Taking advantage of the long weekend

Since I won't be able to use any vacation time (yet) at my job, the Geofamily decided to hit the road this long weekend and check out a new destination.

Kansas City.

Besides adding another state to the 2008 tally this sojourn also gives us a chance to see another part of Kansas and visit a truly interesting urban area. (But as an aside, I'll be glad to return to my small-town home. I'm just not into the city stuff anymore.)

I can't say I took much surprise in the landscape. I already knew KC was somewhat hilly, despite a lot of Americans thinking this place is flat as a pancake. (Must be that MGM-set-designed-to-look-like-putative-Kansas-I'm-talking-about-"The-Wizard-Of-Oz" that fosters that myth.) Numerous big green trees gives plenty of aesthetic appeal as well.

And then there is the food

I've blogged several times before about BBQ so I don't need to explain myself.

And guess what this place has in abundance?

You will enjoy this: We arrived in the city yesterday midday and decided to do lunch at Arthur Bryant's. This one was not the downtown location but rather the one near the Kansas Speedway. It's an area populated by the latest in suburban power retailers and chain restaurants. That last point is important in this retelling. We knew the Arthur Bryant's was in the area (gotta love the Net) and were trying to pick out its location from among the numerous red-bricked eateries. A couple of minutes before spotting our target, Geogal (sarcastically) said: "Look! There's a Famous Dave's."

And my response? "I didn't drive all the way to barbecue capital, USA, to eat at a Famous Dave's."

(In all fairness, Famous Dave's is OK. But they're a national chain. It's like going to the most Italian-American area of New York City and then dining at an Olive Garden.)

The verdict on Bryant's? Deee-lish! The pulled pork beats all. We can thank the Travel Channel for cluing us in to that place.

And lunch today? Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbecue. As Bryant's was dry barbecue, Jack Stack is wet. And both have their merits.

And no, I don't have my cardiologist on speed dial. In fact, I don't even have a cardiologist. Supper for both evenings was salad, heavy on the green stuff. Plus I exercised this morning and plan to do so tomorrow as well.

One thing we are not able to do this trip: see a Royals game. They are in Detroit at the present time. So, Geosister the elder we will not e-mail you a picture of Geogal eating a pretzel while sitting in Kauffman Stadium.

Maybe next time.

Warning: Esoteric babbling ahead

You're choosing to read anyway?

I'm following an earlier post. One that dealt with the chore of pulling in over-the-air TV. But for me it's not a chore, rather it is a delight.

This afternoon found me at the Macbook keyboard, learning which outdoor antenna might suit me best. Then I circumnavigated the house to determine the best placement. Just for fun I attached some rabbit ears to the bedroom TV. Nothing but snow.

I am becoming familiar with names such as Winegard, Terk, and Channel Master. Along with all of this is the realization that there are many Net forums out there and just as many differing opinions about which product does "x" job the best.

Again you may ask "why?"

Not only do I like the challenge, but local TV reception is important during harsh weather (something we have plenty of in these parts). Since we have DirecTV, I don't need to be connected to the local cable company, even though most of their channels from 2-13 are devoted to area channels (in fact, each of the Big Three networks plus PBS has dual representation).

However I don't care for the remainder of the fare offered on the local CATV service. And since I have all of those channels plus several dozen more, why bother paying another bill? (Geodad must be so proud.)

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In most populated areas, the digital TV channels are almost always on the UHF band. This means most folks who want the free over-the-air DTV just need either rabbit ears or a relatively small UHF-only roof (or attic) antenna.

Not me. Not here.

First there is the issue of distance. The TV offerings come from over 70 miles away as the crow flies, save for two--KSNK and KLNE. Add into this the digital TV fact of life that you either get it all or you don't get any (no snowy picture, you see) and antenna size plus originating signal strength become big issues.

So big, in fact, that I'm willing to spend extra for a rugged outdoor antenna. A large one. Add in other accessories such as an antenna rotor and a preamp, and this becomes an interesting do-it-yourself project. Fortunately it's not brain surgery so if I don't get it right the first time I can tweak and adjust as necessary.

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Part of the homework involves looking at the coverage maps on TV Fool and seeing what is possible for my location. Then I check out other sources to determine what the final channel assignments will be following the full-power analog shutoff this coming February.

Some interesting finds. First I read that most of the UHF digital signals will eventually be one million watts. Good! Might reach me just fine. Then I start to see the final channel assignments for my area. KHGI (one of the best for local severe weather coverage) will be on channel 36. KLNE will go to 26. Yes!

But KSNK, KGIN, and KBSH will ultimately stay on VHF (12, 11, and 7, respectively). Whaaat??

Then it dawns on me. Maybe the FCC wanted to keep these channels VHF because the signal still travels farther than a UHF frequency would. Considering many of the viewers of these stations are quite a distance from the transmitter site, this could make sense.

It's interesting to think about what I might pick up with a decent antenna on top of the Geohouse. It'll be more intriguing to learn what actually happens once everything is set up.

Of course I'll keep you informed.

Still here, just other stuff getting in the way

I'm glad I don't write for anything that has a deadline attached to it.

I've spent the last many evenings either getting the house in order or engaging in some home-study continuing education activities. (Yes, I do work full-time in a career that has nothing to do with mass media.) And in the slight leisure time I had I chose to watch all of the "Torchwood" episodes that had accumulated on the DVR. (My temporary quarters had cable, but didn't offer BBC America.) Plus catching up on the pleasures of being around my loved ones.

Don't ever take that for granted.

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I've also learned to enjoy small pleasures. Such as seeing the lightning bugs after dusk. Or enjoying the mild days and cool nights.

I haven't even talked about the back yard yet. It's small, but lively. Green as all get-out. Noisy with the crickets and cicadas at night. And being on the edge of town has certain advantages: Wildlife.

Since moving in, we've noticed numerous squirrels and rabbits. And just behind our property we occasionally are visited by a doe and two fawns. We've already had a few stare-out contests with mama deer. (The humans are always indoors, by the way.) One of our friends tells us come fall we can expect wild turkeys out there as well.

You can't put a price tag on tranquility.

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The re-doing of the house in our own image has already begun. Courtesy of a trip to Home Depot in Hays a couple of weeks ago we now have new locksets on the doors, a more organized garage, and a really cool stainless steel range hood that awaits installation. Yes, the kitchen is getting a fair amount of attention. The dishwasher we now have is new, and the refrigerator should be coming any day now.

Piece by piece, it's coming together. Of course, Geogal wants to engage in the knocking out of walls, but as we're moving slowly and with cash, she will just have to wait.

Not too long, we hope.

New to the region

Geogal and I are still trying to get our hands around it being early August and us having the windows in the house open. Air conditioner off.

Take that, you readers in sweltering Texas and Arizona!

Thunderstorm blew through early this morning. Early. 3:30-ish early. But none of us cared since it was just a few hours into the weekend. Sometimes losing a little sleep isn't the end of the world.

We're not going anywhere out of town today. That's fine for all involved. I have several chores on my to-do list, including changing out the locksets on the front and back doors of the house. Not that I'm concerned about previous owners having keys to MY house, but the knobs are just getting old and little Geoana has trouble getting the front door open. And yes, I know. Most folks in this burg don't even lock their doors. But for me, I can't break certain city habits just yet.

And I do know that I shouldn't rub in our nice weather to certain readers of this blog. My comeuppance will arrive sometime in January. Geogal said by that time we will be so desperate to see the sun that who knows what we will do?

Let's see--what's the high in Phoenix supposed to be today? Somewhere in the low 100's.

Tripe that I owe the readers

Really, it's not my fault. Our Internet connection at the new Geohouse was knocked off for a few days. I think it's one of those Sir Isaac Newton laws: for every technological advance there is an equal and opposite step backward.

Just temporarily, of course. The 'Net connection is back up and running today and life is again pretty good. We had the DirecTV guy come and install the dish properly (I couldn't get it aimed right) but in the process he cut the coaxial line bringing The World to our cable modem. I tried splicing it to another live line in the house, but to no avail. (You would not believe how much RG-6 cable is in, over, around, and through this hacienda. One might swear the prior owner owned stock in Dish Network.) Another visit by a different communications professional corrected the problem.

Other than that, not much to report. We went to Grand Island, NE last Saturday for the Geofamily to load up on Sam's Club and a Real Grocery Store Not These Little Small-Town Establishments That Think Lamb and Fresh Fish Are Exotic Items. (Geogal's standpoint, not necessarily mine.) I have to get my mind around the fact that every time we leave town and hit a big-box retailer (even though the big boxes here aren't quite as large square-footage as we are used to) we will walk out with the bill totaling in the three figures. Gone are the days when I could drive 5 minutes to Lowe's and walk out 10 minutes later with two small items.

But come to think of it, that's not a bad thing. Just another part of the adjustment.

And to the Geofamily, I will post some pics of the house on our Kodak Gallery account in the coming days. Geodad, I need you to e-mail me as I cannot get through on the address I have.

More fun ahead...

Stay!

It's finished.

At least the moving of the worldly goods, that is.

This evening marks a milestone: All of our stuff is officially on the property of our new house. (New, meaning the structure itself is as old as Geoguy.) No more physical relocation. Now, just the arduous task of unpacking and organizing.

And for me, the first time I have truly felt at home since I left Chandler on (I think it was) March 18, 2008. No more temporary quarters, no more renting. Yahoo! (I ain't referring to the search engine, either.)

And Geodad, I tried e-mailing you pictures of the house, but for some reason your address keeps bouncing the e-mails right back.

Anyhow, I thought I would post tonight and at least keep the world abreast of my happenings. Since Geogal and I have been so busy and stressed out with the particulars of closing on the house and then vacating our rental, I haven't had much spare time to breathe, much less post here.

Did I mention the house was old? As in my age? 40 (cough)-something? Quite a change from our 10-year-old dwelling in Chandler. Lately it seems Geogal points out many of the little and medium-sized faults with this house. Sometimes I just want to tell her, "Geogal, you're not in Kansas anymore."

Oops, I think I got that just a little backwards.

Just too friggin' funny

And people wonder why the mainstream print media continue to lose market share.

I have to give Barry Young at KFYI a hat-tip for pointing out this piece on his show this morning.

Man, where do I start?

I listened to KNUV when it was still KMYL, first adult standards (didn't last), then rock oldies (nope), then a mixture of third-rate syndicated talk and local folks (don't tell me you thought that succeeded--otherwise they never would have gone Spanish). Their signal is poor, being on the AM dial is problematic to begin with, and having 45 (count them--45!) reporters means this station was probably bleeding red ink from the start.

But hey, why be the victim of a poor business plan when you can blame Sheriff Joe? And the white people? (How do you blame Arpaio for the failure of the sister station in Denver?)

And don't fall for this nonsense of the migrant worker community losing their "voice." Radio Campesina existed in Phoenix well before KNUV was ever birthed.

Just another example of how newspapers continue to forget their readership both has, and uses, their brains.

And as an aside (how's that for alliteration), who wants to place bets that 1190 goes totally brokered when and if they return to the air?

The Great State Race

We in the Geofamily like to travel.

Together with the traveling, Geogal and I have a friendly competition stretching back several years. "Who has been in more states?"

I'll get to the scorecard in a moment. First, 2008 is shaping up to be a banner year for interstate travel--for all of us.

Since January 1st, yours truly has set foot in Arizona (state of origin for the year), California (courtesy of a quick jaunt across the Colorado River to Blythe), New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, and Nebraska. Those last several were due to the big move from Chandler to northwest Kansas. For Geogal and little Geoana, the total is nearly the same, save for Geogal having traveled to Austin, Texas for a professional event. Since she took little Geoana with her, our child now has the distinction of being the family member in this household of being in the most states this year. She and I went into California back in March, and she was part of the aforementioned Texas trip. Not bad for a seven-year-old.

Add Utah to the state count. We went just through the southeastern corner, a total of less than 100 miles in the Land Of The Mormons, but state lines are state lines.

Since this is late July much of 2008 remains. Methinks I can predict we will total more states before the calendar becomes 2009. Missouri, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Wyoming, and Iowa are easily within reach. Who knows what the remainder of the year holds, travel-wise?

OK, totals for the grownups. First, the ones where both of us lay claim: Arizona, New Mexico, California, Texas, Nevada, Oregon, Colorado, Louisiana, Maryland, Virginia, District of Columbia (yes, I know it's not a state, but this is my blog--get your own, you nerds!), Alaska, and Hawaii.

The lady goes next. Geogal's personal notches include: Illinois, Georgia, South Carolina, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Maine. Total of 20. (Why all the New England states? She had a summer job in New Hampshire one of her college summers.) And no, I wasn't being careless, Geogal just told me she never did make it to Rhode Island.

And me? Since my family lived on the eastern seaboard at one time I can count: Pennsylvania, Delaware, North Carolina, New York, New Jersey, and West Virginia. Courtesy of traveling to visit relatives and moving across the country I also set foot in: Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. Those last few I really don't remember (I was little and rather out-of-it). So for me--26.

Throw down! We're not done yet.

Enjoying the quiet hour

In the Geohouse that time is early morning.

I'm the only morning person in this domicile. Geogal and little Geoana would probably sleep until noon if they could. So since it is summer vacation and Geogal no longer works, they enjoy being in the arms of Morpheus pert near every morning since they arrived in Kansas.

My temperment is of the phlegmatic type, which means I cherish peace above nearly all else. Very true. Now if I could just find a way to keep the peace throughout the course of a day.

That's impossible. I know it. But it doesn't mean I can't keep trying to decrease my stress level and reach for a more healthy (mentally and physically) way to live. Now that I think about it, I've already started.

How? I am giving myself something of a media holiday. Definition? Stay away from news. Eschew the political talk shows and blogs for the time being. (And right now makes a fair amount of sense. We are currently in what people in the news biz would call a "slow news cycle." Very common for the summer months.) I could keep up with all current events, read commentary, listen to talk radio, the list goes on.

But why? All of the above only increases my stress level and I am still in the process of learning to decrease my worrying. And isn't it to my benefit to think for myself? To know where my true priorities lie? To engage in recreational reading (i.e. fiction)? To peruse blogs that are similar in in nature to this one?

So for the next several weeks, no news. No newspapers beyond reading our local twice-weekly publication. I'm even eliminating sports talk from my listening habit. As much as I enjoy Sirius Satellite Radio and their NFL channel, I get tired of All-Brett-Favre-All-The-Time.

Will I miss out on certain news items? Yes. Will it have a negative effect on me to not be aware of those things? No.

How about if I just pay attention to my own tasks and keep my own household in order?

What a philosophy! Mind my own business.

Fun times ahead

Fun for me, maybe not for anyone else.

Since I won't get any type of summer vacation this year, my enjoyment has to come from elsewhere.

If you read the profile for yours truly you know that I live in Northwest Kansas. It's a land of nice people, wide open spaces, lots of wind, and wheatfields alternating with cornfields.

And right here is a challenge perfectly suited for a nerd such as me. Although we subscribe to DirecTV and will continue to do so, I want to see which distant terrestrial TV stations I can pull in using a rooftop antenna.

And I want a good antenna, too. Not one of these cheapies that you find at Home Depot or Wal-Mart. Suffice to say I am learning much courtesy of the Internet. Brand names like Terk and Winegard are now part of my vernacular. Choosing between analog and digital rotators is making me salivate. As soon as we formally procure this house we've chosen I'll be taking inventory of the outside, trying to determine which location would be best for antenna placement.

(Who am I kidding? I've already done that and we don't even own the place yet. Don't worry--it's empty and some of the neighbors already know I am the buyer.)

So between getting the equipment and putting it all together I should be in for a fun rest-of-the-summer. I can't wait to see what's out there on the airwaves. And since the analog broadcasts will end come February now is as good a time as ever.

And digital? Before I came out here I bought a small TV with a built-in digital tuner. Wonder if I can pick up the multiplexed signal of the nearby Nebraska Educational TV station? Or how well the VHF (channel 12) digital broadcast from KSNK will look?

Beyond those two stations, it's anyone's guess. And I'm hoping to find out.

That leads into the next question: Why am I doing this now? I've been a homeowner for 12 years. But you have to understand that in Arizona, there's not much challenge in trying to pull in nearby stations. There just aren't a whole lot. Outside of the Phoenix and Tucson markets there exists only a plethora of low-powered translators and a quagmire of equally low-wattage UHF channels that exist only for the purpose of home shopping and selling ringtones.

It's a different game out here. This area is technically in the Wichita market, although the suits in south-central Kansas couldn't care less about what happens out here. We also are on the edge of the Kearney-Grand Island-Hastings market (I made that up as said market does not exist. Ask the FCC, 'cause I sure don't understand their reasoning.) So, there are full-power VHF and a few UHF channels for the taking, and seeing the purple colored region on the coverage map available through TV Fool just makes the challenge even more interesting. And fun for me.

I promise I won't fall off the ladder. Cross my heart.

General update

Since this blog is largely read by family, I have no qualms about sharing our latest goings-on for this post.

We finally have secured permanent housing. That is no small feat considering both Geogal and I are still acclimating to how business is done in a small town. Even finding a place to rent is challenging, and when you don't know most of the locals you can easily miss out on property opportunities.

Combine that with the fact that there are no real "comps" to be pulled from the various neighborhoods and real estate quickly becomes more of a game of chance than anything else. I know I can't be as anonymous online as I was in Arizona (more on that in a future post), but some folks in these parts want way too much for their properties. And unlike the urban areas, said individuals are willing to wait until someone gives them their asking price.

Having said all that, I actually enjoyed the process somewhat. Over the past few months I've gotten to know people I would not otherwise have met. And the learning that went along with this entire home-buying experience was valuable.

Not to mention the fact that this is the most inexpensive house Geogal and I have ever purchased. Despite the price, we think the house is sound and has great potential. We're happy and our friends are relieved.

The physical moving is still ahead but we'll handle that as it comes. (And after all, it's only a few blocks from where we live now. Plus most of our stuff is still in boxes.)

Now, is it time to make my family and friends insanely jealous? Dare I mention that yesterday morning as I prepared to mow the lawn, it was about 65 degrees with nice cloud cover and a cool breeze? And low humidity? Me likeeeee!

Never mind posting comments here. I can already hear the responses of the Arizona and Texas kinfolk: "Just wait until winter!"

Traffic jam, small-town style

The grain elevators are busy. So are trucks, railroad cars, and many of the townspeople.

It's harvest. And given the absence of hail for the past few weeks, the takings ought to be good.

But in the meantime the nonstop cadre of farm trucks making their trips to and from the grain elevators makes for some interesting gridlock. Such as the one I witnessed when I made my afternoon constitutional to the grocery store adjacent to the building in which I work.

18-wheelers, made to haul grain, about six or seven deep, waiting their turn at the elevator. The smell of diesel smoke was nearly intoxicating. Regular cars either snaking through or just avoiding the intersection altogether.

Keeps things interesting in this small town.

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Life's not all bad. Case in point--the new Thin Mint Blizzard. (Yes, real Thin Mints, courtesy of the Girl Scouts.)

Odds are good that I have one before this coming weekend is over.

Just Toying Around

Yes, I'm re-doing the look of this site. I've been thinking about it for some time, and when I found a widget I wanted to add I realized some redesign was in order.

I will add more of my personal pictures and such as time goes on but at least I have a start.

Did I mention Geogal is planning to start her own blog? I'll let her give you wonderful readers the details.

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Today is a heck of a lazy Saturday. Honestly, yesterday was the start of the weekend, what with the Independence Day holiday and all. Speaking of which, we went (along with most of the town) to the fireworks show at the lake. Awesome! A good time was had by all! (Insert additional cliche here.) It's been years since I've seen a really good explosive sky display and I wasn't disappointed by last night's outing.

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I feel almost guilty about being lazy today. Yet just a few minutes ago I realized I need this cycle of rest as I do work a full-time job that is demanding in its own way. Add to the work responsibilities the reality of house-hunting and helping Geogal adjust to life in the Sunflower State and no wonder I felt exhausted the last several days.

Don't start the violins playing, though. I do have my recreational interests plus my guilty pleasures. The latter list includes "Kathy Griffin: My Life On The D List," as well as seeing how much trivia I can learn by reading articles on Wikipedia (never mind that a fair amount of them have inaccuracies). These things will at least keep me from getting cabin fever until I have a house of my own to occupy my time.

More on that during the coming week.

Back to normality?

So the real world resumes. Family is all together now. In another state. But at least we have most of our modern-world conveniences up and working now.

Made the first family-centric shopping trip to Nebraska yesterday. We also went to the Archway (why weren't museums ever that interesting when I was a child?) and had an excellent BBQ lunch.

Little Geoana has already made two friends, already been to one birthday party, and insists we take her to the swimming pool everyday. And Geogal is adjusting to being a stay-at-home mom and caucusing with others of the same ilk.

The other evening I cut the grass, then joined another family we have come to know (they live just up the street) for what I thought would be a short walk. Turned out to be a lengthy visit with another family who was in the process of shooting off fireworks (here, you can start buying them seven days before the Fourth). Just casual conversation, letting the kids have some fun outdoors while the grown-ups chatted. It was just me doing the parenting that evening as Geogal was at a scrapbooking but-really-it's-women-exchanging-gossip-and-stories-about-their-husbands party.

Grownups lighting fireworks. Kids chasing fireflies. Small town fun. But I've restrained myself up until now to keep from using the "A" word to describe this place. (Americana)

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Here are some final photos from the moving drive. Colorado is as scenic as ever.

An interesting and trivial note about the trip. The final day, driving from Frisco, Colorado to Kansas, we went on I-70 into Denver, passing through the Eisenhower Tunnel. Located at just over 11,000 feet above sea level, this is the highest point along the Interstate Highway system. As the Geofamily has also driven from Arizona to San Diego along I-8, we hit the opposite in elevation--the lowest point along the Interstate system, some 70 feet below sea level (near El Centro, California).

All in all, I'm glad the trip is over with. Traveling is fun and given the right conditions it is a real joy. But having (rather, choosing) to relocate and work out the logistics of moving a family and its possessions hundreds of miles is very taxing.

This one is called: "Crossing the Desert"

Fans of The Simpsons will recognize today's title. Hint: The episode where this line appears is "Homer The Great."

Yesterday's drive was enjoyable. Enjoyable in the sense that I got to see parts of Arizona and New Mexico where I have never been. Plus the entire Geofamily got to add Utah to the list of states where we have been. And I'm not talking about just standing in the right place at the four Corners Monument, either. We drove through Monument Valley, perhaps the scenic high point of yesterday. I can't say much for the remainder of southeast Utah, but I can understand why famed director John Ford was so enamored with the orange-hued landscape with rock outcroppings that easily dwarf anything man-made.

Last night's meal was simple. I finally achieved a goal for this trek to Kansas, eat at Blake's Lotaburger. I was unable to do so on the first moving trip, with Geodad, as Raton, New Mexico did not have a Blake's. Yet I knew there would be at least one in Farmington. Not only that, but it was located literally next door to our hotel. Green chile. With bite. (I just made every member of the orignial Geofamily salivate.)

Enjoy the pictures and I hope to blog again tomorrow.

Putting the pieces together

The flight was fine. I landed, and this time Geogal and little Geoana were able to meet me right outside the gate area (third time's the charm!).

We headed for Anthem, which is slightly to the north of the greater Phoenix area. This will allow us to get a jump on our road trip this morning, without having to battle the rush hour traffic.

So what's happening? Finally, the Geofamily is a single unit again. All three of us are heading to Kansas. Together. We start the sojourn today by driving through Northern Arizona, across Monument Valley and the Navajo Nation. Tomorrow will feature the Rocky Mountains. Then we will go through the Denver area, pick up my truck from the DIA long-term parking lot, and caravan to the Sunflower State.

All this, and I get to be back at work next Monday! But who cares? I'm so excited to be back with my loved ones that the associated stressors over the past several weeks no longer matter.

And who knows? Maybe just maybe I'll share some pictures in the blog postings to come.

Finally, a free moment

Again I am waiting in the Denver airport, but this time the wait is shorter than usual.

After the obligatory five-hour drive from Northwest Kansas, I opted for a sit-down meal in the nicest restaurant in the concourse containing Southwest Airlines. So, time I would normally spend sitting at the gate and reading (or being online) I used to refuel. After going through security I wondered why I felt so exhausted and out-of-it.

Think, Geoguy. It's been a long time since you've eaten, plus you're dehydrated from the drive. The low blood sugar combined with fatigue and "get everything in order before I leave town" mode does not a good combination make.

So, a prime rib sandwich (I was intending to have a steak, but not at those prices--we're talking Ruth's Chris territory with regard to the numbers), and some iced tea means I'm a little more myself now.

Just in time to sit in the plane and relax as much as that environment allows.

Why this trip? I cannot recall if I've blogged about the reason, but I will elaborate in the next post. It won't be long before the plane is ready to board.

More later.

I can't be too busy to...

...stop and enjoy a sunset. A Kansas sunset.

I was washing dishes a couple of evenings ago and happened to look up. "How nice," I thought to myself.

After a couple of beats my good sense got the better of me. Get the camera, get the shot. Share it with the readers here.

The dishes could wait.


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Why, oh why, must I continue to be tempted with the iPhone?

I decided some weeks ago that when my current phone dies, I would simply have to go to the local Alltel store and pick out one of their phones. I really want the iPhone, but not as long as AT&T is the sole service provider. Besides, you can't beat Alltel's coverage out here.

Waaaah!

Saturday musings and a restaurant review

I decided to go to McCook, Nebraska today, as I needed to do a little shopping (both food and non-food items) and McCook is the largest retail center in the area. Plus, I didn't feel like driving for most of the day today. Kearney (also in Nebraska) is usually the shopping city of choice, and visited Hays, Kansas a week ago today. (Hays sure did remind me a lot of Seguin, Texas, my mother's hometown. Just why I did I do not know. Maybe some other family members will visit there and let me know if I'm correct or way off base.) But for today McCook will do. Also, I wanted to lunch at a specific eating establishment in that town, Taste of Texas BBQ.

Anyone who reads this blog regularly knows my affinity for slow smoked meat. I noticed Taste of Texas on a previous visit to McCook and a name like that just invites me in. I remember thinking: "Taste of Texas? Hah! I'll be the judge of that."

Today was judging day. Let me say TOT passed with flying colors. I ordered the two-meat BBQ plate. I chose beef and pork, with sides of cole slaw and fried okra. The meat is served largely dry, just a small dollop of sauce over the topmost meat portions. Which is OK with me, I prefer dry BBQ, as it's too easy to disguise poor quality cooking by drenching it in strong-flavored sauce. The pork was outstanding, with a wonderful smoky flavor and it obviously was rubbed with the right combination of spices. The beef, however, left something to be desired. First, it didn't taste smoky and second, it took a knife to cut. Call me a purist or call me a jerk with a blog, but I think BBQ beef should fall apart. Don't take this to mean the beef was of poor quality (it wasn't) or that I would tell you to avoid it should you visit. I've had better BBQ beef, but what I ate today would certainly satisfy a BBQ craving.

For the sides, the fried okra was served hot (out of the fryer hot) coated with a flavorful batter. If they use this same mixture for their chicken-fried steak, well then I just might have to forgo BBQ altogether on a return visit. The slaw also had merit--it was vinegar-based, tangy but not overpowering. Actually had a somewhat sweet flavor.

I'll be going back.

Truth be told, visiting BBQ joints has become something of a Saturday tradition for me. It started with a trip to Salina, Kansas, about two months ago. I did lunch at the Hickory Hut, which I would recommend. Seven days ago I went to Bar-Q-Cutie in Hays. I saw their ad in the local phone book. I didn't realize it was a chain till I got there. It was good, but something about the place just seemed artificial. Almost as if they are the McDonalds of BBQ in their part of the country.

Driving places, eating BBQ. Rough job, but someone has to do it.

Speaking of BBQ places, I talked to the moving van driver a couple of days ago. He lives in Overland Park, Kansas (which is part of the Kansas City metro area). I mentioned how I heard KC has a BBQ place on every corner. The driver said yes, and he hadn't been to one that was bad yet.

I've got to visit that city! Perhaps it's a good thing I don't live there. I'd balloon up like Diamond Jim Brady.
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Other things. I did watch the Belmont Stakes this afternoon (or evening, to be more accurate). My mind's ear coined a new term. I'll share it here:

"Big Brown pulled a New England Patriots."

Heavily favored, dominating all the others leading up to the Big One, but can't close the deal at the end.
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Do you think Hillary Clinton is the angriest person on the planet right now?

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Back to my activities of the day. I drove the usual way to McCook (U.S. 36 to Oberlin, then head north on U.S. 83). On the way back, however, I chose a different route. I took highways 6 and 34 (one road, dually signed) to Arapahoe, then south to Norton. Why? Because the drive between Norton and Oberlin is about the most dull, straight, and boredom-inducing stretch of road in the area. My return route was much more interesting, following the Republican River valley, tree-studded with plenty of variety in the topography.

Not only that, but I had the leftover BBQ in a container on the passenger floor. Gave a nice aroma to accompany the trip home.

The rest of the story

I didn't expect the mover to arrive that early. But, hey. It's better than sitting around the house wondering where they are and when will they get here.

Overall, the unloading wasn't too tough. The mover and a couple of local helpers did the bulk of the work (and I was guilt free, as Geogal and I were paying nicely for this service). Yet later that day, as I was back in the office, I felt unusually fatigued. Almost as if I had done the physical labor myself. I had forgotten how emotionally and mentally draining a move is, even the positive part of the move.

However there is still the therapeutic effect of having one's belongings in a new place. Still doesn't feel quite like home yet. And it may not ever feel that way. This is a rental. Once Geogal gets here, then we will start seriously considering what and where we will purchase. Then, the feeling of home should take over.

But don't take the above paragraphs as a sign that I am down, or in a melancholy mood. I enjoy the freedom of truly running my own household again. Yesterday morning I boiled water in a teakettle on the gas range, rather than stick a container of water into a microwave (gotta have the hot water for oatmeal, don't you know!). And just a few minutes ago I cooked up some scrambled eggs. Delicious!

And just wait until I get a propane cylinder for the 3-burner Char-Broil beauty that now sits outside the back door. I have missed grilling so much you just wouldn't believe it.

So this weekend will involve a lot of unpacking and organizing. Pain before pleasure!