bless and keep each of you safe during this period.

Well I have tomorrow off, but today will be another scorcher...

Well I was up and at them at about 610 this morning, the day was already getting warm and now that I’m back home from McDonald’s coffee and delivering meals. It’s only 11:30 AM and already 86°. I was looking at the new lawn at the new library and one side of it is virtually weed free with nice beautiful green grass and the other side, the one that faces the senior center, it’s absolutely populated with weeds and I’m sure that they came in with the mixture that they sprayed on the ground. If I was a city I believe I would take action about that. I’ve decided that if you wanted to you could very easily scare yourself out of traveling internationally, but the reality side of me prevailed and so I think I will still make a trip to the Philippines. I took Ralph out to Wal-Mart this morning so that he could put some more minutes on his phone, it’s amazing how few people were there early in the morning as compared to after 9 AM. It’s got a hot today so my recommendation would be fine and nice swimming hole and stake your claim.

Today is Monday and it's got to be a scorcher.

when I got up this morning at 6:20 AM and it was already warm. They are predicting temperatures over 100° today and tomorrow. You can guess where I will be thank God for air conditioning Ralph never did make it down the coffee this morning I left McDonnell said about 8:40 AM. Off to the senior center to deliver meals. I had 17 clients today. Stopped at the diversity shop and picked up a 36 inch airgun that should be fun. Back home and turned on the soaker hose for the front flower beds but before I did so I took the nozzle off the hose so that I could use it in the backyard which wasn’t terribly smart because then the hose had nothing to stop the water coming out and so not only did I water the flower beds in the front I created a nice swimming pool. What an idiot! Oh well the city of Lebanon water department will certainly appreciate my contribution to their cause. Have yourself a great day and I hope and I pray that you can stay cool especially you Leann considering you don’t have air-conditioning and yet you must sleep during the day you have my compassion.

Well Sunday last day of the week and beautiful

Woke up this morning and got up about 6:10 AM got dressed and went down to McDonald’s for coffee. Ralph was being on rain this morning for a while. Del gave him a ride home I guess. Back home now and cleaned up the kitchen dishes and made a couple of pieces of toast for breakfast with raspberry jam. Pretty good actually. Got a new e-mail from Nora that had a couple of HHhhh on it and nothing else so I don’t know what that was all about. In a little bit I will leave to go visit Marie, Nora’s aunt and her husband. Maybe I can learn a little bit more about what may transpire should I pursue the relationship in a more serious manner with Nora. I can’t wait till Thursday when I get the MRI. Well actually it will take Dr. Thayer a little bit of time to get the results of that test. I presume that I know what it will show, if it follows the same way my earlier surgery years ago did. Anyway, it looks to be a very beautiful day today I hope you all enjoy it.

It's going to be a very warm weekend...

I slept fairly decent last night, this morning I really didn’t want to get out of bed but it was 6:20 AM and the sun was streaming in the window so I decided that I had to get up. I got dressed and went down to McDonald’s for coffee, Ralph had not yet arrived but came in about 10 minutes later. We all sat around and talked a little bit at about 8:25 AM Ralph decided that we should maybe go, so I took him and we went to the flea market behind the Elks Lodge. I bought some peanut butter cookies and then left and stopped at a few garage sales on the way back home. Once home I cleaned up the kitchen and am considering what I might need to get accomplished today. I truly hope you all enjoy today, I believe the weather will be very nice and it would be a wonderful day to get out and do something with family or friends.

Just checked out 'FaceBook', I am amazed at the number of my 'friends' that use facebook.... I don't often post there even though I am a member. I read things there that I would otherwise not hear about... interesting community, and I think I like it better than the 'Bird' site.

OMG !!! I just got 'Tweeted' from "Omar"...

What can I say thank God it's Friday!

Restless sleep last night, got up before 6 AM, dressed and headed down to McDonald’s. Ralph was already there and had walked. Off to deliver meals, had two no-shows. Back home now and it’s not even a 11:45 yet. It is supposed to be hot today and by the clear sky I would imagine that’s a correct prediction. Don’t know what the day will hold, but perhaps I will go to the dog and listen to music tonight from 6 PM until 8 PM. Hope y’all have a wonderful day and a tremendous weekend.

A little cooler this morning but still a nice day.

Good morning! So I slept sporadically last night and finally got up a little before six got dressed and headed down to McDonald’s for my morning coffee. As you can imagine the usual suspects were gathered around enjoying numerous free refills on their coffee cup. Ralph had walked down again today and he looked to be in pretty fair spirits, I asked him if he wanted a ride home and he declined and said he would “mosey” that direction a little later. About 8:25 AM I left to take care of my routine. Back home at about 11:45 AM and had some Cheerios as a late breakfast. When I delivered to John, he gave me a bag of cherries so that will make a nice snack. I just got off the phone with McCord Air Force Base and they have flights that go to Korea every Wednesday but not too Osan AFB. So I would have to get a connecting flight once I arrived in Korea. They also have flights that returned to the United States on a weekly basis at least this month. I also found out there would be no charge to me for the flight which I thought was wonderful. Maybe I will become a world traveler (Not!). To Those Friends Who Read This Blog: remember this, I value your friendship and accept you for who you are and what you are. I respect where you came from and appreciate where you’re going and my prayers and best wishes will always be with you.

A little cooler today and slightly overcast

I got up later this morning was about 6:45 AM and headed down to McDonald’s Ralph was not there yet. About 15 minutes after I got there he came wandering in. I offered to take him to Philomath with me but he declined to go. About 8:25 AM I left McDonald’s to go to Philomath. I arrived there about 8:45 AM. Sat down with Julie and changed over my direct deposits one from the feds, the one from the VA and my so security so that they will be deposited in my Wells Fargo checking account as opposed to LinnCo. On the way home I stopped at Emmonds meat market and picked up some smoked salmon and buffalo jerky. Back home now and just finished configuring Melissa’s computer and she will be over sometime later this evening to pick it up, it seems heavier than her iBook was. But maybe not. I will leave about 1:40 PM to meet Leann at the theater.

Well dangit! this is about the 3rd time I've been left holding the bag for one reason or another it would seem... perhaps when I see Dr. about my neck I should ask him to check me for Leprosy too... Oh well, one of these times things will click the way I expect them to. Pretty day out though, I might just wash the Mini today.

Well it's a terrific Tuesday and I'm off tomorrow.

I didn’t sleep well last night, my neck was bothering me quite a bit. I woke at 5 AM and then tossed and turned and got up about 5:45 AM. I got dressed and decided to drive over to Ralph’s house and see if he was ready to go to coffee. As I pulled up he was just walking out of his trailer. So he got in the Toyota and we went to McDonald’s for coffee. By about 7:45 AM he was ready to go so I took them home and then I return to McDonald’s and talked to Julia for a little while then off to take care of my daily deliveries. After I finished those I stopped at Bi-Mart to check my numbers and of course they did not come up. From there I went in to the dollar store to check and see if they had any atomic balls, and of course they did not. Back home now having a few grapes and waiting for the Fed ex truck to deliver Melissa’s computer. I received a nice e-mail from Nora which I will answer later.

What a beautiful day to start the week...

I woke early this morning about 5 AM and laid in bed until six and then got up. My morning routine did not vary from what it is normally with the exception in that I took my old iPhone with me and after delivering my meals I went down to the Lebanon hotdog store and waited for Rocky to show up which he did about 15 minutes after I had arrived. We shook hands I took his money, he took my old iPhone, turned it on to make sure it would work and he went his way. Robert Easton and his wife came in and I talked to them for a little bit and also Dusty Correll and his wife. I had not seen Dusty for probably 45 years. Amazing that we should meet at the hotdog store. My new iPod came today and I am in the process of charging it and loading iTunes onto it. It certainly is small and even at its very small size still gives me 4 GB of storage. How technology has changed. I hope you all enjoy the shall I say warm weather that is projected I will be enjoying air conditioning thank you just the same. For those of you who care, my neck seems to be getting worse quicker than I expected.

A beautiful Sunday...

Hi Rose later than usual this morning it was after 7:15 AM when I rose. I got dressed and go to McDonald’s for coffee. I was very surprised, Ralph was already there and had actually walked the whole distance. Of course the usual suspects were there, almost like a family. I offered Ralph a ride home, but he and his own way, graciously declined. And then I told him I would have my phone on in case he ran out of steam on the way home. I stayed there until a little after nine and then came home. I loaded some of the trash be old swingset and whatnot into the back of the Toyota and then we’ll see about getting rid of it somewhere today.

A beautiful new day with lots of garage sales...

I woke up at 6:15 AM cut up, got dressed and drove over to pick up Ralph for coffee. I didn’t say anything to anyone about his accident I figured it was up to him to let people know if he wanted to. We left McDonald’s a little after 8 AM and drove down to the Elks club where they were having a Saturday market. I bought a bag of peanut butter cookies and Ralph bought some DVD movies to watch. From there it took him back home and dropped him off. On the way home I stopped at Safeway to get fuel for the Toyota, but discovered I did not have my wallet. So off to the house to locate a missing wallet it was in my pair of shorts that I wore yesterday I had forgotten to take it out. On my way back down to Safeway to get fuel, I stopped at Cecil’s and spoke with Margaret, she told me that he is getting a lot worse and believes that Alzheimer’s is setting in. They have a doctor’s appointment next week. She will not deal with take care of him so I expect he will be put into a home probably within the next year if he lives that long. He’s 90 years old now. I drove out to Wal-Mart to see if they had some VF-11 fertilizer, and they didn’t so I drove out to the nursery on the highway and they can no longer get it, so I got the next best thing which is actually granular and is only applied once a month and not over the winter months. I’m thinking about going to Brownsville to the flea market, but it will be about an hour or so before I leave. Leann, you asked me how old Ralphie’s he is 71 and he is very contentious and cantankerous. He was up in banks to visit his daughter yesterday and ended up running as car into a ditch and totaling it out. He wasn’t hurt except perhaps for his pride. It truly makes me wonder if he is roadworthy at his age and physical condition. But to lose his mobility would most likely shorten his life.

Thank God it's Friday

I arose this morning about 6:30 AM got dressed and went to McDonald’s for coffee. Ralph was in a particularly cantankerous mood so I left shortly after 8 AM. 17 clients today to which were no-shows. Interesting way to end a week. It’s more overcast today a lot of cloudy side but still quite warm. It’s about 4:15 PM and 93° outside... much better than sacramental which is 105°. Hey Leann, think you might melt down there? Anyhow back home, shared a couple of beers with my neighbor Larry back in the house and talked to Lollie and Gareth for a little bit on the phone. I just finished transposing some correspondence that I will send to Lollie so that she can get up to speed on what’s going on. Got a call from Cindy, Dr. Thayer’s nurse, and they have me scheduled for an MRI on July 30 at 3:15 PM with a check-in time of 3 PM. When they want to do an MRI, it means they believe there is something serious going on. I knew that all along. Stay tuned, the drama continues...

Another beautiful day but it's going to be a scorcher

Slept fairly well last night up a little bit earlier than I wanted still made it down to McDonald’s for copy by about 10 to 7. 15 clients today. Stopped at the new library after delivering meals to get a replacement library card which is free for those of us fortunate enough to live in the illustrious downtown Lebanon city limits (higher tax base). What I delivered to John this morning he gave me another bag of cherries, which I will relish. After I got home I see that Debbie and child have not been here as she said she would be yesterday. My dealings with women tend to be complicated. I believe today will be spent mostly inside where I can take advantage of the air-conditioning.

A most beautiful Wednesday and my daughter comes today.

I slept reasonably well last night got up about 615 this morning headed down to McDonald’s for coffee and back home by about five after 8 AM. I have Ralphy out in the garage now and the garage doors open so that he can go outside if he wishes. I am enjoying a cup of hot chocolate right now and today I’m going to start trying to lose some weight I hope I am successful. Melissa will be here about 11 AM, at which time I am sure we will go to the Apple website and order a computer for her. I am going to extend her a $1000 loan for a period of two years with no interest. (I hope that’s not a mistake) but then with kids you never really know. Anyway I hope you all enjoy the day and possibly find something exciting to do. Leann it appears to be getting closer to the time of the year where sleeping during the day is very difficult.

A foggy start to the day...

This morning when I woke up about 5:30 AM, I decided I would go back to sleep and did so until about 6:25 AM at which time I rose, and got dressed and went to McDonald’s for coffee. And as my routine would dictate, left to deliver meals at about 8:30 AM. I had 16 clients today and everyone was home. When I got back to the senior center I decided not to have lunch there, and instead came straight home. I noticed on the front porch the settlement check had arrived. I was supposed to have a visit from Valley Cabinet today for an estimate on new cabinet doors and drawer fronts, but they’ve not yet made an appearance. Shortly I shall go down to LinnCo and deposit the check. It is turned out to be a beautiful day, approximately 70° with unexpected high of about 84°.

It's overcast this morning and it may rain...

I woke up early this morning before 5 AM, and kept trying to go back to sleep finally ended up getting up about 6:10 AM. I went in the bathroom, washed my face, then I got dressed and went down to McDonald’s for coffee. Pretty much the same due daily routine, delivered meals to 18 clients today. On the way back in to the center, I stopped LinnCo credit union and deposited my mileage check. Back home now and going to do a little writing and a little reading and maybe today I’ll even dust. Have a great day everyone, I know I shall.

Sunday, a day of rest...

Quiet day, nothing pressing or exciting today. Perhaps tomorrow will reveal something interesting. Enjoy the solitude my dear friends.

A dull and dreary day...

Last night was a very restless night’s sleep wise, my neck appears to be getting worse as the days go by and don’t know how long that I will be able to forgo what will probably be an inevitable surgical procedure. I rose about 6:10 AM, got dressed, and went to coffee at McDonald’s. From there I went down to the Elks Lodge to check out the flea market, and it was just getting set up. I did purchase some cookies (peanut butter, of course) and now I am back home. Hot chocolate is steaming ready to be drank and the cookies beckon. I counted the cupboard doors, and there are 18 of them and are eight drawer fronts to be replaced. I’m pretty certain that will be expensive. No particular plans today as I decided that I would not go to the Oregon country fair in Veneta. Therefore, I will probably do laundry and dust the furniture in the bedroom. Sometimes I wonder if I can actually sustain the excitement that constantly invades my life *grin*.

Overcast and gray and maybe wet...

Boy oh boy was I lazy this morning, I didn’t crawl out of bed till 10 after seven, and then I meandered down to McDonald’s for coffee and didn’t leave there for the senior center until about 8:40 AM. Meal deliveries were uneventful, and when finished I came back home. Picked up a couple items then headed off to Corvallis, to the Kinko’s store to pick up my manual on EyeTV. While I was in Corvallis I stopped at lawyers trust to see if the check might be there but it hadn’t been released yet. After I picked up my manual at Kinko’s, I stopped at Baja fresh and had lunch after having stopped at Borders bookstore and bought a book on CS4. On the way back home I stopped at Wilson Ford to visit with Steve for a few minutes, I hadn’t seen him for about four years. Back home now and check in on my e-mail and seeing what’s going on. Leann, what is it that the banks did that made you so mad? Goodness, what a tirade. I certainly hope the rest of your day went better.

Sorry about yesterday, nothing particularly interesting...

Actually the heading to this blog post is incorrect. Yesterday was somewhat monumental and the fact that I signed all the papers for my refinance on my home which ended up garnering me quite a savings in the long term. My appointment was at 10 o’clock in the morning and I was completely finished by 11 AM. After stopping by the Apple store and purchasing a minor item I came back home. The remainder of the day was spent setting up my new device and watching some tutorials on Photoshop. This morning I woke up early and actually got out of bed about 6 AM and then went down to McDonald’s for coffee in my typical morning Thursday routine. On the way home from delivering meals I stopped at Rhodes Warden insurance and questioned Tracy about the homeowner policy that was instituted by Wells Fargo Bank.

Tuesday morning and overcast.

I woke up this morning about 5 AM and then laid back down and went to sleep for about another hour. Got up right at 6 AM and got dressed and headed down to McDonald’s for coffee. I stopped at Safeway and fueled up the Toyota and then left to go to the senior center to deliver meals. I had 16 clients today. I don’t know what the sun is going to shine today are not, right now I would say it’s not too promising. After finishing with meals I stopped at bi-Mart to check my number (which by the way was not the lucky number) then I walked down to the dollar store to see if they had any atomic balls, which they didn’t but they have a late freight truck today so I will check back before I go to class tonight at Linn Benton community college. I am back home now and had a fried egg sandwich for lunch and some hot chocolate.

We are back to typical overcast weather for most of the week I believe.

Woke up late this morning and didn’t get out of bed until after 7 AM, went down to McDonald’s for coffee and then off to deliver meals which is a four-day weekly routine. Nothing new about today, I stopped down at the dog and had some biscuits and gravy which sufficed for both breakfast and lunch. Then out to Santiam therapy only to discover that my appointment is actually tomorrow. The pain in my neck is distracting to say the least. Back home now and thinking about cleaning up the counters and using some wax on them... we’ll see how that goes.

Today is July 5 and it's starting out nice and sunny...

I didn’t really want to get out of bed this morning, it was comfortable and for the moment I had no pains to worry about. Tried to go back to sleep but couldn’t so I got up, got dressed, and went down to McDonald’s for coffee. Ralphie was in a cantankerous mood this morning, which is always a little bit of a challenge but I was up for it. I will search and see if I have anything to hang on the walls in the dining room, the question right now is what kind of art were decorations do I want to put on the wall. It seems like my entries here on this blog are mundane and repetitive and I’m thinking about changing the format not appearance wise, but rather content. We’ll see where that goes... perhaps Omar will make another appearance.

Happy Independence Day everyone, Celebrate our freedom!

Woke up this morning to an absolutely gorgeous day, went down and had coffee with my friends at McDonald’s, then drove by the old Wal-Mart parking lot as I was told there would be a flea market there (there was not one). Back home now, I rinsed off all the dust from the Toyota pickup and took it out for a high-speed run to dry it off. Also used the yard blower and blew all the trash out of the inside (not that there was much). So that’s finished now. Folder load of clothes from the dryer and put the last load in the dryer. I went up to the Oregon country fair website to check out the ticket prices. Probably run about $30 for the Saturday event including parking. This morning I asked Julia if she might like to go. She is going to check her schedule. The last time I went to the Oregon country fair I had my daughter, Melissa with me. It was eye-opening event, especially for her, but she took it all in good taste I believe she was about 16 at the time. Today we celebrate freedom, independence, release from tyranny. And we honor those who have fallen in the name of freedom. Enjoy the day, I hope each and everyone is doing something special.

Sun shiny day and Friday... it's paint day

I awoke this morning to a beautiful day, got dressed and went down to McDonald’s for coffee. After that I went to Wal-Mart and got a couple items and then to bi mart to get a couple more items and then back home I have applied the first coat and perhaps the only coat to the dining room it is a nice warm color but it may be a little bit darker than I had planned we’ll see if it lights up a little after it dries (it’s sure covers the apples well). Not all that exciting for a Fourth of July weekend, although it is something I’ve wanted to do for some time (and dreaded the thought of doing). I think when I get the assessor is on the wall it will really make it look nice and I really wanted get new curtains and new kitchen curtains may be something bright and cheery to offset the color and actually compliment it. In any case, I hope y’all have a wonderful weekend, if you read this, I will be home most of the weekend feel free to call if you so desire if not have a great time.

Today is Thursday and I'm off for the rest of the weekend!

Seemed to sleep okay last night although I did wake up early. I got up about 6:15 AM and got dressed and went down to McDonald’s for coffee. As usual, I left there about 8:20 AM and headed to the senior center to deliver meals. I had 15 clients today. After I finished and dropped the baskets off at the senior center, I went out to economy supply and bought some paint to do the dining room. I just got done filling out a rebate form for five dollars from Ace hardware. I believe that tomorrow will be painting day and I will get everything moved out of the way this afternoon after my therapy session. Doesn’t that just sound terribly exciting to you can you hold back your exuberance, your desire to jump right in and help... (that’s what I thought).

The weather is beautiful outside and this is the first day of July.

Seemed like I slept little bit restless sleep last night, dreaming a little on off I woke up early I don’t know what time, then went back to sleep until almost 7 AM. I got up got dressed and went down to McDonald’s for coffee. And back home by 8:40 AM. Cleaned up the kitchen dishes wiped off the counters and rotated the cutting board. Having a cinnamon raisin English muffin for breakfast. Debbie and her daughter should be here today to weed flowerbeds or whatever it is they do. I paid Debbie yesterday for today’s work. Leann I know you read this, and I am really sorry that the weather didn’t cooperate with your visit to the coast, it’s never fun when it’s windy and chilly over there as you said though perhaps later this summer. Maybe one day we’ll make a road trip over there together.

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.