2013 - Day 31/314 - Thursday...

Well of course, leave it to me to make the highways and biways of central Texas a safer place.  All that and do I get any credit?  Of course not.  All I had to do was to mention (and harldy mention at that, it was, at best a passing thought) that I would dedicate the blog in February to the WRECKS DU JOUR that I see on a daily basis (and becoming more and more frequent) and that was the impetus needed to cause all vehicular operations within a 500 mile radius to became sane and courteous.  CRAP!  There was not a wreck to be seen in my travels today, although I did see wome people driving down MoPac (with Chris) that were clearly uncomfortable with the idea that it could be a wreckless day.  BUT, my problems were solved by my friend Emily who was an undeserving participant of a slow-speed (don't think OJ here) collision.  It seems some GUY backed into her car and tried to blame it on her.  According to Emily, her car came out of it smelling like a rose, but you shoulda seen the other guy!  TAKE THAT!  Thanks Em!

Today was our Meals-On-Wheels day, and we were down to only four clients today.  Doctors appointments, this and that kind of stuff makes the client list ebb and flow.  You never know how many clients you will see from one day to the next.

Can you believe it is the last day of January already?  Tomorrow is the first day of a new month (makes sense if you have any comprehension at all), and I am telling you, it seems like this month went quickly and slowly at the same time!  February will be kind of crazy for me, I think I will be sleeping in Hotel and Boat beds more than I will be sleeping in my own bed this month.  A pretty good bit of travel happening this month.

I will be starting my day off at the Board tomorrow morning, and then I will be heading into the office to get lots of 'first of the month' work done.  I have a very interesting job, and at least I can say that no two days are the same!

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

2013 - Day 30/315 - Wednesday...

So...since it is almost February (already), I have been thinking about my theme for February.  For those of you who have been long-term fans (and I think there must be 5's of you out there), you know that I try to have a theme every February, since it is the shortest month of the year.  I think this year the theme for February will be...

...WRECK DU JOUR...

And it seems I am WAY AHEAD of the game already!

This particular one was announced to me (via the radio) even before I made it to the Interstate, but since there is no alternative to get into Austin, I had little choice but to carry-on.  It was a one car crash into the concrete divider.  There was really no reason for the police to actually block one lane of traffic, but that is what they did.  When I passed the vehicle du jour, it was neatly ensconced on the shoulder of the road, and all lanes could have been open.  True, traffic could have been slowed somewhat, but all lanes could have been open.

I made about $500 for myself today, protesting automatic payments charged to my credit card by two different web-hosting sites.  I have LOTS of web-sites and domain names, and I had two charges on my credit card that I just could not understand.  I wonder how many people just don't bother to protest.  There were two different companies, one had charged me for a three year renewal ($300 and change), and I had just done a three year renewal last year.  Another charged me for another renewal (almost $200) and I had paid that just a couple months ago.  There was absolutely NO ARGUMENT from them, lots of apologies, and a hurry-up to credit my account.  I wonder how many $$MILLIONS they collect just by charging peoples accounts for NOTHING?

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

2013 - Day 29/316 - Tuesday...

I never did see any wreck associated with this Ambulance in the rear view mirror.  It caused a little bit of havoc with traffic, but otherwise, nothing really out of the ordinary.  These things just appear and then they disappear; maybe they were just on the way to dinner.  Or maybe they were late for the hairdressers.  Must have been something...

My day started at the Board of REALTORS® where I did a TREPAC schtick and was able to get a few souls to make investments totaling $365.  I may be losing my touch.  Maybe I am out of practice.  BUT, all things considered, not terrible for a January morning.

Then off to the office, for some power real estate, and then showing a couple houses and then writing a contract on one property.

I did not leave the office until after 5 o'clock this afternoon, and even though there was the sighting of the mysterious ambulance, I made relatively good time.  There was a 'cold' front coming through this evening.  Crazy.  We had a'heat index' quoted this afternoon; the temperature was about 84 degrees but if you factor in the humidity (no, not the stupidity) it felt like 87 degrees.  This is still the end of January, would someone please get in touch with Rush and tell him all he has to do is say a couple words (global warming) and it will all be better.

Deeds, Actions, Changes, GLOBAL WARMING, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2013 - Day 28/317 - Monday...

Have you ever had one of those days?  I have, but today was not one of them...

I was up (okay, awake) by about 3:30 this morning, but I dozed off and on until I finally got out of the bed about 4:45.  That gave me plenty of time to check all the electronic messaging and leashes that control most of our lives, and left for work about 6:30.

I had a really good day at work today, we got our conference room set up so we can do webinars and teleconferencing and web-based training and all kinds of great stuff like that.  Pretty darned soon we will all think we are actually in the 21st Century!

We all had a nice luncheon as well.  Me, Carrie, Kerry (K), Margaret and Shane.  We actually WALKED (I was protesting all the way) to Hopdoddy's Burger Bar on South Congress.  It really wasn't a terrible walk, and the company was great.  Good burgers, too.

Back in the office for some power real estate, and then I left at about 2 o'clock for a meeting at the Board.

Overall, not too shabby!

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

2013 - Day 27/318 Sunday...

If it is Sunday, it must mean that I got lots of work done around the house.  Instead of telling you what was accomplished, I will tell you the stuff that did not get done.  I did not get the ivy and the grape vines and the hyacinth bean vines trimmed off the fences and the pergola.  That saves a lot of space.

In between all that, we did go into Georgetown, where I bought some stuff to take into the office tomorrow. I also made a stop at Tractor Supply where I bought some salt blocks for the cattle.  I was wanting to buy some mineral blocks as well. but they did not have any.  Go figure.

It was grey and cloudy and cool to start out today.  The winds got stronger from the south and the temperatures rose to (probably) the mid 70's.  We were predicted to get about two hours of sunshine, and I think that is about what we got, all towards the end of the day.  Some of the clouds were pretty, some of them were just dreary.

The coming week should be relatively calm, and I am looking forward to that.

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

2013 - Day 26/319 - Saturday...

It was a cold and dreary and dribbly day, just perfect for everything (almost) that I had planned for the day, which was a whole lot of nothing.

I did manage to get out of bed, let the chickens out, read the paper, had a cup of coffee, made a pile of eggs, went with Jody to take the dog-boy for a ride, went into Georgetown for lunch, comped some properties for a client, went into Austin and met with my client and submitted a purchase offer on a property.  Drove home and put gas in the car on the way, made a u-turn in Walburg to go back and document this display of Corvettes across the street from the Walburg restaurant, got home, took a nap while sitting in front of the television watching the news, did an excellent job of not breaking down and devouring a snickers bar, had a lovely dinner that Jody made, and now I am sitting here wrapping up this entry.

Pretty much other than that, I did nothing today.

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

2013 - Day 25/320 - Friday...

...oh, and speaking of tattoos, if I ever got one (I'd like to but I'm afraid) this is what I would like.  I can remember this little red devil from when I was a little kid.  I don't remember his name, but he was a nice little devil, as best I can remember.

A busy day today, and a long day as well.  I did not get home until after 9 o'clock, and tomorrow will be busy as well.  Showing property, writing a contract (perhaps), and taking Jody into town.

Sleepy now...

Deeds, Actions, Changes, LITTLE DEVIL, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2013 - Day 24/321 - Thursday...

There is really no reason to go into the details about this photo of me today, just take comfort in the fact that I am standing in front of a green screen, and try to look forward to seeing more at a cine-plex near you in the near future.  January 29th to be more specific...

PM meeting in the AM, Meals-On-Wheels later in the AM and then power real estate in the office until about 3 o'clock, and then headed off to a NAHREP meeting.  Busy, busy, busy...

A big meeting tomorrow, and then the weekend.  Showing property!

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

2013 - Day 23/322 - Wednesday...

A good and productive day today.  I actually stayed in bed an extra 30 minutes this morning, I wonder what that was all about?

Property Management appointment this morning (with Chris), but before that I wrote a lease, e-mailed it to some co-signors, and wrote the PM agreement to take along with me to the appointment.  Once I returned from that, I got a move-in package ready for a Noon lease signing, and did a little bit more power real estate and then headed off to a 2 o'clock meeting.

BUT, before that, I did have two boiled eggs for lunch.

The 2 o'clock meeting was at the Capitol on the subject of the on-going droughts we are suffering here in Texas and how we are going to have enough water for the next fifty years and how it is going to be paid for. We already know WHO is going to pay for it, we just don't really know what that is going to look like.  It was a very interesting program, with lots of State government participation, both on the panel and in the audience.  The program was presented by the Austin Board of REALTORS® along with the Texas Association of REALTORS® and a group called H204Texas.org.  Very interesting, but getting out of the parking garage took almost as long as the public forum itself!

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

2013 - Day 22/323 - Tuesday...

The wreck du jour today was encountered on the drive home, somewhere in Round Rock.  Interestingly, traffic not involved in the wreck was moving along nicely, even though there were about eight cars involved in the actual wreck, one of which was sideways blocking two lanes of traffic.  Again, I was there before the fire and police, so things were actually under control.  There was no evidence of extreme injury, everyone was out of their cars (the cars looked like crap) but folks were going on about their respective business.  I would expect that as soon as the emergency responders got there, the traffic started backing up pretty seriously.

I did make it home in time to get in a nice little (almost a six-miler) bike ride.  That was nice.  Jody had a nice dinner prepared (salmon patties) and then it was time to go and put the girls to bed.  The coyotes were out in full voice tonight, I like hearing them.

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

2013 - Day 21/344 - Monday...

Not a bad day overall.  I had the television in the office tuned to ABC where I watched (didn't pay too much attention to it, it was just on) the Inaugural from the time I got there to the time I left.  Finally at almost 4 o'clock our time, they were finished with it and went back to regularly scheduling which meant Ellen followed by Katie.  I have never watched Ellen since they moved her from mornings til afternoon, and I have NEVER watched Katie.  Just not a convenient television watching time for me.

The ride to work was not at all terrible (on the terrible scale of 1 to 5 with five being the worst today was a 2), but then once I was at the office for a little while, I realized it was a Holiday, which accounted for the decent drive in to the office.  The ride home was not terrible either (another 2), but I expected it to be worse than it was.  Generally speaking, when you are approaching the on-ramp and you can see a firetruck inching its' way down the shoulder if the Interstate (horns and sirens blaring) it would make one think of another approach to the homeward commute, but there is no other way!  Whatever...  The traffic jam was never realized, and by the time I got to the point that the aforesaid fire truck was headed, there were two fire trucks, two police cars and one crumpled black car.  Not sure what exactly happened, but the gendarmes were out in full force.  I think that may have been my first IH-35 wreck of the 2013 year.  Not bad, 21 days into it and that was the first wreck I (vicariously) participated it.  Whether you are involved in the wreck itself, as long as you are in traffic that is affected by a wreck, I declare you to be a participant.

Throughout the day (and particularly on the way home when I had plenty of time to ponder), I talked myself into and out of and back into taking a brief bike ride this afternoon.  I got home about 15 minutes after 5, and mentioned to Jody that I could not decide about taking a short bike ride.  Since he did not offer any protestation about me going for a ride (it was chilly, it was getting dark, I could hurt myself, dinner was about ready, I could be kidnapped by aliens or worse yet by the Williamson County Sheriff's Department), I decided to change clothes and go ahead for a short ride.  Five miles was my goal (every day the rides get shorter) but that was not bad.  At least I did it.  The sun was pretty low in the sky, which made for good shadows, and the way I went today was interesting, as you approached the electric poles, you could hear the electricity in the lines chirping louder as you got closer to the insulators.  Those are the kinds of things you notice (along with dogs chasing you and people throwing beer cans at you), when you are out on a bike, minding your own business, communing with nature.

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

2013 - Day 20/345 - Sunday...

It was a very nice day today, lots of sunshine and high temperatures close to 70 degrees.  I stayed in bed as long as I could, I actually was awake for almost an hour before I got out of bed.

I finally got out of the bed and went to let the chickens out, came back in, made myself a cup of coffee and read the morning paper.  Shortly after that, I made Jody and me a pile of eggs, and putzed around for a little while, before we took the dog boy for a ride.  Once we got home, I fed the cattle, and putzed around the house a little while longer.

I did get in about an 8 mile bike ride this afternoon, it was a good local ride.  During the ride, one truck passed me and there was one other guy out walking.  We do not live in a very densely populated area.  I did not want to ride quite as far as I did yesterday, I would like to OLD muscles to get a little bit acclimated to this new torture I am putting them through.  I may try a bit longer ride next weekend, but for now about 7 or 8 miles now and then will do it for me.

We had an early dinner, and it is just about time to go put the girls to bed.  So far this year, we have collected almost 11 dozen eggs from the girls.  They are all seemingly happy and productive.  There is a lady that lives not far from us that has chickens AND boy chickens, so I think I may stop at her house one day and see if she ever has any chicks she wants to sell.  Home grown chickens!

This week coming and the next week are looking to be relatively calm weeks.  I wonder how long it will take for that to change?

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

2013 - Day 19/346 - Saturday...

The house looks a little bit like a bike shop exploded inside it.  I went out to the front barn that morning and got down ONE box of my old biking stuff in anticipation of starting to train again.  Rats or some other type of vermin had invaded, and I trashed one jersey, and one pair of bibs has a couple chew marks, but nothing that won't be covered up with a jersey.  Found my shoes, lots of gloves, lots of jerseys, lots of spandex shorts.  As I recall from my former biking days, it was (mostly) about looking good.  I am probably the only guy within 50 miles of the house that has basic black spandex, but also red, blue and purple (and jerseys to go with all of them).  I need to go back out to the barn tomorrow to see if I can find anything else, I think I am missing some favorite jerseys and more bibs.

I did manage to do a ten mile ride, maybe a little more than ten miles.  I don't think that was too shabby for the first ride in at least three years.  My knee surgery was a particularly disappointing procedure, and all the promised results did not occur.  Ten minutes after the surgery the guy said, "Well, looks like we really should have just replaced it, you just never know".  Whatever.  BUT everything worked out well, and I made it with no trouble at all.  I may do another ride tomorrow, maybe not as long, I don't want to push my luck.

One thing is certain, I need to find my gel seat.  And I need to get a battery for my bike computer, I altered my route today because the computer was not working, but I knew mileage for one particular route.  If I get the computer working, I can take different routes but still be able to track my mileage.  I need to find my mirror also.  Anybody want to ride?

Tomorrow will be mostly another day of rest.  I will need to get the cattle fed, but that will be just about it for  getting things done around the house.

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

2013 - Day 18/347 - Friday...

I had a function to attend this evening, late for me but I went anyway.  The kick-off party for the Hill Country Ride for AIDS.  I have signed up to ride, and the actual ride will be at the end of April.

While I was waiting on my friend Steve on the corner of Congress and Fourth Streets, I was paying attention to all the activity going on around me.  People were walking (somewhere) from their offices, cabs and pedi-cabs were all around, folks were getting on and off the buses, there was a lot of activity all over.  It struck me that I was getting the same feeling of vibrancy and urbanism that I experience when I am in another city.  It was fun and exciting, and it was happening!  Nice.

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

2013 - Day 17/348 - Thursday...

Another good day, so I have nothing to complain about, but give me a minute and I will come up with something...

I made it to the office without too many stops along the way, traffic is getting worse and worse as it makes its' way towards a crescendo next week when the schools are back in session full steam.  It took me about an hour and a half today, but I have been kind of spoiled lately.  Soon everything will be back to normal.

Chris and I did our Meals-On-Wheels route this afternoon, we are down to six clients from our usual nine.  Two of my faves were not on the route, I may be forced to name new faves.

I left the office about 3 o'clock today because I needed to stop at CostCo on the way home, we are providing a break sponsorship for one of the classes at the Board tomorrow, and I needed to buy some supplies.  I don't know if I have mentioned this (I don't think I have) but I have been trying to watch my caloric (specifically carbohydrate) intake since the first of the year.  Yep, I am on Atkins, it has worked before and it will work again.  The last time was about three years ago, so now I just need to get a little bit of exercise.  But I digress...  I never realized that CostCo was the mother-ship of Fatty-Snax.  Everything I looked at was LOADED with carbs, and that is what I am trying to avoid right now.  Once I reach the maintenance plateau, the carbs won't be the problem so much, I will just need to lower the calories overall, and get up off my ass every now and then.

Trying to decide if I am going to tune in to see the Lance and Oprah show this evening, or if I just just boycott the whole thing.  I believe (like all the other train wrecks) I will watch it.

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

2013 - Day 16/349 - Wednesday...

Happy Hump Day to all the HH'ers out there...you said it, not me.

Today was a much better climatological (yes, I did just make up that word, why do you ask?) day, the sun was out, the temperatures were in the 50's and I made it home from work before dark.  WIN!

A good and fulfilling day in the office and then I had a couple meetings at the Board.  One of the meetings was our local Ethics Committee meeting.  There are about 165 members on that Committee, and the biggest problem will be to make sure there is a quorum at the meetings.  This group meets quarterly, and they do a lot of hard work to educate our membership.  A good job all around by a great group of volunteer servants.

There are no new calves back in the pastures, I am still keeping my eyes on Daphne.  She is a sneaky cow!

I am pretty open on my schedule tomorrow.  One of my missions will be to make a trip to CostCo for snacks.  We will be sponsoring a morning break for a class at the Board on Friday, so I will try to get everything prepared on Thursday.

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

2013 - Day 15/350 - Tuesday...

Again, overall, not a bad day, all things considered.

This morning (as happened yesterday also) although it was supposed to be below freezing in the morning, when I got up, it was a few degrees above freezing.  Not sure if it dipped to the freezing mark or not, but it was not the hard freeze we might have expected depending on how closely we pay attention to the weather prognosticators.  TONIGHT it is supposed to be down in the 20's, so once again we have the water turned off in the pastures.

This morning when I was on my way to work, there was some sort of precipitation happening, and it may have been of the frozen sort.  The ground is still warm enough that nothing freezing will last very long, but it was interesting.  This was what I had to deal with on the drive in, and though traffic was heavy and there were delays from one end of the state to the other, I did not come to a complete stop for very long at one time, and all was good.

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

2013 - Day 14/351 - Monday...

This was not a bad day at all considering it is Monday and it is colder than a fart in a dead _________.  Your choice.  This is your chance to insult the ethnicity of your choice.  Whichever ethnicity you choose, you can go through life knowing that that fart is the coldest thing in the world.  Whatever...

I got a lot of work done, showed some property to a buyer-client, got some more work done and then headed off to the Board of REALTORS® for a couple VERY productive meetings.  Nice.

I even got home before dark this afternoon, and went out to the cattle and turned their water on (but went back about thirty minutes later to turn it off).  Daphne is acting a little bit strangely, staying to herself away from the other cattle.  That is one of the signs that she is getting ready to have a calf, but I may be mid-reading this one.  I will keep an eye on her and see what she is up to.  Cattle have calves in the weirdest kinds of weather.  There is always something going on when they have a calf, and it would not surprise me if she dropped one if this cold weather.

According to our crack meteorologist, this week historically is the coldest week of the year.  It is possible they will get this one right.  It is supposed to be below freezing every night this week.

It could be worse.  We could all be in Buffalo.

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

2012 - Day 13/352 - Sunday...

It is going to be below freezing tonight and (probably) the next three nights, but have no fear children, thanks to the recent rains there is water in both the tanks in the pastures.  That means that, even though the water has been turned off to the troughs, I do not need to go and break ice off them and worry that they will not have water during the day.  SWEET!  All is good.

Miguel came out to help me today, and we got the new roof on the Polaris, and it was easy-schmeezy.  Before Miguel got here, I started cutting back the asparagus bush next to the driveway, and now I can get the car in and out without worrying about that bush.

Cattle were fed, chicken coop cleaned, a little bit of work was done on the electric fence, bushes were trimmed, this and that.  After all is said and done, it was a good day of accomplishments.

Jody and I went to Longhorn Steak House for dinner, very good, although the waiter was not the best.  This could have been his first day.  I really don't think it was, but he was certainly not too enthusiastic about what he was doing.  Whatever...

This will be a good week, but tomorrow will be here before I know it.

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

2013 - Day 12/353 - Saturday...

A couple weeks ago, we ordered a roof for the new Polaris.  Of course it was not in stock, but that was okay.  I called the dealer yesterday to ask if it had arrived and indeed it had.  It was just a secret!  SO, we went into Georgetown this morning and picked it up.  After that, I went into town to show property, and on the way home did a little bit of shopping and had a salad and headed home, where I (almost) immediately went down for a nap.  When I got up from the nap, I decided to install the roof, which seemed easy enough to do as far as the instructions were concerned.  I am glad I went ahead to try and install it today, because it seems they ordered the wrong roof, and we just barely got it back to the store before they closed.  ANYWAY, it seems they had the roof we actually needed (which I think turns out to be a better roof) in stock, same price and put it in the truck and we brought it home.  BUT, by the time we got back, it was dark so that will give me something to do tomorrow.

When we got home, the cold front was just coming through and I put the girls to bed and cleaned out the stove so we can have a nice fire for the next couple days.  It is supposed to get down below freezing beginning Sunday night, the the temps will be low for three nights.

Gotta feed me some cattle tomorrow!

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

2013 - Day 11/354 - Friday...

Yes, yes, yes, I know it is Friday.  Don't make such a big deal...

I was rewarded with another fairly light traffic event on the way into the office this morning, and this afternoon was not too bad either, considering I left about 3:15 or so.

I put my head down and cleared out lots of unanswered correspondence today, and that was a feeling of accomplishment.  I also got a couple pieces of paperwork sent for electronic signatures, and even made several telephone calls that needed to be made.  I also have a short-stack of things that need to be finished up over the weekend, so that is going to be good.  Next week looks relatively calm, and I should be able to keep up the pace and make sure I don't get bogged down until at least the week after next.

I did make a stop on the way home at the Outlet Mall.  This was my second visit to the place, and I think it has been there for about five or six pears.  BUT, I was on a mission to buy some dress shoes, and I just have not had any luck with finding shoes I like in the generic department stores around here.  BUT, I was successful in finding several pairs that were acceptable, and the sales persons (both of them) were appreciative of my socks.  My shoes can be boring, but I have to have a bit of rebellion working or it makes me twitch.  If you like the socks, you should see the boxers!

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

2013 - Day 10/355 - Thursday...

She's back, and many of you know who she is.  Watch out!

Had a pretty good day, I stayed in bed a little bit longer than usual, and I was concerned that I was pushing my luck as far as traffic was concerned, but it was not a terrible problem.  I assume that UT has not yet returned from the Holiday break, but when classes resume, there will be HELL to pay in the mornings.

We had our PM meeting in the AM, and then it was off to a luncheon at the Board of REALTORS®.  Then back to the office, and then to another dental appointment in Georgetown.  I have a brand new crown to replace the old one.  Unfortunately, the consensus seems to be that there is not too much tooth left for this crown to hang on to, so there is no real idea how long this will last.  Bummer.

BUT, I was able to make it home before dark, and that was lovely.  It was a beautiful day, and the rain has stopped.  In the last two days we recorded almost four inches of rain, so there will be no complaining about that.

Time to go put the chickens to bed.

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

2012 - Day 9/356 - Wednesday...

It is interesting that, when you get used to a clock being there on the wall in a (semi) public place, you expect it to be there ALWAYS, and it kind of throws you off when you continue to want to check the time and the clock is gone.  There was a clock there, and then it broke.  Another clock was ordered, and it did not work when it arrived.  A replacement was sent, and it was missing some parts.  The eagerly anticipated arrival of the fourth clock is pending.  REALLY?  Not to be uber critical or anything, but how difficult is it to buy a clock?  I'm just sayin...

Today was a day (okay, a half-day) full of meetings AND it was raining most of the day.  We recorded 2.59" of rain for the 24 hour period, and we have received over another inch since that reading.  Great.  At last count the lake levels had even been rising, so that is positive.  Lots of meetings, lots of planning, and the scary thing is I am even putting events and meetings on my calendar for 2014.  HOLY CRAP!

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

2012 - Day 8/357 - Tuesday...

It rained a very little bit overnight, we got ourselves 0.07" of rain, but it has dribbled and drabbed pretty much throughout the day.  When I came home this afternoon, there was about another half-inch in the gauge.  They (and you know who THEY are) and adjusting their forecasts DOWNWARD and are now saying we could get three or four inches of rain (total) between now and tomorrow afternoon.  It had better hurry up because it is NOT RAINING right now.

I had an early morning meeting this morning, the Home Builder's forecast, and as usual, things are looking pretty rosy for Austin and the surrounding areas.  I had complimentary valet parking for the event, and one of the Hotel Staff gave me my ticket.  After the function, she saw me in the lobby and told me the valets were all backed up, would I like her to have my car brought around.  I knew the valets would be backed up, that was why I was stalling in the lobby, but I kept my conversations going, and when I walked outside, there was the car, and off I went.  Is that what Downton Abbey was/is like?  I like it!

SO, I have to share this with you, even though this is a family Internet Journal.  I am pretty much addicted to the trivia books you read in the bathroom.  Addicted to that and Big Brother, sugar free popsicles, volunteering and over-scheduling myself, just to name a few.  And that does not even begin to talk about the OCD challenges.  BUT, I digress...

This particular set of articles was grouped under the heading News Corrections, and it's about what you might find in the "Corrections" box of a newspaper, magazine or church bulletin.  And I quote "The 'Greek Special' is a huge 18-inch pizza, and not a huge 18-inch penis, as described in an ad.  Blondie's Pizza would like to apologize for any confusion Friday's ad may have caused."  --The Daily Californian

There is no possibility of further comment on my part, I just laugh and laugh every time I read (or think about) that.

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

2012 - Day 7/358 - Monday...

I attended one of my favorite kinds of meetings today.  It started on time, we accomplished what we were there for, and the meeting ended early.  Absolutely no complaints!

Traffic this morning was not a big deal, traffic tonight was back to normal; lots of it, backed up, wondering why.  Tomorrow should be a zoo; we are expecting rain and it is supposed to rain for a couple days.  We might get 3 to 4 inches of rain, other areas more, other areas less.

I have a breakfast meeting in the morning, can I borrow your umbrella?

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

2012 - Day 6/359 - Sunday...

I once had a cow that said 'Moo,
  There's really not that much to do'.
But when talking with Vera
  She said 'Don't get much Near-a,
I'm afraid you'll get covered with Poo'!

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

2012 - Day 5/360 - Saturday...

It's what's for Breakfast!

Not a bad day, I did get to stay in bed an extra long time (for me).  When I did finally get up, I had a cup of coffee and we read the paper.  I made Jody and me a pile of eggs, and then went and let the girls loose and turned the water on to the cattle troughs.  Supposed to get to freezing or so again tonight and tomorrow night, but that will be it for about a week.

Jody took the dog boy for a ride and I went along, and a little while after that we went into Taylor so I could get some cattle feed.  The cattle will be happy tomorrow!  Eventually, I hit about a half-dozen Dollar General Stores (maybe a Family Dollar or two mixed in) on a quest for my pink fake crocs.  If I ever find them again, I am intending to buy as many as I can get my hands on.  They are starting to get white pairs and black pairs ($5 a pair) but I am still confident I will be able to find pink.

Once we got home, I went down for a nap in the big blue chair, and when I got up, I had to go put the cattle feed in the shed.  That drew a nice crowd of cattle, when it comes to knowing where the feed is kept, they are not that stupid at all.

We are supposed to be in for some nice rains starting on Tuesday.  They (you know who THEY are) are predicting up to 2 inches, so that will be lovely.  We are at about 0.6" so far this year, and only on our fifth day.  Not too shabby.

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

2013 - Day 4/361 - Friday...

Did I mention that it is Friday?  It's Friday, and I am beat.

Last night was a late night, this was an early morning, but I made it home before dark and that is a good thing.  It has pretty much rained ALL DAY but when I got home, we only have a tenth-of-an-inch in the gauge.  What is that all about.  I expect they got more in Austin, but here we are coming up on the short end.  However, for the year so far, we are at almost a half-inch, so I will not complain about that.

It was a busy day today, but there was really nothing important that needs to be shared with you all.  I need to get up from here and walk out to the pastures and turn off the water to the troughs.  It may be cold enough to do some damage tonight, so I will do that in order to be safe.

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

2013 - Day 3/362 - Thursday...

Holy Macaroni, Dude, this was a day.

I got up at about 4 AM, and (I am almost embarrassed to admit) found that one of my colleagues had just e-mailed me.  Really?  I kind of thought I was the only one checking e-mails at that hour.  I told the colleague (co-conspirator/friend) to go back to bed.  The next missive I received addressed me as 'POT', to which I responded 'Dear Kettle'.  It was much cuter at 4 o'clock in the morning.

I got to the office at about 7:30 and the first challenge was when our electronic check depositing device crashed.  I had been through that before, so I actually knew how to fix that.  Then we had a BIG power surge at the office and all the computers (and everything else in the office) crashed.  That was not as easily fixed.  Also, because of the surge, the alarm went off in the office we lease downstairs, and that was not easily fixed either.  BUT, everything was kind of back to normal by about 9:30.

Then I had another dental appointment at 2 o'clock, was back in the office about 3 o'clock, and headed out to my last meeting of the day shortly after 4 PM.  That meeting lasted until just about 9 PM, and I am finally home after a long day.  But there was time in between all of that to take this lovely photo of the downtown Austin skyline.  Pretty.

I am hoping it does not get REALLY cold tonight.  Low temperature forecast in Austin is about 38 or 39 degrees, so we should be okay here.  I am counting on it anyway, since I am not going out to turn the water off in the pastures.  We should be okay.

Deeds, Actions, Changes, BUSY-BUSY, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2013 - Day 2/363 - Wednesday...

I still have no clue what day it is.  Someone help me, please.

I did get up extra early this morning, so I could get into the office early, so I could get some work done before I went to my early appointment.  Everything seems to be happening early these first few days of the year.  Speaking of early, tomorrow will be a late night because I have a late meeting.  Do you see a trend here?

This was what graced my walk to put the girls to bed.  Everyone was accounted for, and we are supposed to have another cold overnight.  Then I think we are supposed to stay above freezing (even if just barely) for the next several days.  I see a couple other FaceBook posts regaling the wonders of the sunset from other areas of central Texas.  Yessireebob, we got us some purty sunsets in these parts.

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

2013 - Day 1/364 - Tuesday...

Great Googily-Moogily, the counter has reset itself.  A New Year has begin, and I am (relatively speaking) ready for it.

I like the weekends, and I particularly like LONG weekends.  I slept in again this morning, and that was lovely.  So far, I have not broken any of my New Year's Resolutions.  There is, however, still time.

I woke up to no e-mail service, funny how the calendars are not the only things that reset themselves.  Just a little Google Glitch (not their fault, just a combination of circumstances), but we were all back up and running in a couple hours.  All is well that ends well. It is surprising what I can get accomplished if left to my own devices, AND forced to do it because I cannot find anyone else to do it.

The girls seem to have hit their stride, and we are getting anywhere from six to eight eggs a day lately.  They are really going through the Organic Layer Mash, though.  I guess there are not enough bugs around to keep them satisfied, PLUS the cold weather might have something to do with it.

It is supposed to (maybe) get below freezing again overnight.  I would probably be alright with not turning the water off in the pastures, but it is not worth the possible troubles just to save myself ten minutes of being cold.  Today was another one of those days that I could not get warm, but now it is after dark, and I am pretty comfortable.

Tomorrow will be an early day, lots of stuff to get caught up on, and lots of things to do to try and stay that way.

Deeds, Action, Changes, GLITCHES, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!