Volume 14 - Day 243/122, 2022 - Wednesday

I am not sure about this, but if I were the owner of a +/- $240K automobile (it's just a car), I probably would not want it on a trailer in the middle of rush hour traffic in downtown Austin. My first concern would be, why is it being transported on a trailer? The Bentley Continental GT (Gran Tourer), can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds (just a little slower than the Tesla), with a top speed of 198 mph. Why does anyone need a car that can go 198 mph, if you are going to have it pulled in a trailer. Whatever. It was an early and a long day today. Up at 5, in the car at 6, at my destination at 7 for an 8 o'clock class. Luckily, I knew there was a big wreck southbound, so I avoided that. I would have made a stop at the office, but the wreck also meant that the road I needed to take to the office was clogged, so I just got to Buda about 45 minutes earlier than I needed to. Not terrible. A good (but long) class that provided me with ZERO continuing education credit, but it was stuff I need to know about. Unfortunately, I became the guy in class that asked too many questions. BUT, I passed, got the certification, and now I am close to being ready to snooze off.

Volume 14 - Day 242/123, 2022 - Tuesday

Leucophyllum frutescens is an evergreen shrub in the figwort family, native to the state of Texas. Commonly known as Texas Sage, it is not a true sage, and is distinct from the sanus Salvia. It is a popular plant in Texas, requires little water, can be shaped into hedges, and blooms over the entire plant surface. Texas sage does not have a reliable blooming schedule, but it can apparently predict rain by blooming a few days before rain comes. At other times, it can bloom just AFTER a rain. It was nice to see the Texas sage blooming today, it was something I have not paid attention to in quite a while. Although it could be just because the sage has NOT bloomed in a while, it was still good to see and to search it out as I was commuting hither and yon. We did in fact get a little bit of rain today, last I looked at my gauge there was about a quarter-inch. There may be a little more overnight, but there is also more forecast over the rest of the week, into the Labor Day weekend. I will be up EARLY in the morning, I have an 8 o'clock class in Buda tomorrow, just about a fifty mile drive from the house. I will leave around 6, you just never what might be in store traffic wise. I will actually wear my glasses in the dark...

Volume 14 - Day 241/124, 2022 - Monday

The first radio soap opera was introduced in 1925. Proctor and Gamble sponsored lots of them, selling soap, targeting housewives. The first tv daytime soap opera was telecast in 1949. The first successful daytime drama debuted in 1951 (Search for Tomorrow) and lasted until 1986. I can remember as a kid, watching these programs with my mother. In high school, we all watched Dark Shadows, and when I was attending college, we watched daytime drama in the student center. These days, Carrie and I have a television running in our shared office every minute of our time when we are in the office. We are hooked on General Hospital, even though they spend very little time in a hospital setting. If I were real life friends with any of these characters, I would have to find new friends, because they are all walking disaster zones. A good walk this morning, then on to the office, then a visit to the chiropractor, then back to the office, and home after the stories. I have a date with the CPA tomorrow, so maybe the 2021 taxes are nearing completion. I'll let you know. In the meantime, watch your back...

Volume 14 - Day 240/125, 2022 - Sunday

It was a nice, calm, and mainly quiet day. A nice walk in the morning, then home and a couple hours of cleaning the garage and trying to re-organizing. It seems that the garage is a continual work in progress. After that, I took a drive in the country, then revisited two of the estate sales I visited yesterday. Nothing much at the first one, but I did score a cute small clock at the second one. I saw it yesterday, and went back today when everything was half price. On the way home, I stopped at the grocery, and I am fairly well stocked for the coming week. Yesterday was a Marilyn Monroe marathon, today is Cary Grant. Right now, I am watching Houseboat, which I can remember watching as a kid. I have seen it a couple times since then. I always thought it was a good movie. Watching it at 70 years of age is much more complicated than it was when I was 60 years younger. However, Cary Grant and Sophia Loren, cinema gold!

Volume 14 - Day 239/126, 2022 - Saturday

Marilyn Monroe was sent to an orphanage when she was nine years old. Her mother had been hospitalized for mental issues. Her mother was so debilitated she spent most of the rest of your life inside some kind of mental institution. Her grandmother was committed to a hospital for mental disturbances as well. The stage name, Marilyn Monroe, was created with the help of Ben Lyon at Fox Studios. He chose Marilyn because of a friend he knew that did musicals in New York. Her grandmother's last name was Monroe, and that was it. Marilyn Monroe. After the estate sales today, five of them, I came home to a Marilyn Monroe marathon on tv. So far, three (maybe four, there was a nap), movies with Marilyn Monroe. From one line appearances to starring roles. Kind of fun. Okay, back to estate sales. Five. Count 'em. FIVE. The first three were nothing. UGH! The last two were really good, and I will be going back to those two again tomorrow. Half-price day! I also did a couple loads of laundry today, so that is done now for another month or two. 

Volume 14 - Day 238/127, 2022 - Friday

The word orchid is derived from the Greek word (orchis) for testicle because of the shape of the root tubers in some species of the genus Orchis. These nonwoody perennial plants are generally terrestrial or epiphytic herbs (meaning growing on other plants rather than rooted in soil). Well! I didn't know that! While I was walking this morning, someone snuck this orchid onto the front patio. At least I think it was done while I was walking this morning. There are three suspects, but so far no one has confessed. It does kind of harken back to this months book club suggestion (Orquidea Divina), but whoever is responsible, thanks, I love you. On my drive in to the office this morning, I did a zoom call, which is always interesting. I got the audio done, and I could see my zoom friends, but I don't really know if they could see me or not. Probably better if they couldn't. I did some this and that in the office, went and walked a property, left the office about 1:30, got home for a 3:30 virtual appointment, which was really disappointing, and then had a chicken pot pie for dinner. Tomorrow there will be a walk, and we have five estate sales on the list. That will make the day interesting, for sure. Plus, I think I might do some more laundry. A little bit here, a little bit there...

Volume 14 - Day 237/128, 2022 - Thursday

Altocumulus clouds are middle-altitude cloud genuses that belong mainly to the stratocumuliform physical category characterized by globular masses or rolls in layers or patches, the individual elements being larger and darker than those of cirrocumulus and smaller than those of stratocumulus clouds. Got that? A cloud is made of water drops or ice crystals floating in the sky. Or, maybe they are made of water vapor (a gas). Water vapor is invisible, and it is around us all the time in the air. So...there are clouds all around us? Sometimes there is more water vapor in the air and it feels humid or muggy. Other times, there is less water vapor around us and the air around us feels drier and fresher. Clouds appear when there is too much water vapor for the air to hold. The water vapor (gas) then condenses to form tiny droplets (liquid), and it is the water that makes the cloud visible. Those droplets are so small that they stay suspended in the air. Got it? So...I really like clouds, as you should already know if you are one of the tens of dedicated followers of this journal. Okay, now, back to the business at hand. Good walk this morning, then in to the office. I had a very nice lunch with Michael and Lynda, and we had a chance to get pretty well caught up, and that was good. Went and walked a property with Laura after lunch, home, and all ready for tomorrow. Cross your fingers that there will not be another bunch of interesting clouds in the sky while driving to the office. Oh, I almost forgot, I started the September book club selection, The Local, set in Marshall, Texas. I'm about an hour in, and so far, so good.

Volume 14 - Day 236/129, 2022 - Wednesday

The term 'chiropractic' comes from two Grecian words: cheir which means hand, and praktos which means done. Done by hand. The first chiropractic adjustment was given in 1895 by Daniel David Palmer (the father of chiropractic) who helped a janitor, Harvey Lillard, regain his hearing after a back injury he suffered 17 years prior. WOWZA! What if you are only near-sighted? I have been having neck pain for over a month, and yesterday Carrie decided I needed to go to a chiropractor. So, I made an appointment for today. First, there was the intake and some x-rays, then there was another appointment for a few cracks and five minutes (the best part) on a kind of a massage table that rolled up and down my spine. Mostly. It hit a couple other interesting parts, but it was mostly the spine. My neck still hurts, so there was no miracles (yet), and I probably still need some corrective lenses, but I have another appointment on Friday. We will see where this goes. He also said my right leg was shorter than my left leg, but after the first adjustment, they are now both the same length. Okay. Tonight is book club night, and that will be fun. I need to go pick a bottle of wine to take with, and we will see how the discussion goes. I picked the book for this month, and to the best of my memory, nobody liked the book. I did. The Inheritance of Orquidea Devina. It was complicated, so I read it twice. I liked it better the second time.

Volume 14 - Day 235/130, 2022 - Tuesday

The word 'cloud' comes from the old English words 'clud' or 'clod' meaning lump of land or lump of rock, which, in the 13th century was extended to apply to the lumps of water in the sky. I have known some 'clods' in my life, and I agree, they were like lumps of rock. Clouds are evident here in central Texas, but the probability of rain in the foreseeable future is gone. A 20% chance of rain in central Texas is defined as 'no chance' of rain. We did, however, enjoy the five days of rain we had, which produced close to 4 inches of rain at the Curious House. Breakfast this morning with the ROMEOs after a nice morning walk. Then off to the office, some this-and-that, and then back home. I had a chicken pot pie for dinner, which is a switch for me...I actually HAD something for dinner. I have been plagued with a sore neck for quite some time now, and I have an appointment with a chiropractor tomorrow morning. I hope to get popped into next week, and popped enough to fix all my woes. It shouldn't be too hard, I don't have that many woes.

Volume 14 - Day 234/131, 2022 - Monday

I am not sure if this is a frog or a toad. Whatever it is, the Piglet is fascinated, and the schnauzer is only mildly interested. Frogs have long legs, longer than their head and body, which are made for hopping. Toads have much shorter legs and prefer to crawl around rather than hop. Frogs have smooth, kind of slimy skin, and toads have dry, warty skin. Based on this information, I am going to say that I think this is a toad. There are generally one or two on the patio or just down the steps to the back yard. As I said, the Piglet is FASCINATED. Not sure if she just wants to stare at it or if she might try to eat it if she were given the chance. She is pretty famous for trying to eat just about anything that won't try to eat her first. We got some more rain this afternoon, so far another 1.76" in my backyard gauge. Perfect. There has been some of the usual flooding in Austin, particularly on Lamar at about 10th Street, that, if any place in Austin is going to flood, that is where it will flood. Maybe some more rain overnight, and good chances of rain through Thursday, and lower chances Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We like it!

Volume 14 - Day 233/132, 2022 - Sunday

I was listening to the radio this morning, and an interesting question was posed: What is the cost of your dreams? I have read a couple books lately that dealt with magic, supernatural things and other oddities. Plus, I have had some interesting dreams lately, but I can only remember the most recent one. I dreamed that I came home, and there were (maybe) dozens of keys outside my door. I went inside, and all my furniture was gone, as if I had been evicted. There was a number on a piece of paper left inside to call if I believed I had been wrongfully evicted. I called the number, but it was after 5PM, so I had to leave a message. Mrs. Google reports that I may be intensely worrying right now, but the good news is that the dream indicates I am on the cusp of good fortune and good luck; that I may soon be involved in beneficial projects. I accept that I have been 'intensely worrying' for about the last seventy years, it's what I do. For a fee, I will worry about something for you, there is no reason for us both to be worrying. When I asked Mrs. Google about the cost of dreams, it was a bunch of crap about the American Dream, I was looking for something more philosophical. I was disappointed. I had a good walk this morning, then I went to brunch with Deb and Jay. Then a repeat of an estate sale I went to yesterday, then got the car washed, a trip to Target, then a nap. Later, another trip to Target, and now I am thinking of some sort of caloric intake that will allow me to make another day.

Volume 14 - Day 232/133, 2022 - Saturday

Hands down, I was the estate sale winner today. I found three or four things that I could not live without, and Pam gifted me with something else I could not live without. It is really interesting about how many things I can't live without. We did not get any rain today, and the sprinklers are still turned off. We are expecting more rain next week, and the high temperatures will be in the upper 80s at least a couple days next week. I did one load of clothes this morning, and finally remembered to put them in the dryer this afternoon. I may think about doing another load tomorrow. The girls and I have been piled up on the couch most of the afternoon, watching a Joan Crawford marathon. Mildred Pierce right now. Whatever Happened to Baby Jane earlier (the second time this week). Nothing else exciting planned so far for tomorrow, I may go back to one of the estate sales, just to see what is left, and then maybe I'll see what is playing at the local cinema. And naps. At least a couple naps.

Volume 14 - Day 231/134, 2022 - Friday

Estate sales are sales (duh) usually on the weekends, where nearly everything in someone's home is available for purchase. Estate sales are often held in homes where one of the residents has recently died or downsized. Sun City in Georgetown, not far from the Curious House, has a never ending supply of dead people, so there are estate sales there almost every weekend. We have started going to estate sales on Saturdays...usually three to four of us together, and we often see other neighbors stalking us during the sales. The photo accompanying this journal entry is from last weekend, me, Diane and Deb. We generally have a blast, and my specialty is insulting other estate sale attendees. One of these days, Alice... Tomorrow is a three sale day, which is just about the exact number of sales that can be worked in to a morning comfortably. I'll report back tomorrow... Over the last two days, there have been just under two inches of rain falling at the Curious house. No more rain expected for the next couple days, but more will hopefully arrive next week, along with lower temperatures. Lower by like 10 degrees, so that will be extra nice.

Volume 14 - Day 230/135, 2022 - Thursday

The first standardized rain gauge was invented in Korea in 1441. In 1662, the first tipping bucket rain gauge was invented in Britain. The first systematic rainfall measurements were done between 1677 and 1694. Not sure when this was, but rainfalls were recorded by people in the past for the basis of land taxes. We finally got some rain today, and there are threats (by the local weather-persons) of rain for the next seven days. I was at Costco this afternoon when it started to rain, and after the check-out part, I did not RUN to my car. I walked. It was raining, and I needed to enjoy it. It was dribbling a bit when I got home and checked the mail, and it continued to dribble a bit for the next hour or so. The photo accompanying this journal entry shows 0.97" of rain, and there was a bit more added to that total. I will record it tomorrow, but I think the rainfall was kind of hit-or-miss. My friend Janis who lives about four miles from me, noted to a friend on Facebook that she had not received any rain. So sorry. Tomorrow is Friday, and that is always welcomed! I don't have any firm plans for the weekend, but I have a couple ideas. Hide and watch!

Volume 14 - Day 229/136, 2022 - Wednesday

The Piglet had not paid too much attention to her toy box lately, and I put a new squeaky toy in it about two weeks ago. Suddenly, this evening, she found it, and it has been squeaking ever since. She took it outside with her, and for once, she remembered to bring it back in the house. Out of all the toys available in a pet shop, squeaky toys are the most popular, paws down. They may carry their squeaky toy around for hours or days. This is an instinctual behavior; it is the prey drive that has been retained by canines from their ancestral wolves. It is like the act of hunting and catching prey, and holding onto it until it squeals. You learn something everyday! I had an appointment to take the car in for some computer software upgrades this morning, and I got it back this afternoon. All is good. Otherwise, it was a pretty typical day in the office, with a lot of this-and-that to get done. Tomorrow is expected to be more of the same, and they are threatening a 60% chance of rain tomorrow, with a 'cold front' stalling over Austin. Whatever!

Volume 14 - Day 228/137, 2022 - Tuesday

Buddhism is basically the teachings of Siddharta Guarama, who was born in 632 B.C. He was born a prince, but went on a long spiritual search for happiness and to end suffering. After many trials and different paths, he finally found enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.After his enlightenment, he started to teach others, and this is how the teachings of Buddhism started. It has been years since I have seen a Buddhist in Austin. I used to see them all around town, and at the airport, selling flowers. I am not sure that this guy is a Buddhist, but it would seem to me that one sure fire way of ending suffering would be to put down the cell phone. Just a thought. I made two trips to Wolf Ranch Elementary School today, delivering school supplies to kindergarten teachers. I ordered from Amazon last week, got a lot of it and delivered it this morning, and when I got home this afternoon, there were five more boxes, so I took that over. I am looking forward to following these kids through their journey at this school. I think it will be fun. My chance to join the PTA! I have an appointment to take my car in for service tomorrow, and I have no idea if I will end up with a loaner, or if it will be an in-and-out thing. We shall see.

Volume 14 - Day 228/137, 2022 - Monday

The highest interstate flyover in the central Texas area is said to be 100 feet high. I have been stuck in traffic on an otherwise ordinary day on this particular flyover, and appreciated the occasional jiggle, which can be just a little bit unsettling. I have seen wrecks on this flyover, I have seen people walking across this flyover, and I have seen crap fly out the back of vehicles while traversing this flyover. Today, it was just another wreck. It looked relatively serious, but by the time I got there, the only evidence left was three or four wrecked cars, and a variety of first response vehicles. Today was the first day back to school for some central Texans, but I really did not notice any difference in the traffic flow. Some of my colleagues said they noticed it, but everything, in my opinion, was just like an ordinary Monday. After I got home this afternoon, I did have an occasion to walk outside for a brief moment, and there was, yet again, another trace of rain falling. That's two traces in a row! Nothing measurable, but there was water falling from the sky!

Volume 14 - Day 226/139, 2022 - Sunday

How many traces of rain dies it take to make an inch of rain? Well...liquid precipitation is measured in hundredths (0.01) of an inch. An amount of less that 0.01 inch is considered to be unmeasurable, and is reported as a 'trace' amount. Measuring a 'trace' of rain is sort of a subjective decision, and consequently the question foes not have a precise answer. So much for Mrs. Google... The wipers actually became activated in the car this afternoon, and the high temperature today was only 94 degrees. One day of relief really makes a difference, but I am still hanging out in the house. A nice walk this morning, and then brunch with Mike, Candy and Terry. This is the first time Terry has been able to join us in months, and it was good to see him. After brunch, I went to Leander to walk a property that might come in to our management portfolio. 5,400 square feet, nice place, never lived in. Returning from there, I stopped at an estate sale close by (did not buy anything), and then I made a quick stop to HEB, and that is it for the day. And now...the sun is shining, and it is a beautiful evening at the Curious House.

Volume 14 - Day 225/140, 2022 - Saturday

One way to get to know your neighbors is to have a reason to get together. A great way to get acquainted and easily break the ice is by creating a 'wine night.' Shortly after I moved to the Curious House, I saw Dick, Marge, Jay and Deb out on Dick and Marge's driveway, just having a nice chat. At the time, I still had the house on the Edge of Nowhere, so I took some eggs down to them. They invited me to join them for a glass of wine, but I had to decline because I was not wearing pants. I was only in my boxers, which I saw no reason to apologize about. They encouraged me to join them, so I wet back, put on some pants, and joined them. the rest is history. Wine night was at the Curious House tonight, and there were a total of ten neighbors in attendance. Strict rules: No food, starts at 7 ends promptly at 9. We have to make a new rule, no host plants. There were a total of ten of us tonight, and it was a lot of fun. There were multiple conversations going at any one time, and it was fun. Conveniently, the girls had been taken to the beautiful parlor this afternoon, so they were up for the attention. The day started with a nice walk, then estate sales, then the girls to the beautiful parlor, a few errands, a nap and then wine. I am a very lucky man, and I know it.

Volume 14 - Day 224/141, 2022 - Friday

I know there are homeless people all over the world. When Jody and I travelled to China, we witnessed homeless people. They were not as obvious as other places we had been, but they were there. This journal post is not going to be 'preachy,' it is just that the photo that accompanies this post is of (I am making an assumption here) a homeless person. Why are people homeless? There are more reasons than can be offered in this journal on this date, but when people's wages are not enough to cover rent or mortgage, health care, transportation, and child care, it is a problem. It is not really that simple, but is a good place to start. After that, it is a domino effect of hundreds of challenges. Enough of that. I have often seen this man walking down South First Street when I am driving to or from the office. A man walking down a street with a chicken on his shoulder will definitely get your attention. I saw him walking past our office this afternoon, and he sat down to yell at the chicken. He also had a good sized machete. We were a little concerned, and I walked outside to make sure he was not getting ready to filet the chicken, and I asked permission to take his picture. Every day is something interesting, you just have to pay attention.

Volume 14 - Day 223/142, 2022 - Thursday

"Build a better mouse trap, and the world will beat a path to your door." This quote, commonly attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson, is as true today as when it was originated in the late 19th century. Products are tried to be improved upon daily, but I found one today that I have NEVER seen before. The sanitary seat cover! Just wave your hand in front of the sensor (or push the green button) and a fresh seat cover rolls out and the previously sat upon seat cover rolls away and is destroyed. There was a whole graphic on the wall explaining the whole thing. I was fascinated. I pushed the green button and waved my hand in front of the sensor a couple times, just to behold the awesomeness of the whole thing. This, while also secreted in a stall at O'Hare, waiting for my flight to board. Is that TMI? Probably, but you know if I saw this eighth wonder of the world, I had to see it in a bathroom somewhere. There wasn't an ad in the in-flight magazine (which apparently no longer exists), so just follow the directional arrows, and there you have it. Whatever... If you remain curious, you can get more information at www.brillseat.com. You're welcome!

Volume 14 - Day 222/143, 2022 - Wednesday

The National Association of REALTORS®, "The Voice for Real Estate," us America's largest trade association, representing 1.5 million members, including NAR's institutes, societies, and councils, involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate professions. The term REALTOR® (a two syllable word) is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Today was a full day of leadership training for the 2023 year, and it was a pretty intense day of information sharing. Chicago is a great to be in August, the weather is so much more pleasant than central Texas at this point in time. My friend's Dick and Marge have a home in Buffalo Grove, not far outside of Chicago, so they came in and had dinner with us at the NAR building on Michigan Avenue. All in all, it was a great evening, we got a great tour of the HQ, and it was so nice to share time with Dick and Marge. And Deborah. The photo accompanying this post is me, Deborah and Kenny, who is the 2023 NAR President Elect.

Volume 14 - Day 221/144, 2022 - Tuesday

Happiness is an emotional state characterized by feelings of joy, satisfaction, contentment, and fulfillment. While happiness has many different definitions, it is often described as involving positive emotions and life satisfaction. SPOILER ALERT: If you do not care to know how to achieve happiness, turn back now! I took the girls to the kennel yesterday afternoon, because I had a very early flight this morning. I was determined to be nice to the staff at the kennel. I was in desperate need of a good experience at the kennel. I took everything they did and said in stride, and left without being sarcastic or unfriendly. Mission accomplished. This morning I got up VERY early for a 9 o'clock flight. I was headed to Chicago via Dallas, but there was not a plane change involved. Immediately after landing in Dallas, the flight attendant said everyone going on to Chicago was to remain on the plane. Less than two minutes later, she contradicted herself, and proclaimed that those passengers going on the Chicago show go to Gate 4. I got there just as they were starting to board, and the lady next to me had the SAME boarding pass number; A33. I thought that was odd, but my boarding pass was for a boarding in Austin, and now I was boarding in Dallas. But...it went off without a hitch. In case you were wondering, the secret to happiness is: DON'T ASK QUESTIONS! Just act as if you are a lemming, and you are happy to just off the cliff with those in front of you. Sorry folks, but it works. You have been informed!

Volume 14 - Day 220/145, 2022 - Monday

Oats were one of the earliest cereals cultivated by man. They were known in ancient China as long ago as 7,000 BC. The ancient Greeks were the first people known to have made a recognizable porridge (cereal) from oats. Does oatmeal make you poop? I could go into the sordid details, but the short answer is; yes. Look it up! I'm back, sorry I was distracted for a couple minutes, but I just figured out how to delete unsolicited spam messages. Not difficult at all. The ROMEO's (Really Old Men Eating Oatmeal) met today instead of our usual Tuesday morning breakfast, due to scheduling (mine) conflicts. Dick is in Chicago until November, but we have a new member of the group, Peter. This photo shows me, Peter, Jack and Jay. Hopefully we will be back on schedule next week. Not a bad Monday, everything pretty ordinary for a Monday. What is not usual is that I just did some laundry, and I will go outside and water plants. The Grim Reaper of the pot plant world is going to make a visit, too. I feel bad because they are blooming, but they are struggling terribly. The heat is just taking a toll, so I am going to put them out of their misery. Send kind thoughts, they have been with me for about four years and they lived a good life.

Volume 14 - Day 219/146, 2022 - Sunday

In the 1950's (1957 according to the movie), a widowed cleaning lady falls madly in love with a couture Dior dress, deciding she must have one of her own. After working to raise funds to pursue her dream, she embarks on an adventure to Paris that will change not only her own outlook, but the very future of the House of Dior. I recommend that you drop whatever you are doing right this minute and go see this movie, Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris. Upon investigation, it seems this was also a made-for-tv-movie some time ago, starring Angela Lansbury and Omar Sharif. Hmm. I missed that one. But, by all means, go see this one. As usual, I cried throughout the whole thing, but it is a real feel-good movie. If you go see it, and you hate it, keep it to yourself. Not a bad Sunday, it started with a walk, then brunch, then a stop at Goodwill where I found a treasure, then got the car washed and did a few other little chores. I am almost caught up on my bookkeeping, snd I have about another half-hour of entering to do, then I will be done til the next time. I still have to water pot plants in the front and back, and wash the Piglet's face. She gets her face SO dirty, but she is a dog and doesn't really pay any attention to it until I pick her up and point her at the kitchen sink.

Volume 14 - Day 218/147, 2022 - Saturday

I took this photo last night. The moon was/is in a First Quarter Phase. This phase occurs roughly seven days after the New Moon when the moon is one quarter of the way through its orbit around the earth. Exactly one half of the moon will be illuminated and one half will be dark. On yesterday, the moon is 7.7 days old. That's what it said, and there is no talking back to the moon. We did not make it to 100 degrees today, and I was just outside for a few minutes, and it is actually kind of pleasant outside. There was a little bit of rain south of us, but nothing here. It's about 90 degrees, and the humidity seems kind of low...and there is a little bit of a breeze. Overall, kind of nice. Jay and Diane and I went to a couple estate sales this morning, and that is about the most productive thing I did. I am trying to think if I ate anything with any nutritional value, and I am drawing a blank. Tomorrow will be brunch, and that means bacon, and I am pretty sure bacon has some nutritional value. And eggs. I think eggs are not that bad for you. I like eggs. Orange juice, what are your thoughts on orange juice? New subject: I am thinking of getting the car washed tomorrow. If anything will make it rain, that should do it. We will see.

Volume 14 - Day 217/148, 2022 - Friday

The East Cape in New Zealand, is the first place to see the sunrise each day. There are various places on the East Cape that allows you to look at the earth's first sunrise. Mount Hikurangi is one of the tallest non-volcanic mountains on the North Island where you can see the morning sun rays. The sunrises in other parts of the world are not too shabby, and you don't have to go to New Zealand to see them. The photo accompanying this journal entry was taken this morning, just as I started my walk with Jay and Ginger. I made it in to the office, and before I made it in the door, I had a hissy fit. If you want details, just let me know. But, just to be clear, it was not ALL my fault. It was a busy day in the office, and I had a 1:30 appointment with a new property, and we got back into the office about 2:30. I took care of some last minute stuff, and headed home close to 4, and got home close to 5. I managed to take a nap during the news, and that is always something I look forward to. I don't have a lot of plans for the weekend; there will be a couple estate sales tomorrow, brunch on Sunday, and Jay and Deb and I are planning a matinee movie on Sunday. It will be fun.

Volume 14 - Day 216/149, 2022 - Thursday

Interregional Highway 35 (the real name of IH 35 in Texas) in Austin tops the list of the Most Congested Roadways in Texas. That stretch passes through the Texas capital and has been named the most congested roadway in Texas (in case you did not get it the first time), according to the Texas A&M Transportation Institute. I traverse that bit of concrete and asphalt at least five times per week, sometimes seven times a week, and sometimes more than once a day. So, as I was going practically nowhere, the thermometer in my car reported that it was 121 degrees outside. Say what you will, debate that auto thermometers are this-or-that, but I can, without hesitation, report that it was HOT outside. Prove me wrong! I dare you. Not a bad day today, a good walk, then off to trade my cable remote control (the new one works better but not remarkably better), then to the office. It is Thursday, so it was cheeseburgers all around. Then a property visit to put up signs and lockboxes, and back to the office. Life is good, it is just hot, and I still live in Texas. Interpret that however you choose.

Volume 14 - Day 215/150, 2022 - Wednesday

Per Texas State Capitol facts, more than 1,000 people were involved in the construction of the Capitol. Spread across 360,000 square feet with 400 rooms and 900 windows, the height of the Texas State Capitol is 302 feet that makes it the tallest State Capitol building in the United States. I have always been told that it was purposely built to be 4 or 5 feet taller than the US Capitol, but that was not included in the facts for this entry. As I reported yesterday, during my all day meeting, I had to log-on to a zoom meeting. I was given access to an office, and this was the view outside the office window. Say what you will about Texas (go ahead, say what you will), there is no getting around the fact that the Capitol is a beautiful piece of architecture. I always really like going in to the building. Today was a good day, started off with a nice walk. I got in to the office about 9:30, and it was a pretty busy day. It is the first of the month, so we, as property managers are busy with rents, move-ins and move-outs. Never a dull moment. Tomorrow, being Thursday, means we will have lunch from Sandy's, and that is always a good thing. If you are ever in the downtown Austin area, you should give it a try.

Volume 14 - Day 214/151, 2022 - Tuesday

A green screen allows film production to remain within a sound stage but depict disparate locations and sequences. There are many, many uses for this technique in Hollywood filmmaking, many of them to do with special effects. Over the past several years, I have been portrayed several times before a green screen, and today was just another adventure. My time before the green screens is about winding up, but I would think it would be a once or twice a year occurrence going forward. Fun times! It was a long day. Up again at 5:45AM, in to the office by 9AM, picked up friends at 9:45AM, meeting started at 10AM. Meeting ended at 3PM. In between, I was on a zoom call for an hour. Then the green screen gig for a couple hours, a thirty minute break, and then dinner. I got home just after 9PM, and I am ready to self-medicate and take a long nap. One zoom call tomorrow, and that will be nice.

Volume 14 - Day 213/152, 2022 - Monday

Friendship: Noun. A relationship between friends. A close, lasting, lifelong friendship. A state of enduring affection, esteem, intimacy, and trust between people. In all cultures, friendships are important relationships throughout a person's life span. Everything goes better with friends. It was good to have dinner with these friends this evening. We make fun of each other, insult each other, confuse each other, but most importantly, we laugh together. I am lucky to have friends. They are, however, spread out all across the country, as well as here in central Texas. It is Monday, and I have had better Mondays. I had a couple appointments today, and those went well. I left the office for home at about 2 o'clock so I could let the girls outside before I went back in to Austin for dinner. Tomorrow is going to be a long day: I will get in to the office early, pick up my friends at about 9:45, then I will be in a meeting until 3, then taping until 5, an ABoR event from 5 until 8. In between, I will be on a zoom meeting at 1. There is still a conflict with a 6:30 dinner, but it will all work out. It is either feast or famine, and you just go where people point you!