Volume 15 - Day 31/334, 2023 - Tuesday

Well, it was too cold to walk this morning, but the ice and cold weather did not keep three of the ROMEOs from having our weekly breakfast, especially since this one will be the last one for Jay. He and Deb will be heading for Vancouver, Washington on Friday. Our neighborhood is changing! We had no problems getting to and from the restaurant, and it was a nice leisurely breakfast. Just me, Jay and Dick. Once we got home, the moving truck was parked in front of Deb and Jay's house, and the packing has started. They may actually leave a day early, the packers were not supposed to be there until Thursday, so the schedule might have changed. I did a little bit of work from home today, the phones (IP) were not ringing, only a couple tenants had heating issues, so it was a quiet day. I expect, if you can believe what the prognosticators predict, that tomorrow will actually be worse than today, so no one is planning on getting in to the office tomorrow. Schools have already said they will be closed. It is comfortable in the house, it is not terrible outside if you bundle up. It did not get above 28 degrees today, I will let you know if anything interesting happens.

Volume 15 - Day 30/335, 2023 - Monday

It was 30 degrees (at least) cooler this morning than it was on Sunday morning. The temperature has been holding at about 28 degrees for the last few hours, and I expect it will get a little cooler overnight, but so far we have not had the freezing rain that is all around us. We shall see how it all works out, but it should all be over by Thursday. Fingers crossed. I expect everything will be off to a delayed start tomorrow, if things open at all. There is still time to go by stuff you don't need at the grocery, and I think there is still gas available at the stations. That could all change. It was a relatively calm day in the office. I got there at abut 9:30 and left at a little after one o'clock. I think I am as ready for the cold temperatures as I can be, so I should survive the next few days. I do expect I will walk in the morning, the cold temperatures should not be a deterrent. I am not too sure if the ROMEOs will meet for breakfast, but I think it is a definite possibility. I did wear two coats, a stocking cap and gloves to was the 500 feet to check the mail this afternoon. You can never be too careful. Stay warm everybody!

Volume 15 - Day 29/336, 2023 - Sunday

It was a really warm morning for our walk, and in fact I did not even wear a jacket, just a t-shirt. I did sprinkle rain a little bit, but nothing serious. It started out just me and Dick and Jay, but then Paul joined us and so it was the four of us. After the walk, I watched some Sunday morning television news, and while sitting in the big chair in the bedroom, looking out the window, the sun began to shine, but in the distance you could see the ominous dark clouds. It actually looked worse than it turned out, it never did really rain too hard. I took off for brunch and met up with Candy, Mike and Alisha. After brunch, I got home and did in fact clean and organize some stuff in the garage, and actually put a few things in the trash. There is plenty of stuff out there that I have not looked at since I have been in the Curious House, but so far I still cannot just pitch it in the garbage. You never know when you might need another knife or another ice cream scoop, or another set of flatware. You just never know! I had a listing appointment at 3 o'clock this afternoon, and in the hour I was at the appointment, the temperature dropped about 15 degrees. It is going to be down in the 30s tonight, and there is talk of freezing rain over the next couple days. I doubt it will be too terrible, because the ground and pavements are really warm, and I doubt anything frozen will last. Well, I guess we will see. So, overall, it was a pretty good day, the garage is less cluttered, the home office is less cluttered, and overall, the house is not in too bad of shape. Success!

Volume 15 - Day 28/337, 2023 - Saturday

I got 71.43% of the chore items done today. The only things left are to replace all the batteries in all the battery operated candles, and to do some more organizing in the garage. I think I will get both those things done tomorrow. It was a bit chilly this morning, and a bit rainy, and Dick and I started the walk alone. Before the walk was over, we were joined by Jay and Paul, so at the end, it was a usual walk. Then there were two estate sales we attended. Me, Margie, Pam and Diane. We were gone for about an hour, and I ended up with a couple more bells and two luggage straps. Diane found the most treasures, including a jacket, a carving of giraffes and a few other things. Everybody got something, which means it was a good day. The rest of the day was spent doing nothing. It was grey skies and chilly weather, so I did not move the car after we got home from the sales. I wore a jacket that I bought at an estate sale last week. The jacket has a patch on it from the Middlesex Fire Department, and now everyone thinks my name is Ted. That's okay with me. It will be convenient if I decide to go knock over a 7-11. This photo of fruit is what I have left over from book club. Nibbles here and there. 

Volume 15 - Day 27/338, 2023 - Friday

We had a nice walk this morning, temperature wise it was colder, but it was not terrible. Tomorrow is supposed to be warmer, and at some point tomorrow it is supposed to start raining, and keep raining for about five days. After the walk, I got ready to go in to town a little bit early, and I was in the office by 9:30. I was early because I knew I needed to be at an in-person meeting at 11:30. There are several advantages to zoom meetings, one of which is that there is no travel time back and forth. In-person meetings require a commute, and the commute is at least an hour, no matter where you are going or where you came from. I got back to the office at about 1:30, did a few things, and left at 2:15 so I could make my 2:45 appointment to get my hairs cut. I got home close to 4 o'clock, and Paulina and Oliver rang the doorbell at about 5, so Oliver could pick out a couple neck ties to wear at a meeting in Dallas tomorrow. I have fewer ties than I remember, but plenty to choose from. The neighbors had a going away party (party?) for Deb and Jay this evening, they will be heading to Vancouver, Washington one week from today. We will hate to see them go, and I, as usual, will cry. Tomorrow is estate sale day, and there are two sales in Sun City we will go to. We always have a blast, and I hope tomorrow will be no different.

Volume 15 - Day 26/339, 2023 - Thursday

Even though it was cooler this morning, the wind was not as strong, so it did not feel as cold on our walk. When I left for the walk, the temperature was 31 degrees, and when the walk was finished, it was 29 degrees. It warmed up during the day, and all is good now. I had two sets of service people at the house this morning, one replacing the HVAC split in the garage (it never did work right), and a new pest control guy. That was all done by about noon, so then I went and did a bunch of errand things. I got (another) bike rack for the car, picked up prescriptions, and went to Costco. By going to Costco, I avoided going to Best Buy, where I would have looked for a UPS. Nerds and ordinary people will know what that is, and if you are not in that category of people, let me know and I will 'splain it to you. Or I will (maybe) ask Paul to call you and 'splain it to you. All-in-all, I think it was a pretty darned good day. I am also pretty proud of myself, to know that I needed to reboot the Internet modem. Things are running much more smoothly now. Not too much on my calendar for tomorrow. I have an 11:30 in-person meeting, then off to the office, then I have an appointment to get my hairs cut. It should all work out just fine.

Volume 15 - Day 25/340, 2023 - Wednesday

Is it still only Wednesday? I really don't think the week has been long, it just feels like it should already be further through the week. It is going to be cold over night, probably close to freezing, and I will bundle up extra warm for our walk tomorrow. Today's walk was good, always fun. After the walk, I got ready and drove in to the office a little bit earlier than usual. I had a few things that needed to be accomplished, and I got all that stuff done. In to the office a little early, left the office a little early. Book club was at the Curious House tonight, and it was a good book (Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk), and the group tonight was a fun group. Next months book is Lessons in Chemistry and I am busy downloading it right now. I think I may read another book first, a thriller called Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six. I like reading the book club selections close to the book club night, so I don't forget details before book club night. Tomorrow, I have appointments at home, so I won't be going in to Austin, and I can get some stuff done here. It'll all work out.

Volume 15 - Day 24/341, 2023 - Tuesday

We got a little bit of ran over night (0.19"), and more throughout the day (0.32") for a respectable half-inch or so. That was, however, far short of the inch-and-a-half they were predicting. But, bottom line, we were really pretty lucky. Parts of Texas got snow, parts of Texas faced tornados, parts of Texas had flooding. All-in-all, we got some rain, and that is the end of that story. The power went out again, for no apparent reason, and certainly for no good reason, as far as I know. It went out about 5:45 this morning, and came back on about 7:30. The grid in this particular section of central Texas seems to be shaky, at best. I made it to lunch with two of my fellow ROMEOs, and we had a couple rounds of lively discussions. After that, I headed to the Austin Board for an 11:30 luncheon and then a 1 o'clock zoom meeting. I made it home about 3 o'clock, took a quick nap, and then fed the girls and myself. It is about time to go sprawl out on the couch for a night of not paying attention to the television. As for Bonnie, I prefer Cream of Tomato or a nice Clam Chowder.

Volume 15 - Day 23/342, 2023 - Monday

It is not supposed to be as cold tomorrow morning as it was today, but there is a better than even chance that it will be raining. If it is raining, I will not be walking, but I will be having breakfast with the other ROMEOs. It's a Tuesday morning tradition. It will not be a rushed day at all, maybe a walk, breakfast at 9, my first meeting at 11:30, another meeting (zoom) at 1. Totally doable. I had an appointment (I thought) with a new pest control company at the Curious House. As I waited and waited, I found that I forgot to push 'send' on the text message, confirming I was available today from 3-5 for their first appointment. All that angst about them missing their appointment and it was my fault the whole time. Ugh. I still have not gotten around to washing the Piglet's face, and I doubt that I will do it tonight. We are not expecting company any time soon, so there is still time. I do have a new adventure on my 'want to do' list, and I think I just might get it accomplished in the next two weeks or so. You will all be pretty damned surprised if/when I get it done. Of course, I will report it here on this journal. Enjoy your evening!

Volume 15 - Day 22/343, 2023 - Sunday

Today was a pretty fun day. It was cold this morning for our walk, and tomorrow is supposed to be even colder. There is a slim possibility of a light freeze overnight, but I don't think it will happen at the Curious House. It might happen close by...down towards the river, but the Curious House is in a high spot, much like the Estate on the Edge of Nowhere. All around us would get colder than we would. After the walk, I took a quick nap, then did a few things around the house, and then headed off to brunch. Before brunch, Oliver texted me and asked if I had any neckties, and I texted him back that I would drop some by after brunch. Brunch was me, Candy and Terry, and it was good. We went to a place that we had written off a couple months ago, but the place we intended to go said it opened at 10AM (on-line), but when we got there, the sign on the door said 11. So...that was that. After brunch, I went and delivered the ties to Oliver and visited with him and Paulina and Val. After that, I went to see A Man Named Otto with Teri (different Teri). I cried throughout the entire movie, starting with the credits. There is really nothing noteworthy about that, I cry over television commercials, but I think everyone should go see the movie, I likes it a LOT. I am averaging about 1 movie every two years, so I may try to make a resolution and try 2 every two years, or one every year, whichever comes first.

Volume 15 - Day 21/344, 2023 - Saturday

The photo accompanying this journal entry pretty much says it all - I was lazy for most of the day today. I got up this morning and did our walk, and then I came home, fed the dogs and took a nap for about an hour. It was estate sale day, so Marge and Pam and I hit the ONLY estate sale in the area. I spent three dollars (fifty percent more that I spent last week), Mare spent a dollar-and-a-half (I think), and Pam made the haul of the day, I think she spent eight dollars. I got home and took ANOTHER nap, and then I headed out to do a couple errands; I went to CVS and then went to look at bike racks for the car. I went into a local bike shop, walked around for three or four minutes (it is not a huge place) and no one that works there even acknowledged my presence. So I left. I got home and spent the rest of the day at home. More naps were in the mix, and the dogs were happy with the decisions I made. The dogs had dinner, I had dinner, and it is almost time for me to go to bed for the night. The choices for tele-viewing this evening are not great, but sleeping is good. I only had two things on my chore list for the weekend, and I have finished one of them. The final item requires step-stools or ladders, but I expect I can get that done tomorrow, not a problem. Brunch is also on the morning schedule, and Teri and I are going to see the new Tom Hanks movie at noon. I tried to see that movie a couple weeks ago, but it didn't happen. Fingers crossed.

Volume 15 - Day 20/345, 2023 - Friday

I did half of the walk this morning, and I think the rest of the guys did half of the walk as well. I had a nine o'clock appointment to get a trailer hitch put on the car so I can put a bike rack in the trailer hitch. It will be much easier to cart the bike here and there. Not sure if we are going to ride tomorrow or not, it is supposed to be kind of chilly, so it is not terrible if we miss a day. I am planning on doing a thirty mile ride in late April, so I am not too worried about missing a day here and there. After the appointment, I made it in to the office, and that was just fine. A little of this and a little of that. I left about 1:30 and was then on a quest to buy a bike rack for the newly installed trailer hitch. I thought the trailer hitch was going to be the hard part, but apparently not, it is the hitch that I cannot find, or at least it is the hitch that suits me that I cannot find. I got home and did a little more this and that, and then at 5:30 a group of us headed to Walburg for dinner at the German restaurant. I had not been there since the last time, which was a couple years ago, and it was me, Jody and either Mike or Joe Mac and Caroline. Not sure which, but it was kind of nostalgic. It was probably one of the most fun nights I have had in a really long time. The photo accompanying this journal entry is Paul, me, Richard (Toger), Margie, Pam and Teri. Lots of fun!

Volume 15 - Day 19/346, 2023 - Thursday

Somewhat back to routines, although I have had morning meetings everyday this week. I will finish off the week with a 9 o'clock meeting in the morning. After the walk this morning, I headed off to the Austin Board of REALTORS® for their advocacy event. There was a lot of good information shared, and there was a really good turnout of our Austin colleagues. This photo is me, Matt, new Bill and Doren at the getaway table in the back of the room. Breakfast was provided, but we guess that a lot of people (me) were still sticking with their New Year resolutions, so there was plenty of food left! Then it was on to the office, with a few phone calls along the way, and then tuning in to the latest book I am listening to. I got home this afternoon and got a quick nap. The Piglet is apparently on a new time schedule...she started growling at 3:30 this morning, and I assumed she believed it was time to get up and time to be fed. I am NOT hoping for a repeat tomorrow morning. I'll let you know.

Volume 15 - Day 18/347, 2023 - Wednesday

It was another early day for this old guy, and another day with no walk in the morning. I got in to the office before anyone else, and it was kind of like the old days. In the old days, I was always in the office before the others, and I enjoyed the quiet time. I headed down to New Braunfels to visit with the Directors of the Four Rivers Association of REALTORS®, and we had a good meeting. I was back in the office close to noon, and then headed home at about 2 o'clock. I got the car washed, and then did a little bit of this and a little bit of that, before heading to the Williamson County Association of REALTORS® for their Chili Cook-off TREPAC Fundraiser. It was nice to see friends and colleagues that I had not seen in a while. I got a text message from Jay while I was there, the power was out in the entire subdivision. We had no power for almost two hours, and it was kind of like the freezemageddon of 2021. Only not cold. And it was not for two or three days. It was also not at all like living in a less fortunate other country. Even I can be calm for a couple hours. Best thing today...I opted for the not typical photo op at Williamson County this evening, and so...I give you August and me. Enjoy!

Volume 15 - Day 17/348, 2023 - Tuesday

I had to take off really early this morning, so I didn't have time to go for a walk. I had an 8 o'clock meeting, and you never know what traffic is going to do, so I left at about 6:30. Traffic was heavy, but there were few stoppages, and I made it to where I was going by 7:15. The next challenge was getting into the building, which I accomplished, but then I could not get into the office where the meeting was going to be held. Eventually, it all worked out, and now I am back home completing this journal entry. The meeting was at the Texas REALTORS® office, just southeast of the Capitol. At about lunchtime, we could hear the cannons sounding and jets flying overhead. Today is/was the inauguration of the Governor, and there was lots of stuff going on. I made it to the office at about 1:30, got a goodly amount of work done, and headed home about 3 o'clock. Tomorrow will be another no-walk day, I will leave the house at about 8 o'clock or so, and head directly to a meeting New Braunfels. After that, my week will be back on a more normal schedule. So far, it has been a pretty fun week, and I have enjoyed it. Don't mess it up!

Volume 15 - Day 16/349, 2023 - Monday

It's not a red problem. It's not a blue problem. It's a purple solution! I think great things can happen if we could all just give a little and take a little. Compromise is not a bad thing. I am plagued with allergies right now. I did a bike ride on Saturday, and on yesterday it hit me. I am generally in good shape when it comes to central Texas allergens, but it got me this year. I have resorted to blowing my nose, and I am not keen on that at all. I hacked, sneezed and sniffled my way through meetings today at the Texas REALTORS® office, and I expect I will be doing the same thing tomorrow. I was invited to attend a dinner tonight, but I took a pass, and I think I will climb in to the bed a little earlier tonight, and hope that a good sleep will help me overcome this ill. The meetings today were good, and I am looking forward to doing my volunteer work going forward this year. Keeping with the purple solution theme, we all got together in our purple glory, and this is the photo that resulted. 

Volume 15 - Day 15/350, 2023 - Sunday

Sunrise and/or sunset photos are my default photos for this journal. If I haven't done interesting in a day, or I just forgot to document it for posterity, I can generally post a photo of clouds or the sky, and that will satisfy the massive followers of this journal. At least that is what I tell myself! The walk was warmer, and after the walk, I did a few more things around the house. I did get some of the garage straightened out, and I even did a load of laundry. Sometimes I even surprise myself. Then, it was off to brunch. It was just me, Alisha and Reuben, and if I had remembered to take a photo, you would not be regaled with this lovely photo of the sunset near the Curious House. After brunch, I stopped at target to by (are you ready) some plain white ankle socks. The 'invisible' socks just don't do it for me, they slip and slide and get all bunched up in all the wrong places. SO...who knew there were so very many different kinds of ankle socks, and such a range of prices. I am pretty sure I got the cheapest socks I could find, at least I think I did. Then home, where I got a few more chores done, and then went down for a nap. I am thinking a nap sounds pretty good right now, too. More tomorrow...

Volume 15 - Day 14/351, 2023 - Saturday

Well, the weekend is half over, and today was a pretty full day. A good walk with the boys this morning, and then I did a little bit of organizing in the garage. Then, it was time for estate sales. The sales, all five of them, were really kind of disappointing. I spent $2, I think everybody bought something, no real extraordinary purchases, we all got bargains, and we all hope next week will be better. When we get to the sales on Saturday, a lot of the stuff has already been culled out, since some sales start on Thursday. Once we got back to the house, I putzed around the house for a little bit, then got ready to go for a little bike ride. Richard (who shall be referred to as 'Todger') and I met at Berry Springs, rode to Walburg and back, another 13 mile ride. nice and relatively easy. Brunch tomorrow, and maybe I really will get some work done in the garage. Maybe.

Volume 14 - Day 13/352, 2023 - Friday

Friday. That means it is the start of the weekend. It was chillier this morning, about 37 degrees when we started our walk. We all dressed accordingly, so it was no issue. Paul joined us for the entire walk, and that is a good thing. I got in to the office a little bit early, took care of all the business that needed to be taken care of, and I got back to the Curious House at about 3 o'clock. I had time for a little nap, and then Val, Paulina and Oliver came by and we all went to dinner. We went to Tony and Luigi's, the first time for them, and the second time in recent weeks for me. Once again, it was really good, and again, I especially enjoyed the calamari. It was really great to see them, and they are good friends. Tomorrow is going to start with organizing the garage a little bit, then four or five estate sales, and then Dick and Pam and I have a bike ride scheduled. Not sure where the ride will take us, but I am looking forward to that. Always fun to get back on the bike, and I have been missing it.

Volume 15 - Day 12/353, 2023 - Thursday

I am never sure what memory (or ugly reminder) from my past might arrive in my in-box or on my Facebook page, or via all the other sources of information delivery there are these days. Apparently, this one was wandering around in a friends something or other, and they were compelled to forward it on to me. This was a Women's Council of REALTORS® TREPAC fund raising event as I recall, about  six or eight years ago. Maybe longer, maybe not so long ago, who can remember all that stuff? But, not being ashamed of anything I have ever done (I might regret having done some things), I decided I might as well share this with you. It was a good day, starting, as usual, with our walk this morning. It was a bit chilly, and it will be in the mid 30s tomorrow when we walk. I will be bundled up for that, I can assure you. The office was buzzing with productivity today, and we all get everything done that needed to be done. I made a couple stops on the way home; a stop at Academy (I should have left my attitude outside I have not got fond memories when it comes to Academy) to buy a pair of biking gloves and a mirror for my bike), and then a stop at the car wash...kind of a self-service car wash. As I was vacuuming the car, I found the apple and the orange that I SWORE I had taken to the office but decided I; A.) ate them both without remembering it, or B.) Someone stole both the items or C.) None of the above. Anyway, that solved that mystery, and I have them now on the front seat of the car to enjoy at the office tomorrow. One more thing...I still have the wig.

Volume 14 - Day 11/354, 2023 - Wednesday

It seems like this should be Thursday, but apparently it is only Wednesday. I am kind of tired tonight, and that is interesting because I did very little of anything today. It was warm-ish for our walk this morning, too warm for a jacket but not warm enough for just a vest. Confusion reined about how to dress, but I made it. It turned out to be a beautiful day in central Texas, but I think the weather may turn a little bit cooler for the next couple days...lows in the 30s and highs in the 60s. Still not too terrible for the middle of January. I was invited to dinner tonight by Jimmie and Linda, very nice, we went to Wildfire in Georgetown, and it was very good. Chicken Fried Steak, corn and mashed potatoes. After dinner we went and had a scoop of ice cream. All-in-all a nice evening. Now I'm home and almost ready to take to my bed. I took the photo of this iris a couple weeks ago, before our most freezing temperatures. I knew it would not survive the freeze, but it was too pretty to ignore.

Volume 15 - Day 10/355, 2023 - Tuesday

It was 84 degrees today in central Texas, a lovely, bright, clear sky day, perfect for putting the top down. I had no photos of interest to include with this journal entry, and I noticed a few Facebook friends were posting their photos from two-years-ago-today. I went back through my camera roll to January 10, 2021, and the photo accompanying this entry is what I found. On that date, I had lived in the Curious House for eleven days, and was still going to the farm on a daily basis to feed the chickens and check on things. I have to admit, it was lovely at the farm on this day, two years ago. And quiet. It was very, very, quiet. What was going to happen about a month later was thought to be impossible, but now we know and understand, never underestimate Mother Nature. Dick and Paul and I walked this morning, Jay had a few things too many on his chore list to accompany us for the walk for for the ROMEOs breakfast. Paul, Dick, Jack, Peter and I had a great breakfast, and as usual, we were not at a loss for things to talk about. I got in to the office, got a bunch of stuff done, made a bunch of phone calls, went to visit a lease listing, and then took off for home about 2:30. I had one errand to take care of, and now I am happily ensconced at the Curious House, waiting to be disappointed with the selection of entertainment on television tonight. Status Quo.

Volume 15 - Day 9/356, 2023 - Monday

Another pretty good day here, it started out really chilly, but warmed up into the 70s before the sun went down. It is supposed to be in the 80s tomorrow and Wednesday, and then another cold front, down to the 60s. I had a couple appointments this morning, a 10 o'clock and an 11 o'clock. Both appointments went well, I am happy with the outcomes. I had a few, kind of minor first world inconveniences this afternoon, but that really just means that I am a lucky guy. I still have not paid attention to the garage, I have been just slopping things here and there, and it is about to get to me. I really need to spend an hour or two to get it all back and pretty.  I should really try to spend a few minutes on making myself all pretty too, but I am not sure I have the time to do that. It is what it is. I had several things on my list to get accomplished today, and most of them are crossed off. Not all, but most, and that is as good as it's gonna get today. THe picture accompanying todays entry was seen this morning during our walk, on the sidewalk, going past the pocket park. Not a bad way for go past the park!

Volume 15 - Day8/357, 2023 - Sunday

Nice walk this morning, a little bit chilly, and when I first walked out, there were a couple drops of rain. I turned around and got a light rain jacket, and there was no more rain. Period. When we got back, I did some prep work for an early afternoon appointment, and then I leaned back in the big chair with the two girls, and thought about taking a quick little nap. That did not happen. I got up and got ready to head for brunch. Brunch was early today, 10 o'clock as opposed to 10:30 or 11. We went to a place in Leander called Mouton's. I had never been there before, but it was really good, and I think we will be back. It was me, Terry, Alisha, Candy and Mike. Really good brunch, if any of you are local, I recommend it. On the way home, I stopped at the Lowe's in Leander and bought a couple things I had on my list, then I headed home. My afternoon appointment went well, and when I got home from that, I made flight reservations for a meeting I am going to at the end of February. I finally did get a nap in, although the Piglet was not at all happy about that. I still have not made it to the movie, but I might try it again before it hits Netflix. No guarantees.

Volume 15 - Day 7/358, 2023 - Saturday

It was a warmer walk that I was expecting this morning, and I got rid of my jacket before we even finished the first mile. It is going to be about 20 degrees cooler tomorrow morning, I wish the weather would make up its' mind. It has been kind of but not really rainy today, but we did make it to one Estate sale. I was the only one to buy anything, so that was a good day for me! After that, it was time for a nap, and at 1 o'clock this afternoon, I met Dick and Pam at Berry Springs Park, and we actually did a ride. We rode almost to Walburg, and stopped at this church for a selfie. It was my first ride in a LONG time, and I am pretty sure it was the same for Dick and Pam too. We did about 13 miles, and that was not bad for once-again beginners! It has been a long time since I was out close to Walburg, and it is growing a lot. Lots of industrial and warehouse facilities going up. New subdivisions going in, new streets already, sewer and plumbing, too. I was going to see the new Tom Hanks movie, but apparently you cannot just walk in and buy movie tickets anymore. I went to the box office, and there were about six or eight seats left, in the first of second row. I decided I did not need to see it and get a neck ache at the same time, maybe I will try for a matinee tomorrow.

Volume 15 - Day 6/359, 2023 - Friday

Over the last ten days or so, when I take the girls out at night for their final pee, I have heard an owl, but never did locate it. This morning, when I went out to start the walk, I heard the owl, and it was on the peak of the neighbors roof. I got my phone camera ready, and just as I was focusing, it flew away. While we were walking down the Parkway, I saw the owl, and took this picture. Not great, but it was still kind of dark at 7 o'clock. As it turns out, there were two of them, I am kind of assuming they were courting. Maybe. Maybe not. The walk was good, and Paul joined us again this morning. I made it in to the office, and it was another quiet day. I like quiet days. There were a couple moments of outrageous demands by tenants, but that is to be expected. After all, we are almost a week into the new year. Tosalyn and I went to an estate sale early this afternoon, and I swear, it was the most illogical 'newer' construction home in a mature, mid-century neighborhood I have ever visited. And...as a REALTOR®, I have been inside a LOT of out-of-place homes. It wasn't totally obnoxious on the outside, but the inside totally made up for it. It was awful. UGH! On the way home, I ran one errand, and there were signs for another estate sale on my way home. I made a u-turn, and there was a line outside the house at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, so I decided not to bother with it. I think this will be a nice weekend, hopefully the rain will hold off until tomorrow night. Estate sales in the morning, and a bike ride in the afternoon. Perfect.

Volume 15 - Day 5/360, 2023 - Thursday

Okay, it was 37 degrees when I started the walk this morning, cooler than I was expecting. It made it up to 70 this afternoon, so that does not suck. Not expected to be as chilly tomorrow morning, but a nice afternoon again, and probably rain on Saturday. Maybe more rain on Sunday. Kind of a cold front coming in overnight on Friday, but warming up again next week. I had a zoom meeting this morning, there were about 125 people on the call, and it was an interesting call. I got in to the office about 11 o'clock, and it was another pretty good day. A few accomplishments, no set-backs, and some good stuff accomplished. Two out of three listings that have been languishing on the market for way too long have apps, so that is about the best I could ask for. I have a couple listing appointments over the weekend and that will be nice to get a few new listings going. There may be another zoom in my future tomorrow morning, but I am not sure. Tomorrow being Friday is pretty damned exciting. A couple estate sales on Saturday, and those are always fun. Full moon tomorrow night, too.

Volume 15 - Day 4/361, 2023 - Wednesday

It's going to be about 40 degrees tomorrow morning when we head out for our walk, but it will be back up in the 70s before the day is over. Our friend Paul joined us for part of the walk, and that is really nice. We all come up with interesting things to talk about, we never lack for bullshit. Today's discussion centered on liquifying natural gas to transport it, and then how to put it back into a gas form for use in homes and businesses. I think it has something to do with heating and cooling. Not sure. No rain expected until the weekend...we will take it whenever we can get it. We were 12" below our normal rainfall last year, and we don't get a lot any year, so that shortfall is something that really hurts. Hoping we are going into an El Nino period, that always means more rain than usual. Nothing breaks a drought like a flood! Today was another pretty okay day, I had a 10 o'clock appointment in Austin, and a 2 o'clock appointment at home. I thought I two two appointments at home, but I blame it on old age that I cannot keep my calendar straight anymore. I have a zoom tomorrow at 9 o'clock, and then I will head in to the office after that. Otherwise, the first week of January seems to be going okay, so far. Want an apple? Orange? Hands off the banana!

Volume 15 - Day 3/362, 2023 - Tuesday

I put 2022 on this post originally, but I caught myself. Last night, I ate the rest of the black eyed peas from 2008, and I am still breathing. It was a bit cooler this morning for our walk, but it was another really good day for driving with the top down. It was a pretty good day overall, after the walk, there was a bit of time spent on personal hygiene and then I headed off for breakfast with the ROMEOs. I think today might have been a record breaker, there were six of us. Our walks are really fun in the mornings, and the walk carried over to the breakfast conversations. Fun! The office was relatively calm today as well, even though it is the first business day of a new year. Things are going really well, and if this keeps up, it should be a pretty good year. I am even threatening to get back on my bike, we (me, Dick and Pam) and going to start doing some short rides, with the goal being the Georgetown Red Poppy Ride in April. I will keep you informed. It was 75 degrees in central Texas today, the threatened rains overnight did not happen, and it doesn't suck to be here in January. So far.

Volume 15 - Day 2/363, 2023 - Monday

Well, I didn't do anything out in the garage today, but I did get stuff ready for my 2022 income tax. The CPA is going to be totally freaked out. It is only the initial stuff, but it is pretty close. I really only need two or three more numbers, and it will all be done. I am even kind of freaked out myself. This will be the first time I have not filed an extension in almost 30 years. We shall see how this works out. Look closely at the photo accompanying this journal entry. It is not a snake, it is a piece of rope. I don't know how long I have been taking morning walks, first with Jay and then Dick joined us. This piece of rope has been out in the middle of one of the roads we walk, ever since I have been walking. I decided to start the new year without the rope being there, and I picked it up and threw it away on New Year's Eve. I don't know how it survived in the same spot for all that time, surviving wind, rain, cars, pets and people. But...it is gone now. Tomorrow is the ROMEOs breakfast, and that will be fun. The coming week should not be too busy, but you never know. It is the start of the new year!

Volume 15 - Day 1/364, 2022 - Sunday

I knew that if I just looked hard enough, I would find some black eyes peas in the pantry. Best by date, schmest by date. These peas are/were canned about 14 years ago, but I am not dead yet, so quit worrying. I will finish them off one day this week (probably at least three more servings), and I did add a little bit of salsa to them, just for good measure. Good salsa will kill just about anything, so I have no worries. It was a lovely day in central Texas today, the high temperature reached almost 80 degrees. It was a perfect day to put the top down and go for a ride. I did some more laundry today, too, and now everything I own is clean. Last night (New Year's Eve) marked two years of living in the Curious House. Two years has gone by pretty quickly, but I remember that first night pretty well. Jack and John came over today and cleaned some of the carpets in the house, two years worth of stuff, including a few dog spots, are not gone. The girls are pretty good, but they do have their occasional accidents. Nothing terrible. I have nothing left on my list of chores, but I think I have some garage organizing in my future. I am looking forward to the extra day off tomorrow, and more black eyed peas!