Volume 16 - Day 274/92, 2024 - Monday

98 degrees is not 100 degrees. Yes, that is true, and it has to be true, since one of our local weather peeps just relayed that fact on the 6 o'clock news. Apparently, broadcast news is even more reliable than Facebook, so I will take his word for it. In my opinion, 98 degrees, the forecast for October 1st in central Texas, is just too damn hot. Whatever. It was a lovely cool morning here when Paul and I were taking our morning walk. I then took my time getting ready to head in to the office, and the last day of the month was not too rigorous, for which we are always grateful. I left the office at about 1:30 (I think), and I had no errands to run on the way home, and it was an uneventful ride. There were some traffic delays this morning, and it was one of my longer commutes in to the city in a long time. I don't have anything of any significance on my list to get accomplished this evening, so soon after I publish this journal entry, I will go check today's mail, and then head for the big chair. I am looking forward to the ROMEOs breakfast in the morning, and that is always fun. These morning glories are volunteers, and I put these little plastic pickets around them to keep the yard man from destroying them. I may be sorry I am nurturing these, but I also expect I have made worse decisions in my life.

Volume 16 - Day 273/93, 2024 - Sunday

I would say that I got about 70% of the chores on my weekend list done. Some items are 50% completed, some aren't going to be completed. But it is okay. Paul and I had a good walk this morning, and then I took off for brunch with Paulina and Oliver. Val had been called in to work, so he didn't join us. We went to the Original Pancake Man, which I only discovered about a month ago, but it is now one of my favorites. After that, we went to Dick's Sporting Goods in the Domain for Oliver to buy a pair of shoes, but he couldn't decide which shoes he wanted. After dropping them off at home, I went to Home Depot. I needed a new hose for the front yard, and while trying to get that hose off the hose roller thing, I broke it and had to buy a new one. Ugh. But it is all better now. When I got home, I went down for a serious nap, and the girls are happy to accommodate me in that endeavor, so we all had long naps. I did not do any more vacuuming, but that can wait. I did get a few non-consequential things done, so the day was not a total loss. Nothing I did today required a ladder or a hammer, and that is always a win. While I was at Home Depot, I saw this couple...I passed them once and snickered at them, and then I was in line behind them. I struck up a conversation, and asked the man what aisle he found the lady on, and if they were on special. We laughed and kidded for a while, and it was fun, even though, most of the people in line with us were not amused, and now I wish I had followed then to see how she got out of the cart. OH, update on my laundry task yesterday. It seems I can neither confirm nor deny that I actually put laundry detergent in the washer. I definitely put the Downy Crisp Rain and Blue Eucalyptus in, along with the Multipurpose oxi-based cleaner in, but I am 82% certain that I forgot to put in the actual laundry detergent. All the clothes smell good, so that is a win.

Volume 16 - Day 272/94, 2024 - Saturday

It was kind of a busy day today. As usual, Paul and I had a nice walk, and then, after feeding the girls (and me), I went back down for a quick nap. I had a little energy surge, and did a few things around the house before Pam, Marian Judy and I headed out for estate sales. Three sales, and they we underwhelming, to be as generous as possible. Once I got home, I had something to eat, I'm pretty sure, and then went back down for a quick nap. The girls were due at the beautiful parlor at 1, and I got them there with a few minutes to spare. Then, back home where I vacuumed until the battery on the vacuum gave out, and I did laundry, too. Then it was back to get the girls, and tonight was the House Concert night, featuring the Southwestern University Jazz Pirates. They were great, and now it is past my bed time, but I am hungry, and sleepy and hungry is not a good combination. So far tomorrow, all I have on the schedule is pancakes with Val, Paulina and Oliver. Now, I am going to go rummage around in the kitchen.

Volume 16 - Day 271/95, 2024 - Friday

Before you know it, it will be October. It was cool again this morning, and it is expected to last until (maybe) Wednesday of next week. Then, it will be back to hot, for those of us who don't consider the mid-90s at the end of September to be hot. We consider that tolerable. The walk this morning was excellent, and I, once again, took my time getting ready to go in to the office. I had one errand to run on the way in, and that was to stop at UPS to send Margie and Dick their mail. That may be the last package of mail, they will be back in Georgetown on the 24th of October. I got in to the office, and did what needed to be done, and then we went downtown to the annual Sine Die Smokers BBQ. I also brought some BBQ home with me, but I haven't eaten any of it yet. The photo accompanying this journal entry is me and Mace, the man that started his No Hunger charity many years ago, I want to say when he was 7 or 8. I think he is 17 now, and a Junior at Westlake High School. I wore my Westlake t-shirt for the occasion. I am pretty sure the BBQ was a big success, as I am also sure it gets better and better every year. We got back to the office, I did a little bit more, and headed home. I had two stops planned on the way home that would have entailed spending money. The first one was to Upper Crust Bakery where I intended to buy a couple muffins for breakfast on Saturday and Sunday. They were about sold out of everything, so I bought nothing. I will not mention the second planned stop, but on the way I had a phone call about property management, and I missed the planned stop, so I decided it was fate that I should not make that purchase today. Maybe one day next week. Tonight was book club, and it did not take us long to discuss the book, The Wager, and we are set for October, reading The Shining, in honor of Halloween. Then we decided we needed to read something lighter, so November will be a rom com. Stay tuned.

Volume 16 - Day 270/96, 2024 - Thursday

Okay, I will be quiet for a few minutes. It was about 63 degrees when I got up this morning, cool enough that I opened a few windows to get some fresh air in the house. James and Paul and I had a nice walk, and I am more sure that I did not break a sweat this morning. I took my time getting ready to go in to the office, and I got there right at 10 o'clock. I did office stuff, and had a meeting at about 12:45, then back to the office and then I left for home about 2:30. I made two stops on the way home, and I got home about 4:30. I had a pimento cheese flip for dinner, and then settled in to watch the news. The hurricane that is about to hit Florida has a lot of my attention. I fear there will be a lot of damage, and hopefully no one will be hurt with all this weather. I think the news of this hurricane will be reported well into next week. Five hundred miles across this storm. My friend Mike lives on the east coast of Florida, and so far they are doing okay. Fingers crossed. Tomorrow, we (the office) will go to the Sine Die Smokers 22nd Annual BBQ. I am pretty sure they are already cooking up a storm, and we are sponsors. It benefits the No Hunger charity of my friend Mace, who started this program about 8 or 9 years ago. He is 17 now. You too can support him and his work, just google No Hunger Inc, and feel free to help his fundraiser! ...and, before I forget, the glories are appreciating the cooler morning, too!

Volume 16 - Day 269/97, 2024 - Wednesday

If the temperature is not in the lower 60s when I wake up in the morning, I am really going to be disappointed. Rumor has it that the humidity is down, but I am not feeling it. I don't think I actually broke a sweat this morning when Paul and I walked, so that is probably the best indicator. I actually shaved this morning before I left for the office, and I seem to be on a five day shave rotation. No sense getting carried away with personal hygiene. It was another quiet day in the office, just the kind of days I like. I got everything done that needed to get done, and I left the office about 1:30. I had two stops to make on the way home, one at Home Depot, and one at the girls vet. I had a notice that the girls were due for something, and I was trying to make an appointment for them. It turns out it was just time for their next refill on their monthly pills; fleas, heart worm, all that kind of stuff. Once I got home, I did some busy work, looking for some old documents, that I did not find. Maybe tomorrow. Or Friday. Saturday or Sunday. Maybe. Tonight was the neighbors dinner night, and there were ten of us. It was a LOT of fun, and a lot of good conversations, and lots of laughing. A fun time was had by all!

Volume 16 - Day 268/98, 2024 - Tuesday

My delicate sensibilities were toyed with this morning. After our walk, I met Paul and Rick for our ROMEO breakfast. I spotted my Total Stranger Tuesday victims immediately upon being seated. They got up to leave, and I pitched my cause, but they would not have any of it. Rejected. Ugh. When breakfast was coming to a close, these to lovely strangers were seated right next to us, and they were happy to play! Mission accomplished! It was under 80 degrees when I got in the car to head in to the office, and I decided it was a top down day. Lovely. The rest of the week should be top down days in the mornings, too, and I am looking forward to that. It started out being a top down ride home, but that only lasted a couple miles. I did stop at HEB on the way home, filled the little white car with gas, and got some groceries. Watermelon, cantaloupe, bananas, boiled eggs, salad dressing, salad stuff, pre-made meals, milk, diet sodas, half an apple pie and some personal size frozen pizzas. I should go down the frozen foods aisle more often. These little pizzas were a dollar a piece! SCORE! I hope I like them, I bought six. When I got home, there were some promising looking clouds, but I think it is just another instance of my emotions being played with, this time by Mother Nature. Fingers crossed we get a little rain tonight. 

Volume 16 - Day 267/99, 2024 - Monday

I am still waiting on the promised cool down, Wednesday morning the low temperature should be below 70 degrees, and the high temperatures should be in the low 90s. That will all be welcome, but let's get some serious cooling down going, please. Our morning walk was good, and I am looking forward to the ROMEO breakfast tomorrow. The office was pretty quiet, and I did a lot of busy work. I left about 1:30, maybe later, having made an appointment to get my RSV shot at the Georgetown Walgreen's. It turns out that I had that shot last year. I don't really know how people are supposed to keep up with all the different shots and vaccines. I know about my Covid vaccines, and flu shots, and shingles vaccine, but I am at a loss for some other stuff. I have another pneumonia shot scheduled for September or 2028. and I understand I don't need any more RSV shots. Too much for my little pea brain. I considered doing some more vacuuming this evening, but I came to my senses and decided not to go to the trouble. I may still do some a little later, it depends on how interesting the television fare is later on. Tomorrow on the way home, I plan to stop at HEB and stock up on a few things. I had a stuffed salmon dinner this evening, and the expiration date on it was five days ago. So far, no ill effects, but keep it in mind if you determine I wake up dead later on. I need to take down the humming bird feeders, and store them away until next year. Always something to think abut doing! I could see the moon in the clouds during our walk this morning! Pretty.

Volume 16 - Day 266/100, 2024 - Sunday

Well, today was a most excellent day, starting with the walk with Paul. We are looking forward to some cooler weather this coming week, and that will be great for the morning walks. And everything else that I do on a daily basis. After breakfast, the girls and went down to watch Sunday Morning and mix it up with a (possible) nap. Before Sunday Morning was over, I was bored with it and went and cleaned/organized and straightened out the garage. That chore is one of my favorite things to do. I even backed both the cars out and used the leaf blower to get the leaves and things off the floor. It is being a really incredible year for acorns here at the Curious House, and I cleaned them off the front patio and the driveway. I did a little bit of cleaning and tidying on the back patio and deck, too. Shortly after that, Val and Paulina and Oliver came over, and we went to an estate sale in Walburg, had lunch at the Walburg Restaurant, and went to another estate sale on the way home. I bought nothing, not because of any new found self control, but just because there was nothing left. Okay, are you sitting down? I vacuumed part of the house this afternoon. Not a lot of the house, just the parts that had the most dust lining the baseboards. I hope to not make it a habit going forward, but we will just see how this goes. Maybe an occasional vacuuming will not be too bad, I just don't want to commit to anything right now. Considering all the things I do as a result of my OCD, you would think vacuuming might have worked its' way into that trait, but nope. Note the photo accompanying this entry, if you look up, it makes multiple chins less apparent. You're welcome!

Volume 16 - Day 265/101, 2024 - Saturday

After Paul and I finished our walk this morning, I came home, fed the girls, had some cereal, and went down for a nap. Not so much napping as watching the news and playing Wordle. I rousted myself up and got ready to hit the estate sales with Diane, Pam and Marian. One thing I had to do was to empty the car of things I bought at estate sales last week! Honestly, the sales were a disappointment, but I did manage to spend about $20, and everything I bought was half-price. Once I got home, I had something to eat (the rest of the stuffed cheesy bread from the pizza, it took me 8 days to eat it all), and then down for more naps. Honestly, it was a lazy kind of a day, not that there is anything wrong with that. I did take time to wash the Piglet's face, which she hates, but I think she is happier after each washing. They have appointments at the beautiful parlor next Saturday, and they will be all beautified after that. I don't have big plans for tomorrow, but I am having lunch with Val and Paulina and Oliver. This week coming is the neighbor's dinner on Wednesday, and book club on Friday. Hopefully, we will have a bit cooler weather, and maybe even some precipitation before the end of the year. The photo accompanying this entry is one of the items I bought at an estate sale today, and I don't know why, but it kind of reminds me of France. I wasn't out in the dark while in France, but it just makes me think of France. Go figure.

Volume 16 - Day 264/102, 2024 - Friday

I got into a bit of an argument this morning while Paul and I were walking. There was a Georgetown truck in the sidewalk at the bottom of the hill, and another Georgetown truck parked in the grass between the Parkway and one of the streets down there. Nothing going on, so I knocked on the window of the first truck, asked him what they were doing. His truck had a flat, and the other guy (parked on the grass) had a compressor and put air in the tire. They were waiting on a third Georgetown truck to come out and change the tire. SO...move off the sidewalk and don't park on the grass. Do you drive across the grass of your front yard, no? Well then don't park on the grass of the subdivision. They said they have an easement, and if they needed to dig something up, they did not have to ask permission. Wait, so now your going to dig up the grass? No, it's just we have an easement. Go park in the parking lot. Whatever. It was just not a logical happening, and I felt driven to bring it to their attention. The rest of the walk was uneventful. It was a quick day in the office, and I had one chore to get done before I went and donated platelets. I always feel happy when I donate platelets. I like all the folks there, and enjoy visiting with them while I have a needle stuck in my arm. Plus, I reached another goal today, and got tickets to Alamo Draft House and a card for food while I'm there. When I started donating blood and platelets, I just did it because I wanted to, and that is still why I do it, but an occasional gimme is fun too. I had another great surprise this evening while I was watching the news...my friend Deb (of Deb and Jay) called and we talked and gossiped for 45 minutes. Deb and Jay moved to Vancouver, Washington, and we all miss them, and it was great to talk with her. Oh yeah, Dick and Marge and I booked our cruise tickets today, we are cruising on February 9th out of Galveston. I've done that same cruise at least twice before, but it is just fun to do it. Especially after I find the self serve soft ice cream machine! Come and go with us! Mike is going with me, and it will be a lot of fun! 

Volume 16 - Day 263/103, 2024 - Thursday

Well, well, well...it's Thursday, one of my favorite days of the week. I have seven favorite days of the week, but Thursday is one of my most favorites. My favoritist. It is just one more day until Friday, and that is really one of my favorites. There is nothing wrong with Thursday, but it's not Friday. Saturday is good too, but Sunday is towards the bottom. As far as Thursday's go, this one was pretty good. A good walk this morning, then some cereal, then off to the office. It has been slow in the office, it is that time of year for real estate stuff. I left the office about 1:30, and had no stops, and I had a 4 o'clock appointment at the house. All went well. Tomorrow will be an extra good day, I will be donating platelets, and I like doing that very much. I am not sure if that is creepy or not, but I like doing it. I don't have a lot of plans for the weekend, but there are five estate sales, and that is always interesting. This morning, after walking and feeding the girls, I trimmed some vines around the front patio, and now it actually looks less like Grey Gardens, and more like the Curious House. I have been craving catfish from Taylor lately, and I think I might fix that craving in the next week or so. Anybody want to go eat catfish?

Volume 16 - Day 262/104, 2024 - Wednesday

It's hump day, again. Paul did not walk this morning, so that gave me an excuse to bail. I used the extra time to get some stuff done, and to take a little nap before heading in to the office. It was a slow office day, and I headed home at about 1:30. No stops along the way, and I took advantage of the quiet time to take another nap. The full moon last night was great, but the partial eclipse was partial indeed. I kept going outside to look, and I was burdened by clouds or just the inability to take a decent photo with my cell phone. Do you think the photo accompanying this journal entry is a contradictory statement? I do. A stack of lemon oreos and a Diet Coke. Of course. It's kind of a negative and a positive equalling zero. But no, it doesn't really. It's still hot, and the television prognosticators are predicting a changing fall weather pattern. The first day of fall is on Sunday, but I think it will still be hot. No signs of any substantial rain in the forecast, ugh. Just more reason for everybody to be cranky, although it doesn't take too much for me to go full crazy!

Volume 16 - Day 261/105, 2024 - Tuesday

Paul and James and I walked this morning, but we did not have a ROMEO breakfast. I have been hungry all day. THe timer for my salmon is going to go off in about 5 minutes, so I have to make this journal entry kind of quick. All was good today, for the most part. I am conflicted...I got a notice from the girls vet that they needed a couple boosters in October. I called them to make an appointment for Saturday, October 12th, and they said they are no longer open on Saturdays. OMG. Not everyone is available to do everything during the week, although, honestly, I am, it is just something that I don't think is good. People need to take their pets to the vet on Saturdays. I get being closed on Sunday...but not Saturday. I made it to my 2:30 appointment, and along the way, I saw something I was not expecting. The photo accompanying this entry is the SRI SHIRDI SAI BABA TEMPLE of Austin. Beautiful! I believe I knew in the back of my pea brain that there was a facility in Leander, but these buildings are new since the last time I was there. Again, beautiful, and maybe tomorrow I will highlight some details of the facade. Exquisite! My 4 o'clock appointment called and rescheduled for Thursday afternoon, so I got an extra hour for myself. I am being just a little sluggish today after my Covid vaccine and flu shot yesterday, it is time for me to eat my dinner and sit in my big chair.

Volume 16 - Day 260/106, 2024 - Monday

Well, it is Monday, and as far as favorite days are concerned, it is not in the top five of my favorite days. Nothing terrible happened, it's just that there are four more days before the weekend. Paul and I had a nce walk this morning, and then it was off to the office after feeding the girls and myself. I made an appointment for my latest Covid vaccine and my annual flu shot. The 65+ flu shot. According to the paperwork, the Covid vaccine cost $198.99 and the flu shot cost $114.99. $313.98 for the two shots, and my receipt shows $0.00. Finally getting a return on my Social Security. Or something, not sure what. In a couple weeks, I will go in for the RSV shot, and in September, 2028, I will get the PrevNar 20 pneumonia shot. It is on my calendar. I did not really even feel the two shots (in the same are), and my are is really not sore...if I didn't know I had two shots in the same arm, I would not even be paying any attention to it. There seems to be some controversy about when the full moon is...Mrs. Google says it is tomorrow, but the local news (this morning) said it was today. I am going with Mrs. Google. It is also supposed to be a partial eclipse, and I need to pay attention to that. Tomorrow is ROMEO breakfast day, then I have a 2:30 appointment and a 4 o'clock appointment. Not too bad.

Volume 16 - Day 259/107, 2024 - Sunday

I had very few things on my chore list to get accomplished today, but I got it all done, and some extra stuff, too. After my walk with Paul, I fed the girls, had some cereal, watched a bit of Sunday Morning, and then had a burst of energy and trimmed back the morning glories in the back yard. It was apparently not a great day for photographing (documenting) my day, and this is the best I could do. Before I trimmed it back, you could not see the stone column, and about six feet of the fence was covered with morning glory vines. I am happy with the way I actually got it done, pretty much the way I planned it, too. After that, Marian and I decided to hit a couple of the estate sales we were at yesterday, and I had time to make a run to HEB before that. SO...I have food in the refrigerator, enough ice cream to last me two or three days, and I am pretty sure I will not starve in the near future. I have seven minutes left of the book I am listening to, and then I will search for a new one to start. For the rest of this evening, I will sit in front of the television with the girls, and watch the Emmys. I don't watch too much broadcast tv, but I might recognize a few of the nominees and maybe even some of the winners. Maybe.

Volume 16 - Day 258/108, 2024 - Saturday

I was wakened at 5:07AM by some red and blue flashing lights. I got up and opened the blinds, and I could see a cop car on the Parkway, and a couple people, but my curiosity was not enough to keep me out of the bed. I went back to bed, and a few minutes later, the lights were off and I assume the car was gone. I have no idea what was going on, and another curious thing is, there have not been any old ladies on Nextdoor exclaiming about attempted car thefts or break-ins. No telling, maybe there will be something in the next couple days. I had a nice walk with Paul this morning, and the accompanying photo is about the mid-point of our walk. Very nice. After the walk, I went down for a little nap, and then I went to four estate sales with Pam, Diane and Marian. They were not exciting, but I did spend about $20. There is a chance I may go back tomorrow and see what is left at half-off prices. After returning home from the sales, I ate some pizza, and went back down for naps. The girls and I were pretty much slugs for the rest of the day. I think football season has started, and I am already tired of it, it totally interferes with my television viewing, and even I can only watch so much television about murders and Nazis. Ugh.

Volume 16 - Day 257/109, 2024 - Friday

It seems to be the cost of everyday things that surprises me most. I know I have mentioned this before, but I ordered a pizza and some cheese bread this afternoon, and I did tip the guy, and it was $40. Granted that is going to be a minimum of three meals and a snack or two, and you can't really go anywhere these days and have a meal for $13.50 or so, so I guess I just need to shut up. Maybe I will, but it is still kind of a surprise. If you ask the girls, they will tell you it was a totally outrageous expense, but that is only because I did not offer them any of it. I continue to explain to them that, they never offer to share their food with me, so... I had a leisurely morning after my walk with Paul, and I got in to the office about 10 o'clock. It was the end of a not-so-bad week, and that was nice. Carrie and I went on a tour of three or four of her properties, and we even checked out a couple of mine. Mission accomplished. I threatened to stop for fast food on the way home, but I opted for slow food and I timed the delivery so I would be eating about the same time as the girls. I am pretty well done for the day, looking forward to estate sales tomorrow, and doing a few chores around the Curious House. I really need to vacuum, but I don't want to get too crazy. That notion will likely pass before too long. 

Volume 16 - Day 256/110, 2024 - Thursday

It was a nice walk this morning with Paul, there were lots of pups along the way that recognize me, and they get rewarded with treats. It's a great way to get to know folks in the neighborhood. I can sometimes remember the dogs names, but seldom the neighbors names. I never have been good at remembering peoples names. I got in to the office at about 9:30, and today was the day we process funds to our Landlords. We got that done by mid-day, and I took off about 1:30. I took kind of a long way home, by way of the McDonald's on North Lamar. I did not have to make any other stops along the way, and I made it home with no issues. Do you remember when checking the mail was kind of fun, because you usually got something interesting? I would say that 95% of the mail I get on a daily basis goes right into the shredder. It's kind of a disappointment. I did take a short nap when I got home, and I went down to Jimmie and Linda's to watch Only Murders in the Building, and then we played a couple games of Rummikub, I don't think I have won a single game, but it is fun and quick. I am thinking tomorrow will be a quiet day, and then I will be happy to enjoy the weekend. Except for the heat and humidity part. There are estate sales on Saturday, and maybe a brunch or dinner thrown in. It will all be good.

Volume 16 - Day 255/111, 2024 - Wednesay

Honestly, this was a zip-a-dee-doo-dah kind of day. Well, the morning anyway. Paul and I had a nice walk, and it is warming up outside. High 90s for the next several days, forecast to be 99 on Saturday. I feel bad for the people in the path of the zHurricane Francine, but we were hoping to get some rain out of it. I got a couple things done that we have spent WEEKS (maybe months) working on in the office, so that was a feeling of accomplishment. I had one in-person meeting this morning, and a zoom meeting in the afternoon. Here is where things went south. I got a check in the mail a couple weeks ago, and I took it to the bank to cash it. I did not pay any attention to the date, and neither did the bank. I went to cash another check today on that particular account, and the cashier said that account had a debit balance. I was not a happy camper. I told them to send the check back, and I would go inside and get this straightened out. Well, it seems that I was supposed to have received this check in July of 2022, and I never got it. I have no idea where the check has been, but it was just delivered. By this time, that company was sold to another company, and I have spent a lot of time today trying to figure out who should be re-issuing the check. It kind of made the zip leave my doo-dah, but I am pretty sure it will all work out in the end. So far I have talked with one nice man with one company and on mean woman from the company that was sold. Tomorrow, I will start working on yet a third company, and see where I get. If you're lucky, you may get a blue bird on your shoulder!

Volume 16 - Day 254/112, 2024 - Tuesday

There was no walk for me today, and there was no ROMEO breakfast, but I think these two count as Total Strangers, so this is my Total Stranger Tuesday picture. AND...I am not sure what is worse for my television viewing...politics or football. I don't care to see either of them on television, but I will tune in tonight just to see what happens. This journal entry is not leaning either direction, so shut the front door. Yes, I am talking to you. I had an appointment at the Curious House this afternoon at 2:30, so I made it home with 4 minutes to spare. I have little bugs in the house, mostly around the window in the front bedroom. If they were in cereal, I would say they were weevils, but there is no food source where I find them. The pest control man did not really know what they are (that is not comforting), but he sprayed inside and outside all the windows in the house, and I will pay attention to see if they reappear. I have a couple meetings tomorrow, one is an in-person meeting and the other one is a zoom. I know where the zoom meeting is originating from, so I may make them both in-person meetings. Our cool temperatures are a thing of the past now, 98 degrees predicted for Saturday. We will survive, I am confident of that. If I survive the evening, I expect I will go for a walk with Paul tomorrow...that is, unless we win the Mega Millions prize. I will be checking my numbers in themorning.

Volume 16 - Day 253/113, 2024 - Monday

Monday, Monday...so good to me...Monday morning, it was all, I hoped it would be. Oh Monday morning, you gave me no warning, of what was to be... Yep, that pretty much sums it up. Honestly, nothing terrible happened today, just a series of minuscule defeats, not just for me, but for a lot of people. Perhaps the moon is in Uranus or something, not sure. But...because of that, I did get a chance to watch a couple videos of the Mamas and Papas. I always liked them! Paul and I had a nice walk this morning, and so I am regaling you with the temperature reading this morning. Two in a row low morning temperatures. The whole thing will be over tomorrow, so there may be one more, but then the temperatures and the humidity goes back up. 98 degrees forecast for Saturday. I got in to the office and things were pretty typical, just lots of things to touch on my desk. Even so, I left at about 2:30, and got home about 3:30. I forgot that Linda and Jimmie sent me some cornbread and black eyed peas about a week ago, and that is what I had for dinner tonight. Yummy good. They sent me home with soup last night, too, so I am fixed for a few more days. I need to go water some potted plants in the front, but all is good in the back until tomorrow. 

Volume 16 - Day 252/114, 2024 - Sunday

I was certainly nice to wake up to temperatures in the low 60s, and I think the humidity had decreased as well. More fake fall, I don't think this is going to last very long...maybe through Thursday, and then back up into the 90s during the day. Paul and I had a good walk, sweaters were not required. I had several bursts of energy after the walk, and I unfortunately found Sunday Morning not interesting. I got a couple pictures hung (now not too many still leaning against the wall), cut the suckers off the crepe myrtle, got the outside house lights all synchronized again, and a few other little chores. I decided to check the seats available for Beetle Juice Beetle Juice and bought a ticket even though it was not a great seat. It wasn't a lousy seat either, so that was okay. I enjoyed the movie, and the reviews have been mixed. It was not as entertaining as the original, but I enjoyed it. One of the best parts of the movie was the Donna Summer music playing. One of the worst parts was the $12 I paid for a small popcorn and a small diet Coke. Whatever. When I left the movie, I put the top down, and that was GREAT. Beautiful weather for the top down. I had dinner tonight with Val and Paulina, and it was good, and the company is always good. After I got home, I was invited down to Jimmie and Lindas and we played a couple games of the board game that they are trying to teach me how to play. It's fun and fast, and there is a lot to be said for fun and fast. I opened windows this morning, and they are opened now, so I am glad to get some fresh air in the house. I'll take advantage of that as long as I can.

Volume 16 - Day 251/115, 2024 - Saturday

I have seen these little white flowers every now and then on my morning walks with Paul, but today, I decided to pay attention. I walk past lovely things like this on a daily basis, and today, I decided I should stop and pay attention. I tried to identify it on-line, and the closest I can get to it is (maybe) a wild onion. Maybe. Prepare yourself to see things I generally don't pay attention to for the next few days. Tune it! There were five estate sales that I attended today, alone, but Marian, Pam and Diane must have known that it was going to be a crappy day for sales. I spent $9, $5 of that on a table game that I have learned how to play recently with Jimmie and Linda. The game they have is apparently the deluxe version, but the one I bought will do just fine. While I was out, I made a stop at Home Depot and the giant, always jam packed HEB. It was not a truly terrible experience, and I did get in a few thousand more steps while I was there. AND, I always, ALWAYS fet in the wrong checkout lines. Bank lines, too. Then it was time for a nap. and after that, I drove out to the farm, just to see what was going on. Nothing much, really, but civilization in creeping out that way. Then home, a pimento cheese flip for dinner, and I am about to be done for the day. I only have one thing left on my chore list, and I should be able to get that done tomorrow with no problems. Dinner tomorrow with Paulina, Val and Oliver, that will be fun.

Volume 16 - Day 250/116, 2024 - Friday

Thank GOODNESS it's Friday. Humming bird sightings have been on the decline for the last week or ten days, but I cleaned and refilled the feeders yesterday. I am pretty sure they are close to making their migration south really soon, but I did it anyway. I did see two or three hummers in the back this evening, and I did see one take advantage of the feeders. Fingers crossed. I need to retract my statement about rain chances I noted yesterday. Shortly after I finished the entry, I started raining and we got almost a quarter-inch of rain. Perfect. Another day of not having to water. There is a system in the Gulf right now, which has a pretty good chance of bringing us some rain next week, and I will keep an eye on that. It was kind of a hectic day in the office today, but regardless, I left and headed home about 1:30. A months worth of dog food was delivered late this morning, and I wanted to get home and get it in the freezer before it got defrosted. It's packed with dry ice, so it should last, but I just want to be careful. The picture with this entry is what 28 days worth of food for two dogs looks like in the garage freezer. There are five estate sales tomorrow, and I think I will be going solo. All the regulars have other plans, but I don't, so it's estate sale Saturday. I have a couple other errands to get taken care of, and I also was to go see Beetlejuice Beetlejuice either tomorrow or Sunday. The reviews in the paper today were not kind, but that doesn't matter to me, I will go see it and form my own opinion.

Volume 16 - Day 249/117, 2024 - Thursday

OMG! I went out in the back yard with the girls a little while ago, and it is 82 degrees. I did not break a sweat. I'm leery, however, as I have said, I think this is just Fake Fall. Paul and I had a nice walk this morning, and it was kind of breezy, so that, too, was nice. I am ready to win the Mega Millions jackpot tomorrow night, somewhere north of $700 Million. I will even be happy to pay my taxes on the windfall. Once again, football is ruining my life. It has pre-empted Wheel of Fortune and that puts me at a loss for what to watch. I will be okay from 8 until 9PM, but otherwise, I am without purpose. My day was rather uneventful. but it is Thursday, and that means lunch from Sandy's. Always a treat, and no need for dinner. I had a couple errands to take care of on the way home, and tomorrow afternoon I will need to make a quick stop at HEB for really important things. I have quit using the Farmer's Dog dog food, and now the girls are eating Nom Nom. Tomorrow, I am scheduled to have 56 packets of frozen pouches delivered, which will take us through 28 days. So far, the girls like it (they liked Farmer's Dog, too, but the packaging was really terrible). I am not 100% thrilled with the Nom Nom packaging either, but it is easier than Farmer's Dog. I am pretty sure the rain is finished for the near term, but at least I have been able to go two or three days without watering anything, which I am very appreciative of. There are five estate sales this weekend, and I have a few chores that need to get completed too, so I will stay somewhat occupied, but still able to work in a couple naps.

Volume 16 - Day 248/118, 2024 - Wednesday

It was not raining this morning when Paul and I started out, but it started when we were about a third of the way finished. We decided we did not really want to trust the weather, so we cut our walk short. That was good for me because I needed to be in the office a little earlier than usual. I spritzed rain off an on during the drive, but nothing major. Since my journal entry yesterday, the gauge in the back yard registered 0.98". Good job. The rain chances are tapering off, and the heat factor is going down as well. I have no fantasy that summer is over, we are just experiencing what I call 'fake fall.' It happens every year. The sun has come out in the last hour or so, which is kind of typical for this year. I was hungry all afternoon, and I wanted to stop on the way home for some fast food. But I didn't. I decided I would order a pizza at 4 o'clock. But I didn't. I have a bag of salad in the refrigerator, with some boiled eggs, so I had a salad for dinner. I will top it off with ice cream and lemon cookies (thank you Mikey), which will negate the whole salad thing. In addition to the Prevagen I try to remember to take every morning, I do a cross word puzzle when I can find one, and I do these word search things. I finally finished one of the word search books...it took me 278 days to finish 104 puzzles, averaging 2.68 days per puzzle. I'm not sure if that calculation is correct or not, but at least I finished the book. I have several more books laying in wait, so I may go off the deep end before too long.

Volume 16 - Day 247/119, 2024 - Tuesday

Well, we are in the middle of a nice bit of rain, and since this morning, we have received a little more that 3/4". We will take it, no questions asked. I think it may continue to rain for another couple of hours, and that will be great. Paul and I walked this morning, and then we met with Rick for a ROMEO breakfast. Since it was breakfast AND it was Tuesday, that means it is/was Total Stranger Tuesday. This particular stranger (victim) was having breakfast with her husband, and they were both very cautious when I went up to them. BUT, she rethought the whole thing, and actually looks like she was comfortable when I took the photo. It was her husbands birthday (I assume it was her husband), and that is the second time I have interrupted someones birthday breakfast to take a picture. I also think it is the hair that makes me look less threatening to people. Thoughts? After breakfast, it was on to the office, and it was relatively calm for being the first of the month. I left the office about 2:30, and made it home with no trouble, and dropped of a piece of mail at the post office. After dinner, I went back down to Jimmie and Linda's and we watched another episode of Only Murders in the Building and played another round of the game that I am still just learning how to play. Now, even though it is 9 o'clock, I am going to go and check the mail. 

Volume 16 - Day 246/120, 2024 - Monday - Labor Day

Well, I think it is fitting (Since today is Labor Day) that I might have found a solution to the flag getting caught on the gutters all the time. Basically, all I did was to lower the flag pole holder by about four inches. I did that yesterday afternoon, and so far, there has not been a repeat of the flag getting caught on the gutters. It was raining this morning, so there was no walk. Honestly, it only rained a little but, but I am not fond of walking in the rain. I have been caught in good rains when I thought it would be just a little bit of rain. It has sprinkled off and on throughout the day, and in the last 24 hours, my gauge has registered less than a tenth of an inch. We have had a couple good showers this evening, and we may get a little more rain over night. Fingers crossed. I did laundry today, changed bed linens, all that stuff. I also went in to Austin and donated some platelets, and then went by the office. Jimmie and Linda invited me down, and we watched Only Murders in the Building, and after that we played a game (not really a board game), but a game I had never heard of, but it was fun. We played one round, and I was back home by about 8:30. Let's discuss the Tale of Two What-A-Burgers. As I noted yesterday in this journal, I stopped at What-A-Burger in Cedar Park (maybe Leander) yesterday. I ordered two Just-A-Burgers with ketchup and cheese added, and a medium order of fries. The total was close to $10.50 ( don't remember the exact amount, but I got four dollars and some change back from $15. Today, in Austin, I ordered exactly the same thing, and it was under $10. It just seems like that exact order should be the same cost wherever I am in central Texas. No telling...

Volume 16 - Day 245/121, 2024 - Sunday

I am officially an old man. I have suspected it for quite some time, and even made remarks to friends about it, but over the past week, it has been confirmed. I get honked at on an almost daily basis by people driving behind me, beside me, and sometimes just near me. What am I doing wrong? I was driving down Leander Road this morning, doing about 55 miles an hour (that might be the speed limit, I'm not sure), and a woman behind me laid on her horn for about a mile. Holy shit! The other day, I was going down the Southwest Bypass, and a car blew its' horn and crossed a double yellow line to pass me. I have NEVER thought I was a slow driver, in fact I have always thought of myself as kind of a speeder. I haven't had a speeding ticket in a couple years, and I don't really want any more, but I am tired of the horn honking. Yesterday, I was driving Oliver home, we were minding our own business, and someone honked. Not sure it was at me or near me, or if there is a sign on the back of the car that says 'Honk to see if your horn works.' I am, however, over it. I did a good bit of driving today, trying to get some retail therapy, and got much of what I was looking for. But no sheets. I am looking for king size sheet sets with SHALLOW pockets. I hate the fitted sheets with DEEP pockets. Any help on that is welcome. Today, I was at Walmart (you have NEVER heard me say that), Target, At Home, two different Home Depots and What-A-Burger. By the time I got home, I was over the therapy part. In the middle of all that, I cruised the section of Parkside Parkway that is on the other side of the South Fork of the San Gabriel River. They are working towards connecting the two sides of the Parkway, which will also entail building a bridge over the river. I don't expect that work to be done for another couple years. We shall see. See photo, and look how pretty the clouds are. I also repositioned the flag out front. I moved it down about four inches, now we will see if it can still get caught up in the gutters.