tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-113886852024-03-13T17:45:52.751-05:00Bucolic Blogger (formerly the Arizona Pundit)Geoguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891548839005022846noreply@blogger.comBlogger661125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11388685.post-74796178742620999862022-12-29T17:50:00.000-06:002022-12-29T17:50:28.028-06:00Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness--late September 2022<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Regular readers of this blog know it's prose-driven. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">For this entry, however, I want the pictures to say the proverbial thousand words. I had the opportunity to go with four other men to the BWCA near the end of September. From what Boundary Waters veterans told me, it was a great time of year to go largely due to the cooler temps translating to "bug-free" camping. They were right. No need for repellent! It was a peaceful several days of hiking, canoeing, and just enjoying the outdoors. Yours truly also brought a shotgun and took down a red squirrel, to join the several others hunted by the other two gun-toting folks. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJ5RZ805d38ru4FIId9_iZBCNLTFa6zEGHg2nxtcwsDh_cDFJICqN-zgmleQHiiNsGPYtytVIVI7ddxi2rj4I_H2bXbbIt8VHz1LJfqD_LWQjUMoDA6BU96gsmTfKGK2JzJ6v4_prrQi-s11atRPlt4rOyeDpbvt7ZsnPgi3HKZtGf1YwJ6SI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2112" data-original-width="2816" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJ5RZ805d38ru4FIId9_iZBCNLTFa6zEGHg2nxtcwsDh_cDFJICqN-zgmleQHiiNsGPYtytVIVI7ddxi2rj4I_H2bXbbIt8VHz1LJfqD_LWQjUMoDA6BU96gsmTfKGK2JzJ6v4_prrQi-s11atRPlt4rOyeDpbvt7ZsnPgi3HKZtGf1YwJ6SI" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZ1J6N-xJkxzMMMxlkfxIIyIuDhxCptaw_PMQhN-7V7KDnI-YPwQTJZh9UcbvMeAA7GIVp8unON-vlPC7pxuWz6879t2l49up49d_iuoXMLkIh437XGn78VWEOJf-tifPjaVDL1kurGcxJ_zwy8QKLSS1laPCfNMhAuM86MuftnIEY4yjZ0SM" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDDrlUa16-VakWp_1GdVutxhsoP_qQEzbPSeRFofZOBiHO_HgnpDgEXnCGehI_pWz6NxBvo4L23LvbfMTFJQEoRFTij5z6e5BsptdMUC0LyKgaPzfE_EifpK9inxT_O2JXcs97U1OS42yojMKPriNagdI5hDmqfMOXa-QQnG7Y51Va6DT65_I" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDDrlUa16-VakWp_1GdVutxhsoP_qQEzbPSeRFofZOBiHO_HgnpDgEXnCGehI_pWz6NxBvo4L23LvbfMTFJQEoRFTij5z6e5BsptdMUC0LyKgaPzfE_EifpK9inxT_O2JXcs97U1OS42yojMKPriNagdI5hDmqfMOXa-QQnG7Y51Va6DT65_I" width="180" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>Geoguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891548839005022846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11388685.post-27269648840561548472022-12-28T17:48:00.002-06:002022-12-28T17:48:22.681-06:00A Tale of Three New Mexico State Aggie Football Games (2022)<p> <a href="https://nmstatesports.com/index.aspx" style="background-color: #912d29; box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s; word-wrap: break-word;"><img alt="New Mexico State Logo" src="https://dbukjj6eu5tsf.cloudfront.net/sidearm.sites/nmsu.sidearmsports.com/images/responsive_2020/logo_main.svg" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s; vertical-align: bottom; width: 169px; word-wrap: break-word;" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The first game: September 1. Minneapolis. New Mexico State Aggies visiting the Minnesota Golden Gophers. I decided to support my Aggies and attend. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In hindsight, I chalk this up to: “It seemed like a good idea at the time.” </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The evening began fairly well. I had no problem with parking, and walking to the stadium was pleasant. There was no wait for me to enter Huntington Bank Stadium since I wasn’t carrying anything. My seat was a good one and the fans nearby were cordial. The pregame skydivers were a nice touch and it’s always good to hear the college bands. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3Wn3YOVNX4AdehCRhVBo8Hndz2F05xqJ8VceixuHh-CIWCJB5XfcKHKRj7MnAbppfrvP9lSPwACI6oey_frztoiyU2ErO9SGF74YgjKr2JCbIP-dPhnGV_IzLCvmzwPhzuFvgfe32XXYXPojVT45IwyXLEXGnssxre8Khlz5Jz1F5UdUYZCI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3Wn3YOVNX4AdehCRhVBo8Hndz2F05xqJ8VceixuHh-CIWCJB5XfcKHKRj7MnAbppfrvP9lSPwACI6oey_frztoiyU2ErO9SGF74YgjKr2JCbIP-dPhnGV_IzLCvmzwPhzuFvgfe32XXYXPojVT45IwyXLEXGnssxre8Khlz5Jz1F5UdUYZCI" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBmLB_VR0XYRf-N_gYNgqgmJWqutp0bnJOpaLaWJIU1KpUMkNUsPmTU9X-8dLgnDbd_YycnAv-ERTBCnh-9OgaA4J0qDc9QgYJphi7ijSm8rprxPBMg5-MjvPG3thKMuzDyGWc4n-9Didu6rgwaCDxn9-nnOBbevqtOvnA5AvSZxPPPqOklko" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBmLB_VR0XYRf-N_gYNgqgmJWqutp0bnJOpaLaWJIU1KpUMkNUsPmTU9X-8dLgnDbd_YycnAv-ERTBCnh-9OgaA4J0qDc9QgYJphi7ijSm8rprxPBMg5-MjvPG3thKMuzDyGWc4n-9Didu6rgwaCDxn9-nnOBbevqtOvnA5AvSZxPPPqOklko" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: large;">I wasn’t expecting the Aggies to seriously challenge the Gophers.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">And yes, as the first quarter commenced, NMSU appeared very out of their league.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Lots of three-and-outs for the offense and their defense seemed mismatched against the maroon and gold. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Yet I was mentally prepared for the poor play and being outscored rather easily. For me, however, the worst moment came via the Jumbotron and fans. During one of the TV time outs, the video board displayed a message (I think it was one of those Taco Bell-sponsored bits), saying something such as “Having a bad day….means wearing the opposing team’s colors.” Then the director cut to a shot of a woman wearing an NMSU shirt (yay crimson and white!). The crowd then let out a loud “Booo!” </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I was livid. I was furious. I was incensed. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Memo to Minnesota: This is NOT how you treat your visitors. And lest you think this is a common thing for college football, let me say I attended several Kansas State home games at Bill Snyder Family Stadium and the video crew never did any such thing. In fact I had a three-game package one year which had me adjacent to the block of seats for the visitors. I always was cordial to the opposing fans, whether they represented Baylor, TCU, or West Virginia. They seemed to appreciate my being polite. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My opinion of the Golden Gopher faithful quickly changed into one of disdain. I think I was in a state of shock that a school of this caliber would do something so bush-league, so unsportsmanlike. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Aggies continued to struggle (unsurprisingly) and Minnesota seemed much more focused and ready. I sauntered around the stadium concourse during halftime, then lingered into the 3rd quarter, but no real offensive display from my Aggies. I finally elected to leave about midway through that quarter, given I had over an hour drive home and intended to go to work the following day. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I was dejected. Also wondering if the Aggies would even win a game this season, given they had so few returning starters. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">__________</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The second game: November 26. The Aggies are at Lynchburg, Virginia to play Liberty. Turned to the game on ESPN+ as I happened to be home and certainly was curious. I noticed that the Aggies happened to notch a few W’s in the meantime, including the beauty of them all, beating the University of Nothing Much. The game was already in progress with the score tied at 7. Then the Aggies scored a TD. Then another. Then another. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Holy moley! Liberty is no pushover and they’re at home. This isn’t supposed to happen, is it? </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Aggies kept moving offensively. And scoring. And scoring. Not field goals, either. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Final score: Aggies 49, Flames 14. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I think I had some tears of joy flowing. Quite the opposite from September 1. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">__________</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The third game: December 26. Quick Lane Bowl. Detroit. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I bought a month of Sling TV largely to catch this game on ESPN. (Of course, the many other bowl offerings on the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network doesn’t hurt either.) </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Aggies score first! Then they have great control for the next three quarters. Late in the game it got a bit dicey, as Bowling Green made a game of it. The Aggies shot themselves in the foot a bit with a blocked punt that wound up being a safety (better than giving up a touchdown, right?) and a punt that went only 14 yards. However the guys in crimson held it together and they did a great job in closing out the game, gaining some critical first downs in the closing minutes. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A quick aside: I got a lesson in geography and one of the schools in the Mid American Conference. I kept hearing “Bowling Green” as the Aggies’ opponent in this game, yet I kept thinking of Bowling Green, Kentucky. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Nope Geoguy! Bowling Green, Ohio! Which is only 84 miles from Detroit. Therefore the Aggies winning the game was sweet enough, but to think they did it in front of a largely Bowling Green crowd is even better! </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Incidentally, the institution in Bowling Green, Kentucky is Western Kentucky University. Which is a member of Conference USA, which the Aggies will be joining in summer 2023. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Yes, I did a little homework in the meantime. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">While I still have simmering resentment towards the Minnesota crowd, overall I couldn’t be more happy for NSMU’s football program this year. Congratulations team, and Coach Jerry Kill! </span></span></p>Geoguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891548839005022846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11388685.post-72221322912311021902022-05-31T20:47:00.003-05:002022-05-31T20:48:13.200-05:00Final Chapter of This "Trek," And An End-of-Trip Surprise<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Saturday morning, I wake up after a peaceful night’s sleep.</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Compared to 24 hours ago I’m in a great state of mind.</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">It’s my last day on the road, I’m well-rested and today’s route is fairly easy.</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">“Fairly easy” to me means 4-lane highway all the way with no significant grades once I make the climb out of the Missouri River valley heading northeast out of Sioux City. </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"> </span></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Brew my coffee, cook the breakfast and have a shower. Once I’m dressed I commence with breaking camp. As this campground has full hookups I don’t even need to make a stop at the dump station on my way out. Once the draining, unhooking and securing are done, it’s get behind the wheel of my trusty Suburban and within a few moments I’m maneuvering my rig into the Cenex gas station, the same place where I picked up my fried chicken the night before. Top off the tank, and away I go. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Homestretch!!</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">First leg is to again head north on Interstate 29. Once I’m on the outskirts of Sioux City I pay attention to ensure I’m in the correct lane to exit off the interstate and onto U.S. 75. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Then begins the climb. I’ve done this route before but never with pulling a camper that weighs a few thousand pounds. Yet if I have any concerns or misgivings, I just remember my trek from yesterday and tell myself this is nice wide highway with plenty of room for happenstance or error. And in only a few minutes I’m on level ground again. Within 15 minutes I’m buzzing through the town of Hinton and once through that burg I won’t have a traffic light or stop sign again until I hit Windom, Minnesota. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The travel gods are favoring me today as I notice the wind is present yet at my back, most ideal when one is pulling a trailer. I’m able to go at the preferred speed of 65 and watch the towns pass by in order: Le Mars, Sheldon, Sibley. I pass Hawkeye Point (highest point in Iowa!) and less than five minutes after that I cross the state line into Minnesota. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Just before Worthington I pull off into the Minnesota Welcome Center/Rest Area. That morning coffee has made its rounds and my bladder thanks me for the relief. I also make some small talk with a couple of other travelers then it’s back behind the wheel, with the next stop being home. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Actually, the RV storage lot, but close enough. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Nothing noteworthy for the remainder of the drive. Slow down to navigate the traffic circles on the edge of Worthington then resume speed. Windom, St. James, Madelia and Mankato all come and go and my adrenaline is really kicking in for the final 10 miles. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In short order I’m at the storage lot. I text Geogal I’m here and also meet the lot owner/manager. We’ve spoken over phone but this was the first face-to-face meeting. He says I can just go ahead and unhitch at the curb and he will use his Bobcat to move my rig to a designated space. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Fine by me!</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Geogal and Geoana arrive and help me unload from the camper. I tell them, and the lot owner, about not having the electric jack work when I hitched up in Kansas, and Geogal says, “Yes, the switch is right here,” and puts her finger on it. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And the electric jack hums with life! </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Notwithstanding I could have used that two days prior, I chalk it up to fate. A few days later I’m describing this very scene to a coworker and he postulates that perhaps with sitting for so long the jack may have seized up just a bit and all the vibration from the driving loosened the gears just enough. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">No matter. I’m glad to be home and to not have to worry about taking the rig in for service. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So, despite one rough afternoon in Kansas, overall I can’t complain about much else this trip. This was the first time I’ve used the Suburban to pull my camper anywhere other than to Tuttle Creek State Park (near Manhattan, only about a 15-minute drive and not going any faster than 45-50). Nice to get an idea what this combo can (and cannot) do on the open highway. </span></p>Geoguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891548839005022846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11388685.post-21424657594792160872022-05-08T14:28:00.002-05:002022-05-08T14:28:43.847-05:00Trek "From" Kansas, A Much Better Day<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Following up on my February post (now that was a long night’s sleep!)</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">While my life remains busy I decided the start of May would be a good time to create a more consistent pattern of writing. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">______________________________________ </span></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">When we last left our <strike>hero</strike> protagonist, he hit the hay at Westmoreland, Kansas, with many miles of driving remaining before again seeing home. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">(Switching to first person)</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Friday morning, wake up, and surprisingly realize the sleep was more peaceful than I anticipated. My mouse “guest” apparently is gone. I suppose if my presence inside the camper didn’t shoo him away, then hitching up and feeling the sensation of moving may have convinced mousey to take a powder. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I cook myself a leisurely breakfast and then get things situated for travel. Since I didn’t unhitch, breaking camp didn’t take long. Make a quick stop at the dump station then it’s onto Highway 99 and the next leg of my journey. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">While it looks straight on the map, this stretch of 99 is rather hilly, with nary a road shoulder to be had. Normal drivers wouldn’t give it a second thought (in fact they’d appreciate the up-and-down to break the monotony of Kansas prairie) but because I’m pulling a camper I’m more attuned to challenging conditions. Even before pulling onto the highway I decide I will be one happy guy once I see Frankfort, as this town means the end of the wrinkly section of Flint Hills. From there onward it’s fairly straight and flat. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Fast-forward about 20-30 minutes or so (it doesn’t take that long to drive the distance but I had to wait for a pilot car as there’s road construction occurring). I get to the outskirts of Frankfort and yes, I am one happy guy. Slowing down and driving through town at 20 mph is no problem! Clear Frankfort and it’s again up to highway speed, with an unremarkable straightaway all the way to U.S. 36. Turn right, then fight boredom while being mindful of the rig I’m pulling. I’ve driven 36 its entire distance across Kansas (although, thankfully, not in one whole stretch) and it will never challenge California 1, Interstate 70 across the Colorado Rocky Mountains or U.S. 1 from Miami to Key West as one of America’s scenic byways. In fact, it’s pretty frickin’ boring. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As I have satellite radio, finding something to maintain my attention is no problem. Finally I see the overpass for U.S. Highway 75, which I will take north into Nebraska. I pass by Sabetha, knowing I’m counting down the miles to the state line. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I make a mental note of the time. At 10 minutes past 10 a.m. Central time, I cross into Nebraska. Will I ever again enter Kansas? Uncertain. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I’m a little familiar with this highway, as I used it twice before on my way to Minnesota. It’s an easy drive, even with pulling a camper. Pass through Auburn, then tick off the miles until I’m nearly at Nebraska City. Just south of the town proper, I make a right onto Highway 2, knowing in another couple of minutes, it’s cross the Missouri River and enter Iowa. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Where Iowa 2 and Interstate 29 meet is a Sapp Brothers truck stop. I decide this is a great place to both gas up and then find a not-very-heavily used section of the parking lot to pause and have some lunch. While pulling a travel trailer doesn’t make for fast driving, it does have the advantage of using the galley to prepare lunch. And use the dinette to consume said lunch. While I’m eating (and relaxing), Geogal calls, needing to vent over a difficult issue at work that day. I’m glad I had the chance to talk with her right then and not be a distracted driver. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">After a bit less than an hour, I get back behind the wheel and direct the Suburban north on 29. Again, I’m thankful this a a stretch of mainly flat terrain with no significant grades to make my truck huff and puff. Wake from 18-wheelers passing me has me extremely mindful of keeping control of this rig and doing the self-talk of “I’m in no hurry.” </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Going through Council Bluffs (a.k.a. the eastern edge of the Omaha metro area) is non-problematic. It’s the middle of the day and traffic is only moderate. (Much better than some years ago, when I picked up the camper from being serviced and had to negotiate not only Omaha rush-hour traffic but also snow falling!!) Before very long I’m again in the country and now it’s just a matter of not missing the exit for Onawa. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Why is that? Because Onawa is my destination for the day. And of course, because I’m wanting to get there and relax, it seems to take longer than heck before I see the green sign marking my desired exit. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I’m sure that’s all a matter of perception. Just a short hop from the freeway is <a href="http://www.onurwarvpark.com">On-Ur-Wa RV park</a>, where I’m camping for the night. Check in is super easy, especially since I had a reservation. Seems to be run by nice folks, and the fact they just opened for the season probably didn’t hurt. Just like last night, I didn’t unhitch the rig. Once the water and electric are connected I decide it’s time to really relax. I buy a frozen dairy treat from the campground office and kick back. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Shortly thereafter, I crank up the TV antenna and do a channel scan. Given my interest in reception (which any regular reader of this blog will know), this perhaps the most enjoyable part of the trip so far. And I’m not disappointed. Just using the camper’s batwing antenna, I get all of not only Sioux City’s full-power stations but also the ones from Omaha. I will have plenty of viewing choices tonight! </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The campground is in easy walking distance of a few fast-food places, but I already have a thought for tonight’s meal that will be both fulfilling and less expensive. On-Ur-Wa backs up to a Cenex gas station. Which sells Chester Fried Chicken. I walk back to the camper with just-out-of-the-fryer-warm-and-moist dark meat poultry. Pair that with bag of salad and ranch dressing (left over from last night’s repast) and some potato salad and I am one happy camper. (Sorry, couldn’t resist.) For my viewing pleasure, I watch Iowa PBS channel 27.3 (the World channel), which was showing a two-hour biography of L. Frank Baum. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So, to wrap up my second day with the camper, it sure beat the heck out of the first day!</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Next post: The homestretch! (And I promise I won’t be so dilatory this time!)</span></p>Geoguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891548839005022846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11388685.post-14695586258671981222022-02-06T16:14:00.003-06:002022-02-06T17:06:13.392-06:00Trek To Kansas, A Dead Battery And An Unwelcome Guest<p><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"><span style="font-size: medium;">As I mentioned in the previous entry, I went down to Kansas at the end of April to get the camper.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It’s a fair question: Why do I not already have the camper with me after all those months—given I’ve been here in Minnesota since August 2020?</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Several reasons. First there was logistics of moving everything that we had to Minnesota. Most of our possessions got transported in U-Boxes and whatever we kept with us (including items such as electronics, jewelry, other valuables or simply things that we didn't want to risk to a moving company) we decided we would just take ourselves. However, we had but two vehicles at our disposal. There is the Chevy Suburban that I typically drive and Geogal’s Subaru. I already had a good idea what was going to fit in the Suburban and what the Subaru could accommodate. Even with that, there remained additional items and it became clear our two gas-burners would not carry everything. So the obvious answer was to rent a U-Haul trailer, to be pulled by the Suburban. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And that ruled out being able to tow the camper on our August caravan.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I know what some of you were thinking: why couldn't I just put all these excess items into the camper and then pull the camper as I normally would? Well, there was a fair amount of belongings and I didn't want to load the camper with too much weight. I also figured once I got settled it wouldn't be that difficult to take the Suburban, come back down to Kansas, get the camper. After all it is 400 and something miles one way, it's not like I was going halfway or all the way across the country.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Another barrier: where would I store the camper once I got here? I was really fortunate that near Saint George, Kansas there was a very good reputable storage lot with secure access, fenced all around and had reasonable rates. Yet I couldn't find an equivalent in our area. It's surprising but true. Way surprising, in fact, given the amount of campers, boats and ice fishing RV’s I see in Minne-so-cold. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So, with April rolling around I did find a place that could store the camper. It’s actually a local place, they just didn't have a webpage or an online presence so it took me a little while to find them and it took even longer to get a hold of someone on the phone. However once we made contact and I was told their rates I thought, “OK this is very doable.” Once that was set then it was just a matter of arranging to take the appropriate days off from work, get the Suburban in order (oil change etc.) then it's off to the Sunflower State.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">First part of my journey is really not much to talk about. Leave work, then guide Suburban onto Highway 60 towards Iowa. Stop in Worthington to grab a bite at Burger King (gotta love the Whopper). Then it's continue on into the Hawkeye state on my way to Sioux City where I'll be spending the night. In fact I'd be spending the night at the same Holiday Inn Express that was able to have a room for us on that <a href="https://azpundit.blogspot.com/2014/08/the-return-trip-volume-one.html">trip that we don't really like to talk about much</a>.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The following day it’s get up, have my breakfast, have my coffee then I'm raring to go! Gas up and then it's south on Interstate 29 south and then on through Omaha/Council Bluffs then further south until I get to Nebraska City. Turn off the interstate, cross the river into Nebraska, head south on US 75 and snake towards Sabetha, Kansas. From there, head west on Highway 36 and then turn left on State Highway 99. This gets me to the old stomping grounds of Wamego.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">By the time I get to Wamego I'm quite hungry so I grab a sandwich at Subway. Then it's finally time to head to the storage lot. I definitely had some anticipation/excitement building as I got closer to my beloved camper.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I get to the storage unit, scan the gate open with the keytag. A few seconds later, there’s my baby. Good to see you again!!</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Open up the door and…</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Well I've had an unwelcome visitor. I see mouse droppings right by the door as soon as I open it. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Oh (unprintable word here)!</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Sure enough. Yep, looks like a during the months that I was up in Minnesota and this thing was at its storage site a mouse decided to take up residence or at least pay occasional visits. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Take some breaths. Think it through. First of all how many and do I need to get any of them out of here? I take a quick look around, check out the storage spaces underneath the dinette, underneath the fold out couch, toward the front where the queen bed is and while I do see the telltale droppings I don't see any mouse.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I think, “OK well I can deal with that once I'm at my campsite for the evening,” but for now let’s get to the business of hitching this thing up. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I take the battery out of the back of the Suburban, drop it into its battery box on the camper's tongue, connect the leads and… Nothing.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Oh (unprintable words here)!!</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Even though I had this battery on a trickle charger, well, it's dead. At least I hope it's dead. If it's not there I'm gonna have other problems so I'm thinking, “all right what's my next move?” Get back into the Suburban and head to Tractor Supply Company which was where I bought this battery back in 2018. Let’s just see about getting myself a new one.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">TSC is only about 10 minutes away, except that they don't have that particular deep cycle battery. In fact, they don't even sell those kind of batteries anymore. The one positive from this visit is that they put it on a tester and sure enough it is a dead cell so I breathe a little sigh of relief, but still need to procure a new battery.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I then head into the eastern edge of Manhattan. All the while experiencing this odd “familiar-but-no-longer-familiar” dynamic. Ace Hardware didn’t have these batteries either but Walmart did! And since they took my dead one in trade I think I actually got $10 off. Hey, take these little victories where you find them. Back to the storage lot. Connect the battery and this time YES I have current!</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Woohoo! </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Now I can finally work on getting this hitched up. Slide the trailer hitch into my receiver, make sure the cotter pin is securely in place. Time to back it up towards the tongue. Next in the process is to get out and just use the electric jack on the camper’s tongue to raise it. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Except when I flip the jack switch nothing happens.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Oh (unprintable words here)!!!</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Fortunately since the time I first had the camper I always did fear this scenario. And having done homework for a work-around, I know I can just pry the rubber boot off of the top, use a socket wrench and manually crank the jack. Fortunately I brought along an awesome socket wrench set which YES YES YES had the exact size socket I needed. From that point it was just a matter of turn turn then turn then turn then turn some more. But I got the hitch ball raised up high enough back the Suburban underneath it and then lower it right onto the hitch ball.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Without a spotter or a backup camera. I’ve perfected this over the years. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">From that point on things weren’t very difficult. Put on the weight distribution bars, plug in the electric connection, check to make sure the turn signals are working and then just get inside and make sure everything is where it needs to be for travel.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Oh and I should mention that in this mist of getting a new battery I also went to the hardware store in Wamego and picked up bleach, a mop and other assorted things that would be very very useful for both getting rid of the mouse crud and keeping mice out of there. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Time to hit the road. Again, fortunately I had arranged it where my first night of camping wasn't going to be very far away. Maybe 20 miles give or take—a campground in Westmoreland Kansas. So, even though I had an aggravating afternoon, once I got the camper hitched and left the storage lot things went very smooth. Arrived at my campsite, and it's a pull through so I don't have to worry about backing it in nor do I have to worry about unhitching. Connect the electricity, connect the water, start turning faucets on which de-winterized the camper. No problems there.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Eat my supper (I cannot remember what I picked up for that meal, except that it was something I could pop in the microwave, plus a bag of salad to ensure my eating was balanced). Do some cleaning then try to relax and just come down from the stress of the afternoon. And try not to think of the start of tomorrow’s drive, which will involve Highway 99 going through some hilly terrain with no shoulder to speak of. Not a good time to have a tire fail or anything else unforeseen. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But that’s for tomorrow. Eventually I fall asleep. Tomorrow is another day. </span></p>Geoguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891548839005022846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11388685.post-25881758912264619872022-01-23T16:29:00.004-06:002022-01-23T16:29:54.596-06:00Yes, There's A Reason!<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Hey Geoguy, wasn't it back in November (when you did your last entry) that you said you had plenty to share? What's the delay?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Simple. Bought a house. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">In other times this wouldn't seem newsworthy/blog-able. However, compared to the other times I've purchased houses, this go-round was it's own brand of insanity. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">When Geogal and I were in the market in Tucson, Casa Grande and Chandler Arizona, inventory and price weren't significant issues. Of course, there always were domiciles we wanted but were out of our price range yet together with those was an ample number of houses that met our needs and didn't break our budget. Norton, Kansas was a different story, of course. When you're trying to find a house in a rural town of around 3,000 people, it's a combination of luck and timing. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Upon moving to Saint Peter in August of 2020, we knew we wanted to purchase but were in no rush since we had a month-to-month lease at our townhouse. And for those of you paying attention, you remember 2020 and 2021 weren't great times for homebuyers. Inflated market, prices sky-high for even the most mediocre dwellings and listings that got stamped with "contract pending" before the ink was even dry on the seller's agreement with the listing agent. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">What followed was many months of frustration, to put it mildly. Geogal did well to keep her eye on Zillow and Realtor.com, yet anything that seemed promising already had a contract on it (often before we even had a chance to visit the house) or worse, hearing from our buyer's agent that the property had several offers. With the sellers free to choose from the best one (i.e. the highest bidder). More than once I had thoughts of just bagging the whole idea and considered buying land near one of the many lakes in this area, then work with one of the pre-fab companies to do a new construction. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">But we kept looking. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Things began looking up in the summertime. We connected with a new buyer's agent, one who seemed more aggressive about finding us something that was a good fit. She had a listing that I liked, but Geogal didn't. Then she showed us a house that Geogal really liked yet I had reservations. (Plus it was overpriced.) Not long afterward we looked at a house near Gustavus Adolphus College. Really near. As in throw a rock and it'll land on campus. No exaggeration. Price was a bit high but the main level was lovely. Elegant living room with a huge fireplace. Remodeled kitchen. But the lower level needed improvement and the bathroom especially was long in the tooth (this house dates back to 1960). And no backyard. A huge deck but the back of the property dropped off significantly, a characteristic of this area due to the Minnesota River Valley. Nice view from the deck, though. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">However Geogal was right. She didn't think I'd be happy in a house with no backyard. So we passed. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">A postscript: Geogal recently learned the people who did buy that house turned it into a rental. That's just sad. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Then in late September there was a listing, in a nice area of town, with a price that wouldn't put us into the poorhouse. Our agent got us there right away. Walked through, and it checked enough boxes that we wanted to make an offer. Later that night the agent had the paperwork ready to go. I remember heading home from work the following day, grumbling to myself that we would likely just be one of several offers. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Nope. Our agent let us know the sellers made a counter, which was a higher price than we offered but not excessive and not more than their listing price. We signed the counter and the deal was in place! Our agent also told us not long after that the sellers were on the verge of getting another offer. Still a hot real estate market. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We closed at the end of November (our being agreeable to close then, versus the end of October, was one concession in the counter-offer, however as a trade-off the sellers were generous in some other areas). Due to Geogal's work schedule and us already being committed to attend St. Olaf College's Christmas music event (a BIG deal) on December 5th led to the big move happening on Saturday the 11th. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The day where we got between 8 and 9 inches of snow the night before. That sounds like something deserving of a separate blog entry but I just don't want to re-visit that day. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">So, with the move and getting everything situated and unpacked (still a work in progress, by the way), I wasn't overloaded with free time to sit and write. But now? Things are working themselves out. And I have on-deck the account of me going to Kansas last April to get the camper. Now there's a story. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I promise, that one will be up in just a few days. </span></p>Geoguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891548839005022846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11388685.post-70072863509424932802021-11-14T17:50:00.001-06:002021-11-14T17:50:52.611-06:00Has it been that long? (or...yes, I'm still here!)<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">I realize it's time to do a blog entry and in opening up this thing I realize I haven't done an entry since April. While some part of me was aware this blog needed attention, of course it became easy to put it off...then put it off...and then put it off some more</span></span></p>
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<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;">But now since we're into November I actually have a bit more time on my hands because of, well, the change of seasons. (Meaning: Outdoor activities are much more limited. At least until I get my hands on some cross-country skis.) I finally decided hey, now it's time to get this going again. Update my loyal readers and provide some information on what I've done over these last few months. And so forth and so on.</span></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So since April.....especially since mid April...now that is quite a bit of information!</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Picking up where I left off (late April), I went down to Kansas, got the camper, dewinterized it, brought it back here to Minnesota, got it ready for the season and got some good use out of it this year. Actually more used it more this summer than any prior temperate seasons dating back to when I bought it. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Had a great vacation this summer, even if it wasn't to an exotic location. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Engaged in several visits to Minnesota state parks. Which I can continue even in the winter months (think snowshoes and cross country skiing)!</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Yet, as I noted we are now in November. Oddly enough, last Saturday I went to a football game here in Saint Peter--it was Gustavus Adolphus hosting Saint Olaf and I very much enjoyed the gridiron matchup, even if the Oles didn't exactly set the field on fire. It also was shirtsleeve weather: bright sunshine; temperatures in the 60s; me sporting a bit of a sunburn on one side! Sure beats what one person sitting near me mentioned: "First weekend of November. At least it's not 20 degrees with snow already on the ground." </span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Ah, but that was eight days ago. Today it is gray, cloudy, chilly, windy and that wind just adds to the cold. And we've only just begun Old Man Winter. Here we go....</span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">______________________</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Do I enjoy being in Minnesota? </span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Answer is yes. Probably the only thing I really miss about living around Manhattan, Kansas is that I don't have the chance to go to K-State football or basketball games. But that's a small price to pay for all the other benefits I'm reaping. Such as when I do a road trip, it's actually rather enjoyable. Even driving in the prairie section of Minnesota (south and southwest) it doesn't seem as monotonous or dreary as driving through the heart of Kansas or Nebraska. That might deserve a blog entry all its own...</span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">______________________</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Trust me, I have plenty to talk about. What about Texas and Oklahoma leaving the Big 12 for the SEC? Or the Big 12 adding some new schools (of which I was in favor --actually they should've acquired a couple of those back when they were looking to expand 12 teams). </span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And my beloved alma mater New Mexico State University being invited to join an FBS conference. (Yes!!!)</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Like I said plenty to share here plenty to talk about, plenty on which to reflect. Stay tuned. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In the meantime, how about some pictures?</span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a97BRWl8ffY/YZGgtbpONVI/AAAAAAAAA9M/6oXvKDav09EM_TYUIsuQssTqtthqtEWNQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0301.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a97BRWl8ffY/YZGgtbpONVI/AAAAAAAAA9M/6oXvKDav09EM_TYUIsuQssTqtthqtEWNQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0301.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YhUuCWnFViM/YZGgtVJwKbI/AAAAAAAAA9I/iMMYmnMD4i089j0L4lkQIDSzLnUvMzc4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0305.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YhUuCWnFViM/YZGgtVJwKbI/AAAAAAAAA9I/iMMYmnMD4i089j0L4lkQIDSzLnUvMzc4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0305.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--we5b6WA_j4/YZGgs02vNrI/AAAAAAAAA9E/wLviqG7W4K8hxD8o-FeFrmteeH_u3lF4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0312.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--we5b6WA_j4/YZGgs02vNrI/AAAAAAAAA9E/wLviqG7W4K8hxD8o-FeFrmteeH_u3lF4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0312.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M2hgvU8ZN4E/YZGgvT4SKbI/AAAAAAAAA9U/w1oUW_t1dw8DX-HEIig7mSoydhx3lUhyACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0313.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M2hgvU8ZN4E/YZGgvT4SKbI/AAAAAAAAA9U/w1oUW_t1dw8DX-HEIig7mSoydhx3lUhyACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0313.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E-dygEXOJ-0/YZGgvTwhsVI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/fibHRcb1xv4aFzAljmcNPNlt9zsY8KS2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0343.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E-dygEXOJ-0/YZGgvTwhsVI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/fibHRcb1xv4aFzAljmcNPNlt9zsY8KS2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0343.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>Geoguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891548839005022846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11388685.post-51488075711870882602021-04-18T20:58:00.002-05:002021-04-18T20:59:14.640-05:00Change of seasons and change of attitude<p><span style="font-size: large;">It's still April and I'm still learning just what Minnesota April can do to a person, weather-wise. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Two weeks ago today everyone here was enjoying sunny skies and temps approaching 80. However....this past Wednesday morning I headed out the door to tackle another workday and found a nice dusting of snow on my truck. Snow over a smidge of frost on the windshield. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">"For the love of....," I mumbled, to no one in particular. I really thought I was done with all that scrape-and-warm-up-truck-to-defrost-windshield routine for the season. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Maybe my new mantra needs to be: "May is coming."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">_____________________</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I knew this moment would come eventually. My iPhone 7 Plus, while still giving me decent service, is showing a few signs of hardening of the arteries. Yes, eventually it will be going to mobile device heaven together with all its kind. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">But I confess, I really am not excited about getting a new phone. Maybe I'm just getting old or perhaps my attention is focused on other aspects of life. Plus these phones are getting really freakin' expensive. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Maybe an iPhone SE. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I remember ten years ago when Apple agreed to enter into agreement with Verizon, I was thrilled to finally get that hot product (I wasn't going to deal with AT&T). </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">A lot can change in a decade, yes?</span></p><p><br /></p>Geoguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891548839005022846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11388685.post-36815815139525634912021-04-11T20:47:00.001-05:002021-04-11T20:47:20.619-05:00I'm Back!!!<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Since probably the end of the holidays, my mantra was:</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">“April is coming.</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">April is coming.”</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: large;">But now…April is here!</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Not only does this mean warmer temps, outside flora showing those first stages of green, dead raccoons and possums on the highways but most important: the significance that I made it through my first Minnesota winter. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">To be sure, thermometer and snow-wise this wasn’t anywhere near what other winter solstice-induced Arctic conditions brought upon this state in years past. There was a stretch in February where the combination of minus-zero temps and wind made anything outside just downright brutal and when we got significant snowfall on December 23 I realized that white stuff would be around until the spring thaw. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Yet it is gone now. I no longer have to head out the door early to warm up my vehicle and de-ice the windshield. Geogal and I can take constitutionals in the late afternoon if we desire. The daylight is longer. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">April is here!!</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">__________________ </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: large;">More signs of the changing seasons:</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">On the road this morning, passed by a turkey just minding his own business.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">A tom, with a really nice beard. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Yes, it’s that season. (And no, I don’t have any plans to hunt at present. Too much other stuff…)</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">__________________</span></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Why did I take a hiatus from blogging?</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Two words:</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">time and energy. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If you think my absence was due to sloth/laziness/malaise, think again. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">December for me didn’t involve just the holiday season. I initiated something new and significant, but required substantial preparation and once it took off, demanded much of my evenings and weekend time. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">That’s all I want to say about that. I’m still keeping this blog focused on my musings, interests, travels and random thoughts. Not about other areas of my life. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Even though I wasn’t writing (here), I still thought about entries. As such I now have quite a few items to bring to this space. I also am challenging myself to write more regularly (yes, how many times have I said that?). But if I set a schedule to allow time for writing and realize I don’t have to submit lengthy ones, well, let’s just see what happens! </span></span></p>Geoguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891548839005022846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11388685.post-65442933018352578052020-12-02T20:48:00.007-06:002020-12-02T20:48:55.337-06:00Is It Really That Bad? "Heaven's Gate"<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">I remember 40 years ago.</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">There was buzz, not the good kind, around a new movie starring Kris Kristofferson.</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Some flick called “Heaven’s Gate” was getting terrible press due to the combination of very poor box office and very high budget. </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"> </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But now in 2020 Hollywood is making barely any movies I want to see. Actually with COVID restrictions still in place, they’re barely making any movies, period. But I digress. When I’m at the DVD Netflix page and trying to fill my queue I wisely pick some older ones. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I’m not sure why I chose “HG” but it’s turn in the queue finally came and as I popped it into the DVD player all I was thinking was: “Is it really that bad?”</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Well….</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It is very, very long. When the movie requires two DVDs that tells you something. Should you watch this title I recommend you do what I did: break up the viewing into two sittings. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I believe it was on the deleted scenes section for the movie “The Rookie,” where the director said: “The number one enemy of every filmmaker is time.” </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Someone obviously never told Michael Cimino. Again, if one takes at least one lengthy break (I took about a week, actually), you exponentially improve your chances of making it to the end credits. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But is it worth the watch? </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">For me, yes. It satisfied my curiosity about the film and despite its length there are some high spots. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Your mileage may vary. Some folks will find it too violent. Or too hard to hear. Or too smoky/dusty. Or find fault for many other reasons. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Will it wind up being a movie I own? No. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Is it really that bad? No</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But it’s really not all that good, either. </span></span></p>Geoguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891548839005022846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11388685.post-82163620589975561972020-11-30T18:09:00.001-06:002020-11-30T18:11:34.441-06:00Which one is my favorite Connery Bond film?<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Sean Connery died a few Saturdays ago.</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Sadly another event that marks the not-always-noticeable passage of time.</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Now the first two cinematic Bonds are now gone.</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Now there’s hardly anyone (cast or crew) from the first several 007 flicks still around.</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Even taking into account that, on average, women live longer than men, in 2020 alone we said goodbye to the female leads from both Goldfinger (Honor Blackman) and On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (Diana Rigg).</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Happily, Ursula Andress is still around…</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But returning to the subject of Sir Sean, his passing got me pondering about which of his Bond outings is my favorite. I quickly dismissed Dr. No and Never Say Never Again. The latter was clearly Connery just having some fun with the role, plus the movie itself was many minutes too long and the ending downright anticlimactic. Regarding the former, as it was the first one out of the gate there are obvious weaknesses. These include the limitations that come with a small budget, actors establishing the characters and the absence of John Barry orchestrations that would be a staple of the future films. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So that leaves, in order of release: From Russia With Love, Goldfinger, Thunderball, You Only Live Twice and Diamonds Are Forever. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Goldfinger: For many fans this is </span><span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">the</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> movie. Has it all. Larger-than-life villain with an almost indestructible henchman to boot. Scheme of world domination (and become even more wealthy in the process). Four attractive women. One is quickly forgotten, two are sent to the promised land by almost-indestructible henchman and one sees the end of the movie in company of our hero. And a couple of vulnerable moments for ol’ Jimmy. Will he get sliced in half by a laser? What about when he knocks the lid off the nuclear device and responds with a look of befuddlement? You can read it on his face: “How do I disable this thing?” (Where’s Q Branch when you need them?)</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Speaking of Q Branch, how about that Aston Martin? Is there any driver, anywhere, who hasn’t wished for a button to create an oil slick or smoke screen when dealing with obnoxious and dangerous drivers from the rear? </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Yet for me, perhaps because Goldfinger is so recognized and revered maybe it’s not one of my top choices (gasp!). Don’t misunderstand me, I still like the movie and am willing to watch it periodically. But it’s not at the top of my Connery list. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Thunderball: Great story. In fact, this film has the most interesting backstory of any of the ones adapted from Ian Fleming’s novels. I won’t go into detail here, the infosphere can tell you all. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Despite the plot, the performances, the action, another appearance from the Aston Martin, more attractive women and the Bahamas setting, this one also isn’t at the top of my list. Reason? It’s too long. The undersea battle drags on, the story seems to lag at times and the entire sequence with Quist could have been left on the cutting room floor as it doesn’t advance the plot one bit. Still, there’s plenty of moments where the film is a whole lotta fun. Jet pack, Shrublands, conch chowder, “I think he got the point,” Fiona on the motorcycle and later behind the wheel of a Ford Mustang, James blasting the clay with a hip shot (in full view of the main bad guy) and last but not least: “I hope we didn’t scare the fish.” </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">You Only Live Twice: The first flick with a plot that is entirely unrealistic/unscientific. Even with suspension of disbelief YOLT is difficult to digest. Seriously, a rocket able to reach orbit with at least two crew members and is capable of snatching US or USSR capsules and bringing them back to Earth totally undetected by the inhabitants of Japan? A huge supervillain’s lair in a hollowed-out volcano that was built, again, without any detection by the local gentry? Tiger Tanaka, who has significant resources at his disposal and appears to enjoy a sizable budget, also had no knowledge of the above? Finally, Japan is an island and no doubt the British Navy together with Japan’s intelligence service have the seas well-monitored but Blofeld gets away anyway? <Sigh></span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">By process of elimination you’ve guessed my top two! </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">From Russia With Love. This is my <i>numero uno</i>. Excellent story, very believable. The movie is fast-paced. Some might say the gypsy camp and shooting of Krilencu segments slow down the plot but for me they give more light into the culture of that time and place. Who could not like Kerim Bey? Or feel some sympathy for Tatiana? Or wonder how on earth James will escape the situation of being held at gunpoint, on his knees, in a small passenger train compartment, by a man who is perhaps the most sociopathic of all the Bond baddies? </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Speaking of the Orient Express, perhaps my favorite cinematic moment in the entire series is when James is walking along the platform at one of the train’s stops and Red Grant is aboard the train paralleling him, unseen to James but visible to us. Creeps me out every time I see it.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Then there’s one of the best Bond quips ever, when he realizes what’s happening and that his minutes are numbered: “Red wine with fish, that should have told me something.” </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Then in second place, it’s Diamonds Are Forever! </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I know, this is not too high on the majority of Bond fans’ lists but who cares? What do I like? The Las Vegas setting. This flick is a great way to see what Sin City looked like a half-century ago, with great use of both downtown and The Strip. Bond impersonating Peter Franks. Car chase through downtown (way before it was converted into a pedestrian mall). James sneaking his way into Blofeld’s factory, then escaping via the moon buggy. Bambi and Thumper. Theme song performed by Shirley Bassey. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Downsides? Charles Gray as a not-at-all menacing or frightening Blofeld. (He’s a far cry from Telly Savalas in the <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0064757/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0">previous Bond picture</a>.) A “climax” that is anything but, especially when you consider Blofeld killed Bond’s wife in the aforementioned OHMSS. A plot that’s a bit hard to follow. Pondering why Wint and Kidd kill every one of their victims save for ol’ JB, whom they just leave unconscious in a buried pipeline. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And there you have it! </span></span></p><div><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>Geoguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891548839005022846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11388685.post-5407222724204566282020-10-11T18:02:00.002-05:002020-10-11T18:02:20.385-05:00Three Months? Where does the time go? <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;">Check of the blog. Last post was July 11. Today is October 11. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue; font-size: medium;">What's been going on for the past three moons?</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Been freakin’ busy, that's what. Given the entire Geofamily relocated (again), this time to Minnesota. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The good news I referenced in a <a href="https://azpundit.blogspot.com/2020/06/june-update-and-thoughts.html">June entry</a> was a job offer, one which had a salary and benefits sufficient to have me give a “yes” answer. But with the good comes the bad, meaning arranging the moving and everything else (along with the expected stress and headaches) involved with going somewhere new. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On the other hand it was gratifying to finally have solid direction given Geogal and I were open to staying in or near Manhattan or venturing to Minnesota. While the preceding sentence seems elementary, not knowing where we would land carried its own brand of stress. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">When I say “land,” this means something very different, a characteristic that hasn’t been part of our existence since 2008 when we made the move from Chandler, Arizona to rural Kansas. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Settling. Truly putting down roots. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Geogal and I always knew Norton, Kansas would not be the place we would live out the rest of our lives. When 2016 morphed into 2017 we, as a family, knew it was time to head elsewhere. Henceforth the transition to Manhattan (Kansas). </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Back to the present: Now we’ve been in Saint Peter, Minnesota for a hair over two months. I’m settling into my work and Geoana quickly (as in a few days after our arrival in St. Peter) returned to her college existence, starting her sophomore year. </span></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What’s next on the Geofamily horizon? Transitioning into the Minnesota cold, for starters. I took the opportunity today to go to a Seven Mile Creek Park, pretty good trails and a great chance to enjoy the changing leaf colors Mother Nature has to offer. All of this while clad in t-shirt and shorts (mid-to-high 70’s!!). Here’s a little sample of what I enjoyed:</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fku1rj03qJk/X4OOrcYgRRI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/tFrN3Yi1on0mTAXmNPeG7b-VjTpLsI0JQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_0285.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fku1rj03qJk/X4OOrcYgRRI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/tFrN3Yi1on0mTAXmNPeG7b-VjTpLsI0JQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_0285.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kryjOYhk9Lo/X4OOuhAxC9I/AAAAAAAAA4c/OM8utv0V-eAdXarYEGXPGKYPXVz-U7iawCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_0286.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kryjOYhk9Lo/X4OOuhAxC9I/AAAAAAAAA4c/OM8utv0V-eAdXarYEGXPGKYPXVz-U7iawCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_0286.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_gFROXESgso/X4OOxttT9AI/AAAAAAAAA4g/myUwf_3gceQflil_-zdPT_FXTuQMdPhRwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_0287.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_gFROXESgso/X4OOxttT9AI/AAAAAAAAA4g/myUwf_3gceQflil_-zdPT_FXTuQMdPhRwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_0287.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></span><p></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Yeah, by next weekend the temps will be much cooler. I’ve got the warm clothing and associated food/beverages at the ready….</span></span></p><div><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>Geoguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891548839005022846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11388685.post-73369615445002964172020-07-11T07:31:00.001-05:002020-07-11T07:31:24.404-05:00Topeka TV Over-The-Air Changes<font size="5">Been a long time since I've done a post devoted to over-the-air television reception or changes in the offerings. Two reasons for being dilatory. First, much of my energy these days is taken with other tasks and concerns and second, in my local market (Topeka) there simply wasn't much happening with free TV. </font><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5">Until last Saturday. </font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5">The week prior I noticed a crawl indicating on or after July 3, please re-scan your television if you watch via antenna. No other details. The station's website said the same thing. </font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5">But I knew a couple of things were in the works. Thanks to the ever-useful <a href="http://Rabbitears.info">Rabbitears.info</a> site two of the local channels had to make a switch. And in the past month KSNT's site featured a story on the new construction for KTKA's tower. (For those not familiar with this market, all of the network outlets are owned by two corporations. WIBW is owned by Gray Communications and the others belong to Nexstar. Thus the NBC, ABC, Fox and CW stations are under the same local umbrella. This is why one station can report on the happenings with another and not have suits screaming about giving the competition free publicity.) </font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5">Why did these stations need to move their channels? One word: repack. </font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5">Explanation for the curious. The FCC, over the course of many years, <strike>eliminated</strike> removed the frequencies available for TV broadcast and sold the spectrum space to wireless providers. This began in the late 1980's with channels 70-83 but it's likely no one noticed given these high channels saw almost no use save for translator stations. Then with the analog shut-off in 2009 the channels broadcasting on 52-through 69 had to move to a lower channel or go off the air completely. Shortly afterward channel 51 also got axed. Over the past few years the FCC did another spectrum auction and now stations broadcasting on channels 38 through 50 are undergoing the "move or go off the air" routine. Using a term I consider spin, this auction is referred to as "repack." Bottom line--TV stations are being shoehorned into an ever-smaller chunk of available channels. Since KTKA was on channel 49 and KTMJ broadcast on channel 43 I knew these eventually had to make the move. </font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5">Last Friday night that move happened. </font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5">So I get up last Saturday morning and sure enough, no signal on KTKA or KTMJ, although the latter never did give us a constant watchable picture here in the Manhattan area given it's a low-power station and broadcast from PBS affiliate KTWU's tower in northwest Topeka. KTWU is the shortest of all area transmitter towers and their signal remains sketchy around here even though KTWU is a full-power operation broadcasting on channel 11. </font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5">So...do the rescan and what a nice surprise! While KTKA remains a constant and adequate signal the real treat was vastly improved reception of KTMJ. Three bars (out of five) on the signal strength meter and no dropout or pixellation. Nice to know I can enjoy the subchannels featuring <a href="www.grittv.com">Grit</a> or <a href="www.laff.com">Laff</a> without concern of losing the signal before the movie or program ends. According to FCC information KTMJ's transmitter location moved to KTKA's tower, which is taller and a bit closer to those of us near Manhattan. Even without a significant increase in power this transmitter change is providing a much-improved signal to antenna viewers such as me. </font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5">To the engineers and management: Thank You!!!</font></div>Geoguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891548839005022846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11388685.post-73152718961862288592020-07-06T06:24:00.001-05:002020-07-06T06:24:58.490-05:00The Movies (Stay-At-Home Viewing Part Three)<font size="5">Last entry was about the TV shows, now on to a flick update. </font><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5">Yesterday, courtesy of Prime, I caught "Mommie Dearest," a film I recall getting a lot of attention at the time of release but which I never saw. Until now. </font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5">It falls somewhere between my desire to enjoy older movies and my guilty pleasure of viewing movies that are "so bad it's entertaining." </font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5">It turned out to be another one of those films that had me stating to Geogal as the closing credits rolled: "Now let's watch a comedy." </font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5">Last Thursday the child and I watched "2001, A Space Odyssey" for the second time. Undoubtedly this is a film that is slowly growing on me (not unlike "Contact"). My history of watching it is detailed enough it warrants its own separate entry on this blog. </font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5">Two Sundays ago all three of us enjoyed "Where'd You Go, Bernadette?" While eternal reviews are mixed I can't argue with the film's overall thesis: All of us are gifted to do certain things, and don't try to shove a square peg into a round hole!!</font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5">A look at the DVD queue shows titles such as "Citizen Kane," "Marty" and "Downton Abbey." I expect some quality viewing time in the near future. </font></div>Geoguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891548839005022846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11388685.post-50461409404927868022020-06-27T09:32:00.002-05:002020-06-27T09:32:35.333-05:00Stay-At-Home Viewing, Part Two<span style="font-size: large;">I've <a href="http://azpundit.blogspot.com/2020/05/what-am-i-watching.html">written before</a> about TV and movie viewing while staying home as-much-as-possible. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Challenge: How do I compose an entry addressing the above subject without sounding like thousands of others' articles or postings? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Answer: Remind myself this blog is very individual and not always meant for mass consumption. Although if many people choose to read it I won't quibble. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I still don't watch much on network TV. Fox's "Celebrity Watch Party" is the only show I try to catch when it airs. However....I'm about done with it. A couple of reasons: 1) the novelty is wearing off and 2) many of the programs they feature are not shows in which I'm interested. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So that leaves physical media and streaming. For the former the whole Geohousehold continually enjoys "Futurama," seasons 1-5. (The made-for-TV movies and subsequent return seasons don't interest any of us here--I learned my lesson many years ago from "The Simpsons," "Frasier," and "Family Guy." Don't waste my time or brain matter on programs that clearly passed their sell-by date.) Also in the DVD category is "The Critic" (a show years ahead of its time), "WKRP in Cincinnati" and Geogal has one of her all-time favorites: "Scarecrow and Mrs. King." </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Streaming? Obviously a larger category and one that's ever-changing. For now we're all savoring the one season of "Alone" currently on Netflix. Maybe it's the spectre of seeing individuals slowly dealing with the challenges of being both isolated and lacking many modern outdoor essentials (no propane camp stoves, no Yeti coolers, no firearms, no rod and reels, no compound bows). Throw in no interpersonal drama and no (fake) strength or endurance games, a la "Survivor," and you've got some interesting viewing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Another series available to us via Hulu is "King of the Hill." Some years back Geoana asked if I wanted this one in DVD form but I answered in the negative. Even though KOTH ran for 12 seasons there are only about 25-30 episodes I truly enjoy. And...I've watched about all of them in the past few weeks. I forsee putting this one on the back burner soon. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Also in the above linked entry I wrote about watching "The Prisoner." I have since finished it. Thoughts? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Overall not a bad use of my time. A few episodes are excellent, others are just a bit surreal for my taste. And my take on how it ended? Just one sentence: Watch it for yourself and draw your own conclusions. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the meantime I did succumb and viewed "Tiger King." I agree with my gals' take--this is a show that really has no true hero or obvious villain. The primary characters all appear to have their unique strengths and faults. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">That's all for now. I will save films for the next entry. </span><br />
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<br />Geoguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891548839005022846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11388685.post-78796853925336272392020-06-26T05:57:00.001-05:002020-06-26T05:57:35.482-05:00June update and thoughts<font size="5">Whoa, been nearly a month since I've posted here. </font><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5">Several things happened in the interim, I'll get to those in due time. Let's just say the Geohousehold will be busy for the next several weeks. </font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5">Yet I'm making a commitment to keeping this space current and also remind myself that writing (however little or great) here can be quite therapeutic. </font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5">___________________________</font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5">Mark this in the "things of which I was vaguely aware" category: Ever notice when you're in a state of expectation, how it helps to stay occupied and active? </font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5">A small case in point--at the start of last week I was on pins and needles regarding (what I hoped) was pending news. Monday, quiet. Tuesday, quiet. Wednesday morning, got something in the email inbox that showed promise. And Wednesday afternoon Geogal and I decided to get out and move around in actual nature, not just our subdivision. We took a short hike along Linear Trail, where it crosses under Highway 24, and headed in the south/southwest direction, past the point where the Big Blue River empties into the Kansas River. We reached a good turning-around point and walked back to the car. Once I got home I noticed I had a missed call and voice mail message on the phone, both of which came across not long after we set out on the trail. </font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5">It was good news. </font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5">___________________________</font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5">Finished watching John Ford's cavalry trilogy. A bit out of order as I first viewed "She Wore A Yellow Ribbon" and the following week watched "Fort Apache." Wrapped things up with "Rio Grande," courtesy of Prime streaming (the other two were DVD-in-the-mail from Netflix). </font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5">Glad I took the time. All are well-done and even Geogal surprised me by hanging around, given she generally is not a western-movie person. She remarked: "I'd forgotten how good of a movie 'Fort Apache' is." </font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5">Speaking of trilogies, I'm scheduled to get "The Rise of Skywalker" from Netflix DVD either today or tomorrow. Didn't bother to catch it in the theater. That will lead into a whole 'nother blog entry. </font></div>Geoguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891548839005022846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11388685.post-58660320299654972602020-05-28T07:22:00.003-05:002020-05-28T07:22:50.305-05:00Wow, this coming Sunday will be brutal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">When they said warmer temps were on the way they meant it!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Might make me long for summer days in Chandler, Arizona when I thought 110 and above was rough...</span>Geoguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891548839005022846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11388685.post-71862852047541882872020-05-14T14:32:00.002-05:002020-05-14T14:32:55.417-05:00Is There Really Any Shame During COVID-19 Lockdown?<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">In my last entry I detailed my guilty pleasure as watching “The Masked Singer” every Wednesday night. Do I dare add a new one? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Early last week I recall seeing promos for a Fox program titled: “<a href="https://www.fox.com/celebrity-watch-party/">Celebrity Watch Party.</a>” At the time I shook my head (figuratively) and mumbling “so it’s come to this?” regarding network programming ideas that can be done quickly and in an inexpensive manner. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">But in spite of myself….</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Come last Thursday evening we already had it on the Fox station (watching the 6 and 6:30 episodes of “The Big Bang Theory”) when 7:00 rolled around and “CWP” debuted. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Well…</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">It actually gained and held our attention. Part of the appeal was due to this being a program no one needs to take too seriously and some was seeing well-known figures interact with members of their family, such as Tyra Banks with her mother. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">To my surprise the shows featured were not only Fox products but included offerings from Disney+, TLC and even CBS Sunday Night At The Movies. Even though the three of us who constitute the Geo-household still hadn’t seen many of the programs the “celebrities” were viewing but we could still laugh together with the rest of the viewing world when Ozzy Osbourne mumbled: “Who the (bleep) is that?” upon last week’s Masked Singer reveal. Just like the erstwhile musician/personality/bat-head-biter we also had never heard of Jackie Evancho. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">So an hour goes by and we laughed. A lot. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Will I catch “Celebrity Watch Party” tonight? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sure!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">______________________________</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Put this one into the “even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while” category:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">A few Christmases ago I gave Geogal (who is a notoriously difficult person to buy for) a <a href="https://www.phonesoap.com/">PhoneSoap</a> as one of her presents. I got the idea from an episode of “Shark Tank” and figured given her work in health care and her penchant for keeping items sanitary it would be a good gift. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now fast-forward to March of 2020. She and Geoana have returned to Kansas for a time and there is much concern about COVID-19 and what actions the federal and state governments will take. Geogal is unpacking and reaches into one box, pulls out the PhoneSoap and says—with conviction: </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Best! Gift! Ever!!”</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Note to self: Savor this for as long as you can. </span></span></div>
Geoguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891548839005022846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11388685.post-40734898798885205452020-05-03T11:37:00.000-05:002020-05-03T11:38:10.217-05:00What Am I Watching?<span style="font-size: large;">I try to keep these entries original and (I hope) slightly interesting to certain folks. Yet today I'll share how I've spent some of my time in front of the idiot flat screen. Not an excessive amount of time, mind you. But I believe television and movies, in proper moderation and as part of a balanced life, do no harm and actually serve the purposes of relaxation, entertainment and education. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Over the air</u> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Right now there's only one prime time show I watch regularly: "The Masked Singer." And don't you dare judge me, dear reader. (We're all entitled to a few guilty pleasures.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Otherwise I and the rest of the household usually catch the 4:00 airing of "Mom" on KTMJ, followed by "The Big Bang Theory." Occasionally I catch a good western on <a href="https://www.grittv.com/">Grit</a>, except the reception is a bit hinkey here in Pottawatomie County as the channel 43.3 signal is low-power and not designed to be watchable outside of metro Topeka. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When will "American Ninja Warrior" begin airing???</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Completed: </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The second season of "Manifest." Will I continue? Not sure. Geogal already expressed her disdain for the direction the show is taking and she makes some good points. I also agree with folks on the 'Net pointing out we've now finished two seasons and still have no idea what caused the plane to vanish for five years then reappear with no time elapsing for the passengers/crew. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"The Spy" While I'm not a fan of Sacha Baron Cohen this six episode somewhat-based-on-fact series was interesting if for nothing more than to watch a blue-collar, everyday individual morph into a different persona. Did he continue strictly out of duty to his country or perhaps did he enjoy the life and lifestyle of the alter ego? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In progress:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"The Prisoner" Amazon Prime offers this one and I'm enjoying the ability to watch the episodes when I wish, uninterrupted. Given the surreal and downcast nature of this show this is not one you would binge-watch. I've found about every other day works for me. I have five episodes left. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Black Books" My gals are watching this one but I've caught a few episodes here and there. I always can tell when they've chosen this as I hear bursts of loud laughter no matter where I am in the house. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Just yesterday I started watching "Rust Valley Restorers" even though I'm not a gearhead nor even mechanically inclined. Doesn't matter, it's still interesting to see how nearly-ancient vehicles are given new life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Geogal activated a one-month free subscription to Hulu last Sunday so that helped turn the normally-dreary Sunday afternoon/evening into an enjoyable way to pass the time. The women prefer "How I Met Your Mother" and "Mrs. America" while I'm rewatching some "King Of The Hill" eps. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Haven't begun but I'm pondering: </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Tiger King" Do I take the plunge? The gals binge-watched this one while they were in Minnesota yet they've kept their comments to a minimum. </span><br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">Physical media</span></u><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">All hail the DVD! (And Blu-Ray!!) Yes, I know streaming offers movies and TV shows for instant viewing but.....</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Not everything is available on streaming. This is especially true for someone like me, whose tastes don't run for anything and everything being colossally loaded with CGI or for superhero movies (either DC or Marvel) that hit the screen at the rate of about one per week. What if I'm more into watching classic films or those that are a bit esoteric? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There's also pride and confidence in owning, truly owning, the movie or show you bought. Doesn't take a long search online to find people angry because they purchased something only to have it removed from the streaming service for one reason or another. Even my 19-year-old daughter understands the value of having the small plastic disk. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But back to the subject--what I am watching on DVD or Blu-Ray? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Currently have "Munich," probably will watch that today. Two nights ago enjoyed "New In Town," particularly given the New Ulm, Minnesota location (even though the picture was shot in Canada). </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Just recently:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Dirty Harry"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"1941"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"Once Upon A Time In Hollywood"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"Rocky IV"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"The Jerk"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"Spartacus"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"The Manchurian Candidate" (the original, with Frank Sinatra)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">...and so on. </span><br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">Combining The Two</span></u><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Sergio Leone/Clint Eastwood trilogy of spaghetti westerns. The first two, "A Fistful of Dollars" and "For a Few Dollars More" I watched via the DVD by-mail service and caught the third one, "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly" on Netflix streaming. I can put this in the "completed" category. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Soon though, I will take up the John Ford/John Wayne cavalry trilogy. I have "Fort Apache" and "She Wore A Yellow Ribbon" in the DVD queue and can watch "Rio Grande" on streaming. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">__________________________ </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Time for a bit of snark? When you're searching the streaming services for something worthwhile it sure reminds me of scouring the video rental places in the 80's and 90's looking, maybe in vain, for something worth watching that you haven't already seen. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The technology changes but the quality of offerings usually doesn't.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I did buy a subscription to ESPN+ around the beginning of March, for reasons completely unrelated to pending lockdown. I wanted to catch some K-State baseball games and then....yeah...we all know what happened. But in addition to live sports the ESPN+ package offers all the "30 for 30" documentaries so in the meantime I enjoyed several that I found interesting and well-done. Granted I won't be watching every one as some pertain to sports, subjects or personalities I either find repulsive or just don't fit my overall makeup. That's OK, however, as it means there's often something out there for everyone. Since I've about exhausted the "30 for 30" productions I likely will end my ESPN+ service. Now, if they just offered "5 Reasons You Can't Blame".....</span><br />
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<br />Geoguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891548839005022846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11388685.post-5199675281807767752020-04-29T07:21:00.001-05:002020-04-29T07:21:28.783-05:00Is It Time For My Thoughts??<span style="font-size: large;">So I take a look at this blog and realize my last entry was March 18. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">To say much has changed since then would be a colossal understatement. As is happening with so many other states, Kansas residents are under a stay-at-home order although as of this writing the governor might relax this a bit in the next few days. I'm staying tuned. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Minnesota is under an even more restrictive order and as such Geoana is now back with us, doing her classes online. Whether her institution will resume classes in the brick and mortar setting by fall is yet to be decided. However as a family we decided if the fall classes are online then Geoana is out of there. She's in full agreement that paying tuition and the other fees for the privilege of attending one of the top private institutions in the area isn't the best use of money if all she's doing is....online courses. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Stay tuned. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have my thoughts and opinions about this whole COVID-19 lockdown situation but I'll keep those out of this blog not only because I like my privacy but also believe I have nothing original to contribute to the nation-and-worldwide discussion/debate. What I will do is two things. First, what are the things for which I can be thankful? And second, what can I list that in the future I hope to not take for granted? </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Giving thanks:</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My household is healthy, no symptoms of coronavirus or anything else outside of seasonal allergies. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We still have a roof over our heads along with amenities such as running water (that is potable), electricity and an Internet connection.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The weather is warming up which means the ability to be outdoors, and that is a great remedy for cabin fever.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Even though the library is closed until further notice we can still borrow certain titles through the online lending service, downloaded right to my Kindle Paperwhite. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Friends and neighbors. And my brain reminding <u>me</u> to be a good friend and neighbor. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Taking afternoon walks around the neighborhood and seeing whole families outside, even if they don't go beyond their own driveway.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The hope and anticipation that restrictions, at some point, will ease and life as we know it will slowly return to a sense of normal. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I could go on but those items are a great start. </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Remember not to take for granted in the future:</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The privilege of going out to eat, whether it's a quick burger and fries or a nice sit-down multi-course meal. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">No restrictions on outdoor activities such as camping.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Going to the library. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Attending church and receiving communion.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Going to see a movie (providing there's any I wish to see--the only one that comes to mind recently was "1917").</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Just about anything else that can be done in and with the public, such as going to a park or community event. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Visiting friends' homes and vice versa. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Again, this list could go on but I feel content with the above for now. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Note to self: Look at this entry a few weeks, then months, then years in the future. Being reminded of what is really important never hurts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Stay tuned.</span><br />
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<br />Geoguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891548839005022846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11388685.post-75883110580428380642020-03-18T08:21:00.000-05:002020-03-18T08:21:15.201-05:00These 40 days of Lent<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ideas and inspiration for these blog posts come from numerous sources. Sometimes it’s current events, other times it may be a response to a past or present life event. Plus when I travel the combination of different surroundings and making memories spurs the writing juices. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Such was the case a couple of weeks ago when, in the course of typical errands, I spotted this marquee for a local BBQ joint:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Some background for readers who are not part of my family: I was raised Catholic. As such the season of Lent always meant the Friday night meal consisted of tuna casserole or fish sticks. And my lunch always featured a peanut-butter sandwich. Ash Wednesday also was a no-meat day. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Even into my teen years I was afraid of inadvertently eating meat lest the wrath of God come upon me. Once I even voiced this and my father quickly steered me in the right direction with the sentence: “That’s not God’s rule, that’s the church’s rule,” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">I’m now in my 50’s and in this passage of time my faith direction shifted away from the Catholic Church and to mainstream Protestantism. But that’s a subject well beyond the scope of this blog and I’m not comfortable putting that much of my story out for public consumption. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">However with the abstinence from meat on certain days still taught and adhered to by Roman Catholics it does make sense to look into the origin and reason of this rule. As expected the Internet gives plenty of information but I will summarize it for you: If you’re choosing to deny yourself something pleasurable to instead focus on your spiritual growth you will reap significant long-term benefits. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">I agree, scholars and theologians. That previous sentence appears far too simplistic yet I choose the wording in order to stay on my topic and not venture into examples or specifics. I can leave that to others. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">My takeaway is this: I <i><b>choose</b></i> to practice abstinence and/or fasting rather than obeying a particular rule out of compulsion. If during this Lenten season I deny myself something enjoyable in order to spend more time in prayer and meditation I will have a better mindset and undoubtedly improved results. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now back to the sign that started all of this. Under the rules of the Catholic Church I can consume said po’ boy on Friday during Lent and be within their regulation of abstinence. But following the letter of the law obviously isn’t the same as the spirit. A sandwich such as that will be pleasing (very much so) to my palate but am I denying myself anything significant? For me the answer is no. In line with my hobby of grilling food I learned how to cook salmon on a cedar plank, resulting in fish that has a wonderful smoky flavor and plenty of moisture. Same thing. The dish contains neither flesh nor fowl but gives me no sense of abstinence. </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">I will close this with a reminder to all who read this. I am not your spiritual leader so please don’t take my words here with any intention of directing others in matters of faith or in deconstructing the rules of the Catholic Church, or any other denomination. Rather interpret this entry as a reflection of my own thoughts and attitudes toward this season of Lent and our anticipation of Easter. I’m pleased to be part of a church body that does observe Lent and recall a conversation with a colleague who, while having very similar spiritual beliefs, admitted never having practiced a Lenten season observation and indicated an open attitude towards it. Perhaps this entry will get some people thinking. </span></span></div>
Geoguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891548839005022846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11388685.post-87571224670487830882020-02-23T18:30:00.001-06:002020-03-11T21:02:15.275-05:00To Thine Own Self Be True<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">The “Operation Varsity Blues” scandal hit the news a little less than a year ago. Since then I've been struggling to write about the matter. While I want to share my thoughts I also want to contribute something original. </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">So while it's tempting to join in the schadenfreude I chose to take a different track. </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">For this entry I also did something I normally don’t do with my blogging. I talked to my freshman daughter and not surprisingly she had some strong thoughts on the matter. Undoubtedly this is due to her experience over the past 12-16 months applying to schools. Based on her GPA and ACT scores (and the latter didn’t just magically jump significantly the second time she took the test), together with her 4H leadership experience, community service and forensics/debate titles meant several schools were more than happy to grant her admission. </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Something to emphasize--she handled the admissions process herself. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">She</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> did the applications. </span><span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">She</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> communicated with the schools. </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Isn't that as it should be? Daughter headed up the process, not her mother or father. </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">If these OVB parents did all the work, when will these young people learn how to manage for themselves? And if the students DID know about the skullduggery, then yes, toss them out. </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Again, I won't dwell on the above any further. My "different track" here is...integrity. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">I recall a workplace conversation many years ago (around 2003 if my memory holds) which speaks clearly to this topic. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">The agency where I worked housed me in the same building with a program staffed by several individuals, one of whom was a nurse. This was no twenty-something, rather she was a good 15 years older than me. As she talked about her high school years this individual disclosed a piece of information that caught my attention. While discussing the menial-level jobs high school students typically have, this nurse shared how she earned an income during that time: </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I wrote papers for other students.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">My response involved disdain for how she, or anyone, could so overtly contribute to academic fraud. Her answer? “I was a businesswoman. My fellow students would pay for this service and I was willing to provide it.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I think I was so aghast I just didn’t have effective comebacks in the moment.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Yet now I can think of follow-up queries such as: what would you think if your child, or stepchildren, engaged in this type of action or even worse, bought “papers” from a fellow student instead of doing the work themselves?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">What if I had the chance to ask her those today? For good measure I might add: “As a nurse, how would you feel about taking direction from a physician who cheated his/her way through school?” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Back to the present. Will any of these young people experience remorse later over the spectre of cheating to gain admission to USC or the like? Will seeing their family members going to jail and suffering other consequences make any impact? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">But I do know this: My own child will have no such struggle. Nor do my wife and I have concerns about facing any fraud charges and as a bonus, can take pride in our child not only being accepted to, but completing a demanding academic program. </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";">Sometimes there's no better sleeping pill than a clear conscience. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";">And shame on you, nurse Susan. </span></span></span></div>
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Geoguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891548839005022846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11388685.post-37753211758369183242020-01-20T14:00:00.000-06:002020-01-20T14:00:14.646-06:00Christmas In Minnesota--Conclusion<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Christmas morning rolled around and as is so typical, I’m the first one up. In my normal household setting it’s no issue for me to get my coffee brewing and fire up the MacBook to check email and other things online. But today, at this apartment, Geoana is still snoozing in the living room area so I extra-quietly start my first K-cup and surreptitiously fill the two stockings waiting under the tree. (In my last entry I neglected to mention that after the offloading Geogal assembled our Christmas tree. We’ve had this artificial arbor for a few years now and given I had plenty of room for cargo it was no problem for me to bring it along so the Minnesota apartment could have more of the Christmas feel.) </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Finally everyone’s up and we enjoy emptying the stockings. No wrapped “presents” this year, given the whirlwind nature of my journey and the stress of maintaining two households, if only for a short time. I suggested, with tongue-in-cheek, we have our Christmas gift exchange in early June, at which time we hope much of the dust will have cleared. Geoana’s response indicated my spouse and I should just “go away somewhere” for our Yuletide present. (Should that happen, I vote for Nashville.) </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">After church and the midday Christmas meal (ham with all the trimmings) the afternoon and evening felt, to me, a bit odd. Not so much that I was not at “home” but rather the feeling of being cooped-up and subsequently restless. “Not to worry,” I kept telling myself: “Tomorrow you will have the chance to get out and see some of this town.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">And I did. On Thursday Geogal and I (plus our 18-year-old home-from-college child) met with our buyer’s agent, who took us through a couple of houses for sale and added in a leisurely tour of the area. Friday the Geofamily went to Baxter and spent some money at Mills Fleet Farm then when evening hit Geogal and I had an early anniversary celebration meal at <a href="http://attheblacknwhite.com/">A.T. The Black & White</a>. I recommend the almond-encrusted walleye sandwich—to die for!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Then Saturday arrives and with it, time for me to hit the highway back to Kansas. I’m scheduled to return to work on Monday and wanted the extra day to relax and do laundry.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">I planned to depart just as soon as I awakened which for me is always early. Sure enough, I leave at 4:30 a.m. I’m taking a different route this time given a winter storm is predicted to cause some concern for roads in the western part of the state. Take 10 to St. Cloud then meet I-94 to The Cities. From there on south it’s I-35, much to my dismay. While there’s nothing wrong or objectionable about 35 I have traveled it so many times the past six years it now has a boring sameness. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">The starting leg proves to be no problem. Gas up at Petro in St. Cloud, then it’s accelerate to interstate highway speed. In my headlights I see very small snowflakes. However once I pass Rogers the light snow turns into rain. Then the rain begins freezing on my windshield. Hit the washer fluid to clear my sight. Intersect I-494, which I plan to take around the west edge of the metro area to avoid unnecessary city traffic, even at this early hour. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Then my plan hit a snag. Or should I say a slide. As in my Suburban beginning to lose traction and slightly move in directions against my desire. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nice way to phrase my immediate concern (actually closer to terror) with the road conditions. Seems the pavement was just cold enough to turn the rain into a skating rink. I’m proud to say I kept my head, eased off on the accelerator and then carefully and slowly took the next off ramp, hoping there would be a 24-hour restaurant specializing in breakfast. You know—Perkins, IHOP or even Denny’s. Unfortunately this exit offered only a Holiday gas station/convenience store. I settle for a banana and a protein bar and grab my library books to pass the time. Again, another benefit of a Suburban is the large interior space meaning I can recline my seat to a non-driving position while I wait to see what will happen both meteorologicaly and road-wise. Will crews be out with salt or other types of treatment? If so, when? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">I also remind myself, for the first of several times this day, that I’m so thankful to not be pulling a U-Haul trailer.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fortunately the rain stops yet the temperature remains around 29 degrees. After an hour the sky is dawning and I decide to head out and see if I can make progress. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Back on 494 I notice the vehicles in front are kicking up what looks like slush. All right! If I drive slow and stay in the already-traveled lanes I might just get through this. Then another mile or two I see numerous taillights in the distance. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">That can only mean an accident ahead. I decide to stay on the road and just endure the wait, however long it takes. Being surrounded by other cars and trucks easily eliminates my feelings of loneliness but I’m starting to get restless by sitting in this traffic. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Getting through the bottleneck (turns out it wasn’t an accident but rather several larger trucks having lost traction on a slight grade which blocked about three lanes) takes between 75 and 90 minutes. Finally I’m through and again making progress on 494. Still taking it slow and steady I reach the I-35W junction in about 15 minutes. South on 35W was much the same and I kept telling myself that once I cleared Burnsville and the 35E split the conditions might improve as I’d be leaving the metro area. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes you get what you hope for! I pull off at the rest area south of Owatonna for a potty and stretch-the-legs interlude. Checking the weather app on my phone I see that my direction calls for rain but not snow. Yes! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">During the next few miles the ice even on the road shoulders lessens. Crossing into Iowa I decide my next stop will be Ames. To keep my mind occupied I listen to the Camping World Bowl, hearing Iowa State get bested by Notre Dame. Once in Ames I decide to splurge on lunch and go to Five Guys. When you’re mentally and physically tired sometimes there’s no beating a hearty burger and fries!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Re-energized, it’s back to 35 and finish up Iowa. Weather continued to be a mixed bag of heavy rain, light rain and medium rain. No matter—still beats ice. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Next state is Missouri and I decide instead of skirting the northern edge of KC and taking the Kansas Turnpike I will exit at Cameron and go west on U.S. 36 until it intersects K-99, then head south through Frankfort, retracing the route I took on the 24th. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">36 is a well-maintained four lane highway all the way to St. Joe, which is good because that is when the sky decided to open up and drop massive sheets of rain on this part of the Show-Me State. Visibility is extremely poor for a stretch and now daylight is diminishing. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Yet my fear of heavy rain combined with darkness never becomes reality. Crossing into Kansas I’m able to keep the road in sight with minimal effort and after Hiawatha there are patches of fog but no further raindrops. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Even though I know it’s coming I had to wonder if I would ever reach Highway 99. Of course it arrives just as it should and I know I’ve hit the homestretch. The road is in decent condition as the temp is above freezing yet the fog still comes and goes. Passing by Rock Creek High School I encountered a big patch of pea soup. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Then finally…it’s home. Familiar subdivision and I feel as if I’m on autopilot. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy to see my front door. I text Geogal that I made it and unload only what I need for tonight from the Suburban. All the rest can wait ‘till tomorrow. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">I also joked (via text to my wife) that I was ready for a belt of whiskey. While I did pour myself a small amount from a bottle of Buffalo Trace (one of my birthday presents), I chose to sip the libation rather than gulp it down. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Stats for this day: Total time on the road—15 hours. Distance—662 miles. </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">No one had to rock me to sleep that night. </span></span></div>
Geoguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891548839005022846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11388685.post-1215686651354088262020-01-12T14:35:00.000-06:002020-01-12T14:37:13.808-06:00Christmas In Minnesota--Part One<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Since the time of my daughter’s birth we (Geogal, Geoana and I) have not traveled during the Christmas holiday. That makes a good 18 years of staying home during the holidays which certainly makes a sometimes-difficult season less stressful. But Christmas of 2019 was destined to be different. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Road trips are nothing new for me. Beginning in 1985 when I drove solo from Albuquerque to Austin, Texas (in one day) I’ve done the solitary driving journey numerous times. Thus when Geogal and I developed our plans for Christmas we opted for me to make the drive to Minnesota. She now has an apartment but was very limited, vehicle space-wise, when she ventured north at the end of November. However I drive a Suburban (tons of interior room) and also rented a 12-foot long U-Haul trailer to handle the larger pieces of furniture. So with specifics about what household items she needed and which furniture items she wanted I was soon packed, loaded and ready to go north. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">4:55 a.m. on 24 December. Journey’s genesis. My route involved driving north until I intersected U.S. 36, then head east until I meet U.S. 75, taking me around Sabetha and into Nebraska. Made a quick potty-and-more-coffee stop in Auburn, then north to the Omaha metro area. From there the route was familiar: I-80 across the Missouri River into Iowa, then turn north on I-29 to take me to Sioux City. As I remembered from previous trips, the trek between Council Bluffs and Sioux City passed quickly. No doubt this is due to the combination of interstate speeds and the stretch being very flat, given you’re traveling parallel to the Missouri River. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Since I skimped on breakfast I elected to stop in Sioux City for an early (as in 10:30 a.m.) lunch. Munching down an Incredible Whopper with a side of small fries gave my body and mind the needed energy boost. I bid goodbye to Interstate 29 and took the northeast route out of town, back on U.S. 75. Again this slab of highway is nothing new, as the Geofamily has taken it either to or from Minnesota at least three other times. Yet today is different from those other sojourns. Once I was past Le Mars (home of Blue Bunny ice cream!) and the four-lane changed designations from U.S. 75 to Iowa 60 the surrounding landscape color changed from brown/yellow to white. This, combined with an increasing mist created a decrease in both visibility and my mood. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">What should I do when needing some mental energy? Answer: Start engaging different brain cells and speculate on things outside my immediate journey while still paying attention to the road and other drivers. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Since moving to Kansas in 2008 and becoming acclimated to what I affectionately call “western Kansas driving distance,” I’ve entertained thoughts of attaining a private pilot’s license as a means of not only showing myself I can learn the basics of aerodynamics but also have a means of transportation allowing faster travel between points A and B. During this stretch of my drive I again had those thoughts but quickly came back to reality. Given the poor visibility any type of flying north of Sioux City on this day would require IFR. Granted, that type of rating can still be learned but takes more time and experience. Sigh. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">But within the hour I’m approaching Worthington, just after crossing into Minnesota. Time for another fuel, fluid and empty the bladder pause. I text the gals that I’m now in my last of the four states for today and Geogal quickly responds how I’m making great time. That also lifts my mood. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Another factor that kicks me out of “the blues:” driving on a new (to me) stretch of highway. On previous trips it was reach Worthington, then turn west on Interstate 90 toward Rochester. Today—stay on Minnesota 60 until it intersects Minn. 15 at Madelia. I’m enjoying the experience of different vistas and take note of one in particular. It’s a flat stretch of white which I initially believe is a field given this is a heavily agricultural region. But then I see what looks like hunting blinds only they are dark in color. Suddenly it hits me: That’s a frozen-over lake with ice fishing huts! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">A manifestation that I’ve entered a unique part of the United States. And it’s this “uncommonality” (yes, I know that’s not a word) that increases this area’s appeal to the Geofamily. Not to mention my propensity to engage in outdoor activities but that’s an entirely different blog entry. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Back to the travelogue. I pass through New Ulm, a name I recognize due to its microbrewery, <a href="https://www.schellsbrewery.com/">Schells</a>. Perhaps its part of my mental transition from Kansas to Minnesota but I’m quickly becoming a fan of Grain Belt beer. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">By this time I’m heading directly north and am now on a 2-lane roadway. Yet it’s no problem as the traffic overall is light (wonder if that’s due to today being Christmas Eve?) and I don’t have to deal with slow farm trucks given the growing and harvest season is well over. Plus the roads are dry overall so there’s no vehicles in front kicking up droplets onto my windshield. No bug splats either! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Make my last stop in Hutchinson (that’s Minnesota, not Kansas!!) and fill my travel mug with more java. No apologies—I need the caffeine kick for this final couple of hours. From Hutchinson it’s battle-my-driving-fatigue with the anticipation that I’m now within striking distance of Little Falls. The towns begin to blur. Dassel, then Kimball. Should be getting close to St. Cloud. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Yep. I’m finally in an urban area for the first time since the outskirts of Sioux City. From here the next highway intersection is as easy as it gets: stay on Minnesota 15 through St. Cloud and Sauk Rapids and it merges with U.S. 10, resulting in a straight shot to Little Falls. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">It’s now past 4 p.m. and I take note of another indicator how I’m in a different region. This far north, it sure gets dark quicker than Kansas (this time of year)! I hope there’s still some daylight by the time I reach my destination. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Not breaking any speed limits but still pressing on, I reach Little Falls just as twilight hits. I turn onto the main east-west drag (1st. Ave./Broadway) and the town seems to take on an ethereal quality. Probably a combination of my level of tired, Christmas Eve slowdown and skies turning from dark gray to black. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Follow directions from Siri and within a few minutes I’m parked outside Geogal’s apartment. Time for greetings accompanied with hugs from my gals. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">But before I can sit and relax we need to unload my cargo. Geoana and I do the heavy lifting and despite tromping through packed-down snow we’ve got everything out of the trailer and Suburban in less than an hour. Only then is it time to unwind and enjoy a quiet Christmas Eve with family. Yes, I’m wanting to explore this new area but remind myself I have three full days here before I head back to Kansas. Take your time, Geoguy. </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Stats for the day: Total time on the road—exactly 12 hours. Departed at 4:55 a.m. and arrived between 4:50 and 5 p.m. Distance—608 miles. </span></span></div>
Geoguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891548839005022846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11388685.post-58903489292038486892020-01-04T17:14:00.000-06:002020-01-06T20:26:20.125-06:00Hello Minnesota!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2020 will bring several changes to our lives, not the least of which is moving to/settling in Minnesota.
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<span style="font-size: large;">Why? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's a good question. After all, the regular readers of this blog know we moved from Chandler, Arizona to Norton, Kansas in 2008 and since August of 2017 we've resided near Manhattan (Kansas, not NYC). </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">First, a little history. In July of 2014 we made our first trip to The North Star State due to Geoana being referred to the Mayo Clinic for treatment. I documented our travels starting <a href="https://azpundit.blogspot.com/2014/08/the-month-of-july.html">here</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We then made a follow-up visit in the fall. I recall beginning our drive home and thinking, once on Interstate 90 headed in the direction of Austin and Albert Lea, that it was a shame we wouldn't be returning as our child appeared stable and likely wouldn't need further visits. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Was I wrong. Several times over. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Turns out additional Mayo visits were in the future. (Although as of this writing all family members are doing well and we don't anticipate further medical care of that magnitude, for which I am thankful.) Plus we decided to combine at least one of those visits (summer of 2016) into a more lengthy Minnesota visit, complete with taking in several Twin Cities attractions. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Meanwhile Geogal and I pondered our next move. Even a decade ago we knew Norton would not be our final residence given its isolation and size. However once we traipsed across the state to our current locate we seriously considered purchasing a house in either Manhattan or Wamego and making this our home base for years to come. We even visited several open houses in the area between March and June of 2019. But during this time it became obvious that Geogal had very few employment opportunities in her chosen field should we remain here and was unhappy with her then-employer. Also she was researching different places to eventually retire and concluded Minnesota would be preferred, if not completely optimal. For example, Kansas taxes even regular food items at the grocery store (most states don't). Not only does Minne-so-cold not tax food, it also doesn't tax clothing. The quality of the medical care (even if you exclude the Mayo presence) also is a large factor for Geogal, so we made the decision. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">An aside: When deciding to leave Norton, moving to Minnesota was actually our first choice. But barriers with Geogal transferring her professional license and the issues of going to another state with our child still in public school led us to consider Manhattan instead. Thus, moving to Minnesota wasn't a rush decision. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But that was then and this is now. The timing appears better and Geogal has her Minnesota license in place and began employment "up north." </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I will follow shortly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm also looking forward to settling in a place and culture so different than any I've ever been around before. In future entries I will give my impressions and experiences. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But for now I will need to brush up on my outdoor skills. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Can't wait!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(image taken from Dreamstime.com)</span><br />
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Geoguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891548839005022846noreply@blogger.com0