Means I should get at least one more post in before June debuts.
Several topics abound in my brain. Where should I begin? The passing of Roger Moore, the first of the James Bonds to leave us?
My enjoyment of one of the best TV series ever, WKRP in Cincinnati? I got the entire series on DVD this past Christmas and had the pleasure of both introducing my child to it and seeing my wife laugh out loud at episodes we haven't seen in probably two decades.
My latest adventures in camping? (I'm taking some creative license with this one, as my recent trip didn't exactly constitute adventure but I did a heckuva lot of relaxing.)
Or what is occupying our time and energy these days? No, I'll leave that for later.
Back to television, I decided to treat my child to some of the best TV around, having her watch the "Chuckles Bites The Dust" episode when MeTV aired six "Mary Tyler Moore" shows to acknowledge her passing. As if that wasn't good enough, I tapped into Netflix's streaming offerings and had her watch the "That's My Boy" episode of the Dick Van Dyke Show. Great examples of how comedy doesn't have to be based in partisan politics, sexuality, or laughing at someone's expense to be entertaining.
Of course I had to give her some of the flip side, showing her "The Star Wars Holiday Special" on YouTube. I think she fell asleep during part of it.
_________________________________
Since my fingers on the keyboard focused on television just now, why not choose WKRP?
When the show first aired I had full kitchen duty on Monday nights. While seemingly not a problem it did prevent me from enjoying much of the first season of WKRP.
I probably should back up here and explain that in my 'tweens Mom returned to the workforce and that meant the responsibility of the evening meal fell to one person each night Monday through Thursday. Monday was my night. Therefore I had to plan the meal, ensure the ingredients were either on hand or on the previous weekend's grocery shopping list, prepare the meal and clean up afterward. But then I was typically off KP for the rest of the week, when either my sister or one of the parents took their turn. By the way, I'm not bitter. This experience taught me how to cook (often from scratch) and as such I was well prepared when time came for me to leave home.
In the fall of 1978 I remember cleaning up the kitchen on Monday nights and hearing the rest of my family laugh (sometimes they were in hysterics) over some show called WKRP in Cincinnati. But whenever I ventured out of the kitchen to check out just what was so danged funny Mom verbally and promptly made sure I got back to my kitchen chores. By the time I finished the show was usually over. And younger readers, back in those days VCR's were a pricey luxury item that didn't exist in our household until many years in the future. But through summer reruns I got the chance to finally see what was behind all the laughter.
After its cancellation I continued to enjoy the show through the syndicated reruns. However I noticed around 2000 or so, when The Nashville Network was airing the series, something was amiss.
The music.
For example, in the episode "A Family Affair," Venus Flytrap showed Andy Travis' sister around Cincinnati. Venus did call in to let the station know he wouldn't be there for his air shift that evening but as Jennifer Marlowe had the day off Arthur Carlson handled all the incoming calls. Anyone familiar with the show would know Carlson wasn't up to the task and as such Andy (at literally the last second) had to go on the air and keep things running smooth. As Venus' program was established to be mainly soul and R&B, Andy did his best rendition of a hip, African-American announcer, failing miserably. The two songs he cued up in a hurry turned out to be Helen Reddy's "I Am Woman" and Joan Baez's "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down."
During that airing I noticed the songs were changed to a couple of generic tunes, neither of which carried the humor of the originals. I then learned that many of the rights to the songs expired after about ten years in the syndication market.
"No way!" I said and many others seemed to agree. Therefore I was happy to learn that the full series would be released on DVD by Shout Factory and almost all of the original songs were restored. However I soon popped various disks in my player to ensure the "right" songs were indeed there.
Foreigner's "Hot Blooded" playing in the background when Les gets ready for his date with Jennifer; Supertramp's "Goodbye Stranger" featured in the episode where they get the ratings book and Andy being the only one disappointed the station didn't fare better; and the two songs referenced above.
Yes, they are back!
The songs aren't the only thing that made the show enjoyable, or even contributed to its place in my collection. You can't mistake the formula: good writing, good casting; and the show lasting only four seasons, therefore it didn't have a chance to get stale or "jump the shark." It's an ensemble show, with no one character dominating to the point the other performers feel slighted. Even though radio is now more corporate-owned and many stations now sound the same regardless of their market the show still doesn't seem very dated. And "WKRP" was prophetic in some ways. One episode made reference to automation and the final show, "Up And Down The Dial," in which Mrs. Carlson intends to change the rock format to all-news (as music doesn't sound as good on AM) is precisely what happened to such heritage rock-and-roll stations such as WABC in New York, KHJ in Los Angeles and CKLW in Detroit.
And for those readers already familiar with the show, admit it. Just reading my entry made some of you laugh out loud.
That's how good of a show "WKRP" is.
Monday, May 29, 2017
Monday, May 01, 2017
Seriously? On the last day of April?
The title refers to our "blizzard" of yesterday. And no, I'm not talking about the frozen Dairy Queen treat.
Into the middle of last week our forecast indicated a fair amount of rain for Saturday and Sunday. Then Sunday's prediction slowly became more snow-dominant.
Then even more.
By Saturday morning the prognosticators indicated up to a foot of the white stuff for Sunday.
I did wake up that day to a dusting, with more falling. Still, I wondered just what we would receive.
End result? Some inches but nothing to really cripple our town.
We were fortunate. Just 35 miles west of here, in Oberlin, they had downed power lines and even more accumulation.
Had to admit I enjoyed the show yesterday. Nothing quite like watching snow fall and seeing it turn into immediate slush due to the ground already warmer than it is in say, January or February. Not to mention the trees and shrubs displaying plenty of green. And more daylight then we see in the winter months.
And the fun of knowing I don't have to shovel, slog through, or otherwise deal with this slop for long as the temps for today were slated to reach into the 50's. They did.
However our streets and gutters turned into babbling brooks. Made trying to walk up to my workplace a bit interesting. Good thing I had the foresight to wear my hiking boots with wool socks.
This coming weekend promises sunny skies and highs into the 70's. I've already made my campground reservations. 😊😊
Into the middle of last week our forecast indicated a fair amount of rain for Saturday and Sunday. Then Sunday's prediction slowly became more snow-dominant.
Then even more.
By Saturday morning the prognosticators indicated up to a foot of the white stuff for Sunday.
I did wake up that day to a dusting, with more falling. Still, I wondered just what we would receive.
End result? Some inches but nothing to really cripple our town.
We were fortunate. Just 35 miles west of here, in Oberlin, they had downed power lines and even more accumulation.
Had to admit I enjoyed the show yesterday. Nothing quite like watching snow fall and seeing it turn into immediate slush due to the ground already warmer than it is in say, January or February. Not to mention the trees and shrubs displaying plenty of green. And more daylight then we see in the winter months.
And the fun of knowing I don't have to shovel, slog through, or otherwise deal with this slop for long as the temps for today were slated to reach into the 50's. They did.
However our streets and gutters turned into babbling brooks. Made trying to walk up to my workplace a bit interesting. Good thing I had the foresight to wear my hiking boots with wool socks.
This coming weekend promises sunny skies and highs into the 70's. I've already made my campground reservations. 😊😊
Tuesday, April 18, 2017
Still Around!
Yes, well aware I haven't made an entry since January. So what's been happening in the last three months?
First, work's been super busy. I can't count how many times in the past three months I've passed through my front door and my level of physical and mental fatigue prevented me from summoning sufficient energy to write something meaningful here. Add to that the stress from other fronts and my creative juices seemed very dry. Even now I acknowledge I'm not 100% rested or full of mental energy yet I didn't want my corner of the WWW to be lacking much longer.
Perhaps I'm gaining drive from the simple change of seasons. It's greening up nicely here in NW Kansas and before we know it summer will be here. I cut the grass for the first time this season just this past Saturday and this evening I watered the front lawn, hoping for some lush greenery as a result. The perennials are returning and I've already enjoyed fresh peppermint from the back yard.
And on the subject of seasons, I admit this winter just ended wasn't as severe as some of the others I've endured over the last nine years. No polar vortices, no blizzards, heck even the snowfall was pretty manageable and the remnants didn't stick around too long. I've already dewinterized the camper and am hoping to make good use of it before freezing temps make a comeback come October or November. (Not having to make a trip to Minnesota in January sure didn't hurt!!)
I've also been immersed in a home improvement project. Redoing the tub/shower in the main floor bathroom. When the house was built (over 50 years ago), this bathroom had a tub but no shower. Subsequent owners (as far as I know although it may have been the original occupant) added a tub spout with an attachment for a hand-held shower head. A few years ago I nailed in a bracket that held said shower head at a shower-friendly height. There was no tiling or true shower walls in the stall, rather it was just bath board that was showing its age and also displaying rot in a few areas. Improving this part of the house was in my brain for some time but I never could decide whether to re-do the shower with tiling or just take a sledge hammer to the cast-iron tub and replace the whole danged thing with a tub/shower combo purchased at a big-box home improvement retailer. A dripping tub faucet finally convinced me to take action. The final choice? Keep the tub, with the idea to have it re-glazed, but tear out the bath board and the drywall behind it and make the thing a true shower stall with Onyx walls. New faucet, one designed for a tub/shower and have the plumbers add a permanent shower head. I'm nearly done with adding the new drywall, actually using cement board where the Onyx walls will be glued, with the remainder being greenboard. I've engaged Groan's help with this project and she's learning that home improvement is a fair amount of trial and error, and is much more difficult than the shows on DIY or HGTV portray.
Yet I'm certain the completed shower setup will be well worth the work.
Last month Geoana and I went south of the border for the second year in a row. Yes, building another house with Casas Por Cristo. However this year's venture wasn't as emotionally rewarding as 2016. Why? A few reasons.
Last year we left our burg on a Saturday morning and drove until we reached Hamlin, Texas. There we unpacked for a night at a local church, but not before the young folks (and me) went to the high school's baseball field to let off a little steam and use the muscles that were in a seated position for the whole day. I enjoyed it and the evening was leisurely as a result.
This year? Leave extremely early Sunday morning. And to add insult to injury the time also changed as Daylight Savings Time went into effect. Yes, we departed about 5 a.m. but to us it was 4:00. Even this morning person struggled. Glad I wasn't the first one to drive the van that day.
Last year we left Hamlin on Sunday morning and arrived in San Angelo just in time to join their Church of Christ for Sunday School. The young folks were quickly invited to the high school class. The church service also was rewarding and our shopping spree at Wal-Mart in Del Rio was its own brand of fun. (You can read plenty about this in my entries from last March.)
This year? Arrive in Del Rio after dark after spending 14 hours on the road. BBQ at Rudy's was satisfying, but there was no pot luck or karaoke at the church afterward (the same church we stayed last year). Then it's another early morning on Monday as we need to cross the border and get to the work sites.
Less interaction with the families and other neighborhood folks this year. And we didn't get fed except at the house dedication and despite the good intentions of our family the comida was a far cry from last years offerings.
Plus we didn't even get the chance to stop by last year's house and say hello.
I think Geogal noticed the disappointment from me and the child. She commented: "Last year you two were really jazzed and excited. This year, not hardly at all."
She was right.
However I shouldn't overlook the fact that a family now has a house that didn't have one as recently as several weeks ago. Or that our labors will never be in vain. Or that our rewards aren't always easily discernible. Was I blessed? Did I receive a few emotional rewards?
Yes.
So even though this blog has been quiet, I've been active.
More to come...
First, work's been super busy. I can't count how many times in the past three months I've passed through my front door and my level of physical and mental fatigue prevented me from summoning sufficient energy to write something meaningful here. Add to that the stress from other fronts and my creative juices seemed very dry. Even now I acknowledge I'm not 100% rested or full of mental energy yet I didn't want my corner of the WWW to be lacking much longer.
Perhaps I'm gaining drive from the simple change of seasons. It's greening up nicely here in NW Kansas and before we know it summer will be here. I cut the grass for the first time this season just this past Saturday and this evening I watered the front lawn, hoping for some lush greenery as a result. The perennials are returning and I've already enjoyed fresh peppermint from the back yard.
And on the subject of seasons, I admit this winter just ended wasn't as severe as some of the others I've endured over the last nine years. No polar vortices, no blizzards, heck even the snowfall was pretty manageable and the remnants didn't stick around too long. I've already dewinterized the camper and am hoping to make good use of it before freezing temps make a comeback come October or November. (Not having to make a trip to Minnesota in January sure didn't hurt!!)
I've also been immersed in a home improvement project. Redoing the tub/shower in the main floor bathroom. When the house was built (over 50 years ago), this bathroom had a tub but no shower. Subsequent owners (as far as I know although it may have been the original occupant) added a tub spout with an attachment for a hand-held shower head. A few years ago I nailed in a bracket that held said shower head at a shower-friendly height. There was no tiling or true shower walls in the stall, rather it was just bath board that was showing its age and also displaying rot in a few areas. Improving this part of the house was in my brain for some time but I never could decide whether to re-do the shower with tiling or just take a sledge hammer to the cast-iron tub and replace the whole danged thing with a tub/shower combo purchased at a big-box home improvement retailer. A dripping tub faucet finally convinced me to take action. The final choice? Keep the tub, with the idea to have it re-glazed, but tear out the bath board and the drywall behind it and make the thing a true shower stall with Onyx walls. New faucet, one designed for a tub/shower and have the plumbers add a permanent shower head. I'm nearly done with adding the new drywall, actually using cement board where the Onyx walls will be glued, with the remainder being greenboard. I've engaged Groan's help with this project and she's learning that home improvement is a fair amount of trial and error, and is much more difficult than the shows on DIY or HGTV portray.
Yet I'm certain the completed shower setup will be well worth the work.
Last month Geoana and I went south of the border for the second year in a row. Yes, building another house with Casas Por Cristo. However this year's venture wasn't as emotionally rewarding as 2016. Why? A few reasons.
Last year we left our burg on a Saturday morning and drove until we reached Hamlin, Texas. There we unpacked for a night at a local church, but not before the young folks (and me) went to the high school's baseball field to let off a little steam and use the muscles that were in a seated position for the whole day. I enjoyed it and the evening was leisurely as a result.
This year? Leave extremely early Sunday morning. And to add insult to injury the time also changed as Daylight Savings Time went into effect. Yes, we departed about 5 a.m. but to us it was 4:00. Even this morning person struggled. Glad I wasn't the first one to drive the van that day.
Last year we left Hamlin on Sunday morning and arrived in San Angelo just in time to join their Church of Christ for Sunday School. The young folks were quickly invited to the high school class. The church service also was rewarding and our shopping spree at Wal-Mart in Del Rio was its own brand of fun. (You can read plenty about this in my entries from last March.)
This year? Arrive in Del Rio after dark after spending 14 hours on the road. BBQ at Rudy's was satisfying, but there was no pot luck or karaoke at the church afterward (the same church we stayed last year). Then it's another early morning on Monday as we need to cross the border and get to the work sites.
Less interaction with the families and other neighborhood folks this year. And we didn't get fed except at the house dedication and despite the good intentions of our family the comida was a far cry from last years offerings.
Plus we didn't even get the chance to stop by last year's house and say hello.
I think Geogal noticed the disappointment from me and the child. She commented: "Last year you two were really jazzed and excited. This year, not hardly at all."
She was right.
However I shouldn't overlook the fact that a family now has a house that didn't have one as recently as several weeks ago. Or that our labors will never be in vain. Or that our rewards aren't always easily discernible. Was I blessed? Did I receive a few emotional rewards?
Yes.
So even though this blog has been quiet, I've been active.
More to come...
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
And...The Day After
Turns out our ice storm wasn't very problematic and the snow never really materialized. The intermittent power outage was due to a tree limb falling on a nearby substation but the city folks got power going again within an hour.
Have to admit, there's a part of me that was disappointed I couldn't use more of my camping gear. I think it's something genetic in us guys to want to jump into action and show how helpful we can be in a crisis situation.
On the other hand I'll take handling slush any day over needing to clear away 3 to 5 inches of snow just to get to work today.
I will leave you with a couple of memes relating to the winter storm (courtesy of Geogal):
Have to admit, there's a part of me that was disappointed I couldn't use more of my camping gear. I think it's something genetic in us guys to want to jump into action and show how helpful we can be in a crisis situation.
On the other hand I'll take handling slush any day over needing to clear away 3 to 5 inches of snow just to get to work today.
I will leave you with a couple of memes relating to the winter storm (courtesy of Geogal):
Monday, January 16, 2017
Are We Ready?
Yesterday the ice storm cometh. Today has the promise of snow.
While we don't want to take these lightly we need not engage in behaviors reminiscint of late 1999 when plenty of folks presumed the tech nerds didn't have the Y2K situation well in hand.
I didn't buy a generator then, nor did I keep weeks of bottled water and nonperishable food hidden away from the masses. (In the interest of full disclosure I admit I did buy a Brita water pitcher so we could use our swimming pool water for drinking if necessary--hey, I kept it chlorinated properly!)
But prudence has its place and winter on the Great Plains should involve some forethought.
I've been keeping the camper plugged into house power to keep the battery charged. That done, the recreational rig should give us the necessary backup should the worst happen (power lines snap and render us without electricity). I'm reasonably sure I have enough propane to keep us warm for a couple of days. The tongue has two 20-pound bottles and our camping this past year hasn't involved excessive use of the furnace. If we have heat most of the battle is won. Propane also allows us to use the range and I reminded Geogal just today that the refrigerator can run off of Hank Hill's favorite fuel if there's no electricity to be had.
Yes, I know the absorption-type refrigerator and freezer in the camper takes several hours to get cold but with outside temperatures going below the freezing mark do you think that will really be a problem?
We're even covered for entertainment. Some months ago I bought a 24-inch Insignia LCD TV from Best Buy's web site (got a screaming deal) and having done my homework, learned even though it comes with the typical AC power cord the input jack is actually DC (the brick does the conversion). In a pinch I can use a DC cord left over from a previous device that died and went to gadgets heaven. The camper's built-in radio/CD player also plays DVDs so no problem there.
The only thing I'm lacking is a generator. I've written before about doing my research and identifying the inverter generator I want, however since I want one with enough wattage to power the camper's air conditioner the price tag is a little high. I'm putting the pennies aside and hope to get one in the spring.
Worst case scenario I use the 300w inverter I bought for the Yellowstone camping journey back in 2010. Take it to either my Ram or Suburban, start the engine, plug inverter into cigarette lighter socket and juice up laptop and other needed devices.
May have to. As I've been putting the finishing touches on this entry the power went out. Came back on about 30 minutes later then went off again in less than 10 minutes. Who knows how long we will play the flicker-flicker-on-again-off-again game? Router is off now but I just enabled the hotspot on my iPhone so as long as the LTE stays active we can all be connected.
While we don't want to take these lightly we need not engage in behaviors reminiscint of late 1999 when plenty of folks presumed the tech nerds didn't have the Y2K situation well in hand.
I didn't buy a generator then, nor did I keep weeks of bottled water and nonperishable food hidden away from the masses. (In the interest of full disclosure I admit I did buy a Brita water pitcher so we could use our swimming pool water for drinking if necessary--hey, I kept it chlorinated properly!)
But prudence has its place and winter on the Great Plains should involve some forethought.
I've been keeping the camper plugged into house power to keep the battery charged. That done, the recreational rig should give us the necessary backup should the worst happen (power lines snap and render us without electricity). I'm reasonably sure I have enough propane to keep us warm for a couple of days. The tongue has two 20-pound bottles and our camping this past year hasn't involved excessive use of the furnace. If we have heat most of the battle is won. Propane also allows us to use the range and I reminded Geogal just today that the refrigerator can run off of Hank Hill's favorite fuel if there's no electricity to be had.
Yes, I know the absorption-type refrigerator and freezer in the camper takes several hours to get cold but with outside temperatures going below the freezing mark do you think that will really be a problem?
We're even covered for entertainment. Some months ago I bought a 24-inch Insignia LCD TV from Best Buy's web site (got a screaming deal) and having done my homework, learned even though it comes with the typical AC power cord the input jack is actually DC (the brick does the conversion). In a pinch I can use a DC cord left over from a previous device that died and went to gadgets heaven. The camper's built-in radio/CD player also plays DVDs so no problem there.
The only thing I'm lacking is a generator. I've written before about doing my research and identifying the inverter generator I want, however since I want one with enough wattage to power the camper's air conditioner the price tag is a little high. I'm putting the pennies aside and hope to get one in the spring.
Worst case scenario I use the 300w inverter I bought for the Yellowstone camping journey back in 2010. Take it to either my Ram or Suburban, start the engine, plug inverter into cigarette lighter socket and juice up laptop and other needed devices.
May have to. As I've been putting the finishing touches on this entry the power went out. Came back on about 30 minutes later then went off again in less than 10 minutes. Who knows how long we will play the flicker-flicker-on-again-off-again game? Router is off now but I just enabled the hotspot on my iPhone so as long as the LTE stays active we can all be connected.
Sunday, January 08, 2017
Old Sol
Last week we were greeted with about an inch and a half from Old Man Winter. Granted, that's not enough to disrupt things (the schools didn't even do a late start, much less be closed for the day) but the accompanying Arctic temps prevented the stuff from disappearing quickly. The wind chill for either Wednesday or Thursday morning--it's all a blur to me--was about 14 below.
Speaking of blur, the snow falling on Thursday morning would have been nice for Christmas eve or day but when one has to work it just adds gloom. I looked out of the window all day, waiting in vain for sunbeams that never showed.
Friday? No more snow but still a heckuva lot of gray.
Finally yesterday we were rewarded with clear skies. I enjoyed seeing the sunrise as I spent my weekend morning driving Geoana to Stockton (she was catching a ride to a 4H leadership event, a harbinger of things to come). The truck's thermometer fluctuated between minus two and zero. Even after a gorgeous sunrise over the prairie.
Despite the chill there's no underestimating the therapeutic effect of bright sunlight.
I sure felt better come sundown yesterday. And with the promise of unseasonably warm temps forecast for the next three days maybe the white slop will turn into liquid and flow into the creek.
How many more weeks of winter?
Speaking of blur, the snow falling on Thursday morning would have been nice for Christmas eve or day but when one has to work it just adds gloom. I looked out of the window all day, waiting in vain for sunbeams that never showed.
Friday? No more snow but still a heckuva lot of gray.
Finally yesterday we were rewarded with clear skies. I enjoyed seeing the sunrise as I spent my weekend morning driving Geoana to Stockton (she was catching a ride to a 4H leadership event, a harbinger of things to come). The truck's thermometer fluctuated between minus two and zero. Even after a gorgeous sunrise over the prairie.
Despite the chill there's no underestimating the therapeutic effect of bright sunlight.
I sure felt better come sundown yesterday. And with the promise of unseasonably warm temps forecast for the next three days maybe the white slop will turn into liquid and flow into the creek.
How many more weeks of winter?
Monday, January 02, 2017
The Day After (New Year's)
You could also refer to it as "get the Christmas decorations taken down and packed and return the house to normal appearance" day. Or the "enjoy the last of the college bowl games" day. Maybe "last day before both of us return to work" day. You notice the labels just get more down and negative in connotation.
I'll be returning to the salt mines after a week and a day of freedom. Used the time well as Geogal and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. We went to Estes Park and relaxed at the higher elevation. No, no skiing or showshoeing or winter sports of any kind.
Just relaxing.
We did take some pics just outside the Stanley Hotel. And no, we did not see Jack Nicholson.
____________________________________
As I alluded in my previous post I enjoyed watching Geogal opening her gifts. I got her new dishes, square ones. Now even when we eat the most rural, cheap meal it seems fancy on a square plate or in a square bowl.
Her other big gift from me was an iPad Air 2 (128 gig). Her old iPad was a second-generation model from 2011 that was on its last legs.
Both gifts went over well.
The actual day of Christmas was, for me, exhausting. Geoana and I did a Meals on Wheels delivery around 11:30. Normally it's no big problem except this Christmas day the clouds decided to open up a deluge of rare December rain. Fortunately the cloudburst moved on out before our actual delivery time so it could have been worse.
Then, after returning home, it was time to prepare the prime rob. The digital thermometer helped greatly. Instead of the medium-well to well-done roasts I've served on previous Xmases we enjoyed nice pink medium-rare slices of bovine. And it made great leftover sandwiches, too.
However the stress of cooking seemed to take a toll on me. By the time we did a FaceTime call to my family (in the evening) I was spent. My tasks during the day combined with less-than-usual sleep the night before finally caught up to me.
However I slept real well on Christmas night.
___________________________________
Since Geogal and I were in Colorado we took advantage of our location and came home with posole corn, red chile puree and pork tamales. Yesterday I did another of our cooking traditions and prepared posole made with pork chunks from our half-hog we bought last month. I also heated up both mild and hot red chile sauce to please each individual palate.
Happy 2017!!
I'll be returning to the salt mines after a week and a day of freedom. Used the time well as Geogal and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. We went to Estes Park and relaxed at the higher elevation. No, no skiing or showshoeing or winter sports of any kind.
Just relaxing.
We did take some pics just outside the Stanley Hotel. And no, we did not see Jack Nicholson.
____________________________________
As I alluded in my previous post I enjoyed watching Geogal opening her gifts. I got her new dishes, square ones. Now even when we eat the most rural, cheap meal it seems fancy on a square plate or in a square bowl.
Her other big gift from me was an iPad Air 2 (128 gig). Her old iPad was a second-generation model from 2011 that was on its last legs.
Both gifts went over well.
The actual day of Christmas was, for me, exhausting. Geoana and I did a Meals on Wheels delivery around 11:30. Normally it's no big problem except this Christmas day the clouds decided to open up a deluge of rare December rain. Fortunately the cloudburst moved on out before our actual delivery time so it could have been worse.
Then, after returning home, it was time to prepare the prime rob. The digital thermometer helped greatly. Instead of the medium-well to well-done roasts I've served on previous Xmases we enjoyed nice pink medium-rare slices of bovine. And it made great leftover sandwiches, too.
However the stress of cooking seemed to take a toll on me. By the time we did a FaceTime call to my family (in the evening) I was spent. My tasks during the day combined with less-than-usual sleep the night before finally caught up to me.
However I slept real well on Christmas night.
___________________________________
Since Geogal and I were in Colorado we took advantage of our location and came home with posole corn, red chile puree and pork tamales. Yesterday I did another of our cooking traditions and prepared posole made with pork chunks from our half-hog we bought last month. I also heated up both mild and hot red chile sauce to please each individual palate.
Happy 2017!!
Sunday, December 25, 2016
Merry Christmas--2016 Edition!!
I'm writing this shortly after 7 a.m. on Xmas morn. I'm still the only one up in our household.
Lest you think the gals are lazy let me give you the rest of the story.
Last night we attended Christmas eve service as is our custom. However since we switched churches a few months ago what used to be a gathering that took place around 7:30 or so in the evening is now a candlelight service that begins at 11.
My family of origin members are all laughing at this point, as they know my memories of trying to stay awake up to Midnight Mass are banging around in my brain. I'm not a night person.
However the service beginning one hour before the stoke of middle-of-the-night wasn't all that bad. Even with Geogal chatting after service we still got home about 12:15 and I hit the hay not long after.
Regardless of the time I still enjoy the Christmas Eve service. The shopping and prep are all done and it is now time for reverent reflection.
________________________________
I've looked forward to this date for several weeks now. Not that I'm anticipating anything special but rather for what I am giving. When you're my age it can truly be more about the joy of giving.
Plus, this year I was well ahead of the game. I figured out a couple of great gifts for Geogal and procured them early. One on Black Friday, the other one even earlier. I've gone several weeks to give these, what's two or three more hours to wait? I'm savoring this Navidad as my wife is a hard person to buy for.
We won't have a white Christmas here but I'm OK with that. Forecast today is actually calling for thunderstorms and some high wind. Temps will be mild.
Sure beats last Saturday, where we awoke to wind-chill temps in the minus teens combined with some snow accumulation. Not a pleasant day to take care of the shopping tasks.
I'm keeping with our (newer) Christmas tradition of cooking prime rib for the main meal. The past 2 or 3 years I've wound up with a more well-done rib roast so yesterday I finally acquiesced and bought a digital thermometer with a probe. Our meat will be nicely pink! Maybe.
Wishing all of you a Merry Christmas!
Lest you think the gals are lazy let me give you the rest of the story.
Last night we attended Christmas eve service as is our custom. However since we switched churches a few months ago what used to be a gathering that took place around 7:30 or so in the evening is now a candlelight service that begins at 11.
My family of origin members are all laughing at this point, as they know my memories of trying to stay awake up to Midnight Mass are banging around in my brain. I'm not a night person.
However the service beginning one hour before the stoke of middle-of-the-night wasn't all that bad. Even with Geogal chatting after service we still got home about 12:15 and I hit the hay not long after.
Regardless of the time I still enjoy the Christmas Eve service. The shopping and prep are all done and it is now time for reverent reflection.
________________________________
I've looked forward to this date for several weeks now. Not that I'm anticipating anything special but rather for what I am giving. When you're my age it can truly be more about the joy of giving.
Plus, this year I was well ahead of the game. I figured out a couple of great gifts for Geogal and procured them early. One on Black Friday, the other one even earlier. I've gone several weeks to give these, what's two or three more hours to wait? I'm savoring this Navidad as my wife is a hard person to buy for.
We won't have a white Christmas here but I'm OK with that. Forecast today is actually calling for thunderstorms and some high wind. Temps will be mild.
Sure beats last Saturday, where we awoke to wind-chill temps in the minus teens combined with some snow accumulation. Not a pleasant day to take care of the shopping tasks.
I'm keeping with our (newer) Christmas tradition of cooking prime rib for the main meal. The past 2 or 3 years I've wound up with a more well-done rib roast so yesterday I finally acquiesced and bought a digital thermometer with a probe. Our meat will be nicely pink! Maybe.
Wishing all of you a Merry Christmas!
Saturday, October 29, 2016
Birthday Month Isn't Over...Yet
I was born in October. I won't bother with the details of my age, besides my family already know anyway.
Earlier this month my birthday came, and went. I got cards and well-wishes from a few folks (thanks, mom and dad) but from my own household, nothing.
Loving wife and child totally forgot about it. Even after the fact I didn't get a cake or any gifts.
But no matter. I'm at the age where the b-days don't mean much anymore. Besides if I had designs on anything particular I open to just purchasing it rather than drop hints or write it on a list.
So, October is drawing to a close when I find myself in a bright light and realizing I figured out my perfect (for the present) birthday gift.
I knew my tried-and-true Char-Broil propane grill had reached the end of its useful life and I disassembled it not long ago, getting it ready for the semi-annual household junk pickup our city conducts. Since then I've been using only charcoal for any outdoor cookery.
I realized just a few days ago that I was overlooking a great solution. Weber makes a grill that runs off of the small disposable bottles, the same ones I use for my Coleman camp stove.
I did some research and after learning these grills got excellent reviews I decided today to head over the P-burg and check out the selection at Ace Hardware.
I wasn't disappointed. They had the model I was looking for and to top it off, it was marked down about $25.
It's the Weber Q1200. I brought it home, did the small amount of assembly required (the easiest I've ever done with a grill) and soon had the thing heated up nicely. I threw on some cheap steaks (Geogal wanted them cooked up so she can dice them and add the meat to her salads during the week--beats eating processed food) and within seconds of closing the lid I smelled the aroma only generated by the cooking of steak. I even had Geogal come outside just to sniff for herself.
In short, the grill did an awesome job. A short while later I grilled three smoked pork chops for the evening meal. Yummers.
When in use it will occupy a space just outside the back door. Otherwise it will be stored away from the elements.
And if you're thinking, hey Geoguy did you realize this grill and cart both fold down and can fit in your camper's pass-through storage? Will you use it for RVing? You're darn tootin'.
A nice way to enjoy a belated birthday gift to myself...
Earlier this month my birthday came, and went. I got cards and well-wishes from a few folks (thanks, mom and dad) but from my own household, nothing.
Loving wife and child totally forgot about it. Even after the fact I didn't get a cake or any gifts.
But no matter. I'm at the age where the b-days don't mean much anymore. Besides if I had designs on anything particular I open to just purchasing it rather than drop hints or write it on a list.
So, October is drawing to a close when I find myself in a bright light and realizing I figured out my perfect (for the present) birthday gift.
I knew my tried-and-true Char-Broil propane grill had reached the end of its useful life and I disassembled it not long ago, getting it ready for the semi-annual household junk pickup our city conducts. Since then I've been using only charcoal for any outdoor cookery.
I realized just a few days ago that I was overlooking a great solution. Weber makes a grill that runs off of the small disposable bottles, the same ones I use for my Coleman camp stove.
I did some research and after learning these grills got excellent reviews I decided today to head over the P-burg and check out the selection at Ace Hardware.
I wasn't disappointed. They had the model I was looking for and to top it off, it was marked down about $25.
It's the Weber Q1200. I brought it home, did the small amount of assembly required (the easiest I've ever done with a grill) and soon had the thing heated up nicely. I threw on some cheap steaks (Geogal wanted them cooked up so she can dice them and add the meat to her salads during the week--beats eating processed food) and within seconds of closing the lid I smelled the aroma only generated by the cooking of steak. I even had Geogal come outside just to sniff for herself.
In short, the grill did an awesome job. A short while later I grilled three smoked pork chops for the evening meal. Yummers.
When in use it will occupy a space just outside the back door. Otherwise it will be stored away from the elements.
And if you're thinking, hey Geoguy did you realize this grill and cart both fold down and can fit in your camper's pass-through storage? Will you use it for RVing? You're darn tootin'.
A nice way to enjoy a belated birthday gift to myself...
Monday, October 24, 2016
Getting My Wish
I got my wish! (Doesn't happen often..)
How about that for a World Series? Two teams with a whole lot of history and not much postseason success for a whole lotta years. Lots and lots.
Saturday night, in the midst of watching college pigskin I occasionally switched over to FS1 to see if the Cubs would finally break the curse. Then, when the bottom of the 8th turned into the top of the 9th I grabbed my tried-and-true-and-getting-real-old-but-still-works-usually Radio Shack super sensitive AM/FW/SW radio and tuned it to WSCR, the Cubs' flagship station. (At night, particularly this time of year, I get all four of Chicago's blowtorch stations very clear here in western Kansas.) I knew, barring a collapse in the 9th, this would be historic and I preferred to hear the Chicago-based announcers rather than Joe Buck and company. So...sitting in my recliner with the radio tuned correctly and the TV muted I quickly realized I got the audio of what was happening at Wrigley Field a good 30 seconds before I saw the corresponding video on TV. Hearing the radio call of that double play made me glad I took the time to enjoy Ancient Modulation.
Way to go Cubbies!!
Now, how about a brain-teaser? (Or memory check.)
Can you name all of the MLB teams that existed in 1945?
Well, I'll start with the National League:
1) Chicago Cubs
2) New York Giants
3) Brooklyn Dodgers
4) Philadelphia Phillies
5) Pittsburgh Pirates
6) Cincinnati Reds
7) St. Louis Cardinals
8) Boston Braves (I'm guessing they had not yet moved to Milwaukee)
Now let's try the American League:
1) New York Yankees
2) Boston Red Sox
3) Chicago White Sox
4) Cleveland Indians
5) Detroit Tigers
6) Washington Senators
7) Philadelphia Athletics (as with the Braves I figure this team had not yet moved to Kansas City)
8) ????
I struggled a little with numbers 6 and 7. As you can see I'm stumped on the last one. Took a visit to the encyclopedia as I knew the leagues wouldn't have a dissimilar number of teams.
The St. Louis Browns.
No wonder I hit the brick wall. Not a team I recall from any baseball-related texts I read back in the day.
They still exist, by the way. New city, new name.
The Baltimore Orioles!
Fun, huh?
How about that for a World Series? Two teams with a whole lot of history and not much postseason success for a whole lotta years. Lots and lots.
Saturday night, in the midst of watching college pigskin I occasionally switched over to FS1 to see if the Cubs would finally break the curse. Then, when the bottom of the 8th turned into the top of the 9th I grabbed my tried-and-true-and-getting-real-old-but-still-works-usually Radio Shack super sensitive AM/FW/SW radio and tuned it to WSCR, the Cubs' flagship station. (At night, particularly this time of year, I get all four of Chicago's blowtorch stations very clear here in western Kansas.) I knew, barring a collapse in the 9th, this would be historic and I preferred to hear the Chicago-based announcers rather than Joe Buck and company. So...sitting in my recliner with the radio tuned correctly and the TV muted I quickly realized I got the audio of what was happening at Wrigley Field a good 30 seconds before I saw the corresponding video on TV. Hearing the radio call of that double play made me glad I took the time to enjoy Ancient Modulation.
Way to go Cubbies!!
Now, how about a brain-teaser? (Or memory check.)
Can you name all of the MLB teams that existed in 1945?
Well, I'll start with the National League:
1) Chicago Cubs
2) New York Giants
3) Brooklyn Dodgers
4) Philadelphia Phillies
5) Pittsburgh Pirates
6) Cincinnati Reds
7) St. Louis Cardinals
8) Boston Braves (I'm guessing they had not yet moved to Milwaukee)
Now let's try the American League:
1) New York Yankees
2) Boston Red Sox
3) Chicago White Sox
4) Cleveland Indians
5) Detroit Tigers
6) Washington Senators
7) Philadelphia Athletics (as with the Braves I figure this team had not yet moved to Kansas City)
8) ????
I struggled a little with numbers 6 and 7. As you can see I'm stumped on the last one. Took a visit to the encyclopedia as I knew the leagues wouldn't have a dissimilar number of teams.
The St. Louis Browns.
No wonder I hit the brick wall. Not a team I recall from any baseball-related texts I read back in the day.
They still exist, by the way. New city, new name.
The Baltimore Orioles!
Fun, huh?
Saturday, October 22, 2016
Late In October
It's a Saturday evening and I'm enjoying the fall offerings of college football. Plus an added dose of MLB.
When it comes to the boys of summer I'm generally checked-out by this point, as the playoffs typically don't include my teams. For my readers unfamiliar, they are the Astros, Diamondbacks and Angels.
Go Cubs! While I'm not typically a superstitious guy a few days ago I got the cups we brought back from Wrigley Field last year and set them on the baker's rack on the perimeter of our kitchen.
When it comes to the boys of summer I'm generally checked-out by this point, as the playoffs typically don't include my teams. For my readers unfamiliar, they are the Astros, Diamondbacks and Angels.
Go Cubs! While I'm not typically a superstitious guy a few days ago I got the cups we brought back from Wrigley Field last year and set them on the baker's rack on the perimeter of our kitchen.
Hey, whatever works.
I'm sure I share the sentiments of many when I voice my desire for a Cubs-Indians World Series.
_______________________________________
Sorry, members of my extended family. I rooted for Kansas State in today's matchup against the Texas Longhorns. Face the facts, my Geoana very likely will be attending school there.
_______________________________________
Speaking of the Little Apple, we were there last weekend catching up with our longtime friends. As a bonus our ventures to Varsity Donuts, Radina's coffee and the Dancing Ganesha pleased my palate and triggered my endorphins. Not a bad way to spend a weekend.
So far this weekend hasn't been unpleasant either....
Monday, September 12, 2016
Yes, Want That!
Even before the iPhone 7 was unveiled all of us in this house knew we'd be upgrading.
We don't get new phones every year. Rather, we've kept the pattern of upgrading our phones about every three years. None of us are techies nor do any of us earn a living informing others about gadgets. We use our devices but we don't live and die by them.
So, when you combine the smartphones expected life span with the newer features three years is just about right for the Geofamily.
Over our lunch break last Wednesday Geogal and I viewed the Apple event although we wished they had covered the iPhone a bit sooner. The Apple Watch material is somewhat interesting yet neither of us pine for the wrist tech. Plus Geogal already has a FitBit which meets her needs just fine.
They then got to the phone but just a few minutes in we had to leave and head back to our respective salt mines. No problem, just resume the playback later in the evening when we had more time to relax and really absorb the features.
No more analog headphone jack? Doesn't bother me a bit. Apple is right, technology is headed in this direction anyway so why not be a little early?
I liked what I saw. So did Geogal. So did Geoana, who voiced her desire for an iPhone 7.
Both Geogal and I have our eyes on a 7 Plus. The superior camera is a nice feature but I really just want a device with a bigger screen. I admit it, I'm getting older and more real estate on my gadget is better on my eyes. Should be a nice upgrade from my current 5 s.
Just as my 5 s was a great upgrade from my iPhone 4 back in October of 2013.
We don't get new phones every year. Rather, we've kept the pattern of upgrading our phones about every three years. None of us are techies nor do any of us earn a living informing others about gadgets. We use our devices but we don't live and die by them.
So, when you combine the smartphones expected life span with the newer features three years is just about right for the Geofamily.
Over our lunch break last Wednesday Geogal and I viewed the Apple event although we wished they had covered the iPhone a bit sooner. The Apple Watch material is somewhat interesting yet neither of us pine for the wrist tech. Plus Geogal already has a FitBit which meets her needs just fine.
They then got to the phone but just a few minutes in we had to leave and head back to our respective salt mines. No problem, just resume the playback later in the evening when we had more time to relax and really absorb the features.
No more analog headphone jack? Doesn't bother me a bit. Apple is right, technology is headed in this direction anyway so why not be a little early?
I liked what I saw. So did Geogal. So did Geoana, who voiced her desire for an iPhone 7.
Both Geogal and I have our eyes on a 7 Plus. The superior camera is a nice feature but I really just want a device with a bigger screen. I admit it, I'm getting older and more real estate on my gadget is better on my eyes. Should be a nice upgrade from my current 5 s.
Just as my 5 s was a great upgrade from my iPhone 4 back in October of 2013.
Sunday, September 11, 2016
Leisurely Saturday
As my gals are at the Kansas State Fair I'm doing the bachelor thing most of this weekend.
Therefore I have a low-key couple of days at my disposal.
After doing a few household chores I decided to take a little drive and check out the lake level.
We had some significant storms last Saturday which caused flooding in the southern part of the county. I'm sorry to say the weather resulted in tragedy (one death and significant loss of home and property for others).
All of this aside I was curious about the lake's water level given it's been down for the better part of two years, although the snowfall and spring storms earlier this year did well to raise it at least a foot.
First I drove over the dam. And as I suspected the lake was higher, although not anywhere near the high-water mark. Still, looks a lot better than it did in December 2014 when I last drove to the bluff overlooking the whole thing and was shocked at how dry our "fishing hole" became.
Have to take some pictures, right? This one is from the dam itself:
Therefore I have a low-key couple of days at my disposal.
After doing a few household chores I decided to take a little drive and check out the lake level.
We had some significant storms last Saturday which caused flooding in the southern part of the county. I'm sorry to say the weather resulted in tragedy (one death and significant loss of home and property for others).
All of this aside I was curious about the lake's water level given it's been down for the better part of two years, although the snowfall and spring storms earlier this year did well to raise it at least a foot.
First I drove over the dam. And as I suspected the lake was higher, although not anywhere near the high-water mark. Still, looks a lot better than it did in December 2014 when I last drove to the bluff overlooking the whole thing and was shocked at how dry our "fishing hole" became.
Have to take some pictures, right? This one is from the dam itself:
Then I head south to the aforementioned overlook area. Since we are in the Sunflower State one must get the state flower into the shot, right?
Some folks believe this entire area is a treeless prairie. A lot of it is but every now and then you do encounter what could accurately be labeled a thicket:
You might notice there wasn't a cloud in the sky. In fact, yesterday was nearly "chamber of commerce weather." Not only bright sunshine but the wind was rather calm, which is rare for here.
An enjoyable drive well-earned. I came off a work week that was busy and loaded with stress and demands, more than the usual amount. Nor was it finished. Due to my position and commitments I needed to stay close to town this weekend. Which is why I wasn't at the fair with my two favorite ladies.
Even with all that I fully enjoyed the day. Actually got in some relaxation!
Saturday, September 10, 2016
Using It All!
A great morning to relax and write! Slept well (first deep sleep in several days) and overnight got nice and cool. How cool? I'll say this: I went to sleep with the window open, hearing crickets, which isn't unusual given this time of year and our yard backing up to a creek.
I wake around 4:30. I hear nothing from outside. No chirps, no insect songs.
I'm no entomologist but I suspect even the crickets knock it off if the temp is cool enough. Thermometer this morning read just a bit below 48 degrees.
Autumn is on its way. We're not even into mid-September but in addition to some cooler nights I'm also seeing leaves falling from my black walnut tree.
________________________________
Speaking of the season, yes, I enjoyed last weekend's college football offerings as much as anyone. Great matchups and a few surprises.
Loved seeing the Houston Cougars take out OU. Then the following night the Longhorns went toe-to-toe with the Fighting Irish and won it in overtime. I love it when the games show (as they do every year) that preseason polls mean nothing.
Too bad this weekend doesn't have such juicy contests. As one commenter on SiriusXM's College Sports Nation channel remarked: "Now we have the big-name institutions playing the schools with directional names."
_______________________________
Why is today's post titled the way it is?
It reflects our taking the camper to the lake a couple of weekends ago. Since we were not far from home the gals did a little grocery shopping for Saturday night's meal. Inexpensive steak (cooked over charcoal), salad and then a dessert.
They decided to buy a frozen cherry pie and bake it in the camper's oven.
Like many RV-ers I don't have great use for the oven. Reminds me of the time, years ago, where Geogal and I were casually looking at some used campers. We looked at one in nearby Oberlin, where the owner pointed out that neither he nor anyone else in his family ever had used the oven. It served as a storage compartment. He remarked: "How many people say, 'We're camping. How about baking a cake?'"
That phrase has since stuck with our own household. Yet Geoana likely will bake a cake in the rig before she leaves for college, just to say she's done so.
Back to the present. I had to pull out my camcorder and go back over the recording of my walk-through the day I took possession of the travel trailer. Sure enough, the guy explained how to light the pilot, which then ignites the oven burner.
It worked! Made the inside a little warm but that's why you have air conditioning, right?
Cherry pie was good and they remembered to grab a container of Cool Whip as well.
With successful use of the oven, I can now say I've used everything in the camper.
Plumbing? Yes. Kitchen sink, bathroom sink, tub, toilet.
Furnace? Check.
Refrigerator? Done. It works off of both electric and propane.
Water heater? Yup. As with the fridge, works with either electricity or propane.
(Geoguy's father is reading that last sentence with some jealousy. When he and Geomon had their 5th wheel he said one of the more aggravating things was trying to light the water heater's pilot. Almost always it was windy and the camper was pointed in the "wrong" direction. Sorry Dad. Industry has made some advances and not only do I have an electric element, the gas burner has an auto-ignite feature.)
Range? Done.
And now the oven. Works like a charm.
Not too bad for a guy who knew next to nothing about RV-ing just a few years ago.
I wake around 4:30. I hear nothing from outside. No chirps, no insect songs.
I'm no entomologist but I suspect even the crickets knock it off if the temp is cool enough. Thermometer this morning read just a bit below 48 degrees.
Autumn is on its way. We're not even into mid-September but in addition to some cooler nights I'm also seeing leaves falling from my black walnut tree.
________________________________
Speaking of the season, yes, I enjoyed last weekend's college football offerings as much as anyone. Great matchups and a few surprises.
Loved seeing the Houston Cougars take out OU. Then the following night the Longhorns went toe-to-toe with the Fighting Irish and won it in overtime. I love it when the games show (as they do every year) that preseason polls mean nothing.
Too bad this weekend doesn't have such juicy contests. As one commenter on SiriusXM's College Sports Nation channel remarked: "Now we have the big-name institutions playing the schools with directional names."
_______________________________
Why is today's post titled the way it is?
It reflects our taking the camper to the lake a couple of weekends ago. Since we were not far from home the gals did a little grocery shopping for Saturday night's meal. Inexpensive steak (cooked over charcoal), salad and then a dessert.
They decided to buy a frozen cherry pie and bake it in the camper's oven.
Like many RV-ers I don't have great use for the oven. Reminds me of the time, years ago, where Geogal and I were casually looking at some used campers. We looked at one in nearby Oberlin, where the owner pointed out that neither he nor anyone else in his family ever had used the oven. It served as a storage compartment. He remarked: "How many people say, 'We're camping. How about baking a cake?'"
That phrase has since stuck with our own household. Yet Geoana likely will bake a cake in the rig before she leaves for college, just to say she's done so.
Back to the present. I had to pull out my camcorder and go back over the recording of my walk-through the day I took possession of the travel trailer. Sure enough, the guy explained how to light the pilot, which then ignites the oven burner.
It worked! Made the inside a little warm but that's why you have air conditioning, right?
Cherry pie was good and they remembered to grab a container of Cool Whip as well.
With successful use of the oven, I can now say I've used everything in the camper.
Plumbing? Yes. Kitchen sink, bathroom sink, tub, toilet.
Furnace? Check.
Refrigerator? Done. It works off of both electric and propane.
Water heater? Yup. As with the fridge, works with either electricity or propane.
(Geoguy's father is reading that last sentence with some jealousy. When he and Geomon had their 5th wheel he said one of the more aggravating things was trying to light the water heater's pilot. Almost always it was windy and the camper was pointed in the "wrong" direction. Sorry Dad. Industry has made some advances and not only do I have an electric element, the gas burner has an auto-ignite feature.)
Range? Done.
And now the oven. Works like a charm.
Not too bad for a guy who knew next to nothing about RV-ing just a few years ago.
Monday, September 05, 2016
Summer Trip To Minnesota, Conclusion
Heading for home!
On the brief (to us, anyway) four-hour drive back to our domicile in Kansas we check out the license plates of cars/trucks either passing us, or that we are passing. Usually the latter. It's a rather lame attempt to catch some states before we're done.
But over the five days we had plenty of luck. It’s easier to just list the states we didn’t see this trip: Hawaii, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Delaware and Vermont.
And here’s a humorous side note about the Aloha State: The previous day (evening, really) Geogal said she knew where we could go in Omaha where we’d likely see plates from the state halfway out in the Pacific Ocean.
Creighton University.
However all of us were exhausted and ready to just get out of the vehicle, relax and eat the evening meal. So we skipped another catch.
Another side note: I think we had just merged onto Interstate 80 at Elm Creek, Nebraska when we started the game. I mentioned we should just go ahead and write down the four “gimmes:” Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota.
Not a bad head start.
________________________________________
In the words of John Denver, hey it’s good to be back home again.
Then it was resume life as usual.
Did I enjoy the Minnesota journey? Of course. Never hurts to enjoy the Midwest during the warm months. Bug splats and sweating sure beat the crud out of possible frostbite.
________________________________________
While in Rochester I visited a few places in search of something strictly for the camper. I’ve been looking into purchasing a generator. Not only will it give much more versatility to where I camp (and how I camp) but it also can come in handy for the occasional power failure back home.
Yet I didn’t have a lot of luck in seeing one that would fit my needs. I’m after a 3000-watt variety because if I’m making my own electricity I want to be able to run the air conditioner. Unfortunately Home Depot, Mills Fleet Farm and Harbor Freight only had the 2000-watt versions.
Then what do I learn once I return home? Wally World sells one of the ones of which I am interested. Hmm, the ship-to-store option sounds really tempting. Who said I need to go four states away just to have “power?”
Monday, August 29, 2016
Summer Trip To Minnesota, Part Four
As you read from the previous entry, this day had an early start. Since we’re now at a Hampton Inn the breakfast isn’t quite the level of the Embassy Suites offerings. Which means no cooked-to-order omelettes.
No omelettes at all, actually.
Since I ate heavy breakfasts the past two mornings I decide to go for the healthy stuff today. We eat, then it’s back to the room to pack the last few items then head out to the vehicle with the luggage.
The child has three appointments today and the last one is early afternoon. We figured as soon as that one was complete we get on the road back towards The Land Of Dorothy. How far will we go today? Who knows?
In the back of my mind is the recollection of our previous “let’s just drive and see where we end up for the night.” But to avoid a repeat of that day we are targeting Omaha, a city with plenty of hotel offerings.
Back to the present. Driving downtown to Mayo Clinic is a ritual with which we are well-acquainted. We know which parking garage to enter, we know where the elevators are, we know which direction to go once we egress the lift.
The womenfolk head to the child’s first appointment while I make a beeline to the blood donor center. Now lest you think I’m a callous dad who took no time to be involved in his child’s care, in my defense this was a follow-up which did not need to involve me, nor would I have been comfortable there. Wife and child were in full agreement with my choice to go give blood instead.
And besides, I’m looking forward to the juice and sweets I receive afterward.
That done, I rejoin the ladies in the main lobby of Gonda Building. It’s a while until the next appointment but I still think I made the right call in just checking out of the hotel and staying put for the time being. My only goof during this timeframe was to not bring a book.
The time passes, however. Soon it’s time for the next appointment. Then the third.
And then we all get hungry. Of course, in waiting for the third appointment to wrap up we wind up in the waiting room while the doctor dictates a letter we need for the school. And wait. And wait.
Finally, letter in hand we head out the door, then out of the parking garage.
Down highway 63 toward Interstate 90. Time to blow this taco stand!
(We stop at Burger King on the way out of town and satisfy our stomachs.)
Again, I prefer today to the last time I drove this direction, with snow on both sides of the Interstate and brief white-out time in Iowa.
Since Mayo took longer than expected we don’t reach Omaha until almost 8 in the evening. Fortunately we found a Hampton Inn (I should buy stock in that company) that is in a decent neighborhood where we could walk to a restaurant.
The hotel itself was fine. Yet people either above us or just adjacent to our room seemed to enjoy wrestling late into the evening. At least that’s what it sounded like to me. Thankfully I had my white noise app and earbuds I can use in bed.
And I look forward to spending the next night in my own home.
Next entry: The license plate game!!
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Summer Trip To Minnesota, Part Three
Since Friday was such a hustle-bustle-be-around-a-whole-lotta-people day we decided Saturday would be more laid-back.
Following that day of leisure it was time to have one last (grand) Embassy Suites breakfast, then pack and leave the Twin Cities for the easy drive to Rochester.
Many of the churches were wrapping up their services when we arrived at our destination. First stop was Apache Mall. I needed a couple of shorts and it's a good time to buy them (clearance!!). J.C. Penney fits the bill nicely.
The gals wanted to shop for other things. Since I shop like a man I found what I needed in 10 minutes flat. Give the merchandise to the Geofamily women and I headed over to Scheels.
It never hurts for me to kill time in a sporting goods-outdoor retailer. Beats being alone with my thoughts in the women's clothing section while the other family members take two forevers trying to decide what to buy. (Stupid childhood rotten memories.)
I check out Scheels' inventory of rifles and shotguns and also research ammunition prices. It's also nice to see .22 ammo out for sale again, even if it is inside a locked cabinet.
Finally the women are done and it's time for lunch. Greek food at Nupa!
For the rest of the afternoon it's more visits to retailers, however today only involves window shopping. Got some good ideas for upgrading our house's main bathroom at Home Depot.
Return to the hotel and spend the rest of the evening watching athletes pursue gold, silver and bronze. We all hit the hay early as there's an early wake-up time in the morning. Child's first appointment is 7:45.
Say goodbye to the fun part of our getaway.
Following that day of leisure it was time to have one last (grand) Embassy Suites breakfast, then pack and leave the Twin Cities for the easy drive to Rochester.
Many of the churches were wrapping up their services when we arrived at our destination. First stop was Apache Mall. I needed a couple of shorts and it's a good time to buy them (clearance!!). J.C. Penney fits the bill nicely.
The gals wanted to shop for other things. Since I shop like a man I found what I needed in 10 minutes flat. Give the merchandise to the Geofamily women and I headed over to Scheels.
It never hurts for me to kill time in a sporting goods-outdoor retailer. Beats being alone with my thoughts in the women's clothing section while the other family members take two forevers trying to decide what to buy. (Stupid childhood rotten memories.)
I check out Scheels' inventory of rifles and shotguns and also research ammunition prices. It's also nice to see .22 ammo out for sale again, even if it is inside a locked cabinet.
Finally the women are done and it's time for lunch. Greek food at Nupa!
For the rest of the afternoon it's more visits to retailers, however today only involves window shopping. Got some good ideas for upgrading our house's main bathroom at Home Depot.
Return to the hotel and spend the rest of the evening watching athletes pursue gold, silver and bronze. We all hit the hay early as there's an early wake-up time in the morning. Child's first appointment is 7:45.
Say goodbye to the fun part of our getaway.
Sunday, August 21, 2016
Summer Trip To Minnesota, Part Two
It’s Friday morning! What will we do today?
I had a (rare) bright idea. How about visiting the campus of the University of Minnesota? After all we’re right here and I’d like to start a “Big Ten Conference” tally of schools, or at least communities where these institutions are located. I already have the Big 12 pretty much done.
U of M would make the Big Ten total three. Last summer we stopped and paid a visit to the University of Iowa and way back in 2009 we took a spin by the University of Nebraska—Lincoln.
Yes, I know the ‘Huskers were in the Big 12 conference at that time but I won’t quibble if you won’t.
I also have no aspiration to get real serious about visiting Big Ten schools or communities. Given the conference stretches from Lincoln, Nebraska all the way to the Atlantic Ocean I just don’t think it’s do-able given I still work for a living and can’t live the lifestyle of the full-time RV-er.
Plus. if I was truly serious I would have taken advantage of two opportunities from our Chicago trip last year. Could have traipsed up to Evanston for a Northwestern visit and likely swung through Champaign-Urbana to add the University of Illinois.
However, today the gals are fully on board with a visit to the land of the Golden Gophers. After a leisurely breakfast, including a made-to-order omelette courtesy of Embassy Suites, we make the short drive.
Since it’s still summer break finding a place to park is no problem. Feed the meter and we start walking.
(Like how I framed the Minneapolis skyscrapers nicely in the center of the shot?)
Beautiful campus. Well-landscaped and nice architechture. After a fashion we locate the information desk and get directions to the admissions office.
No, no solid commitment yet. Not even on the “under consideration” list at this time. Nontheless we were impressed by the attitude and helpful nature of everyone we spoke to .
Geogal and I felt the need for a reality check so we reminded the child of how cold it gets in Minnesota in winter. But I then quipped: “If you want a suntan, go to Arizona State.”
That’s in full humor. ASU isn’t even on the long list. Since Geogal and I lived in the Grand Canyon State for many years we had experience and dealings not only with the institution but also with many of its graduates. And we’ve never been impressed.
Back to the present. With the campus visit in the books it’s time to head back to Bloomington. First stop? IKEA.
We haven’t been in one since moving to Kansas 8 years ago. But some things don’t change and we’re familiar with the Swedish retailer’s routine of walking you through every display area before you arrive at the warehouse and cash registers. Throughout the walk I was afraid of Geogal saying “We need to schedule a trip back here, and bring the pickup truck.” (Geoguy’s response: “Eep.”)
So I should not have worried. We did pick up a few small items but that was it. So what do we do now?
Go across the way to the monument to American capitalism.
I’m not a big fan of indoor malls to begin with, and it seems the traditional mall, with anchors rounding out a row of retailers, seems to be dying out.
Yet the MOA is a notable exception. When you’re the largest indoor mall in the country you’ve got some clout.
We’ve been here before so the novelty wasn’t significant to us. Still, the gals had some stores to visit but before all that we chose to do lunch.
Where? Why not Tony Roma’s? I’m always in the mood for ribs and I haven’t been to Roma’s in a very long time.
They didn’t disappoint.
Appetite satiated, we re-entered the mall proper and I soon said good-bye to the gals. They had cosmetic stores to visit and I wanted to check out one of the attractions: Fly Over America.
Well worth the 18 bucks.
But with that done I still had to wait for the ladies. I chose to spend my time quaffing a mocha from Caribou Coffee, then headed in the direction of the Apple Store (natch).
Some time later I met up with the gals and we all enjoyed sampling the latest offerings from Cupertino.
All of that done, time to head back to the hotel. Catch a late meal at Chick-Fil-A then return to the room to view the Olympics.
Not a bad way to spend a day in "civilization."
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