A PARTIAL UPDATE

I've been running up and down the roads again. Last friday I drove to Chicago and visited Mike and Cindi. I delivered some candy I had picked up at Maxwell's Market to them and also some I had picked up for Lyric. And, of coarse, enjoyed Lyric's 'sampling' each kind. After a very nice visit, I returned home on Sunday. Tuesday I called Molly and visited with her for a while, then Gerald took the phone and ask if I would haul a set of 'dozer rails to Hannibal for him. I said I would (He totaled out his 'big' pickup recently, so he only has his car and that old ranger I gave him) I went down wednesday to find the person that was going to load them was temporarily unavailable. We did get them loaded about 2:30, a little too late to try to get to Altorfer's in Hannibal before they closed for the day. Thursday, we met in Wayland, and went on down and got them delivered. I knew they were heavy, but measuring the bumper height with them on and again after they was unloaded. The rear bumper was 9 inches higher after the rails were unloaded!
Oh, anyone that doesn't know, Rails are the 'links' of the tracks. Gerald bought a new set and we took them down to have new 'pads' put on them. Eventually, when they're done and put on, his 'dozer will be "well shod".
Today, I only went to Mt.Pleasant, became distracted, and only done about 1/2 of what I had intended to do. (getting forgetful in my old age) I'm going to have to start making a list! ! !
In case I don't post again before then: MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

Back on the "Net"

I've been fighting this "thing" for the last two days. I finally got my camera working right, and tryed to 'file' some pictures. I don't know what I done wrong, but I got into something I couldn't get out of. I couldn't even shut the thing off! I managed to get out of it a little while ago. I was getting ready to call Caleb and let him figure it out. I get SO disgusted with this "$1000 nintendo" at times I could scream - however I don't think the neighbors would appreciate what I'd be screaming! :)
I'm not looking forward to the next few days. Ch. 6 is forecasting 6 to 10 inches of snow with 40 to 50 mph winds! then it's s'posed to get colder than . . . well, use your imagination! The phrases that come to my mind I won't post!

Oscar likes Doritos

I found out today Oscar Mayer (One of my Dachshund boys) likes Doritos. I had a few left in the bag (left over from Caleb's visit). Oscar tore the bag open (without spilling a single one) and cleaned out the bag. He made no commotion that would draw the attention of the other dogs, he obviously didn't want to share! I wasn't about to stop him he was sneaky to keep it from the other dogs i was chuckling too much!

A RECORD YEAR (for me)

2009 is the ONLY year that I have Bar-be-qued at least once every month! I didn't know whether I'd get one in during December, but today was so nice I had to complete my record! I seriously doubt that there will be another day the rest of the year that will be nice enough. For a record setting cool, damp summer that is amazing that I found at least one day nice enough to fire up the grill. The last forecast I heard it is supposed to really cool off for the next week or so.

THE LAST FEW DAYS . . .

I've been running up and down the roads lately - Friday I went to Chicago and spent the night with Mike and Cindi and spent a DELIGHTFUL day with Lyric, Cindi, and Mike saturday. If anyone doesn't know - I love that little girl dearly! She is the sweetest little girl, I've run across in a LONG time! I arrived home about 1:20 Sunday morning, Checked my Emails and had one from my cousin's husband, updating me on Faith's progress (she recently had breast cancer surgery). I printed that out and went to Molly and Gerald's sunday to keep Molly updated. I learned that Gerald was to go to Columbia today to have a cardiac cath. done ( he's been having some angina pain lately) He had a 5 way bypass a few years ago. Today, Heatilator had their 'Holiday Dinner' for employees and retirees. I went to that, more to visit with the people than for the dinner (it wasn't bad either) but I spent about 4 hours wandering around the plant visiting with people. This evening I took the new puppy to Mike and Linda's to have it's picture taken and Emailed to Lyric's Mother (possible future owner) The puppy has a little blue in each eye but they are primarily brown. She is black and tan! When I left Friday she didn't have her eyes open yet when got home Sunday both eyes were open.
That's about as much as I know (or even suspect) for now. HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!

ANYONE OUT THERE ? ? ?

i'm beginning to wonder if ANYONE is reading this blog - Kelly is the only one that has left any comment on anything I've written for "a month of sundays." Of coarse I can't say too much, I haven't posted for a goodly period of time. Not much happening around here, primarily rain and chilly temps.
All Emails are welcome - this '$1000 nintendo' lost all my "contacts", so till I get some Emails my ability to send any is very limited! I'll learn sometime to write down stuff instead of depending on this 'thing'.
I do have a recent addition to my 'family'. Scarlott presented me with a new puppy the 3rd of November (thank goodness, it was only one) a little black & tan female. If everything goes like I'm planning, that will be the last one! The Vet will be smiling all the way to the bank when I take my "little ladies" to be "fixed".
That's about all I know (or even suspect) If I can post this, that's questionable, I keep getting a message "could not contact Blogger.com" then it comes back "saving" so I don't know if this will post or not!

A LOST EVENING

Yesterday I had a lost evening (in more ways than one) I saw an ad on t.v. for an event at the "Quad Cities Expo Center". I decided to go up there. I had no idea where in the Quad City area it was so I stopped and got directions at 1st a service station, in Davenport, 2nd at a station in Moline. 3rd at Toys R Us in Moline and finally from a couple ladies in a church parking lot. I finally found it! I was beginning to think NO ONE in the Quad Cities knew for sure where it was. When I finally found it, I found I had totally wasted my time going. I did enjoy ride up there and however fustrating getting run all over Moline and Rock Island was I did see a lot of stuff i'd heard of on t.v. and had never seen. (businesses, etc) and was sent down a rather neat cul-de-sac. I was on some streets finding my way back out to I 280 (I knew if I kept going south I would eventually HAVE to come across it and could find my way out) It turned out to be a rather interesting (and amusing) evening. I don't remember being 'lost' since Linda was admitted to Genesis Hospital in Jan 2006 and I got disoriented leaving. That wasn't nearly as amusing as this time was!

An Update

There hasn't been a whole lot to blog about lately - till this week. I went to Chicago wednesday. Cindi had invited me to come there and attend "DCA Theater" with them. They were re-creating 2 radio theater shows. The first was "SUSPENSE On A Country Road" that was originally broadcast November 16, 1950. The second was "Baby Snooks" program that was first broadcast November 1, 1946. It was a really enjoyable evening, It did make me realize how OLD I am! I can remember when we used to listen to Radio theater every evening. I don't remember 'Baby Snooks' but I do remember 'suspense' 'the lone ranger' 'gunsmoke' and 'johney dollar' I wonder how many people even remember radio theater!
We then went to "Carson's" for Dinner (You can't beat Carsons for bar-be-que). I spent the night and Thursday at the Kurczewski's and returned home thursday night getting home at 1:43 A.M. friday morning. I'm working now to get back on a normal sleeping schedule.
WHAT A FLOOD OF MEMORYS of "the good old days" that in retrospect weren't good at all!
I'm gonna sign off - Watching The HAWKEYES vs MICHIGAN and trying to blog isn't working.

What a Week . . .

This last week has been a real depressing time: Tuesday, My good friend, Ron Elmore's wife passed away. Wednesday, My cousin Faith Copeland had surgery for breast cancer. Friday, things finally started looking up a little. The surgery was (or appears to have been) totally successful! I went to Cindi's again to celebrate Lyric's 4th birthday on saturday. She was treated to a haircut and pedicure at Sweet and Sassy salon. The five of us, Sarah, Lyric, Cindi, Mike and I all went to Outback for a fantastic dinner, complete with birthday cake and present opening! She had a wonderful time, as we all did! Hopefully, this week will be a little less stressfull!

I CAN'T BELIEVE IT ! ! !

That last blog - at the point where I quit, This thing redialed the internet - I was sure I had totally lost what I had written. However, I came back to make one more attempt and to my absolute surprise it had posted every word I had typed!
I'm gonna quit while I'm ahead!

2nd attempt

I just tryed to write a blog and lost connection again (or STILL)
I went to Midwest Old Settlers and Threshers Reunion for a bit thursday morning: My primary goal I achieved, I picked up a "T" shirt with "Midwest Central Railroad" and a picture of their #6 locomotive (steam - narrow guage) "Mt. Pleasant Iowa" on it for Lyric. I couldn't find out for sure what size she needed so I bought one size bigger than I thought was right. My thought was
if it is too big - she'll grow into it, But if it's too small it would be pretty hard to shrink her!
Then Friday I went to Mike and Cindi's and assisted them in putting their entertainment center together. Sat evening we went to "Carson's" for dinner. (A fantastic b-b-que restraunt) During out dinner Cindi told me how Caleb had loved their sauce and she had intended to get some for him to take home, then during their conversations it had slipped her mind. She picked up a bottle sat. and I got it delivered to him today.

This damn thing won't Stay Connected

I've been trying REAL HARD to post a blog about my 'wwithdrawal symptoms' - last Sat was the season championship races at 34 Raceway- but all this thing would post was the title!
Needless to say I'm not happy with Iowa Telecom right now! ! !

WITHDRAWAL AGAIN !

WITHDRAWAL AGAIN !

WITHDRAWAL AGAIN !

TWO YEARS IN A ROW ! ! !

The old 1936 Case R C that my dad bought at Charlie Hine's auction - and Mom gave to Gerald and Molly after Dad's death, Gerald Restored has won "Best restored tractor" at Memphis, Mo. Antique Days. To win it ONCE is great, but two years in a row - I don't think that has happened before!
I was given the privelege of driving it in the Parade. And was able to give a little history to people that asked about it. The things that had been added since it's manufacture, what it looked like when Gerald aquired it, etc. And on a personal level the times I used to romp over out pasture with it when I was a young man (Many MANY years ago). Another note of intrest Dad was working for Charlie driving that tractor plowing Dec. 7, 1942, And was told of the attack on Pearl Harbor when he arrived at the house that evening.
I'm gonna sign off, and head to 34 raceway! right after I plug in my cell phone - It just started beeping at me - Low Battery!

RELIVING THE PAST

I mowed the yard today, as I was mowing the front yard it hit me, I mowed the front yard three years ago today! Linda and I was planning to go to Memphis the next day. Gerald was planning on me driving my old IH340 in the parade. Linda didn't care much about the tractors but enjoyed the 'street vendors' that had various things for sale, Cookies, Ice Cream, along with other "goodies" she probably shouldn't have had.
Three years ago I didn't get the yard finished (I did today). I had to quit to get ready for work, I came in and showered and dressed for work and informed Linda it wouldn't take long to finish mowing sunday. We disscussed what time we needed to leave for Mo. the next morning, then we each left for work - NEVER suspecting that was the last time we'd talk! About 10:00 P.M. a Tool & Die worker informed I had someone wanting to see me, that it was a family emergency. I went out and was met by Mike and Linda, Mike started to tell me and wasn't able to get the words out. Linda then informed me Linda was gone. The Hospital had tried to contact me at work, but the phone system was messed up and Linda had listed Mike as secondary contact in case of emergency. They had finally called him. I called Cindi and Jeff on the cell phone on my drive home. I was supposed to call the Hosp. Chaplin when I got home, He ask if I wanted to come to the hosp. tonight or in the morning? Knowing I wasn't going to sleep that night anyway. I said I'd be down there in about 30 minutes, enroute I called Tony (my brother) and informed him - He went out and met me at the hospital.
Linda was an Organ Donor: So after making arrangements for her to be taken to Elliott's Chapel in New London, I was put in contact with Iowa Donors Network where I was put through the "Third Degree" about her medical history and was informed that "due to her history and the way she died, Probably the only "organs" they would be able to use for transplant, would be the bones in her arms and legs.
I arrived back at this EMPTY house probably about 2:30 or 3:00 A.M. I sat down in the recliner and Cloe (Matt's little dachund) hopped up in my lap and normally she would lick the bottom of my nose 3 or 4 times, then I'd put her down in my lap and say "That's enough" and it over! That night, I let her lick 3 or 4 times then put her in my lap and said "That's enough!" It was almost like she was on a spring, She was right back up there licking. I didn't know dogs could be so sensitive. She knew something was wrong!
After three years, it's interesting, I can almost repeat word-for-word the conversations that took place that night!
It's 1:30, so I better go to bed and see if I can sleep any better than my feeble attempts three years ago. I don't know!

3rd attempt at an update!

This is my 3rd attempt to post a blog . . . for a change, it's my fault not the computers!
I don't quite know where to start. I've been a little busy but not anything worth talking about, until last weekend. I left Friday morning and went to Mike and Cindi's for Cindi's 'annual Linda E. Harris memorial bar-be-que' She always has a 'get together' on the week-end closest to August 25th (the anniversary of Linda's death). Linda always enjoyed bar-be- queing and it is always an enjoyable time and helps fight the depression that comes to us on that date. Mike put a lot of effort into preparation of the food we enjoyed Saturday evening. I enjoyed visiting with all the guests - and listening to the 'chatter' amongst them. I left Sat. night and drove home arriving at 3:08 Sunday morning, so I could attend Roy and Sherrie Raines (Caleb's other grandparents) 40th anniversary celebration. NO WONDER I'm so fat - every blog I'm talking about how well I've eaten! The Raines'es had a hog roast with a BUNCH of guests and a lot of very tasty food! I've spent most of today recuperating from a busy weekend! This afternoon I spent a couple hours visiting with an old neighbor.
Next weekend I've been kind of torn as to whether to go to Jack and Em's (Linda's aunt and uncle) "family reunion/picnic" at Clorinda, Iowa. Or going to Molly and Gerald's to see Gerald's restored tractors being in the Memphis "antique days" Parade. I've pretty much decided to go to Memphis. Linda enjoyed the 'antique days' of 2005 and we had planned to go down Aug.26th,2006, She was looking forward to going down the next day on the day she passed away. PLUS it's a lot less driving! And I think Gerald is kinda wanting me to drive Dad's old 1936 Case RC in the parade - we'll see! Personally, I'd rather watch the parade than be in it! But if everyone 'just watched' it wouldn't be much of a parade!
While the computer is still not causing me any grief I better go ahead and post this!

PICNIC WEEK

This last week has been "picnic week". It started with the Access Energy picnic and business meeting on tuesday, then Heatilator had their 'company picnic' saturday. Mike and Linda had invited me to Linda's family reunion/60th anniversary celebration for her parents on sunday in Nauvoo Illinois. PLUS: I had dinner with Mike and Linda on both Thursday and Friday ( They are probably going to claim me as an exemption on next years taxes). Today, I'm back to cooking for myself.
I'm assuming Mike and Cindi are still alive and kicking - I haven't heard anything from Cindi since I was there (NO calls, NO Emails, NO new blogs) I figure I'm safe to "bad-mouth" her on my blog because if she doesn't read blogs any more often than she posts - I'm SAFE
I went to Molly and Gerald's last week to chat for a little bit and retrieve some pictures I had taken down to show them. (pictures Cindi had sent me + a couple I had taken of Lyric when we went to the Z-O-O. I had forgotten to pick them up before I left on a prior visit. Molly had put them in a beautiful frame. So now I have a Beautiful little girl smiling down at me from the shelf above my computer when I'm 'blogging, reading Emails, etc.' I'm just glad she can't hear me when this thing is giving me fits!
CLOSED CIRCUIT TO SUSIE: Returning from Nauvoo, I drove down the "river road" and crossed the river at Keokuk. I thought about giving you and Dennis a call but was under some time constraint. I did think about you two though!
I talked to Jeff on the phone friday. He seems to be doing O.K.

HOME AGAIN !

I just arrived home a short while ago from Chicago, where I spent two nights and a day + with the Kurczewski's. I hadn't been there for a while. It was good to see them and catch up with the visiting. Mike had to go to work today, so my visiting with him was a little limited. I had a delightful dinner with them and Sarah and Lyric.
I figured Sarah would probably shoot me - I took Lyric a harmonica. But she took it very well, enough so that I joked with her that for Lyric's birthday, I was planning to bring a BIG BASE DRUM! Needless to say, that was politely declined! (I think there was even a threat made!)
My dogs were glad to see me. No attention for two days ! ! ! They seemed to go on a 'hunger strike' until I got home. They had scarcely touched the food I left for them, till I returned. Then they gorged themselves. Now they're all sprawled out on the floor at my feet and in the recliners. Exausted from 'sentry duty' I guess. They are good watch dogs - They would stand and watch intruders carry off the whole place.
I could ramble on - BUT, this computer is 'threatening me' again. Thus, I think I better save what I have!

ATTEMPT No. 2

I just attempted to post a blog. This lousy Iowa Telecom connection lost the whole thing! With the moisture we've been getting trying to stay connected is nearly impossible, Not that I had a lot to say, but it get annoying when this thing won't stay 'hooked up'!
I had a good visit with Matthew Kaarlela (Mike and Cindi's first landlord in Chicago) When he came through Mt. Pleasant while riding in RAGBRAI.
I'm gonna give up. I just (again) got a message "Could not contact Blogger.com, Saving and publishing may fail. Retrying ..." So I'm not going to type a lot then lose it again

Official Vacation Week

If you read the blog Cindi posted yesterday, you know this would have been Linda and my 35th anniversary! All the years I worked at Heatilator, I always took the week that contained July 20th as my vacation week. Linda NEVER liked watching car racing. She went to 34 raceway with me ONCE before we were married. Our 10th anniversary was on a Saturday. Jeff wanted to go to the races. I told him I took that week off to do what Linda wanted to do on our anniversary. Linda informed me, we could go if we wanted. I refused saying I intended to spend the 20th with HER. After some "arm twisting" whining etc. Jeff got her to agree to go with us. That was the second (and last) time she went to the races with me. As our 20th anniversary grew close, I told her "You went to the races before we were married, and when we were married 10 years, you're due to go with me again." I'll never forget her reply, "If that's what it takes to keep this marriage together, you just as well file for divorce right now."
Her assessment was "They're noisy, It's dirty, And all they do is drive in circles!" However, she was impressed when 4 sprint drivers attended Matt's funeral. And when Tyson Hart had "In memory of Matt Harris" painted on his sprint car. She made it a point to take her camera to the "car show" at westland mall to get a picture of Ty's car! I later had Dennis Krieger print three Photos of that car, one for us, a 11 x 14, and 2 8 x10's one for Cindi and one for Jeff.
She also never missed a chance to comment on being married to "an older man" (2 years) but you would have thought it was more like 30 or 40 years.
Cindi was absolutely right in her June 24th Blog "People that say 'time heals all wounds' have never lost someone they LOVED" She wrote more descriptively and elequently than I can! That's nothing new though, she could from about the 3rd grade on. Linda always thought she should have studied journalism in college. However, she never tried to influence any decision that Cindi made about schooling, EXCEPT she would have had a FIT if Cindi had shown any interest in going to nurses training! Linda was an excellent nurse and (she would proably denied it) enjoyed being a nurse. Anyone she cared for had nothing but praise for her. Not many people work the last day of their life and die from natural causes less than an hour after finishing their shift.

In other news: I normally dread to hear that RAGBRAI is passing through Mt. Pleasant and wish they would use a different route. This year I'm suddenly am looking forward to them getting to Mt. Pleasant. Mike and Cindi's former landlord is riding in it and is supposed to give me a call when they get to Mt. P. He's a really GREAT guy and I'm looking forward to visiting with him and taking him to dinner - somewhere other than Mt. Pleasant. All the restaurants there will be "snowed under" with the other riders.

A LATE 4th OF JULY!

I went to knoxville raceway saturday. Their races on the 4th were rained out so they had their fireworks display a week late. That was my first trip to knoxville this year (I've been going to 34 raceway in burlington - MUCH CLOSER) I couldn't have picked a better week to go to Knoxville. They had "double feature" night scheduled for the 410 sprints and then of coarse the delayed fireworks. That made a GREAT night! I had kinda planned to go to 34 to watch Dennis Schulte and Jeromy Harris race, then I found out Dennis couldn't make it, and Jeromy's class wasn't scheduled to run that night so I went to Knoxville.
Sunday, I picked up Caleb at the R.R. station in Mt.Pleasant from his stay with Mike and Cindi. It sounded like he had really nice time up there. I arranged to be the one to pick him up, so I could get the details of his trip. He was very impressed with nearly everything they done and every resturant they patronized, It's always interesting to get his youthful and enthusiastic report on what took place!
On another note: My computer can't always (if ever) tell time. I'm going to post this and it's 10:30 P.M.

GENERAL RAMBLINGS

I haven't had much of anything too noteworthy to blog about recently. I found out last sunday my aunt (Anna Margaret Jones) had recently suffered a stroke - evidently fairly light - she is home and has a theropist visiting her off and on during the week. She seemed in good spirits.
I am sad to say, I ran over one of my doxies last week. "John Morrell" dug out under the "puppy fence" and run in front of the rear wheel of my pickup. He was one of the "twins" that I was wanting to get rid of - BUT NOT THAT WAY! ! !
I got the yard mowed this week - it only took 2 days! I went out tues. morning the sun was shining so I fired up the mower. I got the "Big yard" mowed and drug the 'push' mower up and mowed about 1/3 of the 'puppy yard' and doggone if it didn't start raining. So I covered the mower with a tarp and went out Wed. and mowed the rest of it. I'm beginning to think I'm not supposed to get it done in one day! Last week, it was 3 days-dodging rain drops.
Anyone interested - The last pup (the only one of the last litter I haven't sold) I've given the temporary name "Louis Rich R.R.R." The louis part comes from him being a 'turkey'dog, and the R R R comes from him arguing with me! we frequently argue Arf Arf Arf back and forth! I'm going to have to pay attention at the grocery store - the 'twins' I named John Morrell and Oscar Mayer. This one Louis Rich, any more and I'm gonna run out of weiner names!
Cale should be returning to Mt. Pleasant on Sunday, after spending a couple weeks with Mike and Cindi. I'm sure he'll have 'tales to tell' upon arrival! And the Kurczewski's will be ready for a bit of R&R.

ALMOST DONE !

I've been mowing yard the last couple days. I started yesterday evening, mowing the shaded areas, thinking I'd mow the front yard after the sun dropped behind the hill. I made 4 or 5 rounds before it started raining. Today, I went to Mt. Pleasant to get some "puppy food". then on up to Mike and Linda's. I took a cassette tape I had recorded off of old - really old - records for Mike to record on a CD for me. My pickup or car neither have a tape player (both have CD players) thus, I keep Mike busy 'burning' CDs for me. (I suppose I SHOULD buy my own CD recorder instead of bothering him so much) But I think he kind of enjoys listening to some of the OLD music too. At any rate, When I got home this afternoon I finished mowing everything except the "puppy yard" and I got the "push" mower in there. But I came in the house to drink a pepsi and it got dark on me - Maybe in the morning, then I need to pick raspberrys. I found I have a pretty good crop of them growing back by the creek. I haven't decided quite what I'll do with them but there's no use letting them go to waste. I'll probably donate them to someone.
I thought I'd make it through today (the 6th aniversary of Matt's death) dry-eyed, I did till I read Cindi's blog. There are so many untold memorys about him! ! ! And I will NEVER forget how BEAUTIFULLY he played Amazing Grace at my mother's funeral. I was concerned he might "choke up" Because as Linda used to say "He not only lost a grandmother, but a best friend". He played it on his Electric Guitar with a borrowed Amp, - never missed a note - And I've never heard it played any prettier! The last few months Mom was alive, Matt used to go over there before school and fix Tea for her, put in a stainless Thermos bottle and put it by her chair. That was an every day routine - she would have Tea at hand all day till he got home in the afternoon. Whether she was "up" yet or not was immaterial if not, she had hot tea when she got up.
I better shut this thing down and turn on the TV if I'm gonna catch the news. Would you believe - the tv hasn't been on ALL DAY - thats unusual for me!!!

A disappointing Week-end

I went to Birmingham (Iowa) to their "Homecoming" primarily to watch Caleb and Derik drive tractors (old - restored) in the parade. When I got there, they had been taken to a wrestling meet by Derik's father. I did have a great visit with Merlin Williams ( an old friend and our former mail carrier) He had a restored 'Gamble's' tractor - I never knew Gambles Stores ever sold farm tractors! They did for a short time in the "30's"!
Then I went to 34 raceway - maybe for the last time. I realize track officials (like referees, umpires and others that officiate sporting events) can make mistakes - BUT the officialls at 34 it seems to me have their "pets" that are going to to be given ALL the benefit of doubts and some that are going to be penalized for no just reason at all. Two weeks ago the scorer "Made a mistake in the sprint restart after a yellow flag. BUT the last two weeks there have been too many "mistakes" to be accidental, and totally unjust penaltys. I am TOTALLY DISGUSTED with them. If I don't go to Knoxville on saturdays, I think I'll be at home! I love going to the races but not when some of the drivers not only have to out drive the the competition but have to overcome the bias of the officials too!
The weather here is HOT and HUMID the temps in the 90's and high humidity that has put the heat index over 100. Plainly miserable. I need to mow the yard - but not when it's that hot. According to ch. 6 I may need a baler by the time it gets cooler and dry enough to mow.

GOT MILK ?

I DO! . . . there's a story behind that. My old refrigerator has been giving me fits. It would "frost up" (it was supposed to be frost free) and at maximum setting I could get the freezer down to 27 to 34 degrees. So after numerous times defrosting and trying various other things, I finally gave in and bought a new one yesterday. I went to burlington and picked one up thinking it wouldn't be that bad to change them out - WRONG - since Linda and I bought the old one, Jeff and I replaced the front door. This one is taller but obviously narrower. I couldn't get the old one out without removing, not only the door but one side of the door frame! I finally got the old one out. I then got Caleb and Josh (a friend of Cale's) to help me move the new one in, and found out it was about 1/2 inch to tall to fit under the 'over frig cubbard'. So today was spent "remodeling" and replacing the door and door frame (last night the door was 'leaned' into place!) BUT now I can keep milk without it souring! I don't normally use that much milk but when you can't keep it, You seem to need milk for about anything want to cook.
So, about the first thing done after getting the house 'put back together' was go to Hy Vee and buy some milk and had a bowl of cerial.

Other than that, there's not been much noteworthy going on around here, I went down to Molly's sunday and attended church with her. I had kind of intended on going on down to Cherry Box, Missouri. (another HUGE Mo. city) and visit my aunt. But I visited with Molly and Gerald too long and plainly didn't have time to go on down there.
My late uncle used to say "Cherry Box has two streets, Main and Plumb. If you miss main street - you're plumb out of town!"

Money in the Mail

It's that time of year again. Explanation: When I completed 25 years service with Heatilator, I was "inducted" into the "Silver Circle Club" and given 10 shares of HON (now HNI) stock. each quarter, I recieve a dividend check. The first few was for a whopping $1.25, over the years it has gone up to $2.15. I always joke with the teller at the bank when I cash those HUGE checks! They always include a form for Direct Deposit - NO WAY - that would spoil all the fun and humor involved in getting them and cashing them!
It does kind of irritate me that the company isn't making enough money to pay 'profit sharing' to their employees but for the "Fat Cats" that have money to invest - the dividend checks are not ONE CENT lower! Somehow, that don't quite seem right. I shouldn't complain, I guess, I also have a much larger number of shares in my retirement fund, That will keep it going for a longer period of time. But it still isn't right ffor the employees - even if I do benefit!

My Fantastic Weekend !

I went to Chicago saturday, I took Mike, Cindi, Sarah, and Lyric to Outback for dinner, It was kind of like "Beauties and The Beast". They were all dressed up and looked absolutely gorgeous! and as normal I was wearing jeans and a western cut shirt and probably looked like Hobo compared to the rest.
Sunday, Cindi and Mike was to "baby-sit" Lyric. I should say "big girl sit" Lyric is very insistant that she is a "big girl". At any rate, we four went to Brookfield Zoo. I always kind of like zoos but like shopping - it takes on a whole new outlook when you're with Lyric! a quick example: we saw a rhinocerous - it was laying in a mudhole not moving except to switch it's tail now and then. Lyric watched a little bit the at intervols would say "Go Rhino" and almost as on que it would switch its tail, a few second later the process was repeated! As we were watching a ground squirell came out from among some trees, we pointed it out to Lyric and was assured "They're Friends!"
We, of course, visited a gift shop. I can't tell you how many times she (being impressed by the selection) said "OH MY GOSH !" And of coarse, Mike being 'hard-hearted' told her "You pick out what you want." (I'm jealous, no one EVER tells me that. :) )
I had the most enjoyable week-end I've had in a long time! But, that's Lyric - she is always totally delightful to be around. She is SO SWEET!
Today, I took the puppys to the vet. for their first shots. Before I left Mt. Pleasant I was able to sell the little female. Plus her older sister (Harriet Houndini) and I have 1 of the boys tenatively sold, so I'm pretty pleased! It was time ,I needed to "thin my herd" some!

Memorial Day Weekend

Well, I done SOME of the things I had planned. I went to a swap meet in Mt.Pleasant with Molly and Gerald friday. Gerald picked up some Parts Manuals, and Owner's Manual and another Manual all relative to his IH Super MTA-D. That is a somewhat rare tractor he is in the process of restoring. I H only made them 1 year (in diesel) and a limited amount of them. That makes it more difficult to find parts for them. He does have good tec. advise - Jeff's ex-Grandfather-in -law worked on the Farmall assembly line when they manufactured the Super MTA's.
Saturday, I set aside any plans so I was free to go to an auction in Farmington. I arrived just a few minutes before it started - found a GOOD parking place - as I had just begun looking at what they had when Mike and Linda called to me from the street, I walked over and they informed me, they were leaving and invited me to Rome for a Barbeque that evening.(naturally, I accepted) I then went back to look at what they were selling and going to sell. I decided M&L had the right idea. Most of the stuff, They would have had to pay me to have taken! I went to Mike's sat afternoon and (after a short rain passed over) Mike grilled a DELISHOUS steak along with some fantastic Potatoes, onion, and peppers, Linda had prepared for the grill.
Today, I'm sitting in front of the "idiot box" (Caleb always laughs when I call the T V that) watching the Indy 500 and will watch Nascar - If it gets started without rain. Then I'm going to have to hit the grocery store or go without supper (which wouldn't hurt me to miss a few meals)
Backing up a bit: I went to Quincy, Ill. wednesday and visited with my cousin Jim Hall which I hadn't seen since Linda's funeral. I had a really great visit with him and his wife Janet- it's kind of (sad I guess is the word) that we live that close and let such a long time pass without visiting! Not his fault - Not my fault - We just get involved in "our own little world" and TIME PASSES!
That's about the end of any news from here.
EVERYONE Have a nice and SAFE Memorial day!

Fearsome Jump

the step down from the door sill to the landing at the top of the steps at my front door is a major obsticle to young puppies. It's maybe 2 inches but once they overcome that fearsome jump, they seldom have any hesitation about going on down the steps. I was at the computer this afternoon and heard a puppy crying. The little white-headed puppy had overcome his fear and had gone out and down one step but wasn't able to get back up, thus I had to make a quick rescue mission. The other two haven't gathered enough courage to make the jump down to the landing YET! It's comical to watch them when they make the jump the first time. They jump as far as they can, and draw their hind legs up as high as they can, to the point they almost go over on their nose when they land. The steps are a lot higher but they don't deter the puppies like that little step down from the doorsill!
Of coarse with all the rain we had today, He had a wet belly when I brought him back in. We have had over three inches today. It's supposed to be sunny tomarrow, I hope - I'm ready to see some sunshine again!

Tuesday Fun

I went to a soccer game yesterday - Mike and Linda's granddaughter, Chloe was one of the players. Being one of the younger and smaller players, I thought she done an exceptional job! They was playing at East Lake Park in Mt. Pleasant so Linda invited me to come up and "bring the babies for a photo op." I took them, much to the delight of Tristan (Chloe's little sister) and some young boys. They also were passed around to some admiring adults. They enjoyed the attention as much as the kids enjoyed them!

Linda took some pictures and is going to send them to Cindi and Cindi is supposed to forward the pictures to Kelly. Finally, I'm getting some pictures sent. The lousy connections between Iowa Telecom - I knew there was NO WAY I could send pictures - I'm lucky if I can read my E-mails!

Maybe, if I "sweet talk" Cindi enough she will also add the pictures to this post.

Nothing Important

Just a post to let my readers know I'm still here, and still battling with this computer and Iowa Telecom.

I talked to Cindi last night and told her - I'm real proud of myself, I went out yesterday and found enough mushrooms for a GOOD mess for my breakfast. I didn't hold out a lot of hope when I started, the last couple years I didn't find ANY, and yesterday I found 1 and began to think that was all I was going to find - then 1 more then a couple and ended up with 16.

Then there was the fact that I was able to read my Emails and the blogs I follow all without losing connection! ! ! That makes yesterday a great day!

ONCE AGAIN (MAYBE)

Iowa Telecom and my computer have been "at odds" for the last couple weeks. It refuses to stay connected! Not that I have a lot say, but it don't allow me to read all the blogs and Emails either. So if you Email me and don'tget a reply - That's the reason!

One week ago today, I joined Cindi and Mike at "Bishop's" in Moline Ill. We had a nice little visit, it just didn't seem to last long enough.

My "new additions" are in their "cute" stage - scooting across the floor as fast as their little legs will carry them, then stopping to wrestle with each other - or the older dogs if they are close at hand. Kelly I have pictures but I don't know when this creature will let me send them. In fact: right now it's reading "Error on page" at the bottom - I don't know if I'll be able to post this.

ALMOST Heaven

I talked to Cindi friday and during the conversation I told her I was getting ready to go to 34 raceway, that they were having a two-day sprint car special. She having about the same attitude as her mother about racing, said "Sounds like heaven". Friday was: Kaley Gharst won the Feature (360) driving Randy Plath's sprinter. Randy has had a hard time getting a good driver in that car since he retired from driving. I was glad to see it "in victory lane" again! BUT Saturday's races were postponed till today, then cancelled because of the rain. Saturday, we got just a couple sprinkles, but the forcast was for more, by race time, the sun was out and it was beautiful, but they had already postponed - Today, it has rained enough they HAD to cancel!

About the only other news: My "new additions" now have their eyes open, and a couple have accidently wandered out of the 'pet taxi' and naturally can't find their own way back! Other than having to put them back, They are seldom 'heard from'. Scarlotte is a good (and protective) mother!

Easter dinner . . .And comment on Cale's visit.

I had a DELICIOUS dinner at Mike and Linda's. (as normal) It was good visiting with them again, as well as John and Sharon. I hadn't seen them in "a coon's age". I always enjoy visiting with them, but somehow we just seldom get together. Linda's little granddaughters looked like little angels, all decked out.

Now a tale about Caleb - I'm a big eater (as anyone can see at a glance) - but that kid is a . bottomless pit! As small as he is I don't know where he puts it all. We went to Ryan's for supper at their buffet. He out ate me PLUS going for dessert. The next morning we went to Perkin's for breakfast. He had their "tremendious twelve" breakfast, then when we returned home, he "fired up" my deep fryer and consumed a bag (in 2 sessions) of Onion rings and fixed himself a large helping of french fries. I had to chuckle when he commented a deep fryer was the only thing he would need to cook for himself. However, he evidently keeps busy enough to keep it "worked off"

Caleb also worked out some "bugs" in my computer which I'm quite pleased about. I was getting irritated with Iowa Telecom. I don't know what he done, but it's working better now - and not losing connection every 2 - 3 minutes!

2nd week of racing

Congratulations to Dennis Schulte (Feature winner in his class) I was somewhat surprised that Dennis was racing there last night instead of Tyler (or both). I was NOT surprised at the feature being won by a Schulte - they're hard to beat!
The "Slocum 50" memorial race (IMCA late model) was great! Brent Slocum was a highly respected late model driver, (And a friend of Matt's and mine) that was killed in a freak accident in the "pit area" in 2005. His mother was one of the nurses that cared for Linda in 1999! We always discussed the races a little bit when I was at the hospital with Linda.

I had an overnight guest (Caleb) one night last week. I'll try to post a little more about that in the future. Right now I need to get ready to go to Mike and Linda's for Easter dinner.

FINALLY (in more ways than one)

The 'race junkie' recieved his first 'fix' for 2009! 34raceway had their season opener "frost buster special" last night! It was rather cool and windy but an enjoyable evening anyway. For the most part the drivers I root for didn't do as well as I would have liked.
Susie: Where was Tyler and Dennis?
The second "Finally" I am posting again . . . There hasn't been a whole lot to talk about happening here.
Kelly: You can tell Scott I'm taking lessons from him! :)
I do have 3 new additions to my 'family', Scarlotte had 3 puppies Mar. 29th. One little Male is absolutely beautiful. The other two . . . well . . . not so much!
I also went to the monthly coin auction at Memphis Mo. yesterday. That proved to be a waste of time! One commemorative half dollar I thought I might be interested in (I soon decided I wasn't) sold for $700. I like commemorative coins, but not THAT much!
I still haven't heard anything about my 'criminal activity' in Chicago, (the parking ticket) so I don't know if I have a "record" or not.
And (as Paul Harvey used to say) "for what it's worth" Anyone that hasn't tried "Kieth's Cafe" in Memphis since it changed hands, my advice is "Don't". It is not nearly as good as it used to be!

WEEKEND IN CHICAGO

I spent this last weekend in Chicago. Generally speaking I had a great time! However, there was a couple of "disappointments," First, (I could list 3 or 4 excuses) I recieved a parking ticket! I could list the excuses but it all boils down to the fact I wasn't as observant as I should have been! Cindi sent in a letter 'contesting' the legality of the ticket, but We'll see- it might be a good thing having a Para Legal daughter or I may still get to "contribute to mayor Dailey's campaine fund", Second, I didn't see Sarah and Lyric, thus I don't have any new "Lyric storys" to relay on to everyone!
On the PLUS side: I had some FANTASTIC meals, and enjoyed the company (including Mike and Cindi of course) Melody, Leigh, Lisa, and her Brand New Husband Kieth.
I spent a little time helping Mike put a puzzle together (I probably put 5 to 10 pieces in) but by the time I left Mike had it pretty well completed. ( along with help from Melody ) Cindi became the official Photographic 'progress recorder' I don't know if she "didn't want to 'show us up' or if she was afraid we'd 'show her up"! :)

In my last post I missed a March birthday - my sisters granddaughter Megan, turned 16 on March 12th, AND has a brand new Driver's license! HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY, Megan and drive carefull!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ! ! !

March seems to be "birthday month". Today my father would have celebrated his 108th birthday. Tommarrow Kelly Potter turns another year older - Happy Birthday Kelly! And "if the good lord's willin' and the creeks don't rise" I'll be going to Chicago this week-end to celebrate Cindi's birthday a little early. Her birthday is the 17th and one week later Mike will be celebrating his birthday. It makes me feel really old when I state that dad would have been 108!
Linda informed me, She has the girl scout cookies I ordered from her granddaughter. I'll be stuffed for a while (just what I need :) )
There's not much else noteworthy going on around here. Just rain and chilly temps.

I GOT IT ! ! !

I finally got this thing figured out! I have to admit it wasn't the computer - it was the printer that was giving me fits. When I figured out what i wasn't doing with it - it started spitting out pictures and copys unbelieveably - everything I had tryed to print was in the memory and it began printing EVERY ATTEMPT I had made. Thus, I have several prints of several pictures. But I'm relieved it IS working! I was getting totally disgusted with the whole works.

STILL FIGHTING THIS COMPUTER! ! !

I had Caleb over sunday to help me with this "thing" . I couldn't get it 'connected' to the printer. He came over and installed a new 'driver' and I printed out some beautiful pictures. We then went to "Fat Annie's" for supper and I took him home. I returned home confident I had it all figured out - wrong - I can't get this creature to print anything! I'm doing everything he told me ( I took notes!) but I'm not having any luck. It's almost like it knows when he's here and as soon as he leaves. "It's time to mess with Charlie's mind again"

NEW COMPUTER WOES!

I just posted -then felt obligated to delete- a blog post! My old computer "died" wednesday so, I went to Best Buy in Coralville thursday and bought this one. Then of coarse, I had Caleb come over and get it "set up" for me. Somehow, when I typed the 'deleted' blog I had hit the 'enter' instead of 'shift' at the beginning. When it was posted you saw the heading and title - then nothing until you scrolled WAY down the page.
Basically, I said - Mike and Cindi are in LosVegas this weekend and Caleb is in Des Moines. Mike and Cindi are attending a wedding (along with other activities I'm sure). Caleb is singing with his church group. Me, I'm staying closer to home. I think I'll maybe run down to Molly and Gerald's this afternoon.
Incidentally, Did everyone know - Kieth's cafe is open again. It's under new management . I'm told a little more expensive and not quite as good but at least reopened! I may have to check it out !

My trip to Chicago

If you have read Cindi's Blog you know I made a quick trip to Chicago this last week-end. I had about decided not to go, the forecast hadn't been real favorable. But Saturday was cool, but sunny and after talking to Cindi (and getting my 'arm twisted' just a wee bit,) I took off sat. afternoon, and arrived about 10 pm. I met Sergio and Christina (Mike and Cindi's good friends) and was entertained watching the wii challenges going on.
Sunday we (with Sara and Lyric) went to an IKEA store, I'm usually not much of a "shopper" but when you have someone like Lyric it is TOTALLY enjoyable. I returned home Sunday evening.
Monday, while cleaning the "eating on the road" trash out of the pickup I discovered Lyric had left her "purse" in the back seat. I need to get that sent back to her - as sharp as she is, I'm sure she has discovered it's 'missing'! If you haven't figured it out - It has been a LONG time since a little girl has impressed me or 'stolen my heart' like Lyric has! She gave me a hand made Valentine that she made and spelled my name with her Mother sounding out my name (not spelling out for her) and remember she's only three. she spelled it C-H-A R-L-E that's awfully close!

Is Spring here ? ? ?

I WISH ! ! ! However I did observe a good sign! I made a trip to Burlington and Mt. Pleasant this afternoon. When I arrived home I picked up the mail and was sitting in the pickup reading some of it. I noticed a LOT of birds in the yard, I soon realized they were all Robins. I would estimate between 70 and 80 of them. As I was watching (an attempting to get a rough count) there was 8 deer came out of the neighbors field into the lower edge of the yard and went north toward the creek that runs through my property!
I don't who to believe - the ground hog or the robins - according to ch. 6 it sounds like the groundhog may have been more accurate. They are forecasting snow friday and saturday with some "possible accumulation"
Susie: Have you kept track? we should be awfully close to the 30 snows we were "supposed" to get this winter. It seems like it snowed every other day in Dec. and Jan.

Tri State WARNING

I thought I better warn all drivers: Caleb now has his drivers license! In reality, he's a pretty good driver. that will improve even more with experience. He's one of very FEW that I feel at ease riding with, Him, Mike, and Cindi about completes the list. There are others but I don't ride with them often. He called me this afternoon bubbling over with excitement - and it IS contagious.

Bar-b-que in January ? ? ?

You betcha, I realize I'm rushing the season but it got to 58 degrees today AND the Fairway store in Burlington had their T-bone steaks on sale! I just couldn't resist. I started out with a flannel shirt and no jacket. Before it was cooked I had to come in the house and slip on a jacket. I normally extend the season as long as possible, but I believe this is the first time I ever fired up the grill in JANUARY.

I've decided I owe Cindi an apology for "getting on her case" about not blogging. I've found out it's sometimes pretty hard to find anything to "blog" about!

I GOT PEOPLE

I recieved my last tax statement yesterday, so this morning I called H&R Block at 9:00. At 11:00, I was back home and waiting for my refund! I was surprised that I could get a "same day" appointment. I will have to say I was hoping for just a tad larger refund than I'll be getting. I didn't miss my estimate too bad.
We had a BEAUTIFUL day yesterday, today the temp. is dropping like a rock and it WINDY.

No new tire (YET)

I didn't achieve my goal today (of getting a new tire on my pickup). I went out about 10:oo this morning to take off the old one. I jacked up the pickup and removed the lug nuts. That is where the fun began.

I pulled, tugged, hammered, and pried - trying to get the wheel off. After two trips to Mt. Pleasant to try different ideas and drowning the hub with WD40, I went to Burlington and bought an eight pound sledge hammer and finally was able to get it knocked off...just about the same time Mt.Pleasant Tire was closing for the day. I DO have it ready to go the first thing in the morning!

A better day

I'm having a better day today. Yesterday was Linda's birthday. Jan.18th and Dec. 16th (Matt's birthday) are always days of feeling depressed, and wishing i could go back and do a lot of things differently. And wondering ' why not me instead of them!' I don't pretend to second-guess the Lord, but I can't understand why he chose to take them and leave me alive. I'm sure one day it will become clear why!

On top of that, I ran out of "puppy food" so I hopped in the pickup and headed to Wal Mart. En route I ran over something that cut into a tire. By the time I realized it wasn't just Ice dropping off, the tire was TOTALLY shredded. I had intended to replace the tires - but not quite yet! No more procrastinating - I WILL replace that tire!

Today has been much better, I went to Burlington (in the car) without incident! I picked up a 'decent' jack now tomorrow I have every intention of getting the pickup 'mobile'. The weather is even supposed to be a little more conducive to working outside.

I could have used that old HEE HAW song to describe yesterday, "Gloom, Despair, and Agony on me - Deep Dark Depression, Excessive Misery . . ."

Ending Hybernation !

I ended my "hibernation" today, going into Mt, Pleasant. That was the first time I'd left home for 4 days (too cotton-pickin' cold). Prior to leaving I observed 7 deer walk across my front yard, like they owned it! I would guess that was probably the first time out of the protection of the cedar trees in my pasture ground since it got so cold..

I never heard how cold it was in Mt.Pleasant Thursday night, But according to channel 6 in Davenport, it was colder in the Quad-cities than it was at the north or south pole! by 3 to 5 degrees! According to Moline Airport, a new record cold temp. was set, But officially, it was 1 degree short of setting a new record - I guess it depends on who you believe.

I had my waterline freeze, but I don't feel too bad about it. I talked to Adam Raub at Hy Vee today and was informed His NEW house had pipes freeze too. Today wasn't too bad - it got up to 31 degrees for a high today,and we got just a touch of snow this evening.

Attempt no. 2

This is of course my 2nd attempt at blogging. First problem was getting the "new blog" screen called up. Second is figuring what to talk about!

I went to visit Molly and Gerald this morning and attended church with Molly, Gerald wasn't feeling up to attending with us. Richland Church had a better attendance than I'd seen in the last few times I attended. I was impressed by Pastor Mike's grandchildren and "Mandy". Mandy is a collie dog that attends with her owner and "announces her arrival" with a couple low volume "Woofs" when she enters the church, then lies quietly at the end of the pew that her owner occupies until the service is over then greets everyone to be petted and talked to! I was surprised when I first saw her but she is fully accepted by all the members of the congregation.

After the service, I had a real nice time chatting with Pastor Mike, swapping stories about the late Rev. Billie Joe Connell (The preacher that married me and Linda). Joe was Pastor at Knox City (Mo.) and a co-worker with me at the I.A.A.P.

Molly, Gerald, and I then went to the "Main Street Diner" for dinner, I was not impressed with them - mediocre food and very expensive! We all MISS "Keith's Cafe"! Memphis will be hard-pressed to come up with a restaurant as good as Keith's was!

One more comment: THANK YOU Cindi for making my first blog more interesting by adding the pictures. I decided I should ALWAYS wear a hat, those pictures showed how bald I'm have gotten!

Happy New Year

I had a FANTASTIC birthday and New Year. I arrived in Chicago wednesday evening via Am Trak and was met by Mike and taken to their apartment where (as you have read on Cindi's blog), I collapsed well before 'ringing in the new year.'


The next morning, Mike and I (Cindi passed in favor of recuperation) had a great breakfast a IHOP . Later in the day, we were joined in our visit by Sarah J and Lyric ( Mike's 3 year old sweetheart) I was well entertained by Lyric - coloring with her and being amazed by the how far she can count and she knows all the letters.

I sat on the floor with her at the coffee table and enjoyed tacos - then I provided comical entertainment (unintentionally) in my effort to get back on my feet. I'm gonna have to learn the limitations of old age! I did have a wonderful time though.

I returned to Mt.Pleasant on Friday evening. Saturday, I "played Santa" delivering Christmas gifts to Caleb from Mike and Cindi then visited Molly and Gerald for the remainder of the day. Today I'm taking a R&R day. In fact I haven't left the house at all today.