Dear Friends,
Yesterday went exactly as planned.
The wedding ceremony in the Church went very well. My former student, Father John Salatino, who is Pastor of the Church, performed the wedding ceremony.
Since the bride and her family were of Spanish descent (San Antonio, Texas) there was a cord ceremony. Linda and I have never seen this little twist in the marriage ceremony.
The groom was a former student of mine. Linda and I got into a little discussion during the Cocktail Hour. We knew that he was a doctor doing his residency in Connecticut, but we didn't know what field of medicine he was into. He tells us that he is on his way to becoming a Neurologist. One of medical visits this week for me was to see a Neurologist. My former students possibly treating me must mean that I am getting old.
The cocktail hour for me started off with a $16 mistake. I thought the cocktail hour was an open bar one. I ordered each of us our favorite beverage. I took out some dollars for a tip when the bar tender says $16 please! The open bar was for beer and wine, and not for drinks with liquor in them. Oh Darn!
The appetizer food was fine, but let me say the main meals at our table had room for improvement. I will not explain the "room for improvement" comments because I might get myself in trouble.
The only things that we have on our social calendar today are to skim the Sunday newspapers, finish packing, and head off to Tewksbury no later than noon. Our son and his family, and Linda and I will be watching the 4:15 PM Cowboys versus Patriot's game at Gillette Stadium.
The winds outside are howling so much that the multiple wind chimes in our back yard are playing a symphony.
The wind is making the cooler temperatures feel even more cool. I broke down and turned the heat on to take the chill out of the first floor out of the house.
Speaking of chills, we looked at the long term forecast for Georgia. The middle of next week has some days not even reaching the 70 degree mark.
Southern Georgia will be a little warmer, but I can see the locals bringing out the sweaters and jackets. We might have to rethink the type of clothes that we will be packing for the trip. Oh Darn!
Speaking of traveling, the mom of one of the ushers in the wedding has a home in the Berkshires, and a home on Cape Cod. Her Berkshire home was broken into when she was not in the Berkshires. The thief stole all of her jewelry. A good number of pieces were heirloom pieces that were passed on from generation to generation. This woman felt so violated, and Linda and I could feel her pain as she was telling us the story.
It is important to have neighbors or friends who can keep and eye on your place when you know that you will be away from your home. The Curley's have such neighbors!
News -- I did skim the news on line before starting this e-mail. There was the usual violence and turmoil, but I like the family that went into one of those corn mazes, and got totally lost. They ended up calling 911 on their cell phone. This has to be a first for the dispatcher that received this cell phone call.
Have a great Sunday.
As you see from my comments above, we are booked in for a fun one.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Hello on Saturday
Dear Friends,
Another day went exactly as planned for us on Friday. We ended up at the Shamrock for food, fun, Keno, and merriment. We socialized with some friends from the ITAM who were playing Keno too. The female friend kept mon telling Linda lucky numbers to play, but when Linda and I went to our table, the Massachusetts State Lottery commission was the big winner.
I am going to Retro Fitness with the 6 AM crowd. I will come home and take a shower, and bring dear old dad his favorite newspaper at the nursing home.
He was in good spirits when I visited him yesterday. His blood pressure is still on the low side, but he is improving steadily.
My orthopedic appointment went well. I asked the Physician's Assistant to take a look at my other leg since the strained Achilles in the right leg isn't bothering me at all. Usually they only deal with the problem in question, but this physician's assistant and I are on such good terms that he did address my new problem. He ordered an X-Ray which is taken right at the orthopedic place, and then he told me the results. There is a crack in the knee cap of my left leg which has healed. Arthritis has set in at the knee cap area, and to the right side of the knee cap. The arthritis is causing the discomfort when I bend that leg, get up from a low chair, get off of the ground when playing with grandchildren, struggle getting the left leg into the car, etc.
Solution to the problem - None! I asked about therapy to possibly help with more flexibility, and the physician's assistant said that I could try it with no guarantees. I said I would try that approach when I kick into Medicare in December. He also said that there is an injection, but not cortisone which lasts 6 to 12 months if I can't live with the pain and discomfort. Linda keeps telling me to "suck it up and just deal with it and stop moaning about it."
Our social calendar has only one item on it today -- The 1 PM wedding at St.
Mark's Church. The reception starts at 6 PM at the Country Club of Pittsfield. It was nice of the couple to allow me to squeeze in afternoon nap!
Linda and I also decided that we are going to Tewksbury on Sunday. We will be watching the 4:15 PM Patriot Game with our son and his family. We can't wait to give our grandson Max a whole bunch of hugs.
News -- I see where President Obama is sending troops to Africa to help get rid of a treacherous War Lord who is responsible for a lot of deaths, kidnappings, etc. The President said that our troops would use force only if fired upon. Yeah Right! More of our young men and women in harms way is an awful thought. Linda and I hope that our son doesn't get involved in another war, but I could see a squadron of A 10 Thunderbolt airplanes in a support role in this war torn area!
It is a little cool outside today. I won't be wearing shorts except for when I am in the gym.
Well, I have to select some gym clothes which I will wear at Retro Fitness.
Have a great Saturday.
Talk to you soon! The Curley Lad
Another day went exactly as planned for us on Friday. We ended up at the Shamrock for food, fun, Keno, and merriment. We socialized with some friends from the ITAM who were playing Keno too. The female friend kept mon telling Linda lucky numbers to play, but when Linda and I went to our table, the Massachusetts State Lottery commission was the big winner.
I am going to Retro Fitness with the 6 AM crowd. I will come home and take a shower, and bring dear old dad his favorite newspaper at the nursing home.
He was in good spirits when I visited him yesterday. His blood pressure is still on the low side, but he is improving steadily.
My orthopedic appointment went well. I asked the Physician's Assistant to take a look at my other leg since the strained Achilles in the right leg isn't bothering me at all. Usually they only deal with the problem in question, but this physician's assistant and I are on such good terms that he did address my new problem. He ordered an X-Ray which is taken right at the orthopedic place, and then he told me the results. There is a crack in the knee cap of my left leg which has healed. Arthritis has set in at the knee cap area, and to the right side of the knee cap. The arthritis is causing the discomfort when I bend that leg, get up from a low chair, get off of the ground when playing with grandchildren, struggle getting the left leg into the car, etc.
Solution to the problem - None! I asked about therapy to possibly help with more flexibility, and the physician's assistant said that I could try it with no guarantees. I said I would try that approach when I kick into Medicare in December. He also said that there is an injection, but not cortisone which lasts 6 to 12 months if I can't live with the pain and discomfort. Linda keeps telling me to "suck it up and just deal with it and stop moaning about it."
Our social calendar has only one item on it today -- The 1 PM wedding at St.
Mark's Church. The reception starts at 6 PM at the Country Club of Pittsfield. It was nice of the couple to allow me to squeeze in afternoon nap!
Linda and I also decided that we are going to Tewksbury on Sunday. We will be watching the 4:15 PM Patriot Game with our son and his family. We can't wait to give our grandson Max a whole bunch of hugs.
News -- I see where President Obama is sending troops to Africa to help get rid of a treacherous War Lord who is responsible for a lot of deaths, kidnappings, etc. The President said that our troops would use force only if fired upon. Yeah Right! More of our young men and women in harms way is an awful thought. Linda and I hope that our son doesn't get involved in another war, but I could see a squadron of A 10 Thunderbolt airplanes in a support role in this war torn area!
It is a little cool outside today. I won't be wearing shorts except for when I am in the gym.
Well, I have to select some gym clothes which I will wear at Retro Fitness.
Have a great Saturday.
Talk to you soon! The Curley Lad
Friday, October 14, 2011
Hello on Friday Morning
Dear Friends,
I can hear the rain falling on our deck right now. Friday golf for me and my senior buddies will not happen today. This is not a bad thing because I am off to an Orthopedic follow up visit at 9:15 AM.
Linda has nothing on her social calendar which is good because she will be doing some packing for our trip to Georgia which takes place early next week. She also has to decide what she is going to wear for the Saturday wedding that we will be attending. The Church wedding is at 1 PM, but the reception doesn't take place until 6 PM. This means that I could watch some college football in between the wedding and the reception. It appears that our Saturday will be an extra long day!
Our Thursday went as planned. Dad appears to be perking up at the Greylock Nursing Care facility in Pittsfield. His blood pressure was a little low so they had to get permission from his primary doctor before the nurses at the nursing home gave him some medication. He still doesn't have a roommate, and he is enjoying being in a room alone. He also has started eating in the dinning room which should pick up his spirits. I have to check on mom today at the Providence Care nursing home in Lee.
I did set up dad so that he receives the Berkshire Eagle newspaper, and I also held his mail which he can pick up when he gets out of the nursing home.
I will drop off another of his favorite newspapers before I go to the Orthopedic appointment today.
I will then go off to Retro Fitness, and do exactly what Linda will be doing when I get home, packing.
Linda had a long day yesterday. She squeezed in three body maintenance procedures before she headed off to her 6 PM book club meeting. Our paths didn't cross too much at all.
My skimming of the CNN News didn't reveal too much that peaked my interest.
There was an interesting video of a male skydiver and willing female participant (she is a skydiver too) having sex while skydiving. People will do anything to get a video to go viral on the internet.
There was another sex related video interview with expert witnesses testifying that "Mind blowing sex" can cause temporary amnesia for sometimes up to twenty minutes after the act. The female doctor said that this less oxygenated blood as it heads back to the brain can cause the amnesia. Oh to be young again!
James Carville, a former political advisor to former President Bill Clinton, said that the current list of Republican candidates which are hoping to oust President Obama "is a joke"! I think that he is right on the mark with this statement.
I was also thinking about our local elections for Third District State Representative. The political advertisements on radio, the lawn signs, the sound bites, etc., are starting to drive me crazy. They all say that they are going to take care of us in the Berkshires, and they will fight to get much needed funds to fix roads, bridges, and to strengthen our Community College, etc. I wonder if some of these candidates have sat down with former State politicians to see how things really work. As an example, let us say that our Berkshire Community College is in need of a couple of million dollars for some upgrading of the facilities. The newly elected State Representative just can't walk into the State house and make a proposal to secure those funds. If money is needed to fix the Barnstable County jail in on Cape Cod, their Representative will be fighting to secure funds for their project. Usually the Berkshire Representative has to sit down with the Barnstable County Representative and wrangle out a deal and vote so that both Counties get almost what they want.
Another thing that makes the job of a State Representative is that some people think that our Western Massachusetts community ends in Springfield which is over thirty miles from the Berkshires.
The whole point of my words is that the candidates running for any office should really do their homework before even considering running for office.
It will be us voters to make sure that they fulfill their promises if and when they do get elected.
I can hear the wheels turning in the brain of my conservative friend Albert as he reminds me that President Obama has not fulfilled many of the promises which he made.
Well, I have to read the local newspaper, and get dressed for today's activities. I hope that I am quiet enough so that Linda can sleep as long as she wants. I thought that I was quiet yesterday morning, but she woke up a 6:40 AM. Could she be turning into a morning person? Not!
Have a great day at work or play!
Talk to you soon. The Curley lad
I can hear the rain falling on our deck right now. Friday golf for me and my senior buddies will not happen today. This is not a bad thing because I am off to an Orthopedic follow up visit at 9:15 AM.
Linda has nothing on her social calendar which is good because she will be doing some packing for our trip to Georgia which takes place early next week. She also has to decide what she is going to wear for the Saturday wedding that we will be attending. The Church wedding is at 1 PM, but the reception doesn't take place until 6 PM. This means that I could watch some college football in between the wedding and the reception. It appears that our Saturday will be an extra long day!
Our Thursday went as planned. Dad appears to be perking up at the Greylock Nursing Care facility in Pittsfield. His blood pressure was a little low so they had to get permission from his primary doctor before the nurses at the nursing home gave him some medication. He still doesn't have a roommate, and he is enjoying being in a room alone. He also has started eating in the dinning room which should pick up his spirits. I have to check on mom today at the Providence Care nursing home in Lee.
I did set up dad so that he receives the Berkshire Eagle newspaper, and I also held his mail which he can pick up when he gets out of the nursing home.
I will drop off another of his favorite newspapers before I go to the Orthopedic appointment today.
I will then go off to Retro Fitness, and do exactly what Linda will be doing when I get home, packing.
Linda had a long day yesterday. She squeezed in three body maintenance procedures before she headed off to her 6 PM book club meeting. Our paths didn't cross too much at all.
My skimming of the CNN News didn't reveal too much that peaked my interest.
There was an interesting video of a male skydiver and willing female participant (she is a skydiver too) having sex while skydiving. People will do anything to get a video to go viral on the internet.
There was another sex related video interview with expert witnesses testifying that "Mind blowing sex" can cause temporary amnesia for sometimes up to twenty minutes after the act. The female doctor said that this less oxygenated blood as it heads back to the brain can cause the amnesia. Oh to be young again!
James Carville, a former political advisor to former President Bill Clinton, said that the current list of Republican candidates which are hoping to oust President Obama "is a joke"! I think that he is right on the mark with this statement.
I was also thinking about our local elections for Third District State Representative. The political advertisements on radio, the lawn signs, the sound bites, etc., are starting to drive me crazy. They all say that they are going to take care of us in the Berkshires, and they will fight to get much needed funds to fix roads, bridges, and to strengthen our Community College, etc. I wonder if some of these candidates have sat down with former State politicians to see how things really work. As an example, let us say that our Berkshire Community College is in need of a couple of million dollars for some upgrading of the facilities. The newly elected State Representative just can't walk into the State house and make a proposal to secure those funds. If money is needed to fix the Barnstable County jail in on Cape Cod, their Representative will be fighting to secure funds for their project. Usually the Berkshire Representative has to sit down with the Barnstable County Representative and wrangle out a deal and vote so that both Counties get almost what they want.
Another thing that makes the job of a State Representative is that some people think that our Western Massachusetts community ends in Springfield which is over thirty miles from the Berkshires.
The whole point of my words is that the candidates running for any office should really do their homework before even considering running for office.
It will be us voters to make sure that they fulfill their promises if and when they do get elected.
I can hear the wheels turning in the brain of my conservative friend Albert as he reminds me that President Obama has not fulfilled many of the promises which he made.
Well, I have to read the local newspaper, and get dressed for today's activities. I hope that I am quiet enough so that Linda can sleep as long as she wants. I thought that I was quiet yesterday morning, but she woke up a 6:40 AM. Could she be turning into a morning person? Not!
Have a great day at work or play!
Talk to you soon. The Curley lad
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Hello on Thursday
Dear Friends,
I accomplished everything on my list activities yesterday. I even added an extra item because my dad wanted me to go to his home in Lee and pick up a couple items for him and bring them to the nursing home.
All my appointment went well. All follow up visits, procedures, CT Scans, etc., will be taking place in December which is when my Medicare program kicks in. Two of my appointments yesterday were $30 co-pays each. There are no co-pay( or very little) costs when I am on Medicare. Don't you just love those Federal programs which will take care of me for the rest of my life?
My younger wife has some time before she gets on Medicare.
The REAM luncheon went well too. The food and socialization which took place lasted until almost 3 PM. The guest speaker was a retired secondary teacher, and current board member of PRIM. This organization invests all the State, Municipal, and Teacher employee pension funds. I asked the question about:
"Did our pension fund take a hit because of the Madoff scandal." This PRIM board member said that we took a $12 million dollar hit. The hedge fund director of this particular investment was fired. PRIM has now instituted safe guards so that this debacle will not happen again. Keep those monthly pension checks coming in!
The last activity of the day was the strangest. There were about 12 of the UNICO golf committee members at the Heritage Tavern in Lenox at 6 PM. We were there for about 15 minutes. We all ordered our first beverage, and I even filled out a KENO slip, when all of a sudden the electricity went out in the town of Lenox including the Tavern. A few battery operated emergency lights go on in the Tavern, but the place was pretty much dark. It was like we were back in the Colonial days. The staff at the Tavern put candles on every table which really didn't offer us much light. Luckily the ovens in the kitchen were gas fired so we were able to get some pizzas made for our table. We split four pizzas at our table. The pizzas were delicious. The bar was able to keep the beverages flowing. By the time that my neighbor / childhood friend and I left the tavern, the battery operated emergency lights ran out of juice. The electricity in Lenox was still out as we left the Tavern at 8:50 PM. As we headed back to Pittsfield, all the highways and signal lights were out. Some people were driving like there was no problem.
Some people were going through intersections and not slowing down for anything. As we crossed the Lenox / Pittsfield town line, the electricity in Lenox went back on. Pittsfield was not involved with the electricity being out. The food, fun, and merriment occurred even in these extreme conditions.
This Golf Committee meeting is surely one that I will never forget.
Social Calendar -- Linda has a couple body maintenance procedures today. I think that she has a book club meeting at a friend's house this evening.
I have to decide when to go to Retro Fitness. I need to do some more things for Dad today; bring him a newspaper, put his mail on hold for him at the family home in Lee. I also have to start packing either physically or mentally for our trip to Georgia next week. While Linda is at her book club meeting, I will have a Chicken Novena for my supper which will be the high light of my day. For my dose of sports, every Thursday night there are several programs from 7 PM until 8:30 PM which discuss New England Patriot Football. I all am savoring another book.
Speaking of sports, my friend Albert asked what does an athlete's personal life have to do with performance on the field, court, etc. When you are playing a sport like baseball for example, and you have to focus on a baseball coming at you at 95 miles per hour as you are up to the plate, and your wife just kicked you out of the house for being unfaithful, can you truly shut off your family problems, and just go on as usual. I for one couldn't do it!
Yesterday, I had won of those "Life is too short" moments. A friend, who is still teaching at the school which I retired from, has been diagnosed with ALS / Lou Gerhig's Disease. This friend is from the Baby Boomer age group.
He is a Williams College graduate who started teaching later on in his working career. He currently is a physical wreck. He has a teenage daughter who attends the school which he teaches at. Every day my friend seems to deteriorate physically. His days on this earth are numbered. We all know that there is no cure for ALS. I feel so sad for him and his family. When he does pass away, it will be the second baby boomer friend that has died from this nasty disease. Enjoy every moment on this earth because you never know what each day will bring!
Well, I am going to end this email on this sad note.
I am going to enjoy this damp and dreary day a little more as I think about my friend and the death sentence that he has.
I am going to give all of my family members, including the grandchildren in Tewksbury and in Georgia extra hugs as our paths cross next week.
Have a great day!
Don't sweat the little things in life.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
I accomplished everything on my list activities yesterday. I even added an extra item because my dad wanted me to go to his home in Lee and pick up a couple items for him and bring them to the nursing home.
All my appointment went well. All follow up visits, procedures, CT Scans, etc., will be taking place in December which is when my Medicare program kicks in. Two of my appointments yesterday were $30 co-pays each. There are no co-pay( or very little) costs when I am on Medicare. Don't you just love those Federal programs which will take care of me for the rest of my life?
My younger wife has some time before she gets on Medicare.
The REAM luncheon went well too. The food and socialization which took place lasted until almost 3 PM. The guest speaker was a retired secondary teacher, and current board member of PRIM. This organization invests all the State, Municipal, and Teacher employee pension funds. I asked the question about:
"Did our pension fund take a hit because of the Madoff scandal." This PRIM board member said that we took a $12 million dollar hit. The hedge fund director of this particular investment was fired. PRIM has now instituted safe guards so that this debacle will not happen again. Keep those monthly pension checks coming in!
The last activity of the day was the strangest. There were about 12 of the UNICO golf committee members at the Heritage Tavern in Lenox at 6 PM. We were there for about 15 minutes. We all ordered our first beverage, and I even filled out a KENO slip, when all of a sudden the electricity went out in the town of Lenox including the Tavern. A few battery operated emergency lights go on in the Tavern, but the place was pretty much dark. It was like we were back in the Colonial days. The staff at the Tavern put candles on every table which really didn't offer us much light. Luckily the ovens in the kitchen were gas fired so we were able to get some pizzas made for our table. We split four pizzas at our table. The pizzas were delicious. The bar was able to keep the beverages flowing. By the time that my neighbor / childhood friend and I left the tavern, the battery operated emergency lights ran out of juice. The electricity in Lenox was still out as we left the Tavern at 8:50 PM. As we headed back to Pittsfield, all the highways and signal lights were out. Some people were driving like there was no problem.
Some people were going through intersections and not slowing down for anything. As we crossed the Lenox / Pittsfield town line, the electricity in Lenox went back on. Pittsfield was not involved with the electricity being out. The food, fun, and merriment occurred even in these extreme conditions.
This Golf Committee meeting is surely one that I will never forget.
Social Calendar -- Linda has a couple body maintenance procedures today. I think that she has a book club meeting at a friend's house this evening.
I have to decide when to go to Retro Fitness. I need to do some more things for Dad today; bring him a newspaper, put his mail on hold for him at the family home in Lee. I also have to start packing either physically or mentally for our trip to Georgia next week. While Linda is at her book club meeting, I will have a Chicken Novena for my supper which will be the high light of my day. For my dose of sports, every Thursday night there are several programs from 7 PM until 8:30 PM which discuss New England Patriot Football. I all am savoring another book.
Speaking of sports, my friend Albert asked what does an athlete's personal life have to do with performance on the field, court, etc. When you are playing a sport like baseball for example, and you have to focus on a baseball coming at you at 95 miles per hour as you are up to the plate, and your wife just kicked you out of the house for being unfaithful, can you truly shut off your family problems, and just go on as usual. I for one couldn't do it!
Yesterday, I had won of those "Life is too short" moments. A friend, who is still teaching at the school which I retired from, has been diagnosed with ALS / Lou Gerhig's Disease. This friend is from the Baby Boomer age group.
He is a Williams College graduate who started teaching later on in his working career. He currently is a physical wreck. He has a teenage daughter who attends the school which he teaches at. Every day my friend seems to deteriorate physically. His days on this earth are numbered. We all know that there is no cure for ALS. I feel so sad for him and his family. When he does pass away, it will be the second baby boomer friend that has died from this nasty disease. Enjoy every moment on this earth because you never know what each day will bring!
Well, I am going to end this email on this sad note.
I am going to enjoy this damp and dreary day a little more as I think about my friend and the death sentence that he has.
I am going to give all of my family members, including the grandchildren in Tewksbury and in Georgia extra hugs as our paths cross next week.
Have a great day!
Don't sweat the little things in life.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Hello on Wednesday
Dear Friends,
Our Tuesday went as planned. I left the house first as usual, and picked up my dad's favorite newspapers before I headed off to Berkshire Medical Center. Tuesday was discharge day for dad. He currently is staying in Room
115 at the Greylock Nursing Home / Rehab facility located on upper North Street adjacent to Reid Middle School. I will be picking up his favorite newspapers once again today and dropping them off around 8 AM.
I am up early because I have a full schedule today, and I am not sure if I could make it through all the events.
I am heading off to Retro Fitness for the 4:30 AM opening time.
I will take a shower when I get home from the gym, and then go off and pick up dad's newspapers a little after 6 AM. Here is the rest of my schedule:
A. Drop of newspapers to dad at 8 AM at the nursing home.
B. Doctor's appointment at 8:30 AM.
C. Ultra Sound at 9:15 AM
D. Vein procedure at 10 AM
E. Run a REAM luncheon meeting at Zucchini's restaurant since I am President of the Berkshire County Chapter of the Retired Educators Association of Massachusetts.
F. Take an afternoon nap.
G. Attend a 6 PM UNICO follow up Golf Committee Meeting in Lenox.
Linda has a little lighter social calendar than I do. I will meet her at Zucchini's for the luncheon. She has her weekly knitting group gathering at
6 PM at Panera Bread.
While at Retro Fitness on Tuesday around 11 AM, I got on a treadmill that had a bank of four or five empty treadmills. A young woman gets on the treadmill right next to me. A friend of hers stands next to her treadmill, and starts talking to the woman non stop. Luckily I had ear buds, and I was watching ESPN on the television mounted to the treadmill. I lasted 10 minutes before I moved to the elliptical machines that were hardly being used. As I said before, I like to do my workout routine, and keep socialization to a minimum. For some people, they want to do the reverse.
Usually the 4:30 AM crowd is not into socialization because they often go from the gym to work after they take a shower at Retro Fitness. I don't normally shower there since I live exactly 2 miles from Retro Fitness.
I don't have time to think about anything today except for making it through my busy day. Politics, and world turmoil is the farthest thing on my mind.
The nice weather that we have been having for the past few days might turn into just a memory. After a nice start today, we have some after wet stuff coming in. Thursday might be the wettest day of the week. Cooler temperatures and the threat of rain might last through the week, and into early next week. Could fall be actually here?
Have a great Wednesday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Our Tuesday went as planned. I left the house first as usual, and picked up my dad's favorite newspapers before I headed off to Berkshire Medical Center. Tuesday was discharge day for dad. He currently is staying in Room
115 at the Greylock Nursing Home / Rehab facility located on upper North Street adjacent to Reid Middle School. I will be picking up his favorite newspapers once again today and dropping them off around 8 AM.
I am up early because I have a full schedule today, and I am not sure if I could make it through all the events.
I am heading off to Retro Fitness for the 4:30 AM opening time.
I will take a shower when I get home from the gym, and then go off and pick up dad's newspapers a little after 6 AM. Here is the rest of my schedule:
A. Drop of newspapers to dad at 8 AM at the nursing home.
B. Doctor's appointment at 8:30 AM.
C. Ultra Sound at 9:15 AM
D. Vein procedure at 10 AM
E. Run a REAM luncheon meeting at Zucchini's restaurant since I am President of the Berkshire County Chapter of the Retired Educators Association of Massachusetts.
F. Take an afternoon nap.
G. Attend a 6 PM UNICO follow up Golf Committee Meeting in Lenox.
Linda has a little lighter social calendar than I do. I will meet her at Zucchini's for the luncheon. She has her weekly knitting group gathering at
6 PM at Panera Bread.
While at Retro Fitness on Tuesday around 11 AM, I got on a treadmill that had a bank of four or five empty treadmills. A young woman gets on the treadmill right next to me. A friend of hers stands next to her treadmill, and starts talking to the woman non stop. Luckily I had ear buds, and I was watching ESPN on the television mounted to the treadmill. I lasted 10 minutes before I moved to the elliptical machines that were hardly being used. As I said before, I like to do my workout routine, and keep socialization to a minimum. For some people, they want to do the reverse.
Usually the 4:30 AM crowd is not into socialization because they often go from the gym to work after they take a shower at Retro Fitness. I don't normally shower there since I live exactly 2 miles from Retro Fitness.
I don't have time to think about anything today except for making it through my busy day. Politics, and world turmoil is the farthest thing on my mind.
The nice weather that we have been having for the past few days might turn into just a memory. After a nice start today, we have some after wet stuff coming in. Thursday might be the wettest day of the week. Cooler temperatures and the threat of rain might last through the week, and into early next week. Could fall be actually here?
Have a great Wednesday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Hello on Tuesday
Dear Friends,
I hope that all of you had a great Columbus Day weekend. It was picture perfect weekend weather wise. Linda and I actually thought that it was a bit to warm for the middle of October.
Kevin and Kyla took their son Max to one of those Pumpkin Patch places near their home in North Tewksbury. They too thought it was a bit warm.
Kevin closed his restaurant over the weekend, but the filming crew was still doing some filming over the Columbus Day weekend. Kevin said that the filming crew will be there for the rest of this week.
The family meeting with my sister, me, and the doctors went well yesterday.
My dad agreed to rehab in a nursing home for a couple of weeks. I am in charge of making sure he gets settled in today at the nursing home, but we aren't sure of which one it will be. Dad had to give the case worker 3 choices of nursing homes, and the caseworker will find out which one has an open bed today.
After the meeting and a short visit with dear old Dad, I headed off to Retro Fitness. There were several muscle bound guys working out at the same time that I was doing a light workout. One guy had a tattoo on his upper arm. It got me thinking that maybe I should get a tattoo. I would get a small one and as my arm grew muscle wise the small tattoo could expand. I was trying to think of what kind of tattoo I should get. Well, this tattoo stuff is a "pipe dream" as the saying goes. I am not getting any tattoo on this baby boomers' body.
News -- The usual turmoil, protests, etc., are taking place even as we celebrated the Columbus Day weekend.
One thing did catch my eye, and it was about the fleet of Air Force drones based in Nevada. A virus has been infecting the drones. When the computer experts fix the virus, the virus returns. There is a concern the virus is stealing military secrets / technology. Military officials aren't saying much because the drone data is classified.
Linda was enjoying the morning alone until I walked in the door a little after 11 AM on Monday. I gave her a headache in no time at all. I really didn't try to do this, but stuff just happens. After the Retro Fitness workout, I decided to go across the street from the gym, and pick up a prescription at Stop and Shop. I picked up the prescription, and brought it home. I asked Linda if the amount I paid was a little high. She said that the thirty day supply of the pills should have cost a little over $3. I paid
$16.99 for the 30 day supply. Linda got on the telephone and started making telephone calls to the local pharmacist, and the CareMark service which we go through. My claim for the pills was denied, and that is why the pills cost more than usual. After going through a series of pushing buttons she talked to a human being who tried to explain the denial. Linda eventually went to the local pharmacist, and used his phone to CareMark, and got the situation straightened out. You would think that a simple thing of picking up one prescription would be such a simple task for the Curley Lad. Not!
Linda did a little recreational shopping as I took an afternoon nap. She also picked up a few basic food items like milk and cereal, etc. She even purchased some cargo pants for me at one the multiple stores that she went into.
We had a sandwich at Berkshire Hills Country Club for supper before Linda was picked up for her Mah Jongg session which took place at a friend's home.
Social Calendar -- Linda has her Tuesday Mah Jongg session during the day, and her once a month BONCO session this evening. I have UNICO board Meeting tonight at 6 PM.
Linda and I will be missing a 6 PM Irish Sister City Committee meeting.
I have asked one of the Sister City Committee members to take notes for me since I am the recording secretary of this organization.
I also have to stop off at the Pittsfield City Hall at some point today to sign up for Medicare supplemental insurance which the City offers to retirees at a reasonable price. My Medicare card came in the mail the other day. I will be part of the Federal Health Care system starting on December 1, 2011. As mentioned above, I also have to get my father settled into a nursing home hopefully before noon time today.
This social calendar is a preview of how busy we will be for the rest of the week which includes a Saturday wedding for the son of friends' of the Curley's.
Well, I have to read the local newspaper, and get dressed. I want to be at City Hall when the doors open at 8:30 AM. I think my next stop will be at the hospital to visit with dad until he is shipped out to a nursing home.
Linda leaves the house a little after 11 AM. Our paths might not cross today. At least, I won't be around to give her a headache! On the other hand, I have been known to give her a headache even if we are not home together.
Have a great day at work or play!
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
I hope that all of you had a great Columbus Day weekend. It was picture perfect weekend weather wise. Linda and I actually thought that it was a bit to warm for the middle of October.
Kevin and Kyla took their son Max to one of those Pumpkin Patch places near their home in North Tewksbury. They too thought it was a bit warm.
Kevin closed his restaurant over the weekend, but the filming crew was still doing some filming over the Columbus Day weekend. Kevin said that the filming crew will be there for the rest of this week.
The family meeting with my sister, me, and the doctors went well yesterday.
My dad agreed to rehab in a nursing home for a couple of weeks. I am in charge of making sure he gets settled in today at the nursing home, but we aren't sure of which one it will be. Dad had to give the case worker 3 choices of nursing homes, and the caseworker will find out which one has an open bed today.
After the meeting and a short visit with dear old Dad, I headed off to Retro Fitness. There were several muscle bound guys working out at the same time that I was doing a light workout. One guy had a tattoo on his upper arm. It got me thinking that maybe I should get a tattoo. I would get a small one and as my arm grew muscle wise the small tattoo could expand. I was trying to think of what kind of tattoo I should get. Well, this tattoo stuff is a "pipe dream" as the saying goes. I am not getting any tattoo on this baby boomers' body.
News -- The usual turmoil, protests, etc., are taking place even as we celebrated the Columbus Day weekend.
One thing did catch my eye, and it was about the fleet of Air Force drones based in Nevada. A virus has been infecting the drones. When the computer experts fix the virus, the virus returns. There is a concern the virus is stealing military secrets / technology. Military officials aren't saying much because the drone data is classified.
Linda was enjoying the morning alone until I walked in the door a little after 11 AM on Monday. I gave her a headache in no time at all. I really didn't try to do this, but stuff just happens. After the Retro Fitness workout, I decided to go across the street from the gym, and pick up a prescription at Stop and Shop. I picked up the prescription, and brought it home. I asked Linda if the amount I paid was a little high. She said that the thirty day supply of the pills should have cost a little over $3. I paid
$16.99 for the 30 day supply. Linda got on the telephone and started making telephone calls to the local pharmacist, and the CareMark service which we go through. My claim for the pills was denied, and that is why the pills cost more than usual. After going through a series of pushing buttons she talked to a human being who tried to explain the denial. Linda eventually went to the local pharmacist, and used his phone to CareMark, and got the situation straightened out. You would think that a simple thing of picking up one prescription would be such a simple task for the Curley Lad. Not!
Linda did a little recreational shopping as I took an afternoon nap. She also picked up a few basic food items like milk and cereal, etc. She even purchased some cargo pants for me at one the multiple stores that she went into.
We had a sandwich at Berkshire Hills Country Club for supper before Linda was picked up for her Mah Jongg session which took place at a friend's home.
Social Calendar -- Linda has her Tuesday Mah Jongg session during the day, and her once a month BONCO session this evening. I have UNICO board Meeting tonight at 6 PM.
Linda and I will be missing a 6 PM Irish Sister City Committee meeting.
I have asked one of the Sister City Committee members to take notes for me since I am the recording secretary of this organization.
I also have to stop off at the Pittsfield City Hall at some point today to sign up for Medicare supplemental insurance which the City offers to retirees at a reasonable price. My Medicare card came in the mail the other day. I will be part of the Federal Health Care system starting on December 1, 2011. As mentioned above, I also have to get my father settled into a nursing home hopefully before noon time today.
This social calendar is a preview of how busy we will be for the rest of the week which includes a Saturday wedding for the son of friends' of the Curley's.
Well, I have to read the local newspaper, and get dressed. I want to be at City Hall when the doors open at 8:30 AM. I think my next stop will be at the hospital to visit with dad until he is shipped out to a nursing home.
Linda leaves the house a little after 11 AM. Our paths might not cross today. At least, I won't be around to give her a headache! On the other hand, I have been known to give her a headache even if we are not home together.
Have a great day at work or play!
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Monday, October 10, 2011
Hello on Monday
Dear Friends,
My Sunday went as planned; Retro Fitness at 6 AM, home to shower and skim the Sunday newspapers, visit my dad at Berkshire Medical Center, and then head off to the ITAM to get involved with food preparation for the UNICO's Taste of Italy. There was much work, food, fun, merriment in the kitchen before I eventually sat down with our table of 9. The Curley's, Culver's, Pat Barscz, Jeff Arthur, Anne Gagnon, and the Sturgeon's were at our table. Linda and I had separate cars so I did a few things in the kitchen before I packed up and left the place. I didn't participate in the cleanup because I was pretty exhausted by the end of the event.
I left Linda around 8:30 AM on Sunday, and we didn't talk too much even at or after the meal so I really don't know what she did while I was gone. She was probably enjoying the multiple hours of me not bugging her.
Well, today is the legal Columbus Day, but for all of us Baby Boomers we were taught that October 12 is the real Columbus Day.
October in Massachusetts is Italian Heritage Month. There is a calendar of Italian events which are taking place almost every day of the month throughout the State.
I skimmed the CNN news on line, and the usual turmoil is taking place whether we are celebrating a holiday or not. The only news item that jumped out at me was that a fan threw a hotdog at Tiger Woods as he was attempting a birdie putt. The 31 year old guy layed on the ground and put his body in arrest mode after throwing the hot dog. He was handcuffed by security and taken to jail. Golf is normally a sport where the fans are not so rude.
Politics -- Where has the Tea Party gone? I had a relative who told me to remove her name from my daily blog because she couldn't stand the constant bashing that I was giving the Tea Party. Maybe she will want me to put her back on the blog list.
Continuing on with a sports theme, my New England Patriots beat the New York Jets. I missed most of the game, but I do have it recorded.
Weather -- We have another great day weather wise coming up today, and tomorrow. I have to get my butt off of the couch and winterize the deck. If I don't do so today, I will take care of it tomorrow.
Social Calendar -- My sister and I have a family meeting at 9 AM with my dad and the doctor. My father thinks that he can recover at home. The doctor, and my sister and I will try and convince my father that he has to go to a nursing home setting until he is well enough to function on his own. My sister and I have a bunch of things on both of our social calendars, and we won't even be around the Berkshires as he goes through the healing process. I even told my dad how my next door neighbor's Mom announced to her son that she can't take care of her house alone, and that she wants to sell her house, and go into an assisted living place. I was trying to plant that seed in my father's brain, but he wasn't buying into the idea. Most of the people from my father's generation are going to live and die in their own home. My sister and I don't want him to fall and hurt himself so bad that he might really die in his own home.
Linda created an errand list which she left on the kitchen counter so I know that she will be leaving the house at some point today. Linda is also booked in as a substitute for a third group of friends who are playing Mah Jongg this evening.
I will go off to Retro Fitness after the family meeting, and then I have nothing booked in on my social calendar. I believe that there is an afternoon Boston Bruins hockey game as well as Monday Night football to keep me entertained. I also will watch previously recorded programs.
I was reading my October AARP newsletter and they listed 5 things that we members can do help with the debt in the United States. Some of the items were for us to walk a mile per day which would keep us away from using our health system if we all were in better shape. The one item that jumped out at me was to give financial gifts to our government. So far this year, Americans have sent in more than $2.5 billion dollars as gifts to our government coffers. Just being able to pay our monthly bills is a challenge for most of us retirees. I don't think any of our friends have bought into this gift giving idea.
Well, I have to read the local newspaper, and get dressed for the family meeting at the hospital.
Have a great day!
Talk to you soon. The Curley lad
My Sunday went as planned; Retro Fitness at 6 AM, home to shower and skim the Sunday newspapers, visit my dad at Berkshire Medical Center, and then head off to the ITAM to get involved with food preparation for the UNICO's Taste of Italy. There was much work, food, fun, merriment in the kitchen before I eventually sat down with our table of 9. The Curley's, Culver's, Pat Barscz, Jeff Arthur, Anne Gagnon, and the Sturgeon's were at our table. Linda and I had separate cars so I did a few things in the kitchen before I packed up and left the place. I didn't participate in the cleanup because I was pretty exhausted by the end of the event.
I left Linda around 8:30 AM on Sunday, and we didn't talk too much even at or after the meal so I really don't know what she did while I was gone. She was probably enjoying the multiple hours of me not bugging her.
Well, today is the legal Columbus Day, but for all of us Baby Boomers we were taught that October 12 is the real Columbus Day.
October in Massachusetts is Italian Heritage Month. There is a calendar of Italian events which are taking place almost every day of the month throughout the State.
I skimmed the CNN news on line, and the usual turmoil is taking place whether we are celebrating a holiday or not. The only news item that jumped out at me was that a fan threw a hotdog at Tiger Woods as he was attempting a birdie putt. The 31 year old guy layed on the ground and put his body in arrest mode after throwing the hot dog. He was handcuffed by security and taken to jail. Golf is normally a sport where the fans are not so rude.
Politics -- Where has the Tea Party gone? I had a relative who told me to remove her name from my daily blog because she couldn't stand the constant bashing that I was giving the Tea Party. Maybe she will want me to put her back on the blog list.
Continuing on with a sports theme, my New England Patriots beat the New York Jets. I missed most of the game, but I do have it recorded.
Weather -- We have another great day weather wise coming up today, and tomorrow. I have to get my butt off of the couch and winterize the deck. If I don't do so today, I will take care of it tomorrow.
Social Calendar -- My sister and I have a family meeting at 9 AM with my dad and the doctor. My father thinks that he can recover at home. The doctor, and my sister and I will try and convince my father that he has to go to a nursing home setting until he is well enough to function on his own. My sister and I have a bunch of things on both of our social calendars, and we won't even be around the Berkshires as he goes through the healing process. I even told my dad how my next door neighbor's Mom announced to her son that she can't take care of her house alone, and that she wants to sell her house, and go into an assisted living place. I was trying to plant that seed in my father's brain, but he wasn't buying into the idea. Most of the people from my father's generation are going to live and die in their own home. My sister and I don't want him to fall and hurt himself so bad that he might really die in his own home.
Linda created an errand list which she left on the kitchen counter so I know that she will be leaving the house at some point today. Linda is also booked in as a substitute for a third group of friends who are playing Mah Jongg this evening.
I will go off to Retro Fitness after the family meeting, and then I have nothing booked in on my social calendar. I believe that there is an afternoon Boston Bruins hockey game as well as Monday Night football to keep me entertained. I also will watch previously recorded programs.
I was reading my October AARP newsletter and they listed 5 things that we members can do help with the debt in the United States. Some of the items were for us to walk a mile per day which would keep us away from using our health system if we all were in better shape. The one item that jumped out at me was to give financial gifts to our government. So far this year, Americans have sent in more than $2.5 billion dollars as gifts to our government coffers. Just being able to pay our monthly bills is a challenge for most of us retirees. I don't think any of our friends have bought into this gift giving idea.
Well, I have to read the local newspaper, and get dressed for the family meeting at the hospital.
Have a great day!
Talk to you soon. The Curley lad
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Hello on Sunday
Dear Friends,
For the most part, our Saturday went as planned. I left the house a little after 6 AM, and went directly to The Retro Fitness gym. The place was supposed to open at 6 AM. Not! The lady who opened Retro didn't arrive until after 7 AM. Two of us sat in the parking lot until she arrived. Many more people arrived, waited a little while, and headed back home when doors were closed. I didn't make any negative comments when the lady opened the door, but I was surely thinking of some not so nice things to say.
After the workout, I headed to Berkshire Medical Center to visit my dad who has pneumonia in both lungs. They are going to keep him there for a couple of days as they get the pneumonia under control. Besides the pneumonia, he had fallen a couple of days ago, and whacked his head on a night stand, and he never woke up until 10 AM the next morning. The doctors want to see why he is prone to falling too. I wish that he would just sell the family home in Lee, and move into an assisted living place. He needs supervision. My sister and I would be very happy if we knew that there was a medical staff to take care of him, provide three square meals per day, and to make sure that he takes all of his medicine, etc. Oh Darn!
Linda did a little recreational shopping by her self yesterday. She hit a few of her favorite stores as I was taking a nap. For supper, we used a coupon, and went off for dinner at the Rainbow Restaurant. The price fix meal which includes a salad, main dish, and dessert and coffee was wonderful. I am not saying that it was a healthy meal, but the Prime Rib was cooked to perfection. We couldn't remember the last time that we had a Prime Rib dinner.
I am going to give it another try today at Retro Fitness which is supposed to open at 6 AM. After coming home and taking a shower, I will visit dad after his breakfast is served around 8 AM, and then I will head off to the ITAM to help with the Taste of Italy food preparation. I am planning on being at the ITAM at 9:30 AM. The dinner on the ticket says that dinner will be served at 6 PM. I do have a table reserved. As of yesterday, there are 8 (Culver's, Curley's, Casey's, Pat B. and Jeff A.) for sure. A friend sent an e-mail yesterday, and if she gets a ticket, we will squeeze her in.
Linda is going to drive her own car because I might be tied up in the kitchen after the event is over. I really hope not!
I had to record "In the Kitchen with David" on the QVC Channel which goes from noon until 3 PM as well as the New England Patriot game which starts at
4:15 PM at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts.
I am guessing that I will be one tired buckaroo when this day is over especially since I won't be able to take an afternoon nap.
Has anyone noticed that the price of gasoline has decreased at the pumps? Do things like this seem to happen near election time?
My radio talk show host friend keeps on sending me stuff about the turmoil taking place in Mexico. The Mexican Navy found 32 bodies from some the multiple conflicts taking place in Mexico between the Mexican government, and the drug cartels. No one wants to be a politician in that country and fight the drug cartels because the drug dealers will kill the politician and their families. The news media in the United States doesn't seem to want to inform of us the out of control state of affairs taking place in Mexico. The conflict is also exacerbated because of the great American decision to sell guns to the bad guy with the hopes that the guns can be traced to who eventually ends up with the guns. Many the deaths in Mexico come from the same guns which were used in this experiment.
Could it be time for the United States to either help the Mexican government, or just vote Mexico as our 51st State?
Maybe if the Americans stopped using so many illegal drugs, the drug cartels would lose some of their power. What if the United States, lets us have those Victory gardens like they did in World War II, and let people grow their own Marijuana? It would be like my friends whom make home made wine each fall!
Well, I have to put on my gym clothes, and head off to Retro Fitness. Those doors better be open at 6 AM this morning.
Have a great Sunday!
The weather is supposed to be picture perfect for us in the Berkshires.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
For the most part, our Saturday went as planned. I left the house a little after 6 AM, and went directly to The Retro Fitness gym. The place was supposed to open at 6 AM. Not! The lady who opened Retro didn't arrive until after 7 AM. Two of us sat in the parking lot until she arrived. Many more people arrived, waited a little while, and headed back home when doors were closed. I didn't make any negative comments when the lady opened the door, but I was surely thinking of some not so nice things to say.
After the workout, I headed to Berkshire Medical Center to visit my dad who has pneumonia in both lungs. They are going to keep him there for a couple of days as they get the pneumonia under control. Besides the pneumonia, he had fallen a couple of days ago, and whacked his head on a night stand, and he never woke up until 10 AM the next morning. The doctors want to see why he is prone to falling too. I wish that he would just sell the family home in Lee, and move into an assisted living place. He needs supervision. My sister and I would be very happy if we knew that there was a medical staff to take care of him, provide three square meals per day, and to make sure that he takes all of his medicine, etc. Oh Darn!
Linda did a little recreational shopping by her self yesterday. She hit a few of her favorite stores as I was taking a nap. For supper, we used a coupon, and went off for dinner at the Rainbow Restaurant. The price fix meal which includes a salad, main dish, and dessert and coffee was wonderful. I am not saying that it was a healthy meal, but the Prime Rib was cooked to perfection. We couldn't remember the last time that we had a Prime Rib dinner.
I am going to give it another try today at Retro Fitness which is supposed to open at 6 AM. After coming home and taking a shower, I will visit dad after his breakfast is served around 8 AM, and then I will head off to the ITAM to help with the Taste of Italy food preparation. I am planning on being at the ITAM at 9:30 AM. The dinner on the ticket says that dinner will be served at 6 PM. I do have a table reserved. As of yesterday, there are 8 (Culver's, Curley's, Casey's, Pat B. and Jeff A.) for sure. A friend sent an e-mail yesterday, and if she gets a ticket, we will squeeze her in.
Linda is going to drive her own car because I might be tied up in the kitchen after the event is over. I really hope not!
I had to record "In the Kitchen with David" on the QVC Channel which goes from noon until 3 PM as well as the New England Patriot game which starts at
4:15 PM at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts.
I am guessing that I will be one tired buckaroo when this day is over especially since I won't be able to take an afternoon nap.
Has anyone noticed that the price of gasoline has decreased at the pumps? Do things like this seem to happen near election time?
My radio talk show host friend keeps on sending me stuff about the turmoil taking place in Mexico. The Mexican Navy found 32 bodies from some the multiple conflicts taking place in Mexico between the Mexican government, and the drug cartels. No one wants to be a politician in that country and fight the drug cartels because the drug dealers will kill the politician and their families. The news media in the United States doesn't seem to want to inform of us the out of control state of affairs taking place in Mexico. The conflict is also exacerbated because of the great American decision to sell guns to the bad guy with the hopes that the guns can be traced to who eventually ends up with the guns. Many the deaths in Mexico come from the same guns which were used in this experiment.
Could it be time for the United States to either help the Mexican government, or just vote Mexico as our 51st State?
Maybe if the Americans stopped using so many illegal drugs, the drug cartels would lose some of their power. What if the United States, lets us have those Victory gardens like they did in World War II, and let people grow their own Marijuana? It would be like my friends whom make home made wine each fall!
Well, I have to put on my gym clothes, and head off to Retro Fitness. Those doors better be open at 6 AM this morning.
Have a great Sunday!
The weather is supposed to be picture perfect for us in the Berkshires.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Hello on Saturday
Dear Friends,
We finally had a pleasant end to the week on Friday. I decided not to whimp out, and did make an attempt at playing golf. At least the weather was nice as my friends and I made it through 18 holes. I did skip the 19th holes festivities; took a quick one hour nap, and then Linda and I headed off to purchase fall decorations for the front of the house. The corn stalks, mums, and a pumpkin have helped to make the front of our house fall like. It is now my job to keep the mums alive.
After the decorating was over, we headed off to the Shamrock for some food, fun, and merriment, and Keno, with two Irish Sister City / Polish Falcon Hall friends. Three hours later, we called it an evening. Linda and her girlfriends started booking in things like a game night, Patriot's Party at our house, etc. These booked events will take place in November.
The saga of the riding lawnmower is over. The service manager called to ask what we wanted to do with the machine that is too costly to fix. I asked him what he charges to dispose of the machine. He said he has a guy who comes once a week to pick up scrap metal, and that he will haul the machine away for free. This was certainly a good bit of news.
It is a balmy 45 degrees out right now, and temperatures will reach into the mid 70's before this day is over. We do happen to have a free day for a change, and I think that Linda and I are going to enjoy it. I might move some deck furniture to the storage shed since there is no riding lawnmower in there which normally takes up a great deal of space.
I also want to give both of our vehicles a good vacuum, and wash.
Before doing any of those outside activities, I will be heading off to Retro Fitness which I did not go to on Friday. Oh Darn! The gym opens at 6 AM on the weekend instead of the week day time of 4:30 AM.
Sports -- I have little interest in the Baseball playoffs, and eventually the World Series. I am not alone in my feeling which doesn't bode well for the big time advertisers. The ratings will not be good this year because a Boston or a New York team will not be in the World Series.
Politics -- I see where the Vice-President says that the Republicans are strong enough to beat the Obama and Biden ticket.
I did also read where one of the Republican Candidates said that Mitt Romney's Mormon Religion is a cult.
Even in Massachusetts a little mudslinging has taken place. Scott Brown, a Republican who took over Ted Kennedy's formerly Democratic seat, got into a war of words by a Democratic female vying to unseat Scott Brown. The woman made a comment about Scott Brown posing nude for one of those magazines when he was in college. Well Scott Brown fired back and said that he would not have enjoyed looking at her naked body in any magazine.
Comments like these a few years ago got a Democratic candidate in trouble, and Jane Swift won that battle, and she eventually became the Republican Governor of Massachusetts. The Democratic candidate said that her qualifications for political office weren't good enough to get her elected. During the war of words, the male Democratic said that she was nothing more than a "store clerk" because of her experience working at a J.C. Penny like store. Well, every woman whether they were a Democrat or Republican in Massachusetts voted for the Republican Candidate Jane Swift.
This is why Linda has advised me to not be on Facebook. Every day I look at what people say on Linda's Facebook, and I would love to zing a few people. My daily blog is enough to get me in trouble.
Like I said yesterday, our son is back home from Afghanistan, and enjoying his family. They have planned family trip to Disney World. Linda and I will be at there home for a visit shortly after they come back from their vacation.
Our restaurateur son and his wife are doing well in North Tewksbury. We will be at their home in a little over a week.
Well, I have to put on some gym clothes and head out the door while Linda is still sleeping.
Have a great Columbus Day weekend. Our weekend has been off to a great start so far.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
We finally had a pleasant end to the week on Friday. I decided not to whimp out, and did make an attempt at playing golf. At least the weather was nice as my friends and I made it through 18 holes. I did skip the 19th holes festivities; took a quick one hour nap, and then Linda and I headed off to purchase fall decorations for the front of the house. The corn stalks, mums, and a pumpkin have helped to make the front of our house fall like. It is now my job to keep the mums alive.
After the decorating was over, we headed off to the Shamrock for some food, fun, and merriment, and Keno, with two Irish Sister City / Polish Falcon Hall friends. Three hours later, we called it an evening. Linda and her girlfriends started booking in things like a game night, Patriot's Party at our house, etc. These booked events will take place in November.
The saga of the riding lawnmower is over. The service manager called to ask what we wanted to do with the machine that is too costly to fix. I asked him what he charges to dispose of the machine. He said he has a guy who comes once a week to pick up scrap metal, and that he will haul the machine away for free. This was certainly a good bit of news.
It is a balmy 45 degrees out right now, and temperatures will reach into the mid 70's before this day is over. We do happen to have a free day for a change, and I think that Linda and I are going to enjoy it. I might move some deck furniture to the storage shed since there is no riding lawnmower in there which normally takes up a great deal of space.
I also want to give both of our vehicles a good vacuum, and wash.
Before doing any of those outside activities, I will be heading off to Retro Fitness which I did not go to on Friday. Oh Darn! The gym opens at 6 AM on the weekend instead of the week day time of 4:30 AM.
Sports -- I have little interest in the Baseball playoffs, and eventually the World Series. I am not alone in my feeling which doesn't bode well for the big time advertisers. The ratings will not be good this year because a Boston or a New York team will not be in the World Series.
Politics -- I see where the Vice-President says that the Republicans are strong enough to beat the Obama and Biden ticket.
I did also read where one of the Republican Candidates said that Mitt Romney's Mormon Religion is a cult.
Even in Massachusetts a little mudslinging has taken place. Scott Brown, a Republican who took over Ted Kennedy's formerly Democratic seat, got into a war of words by a Democratic female vying to unseat Scott Brown. The woman made a comment about Scott Brown posing nude for one of those magazines when he was in college. Well Scott Brown fired back and said that he would not have enjoyed looking at her naked body in any magazine.
Comments like these a few years ago got a Democratic candidate in trouble, and Jane Swift won that battle, and she eventually became the Republican Governor of Massachusetts. The Democratic candidate said that her qualifications for political office weren't good enough to get her elected. During the war of words, the male Democratic said that she was nothing more than a "store clerk" because of her experience working at a J.C. Penny like store. Well, every woman whether they were a Democrat or Republican in Massachusetts voted for the Republican Candidate Jane Swift.
This is why Linda has advised me to not be on Facebook. Every day I look at what people say on Linda's Facebook, and I would love to zing a few people. My daily blog is enough to get me in trouble.
Like I said yesterday, our son is back home from Afghanistan, and enjoying his family. They have planned family trip to Disney World. Linda and I will be at there home for a visit shortly after they come back from their vacation.
Our restaurateur son and his wife are doing well in North Tewksbury. We will be at their home in a little over a week.
Well, I have to put on some gym clothes and head out the door while Linda is still sleeping.
Have a great Columbus Day weekend. Our weekend has been off to a great start so far.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Friday, October 7, 2011
Hello on Friday
Dear Friends,
Our riding lawnmower has officially expired. It would cost over $1300 to replace the motor. The repair guy said that it wouldn't be worth it to fix the mower. We will search for a replacement next spring. The Repair Shop guy said that he could sell us a new machine for a little over $2700. Linda would rather spend that much money for a trip somewhere. A lawn service is looking pretty good right now!
There was also another death because of the frost yesterday. All of our delicate flowers which I decided not to cover died too. I disposed of most of the dead flowers from deck planters, barrels, and flower pots after my nap on Thursday. This wasn't a pleasant task.
I am supposed to play golf with the seniors this morning, but I am not really that excited. My golfing buddies and I thought it was too cold to play on Thursday so we never played golf. It is forty degrees right now, but the warm up (mid 60's) doesn't take place until 1 PM which is usually when our round is over.
I did go to Retro Fitness on Thursday, but it wasn't until the 9 AM hour. I am getting to like this hour for a workout. Opening the garage door at 4:25 AM does have a tendency to wake Linda up since the garage is next to the master bedroom. Linda also has bionic ears, and she hears everything. She hears me when I get up at any time of the morning. There is not much that I do quietly.
Politics -- Congress is still arguing about the President's economic recovery plan as he prances around the country trying to mix a little campaigning along with trying to sell his plan. The Republicans are still against taxing the wealthy, and they want things to come to a vote hoping to prove that some Democrats don't like everything in the President's Economic Recovery Plan. The sandbox mentality continues in Washington, D.C. Oh Darn!
Sports -- The Yankees got knocked out of the playoff which proves that high payroll teams like the Red Sox and the Yankees don't necessarily bring home championships.
The Sports Illustrated "Kiss of Death" happened last evening. Tim Thomas, the goalie for the Boston Bruins, was on the front cover of this week's weekly magazine. The Bruins lost the season opener which was played in Boston. What was really sad was that this game had the ceremony of raising the championship banner. All the pomp and circumstance was not enough to help the Bruins win the game. Oh Darn!
Our friend flew back to her Atlanta home yesterday. She couldn't wait to get back to some warmer temperatures. She is not a fan of cold weather.
We still have resisted turning on the heat. I am wearing a sweatshirt right now, and the first floor temperature is 60 degrees. Since the temperatures this weekend are going to reach the lower to mid 70's, I think that we can still keep the heat off. My next task will be to put away the four air conditioners we have throughout the house.
Linda left a list on the counter of things that we have to do (either today or tomorrow) to get ready for the fall like weather. We need to purchase some corn stalks, mums, bales of hay, and other fall decorations. Linda also likes to decorate the inside of the house with fall decorations. The problem is that we have to find which buckets that the fall decorations are in. She does label buckets, but some are in the garage, and some are in the basement. This means that I will be involved with the decorations in and outside the house.
Good thing that I have been working out for a few days, I can feel that I am gaining muscle strength by working out at Retro Fitness.
Our Military son has arrived back home in Southern Georgia. He does get a few days off before he has to report to his Air Force Base. My dad said that he has been praying that our son would get out of the war torn region in one piece.
Well, I have to decide whether I am going to play golf or not. I like it when we tee off at our normal time of 8:30 AM. The frost was so heavy on Thursday that they wouldn't let people out on the golf course until mid morning on Thursday.
I would rather go off with Linda and get those fall decorations mentioned above.
Have a great Holiday weekend especially since the weather forecast is abundant sunshine and temperatures in the 70's.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Our riding lawnmower has officially expired. It would cost over $1300 to replace the motor. The repair guy said that it wouldn't be worth it to fix the mower. We will search for a replacement next spring. The Repair Shop guy said that he could sell us a new machine for a little over $2700. Linda would rather spend that much money for a trip somewhere. A lawn service is looking pretty good right now!
There was also another death because of the frost yesterday. All of our delicate flowers which I decided not to cover died too. I disposed of most of the dead flowers from deck planters, barrels, and flower pots after my nap on Thursday. This wasn't a pleasant task.
I am supposed to play golf with the seniors this morning, but I am not really that excited. My golfing buddies and I thought it was too cold to play on Thursday so we never played golf. It is forty degrees right now, but the warm up (mid 60's) doesn't take place until 1 PM which is usually when our round is over.
I did go to Retro Fitness on Thursday, but it wasn't until the 9 AM hour. I am getting to like this hour for a workout. Opening the garage door at 4:25 AM does have a tendency to wake Linda up since the garage is next to the master bedroom. Linda also has bionic ears, and she hears everything. She hears me when I get up at any time of the morning. There is not much that I do quietly.
Politics -- Congress is still arguing about the President's economic recovery plan as he prances around the country trying to mix a little campaigning along with trying to sell his plan. The Republicans are still against taxing the wealthy, and they want things to come to a vote hoping to prove that some Democrats don't like everything in the President's Economic Recovery Plan. The sandbox mentality continues in Washington, D.C. Oh Darn!
Sports -- The Yankees got knocked out of the playoff which proves that high payroll teams like the Red Sox and the Yankees don't necessarily bring home championships.
The Sports Illustrated "Kiss of Death" happened last evening. Tim Thomas, the goalie for the Boston Bruins, was on the front cover of this week's weekly magazine. The Bruins lost the season opener which was played in Boston. What was really sad was that this game had the ceremony of raising the championship banner. All the pomp and circumstance was not enough to help the Bruins win the game. Oh Darn!
Our friend flew back to her Atlanta home yesterday. She couldn't wait to get back to some warmer temperatures. She is not a fan of cold weather.
We still have resisted turning on the heat. I am wearing a sweatshirt right now, and the first floor temperature is 60 degrees. Since the temperatures this weekend are going to reach the lower to mid 70's, I think that we can still keep the heat off. My next task will be to put away the four air conditioners we have throughout the house.
Linda left a list on the counter of things that we have to do (either today or tomorrow) to get ready for the fall like weather. We need to purchase some corn stalks, mums, bales of hay, and other fall decorations. Linda also likes to decorate the inside of the house with fall decorations. The problem is that we have to find which buckets that the fall decorations are in. She does label buckets, but some are in the garage, and some are in the basement. This means that I will be involved with the decorations in and outside the house.
Good thing that I have been working out for a few days, I can feel that I am gaining muscle strength by working out at Retro Fitness.
Our Military son has arrived back home in Southern Georgia. He does get a few days off before he has to report to his Air Force Base. My dad said that he has been praying that our son would get out of the war torn region in one piece.
Well, I have to decide whether I am going to play golf or not. I like it when we tee off at our normal time of 8:30 AM. The frost was so heavy on Thursday that they wouldn't let people out on the golf course until mid morning on Thursday.
I would rather go off with Linda and get those fall decorations mentioned above.
Have a great Holiday weekend especially since the weather forecast is abundant sunshine and temperatures in the 70's.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Hello on Thursday
Dear Friends,
I can't start off this e-mail and say our day went as planned because there was a major bump along the road of life for me on Wednesday. During the process of me giving our lawn a trim by using the riding lawn mower, the riding lawn mower died. When I say it died, it actually exploded, and leaked oil, and came to a complete stop. I called the repair guy, and when he opened the hood of the machine, he showed me that it didn't just die. The motor actually blew up like someone planted a small bomb in the motor. The explosion was so bad that the plastic housing that covers the motor was cracked too. Before he loaded the machine on his trailer, he read off some serial numbers and gave them to a person who he called on his cell phone. To replace the motor on the machine would cost a $1000. Well, the Curley's don't have that much money tucked away for an emergency. The lawn mower was purchased on August 12, 2006 which is past the warrantee period of two years. A riding lawn mower should last more than five years if properly maintained which is what I always do with any machine or device that we own.
On a happier note, the political fundraiser for a friend who is trying to get re-elected for his Ward Councilor seat went very well. The main floor was packed at the Italian American Club. I ended up sitting downstairs in the members' bar area where they had overflow tables set up. The family style roast beef dinner with all the fixings went very well. Both mayoral candidates attended the function as well as current candidates running for other offices. My friend was overwhelmed by the support that he witnessed last night. It was a political lovefest!
Linda had fun with her knitting group while I was at the fundraiser. I really didn't talk to her because I was watching television in bed when she arrived home.
Linda's car got an oil change, a new sticker, and a leak repaired from the oil plug area. I have been taking her car to Walmart for an oil change because it is convenient, but I am not taking it there anymore. Sometimes saving a buck or two at Walmart isn't worth the money.
Speaking of big box stores, Linda and I picked up our BJ's Warehouse Club photo I.D. cards yesterday. Our brand new BJ's will be opening soon, and they had a deal for the Pittsfield store. The cost was $40 for a 15 month membership. Normally the cost is $50 for a 12 month membership. With only two of us in our home now, we can at least go in and taste all the samples on days when the store does have their "Sample Days". It is like having lunch for free. The nearest BJ's are in the Albany, New York area, or the Springfield, Massachusetts area. Either of these two locations place are an hour away. The Pittsfield BJ's is two miles from our home in the Home Depot, WalMart, Staples, Five Below, Michael's store, and a Price Chopper grocery store complex.
I see where the Apple Computer, IPod, Ipad, etc., guy passed away. Even when he made presentations for his latest devices, he looked really sick. Steve Jobs was a remarkable man with a remarkable legacy. I hope that he had some great years enjoying life before he passed away.
I met several of my former students at the fundraiser last night. One in particular, I haven't seen in a while. She has been married for a year, and she is the oldest daughter of Johnson Ford Dealership family which has been in business in Pittsfield for generations. Her younger brother, whom I also had in class, works in the family business too. I asked about her dad, and asked if her dad is ready to retire. She said that he doesn't have any hobbies, and that he wouldn't do well in retirement. Some people should never retire because working is the only thing that keeps them alive.
Well, you know that Linda and I enjoy every single moment of retirement. You also know that we have trouble finding a free day on our social calendar.
As an example, when we picked up Linda's Kia yesterday at H & S Auto, the owner, who is chairperson of the Taste of Italy event on Sunday, asked if I and my high school friend who is a neighbor and member of UNICO, were going to help out with the food preparation on Sunday. I was just planning on attending the event, but not working it. For the past few years, Linda and I were visiting our military son in whatever State he was stationed at. This year we are home on Columbus Day weekend waiting for our son to get out of Afghanistan, and to also let him spend some time with his family before we visit them in Southern Georgia. Well, my friend and I will be in the kitchen at 10 AM on Sunday morning.
Speaking of kitchens, we now are the owners of an apple peeling devices that I liked, and Linda purchased on QVC. I just tried it today when I woke up.
It works as demonstrated. If we have a free day next week, the Curley Lad will be making an Apple Crisp. I have to pick up some Vanilla Ice cream to put on the hot Apple Crisp. There goes the diet!
We could have used this apple peeler a few days ago when my UNICO brothers and Sisters made a couple of huge trays of Apple Crisp for the Ad-Lib Dinner. Some coring devices came with the apple peeler too.
It is a balmy 35 degrees out right now on the North side of or house. I would bet some low lying areas have frost. I am supposed to play golf this morning with a couple of buddies, but they won't let golfers on the course unless the frost is gone.
I still have the Lawnmower problem to deal with. I am going to give the Simplicity Lawn Mower Company and call, and see if they could help out with replacing a new motor.
I did go to Retro Fitness on Thursday, but I tried the 9 AM hour instead of the 11:30 AM hour. There are more females at Retro at the 9 AM hour. This is not necessarily a good thing from my perspective. I have a certain routine, and I don't like to get into any prolonged conversation with anyone. Well, three female friends were side by side on treadmills, and they talked for thirty straight minutes. Luckily on was on a treadmill far enough away that I couldn't overhear their conversation. I might have to go back to my 4:30 AM time at the gym. On the other hand, it is usually the darkest and coldest part of the day when winter does arrive.
Are the protesters out front of those financial institutions making any noise so that these companies will change their policies and the way that they do business? I am guessing not!
Well, I have to do some quiet activities, and decide whether to go to the gym first, and then golf or do things the other way around. I still have a ton of yard work to do.
We have abundant sunshine forecasted for several days, and I should do my yard work in the next couple of days.
Have a great day at work or play.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
I can't start off this e-mail and say our day went as planned because there was a major bump along the road of life for me on Wednesday. During the process of me giving our lawn a trim by using the riding lawn mower, the riding lawn mower died. When I say it died, it actually exploded, and leaked oil, and came to a complete stop. I called the repair guy, and when he opened the hood of the machine, he showed me that it didn't just die. The motor actually blew up like someone planted a small bomb in the motor. The explosion was so bad that the plastic housing that covers the motor was cracked too. Before he loaded the machine on his trailer, he read off some serial numbers and gave them to a person who he called on his cell phone. To replace the motor on the machine would cost a $1000. Well, the Curley's don't have that much money tucked away for an emergency. The lawn mower was purchased on August 12, 2006 which is past the warrantee period of two years. A riding lawn mower should last more than five years if properly maintained which is what I always do with any machine or device that we own.
On a happier note, the political fundraiser for a friend who is trying to get re-elected for his Ward Councilor seat went very well. The main floor was packed at the Italian American Club. I ended up sitting downstairs in the members' bar area where they had overflow tables set up. The family style roast beef dinner with all the fixings went very well. Both mayoral candidates attended the function as well as current candidates running for other offices. My friend was overwhelmed by the support that he witnessed last night. It was a political lovefest!
Linda had fun with her knitting group while I was at the fundraiser. I really didn't talk to her because I was watching television in bed when she arrived home.
Linda's car got an oil change, a new sticker, and a leak repaired from the oil plug area. I have been taking her car to Walmart for an oil change because it is convenient, but I am not taking it there anymore. Sometimes saving a buck or two at Walmart isn't worth the money.
Speaking of big box stores, Linda and I picked up our BJ's Warehouse Club photo I.D. cards yesterday. Our brand new BJ's will be opening soon, and they had a deal for the Pittsfield store. The cost was $40 for a 15 month membership. Normally the cost is $50 for a 12 month membership. With only two of us in our home now, we can at least go in and taste all the samples on days when the store does have their "Sample Days". It is like having lunch for free. The nearest BJ's are in the Albany, New York area, or the Springfield, Massachusetts area. Either of these two locations place are an hour away. The Pittsfield BJ's is two miles from our home in the Home Depot, WalMart, Staples, Five Below, Michael's store, and a Price Chopper grocery store complex.
I see where the Apple Computer, IPod, Ipad, etc., guy passed away. Even when he made presentations for his latest devices, he looked really sick. Steve Jobs was a remarkable man with a remarkable legacy. I hope that he had some great years enjoying life before he passed away.
I met several of my former students at the fundraiser last night. One in particular, I haven't seen in a while. She has been married for a year, and she is the oldest daughter of Johnson Ford Dealership family which has been in business in Pittsfield for generations. Her younger brother, whom I also had in class, works in the family business too. I asked about her dad, and asked if her dad is ready to retire. She said that he doesn't have any hobbies, and that he wouldn't do well in retirement. Some people should never retire because working is the only thing that keeps them alive.
Well, you know that Linda and I enjoy every single moment of retirement. You also know that we have trouble finding a free day on our social calendar.
As an example, when we picked up Linda's Kia yesterday at H & S Auto, the owner, who is chairperson of the Taste of Italy event on Sunday, asked if I and my high school friend who is a neighbor and member of UNICO, were going to help out with the food preparation on Sunday. I was just planning on attending the event, but not working it. For the past few years, Linda and I were visiting our military son in whatever State he was stationed at. This year we are home on Columbus Day weekend waiting for our son to get out of Afghanistan, and to also let him spend some time with his family before we visit them in Southern Georgia. Well, my friend and I will be in the kitchen at 10 AM on Sunday morning.
Speaking of kitchens, we now are the owners of an apple peeling devices that I liked, and Linda purchased on QVC. I just tried it today when I woke up.
It works as demonstrated. If we have a free day next week, the Curley Lad will be making an Apple Crisp. I have to pick up some Vanilla Ice cream to put on the hot Apple Crisp. There goes the diet!
We could have used this apple peeler a few days ago when my UNICO brothers and Sisters made a couple of huge trays of Apple Crisp for the Ad-Lib Dinner. Some coring devices came with the apple peeler too.
It is a balmy 35 degrees out right now on the North side of or house. I would bet some low lying areas have frost. I am supposed to play golf this morning with a couple of buddies, but they won't let golfers on the course unless the frost is gone.
I still have the Lawnmower problem to deal with. I am going to give the Simplicity Lawn Mower Company and call, and see if they could help out with replacing a new motor.
I did go to Retro Fitness on Thursday, but I tried the 9 AM hour instead of the 11:30 AM hour. There are more females at Retro at the 9 AM hour. This is not necessarily a good thing from my perspective. I have a certain routine, and I don't like to get into any prolonged conversation with anyone. Well, three female friends were side by side on treadmills, and they talked for thirty straight minutes. Luckily on was on a treadmill far enough away that I couldn't overhear their conversation. I might have to go back to my 4:30 AM time at the gym. On the other hand, it is usually the darkest and coldest part of the day when winter does arrive.
Are the protesters out front of those financial institutions making any noise so that these companies will change their policies and the way that they do business? I am guessing not!
Well, I have to do some quiet activities, and decide whether to go to the gym first, and then golf or do things the other way around. I still have a ton of yard work to do.
We have abundant sunshine forecasted for several days, and I should do my yard work in the next couple of days.
Have a great day at work or play.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Hello on Wednesday
Dear Friends,
Out Tuesday went as planned, and it was a pleasant one.
Linda was the busiest with her Tuesday Mah Jongg session and a surprise birthday party celebration for a girlfriend at the Shamrock. Linda was the organizer of the event. Linda picked up on a conversation while we were at the Shamrock last Friday night about the birthday girl being taken out by one friend on Tuesday night. Well Linda turned it into a party for 7 or so more people. They ladies had a fun time!
I did go to Retro Fitness, but not at the 4:30 AM time frame. I might have discovered a new time which is less crowded (11:30 AM). It also allows me to weave in an afternoon nap after going to the gym.
My unused muscles are a little stiff today.
New people are signing up for this $89 special for a one year membership with no sign up fees. The special lasts for a few more days.
I didn't have a Physical yesterday; it was just a blood work test so that my one prescription drug will be able to be refilled. My physical takes place in mid December. Oh Joy!
We are functioning with one car today since we are having some routine maintenance done on the Kia. I am using an oil change gift certificate that Linda won at a Chinese raffle at a fundraiser several months ago.
While Linda was doing her thing on Tuesday, I finished savoring another book. I didn't love the book even though it was a James Patterson book. When a book has Patterson's name and another author on it too, you sometimes don't get a great book.
I saw a report of the Doctor Murray (accused of dispensing too many pain meds to Michael Jackson which caused his death) trial yesterday. I guess that I didn't realize that the good doctor had three mistresses, and a wife. One mistress even had a baby by the good doctor. To satisfy 4 women and to take care of Michael Jackson must have been too much for the good doctor to make clear medical decisions when treating the Jackson Lad. Oh Darn!
Mr. Panetta doesn't want any sweeping military cuts as Congress tries to agree to a budget which has some severe cuts. Arms manufacturers contribute heavily to political campaigns especially to members of the Republican Party.
Speaking of political Parties, my radio talk show host friend who is on this blog tries to convince his listeners Monday through Friday on his three hour talk show that the two Party system is killing America. I say give me a replacement model of a system that would work. My friend also advocates voting against almost every incumbent on the Local, State, and National level. To me this philosophy is like "throwing out the baby with the bath water."
I did get a telephone call last night from a Republican friend who asked for my vote in our upcoming October 18, 2011 State Representative election. I told him right in the beginning of the telephone conversation that I was a "Diehard Liberal Democrat". I didn't tell him that I already voted by way of an absentee ballot, and that I didn't vote for him. Oh Darn!
Social Calendar -- Linda and I took a pass on a retiree breakfast this morning at 9:30 AM, but we are both engaged this evening. Linda has her Wednesday evening knitting group gathering at Panera Bread.
I will be heading off to a roast beef dinner / political fundraiser at the Italian American Club for a friend who has some opposition for his councilor's seat in the November 8, 2011 elections. I am pretty sure that my friend will retain his seat. My friend is one of those individuals who don't like to call attention to himself, but he does a great job for our Ward. His opposition is trying to convince the Public that his lack of speaking up a lot is a sign of weakness. Well, for us people who knows my friend, he has solved a lot of issues in our Ward (3B) and in the City of Pittsfield by way of his mild mannered style. You know some people like to grab the microphone at City Council meetings so that they can see their name in the local newspaper the next day. My friend is not one of those people.
I was all set to play golf with a couple golfing buddies today, but we received an email saying that the Berkshire Hill Country Club is still so wet that golf carts will not be allowed today. The superintendent was hoping that carts would be let out on Thursday, but today is not supposed to be a sunny day which would help to dry out the golf course. After today, we should have a week of sunshine.
Well, I have to do some quiet chores, and then do some errands before the garage repair guy calls and says for us to pick up the Kia.
Have a great day at work or play.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Out Tuesday went as planned, and it was a pleasant one.
Linda was the busiest with her Tuesday Mah Jongg session and a surprise birthday party celebration for a girlfriend at the Shamrock. Linda was the organizer of the event. Linda picked up on a conversation while we were at the Shamrock last Friday night about the birthday girl being taken out by one friend on Tuesday night. Well Linda turned it into a party for 7 or so more people. They ladies had a fun time!
I did go to Retro Fitness, but not at the 4:30 AM time frame. I might have discovered a new time which is less crowded (11:30 AM). It also allows me to weave in an afternoon nap after going to the gym.
My unused muscles are a little stiff today.
New people are signing up for this $89 special for a one year membership with no sign up fees. The special lasts for a few more days.
I didn't have a Physical yesterday; it was just a blood work test so that my one prescription drug will be able to be refilled. My physical takes place in mid December. Oh Joy!
We are functioning with one car today since we are having some routine maintenance done on the Kia. I am using an oil change gift certificate that Linda won at a Chinese raffle at a fundraiser several months ago.
While Linda was doing her thing on Tuesday, I finished savoring another book. I didn't love the book even though it was a James Patterson book. When a book has Patterson's name and another author on it too, you sometimes don't get a great book.
I saw a report of the Doctor Murray (accused of dispensing too many pain meds to Michael Jackson which caused his death) trial yesterday. I guess that I didn't realize that the good doctor had three mistresses, and a wife. One mistress even had a baby by the good doctor. To satisfy 4 women and to take care of Michael Jackson must have been too much for the good doctor to make clear medical decisions when treating the Jackson Lad. Oh Darn!
Mr. Panetta doesn't want any sweeping military cuts as Congress tries to agree to a budget which has some severe cuts. Arms manufacturers contribute heavily to political campaigns especially to members of the Republican Party.
Speaking of political Parties, my radio talk show host friend who is on this blog tries to convince his listeners Monday through Friday on his three hour talk show that the two Party system is killing America. I say give me a replacement model of a system that would work. My friend also advocates voting against almost every incumbent on the Local, State, and National level. To me this philosophy is like "throwing out the baby with the bath water."
I did get a telephone call last night from a Republican friend who asked for my vote in our upcoming October 18, 2011 State Representative election. I told him right in the beginning of the telephone conversation that I was a "Diehard Liberal Democrat". I didn't tell him that I already voted by way of an absentee ballot, and that I didn't vote for him. Oh Darn!
Social Calendar -- Linda and I took a pass on a retiree breakfast this morning at 9:30 AM, but we are both engaged this evening. Linda has her Wednesday evening knitting group gathering at Panera Bread.
I will be heading off to a roast beef dinner / political fundraiser at the Italian American Club for a friend who has some opposition for his councilor's seat in the November 8, 2011 elections. I am pretty sure that my friend will retain his seat. My friend is one of those individuals who don't like to call attention to himself, but he does a great job for our Ward. His opposition is trying to convince the Public that his lack of speaking up a lot is a sign of weakness. Well, for us people who knows my friend, he has solved a lot of issues in our Ward (3B) and in the City of Pittsfield by way of his mild mannered style. You know some people like to grab the microphone at City Council meetings so that they can see their name in the local newspaper the next day. My friend is not one of those people.
I was all set to play golf with a couple golfing buddies today, but we received an email saying that the Berkshire Hill Country Club is still so wet that golf carts will not be allowed today. The superintendent was hoping that carts would be let out on Thursday, but today is not supposed to be a sunny day which would help to dry out the golf course. After today, we should have a week of sunshine.
Well, I have to do some quiet chores, and then do some errands before the garage repair guy calls and says for us to pick up the Kia.
Have a great day at work or play.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Hello on Tuesday
Dear Friends,
Our Monday went as planned. I accomplished my few tasks before I called it a "day". I tried watching Monday night football, but the two teams which were involved in the game were not that great. Bed was more inviting than the game.
Linda's day went very well on Monday. Her chicken picatta was so good that each one of her book club guests had seconds which meant there weren't many leftovers for The Curley Lad. Oh Darn!
One of my errands was to rejoin Retro Fitness. I normally would be at the gym right now, but I have an early morning task of picking up a friend and eventually dropping off the friend who is having her car repaired.
I also have a routine physical during the mid morning which should be very interesting.
Our social calendar has Linda going off to play Mah Jongg with her normal Tuesday group from 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM at a friend's home. If it stops raining, I have so much to do in the backyard as the flower growing season comes to an end.
Today looks a bit damp out there. This might be the last day before we might see the sun on a consistent basis. The weather forecasters are still sticking with a sunny stretch of great weather right through the weekend as soon as this slow moving front exits our area.
I see where the Italian court let Amanda Fox go free. This case reminds me of the O.J. Simpson trial here in the United States. In my mind, she had something to do with her friend's death, but another less than perfect job by the Italian prosecutors helped to set her free. Oh Darn!
I can't believe that the 2009 "Underwear Bomber" goes on trial in Michigan in a week or so. Does a terrorist from Nigeria have a right to a trial here in the United States? This is another waste of taxpayer dollars. The guy was caught with his "pants down", and there is no juror anywhere in the United States who could possibly find this guy "Not Guilty".
We have some local elections coming up in mid October, and on November 8, 2011. It will be so nice when debates, mud slinging, etc., is all over. Like I said before, the people who do vote are leaning toward voting against any incumbent or people who already are involved in government in some form. Our Mayoral candidate whom we are supporting fits the incumbent mold. Oh Darn!
Well, I have to bring this e-mail to a close, and get dressed.
Have a great Tuesday at work or play!
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Our Monday went as planned. I accomplished my few tasks before I called it a "day". I tried watching Monday night football, but the two teams which were involved in the game were not that great. Bed was more inviting than the game.
Linda's day went very well on Monday. Her chicken picatta was so good that each one of her book club guests had seconds which meant there weren't many leftovers for The Curley Lad. Oh Darn!
One of my errands was to rejoin Retro Fitness. I normally would be at the gym right now, but I have an early morning task of picking up a friend and eventually dropping off the friend who is having her car repaired.
I also have a routine physical during the mid morning which should be very interesting.
Our social calendar has Linda going off to play Mah Jongg with her normal Tuesday group from 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM at a friend's home. If it stops raining, I have so much to do in the backyard as the flower growing season comes to an end.
Today looks a bit damp out there. This might be the last day before we might see the sun on a consistent basis. The weather forecasters are still sticking with a sunny stretch of great weather right through the weekend as soon as this slow moving front exits our area.
I see where the Italian court let Amanda Fox go free. This case reminds me of the O.J. Simpson trial here in the United States. In my mind, she had something to do with her friend's death, but another less than perfect job by the Italian prosecutors helped to set her free. Oh Darn!
I can't believe that the 2009 "Underwear Bomber" goes on trial in Michigan in a week or so. Does a terrorist from Nigeria have a right to a trial here in the United States? This is another waste of taxpayer dollars. The guy was caught with his "pants down", and there is no juror anywhere in the United States who could possibly find this guy "Not Guilty".
We have some local elections coming up in mid October, and on November 8, 2011. It will be so nice when debates, mud slinging, etc., is all over. Like I said before, the people who do vote are leaning toward voting against any incumbent or people who already are involved in government in some form. Our Mayoral candidate whom we are supporting fits the incumbent mold. Oh Darn!
Well, I have to bring this e-mail to a close, and get dressed.
Have a great Tuesday at work or play!
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Monday, October 3, 2011
Hello on Monday
Dear Friends,
Linda did all of her food preparation on Sunday. I overdosed on professional football. Yes, we are still trapped in our house because of the garage door problem. I messed up trying to open and close the garage door manually, and I got it jammed in the semi closed position.
We did get a telephone call from the garage door service people that we use. They will fix the problem this morning or at least fix it so I can manually open and close the garage door.
Our social calendar only has Linda's book club dinner meeting on the agenda today. When the women are dinning and discussing their latest book, I will be in my "Man Cave" watching Monday Night Football.
I have some errands to do when the garage door problem is fixed. I was scheduled to play some golf this morning, but our golf course sent out a newsletter saying that the course is so wet that golf carts will not be allowed. When the golf course sends out such a newsletter, this means that certain holes on the golf course are unplayable, and that the course has a lot of water on low lying holes. Oh Darn!
One of our friends who spends the winter in Atlanta, but who is currently staying at her home in the Berkshires, couldn't stand being cold, and turned the heat on. Linda and I have resisted turning the heat on so far. This coming weekend we will be having sunny weather and temperatures reaching the mid 70's. I am tempted to take out the air conditioners, but I am not going to do so until the following weekend.
I skimmed the CNN news wire, but nothing jumped out at me. Local news wasn't that exciting either.
Linda is feeling a little better, but she is about 75 % of her normal self. I sure hope that she doesn't pass her cold onto me. I don't have patience for sick people including myself. She still has a cough, and she has been drinking Earl Grey tea with a little honey to soothe her throat.
Sports -- My New England Patriots did win their game against the Oakland Raiders. The defense for the Patriots still has room for improvement. When a 350 + defensive linemen leads the team in interceptions that is a statement of just how bad the defensive backs are doing. Their game this week should be a good one. They will be playing the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. I will be watching part of the game at home, and the rest of the game at the Taste of Italy which is taking place on Sunday at the ITAM at 6 PM. I might have to record the game so that I won't miss a moment of the game.
The Patriots did lose the defensive Captain during the game with a knee injury. We should be getting a report of how bad the injury is at some point today. This is a major blow for the Patriots. This guy was defensive "Rookie of the Year" a couple of years ago. Oh Darn!
I think that I mentioned that I entered a free "You Pickem" NFL contest on line each week through a Boston Sports Radio station WEEI. Every week, the winner gets a pair of free tickets to a Patriots' home game. I have been so far from winning each week. Good thing that I wasn't placing weekly bets in Las Vegas. This contest doesn't even deal with the point spreads. All I have to do is pick the winning team of every football game. I don't even do that well.
Linda and I can't wait to get the news that our son's tour of duty in Afghanistan is over, and that he is back home in Southern Georgia. In two weeks from now, we should be at their home in Valdosta, Georgia for week long visit. We have not seen them since mid January, and that was when they lived in Leavenworth, Kansas.
Well, I have to read the local newspaper, get dressed, and wait for the garage door repair man to arrive. The garage door guy could fix the problem without a helper, but he has a shoulder problem according to his wife / book keeper /scheduler. I will bet that he has a rotator cuff problem. He is in his mid 50's! She said that they have a big job today because a trailer truck crashed into a garage door. If I could open my garage door manually, they weren't going to fix my problem until 6 PM. Oh Darn!
Have a great week at work or play!
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Linda did all of her food preparation on Sunday. I overdosed on professional football. Yes, we are still trapped in our house because of the garage door problem. I messed up trying to open and close the garage door manually, and I got it jammed in the semi closed position.
We did get a telephone call from the garage door service people that we use. They will fix the problem this morning or at least fix it so I can manually open and close the garage door.
Our social calendar only has Linda's book club dinner meeting on the agenda today. When the women are dinning and discussing their latest book, I will be in my "Man Cave" watching Monday Night Football.
I have some errands to do when the garage door problem is fixed. I was scheduled to play some golf this morning, but our golf course sent out a newsletter saying that the course is so wet that golf carts will not be allowed. When the golf course sends out such a newsletter, this means that certain holes on the golf course are unplayable, and that the course has a lot of water on low lying holes. Oh Darn!
One of our friends who spends the winter in Atlanta, but who is currently staying at her home in the Berkshires, couldn't stand being cold, and turned the heat on. Linda and I have resisted turning the heat on so far. This coming weekend we will be having sunny weather and temperatures reaching the mid 70's. I am tempted to take out the air conditioners, but I am not going to do so until the following weekend.
I skimmed the CNN news wire, but nothing jumped out at me. Local news wasn't that exciting either.
Linda is feeling a little better, but she is about 75 % of her normal self. I sure hope that she doesn't pass her cold onto me. I don't have patience for sick people including myself. She still has a cough, and she has been drinking Earl Grey tea with a little honey to soothe her throat.
Sports -- My New England Patriots did win their game against the Oakland Raiders. The defense for the Patriots still has room for improvement. When a 350 + defensive linemen leads the team in interceptions that is a statement of just how bad the defensive backs are doing. Their game this week should be a good one. They will be playing the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. I will be watching part of the game at home, and the rest of the game at the Taste of Italy which is taking place on Sunday at the ITAM at 6 PM. I might have to record the game so that I won't miss a moment of the game.
The Patriots did lose the defensive Captain during the game with a knee injury. We should be getting a report of how bad the injury is at some point today. This is a major blow for the Patriots. This guy was defensive "Rookie of the Year" a couple of years ago. Oh Darn!
I think that I mentioned that I entered a free "You Pickem" NFL contest on line each week through a Boston Sports Radio station WEEI. Every week, the winner gets a pair of free tickets to a Patriots' home game. I have been so far from winning each week. Good thing that I wasn't placing weekly bets in Las Vegas. This contest doesn't even deal with the point spreads. All I have to do is pick the winning team of every football game. I don't even do that well.
Linda and I can't wait to get the news that our son's tour of duty in Afghanistan is over, and that he is back home in Southern Georgia. In two weeks from now, we should be at their home in Valdosta, Georgia for week long visit. We have not seen them since mid January, and that was when they lived in Leavenworth, Kansas.
Well, I have to read the local newspaper, get dressed, and wait for the garage door repair man to arrive. The garage door guy could fix the problem without a helper, but he has a shoulder problem according to his wife / book keeper /scheduler. I will bet that he has a rotator cuff problem. He is in his mid 50's! She said that they have a big job today because a trailer truck crashed into a garage door. If I could open my garage door manually, they weren't going to fix my problem until 6 PM. Oh Darn!
Have a great week at work or play!
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Hello on Sunday
Dear Friends,
We had pleasant but quiet day on Saturday. Linda is still not 100 %. I accomplished most of my errands. Linda did make a mid afternoon grocery run.
I told her to dress lightly because the stores were warm. Not! The temperature dropped like a rock while she was shopping and she came home with a car full of groceries and a wicked chill. When you are not feeling well, the chill wasn't making her a happy camper.
She did rally and she prepared a wonderful supper.
Good thing that the Curley's aren't going anywhere today although I do a see a few items on a new grocery list. The garage door wouldn't close after I brought the groceries in the house so I tried to put the garage door manually. I saw a broken wire on one of the sides of the garage which I couldn't repair. In my attempt to close the garage door, I got the garage door stuck so bad that I can't open it. This means there are two cars sitting in our garage, but I can't open the garage door. I got the door jammed so bad that one side of the two car garage door is touching the ground while the other side is about 8 inches off of the ground. All the little rodents probably moved from their holes in the ground to the semi warmth of our garage last night. I will be setting out peanut butter laden mouse traps when the garage door is fixed. I did call my favorite garage door repair guy, but it is the weekend. I am hoping that he calls today because I did leave a message on his answering machine at 5 PM yesterday.
Linda is not upset that we are trapped because she will be spending hours working on the BOOK CLUB dinner meeting which she will be hosting on Monday night. I don't want to tell you what she is preparing for the main meal and the homemade desert because I think that she wants it to be a surprise for the ladies. I will be assisting her with a couple of food items.
Politics -- I see where the Republican contender who is trying to capture the hearts and minds of conservative minded voters is open to the possibility of sending American troops into Mexico to fight the drug cartels. The Mexican government has no control of the situation, and Mexico is not hundreds of miles from the shores of the United States. I think that it is so sad that there is a segment of our population who has the need to take illegal drugs. Can you imagine if there was no demand in the United States for these drugs?
Look at what is happening with the price of gasoline right now. People in the United States have cut back taking trips, doing a little less flying, etc., and the price of gasoline has dropped into the $3.40 something range.
Barrels of crude oil have dropped below the $80 mark. The longest driving trip which we have taken during the whole summer was to do some baby sitting gigs in North Tewksbury which is about a 2.5 hour drive. We have pretty much stayed in Berkshire County for the summer months. When the snow and ice arrive, we will be driving even less.
One of the items that I purchased yesterday was a hair catcher for the shower drain in the guest bathroom which I use to take my showers. The water wasn't draining so good so I knew that there must be some sort of blockage.
I took out enough of my hair that it was equivalent to the size of a field mouse. I am not going bald, but we do lose a good deal of hair on a daily basis. The drain in the master bathroom is much larger, and blockage doesn't occur as often as it does in the guest bathroom.
I am up early, and I didn't even take a nap on Saturday. I can't even go off to Retro Fitness because the garage door opener isn't working. Oh Darn!
Linda has her cooking and watching previously recorded programs today. I have some professional football games that I would like to watch from 1 PM right through Sunday night football. My most favorite football game will be the 4:15 PM Patriot vs Oakland game. I once again am cautiously optimistic about the Patriots winning this game. This is exactly like I felt when the Patriots played the Buffalo Bills last Sunday in Buffalo, and look what happened?
Baseball -- I haven't watched a single playoff game. I will wait until when the World Series begins.
Smoking -- I know I have covered this topic several times, and I no desire to beat up people who do smoke, but I was thinking about the new labels that the government wants manufacturers to put on packs of cigarettes of dead people, lungs damaged because of smoking, etc. I think that those pictures will have no effects on the young people who want to start smoking or the persons who are already addicted to tobacco. I think Casino's do so well because the smokers are left alone, and they can have a beverage, do some gambling, do some smoking, and no one says that they have take it outside.
The non smoking areas in Casino's have the least amount of people in them.
Some of the best slot machines that Linda and I like are in the smoking part of the Casino's. We will scout around in this area, and see that no one is smoking near the bank of machines that we like to play. As soon as out derriere's hit the chair, a smoker will sit right down next to us. Linda has a more sensitive sense of smell than I do so she would be the first to give up playing in the smoking area.
Well, I am going to read a little, and then head back to bed. I once again hope that no one calls our house so that Linda can sleep as long as she wants. Bed rest is one of the best cures for the common cold.
Have a great Sunday!
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
We had pleasant but quiet day on Saturday. Linda is still not 100 %. I accomplished most of my errands. Linda did make a mid afternoon grocery run.
I told her to dress lightly because the stores were warm. Not! The temperature dropped like a rock while she was shopping and she came home with a car full of groceries and a wicked chill. When you are not feeling well, the chill wasn't making her a happy camper.
She did rally and she prepared a wonderful supper.
Good thing that the Curley's aren't going anywhere today although I do a see a few items on a new grocery list. The garage door wouldn't close after I brought the groceries in the house so I tried to put the garage door manually. I saw a broken wire on one of the sides of the garage which I couldn't repair. In my attempt to close the garage door, I got the garage door stuck so bad that I can't open it. This means there are two cars sitting in our garage, but I can't open the garage door. I got the door jammed so bad that one side of the two car garage door is touching the ground while the other side is about 8 inches off of the ground. All the little rodents probably moved from their holes in the ground to the semi warmth of our garage last night. I will be setting out peanut butter laden mouse traps when the garage door is fixed. I did call my favorite garage door repair guy, but it is the weekend. I am hoping that he calls today because I did leave a message on his answering machine at 5 PM yesterday.
Linda is not upset that we are trapped because she will be spending hours working on the BOOK CLUB dinner meeting which she will be hosting on Monday night. I don't want to tell you what she is preparing for the main meal and the homemade desert because I think that she wants it to be a surprise for the ladies. I will be assisting her with a couple of food items.
Politics -- I see where the Republican contender who is trying to capture the hearts and minds of conservative minded voters is open to the possibility of sending American troops into Mexico to fight the drug cartels. The Mexican government has no control of the situation, and Mexico is not hundreds of miles from the shores of the United States. I think that it is so sad that there is a segment of our population who has the need to take illegal drugs. Can you imagine if there was no demand in the United States for these drugs?
Look at what is happening with the price of gasoline right now. People in the United States have cut back taking trips, doing a little less flying, etc., and the price of gasoline has dropped into the $3.40 something range.
Barrels of crude oil have dropped below the $80 mark. The longest driving trip which we have taken during the whole summer was to do some baby sitting gigs in North Tewksbury which is about a 2.5 hour drive. We have pretty much stayed in Berkshire County for the summer months. When the snow and ice arrive, we will be driving even less.
One of the items that I purchased yesterday was a hair catcher for the shower drain in the guest bathroom which I use to take my showers. The water wasn't draining so good so I knew that there must be some sort of blockage.
I took out enough of my hair that it was equivalent to the size of a field mouse. I am not going bald, but we do lose a good deal of hair on a daily basis. The drain in the master bathroom is much larger, and blockage doesn't occur as often as it does in the guest bathroom.
I am up early, and I didn't even take a nap on Saturday. I can't even go off to Retro Fitness because the garage door opener isn't working. Oh Darn!
Linda has her cooking and watching previously recorded programs today. I have some professional football games that I would like to watch from 1 PM right through Sunday night football. My most favorite football game will be the 4:15 PM Patriot vs Oakland game. I once again am cautiously optimistic about the Patriots winning this game. This is exactly like I felt when the Patriots played the Buffalo Bills last Sunday in Buffalo, and look what happened?
Baseball -- I haven't watched a single playoff game. I will wait until when the World Series begins.
Smoking -- I know I have covered this topic several times, and I no desire to beat up people who do smoke, but I was thinking about the new labels that the government wants manufacturers to put on packs of cigarettes of dead people, lungs damaged because of smoking, etc. I think that those pictures will have no effects on the young people who want to start smoking or the persons who are already addicted to tobacco. I think Casino's do so well because the smokers are left alone, and they can have a beverage, do some gambling, do some smoking, and no one says that they have take it outside.
The non smoking areas in Casino's have the least amount of people in them.
Some of the best slot machines that Linda and I like are in the smoking part of the Casino's. We will scout around in this area, and see that no one is smoking near the bank of machines that we like to play. As soon as out derriere's hit the chair, a smoker will sit right down next to us. Linda has a more sensitive sense of smell than I do so she would be the first to give up playing in the smoking area.
Well, I am going to read a little, and then head back to bed. I once again hope that no one calls our house so that Linda can sleep as long as she wants. Bed rest is one of the best cures for the common cold.
Have a great Sunday!
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Hello on Saturday
Dear Friends,
Linda didn't feel like her normal self on Friday. Her cold, which she picked up from last Sunday's bus trip, is still making her feel like dog do do. She did do some shopping for a few items at Walmart while I was enjoying a pizza party with my Friday morning golfing buddies.
My therapy went well on Friday morning. I am not going back for a while, and I am now allowed to return to normal activities while being cautious of my strained Achilles. I am required to start each day stretching the Achilles, and at the end of the day, I am still supposed to ice it. This injury is prone to re-injury so things have to be done in moderation.
Today I am going to re-sign up at Retro Fitness. There is a special being offered which starts today.
Isn't hard to believe that we have started the month of October? Time is flying by even for us retirees. I like the sound of October because in a couple of weeks we will be heading to Valdosta, Georgia to visit our son and his family. Our son should be out of Afghanistan about a week before we arrive if his exit strategy is on track.
Linda never did make it to the grocery store on Saturday, and she will be doing so today. I just hope that she wakes up not feeling like "death warmed over" as the saying goes.
We did stop into the Providence Care Nursing home in Lenox near supper time to wish my mother a happy 95th birthday. Even though she is stuck living in a nursing home, my sister and I are pretty lucky to have both parents alive.
Not many of our baby boomer friends have parents who are still on this earth.
I spent last evening in my Man Cave. They had an 8:15 PM open mike interview with two of the three owners of the Red Sox and Theo Epstein who in charge of finding ball players, and negotiating those seemingly outrageous financial player contracts. The three of them were there to announce that Terry Francona will not be back next year to coach the Red Sox. There was some talk that Theo Epstein would not be returning, but there was no indication that this was going to happen during the interview.
Most of the analysis after the interview centered around finding a coach that is a strict disciplinarian with the Belichick coaching style. For those of my blog readers who might not know what that means, you have to watch a few Patriots games, and watch the interviews before and after the football game. The Belichick and New England Patriot philosophy is that they hire players to do a particular job. If you can't do the job according to the high standards of Coach Belichick, then he will find another player who can replace you.
Our social calendar is light today because a 4 PM pig roast / birthday party for a friend got cancelled. This is not a bad thing since Linda is not functioning at 100 %.
Sunday I am gearing up for the 4:15 PM Patriot Game.
Linda had her name on a waiting list for a Mohegan Sun Casino trip on Sunday out of the Italian American Club, but no one has called to say someone has backed out of the trip. Oh Darn!
I did give our lawn a trim on Friday. Good thing that I did so because rain is in the forecast today.
Speaking of rain, our golf course is kind of saturated because of the recent rains. They wouldn't let golf carts out on Friday so our senior group didn't play.
We have another busy week coming up. On Monday Linda will be cooking up a storm for her book club. Some book clubs have snack type food, but this club started making it a dinner meeting at the host's home.
News -- I see where some of terrorist's leaders are vowing retaliation for one of our drones killing a couple of their top leaders. We will be on full alert in the United States. Oh Darn!
I also got to thinking about the trial of Michael Jackson's doctor. It reminds me of the American way of not accepting responsibility for the not so nice things that people do. Michael Jackson, in my eyes, was hooked on pain pills / medication, and Doctor Murray became his drug supplier. The doctor didn't try to kill Michael Jackson because he was paid quite well to take care of Michael Jackson.
The average drug addict dies of an overdose and who or what lawyers file law suits against their suppliers?
This trial also got me thinking of all the high profile cases that the media highlights. Don't the people who attend these trials have jobs or a life in general? How can some of these people attend these trials that go on for months and sometimes years?
Well, I am up early, and I should go back to bed for a couple of hours. If I don't, I will need a nap for sure.
Have a great weekend.
Talk to you soon. The Curley lad
Linda didn't feel like her normal self on Friday. Her cold, which she picked up from last Sunday's bus trip, is still making her feel like dog do do. She did do some shopping for a few items at Walmart while I was enjoying a pizza party with my Friday morning golfing buddies.
My therapy went well on Friday morning. I am not going back for a while, and I am now allowed to return to normal activities while being cautious of my strained Achilles. I am required to start each day stretching the Achilles, and at the end of the day, I am still supposed to ice it. This injury is prone to re-injury so things have to be done in moderation.
Today I am going to re-sign up at Retro Fitness. There is a special being offered which starts today.
Isn't hard to believe that we have started the month of October? Time is flying by even for us retirees. I like the sound of October because in a couple of weeks we will be heading to Valdosta, Georgia to visit our son and his family. Our son should be out of Afghanistan about a week before we arrive if his exit strategy is on track.
Linda never did make it to the grocery store on Saturday, and she will be doing so today. I just hope that she wakes up not feeling like "death warmed over" as the saying goes.
We did stop into the Providence Care Nursing home in Lenox near supper time to wish my mother a happy 95th birthday. Even though she is stuck living in a nursing home, my sister and I are pretty lucky to have both parents alive.
Not many of our baby boomer friends have parents who are still on this earth.
I spent last evening in my Man Cave. They had an 8:15 PM open mike interview with two of the three owners of the Red Sox and Theo Epstein who in charge of finding ball players, and negotiating those seemingly outrageous financial player contracts. The three of them were there to announce that Terry Francona will not be back next year to coach the Red Sox. There was some talk that Theo Epstein would not be returning, but there was no indication that this was going to happen during the interview.
Most of the analysis after the interview centered around finding a coach that is a strict disciplinarian with the Belichick coaching style. For those of my blog readers who might not know what that means, you have to watch a few Patriots games, and watch the interviews before and after the football game. The Belichick and New England Patriot philosophy is that they hire players to do a particular job. If you can't do the job according to the high standards of Coach Belichick, then he will find another player who can replace you.
Our social calendar is light today because a 4 PM pig roast / birthday party for a friend got cancelled. This is not a bad thing since Linda is not functioning at 100 %.
Sunday I am gearing up for the 4:15 PM Patriot Game.
Linda had her name on a waiting list for a Mohegan Sun Casino trip on Sunday out of the Italian American Club, but no one has called to say someone has backed out of the trip. Oh Darn!
I did give our lawn a trim on Friday. Good thing that I did so because rain is in the forecast today.
Speaking of rain, our golf course is kind of saturated because of the recent rains. They wouldn't let golf carts out on Friday so our senior group didn't play.
We have another busy week coming up. On Monday Linda will be cooking up a storm for her book club. Some book clubs have snack type food, but this club started making it a dinner meeting at the host's home.
News -- I see where some of terrorist's leaders are vowing retaliation for one of our drones killing a couple of their top leaders. We will be on full alert in the United States. Oh Darn!
I also got to thinking about the trial of Michael Jackson's doctor. It reminds me of the American way of not accepting responsibility for the not so nice things that people do. Michael Jackson, in my eyes, was hooked on pain pills / medication, and Doctor Murray became his drug supplier. The doctor didn't try to kill Michael Jackson because he was paid quite well to take care of Michael Jackson.
The average drug addict dies of an overdose and who or what lawyers file law suits against their suppliers?
This trial also got me thinking of all the high profile cases that the media highlights. Don't the people who attend these trials have jobs or a life in general? How can some of these people attend these trials that go on for months and sometimes years?
Well, I am up early, and I should go back to bed for a couple of hours. If I don't, I will need a nap for sure.
Have a great weekend.
Talk to you soon. The Curley lad
Hello on Saturday
Dear Friends,
Linda didn't feel like her normal self on Friday. Her cold, which she picked up from last Sunday's bus trip, is still making her feel like dog do do. She did do some shopping for a few items at Walmart while I was enjoying a pizza party with my Friday morning golfing buddies.
My therapy went well on Friday morning. I am not going back for a while, and I am now allowed to return to normal activities while being cautious of my strained Achilles. I am required to start each day stretching the Achilles, and at the end of the day, I am still supposed to ice it. This injury is prone to re-injury so things have to be done in moderation.
Today I am going to re-sign up at Retro Fitness. There is a special being offered which starts today.
Isn't hard to believe that we have started the month of October? Time is flying by even for us retirees. I like the sound of October because in a couple of weeks we will be heading to Valdosta, Georgia to visit our son and his family. Our son should be out of Afghanistan about a week before we arrive if his exit strategy is on track.
Linda never did make it to the grocery store on Saturday, and she will be doing so today. I just hope that she wakes up not feeling like "death warmed over" as the saying goes.
We did stop into the Providence Care Nursing home in Lenox near supper time to wish my mother a happy 95th birthday. Even though she is stuck living in a nursing home, my sister and I are pretty lucky to have both parents alive.
Not many of our baby boomer friends have parents who are still on this earth.
I spent last evening in my Man Cave. They had an 8:15 PM open mike interview with two of the three owners of the Red Sox and Theo Epstein who in charge of finding ball players, and negotiating those seemingly outrageous financial player contracts. The three of them were there to announce that Terry Francona will not be back next year to coach the Red Sox. There was some talk that Theo Epstein would not be returning, but there was no indication that this was going to happen during the interview.
Most of the analysis after the interview centered around finding a coach that is a strict disciplinarian with the Belichick coaching style. For those of my blog readers who might not know what that means, you have to watch a few Patriots games, and watch the interviews before and after the football game. The Belichick and New England Patriot philosophy is that they hire players to do a particular job. If you can't do the job according to the high standards of Coach Belichick, then he will find another player who can replace you.
Our social calendar is light today because a 4 PM pig roast / birthday party for a friend got cancelled. This is not a bad thing since Linda is not functioning at 100 %.
Sunday I am gearing up for the 4:15 PM Patriot Game.
Linda had her name on a waiting list for a Mohegan Sun Casino trip on Sunday out of the Italian American Club, but no one has called to say someone has backed out of the trip. Oh Darn!
I did give our lawn a trim on Friday. Good thing that I did so because rain is in the forecast today.
Speaking of rain, our golf course is kind of saturated because of the recent rains. They wouldn't let golf carts out on Friday so our senior group didn't play.
We have another busy week coming up. On Monday Linda will be cooking up a storm for her book club. Some book clubs have snack type food, but this club started making it a dinner meeting at the host's home.
News -- I see where some of terrorist's leaders are vowing retaliation for one of our drones killing a couple of their top leaders. We will be on full alert in the United States. Oh Darn!
I also got to thinking about the trial of Michael Jackson's doctor. It reminds me of the American way of not accepting responsibility for the not so nice things that people do. Michael Jackson, in my eyes, was hooked on pain pills / medication, and Doctor Murray became his drug supplier. The doctor didn't try to kill Michael Jackson because he was paid quite well to take care of Michael Jackson.
The average drug addict dies of an overdose and who or what lawyers file law suits against their suppliers?
This trial also got me thinking of all the high profile cases that the media highlights. Don't the people who attend these trials have jobs or a life in general? How can some of these people attend these trials that go on for months and sometimes years?
Well, I am up early, and I should go back to bed for a couple of hours. If I don't, I will need a nap for sure.
Have a great weekend.
Talk to you soon. The Curley lad
Linda didn't feel like her normal self on Friday. Her cold, which she picked up from last Sunday's bus trip, is still making her feel like dog do do. She did do some shopping for a few items at Walmart while I was enjoying a pizza party with my Friday morning golfing buddies.
My therapy went well on Friday morning. I am not going back for a while, and I am now allowed to return to normal activities while being cautious of my strained Achilles. I am required to start each day stretching the Achilles, and at the end of the day, I am still supposed to ice it. This injury is prone to re-injury so things have to be done in moderation.
Today I am going to re-sign up at Retro Fitness. There is a special being offered which starts today.
Isn't hard to believe that we have started the month of October? Time is flying by even for us retirees. I like the sound of October because in a couple of weeks we will be heading to Valdosta, Georgia to visit our son and his family. Our son should be out of Afghanistan about a week before we arrive if his exit strategy is on track.
Linda never did make it to the grocery store on Saturday, and she will be doing so today. I just hope that she wakes up not feeling like "death warmed over" as the saying goes.
We did stop into the Providence Care Nursing home in Lenox near supper time to wish my mother a happy 95th birthday. Even though she is stuck living in a nursing home, my sister and I are pretty lucky to have both parents alive.
Not many of our baby boomer friends have parents who are still on this earth.
I spent last evening in my Man Cave. They had an 8:15 PM open mike interview with two of the three owners of the Red Sox and Theo Epstein who in charge of finding ball players, and negotiating those seemingly outrageous financial player contracts. The three of them were there to announce that Terry Francona will not be back next year to coach the Red Sox. There was some talk that Theo Epstein would not be returning, but there was no indication that this was going to happen during the interview.
Most of the analysis after the interview centered around finding a coach that is a strict disciplinarian with the Belichick coaching style. For those of my blog readers who might not know what that means, you have to watch a few Patriots games, and watch the interviews before and after the football game. The Belichick and New England Patriot philosophy is that they hire players to do a particular job. If you can't do the job according to the high standards of Coach Belichick, then he will find another player who can replace you.
Our social calendar is light today because a 4 PM pig roast / birthday party for a friend got cancelled. This is not a bad thing since Linda is not functioning at 100 %.
Sunday I am gearing up for the 4:15 PM Patriot Game.
Linda had her name on a waiting list for a Mohegan Sun Casino trip on Sunday out of the Italian American Club, but no one has called to say someone has backed out of the trip. Oh Darn!
I did give our lawn a trim on Friday. Good thing that I did so because rain is in the forecast today.
Speaking of rain, our golf course is kind of saturated because of the recent rains. They wouldn't let golf carts out on Friday so our senior group didn't play.
We have another busy week coming up. On Monday Linda will be cooking up a storm for her book club. Some book clubs have snack type food, but this club started making it a dinner meeting at the host's home.
News -- I see where some of terrorist's leaders are vowing retaliation for one of our drones killing a couple of their top leaders. We will be on full alert in the United States. Oh Darn!
I also got to thinking about the trial of Michael Jackson's doctor. It reminds me of the American way of not accepting responsibility for the not so nice things that people do. Michael Jackson, in my eyes, was hooked on pain pills / medication, and Doctor Murray became his drug supplier. The doctor didn't try to kill Michael Jackson because he was paid quite well to take care of Michael Jackson.
The average drug addict dies of an overdose and who or what lawyers file law suits against their suppliers?
This trial also got me thinking of all the high profile cases that the media highlights. Don't the people who attend these trials have jobs or a life in general? How can some of these people attend these trials that go on for months and sometimes years?
Well, I am up early, and I should go back to bed for a couple of hours. If I don't, I will need a nap for sure.
Have a great weekend.
Talk to you soon. The Curley lad
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