2015 - Day 365/0 - Thursday...

Okay, I think I am ready for 2016. There is no way of getting around it, I guess. It will be here tomorrow, and it seems there is nothing I can do about it. Since I am CDO (in capital letters), I thought I would share this one little piece of personal CDO-ness with you. Everyday (okay, almost everyday), I check meters, rain gauges, record egg production, you know, just the ordinary stuff that 'counters' do. I count the steps up and down at my office. I stroke my underarms with the same number of swipes (deoderantly speaking) every morning. I always get three paper towels after I wash my hands in a public restroom. I knock on doors the same number of times every time I knock on a door. I put on my socks AND THEN my shoes. When I show property to clients, I do certain things consistently, and no one even knows I am doing those things. I ALWAYS lock doors behind me. I turn off lights and limit the use of electricity, but I will let the water run until I remember to turn it off.

I have made a few private resolutions for the New Year, but I choose not to share them with you. I will tell you this; I will continue this journal for at least the next 366 days. WTF?

Happy New Year to you all, and I will see you on the other side of 2015.

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

2015 - Day 364/1 - Wednesday...

I took photos this morning of the cotton ballish clouds that were hanging very low in the sky, they were pretty and I thought they would make a good photographic representation of the day. But tonight when the girl dog and I were walking out to put the girls (the other girls) to bed, there was a really nice sunset, and I decided pinks and blues would be a better photo depictions than the greys and greys that were seen this morning. pretty.

I am tripping out thinking that tomorrow is the last day of this year. I have (really) no idea what I did for the past year, but I know it was full of stuff. We will all wake up on Friday and try to think of where we want to be a year from then.

I will try in earnest to come up with some words that will inspire you for my last blog of the year tomorrow.

Deeds, Actions, Changes, PINKS and BLUES, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2015 - Day 363/2 - Tuesday...

As I have indicated in the past, maybe here maybe on Faceb
ook (but I remember mentioning it at least once SOMEWHERE), I do not consider myself mathematically inclined. I also believe there are some things that are better done IF you are mathematically inclined, and when I say 'some things' I am generally speaking of things that I am bad at. I blame my lacking interests in anything of a 'calisthenic' nature to be due to my lack of mathematical inclination. I could also be very successful at magic tricks, but the mathematics of it all just becomes a barrier to me. Mathematics (or my lack of finesse in that discipline) also seems to have dampened my spirit in Judo, Ju Jitsu, anything requiring a 'black belt' or the proclivity to glisten, steam train engineering, almost all of the Star Wars sagas, pursuing a college degree (although I excelled in Fraternity), and feats of courage including (but not limited to) the trapeze arts and the New York Times crossword puzzles. It is also a result of my disinterest in mathematical persuasions that I am sought by friends and acquaintances near and far to participate in that all time favorite mobile app 'Words with Friends'. As I may have suggested in the past, my sole purpose in participating in organized bicycle fund raising events (and 'Words with Friends) is to enhance the self-esteem of my colleagues, because (although I participate regularly) I suck at both of those things. I always finish, but only before the great unwashed hordes have placed ahead of me. I am not ashamed of it, and it is an admirable trait, and I have accepted it as my lot in life.

Deeds, Action, Changes, I CAN ADD AND SUBTRACT, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

Day 362/3 - Monday...

I am feeling all smug and accomplished this evening, even though little of it was my doing. Beaux in my office finally steered me correctly to a book streaming app (Audible) that I can download (or maybe stream, not sure) to my phone and then listen to books in my car. I used to listen to LOTS of books in the car while driving back and forth, but then I got a little bit busy, and now my car does not have a CD player (that is SO 2009), but I am all set up and starting to enjoy listening again. When I was a subscriber to the other service (no names please), I had tried to get the Gone Girl book, but that service did not have it...this one does, and it is my first choice. NOW who is stuck in 2009? ME! I know that book title is not one of the most current, but I am finally getting to see what everyone was talking about years and years ago. Thanks Beaux!

Not a bad day as Mondays go; in addition to getting the audio app installed and figured out, I crosses several items off my 'to done' list. One of the items on my list is 'GUN', and I have no idea what that is about. If I figure it out (sometimes I put things on my list in code) I will let you know.

Coolish kind of day again today, and the wind is still blowing, so I have not put the flags back up and I have not put the whirly-gigs back up (old or new). The winds are supposed to be a little more calm tomorrow, and the temperatures (I hope) will be increasing through the week, so that will be just one more thing for us all to complain about.

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

2015 - Day 361/4 - Sunday...

This photo was taken earlier this afternoon. I think it is really cute because, if you look really closely, you can see the girl dog's tongue curled up and sticking out of her mouth. At the moment, she is trembling and panting like a scared little puppy, and Jody is sitting with her on the couch trying to give her a little comfort. Overnight the storms were not terrible (although I am known for sleeping through pretty much anything), but we heard not a peep out of her. We just had a little tempest come through (and it may have even included a little bit of hail), and she is distraught. I tried putting her in the big blue chair and covering her up with a blanket, but she would have no part of that. I think the thunder (there was just a little bit of that) is over, but it looks like there could be another band of rain coming through in about twenty minutes.

I am very proud of myself. Even though it was raining and cold (in the 40s) most of the day, I was able to get 10,000 steps in. Carrie got me a Fit Bit for Christmas, and I was able to get in the goal before the battery died. I left the charging cord in the office, so that will teach me. I also cleaned out my rolling file in the office, got the top of the desk cleared off, and hid a bunch of crap. I know where I hid it, I just don't really remember what I hid. Anyway, things are looking better in the office, and I have stuff somewhat organized. Let's see how long that will last.

In case you are keeping score, it was an orange cat last night.

Deeds, Actions, Changes, NERVOUS DOG, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2015 - Day 360/5 - Saturday...

We have not seen the grey cat in a while (and by saying that the grey cat is a shoe-in to show up this evening when I put the food out). For a while they were alternating visits to the back porch, but now for the last several days it has been all Barney all the time. I need to do a little bit of research to see when Barney showed up on the scene, but it seems like it may be over a year. Not sure.

We went to lunch this afternoon to Buchanan Dam and visited with Candy, Mike, and Candy's son, his wife and their two kids. Very nice out at the lake, and nice to see water where there has not been water in several years. On the way back, we stopped at the rusty crap place in Marble Falls, and I got (my Christmas gift from Jody) a whirly-gig that is still in the back of the truck because the wind is blowing so hard I do not want it to be destroyed. I also took the flags down this morning, and laid all the other spinners on the ground so they do not become projectiles. Having done that is a pretty good indicator that we will not have any bad storms. We have had about seven-hundredths of an inch of rain so far, and they are forecasting about a half inch more. Maybe more, maybe less.

Deeds, Actions, Changes, BARNEY CAT, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2015 - Day 359/6 - Christmas Day...

Merry Christmas everyone!

From the window of the office this morning, this cardinal was doing a pretty good job of getting his head in the seed bucket that Jody keeps on the front porch for the chickens (and all the other seed eating things out here on the edge of nowhere). Usually it is either Libby or Lucy with their head in the bucket, but today it was this cardinal. Very pretty. Later in the day there was a great blue heron on the bank of the lawn lake. Always something to look at out here.

We went in to Austin late this morning and had a lovely Christmas lunch with Jetta, Julie and Gail. Not sure if I spelled 'Gail' correctly, but I am going with the old school spelling. Very nice lunch and lots of laughing and cutting up.

Made it home and it is pretty close to bed time. Tomorrow we are going back to Marble Falls, I am going to run rampant through the rusty crap store; stay tuned!

Deeds, Actions, Changes, MERRY CHRISTMAS, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2015 - Day 358/7 - Thursday...

It's Christmas Eve, and the girl dog is just overcome with stress, trying to determine if she was a good dog or a bad dog sine we got her. We are going with good dog, and the stupid thing is, I have hidden two toys from her which we will give her tomorrow morning. Really?

It remains unseasonably warm in central Texas, but they tell us we need to be preparing for a blast of cold air coming through (I think) on Sunday night. The high temperatures forecast for early next week are not expected to get out of the 40s, and low temperatures at or a little bit below freezing.

Tomorrow we will go and have dinner with our friends Jetta and Julie, and that will be very nice. We are both looking forward to it.

Sleep tight (no not liquor induced) and remember to count all your many blessings.

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

2015 - Day 357/8 - Wednesday...

I am not the least little bit ashamed to tell you (admit or confess to might be a better choice of words) that this is not the first time I have been photographed wallowing around on the floor of the rotunda at the State Capitol. Nope, not by a long shot. Ever one to participate in a photo bomb when the opportunity presents itself, this child's mama was taking pictures of him on the floor (with the star beneath him) and I pretty much handed her my camera and photo bombed the scene. She took several shots with my camera and them more with her camera. I guess I just look innocent and harmless. Fun stuff!

Jody and I just got back from the Round Rock Trail of Lights (drive through), and we stopped on the way home in Georgetown for some dinner. IT is WAY past our commencing to bed time.

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

2015 - Day 356/9 - Tuesday...

If there is a lesson to be learned from the great chicken massacre of 2015 (and it will indeed be talked about for years and years to come), it is that you can fool some of the chickens some of the time, but you can't fool all of the chickens all of the time. I have long known that the chickens were wise to the ways of the animal world, and they are a couple notches above the bun-rabbits on the food chain. I have witnessed them RUN across open areas on the property to get to a place with shelter. They really like the thick bamboo between the house and their coop, and they have taken to gathering in the cactus/rose bush/canna bed in the circle. They are not total dummies. Of course the neighbors dogs proved to have some herding/hunting sense as well, but there has not been any issue with them since the last reported slaughter of chickens on their own property.

Don't get me started.

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

2015 - Day 355/10 - Monday...

When I got home from work this afternoon, the meter frog was plopped right smack dab in the middle of the water meter, so I had to pick him (I assume) up, take a few photos of him (I assume), note the water meter reading and put him (I assume) back on the meter where I left him (I assume) happily to go about his (I assume) business. No real reason to make him (I assume angry, it is just not worth the bother.

Today was a good day, got LOTS of stuff on my 'to done' list checked off, and then went into Georgetown this evening to have dinner with Lynda and Michael. That was very nice.

I am counting down to Christmas, and I have a couple more meetings for this week, then I will coast into next week when I have a couple more meetings scheduled, and that will be it for 2015.

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

2015 - Day 354/11 - Sunday...

Today was another day of small accomplishments, and those things that have been on your mind for a long time now have a check mark next to them on my 'To Done' list! After chores today (about noon) Jody and I got into the truck and headed off to what we thought was a quick trip to Burnet. On the road from Burnet to Marble Falls we pass this place that is a HUGE import place, filled to the brim with crap, much of it rusty, and much of it coveted by me. We have been in the parking lot a couple times, but we have never been there when they are open. Today was the day! I wandered through the place for a half hour, looking at rusted full size Dia de los Muertos figures, blue cowhides, fabulous fountains of laid back frogs, whirly-gigs, perpetual motion sculptures and rusted crap that is plainly just beyond description. I bought nothing, but I am plotting and planning and contemplating, and I will be going back again next Saturday, again in the truck, just not quite sure what I will return to the house with. As Jody said (and continues to say) there is a fine line between yard art and crap on the porch, and I am erasing it!

Deeds, Actions, Changes, RUSTY CRAP, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2015 - Day 353/12 - Saturday...

It was with great anticipation that I awaited the turbine repair folks arrival from Weatherford this morning. Weatherford is about 120 northwest (I think) of here, I think it is west of Fort Worth (although it could be east of Fort Worth, but I think Dallas is east of Fort Worth). They said they would arrive at about 9 o'clock and they actually called and said they would be a few minutes late (they already were). The showed up, and a goodly portion of the morning was trying to see exactly HOW MANY vehicles we could get stuck in the mud. Who knew that a truck with a cherry picker on it weighed 35,000 pounds? Not me. I put in a call to Hubert to see if, just in case, we got this truck stuck in the mud if he had anything that would get it un-stuck. He did, so away we went, and it only took five minutes before the truck was stuck. Hubert to the rescue, and it was at that point that I bothered to even ask Hubert if he had any other plans for the day. It seems he did not. So, Hubert pushed the truck even further into the muck with his big tractor, and they proceeded to lower the turbine nearest to the house. That turbine needed brush wires replace and the bearing case replaced. It is not operating as intended for the first time in MONTHS...maybe even a year. The other turning quit running about two weeks ago when we had some really strong winds, and all it needed was brush wires replaced. The real challenge is finding someone to come out here and repair them. They went out of warranty about two or three years ago, but they are both working now and it is (really) music to my ears!

Otherwise it was a day of quickly completed chores around the house, and all is good!

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

2015 - Day 352/13 - Friday...

On the way to the office after a great start to the day, I saw this Lab Pup hanging out the back of his/her servants jeep. The windows on both sides were unzipped JUST enough for the pup to get a good view (and probably a good sniff) from both sides, and it was fun to watch.

I finished my last new member orientation of the year this morning, and as usual, I enjoyed the hell out of it. What a lucky guy I am, liking what I do and doing what I like. Then it was on to the office and a couple meetings, and then home by about 4:30.

Last night it was a grey cat, Wednesday night was the Barney cat. I have not figured out any rhyme or reason, but they seem to be sharing the bounty that we offer, and they are both hangers-on.

We shall see.

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

2015 - Day 351/14 - Thursday...

I'm telling you all da troot! I was pretty excited to read about the Pope's visit to Bartlett and his meeting with the city council. Alas, it was not what I was expecting, and I was woefully disappointed. I was thinking it was a pretty good feat for the Pope to have met 'on the down-low' with the local officials, but if he could meet with a county court clerk from Kentucky and nobody was the wiser, I was giving him cred for pulling off another meeting with the people. Honestly, there is a lot of praying going on in Bartlett, but I am sure there was some that could have been shared with his holiness, but again (and just to be clear), all is not as the headlines would have led one to believe. It seems there is a former employee of the city whose last name is Pope, and that is what the whole thing was about.

It is like hearing someone on the local news report that the victim was shot in the laundry room. I admit I was not a totally attentive student of anatomy, but could you point out to me where the laundry room is on my temple?

Just asking.

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

2015 - Day 350/15 - Wednesday...

Carrie and I made our annual visit to the State Capitol this morning, and here is the photographic documentation of that tradition for 2015. According to this, I need to make another appointment to the dermatologist to have that growth on my head looked at. I swear it was not there this morning when I was getting dressed, but it is true that, at my advanced age, these warts and whiskers can pop up at the most inconvenient times and in the most immodest of places. I will let you know how that turns out, I expect they will need to do a biopsy.

After that field trip, Kerry, Beaux and I went on another field trip to Driftwood to look at a property that we may take in to our management portfolio. The jury is still out on that one.

I attended an HOA meeting this evening at the condo, and it was an interesting meeting. Only four owners (of an estimated 140 to 150 owner) showed up at what was advertised as an 'open forum', but it really wasn't, and that constituted a good deal of the forum itself...deciding on what could and what could not be discussed. Interesting.

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

2015 - Day 349/16 - Tuesday...

It is the season of open houses, lunches and receptions. Attended a luncheon at the Board this morning, then a reception at the Board this afternoon. I vowed to Jody that I would leave not a minute later than 5:30; I actually left with three or four minutes to spare, and it took me 25 minutes to make it to MoPac. When I made it to MoPac, this is what it looked like. Traffic, traffic, traffic. There seems to be no end to it, and I am constantly (it seems) in the wrong place at the wrong time, traffic wise. But that is life in the big city!

Otherwise, it was a relatively ordinary day here in central Texas. Temperatures in the 70s, forecast of a little bit of rain overnight, and another cold (hahaha) front coming through as well. I think it may drop temperatures a few degrees, but you never know. It is the same old story here and across the country; if you are not happy with the weather, wait a few minutes and it will change. That has been the mantra every place I have lived, and every place I have lived thinks it applies to that area only.

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

2015 - Day 348/16 - Monday...

It has always been my personal opinion that I walk more, consistently, on a daily basis, than the average person. Recent inter web searches have told me that the average person in the USofA walks between 2,000 and 6,000 steps per day. I thought it was MUCH less than that, and again, I always expected that I walked much more than the average Joe. And then I put a freakin' step-app on my phone. I have had this thing on my phone for four or five months (Aaron can tell you when I installed it on my phone) and in that time, only TWICE have I walked the target of 10,000 steps or more. There are several reasons for that lack of performance on my part, and here are just a few of them. The app doesn't work. You have to have your phone ON YOUR PERSON at all times for it to properly (I have my doubts) record all your steps. If you walk backwards, it takes steps off your total. Did I mention the app doesn't work? That is my story and I am sticking to it. It is NOT one of those things that you put on your wrist and allow it to record your activities constantly. For instance; when I am in the office, my phone is charging, and when I get up from my desk to walk to the printer, my phone does not accompany me. That is a nice way of (really) saying, when I go to the bathroom, I do not take my phone with me, although I do make an effort to carry it with me whenever I am going anything.

But I am going to go with the app doesn't work, but since it says I walked over the goal of 10,000 steps today, I am going to accept those results as fact.

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

2015 - Day 347/18 - Sunday...

I am not sure how long the clouds have been hanging out in central Texas, but I am going to say they have been hanging around for four or five days at least. I actually did sleep through the storms last night; the winds must have bee pretty strong because they tore the American Flag off it's rigging on the flag pole, and there was lots of stuff tossed about. Yesterday afternoon while Jody and I were out, I remarked to him that, even though it was unlikely, the wind gusts came close to knocking me down while I was putting gas in his truck. It could have been the wind gusts, or it could have been me over-compensating (or maybe I was practicing my Michael Jackson moves in the Wal-Mart parking lot). Anyway, we did get another 1.37" of rain in the gauge overnight, and it dribbled most of the day today. It was nice to see the sun come out just in time for the sunset this evening (it was actually pre-vening), just a little bit after 5.

We don't generate a lot of trash between the two of us; we recycle almost everything that comes into the house. I did conduct another cricket copse sweep this afternoon and decided it would be best to put the trash can out at the road for the Monday morning pickup. I think we could probably go a month or maybe even six weeks without having to put the can out at the curb (we don't really have curbs, but whatever). Other than chicken messes and crickets, that is what constitutes the majority of our refuse, we just don't make much trash.

Deeds, Actions, Changes, SUN BREAKS, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2015 - Day 346/19 - Saturday...

This is what happens when you very casually happen to mention that the snow man in your bathroom at work tends to make it a teensy tinesy bit uncomfortable to conduct business. I guess you can depend on Hallmark to be ready for any event and any circumstance that is worth celebrating. I have to admit however, that I was not aware that there were motion activated talking reindeer that you could put in your bathroom that would welcome you with a spare roll and a plunger, just in case. But it is true, and it is also true that I doubt there were a tremendous number manufactured and since I am a true connoisseur of such items, and because of their rareity, I am already enjoying its appreciation on the world markets of art and collectibles. It is one of the best gifts I have received in many moons, and I thank you Emily, with all my (f)heart!

HA!

It was a cold and dreary day in central Texas, and we have recorded 0.03" of precipitation so far, with the promise of more to come overnight. I hope I can sleep through the whole thing.

Deeds, Actions, Changes, DEER JOHN'S, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2015 - Day 345/20 - Friday...

How many days is it until Christmas? I found an elf on a shelf today, and of course I had to document it because even I would not have believed it if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes. I now have a call out for a Mensch on a Bench, so if you know where I can find one of those, I would appreciate it if you would let me know.

I stayed in town last night, so I got to sleep a little longer this morning, and my commute to my first meeting was less than 15 minutes. Two meetings later I was showing property, then back to the office. Then another meeting with a vendor at a property, and back to the office. Finally left the office about 4:45 and made it have just a little while after 6, so all in all, not a bad day. Jody and I had dinner, and then I wrote a contract for my client, and shipped it off for review and signatures. Should present it to the Seller's agent tomorrow.

I am the luckiest guy in the world, don't forget. Excuse me, I am going to go have a cake ball.

Deeds, Actions, Changes, ELF (not ALF), Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2015 - Day 344/21 - Thursday...

The official temperature in Austin today was 78 degrees. Close to a record high temperature. We had our annual office open house this evening, the air conditioner was cranking, and the fire was going on the television in the conference room. That is how we roll here in central Texas!

Otherwise, it was a really good day, work in the office, showing some property, getting things done and coming up with ideas for the new year.

Tomorrow will be an early day; a couple meetings first thing, meeting with a vendor at some point, and showing a couple more homes to a client.

Life is good, I am a lucky man.

Deeds, Actions, Changes, HEAT WAVE, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2015 - Day 343/22 - Wednesday...

This was certainly a day of fun and accomplishments. I headed in to the office, and got there in time to do about 45 minutes worth of business, then I headed to the Board where we were Education Break Sponsors for a GRI class. After that, I headed over to KVUE to drop off a couple checks for the Coats for Kids drive, and saw my friend Michael on his way in to do an interview on the Midday News about the Board's Habitat for Humanity Blitz Build. I had been expecting to see Billie at the front desk, but as long as Michael was there, that gave me the perfect opportunity to crash the party and say hello to the on-air and tech guys that I had not seen for a while. I did manage to get a couple photos in the studio of Bryan, Albert and Jared; Yvonne was at Ballet Austin so I missed her, but it was really a lot of fun seeing those folks after such a long time!

After that, I got more stuff done, met with a couple contractors, and got back to the office ahead of schedule by about 1 o'clock. Back to the office and a little bit of power real estate, then I headed home.

When I got home, there was not a single chicken to be found and that is not a normal thing. I finally found them hunkered down in the cactus in the circle, but it was like a Twilight Zone episode. When the girl dog and I went for our evening walk, I counted chickens and all was good, and Vera was accounted for.

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

2015 - Day 342/23 - Tuesday...

In my advancing years (fka old age) I seem to be appreciating the month of December more and more. It has become a time for me to slow down a bit (the real estate business slows down for the Holidays), and it is my birthday month (over paid much attention to that before, but I do like the idea of celebrating the whole month), and it is the season of social festivities and chapter endings. I am embarrassed by my fortunes; not speaking monetarily, but as you ALL know, I am the luckiest man in the world. While walking the girl dog this evening, I was greeted by a really lovely sunset, although it is not captured in its true glory in this photograph. I am reminded often (at least when I take the time to pay attention) that I am the luckiest man in the world, and most of my problems are first world problems. So, thank you to everyone who contributes to my fortunes, and I hope I get a chance to thank you in person really soon.

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

2015 - Day 341/24 - Monday...

This is a beautiful Christmas Cactus that our friend Julie gave us last year, affectionately known in these parts as the 'Julie Cactus'. It is just blooming its' little heart out this year, and it is a beautiful hot pink color. Very pretty! Thanks again, Julie!

It seems that I am back in business as far as my world of blogging and journaling are concerned. I think I handled the malfunction pretty damn well for a CDO type personality. I did not particularly sleep comfortably, but I don't think it was caused by my inability to post a journal entry. I think it had more to do with a girl dog taking up more than her share of the bed. In fact, I am sure of it. When she got tired of my tossing and turning, she found her own comfy spot elsewhere, and that gave me the space I needed to fall off to slumber land.

Mike left for home this morning, and the house is REALLY quiet. Mike is my best friend in the world and it is really easy to make him laugh, and he has quite a laugh. We love him and will miss him, until his next visit.

Deeds, Actions, Changes, CACTUS BLOSSOMS, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2015 - Day 340/25 - Sunday...

The blogosphere would not allow me access to my own blog page last night, so I was unable to post an entry, so I am not doing an entry for Sunday. What you are seeing here (and possibly reading and trying to comprehend) is not an entry for Sunday (yesterday), it is just a fig-newton of your imagination.

Jody and Mike and I did not go to Marble Falls yesterday afternoon and we did not have dinner with Candy and Mike (a different Mike).
This is not a photo of Jody and me and Mike at the Trail of Lights last night in Marble Falls. I have no idea what you are looking at, but that is not it.

Deeds, Actions, Changes, MARBLE FALLS, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2015 - Day 339/26 - Saturday...

The Birthday Weekend is still going strong. Last this morning, we (me, Jody and Mike) went into Austin; I had to make a quick stop by the office, then we went to a nice little art festival, then to Lowe's, and then to the condo for naps. After really quick naps, we went and met our friend Steve for lunch (a really fashionably late lunch). Steve arrived with more loot; a bottle of wine, a really nice card, some jelly beans, a coffee mug and a singing Chihuahua. This is a picture of Mike and the singing Chihuahua. Mike is the one in the plaid shirt, the singing Chihuahua is the one wearing the serape.

Earlier in the morning, Mike and I strung some new lights out on the fence up by the road and on the gate. Very pretty. We left the other lights up, just put more on top of them. I think I will do it again next year, too, and see how many years it takes before the FAA stops by and tells me to turn them off!

The chicken massacre continues. We came home late this afternoon, and there was evidence of big paw tracks in the gravel path and a dead chicken on the path, pretty well mutilated. This needs to stop.

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

2015 - Day 338/27 - Friday...

Okay, yesterday was my birthday, and I received another gift in the mail when I got home from the office. Our friends Carolyn and Joe Mac sent this t-shirt, which captures my anal-retentiveness perfectly. I use the line on this t-shirt often, and now I can wear my thoughts on my (ample) chest. I have no embarrassment over the fact that I am CDO, and I practice it with pride and enthusiasm. So, thank you Carolyn and Joe Mac, I will wear it often!

It was a busy and rewarding day, but it is over now. First off this morning was a new member orientation at the board; I generally speak about two items, this morning it was three. Then there was another board meeting, then off to the office to do some speed-real-estate. Then home for a while and dinner with Jody and Mike, and then back to town to enjoy Carrie's Holiday Party.

Now home again, and getting ready to have a milky way bar and do some serious sleeping.

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

2015 - Day 337/28 - Thursday...

Today was a pretty busy day of office doings, property visits and more office stuff. To end the day, I was invited to attend my friend Shavonne's Installation (She is the incoming President of the Williamson County Association of REALTORS®). I was not able to get there for the Installation Ceremony, but I did make it to the after party at the Intel Club at the Dell Diamond. Very nice, wonderfully attended, and a club full of wonderfully kind people. It was very nice that Shavonne's parents and grand parents came in from Michigan for the occasion. This is a photo of Avis, Shavonne and me. She will do a great job for her association in the coming year!

I have pretty much lost track of the days, but I am pretty sure it is Thursday. I know positively that my friend Mike came in to visit for the weekend, so that was a really great birthday present. Yep, today (in addition to all the other stuff going on) was (the day is almost over) my birthday, and lots and lots of friends sent their best wishes. I am truly a lucky man. The luckiest man in the world.

There was a grey cat sighting tonight when I put food out. I guess we have at least two cats now, and it seems they alternate nights coming to get fed. We shall see how this all works out.

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

2015 - Day 336/29 - Wednesday...

What do you call the most decadent thing in the world, piled high in massive quantities. Well, for at least today, I am calling it 'bacon-wrapped-shrimp'! The only thing that could have improved it would have been a chaser of key lime pie. Otherwise, it was a pretty darned good day.

Today I attended my last board meeting for the Austin Board of REALTORS®. It has been a very interesting, rewarding, enlightening, confusing, demanding, exhausting, learning, frustrating and (sometimes) thankless six years. But mostly rewarding. And I would do the whole thing over again if I could, but if given the chance, I would do it better. There were mistakes and triumphs, but no shame. My colleagues and I did one hell of a job in the last six years, and I am proud of the things I was able to bring and contribute.

Now, it is time for me to retire for the evening.

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

2015 - Day 335/30 - Tuesday...

I got up this morning and started my day at 3:15 IN THE MORNING...by the end of the day, I will have been on four different airplanes, two different taxi type vehicles, two trains and one round trip in my car. About 1250 miles, and all I brought with me was a briefcase. I attended a National Association of REALTORS® Meeting this afternoon in Naples, but I have to be back in Austin for a 9 o'clock meeting in the morning. This is a first for me, but it has not been as bad as I expected. I have been able to sleep on both the flights so far, and I expect to sleep on the way home. My plane arrives in Austin tonight at about 11:45, so I expect to be home by about 12:30 or so tomorrow morning. I am typing this from the airport in Ft. Myers, and I am about to sign off for the duration.

You can follow my adventures on Facebook if you like.

First World Problems, I know.

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

2015 - Day 334/31 - Monday...

Jody and I have been feeding the girl cat (Barney) for at least a year now. The other night, I put the food out for her and called her, and a GREY CAT responded and promptly went to town eating the moist food. The next night the orange cat (Barney) arrived on cue, and last night it was the grey cat. It is like they are alternating nights. Later on in the evening though, after the grey cat ate the moist food, I looked out and Barney (the orange cat) was dining on the dry food. I don't know how it will play out tonight, but it seems that there is a possibility that we now have TWO cats hanging around outside. Barney does not bother or pay any particular attention to the chickens, so I hope that will be the same story with this new addition.

It is shaping up to be a really busy week, and I will let you in on what I am up to as we go, just stay tuned.

Deeds, Actions, Changes, TWO CATS, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2015 - Day 333/32 - Sunday...

Curiously, I was not hungry this morning, so I made Jody a pile of eggs and I had a bagel (butter, no jelly or jam). Then I was off, and by ten-minutes-til-9 I was loading firewood into the back of the truck. I got it home and piled some of it in the garage (so it will stay dry), and the rest of it is still in the back of the truck. It'll keep! I came inside, did a few more chores, and took to the blue chair. Could not drift off to a nap, got up, looked at one of the clocks, and thought it needed new batteries. It was only 11:20...I thought it was 2 or 3 in the afternoon. That is what happens when there is no sun or relief from the drizzle. You have no concept of time.

There must be a code somewhere that girl dogs have no need to avoid walking through ankle deep (to a dog) water, without being fazed. I am freezing, bundled up from head-to-Croc, and the girl dog is unfazed by it all and ready to go on a hundred mile hike. I don't get it. Oh, and it seems she is a canine pyromaniac as well. She is fascinated by all things wood-stove. She has to pay strict attention and inspect every move when it comes to spreading the coals and adding wood to the stove. Very interested.

Here are a couple things you should know; Jody and I cut the mold off two different pieces of pie (Pumpkin and Apple) and ate generous servings. I did an internet search about eating moldy foods, and it seems it is not totally uncommon, but just in case we come to a premature demise, tell the coroner to check the pies. Said pies are now in the back refrigerator, hoping to be kept from further degeneration.

And I forgot the other thing I was going to tell you.

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

2015 - Day 332/33 - Saturday...

While walking the girl dog this evening, I was wearing two coats (one with a hoody), a pair of farmer insulated gloves and a very fashionable pair of turquoise colored Crocs. It is cold as the dickens (cool) here, but at least the girl dog was not unusually embarrassed about my outfit. Earlier today, I was laying on the couch and she decided to use me as a stepping stone to look out the windows and survey the situation. I am an adequate lump for her, and she does not hesitate to make use of any immovable she may happen upon to patrol for cats or chickens or other species that she may feel superior to. She does a good job!

I went in to Austin this morning to get my haircut, and took a wee-bit advantage to do a wee-bit of shopping at my friend Jill's shop in downtown Pflugerville, Ruffles and Rust. If you get a chance, stop by and support your local shop keepers.

Work around the property tomorrow, and back to work on Monday.

Deeds, Actions, Changes, GIRL DOG, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2015 - Day 331/34 - Friday...

The day after Thanksgiving has proven to be cooler (I would say colder but,if I put it all in perspective, it is really just cooler), rainier, windier and just over all less attractive than the previous day. It has pretty much rained all over night and all day today. We have about an inch-and-a-quarter so far, and more is expected. Throughout all that, there are a couple Iris blooming here and there in the yard. This one is a pretty little one, blooming itself in to a stupor outside the garage. With all the rains, next spring should be a good one (for the Texas Wildflowers as well).

It took a combined week (or more) to successfully change the GFCI plug in the garage. Many attempts and conferences with those in the know led to our neighbor Jim coming to the rescue and wiring it up properly. I SWEAR I had it wired properly at least once during the week, but he must have magic fingers or something, because it is now working as intended. I will, however, keep my eye on the night light to make sure it continues to operate properly.

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

2015 - Day 330/35 - Thanksgiving Day...

Jody and I are thankful for all of you...

It was a really calm and slow day. I went and delivered a pie to some good friends, and then it was down for a nap for a little while. Maddy the girl dog is thankful for all her blessings as well, and we are the luckiest family in the world.

Enjoy the calm, tomorrow is black Friday, all hell will be breaking loose soon.

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

2015 - Day 329/36 - Wednesday...

Must. Remember. Today. Is. Not. Friday.

I'll try, but I have an overwhelming urge to go see if Sharktank is on later. The Pyracantha has been having an excellent season, and the sage is getting it right this time. The red berries on the Pyracantha are lovely against the backdrop of the sage. The Pyracantha (also known as the 'firethorn' for very good reason) has been bursting forth with berries for a couple months now. The sage has it right; we had a trace of rain today, supposed to have up to 3 inches between now and Sunday night. Good sleeping weather I hope.

I ha lunch with Emily and Hudson (I think he is four, not sure), and that was fun. The three of us played hide-and-seek, and it was fun to see a mom do her thing with her child. Very cute.

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

2015 - Day 328/37 - Tuesday...

This is what is wrong with America. Too much crap. Too many choices. Our heads are in a constant state of spinning from trying to decide what kind of tooth paste we should buy. Then what type of allergy or cold or flu toxin to purchase. Then it is on to cereals. What happened to corn flakes and rice  krispies? And don't get me started on dog food and cat food. But this...THIS is the GFCI aisle at Lowe's. Why are there so many freakin' different GFCI plugs in the store. I get there may be two or three different ones, depending on the voltages etc...but a whole freakin' wall of GFCI related stuff. Not necessary. This was my second visit to a big box retailer in about four days to find a GFCI plug for the garage outlet. It seems the one I bought on Saturday is defective (and of course I threw away the box and the receipt, how can a GFCI that I just bought be bad?), and so I needed another one. It is now sitting in the garage happily awaiting my electrician skills to install it...but not until Thursday morning.

I bet Donald Trump has never been in the GFCI aisle is EITHER Home Depot or Lowe's. But he did see people protesting about them in Jersey City!

Deeds, Actions, Changes, TOO MUCH CRAP, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2015 - Day 327/38 - Monday...

Monday, Monday, Monday...what're we gonna do with you? I am absolutely, positively, 100% certain that none of this is up to code, but we have had the refrigerator and the freezer (in the garage) plugged in via an extension cord, because the plug that generally serves those units are on a GFCI breaker, and we cannot get the breaker to hold. I have replaced the GFCI itself, and the offending tripper plug (outside the garage) has received a new water resistant cover (all new insulated bits) and we caulked about the cover for extra water resistance, but this freaking GFCI plug in the garage will not work. The little tiny green 'pilot' light thing on the plug is glowing green, but if I plug the night light into the plug directly (we use the nightlight in the GFCI plug so we will know if the breaker has tripped and (hopefully) won't lose everything in the refrigerator and freezer), and there is no power. NOTE: Two parentheses in one parenthetical anecdote, not a record (for me) but worth mentioning. I am at a total loss as to how the pilot light thing can glow if there is no power to the plug. Whatever. So today I was on a mission to find an electrician that would journey to the edge of nowhere, but no luck. I kind of think everyone is already observing the Christmas Holiday (they sure can't be thinking about Thanksgiving), and no one returned a call.

It will all get corrected in time, and I expect we will get the issue corrected without loss of 1) Limbs, 2) Lives, 3) Food stuffs from either storage unit, and 4) All of the above. Feel free to pick one.

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

2015 - Day 326/39 - Sunday...

Well, at least it didn't rain overnight, but it did go down into the mid-30's. Last night was the Austin Empty Bowl Project Preview Party, and today was the actual event. I am TRASH-MAN! TRASH-MAN! People remembered me from last year, and that was fun. I did not (to the best of my knowledge) run anyone off from the event, and it was a lot of fun, even though it was chillish. I was able to keep warm by walking around and harassing people. Carrie kept warm by drying folks bowls after they were washed and before they filled up with soup. A great event benefiting the Capital Area Food Bank, Meals-On-Wheels and the Kids Cafe. Thanks for everyone that attended.

We got home from the event about 3 o'clock, and then I went down for a nap. Pizza for dinner, and probably another nap before I can it a night. This is a short week, office in the morning, teaching two classes in the afternoon, and that is pretty much it for the week.

I think there are pies in my future.

Deeds, Actions, Changes, TRASH-MAN, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2015 - Day 325/40 - Saturday...

Tonight was the preview party for the 19th Annual Austin Empty Bowl Project. We (my business partner Carrie and I) have been long time sponsors of the project that benefits the Capital Area Food Bank and Meals on Wheels and More Kids Cafe. Always a wonderful evening, and I want to thank our friends Mike, Candy, Julie, Jetta Steve and Eric for joining us at the preview party. It was a lot of fun, and lots of good foods, soups, desserts and beverages! A good time was had by all.

Earlier today, I got a lot of errands run so we could get a few things accomplished on Sunday. Visits to target, Home Depot, Tractor Supply and WalMart (for gas and diesel).

Most of the day tomorrow will find me at the Empty Bowl Project, if you get a chance, you need to come by, it is a great cause (always the Sunday before Thanksgiving) and you will not have too much trouble finding me, just look for the 'trash man'.

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

2015 - Day 324/41 - Friday...

It was a full house this morning at the new member orientation at the Board. Probably about 125 new REALTOR® members. I thought I had a meeting immediately following the orientation, so that would have meant that I had to be finished ON-TIME (which for me is kind of a challenge), but alas, my other meeting was at 2 PM, so I could just babble on like a brook. I got finished pretty much at my usual time, so about 10 or 15 minutes past my cut-off. Bottom line, I got some points across, and gave the folks attending some information they could use in their new career.

And then to the office for some power-real estate. I got to the office at about 10:30, and got a good bit of stuff done before I left at about 1:15. What should be a twenty-minute-trip from my office to the Board office now is made uncertain by the construction on MoPac. Wherever you go in Austin, you have to add twenty or thirty minutes to the trip to overcome traffic disruptions. You just have to figure it in, and when folks throw a hissy-fit, just recommend to them that if they are in such a hurry, they should try leaving a little bit earlier the next time.

I am sorry that your lack of planning has caused you this inconvenience.

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

2015 - Dy 323/42 - Thursday...

One can only assume that someone, at some point in time, actually took the time to call someone else to report this small brush fire in the MoPac median. It didn't cause the train to slow down at all, but the traffic was going slowly enough for me to take this photo. Really people, I have no personal dislike for smokers, what I have is a dislike for throwing their trash (of whatever ilk) out onto the streets. In this case, I am jumping to the conclusion that someone tossed their cigarette butt out of the car window (heaven forfend my car should smell like smoke, that's why I use Fabreeze), and caused this slight ignition of combustible materials. After all the rain we have had, I am surprised that it actually ignited, almost as much as I am that no one really paid any attention.

But there you go, we are all too wrapped up with world affairs, and since we seem incapable of making smart, thoughtful comments about that, I feel it is my right to go off on a rant about careless neighbors.

Done.

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

2015 - Day 322/43 - Wednesday...

When I drove into the driveway this afternoon, I noticed the sage up by the road were blooming. Blooming sage is (supposedly) Mother Nature's way of saying rain is on the way. During the recent spells of rain (probably at least in the last month or so), the sage has not bloomed a lick and it rained like crazy. Now the weather prognosticators are predicting NO RAIN for the next week or so (okay, they say there is a 20% chance on Saturday, and in Texas that translates to NO RAIN) and the sage here are blooming their little hearts out. Whatever.

Today was another good day, things turned out well. A meeting that I expected to last three or four hours was over in less than two hours, so that opened up some time for me to get some things done; catching up with e-mails, showing property, reviewing property applications, this and that. I just LOVE found time in my schedule. Nothing better than time, I am here to tell you.

Breakfast meeting tomorrow, then time in the office.

Life is good, I am the luckiest man in the world!

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

2015 - Day 321/44 - Tuesday...

You guys are all extra lucky tonight. Since it rained overnight (it followed me home from San Diego) and it rained on me all the way into the city, you were going to get a photo of a rain blurred windshield. But, lucky for you guys, when I got home this evening, there were some clearing skies and some really pretty pinks and reds, so out with the dreary and depressing, and in with the pink and pretty. Kind of like my day today, too. Could have gone downhill really quickly, but it turned out alright and on a positive upbeat note. Have I mentioned lately that I am the luckiest man in the world? Even though I do have domestic Goddess chores to complete before retiring (dishwasher is loaded, have to push some buttons now), and still playing catch-up on work that was put on hold while I was out cavorting on the west coast (those trips are killers, y'all), I am the luckiest guy in the world.

Somebody has a birthday tomorrow, and it is not me.

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

2015 - Day 320/45 - Monday...

This post is going to be (relatively) short and sweet, since I just got home and it is already past my bedtime. I would have been home about 30 minutes earlier, but when the plane landed, we had no gate to unload at (no rooms at the Inn), but I am home now, partially unpacked, and happy. I also have a whole new appreciation for John Legend. He gave a great concert last night for the REALTOR® conference in San Diego, one-hour flat, in-and-out, nobody gets hurt, but it was fun and I like his work. I was in the eighth row center, good seats, hardly had to stand up the entire night.

I will hit the ground running tomorrow, after a week full of meetings, this will be another week full of meetings.

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

2015 - Day 319/46 - Sunday...

One thing I have always enjoyed about attending various conventions in southern California is the flora that grow like weeds. Living in central Texas is not conducive to many plants and flowering shrubs that require at least some attention, particularly the moisture kind of attention. Here the succulents grow crazily (they should grow well in our area of Texas, but I have quite successfully caused them to succumb to an early demise) and particularly the Birds of Paradise. I am fascinated by them just willy-nilly there for all to enjoy. Here is my challenge; I have been here for four days now, and I have passed this particular spot every one of those days, and today was the first time I noticed this lush planting. Had to stop and take a quick photographic document, and the passers-by thought I was cray-cray. That's okay with me, there are lots of different cray-cray-ness in the world, and I happy to support this kind.

Finished my third (and last) meeting of the day, and in a couple hours I will be heading to a John Legend concert. I am not particularly familiar with his body of work, but as soon as I hit 'publish' I will do an null search and brush up on his work.

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

2015 - Day 318/47 - Saturday...

It was not my fault. Brian was already not feeling well (and having a bad hair day) before Erica and I snook (snuck?) behind the curtains to visit with the NAR staff at the convention. Everyone back there was really fun and having a great time, except (possibly) for Brian, who was experiencing some physical distress, but he was a really good sport about everything!

First thing this morning was a Professional Development Committee Meeting, then a forum here and there, and then this afternoon was the general Session. During the display of nations with REALTOR® colleagues attending the conference, the delegate from France received a very nice standing ovation and accepted the recognition with grace and humility. There were lots of other recognitions of our colleagues who go out of their way on a daily basis for community outreach, advocacy and volunteer servitude, as well as recognition of our state REALTORS® of the Year (Bill Jones from the Temple-Belton area is our Texas REALTOR® of the Year). Afterwards, Emmitt Smith former Dallas Cowboy (and a REALTOR®) was our keynote speaker, and that was very entertaining.

Tonight is my second visit to the USS Midway, and that will be fun. I need to be downstairs in eight minutes to board a bus and head out.

Tomorrow will be another busy day.

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

2015 - Day 317/48 - Friday...

If you pray, please pray for Paris. If you pray, please pray for all of us. Whatever it is you do to communicate to the deity of your choice, please do it. if you are more of an affirmation sort, please affirm for Paris and all of us.

Aside from all the craziness in the world that touches our lives, I was a safe and lucky person today, attending another round of meetings and forums at the annual NAR conference. As I write this, I am watching the television news, so it is somewhat difficult for me to focus on fun and normalcy, but I am going forward because we all need to keep going and go about our lives in spite of the crazies. In that regard, after my most recent round of forum attendance, I did manage to walk through MOST of the trade show, and did not stand in line to get my photo taken with the Property Brothers, but I did manage to take a photo of them as a bystander. We are pretty much addicted to HGTV, so it was fun to see them just a few feet away. There was no lack of attention being paid to them, either.

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

2015 - Day 316/49 - Thursday...

Is it still Thursday? It seems like it should be Friday or Saturday already. I took off from Austin this morning and headed for San Diego, arrived at about Noon San Diego time, and did not get into my room until after 4 pm San Diego time. I did have lunch, but hanging in the lobby was not that exciting. I missed a couple meetings that I wanted to attend, but tomorrow is another day. There is a dinner (Installation of our new NAR Chairman) this evening, and my day starts really early in the morning, although it is not really that early Austin time. I did kind of luck out in the room/view department after all was said and done. Not too shabby. I always enjoy visiting San Diego, and I even got in a few minutes of sock shopping after lunch with my friend Candy.

The next several days are going to be busy, and I am looking forward to seeing lots of friends and colleagues from across the country.

Deeds, Actions, Changes, NAR ANNUAL, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!