2011 - Day Two Hundred Seventy Three; FRIDAY...

Well, that was hardly enough to qualify as a complete entry. I don't know what happened, but I just 'published' this entry with nothing in it. Even Blogger is excited that today is Friday.

I would be a little bit more excited if FaceBook would get their collective stuff together and either up-load my posts regularly or don't do it at all. Every time they make a change, it mucks something else up. AND, there is nothing better than complaining about free stuff!

I had lunch today with Chris at the Cajun Trailer (behind the Cone Trailer) on South Congress. Great shrimp Po-Boy, and I even ate all the bread. Good job!

It is dark outside already, and in just a couple more minutes, I am going to go outside and put the girls to bed. Then I am going to put myself to bed as well. I will be working tomorrow, gonna be a good day.

October is already out of control, and it is not even here yet! Good news is, we have had the windows open all day, that is one of the advantages to living on the edge of nowhere, we can open the windows and get the fresh air. Bad news is, there is still no rain in the forecast. The morning newspaper contained a story about, what will happen if the drought last through 2020, which is not completely out of the question. It seems that we are in 'that' cycle.

GREAT!

Deeds, Actions, Changes, PO-BOYS, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2011 - Day Two Hundred Seventy One; Thursday...

If you do an Internet search for 'really tired' this is one of the images that you will find. Pretty much says it all right there, although I am not that tall, not that thin, I don't have any cool 50's clothes, I look stupin in a hat and I don't have a wind up key coming out of my back. Otherwise, that could well be a photo of me right now. Just like that only different.

Long day today, got some good work done in the office (I actually made some progress with my income tax) and it was also my Meals-On-Wheels day, and that was a pleasure delivering the meals with my friend Chris. Chris is a very nice man, a very good Realtor* and a geek wizard. He is great, I hope you get a chance to meet him someday.

After we made our deliveries, we went to lunch at Souper Salads, where I spent much of the time there talking badly about people STUFFING food in containers. Not sure if they were planning on consuming it all at one time, or if they were stocking the pantries of their homes for the winter. Incredible. I should be ashamed of myself. But I am not.

I had an early evening Board of Directors meeting, and I left that meeting right at 8PM, so I got home shortly before 9PM. Jody had already put the girls to bed, but I have a few things that need to be done before I can retire.

Tomorrow is another day!

Deeds, Actions, Changes, TIRED, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2011 - Day Two Hundred Seventy One; Wednesday...

As a matter of fact, I had a lovely day today, discounting the headache and the insomnia, so thank you very much for asking. It is truly incredible to be surrounded by such a network of support both (and most importantly) personally and professionally. I am truly the luckiest person on the planet, and I am aware of that fact. If you are reading this, you have my thanks, my admiration, my awe (just for putting up with my crap if nothing else) and my honest and heartfelt gratitude. Thank you for EVERYTHING you do for me!

Still have not completed my taxes for 2010, but I am getting closer to having all my prep done for the class I will be teaching next week. It is going to be good!

We made our 89th day of 100 degree temperatures today, and I would like (please) just one more day (pretty much guaranteed) of temperatures over 100 degrees tomorrow, and then you can quit. It is just easier (in my way of thinking) to remember 90 days of record heat than it is 89 days.

Whatever...

I now will step down from this entry, go put the girls to bed, and retire myself for the evening. Wine is due for a refill, and I think there is a Pop-Sicle in my future.

Deeds, Actions, Changes, ACCOMPLISHMENT, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2011 - Day Two Hundred Seventy; Tuesday...

Only today when I was returning the 'costume' that I rented for the golf tournament, did I realize that I had ignored the bow tie that went with the outfit. Who knew there was a bow tie? That would have set off the outfit that otherwise just 'screamed' for accessories. The most chatter all day long yesterday was about the shoes anyway, and that was really the only part of the ensemble that was not rented. Those are my famous 'pink knock-off crocs' that I have posted so much about early on in this journal. The cattle love them, as well as some of the neighbors, and a few of the passers-by. Folks around here just accept pink shoes from me, and no one cares and/or is offended. AND, if you just gotta have a pair, you can get your very own at the local Dollar General Store, $3.99 plus tax. This is actually my second pair, the first pair only lasted about four years, and Jody insisted I throw them away.

Last night we got 1/3" of rain, and it was wonderful. There was a terrific lightning show, and I tried to take photos, but my little $150 digital camera is not really set up for taking photos in the dark. The camera is 'allegedly' much smarter than I am, and would not really cooperate. Really, can I just get a camera with a 'dumb' setting, one that will just take a picture when I push the button? That is a feature that I would really like to have in a camera. ANYWAY, I took about 40 different pictures last night (about 20 of them are just black space) and there are actually a couple of them that show the lightening bolts. BUT, i have found a setting that will take photos continuously as long as I have the button pushed. I will try that out the next time there is a really good storm.

All is well with the livestock, and even the bees are doing better with the cooler weather (?). They area really going through the sugar water lately, and that is a good thing. If it would cool down for a while, that would help everything out. I have always said the heat will not break until the second week in October, and that may be what happens again this year. ANYWAY, the chickens are all getting along better, and they are not segregating themselves on the roost anymore. Last night they were all interspersed, so that is good. It is getting to the point that I no longer feel that I need to check on them anymore. They are going to be on their own starting tonight.

Getting ready for tomorrow, I have homework to do. Later, gator...

Deeds, Actions, Changes, RAIN!, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2010 - Day Two Hundred Sixty Nine; Monday...

I know you are not going to believe this, but this was planned, and I did not even plan it when I was drunk. I also have a feeling there are DOZENS of photos of me in this set of golfing togs floating around in the Ethernet. ETHERNET, not the nether regions. Whatever. The special occasion today was the TREPAC Golf Tournament at the Balcones Country Club. There were about 150 participants, and it was out last MAJOR fundraiser of the fiscal year. It was a blast, the first time I ever participated in a golf tournament, even if my main function was just to hang, mingle and look FABULOUS!

Here is something else to make special note of. As of today, I have outlasted Anne Boleyn. Yes boys and girls, this entry is my ONE THOUSANDTH entry. One Thousand consecutive entries without missing a single day. Okay, well there was that time last spring when Blogger was down for two days, but that was not my fault, and I did the entries anyway, and uploaded them when the site cam back on line. NOT MY FAULT!

We have the possibility of some rain this evening, not much of a chance, but a chance is a chance. It was 103 degrees officially in Austin today, which makes it our 87th day this year of temperatures over 100 degrees. About a third of the year with extreme heat. OY!

Deeds, Actions, Changes, 1000 ENTRIES, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2011 - Day Two Hundred Sixty Eight; Sunday...

Man-O-Man, What-A-Day, What-A-Day, What-A-Day. Accomplishments all around, but I won't bore you with all the crap.

A lovely day here in central Texas, even if it was 105 degrees. That makes 86 days this year with temperatures over 100 degrees. First day of fall (a couple days ago) my Aunt Hattie. Whatever.

Picture this. Violet had a lovely little heifer calf on Saturday night, mother and daughter (and aging owners) are all doing well. We are going to name this littlest one Victoria. She is really a pretty one.

All the chickens are doing nicely, and they are all roosting on the same roost now. The pecking order seems to have given way somewhat, although they still do not mix the groups too much during the day. They will get used to each other with a little more time. I am still looking forward to getting some blue eggs.

Tomorrow I will be attending a golf tournament. I do not (and never have) played golf, and I see no reason to start now. I will be there (mostly) for the color commentary. Stay tuned for photos.

Deeds, Actions, Changes, NEW HEIFER CALF, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2011 - Day Two Hundred Sixty Seven; Saturday...

First things first, if you do not mind. Even though the plants themselves are suffering badly, there were several blooms on the Morning Glories this morning. I think there are blooms on them most days, but I am usually gone before the sun comes up, and I only really get to pay attention to them on the weekends. When I went out this morning, there were several blooming, and they are all BEAUTIFUL! No doubt about it, this is proof that, where there is a will, there is a way. BUT, a little rain would be nice.

After morning chores, I fixed Jody and me a pile of eggs (new term for egg loaf). I have to admit, they were pretty darned good. Nothing like a good pile of eggs to get your day started off on the right foot. Or the left foot if you are so inclined.

After breakfast, Jody and the boy dog went for a little walk, then they went for a little ride. After they returned, Jody and I headed off to Red Rock to check on the house down there. It is about 80 miles from this house to the other house, and the whole way there we did not see one bit of anything burned. AND, I purposely went where I thought the fires had raged, but I guess the fires were further east than I thought. I believe they are quoting that 40% of Bastrop county burned (about 35,000 acres) and about 60% of the homes in Bastrop County were destroyed (over 1,500 homes). But everything was good in Red Rock, so we were pleased with that.

On the way home, we stopped at Meyer's Elgin Sausage for lunch, and I ordered pork ribs (just so I could bring bones home for the dog). In Taylor, we stopped at HEB for a few groceries, and then it was home.

Once we got home, I commenced to working on my 2010 Income Taxes, and I am happy to say that I will have everything entered into my Quicken program by tomorrow. Mission will be (almost) accomplished, and I hope to get everything to the CPA not later than Wednesday. We shall see.

This is the first time we HAVE NOT had a spoiler from Dairy Queen in a LONG TIME. But, we are okay, and expect to make a visit tomorrow.

Deeds, Actions, Changes, MORNING GLORIES, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2011 - Day Two Hundred Sixty Six; Friday...

Friday! It's Friday, the day before Saturday and the day after Thursday. Friday. Friday's child is loving and giving... I really like my Fridays, unless of course I have to work on Saturday, and then I like Saturdays more than Fridays. Whatever...

Greasy Food! It's what's for lunch! It really was not that greasy, though. This is the Chicken Avocado Combo at the Cone Trailer (not sure of the real name of it) on South Congress. Chris and I went there for lunch this afternoon, had a nice meal, it was not too hot outside, so that was pleasant. There are lots of trailers that seem to merit exploration, so that may need to be a new goal. We shall see.

Got an extraordinary amount of work done today, lots of good accomplishments. Jody and I are heading for Bastrop tomorrow, we need to make sure the other farm is still standing. I think if the fires had gone that far, someone would have told us. It will be interesting and sad to see the damage that was done. Very sad...

Deeds, Actions, Changes, FRIED FOOD, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2011 - Day Two Hundred Sixty Five; Thursday...

Why is everything so difficult, especially when things should be really easy? The easier things should be, the more convoluted people want to make them. AND ANOTHER THING, if you have something to say, why don't you just say it? Why try to play cloak and daggers Mad Magazine Spy vs. Spy stuff. It just makes things more complicated. And then, we all just complain about how complicated things are (see the previous several sentences), and wish that everything could be easier. We are (sometimes) our own worst enemies.

Would you just look at those eyeballs! I have never had my eyes dilated before, and it is an interesting sensation. I had an appointment with the ophthalmologist late this afternoon, because I have been having a few eye issues (I really only have a few eyes), but I got a good check-up. Maybe it was just a bad case of allergies, but I did not want to mess around with a self-diagnosis, since we are talking about my vision here. BUT, again, I am happy to report that I got a good check-up, all is good, and there is just a TEENSY-WEENSY bit of the first stages of a little bit of glaucoma happening. Could be years and years before that will need to be addressed any time soon.

Nothing else going on much today, a nice day at the office, and then on to a luncheon meeting before heading off to the doctors appointment. Today is the last day of summer, tomorrow (I think) is the first day of fall. I hope someone in a higher place is paying attention. I will (I think, but this could always change) I will be spending most of the day in the office. On Saturday, Jody and I are heading to Red Rock to check on it. From all reports, it is still there, and did not burn from the fires the last couple weeks.

Deeds, Actions, Changes, DILATION, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2011 - Day Two Hundred Sixty Four; Wednesday...

HUMP DAY! I am liking that a lot!

I am truly a techno-Luddite. If I know how something works, fine. BUT, I cannot MAKE it work, and I cannot waste time reading a bunch of instruction manuals. Software programs should be totally (that is 100%) intuitive. After you stick the disc in the drive, there should be a bunch of logical questions prompted on the screen. Really, if there is no REAL difference between 'run' and 'save' then why should we bother having to answer that question? Don't both the responses lead to the same ultimate response? I think so!

Anyway, that little rant was nothing more than a set up to use this photograph of my friend (and agent) Chris. He has come up with solutions to my challenges more than once, and he is a truly good guy and a pleasure to be associated with. He is an honest to goodness techie-geeky-angel type. Thanks Chris!

I got a lot of stuff done today, but really made no progress towards my two goals of prepping for my class the first week of October, and getting all my 2010 Income Tax Information ready for the CPA. Don't tell anyone, particularly the US Treasury Department. I probably should not have typed those words, I have most likely now been discovered.

Tomorrow is another day.

Deeds, Actions, Changes, SPINNING WHEELS, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2011 - Day Two Hundred Sixty Seven; Tuesday...

Okay, it HAS NOT been one of those days, but if it had been, I think this is the correct photo to get the message across. Actually, this is a photo of Big Vera, who is the ruler of the roost. Or maybe it is Little Vera, but ONE of them is the ruler of the roost. I am going to wait until it is good and dark tonight before I put them to bed, hoping that all the pecking in the coop has quit for the night. My theory is that, the darker it gets, the less pecking that will be going on. SO far, there has been no blood letting, so I am interpreting that as a good thing.

Pretty much of a office day today, I did take a break to attend a meeting at the Board of REALTORS. Big things are happening, and every thing is for the betterment of the membership. If you think 2011 was a great year, hide and watch during 2012 and beyond. The Board will just be getting better and better as we go forward.

Tomorrow will be devoted to getting ready for my next class for the Texas Association of REALTORS. I have lots of the ground work already completed, now I have to get serious and figure out the class timing and scheduling of each day of Instruction.

AND, I have to get my 2010 income tax documentation to the CPA. I am definitely a procrastinator in that area. I do my best work under pressure.

Whatever...

Deeds, Actions, Changes, PECKING CHICKENS, Kindnesses, Whirled PEas, FUN!

2011 - Day Two Hundred Sixty Two; Monday...

Blue Monday? Well, not really. It was actually kind of a nice Monday. It rained last night for about seven minutes, hard enough to hear the rain on the roof on the bedroom. Nothing registered in the gauge, but there was rain. Nice and refreshing this morning when I went out to do my chores. A little bit of thunder and lightning, enough to scare the dog and make (some of) the clocks go wacky. But it was rain, and we will take what we can get.

In the office today, it was mostly office work, I did not even leave the office except to go to lunch. Chris and I went across the street to ANOTHER set of food trailers that has set themselves up. I had chicken strips. Very good, really good actually.

I left the office around 3:15 this afternoon, and had to stop on the way home to run some errands. I got home about 4:45, and watched the last few minutes of Jeopardy, and slept through a few minutes of the news, then I went out to check on the co-mingling of the chickens. I closed off the new chicks access to their part of the coop where they had lived since they came here, and they seem to have survived the night. One of the new chicks was on the big girls roost, one on the new roost I installed especially for them, and the other four spent the night on the floor. They will eventually get this figured out.

It is a pleasant evening, humidity is very low, and we are supposed to be in the 60's tomorrow morning. Three more days before it is officially fall, but I am not thinking we will have very different weather for at least another month. Then we will all begin complaining about the cold weather.

Whatever...

Deeds, Actions, Changes, CHICKEN STRIPS (DON'T TELL THE GIRLS), Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2011 - Day Two Hundred Sixty One; Sunday...

Well, I did not achieve my goal for today, mainly because my goal was to achieve (and accomplish) NOTHING. I usually try to set achievable goals for myself, but I knew I would fail at this particular goal, and I failed exceedingly well, although I would have been even a bigger failure if it had been cooler and I had been younger. Whatever!

Stayed in bed late this morning, and first thing I did was check the meters and feed the bees. Read the paper, drank coffee, and then it was out to feed the cattle and take them a fresh bale of hay. That done, I made a pile of eggs for me and Jody. No more egg loafs (or loaves), from now on, I am just making 'egg piles' or 'piles of eggs'. If you ever get a chance to see (or share) a pile of eggs, you will understand the logic behind the name.

After breakfast, it was time to change a washer in one of the hose bibbs. I researched it on the Internet, and even watched an informative eight minute video on how to change the washer. I really consider myself to be a pretty darned handy kind of person, but I have never changed a washer in any kind of plumbing stuff, so I was a little bit unsure. The instructions and video all stated that it was a 'simple' procedure, so I began. Prepared as I was, I went through every tool known to human-kind (except maybe one or two) and could still not get the thing to come apart as shown in the printed instructions and video. So, I took apart what I could, and headed off to the hardware store, where I decided to just replace the whole hose bibb thing ($6.49 plus Teflon tape) and call it a day. It works well now, no leaks, and life is good.

Once that was done, I started watering trees, and took a break so Jody and I could go to Georgetown and have a spoiler at Dairy Queen. When we returned, Jody went down for a nap, and I went out to clean the chicken coop(s). Today is the that the little girls become big girls. They are banned from their little sanctuary of the last three months or so, and tonight they sleep with the big girls. When I went out to put them to bed, one of the new chicks was roosting on the big girls roost, one was on the new little girls roost, and the other four small chicks were on the floor. It is a start. They will either cope and acclimate or not, it is their choice.

Yesterday we were assaulted with 107 drops of rain, and there is the possibility of more this evening, but we will believe it when we hear it. The clouds were nice tonight though, and there is a 40% chance of rain on Thursday. Keep your fingers crossed for us, we can use all the help we can get.

This week should be relatively calm and quiet. Keep your fingers crossed for that, too!

Deeds, Actions, Changes, ACCLIMATION, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2011 - Day Two Hundred Sixty; Saturday...

I got a later start into Austin than usual, sine I did not have to be anywhere until 8:30 or so, and it is Saturday, and I was going ten less miles than usual, and it is Saturday, so traffic is not as bad since it is Saturday. SO, that meant that I could take a minute and enjoy the sunrise. One of the advantages to living on the edge of nowhere (which is further away than the middle of nowhere) is that there is nothing to block you view of things. You get to see lots of sky, lots of fields, and lots of beauty. Right now, you get to see lots of dry as well, but that is a complaint for another entry.

I made it to the Board of REALTORS in plenty of time for my class, and I have to tell you it was a really god class. I enjoyed it, the participants enjoyed it, and everyone was happy, no body got hurt.

I left the class and gave Jody a call. He drove into Georgetown, and we rendezvoused at the Dairy Queen for spoilers. Afterwards, he went his way (to HEB) and I went my way (to get my haircut). I am not nearly as pleased with my haircut this time as I was the last time, but I think I can still salvage this cosmetologist/customer relationship. We shall see. I am learning this as I go. I learned today that she should not use a number 4 guard on the clippers to cut the side, only the back. Scissors on the side. It is only hair, it should all grow back eventually. Fingers crossed.

When I got home, I went down for a nap, and I felt like a ROCK in the big blue chair in front of the television. I napped for at least an hour, and was really lethargic when I (unwillingly) was waking up. There was no news on tonight (as far as we know) since it was all cast aside in favor of college football. From what I have seen on FaceBook, Texas won, which is an okay thing as far as I am concerned.

Tomorrow is expected to be a day of nothing, and that will be a miracle if I can pull it off. Temperatures have been in the lower 90's (WOW) and I hope it holds true for tomorrow as well. I need to water trees, feed cattle, take hay out to them, all kinds of ordinary things.

Deeds, Actions, Changes, SUNRISES, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2011 - Day Two Hundred Fifty Nine; FRIDAY...

If you had a magnifying glass and a moisture meter, you could POSSIBLY tell (from this photo) that I had been caught in a BRIEF little rain shower early this afternoon. It did rain in the area of my office for about five minutes, just long enough for me to experience the wetness. No complaints. You are not hearing any complaints about this from me, just wishing that it had lasted longer, and that there would have been some, ANY, about fifty miles further north.

Austin has been invaded by the ACL Festival goers, so I left the office about 3 o'clock this afternoon and headed home. Traffic was not horrible, so I made pretty good time. I got home and took a nap (during the news) and after dinner, Jody and I sat out on the front porch for a few minutes. When we sit out on the porch, the chickens (some of them anyway) will gather around us for some petting. Generally, big Vera will let me pick her up and she will sit on my lap and I will pet on her for a while, and she finally has enough and will leave. For some reason, ALL the chickens (young and old) have discovered the potted plants, and there is very little of them left. I watered these plants all summer long, just for them to turn into chicken feed. There is something not right about that!

I will be teaching a class tomorrow morning, and Jody is going to meet me in Georgetown (for spoilers at DQ) and I am going to make another attempt at getting my hair cut. I don't have a good feeling about that.

Deeds, Actions, Changes, RAIN TRACES, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2011 - Day Two Hundred Fifty Eight; Thursday...

Officially in Austin it did not reach 100 degrees, but it did here, and as we have learned recently, north of us in Waco they have recorded even MORE 100 degree days this year than Austin has. SO, we are going with another 100 degree day, and we have no idea how many that gives us for the year, we just know it is a lot!

Today was a Meals-On-Wheels day, and Chris from our office accompanied me on the route. Chris will be taking his MOWAM training soon, so if one of us cannot deliver the other one can cover. I think that is a great plan, and I am really happy that Chris is interested in doing it. It is a wonderful thing he is doing, and I hope he enjoys it as much as I do.

After work this afternoon, I headed out to the Kung Fu Saloon for a small TREPAC get together. I will be the ABoR PAC Chair next year, and the fiscal year (and my committee year) begins the first of October, so I am trying to get a jump on things. We had many prospective committee members join us, and we were also joined by the acting CEO of the Austin Board of REALTORS (Benny), the VP of Governmental Affairs at the Texas Association of REALTORS (Mark), Leslie and Elizabeth from the TAR PAC, and Earl and Anna from the Austin Board. It was a fun group, and we all did a lot of idea exchanging and getting to know each other. This is a photo of the group.

Tomorrow is the start of the Austin City Limits Festival, and the city is once again filled with freaks. Where do they all come from? I have nothing against freaks, but really, we have enough to start with, without another 75-100,000 of them converging on the city en masse.

Whatever...

Deeds, Actions, Changes, FREAKS, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2011 - Day Two Hundred Fifty Seven; Wednesday...

Boring. Yes, boring. Last night I searched the Internet for interesting images, tonight I searched for boring images. Boring can easily be confused with sleeping, or sleepy or (okay) boring. This was the most interesting of the boring images I found on the search. AND, it serves two purposes. It looks like the dog is bored, and it is an image of a dog. Images of cute animals always make an entry more interesting. Even if you are going for boring!

I have pretty much returned to the routine of work after spending much of the past week at the Texas Association of REALTORS convention. I really had a good time at the convention and learned a lot.

I got a good bit of work done today, and that was rewarding. I left the office about 2:30 this afternoon, stopped by a property that closed the other day and removed the sign and lock box. After that, I stopped at Buck Moore Feeds and bought another fifty pounds of chicken feed. Eleven chickens go through feed a lot faster than five chickens did! The littlest girls will be (about) thirteen weeks old tomorrow, and they are getting braver and braver as the days go by. Thew were out almost to the front porch of the house just a few minutes ago, and they run back and forth from one place to another, just like a bunch of adolescents.

After I got home, I made some bee juice and went out and fed the new bee colonies that I got a couple weeks ago. Those hives have internal feeders, and they hold more food BUT they are much more difficult to feed than the front entrance feeders I have on the other hives. Filling the internal feeders requires that I get suited up and take the hives (literally) apart to fill the feeders. BUT, the new bees were not at all aggressive, and there were really no problems. Pretty easily done, actually.

Tomorrow is the PM meeting in the AM, and then Meals-On-Wheels.

Deeds, Actions, Changes, BEES, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2011 - Day Two Hundred Fifty Six; Tuesday...

Interesting. When you do an Internet search of the word 'interesting' or the words 'interesting photos', the same images appear. None of them were terribly interesting, but I was looking for an image to include with this post, since I had been entirely too lazy to actually go to the trouble of turning the camera on and snapping a picture. I am 100% certain that I saw THOUSANDS of interesting things today, but found none of them miraculous enough to document. That is part of the problem, we are not taking time to look at the things around us. BUT, this is kind of an interesting image, so I hope you enjoy it.

84. It is official. Today (in Austin any way) was the 84th day of temperatures in excess of 100 degrees. AND the weather prognosticator in Austin reported that Waco (we are sort of half-way between the two) has had even more 100 degree days this year than Austin has. SO, I think we have most likely had more as well. We (Austin) are supposed to have another couple days over 100 degrees, and then we will chill-out into the high 90's for the foreseeable future. And beginning on Thursday, we have a 10% chance of a precipitation event for four days in a row. That is weather prognosticator jargon for 'It Is Never Going To Rain AGAIN. EVER!'

I am back home from conventioneering for the short term. September, October and November of each year is convention time for me. TAR, NARPM and NAR. So, I will be going to Dallas in the middle of October, and then to Orange County in the middle of November. BUT FOR NOW, I am home, and all is right with the world.

Deeds, Actions, Changes, HOT, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2011 - Day Two Hundred Fifty Five; Monday...

Another day of excessive heat. This makes the 82nd day this year with temperatures over 100 degrees. We were supposed to be finished with high temperatures, but NO. AND it is supposed to be extra-hot the rest of this week. A very small chance of rain later this weekend, but I really do not expect it to happen. It seems the heat just cannot quit us! CRAP!

Another day of conventioning at the Texas Association of REALTORS annual convention, this year being held in Austin. I attended three really good classes today, and as always, there was a lot of visiting with colleagues and friends from around the State.

In between the education classes and leadership seminars, there was the trade show, with vendors of all sorts showing their wares. And to get folks to stop at their individual booths, you gotta have some gimmick or some bling. This booth was giving away pictures with the Blues Brothers, so that was pretty fun. This is a photo of my friend Cathy and me. FUN!

Tomorrow is another day, and pretty much my last day of attendance. It will end (for me) with an education luncheon, and then it will be on to work.

Deeds, Actions, Changes, BLUES BROTHERS, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2011 - Day Two Hundred Fifty Four; Sunday...

Today is the Tenth Anniversary of 9/11. I don't really care to discuss it.

It has been a good day, another day filled with meetings and information. The day started with the Region XV meetings, and after that, I took a break, went home, fed chickens, checked on bees, and gave the chickens some fresh water as well. As long as I was home (and it was Sunday), Jody and I headed off to Georgetown to visit the local Dairy Queen franchise for Hot Fudge Sundaes. Perfect!

When I got back to the convention, I attended the TAR Board of Directors meeting, and I am now back in the room, preparing for tonight's Installation. I even just ironed my shirt! I am even going to shave again! And, I am getting a head-start on this blog entry, because I am not really sure what condition I will be in after the installation. I am sure it will be fun, and I will be there with many friends and colleagues, so I am figuring a pretty darned good time will be had by all.

Hopefully, I will have a few photos, we shall see...

Okay, here's the deal. It is after midnight, so technically, I have missed my goal of completing a blog every day, but really I have not. I am still making this post within the 24 hour period of the last blog.

I have just returned to the room after the security at the Hotel arrived at the 'after-party' of our new TAR President. Whatever. The Installation was a wonderful occasion, and a good time was had by all. This is a photograph of me and the current chair of the Austin Board of REALTORS Judith. It was a wonderful night of celebration, and e all had a wonderful time.

Deeds, Actions, Changes, GOOD TIMES, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2011 - Day Two Hundred Fifty Three; Saturday...

Another VERY FULL day of learning, networking and experiencing at the Texas Association of REALTORS Annual Convention being held this weekend (and early next week) in Austin. The day began at 7 this morning but it was not too bad, since I am staying in Austin for these meetings. By about 4:30 this afternoon, I was back in the Hotel, and took a break until 5:30 and attended the NAHREP reception. I won one of the door prizes, a wine tasting for a group of twelve! SWEET! Our agent Chris also won a $25 gift certificate for Starbucks! Perfect!

Much of the day was spent as a participant of the Downtown Austin Mixed-Use Bus Tour of various properties sponsored by the Texas Association of REALTORS Commercial Committee. We had a great lunch at City Hall provided by the Salt Lick, then we went on to the old Seaholm Power Plant which is being redeveloped as a mixed-use (commercial and residential) property. Then on to the Burts-Watts Headquarters, and 50's era commercial property renovated to a modern, sustainable office building. WONDERFUL. Then on to the Spring Condominiums for a tour of the homes there including a 7,200 square foot penthouse condominium. Beautiful views. The tour ended at the Austin City Limits Theatre where they tape the Austin City Limits television show. This is a photo of the Seaholm Power Plant interior. Pretty Cool!

After some more networking in the lobby bar, I got back to my room about 8:30, and ordered room service. Good (really pricey) food and a diet Dr. Pepper. There is some reasoning there, I am just not sure what it is.

Deeds, Actions, Changes, FUN DAY, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2011 - Day Two Hundred Fifty Two; Friday...

It was an early day AND a late day, all wrapped up in one. I was up at 3:30 this morning, because I needed to leave for the office before 6 o'clock, and there were things that needed to be done. Today is the start of the Texas Association of REALTORS annual convention, and my first meeting was at 7:30.

A wonderful, but long day today. Full of education and networking and camaraderie. Wonderful. The night ended with a luau for the State Women's Council of REALTORS, and that was a lot of fun. This is a photo of me, Chris and Jay at the luau. Much fun. We were all a little concerned when the entertainment adjourned to the patio and the fire twirler started his act. We were all expecting the Star Flight helicopters to come and drop a bucket or water on him. That would have actually been much more entertaining than the fire twirler guy himself!

I am staying in town for a few days, since meetings and things go well into the evening, and start early in the mornings.

Deeds, Actions, Changes, FIRE TWIRLERS, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2011 - Day Two Hundred Fifty One; Thursday...

Rain Garden Coming Soon - My Aunt Mary! You need some rain before you can have a rain garden, don't you? Let's not put the cart before the horse here f0lks! Has anyone heard of any rain in the forecasts lately? We are probably not going to fall for some fake rain on the corner of South First and Barton Springs Road (especially since there is a sigh there announcing it.

I would be less than forthcoming with you all if I did not immediately admit that I am a little bit nervous about this entry. You see, it is late, I have taken a relaxing agent, and I an just about finished with my glass of wine. The words do not seem to fly off my finger tips as they usually do, and it is almost like my digits are encumbered with some heavy and lethargic substance. I am not really sure what it is, BUT, I will try my best to be careful and not embarrass anyone before morning. How will that be?

I have to also admit that this turn of events (while not exactly unwelcome) were truly unexpected. It all started at the tuxedo rental/purchase place. It seemed that even three days after they promised me they would have my suit, my suit was not in evidence. So, we played a little game of 'does-this-match-any-better-than-that?, which was fun for about the first several hours, but then the entertainment value declined. I do admit there are some interesting conversations that can be overheard in a tuxedo store, especially if you intend to be there for several hours. Here are some of the better ones; 'No, the tie goes inside the vest.' 'No, most people do not tuck the vest inside the pants.' No, I wont be taking off my cap, it goes wherever I go'. Brother.

I got home about 8:15 and had to move cattle to another pasture and take a 50 pound bag of feed out to the chickens. When I moved the cattle, I discovered a dead squirrel in one of the water troughs, which made for a relatively aromatic adventure, but it was all solved by the code of the west, and hopefully the vultures will find the squirrel before something else does.

Lovely old Cadillac display at one of the gas stations earlier today at the corner of Congress and Riverside Drive. Very pretty. Not 1005 FACTORY, BUT YOU COULD TELL WHAT IT WAS EASILY ENOUGH. huge chrome boobs ON THE FRONT END WERE PRETTY DARNED STYLISH FER SURE! convertible YET! sweet!

CHICKENS TO BED, CATTLE ROAMING OVER TWO PASTURES, WHAT COULD BE BETTER?

HOW LONG HAS IT BEEN SINCE I STARTED TYPING IN ALL CAPS?

Deeds, Actions, Changes, I want to color in my book, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2011 - Day Two Hundred Fifty; Wednesday...

Well, I have been reduced to photographing (not yet convicted) felons on our highways and bi-ways (I like the sound of that). Maybe someone should consider building a hi-bi-way. What do you think? ANYWAY, with all the fires in the area, I saw two more people driving down the Interstate flicking ash out their car windows. One was the same guy I saw last week in the '64 Chevy. Well, I am ready for them know. Now I just need to figure out how to bust them. The official report in Bastrop is about 576 homes destroyed, and they expect that number to double before it is all over. There is no way they can get into some of the areas yet to make assessments. Crazy.

The smoke and haze from the fires is really aggravating as well. Not as bad as having your house burn down, I assure you, but as passive observers it is aggravating. It smells like electrical or old stereo parts that are burning, too. Smells like electrical things burning up. I don't really know how to describe it, like something electrical in your engine compartment, you just know it is not right.

Since the only photographs I took today were of (alleged) felons, I am using a photo that Chris took last week when we had lunch in the Second Street District. This is one of the Cow Parade sculptures that are all over the city and soon to be auctioned off for charity. I love me some cows, and I especially like this blue one.

Four eggs today from the girls, and the little girls are getting braver and braver. As I sit in the office writing this, I can see them getting closer and closer to the house to scratch, which, in turn means they are getting further and further away from their coop and the safe place they have known for all but a few days of their lives. The little girls are growing up!

Deeds, Actions, Changes, BLUE COWS, Kindnesses,Whirled Peas, FUN!

2011 - Day Two Hundred Forty Nine; Tuesday...

Here is another sure sign that fall is in the air; school buses are transporting the 'next generations' to their assigned places of learning IN THE DARK. I left the house this morning at about 6:30 and this was taken (probably) at about 6:50. Not light now until about 7:30'ish, and you know these kids are sleep deprived, AND they have (again, probably) an hour of bus time each way. Something is wrong with this picture. Well, not the picture, the picture is perfectly okay, I guess there is something wrong with the reasoning of putting elementary school kids on a bus in the wee-hours.

Another sure sign of the changing of the seasons...I threw my back out this morning, doing something stupid like breathing. I did nothing to cause this malady. I was not lifting anything, not stooping over, NOTHING. One minute I was fine, the next minute I had a 'catch'. CRAP! Where's my cane?

So much for our cooler weather. It was 95 (at least) today, but it is a dry heat, so we will take what we can get. What we really need is RAIN. We are all going to burn up!

My friend Mike called from Florida this morning (I called him back this afternoon) and we had a nice talk on the phone. Explain this to me (Mike was unable to); in August, there was NO RAIN reported at any of the weather stations in the area, and that meant we TIED FOR SECOND PLACE as the driest August in history. How can we beat the existing record? What? Was there a year that we had to give back some rain and so we actually had a negative amount of rainfall? How can you get worse than nothing? I just do not get that.

Chickens are well, cattle are well, Jody is well, I am well (reasonably). I am a lucky man!

Deeds, Actions, Changes, WALKING CANES, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2011 - Day Two Hundred Forty Eight; Monday...

It's Labor Day, I hope you have enjoyed your Holiday. Personally, we have been wrapped up with following the fires all around us. We are fine, nothing much going on here fire wise, but we can smell smoke, and we should not be able to smell smoke in my opinion. Since the winds are strong and coming out of the North to Northeast, that would mean there were fires north and east of us, but there has been nothing reported in that area.

The fires are devastating large portions of Bastrop, Hays and Travis Counties. 25,000 acres in Bastrop County alone and (at last count) almost 500 homes destroyed. The first have pretty much surrounded the farm there in Red Rock, and we are not sure if it will succumb or not. I saw on the Internet (a fire tracking site) that there was a fire reported in the Red Rock area, but we will most likely have to wait until morning to find out about that. We hope that everyone (including the property that is still left) will survive the night.

We live in Williamson County, and they have made an emergency declaration; it is ILLEGAL to smoke outside or have a barbecue outside or do anything else outside that uses fire. NOTHING. You will be arrested if you are caught! And rightly so. I am sick of watching people toss cigarette butts out of their cars. It is reported that is what caused the fires in Bastrop County. A fire (that has so far destroyed about 25 homes and damaged 30 others) in the Steiner Ranch area of Austin was caused by sparks from a power line. We are all about to be set on fire.

There was some normalcy to the day. We had a nice breakfast and I watered a few things outside. Later in the afternoon, we went to Dairy Queen and enjoyed Blizzards. We can always count on Blizzards to make our tummies say yummie!

We also had the cold front come through, lowered the temperatures to only 98 degrees here. It was cooler this morning and the humidity is about 15 percent. Winds and low humidity are helping the fires. We should all be rejoicing for that climactic change, but the fires have taken all the joy out of it.

Okay, that is pretty much for today. Gonna go and put the chickens up in a few minutes, and survey the horizon for glowing objects.

Deeds, Actions, Changes, FIRE EVERYWHERE, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2011 - Day Two Hundred Forty Seven; Sunday...

I think a little bit of red wine is (hopefully) as good for the soul as it (supposedly) is for the heart muscle. And really, a little bit of red wine (whine) is all I need to have a really fun time. I especially think a little bit of red wine when you are up extra late and consumed several minutes prior to authoring your journal entry is especially interesting. I got up this morning and decided to see what it was I had written the night before, and I was entertained. Nothing terrible was said, and nothing embarrassing or slanderous, so I think I am okay. I guess I will have to wait a few days to see if I sent any e-mails I shouldn't have.

If our weather prognosticators do not get this one right, someone we know (hmmm) is going to be kind of testy. If we cannot get any rain, we will settle for some relief from the high temperatures. Today was the 80th day this year that the high temperature exceeded 100 degrees. Over a-third of the year has been oer 100 degrees. We are supposed to have five days or so of more 'normal' temperatures. I hope so.

All around us there are fires. Well, pretty much all around us but north of us. It is really scary. We are so very dry, and everything is just like kindling.

The chickens (all 11 of them) seem to be doing nicely. I was just out there giving them fresh water, and they are all pretty happy. They are still producing, although production has been cut down a bit. We got three eggs today. We are still getting over two dozen eggs per week out of the five layers we have. Once the chicks start laying (still a long time away, maybe another four months) we will be covered up with eggs. It will be fun though, to get blue eggs. I am looking forward to that.

It only took us three weeks, but we finally got to see 'The Help' today. I knew it was going to be weepy, but I cried at two of the previews of coming attractions. I had read the book (on CD) and thought that was very good. The movie was equally god, but it was different from the book. I don't think I will compare them against each other, they are different and that is all there is to it.

Today is my friend Warren's birthday. Happy Birthday Warren, but really, who cares?

Deeds, Actions, Changes, FIRE, FIRE, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2011 - Day Two Hundred Forty Six; Saturday...

This was a day full of overmeaning works being half way completed, I did get my truck serviced, and went to be fitted for a suit, and that was impossible, at hen I went have a haircut, and bt=ethany was inconsolable, so she had to go to lunch anbd aI could wait 30 minute while she had a piece of bread and cheese, I din;t think so, so I left, Then it wa on to the formal shop, I tried to buy a tuxedo, and i n=am not sure if it wi be delievered in time, I hope sO.

I left about 730 to go get some bees, and got home around 10, The bees are all here (they are being very quet right now) but i epet they will be better in the morning, Her eis a photo of me an the bees in the truck before I drove them home an WAY wAY Way before I decided to have some wine. BUT wine I had and it was lovely. I wil check again on the bees tomorroe,

I did get quite a bit of sugar water no me while I was trandsferring the bees, I hope they won;t sting me because of it, So far they have turned out to be verfy civilized bees, let;s hope they stay that way,

Suppposed to go do to the 90's for the high starting on Monday, with low temperatures in the 50's during the day time and the overnights, That wil be pretty damned incredible, I can;t wait,

It will be interesting to read this entry tomorrow or the next day. It might take me that long to realixe that i wrote it,

Good night all, sweet dreams! Snooorrreeee,,,

Deeds, Actions, Changes, BEES, BEES, BEES, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

ps - gOOD THING i 'M NOT DRIVING!

2011 - Day Two Hundred Forty Five; Friday...

Did I mention it's Friday?

So, I am going to admit this. When I was a little kid, I became a little bit nervous whenever I got stuck at the top of the Ferris Wheel. Not screaming like a girl nervous, just a little bit uncomfortable. ALSO, I am not the best airline passenger either. You probably would not know that, because I can put on a pretty darned good front, but I get a little nervous. If it is a bumpy flight, I am better off if I can remain preoccupied with a computer game or something like that. I just don't want to sit there and recite the rosary (since I don't know how to recite the rosary). All this is leading up to the fact that, when I get stuck in rush hour traffic at the TOP of one of the fly-overs, I get a little bit anxious. You know, you can feel the thing vibrating and jiggling, the same as when you are stuck in traffic on just a normal bridge overpass. BUT, these things are six or seven stories up, and it is just weird to me.

The same thing used to (kind of) happen when I lived in New Orleans, and had to cross the High Rise Bridge. It was interesting because, as you are going up the bridge, all you can see is the horizon, and you just accept the fact that, when you crest the bridge, there will be some more bridge there to ease you and your vehicle down. Luckily, for me, there was always more bridge there. I'm just sayin...

This is the beginning of a three day weekend, and I am looking forward to it tremendously. I hope to do a LOT OF NOTHING for the next three days, but there is a sale on at Tractor Supply, so I think I may make an appearance.

Deeds, Actions, Changes, JIGGLY BRIDGES, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2011 - Say Two Hundred Forty Four; Thursday...

Welcome to September. I have big hopes for this month, so I really hope I am not disappointed. Trivia: This is my 975th consecutive entry. Just a few more weeks to go, and I will be at 1,000 entries. You never know what might happen, but I think it is pretty darned impressive that I have not missed providing an entry in all that time. 975 days. Sounds like a long time, but I can remember the first day of this journal. Crazy!

Today was my Meals-On-Wheels delivery day. Chris in our office has decided that he likes delivering the route with me, so he wants to keep delivering with me. When I got home today, Jody asked me how many clients were on the route today (nine) and I mentioned that Chris had gone with me, but I was not going to be able to deliver next week, and that I needed to call in and let them know. Jody asked if Chris could just be my substitute? I think that is a swell idea, now I need to see if Chris wants to do that, and then I will need to check in with Meals-On-Wheels to see if there is anything that needs to be done to make everything official. I think they will be happy to have a built in substitute guy. THANKS CHRIS!

After we delivered our route, we went to the Cantina Laredo in the Second Street District downtown. A very nice lunch was enjoyed by both of us, and thanks again to Chris for the suggestion and for picking up the tab!

We left, and headed back to the office. It was kind of crazy in the office, and there were several Internet and computer related issues, and hopefully everything will be back to normal tomorrow.

Speaking of tomorrow, it is FRIDAY, and the beginning of a long weekend. I am ready for it!

Deeds, Actions, Changes, TEX-MEX, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!