Christmas is less than a week away and we're in pretty good shape for the season. It has been very cold here in Michigan but we have had a few milder days lately. God provided us with that break so we could get the Christmas tree up.
We lost a good friend, our dog Luke, about a week ago. He just suddenly died. There was no lingering illness or prolonged treatment. I swear the dog was programed to not cause any problem for his human handlers. For example if he had to "go to the bathroom" all we had to do was let him out the back door. He wouldn't run away. He used the facility (our yard) and returned to the back door. There, he would wait to be let in. He wouldn't bark or scratch to get in. One night we forgot about him and he almost froze out there. For the record, Luke was a cross between a Husky and a Border Collie.
Our family car had a breakdown last week, just short of 200,000 miles. Vek's garage repaired it and it is back on the road. After the holidays we will have an eye out for a suitable replacement. We replace cars about as often as we replace dogs. No brag just fact. The minivan style of car suits our needs. We will have 3 grand kids at times. Brooke likes to drive her "girlfriends" to various functions and sales. We also need the room to load up on coupon bargains. I'd like to see what the stow and go seats are like.
On the social front, we attended a couple of functions. We went to a farewell party for Matt and Karen Langdon. They are moving to Matt's home country of Australia. Karen has a teaching job there starting in January. It sounds like quite an adventure. The party was nice and Brooke and I enjoyed seeing this group of friends from my son's camping days. The other event we attended together was a dinner at the Noble's house. They live on a small lake nearby. They are completely redoing their house. It is really a great, comfortable place. We had a pleasant evening there and I overate.
Now, to the exciting news. Uh there isn't any. Checking out Youtube I was on the Gibson guitar channel and a guitarist was showing his firebird x. This guitar tunes itself and has built in effects. If I ever learn to play guitar, that looks like a cool one to have.
I hope everyone is happy out there especially for the holidays.
Friday, December 20, 2013
Thursday, October 17, 2013
California!
Hello to all of our new friends in California and Nevada. It was great to meet so many friendly (at least on the surface) people. I wanted to write something because some of you indicated you had read this blog and enjoyed it very much...I made up that last part.
We had a wonderful, jam-packed two weeks in the San Francisco area, staying with my son Gandolf (not his real name) and his lovely bride Brunhilda.
They live on the happy little island of Alameda. The island is a terrible place to live. The crime rate is high, drugs prevalent, prostitution rampant, indications of rats, skateboarding out-of-control etc. Just my kind of place. We're thinking of buying a place there and opening a Bed and Breakfast. Special rates for all of our friends.
After seeing the Island we saw some of the sights of San Francisco. Instead of driving over, we took the ferry. This was a beautiful way to approach SF. You pass right under the Bay Bridge, have a great view of Alcatraz and the other surrounding land forms around the Bay. The view of the City is breathtaking...and not in the Seinfeld kind-a-way.
Unlike most, to me the tourist attractions and souvenir shops are less interesting. I like the buildings and infra-structure; The people and what they do and how they live. I have a Minor in Sociology. I'm kind of a combination of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Mr. Rogers. The one store that appeals to me is Frank's Hardware. It has models of ships and other nautical items as well as clothes and fishing supplies. Get down there and see it Kevin and Jordan.
We met our son's co-workers as we toured the lab in which he works; Adam, Kelly, Jordan, Ophelia and Chen Yi Moon. It was a pleasure to meet you. The Lab is fantastic! What a place to work. Hey, as I write this- it is "Meat Day". I hope you all are involved in some great science and discoveries.
I'm not going to cover everything. We did go to Lake Tahoe and Reno. The motel was very nice and the hot springs invigorating. We saw a black bear...I think they go number 2 in the woods, trees, rocks, clouds and sky. Many images have been stored away.
One thing Brooke and I have in common is "Junking." Any thrift store, garage sale or estate sale will do. We brought back a few treasures. The coolest of which is an old Variflex skate board. Second coolest is an action figure of Sigmund Freud. When we got home it was very late and our old mini-van was waiting for us with a flat tire. Thanks for the wonderful vacation.
We had a wonderful, jam-packed two weeks in the San Francisco area, staying with my son Gandolf (not his real name) and his lovely bride Brunhilda.
They live on the happy little island of Alameda. The island is a terrible place to live. The crime rate is high, drugs prevalent, prostitution rampant, indications of rats, skateboarding out-of-control etc. Just my kind of place. We're thinking of buying a place there and opening a Bed and Breakfast. Special rates for all of our friends.
After seeing the Island we saw some of the sights of San Francisco. Instead of driving over, we took the ferry. This was a beautiful way to approach SF. You pass right under the Bay Bridge, have a great view of Alcatraz and the other surrounding land forms around the Bay. The view of the City is breathtaking...and not in the Seinfeld kind-a-way.
Unlike most, to me the tourist attractions and souvenir shops are less interesting. I like the buildings and infra-structure; The people and what they do and how they live. I have a Minor in Sociology. I'm kind of a combination of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Mr. Rogers. The one store that appeals to me is Frank's Hardware. It has models of ships and other nautical items as well as clothes and fishing supplies. Get down there and see it Kevin and Jordan.
We met our son's co-workers as we toured the lab in which he works; Adam, Kelly, Jordan, Ophelia and Chen Yi Moon. It was a pleasure to meet you. The Lab is fantastic! What a place to work. Hey, as I write this- it is "Meat Day". I hope you all are involved in some great science and discoveries.
I'm not going to cover everything. We did go to Lake Tahoe and Reno. The motel was very nice and the hot springs invigorating. We saw a black bear...I think they go number 2 in the woods, trees, rocks, clouds and sky. Many images have been stored away.
One thing Brooke and I have in common is "Junking." Any thrift store, garage sale or estate sale will do. We brought back a few treasures. The coolest of which is an old Variflex skate board. Second coolest is an action figure of Sigmund Freud. When we got home it was very late and our old mini-van was waiting for us with a flat tire. Thanks for the wonderful vacation.
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Reunion at Camp Duck Lake
Last week the reunion people got together at "The banker's" cabin at Duck Lake. I'm going to assign a moniker to each member of the group later. We generally had a nice time going to restaurants, visiting "the Intellect", shopping, playing tennis, fishing and more. Of course there was a lot of laughter and reminiscing. There was a modest amount of alcohol consumed.
One of the group, "T" (from Texas) told me he checked my blog out occasionally. That's why I'm writing this today. Hope you are well, T.
Since we are all entering our eighth decade on Earth, there is a lot of talk about health. Also, the Banker just had a heart valve repaired. That was 3 months ago and he is well. From my own experience, I think he will look back on this time and realize he was biting off too much. Maybe not admit it - he is kinda bull-headed. The doctors tell you not to make any big decisions for at least six months and better after a year.
My C.W. (current wife) had made several loaves of zucchini bread and I took those over as well as a bouquet of garden flowers. Both were a hit, especially the bread. It was the end of the season for the cabin. So the annual fish boil was part of the happenings. This is a Pot dish. That is it is a combination of foods cooked together in layers. It was interesting to see the preparation and meet some of the Lake people. A modicum of alcohol was consumed. I think that was the night we watched a movie involving space aliens and Transformers.
As we were cleaning up from the cook, I claimed the job of final inspection. My buddy John "The Historian" proceeded to perform a perfect impression of an inspector that I had met while working for GM.
There were many more conversations and incidents that are now a part of our shared history. Hope you are all well.
One of the group, "T" (from Texas) told me he checked my blog out occasionally. That's why I'm writing this today. Hope you are well, T.
Since we are all entering our eighth decade on Earth, there is a lot of talk about health. Also, the Banker just had a heart valve repaired. That was 3 months ago and he is well. From my own experience, I think he will look back on this time and realize he was biting off too much. Maybe not admit it - he is kinda bull-headed. The doctors tell you not to make any big decisions for at least six months and better after a year.
My C.W. (current wife) had made several loaves of zucchini bread and I took those over as well as a bouquet of garden flowers. Both were a hit, especially the bread. It was the end of the season for the cabin. So the annual fish boil was part of the happenings. This is a Pot dish. That is it is a combination of foods cooked together in layers. It was interesting to see the preparation and meet some of the Lake people. A modicum of alcohol was consumed. I think that was the night we watched a movie involving space aliens and Transformers.
As we were cleaning up from the cook, I claimed the job of final inspection. My buddy John "The Historian" proceeded to perform a perfect impression of an inspector that I had met while working for GM.
There were many more conversations and incidents that are now a part of our shared history. Hope you are all well.
Monday, August 19, 2013
Sailing
The new sail for my Man-o-war fits the mast so tightly, that I am thinking it was made too small. It is very difficult to pull the sail down over the mast. I thought maybe it would loosen up with the sails getting softer. They are so stiff they behave like paper rather than fabric. The boat has sat for two days in the front yard with the sail raised. We haven't had too much wind to soften the sail but the boat looks good to me with the new white sail about 12 feet in the sky.
When the wind does blow you can hear the material rattling and rustling and crackling. The sound of wind in the sails could be added to homedics sounds along with waves, crickets, rain and waterfall.
To go sailing in a small boat is like going swimming. Chances are good you will end up in the lake. Anything you don't want wet, goes into the "dry box". Anything you don't want on the bottom of the lake, must float or be tied to something that does. I know I am not prepared to sail in my boat because the centerboard isn't secured. To have a boat that only uses wind for propulsion appeals to me. Is it because I'm looking for a free ride? I think it is being in sync with nature. People will stop to look at a sail boat but probably not a pontoon boat.
The boat is sitting in my driveway, waiting.
When the wind does blow you can hear the material rattling and rustling and crackling. The sound of wind in the sails could be added to homedics sounds along with waves, crickets, rain and waterfall.
To go sailing in a small boat is like going swimming. Chances are good you will end up in the lake. Anything you don't want wet, goes into the "dry box". Anything you don't want on the bottom of the lake, must float or be tied to something that does. I know I am not prepared to sail in my boat because the centerboard isn't secured. To have a boat that only uses wind for propulsion appeals to me. Is it because I'm looking for a free ride? I think it is being in sync with nature. People will stop to look at a sail boat but probably not a pontoon boat.
The boat is sitting in my driveway, waiting.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Post Family Vacation Thoughts
I hope the title doesn't scare too many off. The Rausch Family vacation took place over the July Fourth holiday week-end. This might be the worst time to choose...too crowded. I swear we need a professional intervention counselor to attend the next one. We are all getting set in our ways and opinions. The over-under on arguments was set at 4 by Ben. A little low there Ben. More like 4 per hour.
We gathered at Matt Rausch's in-law cabin near Higgins Lake. This is a nice place with plenty of room for several tents, a pop-up trailer and a VW Riviera camper. There is a large fire pit and all went well as far as food, sleeping etc. went.
We played some golf at Fox Run CC. Matt, Ben, Zain(pronounced zen-friend of Michael), Michael, George and me. Ben and Matt left after the front nine. The day was getting nicer and swinging better so the rest of us played the back-nine. I had gotten accustomed to the style of play employed by George, Michael and Zain ...so was able to play better. They play a kind of {Run and Shoot} style with some people talking and joking while another player is hitting. After Teeing off, everyone is on their own. Some players are 100yards ahead of others...some players are on the green(even putting) before others have hit on. The flag generally just stays in the cup. It's not really golf, but once you get it, you can get some practice and enjoy the exuberance of youth.
We enjoyed that outing so much that a couple of days later, we tried to duplicate it at The Dunes in Empire,MI. No such luck. Timing was off...couldn't make adjustments. You will always hit a few good shots. I didn't think of it 'til now but this may have been a links course(or semi-links). The fairway didn't have a first cut of rough. The edge of the fairway was foot-high weeds. We struggled around nine holes and left.
The beach, the views, the breeze, the too cool water for about ten minutes, then refreshing and with little pockets of sun heated warmth. I stood there and talked to Emma for a while. She has some wonderful plans for her family. I think she should go for it.
We all went canoeing from Campbell's in Roscommon. It was busy. Many tubers to maneuver as well as branches down in the river.
I had a horrible time, but that's just me. There were some very good parts to it also.
The boat turned out to be a bust on this vacation. Too many people in the water and there's still a problem sliding on the sail. I might give that a try today. Thinking of selling the sail boat, keeping the trailer for the fishing boat and maybe buying a canoe.
We gathered at Matt Rausch's in-law cabin near Higgins Lake. This is a nice place with plenty of room for several tents, a pop-up trailer and a VW Riviera camper. There is a large fire pit and all went well as far as food, sleeping etc. went.
We played some golf at Fox Run CC. Matt, Ben, Zain(pronounced zen-friend of Michael), Michael, George and me. Ben and Matt left after the front nine. The day was getting nicer and swinging better so the rest of us played the back-nine. I had gotten accustomed to the style of play employed by George, Michael and Zain ...so was able to play better. They play a kind of {Run and Shoot} style with some people talking and joking while another player is hitting. After Teeing off, everyone is on their own. Some players are 100yards ahead of others...some players are on the green(even putting) before others have hit on. The flag generally just stays in the cup. It's not really golf, but once you get it, you can get some practice and enjoy the exuberance of youth.
We enjoyed that outing so much that a couple of days later, we tried to duplicate it at The Dunes in Empire,MI. No such luck. Timing was off...couldn't make adjustments. You will always hit a few good shots. I didn't think of it 'til now but this may have been a links course(or semi-links). The fairway didn't have a first cut of rough. The edge of the fairway was foot-high weeds. We struggled around nine holes and left.
The beach, the views, the breeze, the too cool water for about ten minutes, then refreshing and with little pockets of sun heated warmth. I stood there and talked to Emma for a while. She has some wonderful plans for her family. I think she should go for it.
We all went canoeing from Campbell's in Roscommon. It was busy. Many tubers to maneuver as well as branches down in the river.
I had a horrible time, but that's just me. There were some very good parts to it also.
The boat turned out to be a bust on this vacation. Too many people in the water and there's still a problem sliding on the sail. I might give that a try today. Thinking of selling the sail boat, keeping the trailer for the fishing boat and maybe buying a canoe.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Internet Blogger Redux
Sung to the tune of Paper Back Writer by The Beatles...if you don't know the song try youtube.
Start singing here ... out loud or silently.
Internet blogger (internet blogger)
(musical interlude)
Dear Sir or Madam, will you read my blog?
It took me hours to write, will you take a look?
It's based on a life of a man named Ken
And I need a job, so I want to be an internet blogger,
Internet blogger.
It's the dirty story of a dirty man
And his lovely wife doesn't understand.
The wife is working for the local rag,
It's a steady job but he wants to be an internet blogger,
Internet blogger.
Internet blogger (internet blogger)
(musical interlude?)
It's a thousand words, give or take a few,
I'll be writing more in a week or two.
I can make it longer if you like the style,
I can change it round and I want to be an internet blogger,
Internet blogger.
If you really like it you can have the rights,
It could make a million for you overnight.
If you wish to comment, you can do so here
But I need a break and I want to be an internet blogger,
Internet blogger.
Internet blogger (internet blogger)
(more music...and fade out)
Internet blogger - internet blogger
Internet blogger - internet blogger
Start singing here ... out loud or silently.
Internet blogger (internet blogger)
(musical interlude)
Dear Sir or Madam, will you read my blog?
It took me hours to write, will you take a look?
It's based on a life of a man named Ken
And I need a job, so I want to be an internet blogger,
Internet blogger.
It's the dirty story of a dirty man
And his lovely wife doesn't understand.
The wife is working for the local rag,
It's a steady job but he wants to be an internet blogger,
Internet blogger.
Internet blogger (internet blogger)
(musical interlude?)
It's a thousand words, give or take a few,
I'll be writing more in a week or two.
I can make it longer if you like the style,
I can change it round and I want to be an internet blogger,
Internet blogger.
If you really like it you can have the rights,
It could make a million for you overnight.
If you wish to comment, you can do so here
But I need a break and I want to be an internet blogger,
Internet blogger.
Internet blogger (internet blogger)
(more music...and fade out)
Internet blogger - internet blogger
Internet blogger - internet blogger
Thursday, May 16, 2013
My Golf Lesson
I finally decided to take a golf lesson. I play almost exclusively at Tyrone Hills just south of Fenton. The pro/general manager there is a pleasant fellow named Dennis. Last year I spoke to him about a lesson, and the problem I was having with ball contact. I didn't want to have the lesson at that time; end of the season. I thought Spring would be best so I could have practice time for a few weeks after the lesson. I've played enough this year to get my swing/body ready. Yesterday I called and got an afternoon appointment.
I think Dennis felt he needed to include some golf type information to make the lesson more authentic.
With me, that isn't necessary. But in covering some basics there is a likelihood that a key piece of information will be mentioned. That was the case yesterday. I learned at least four different things about the golf swing. If not learning them, I knew them, but they were confirmed by a pro. I'll share the main strategy for improvement. He had me hit some chip shots...he had me take some practice swings to get the proper contact with the ground...I hit some chips to get the proper contact with ball and ground. Some of this is a feel and a sound. Then we moved on to a 4 iron. I hit several shots with that to get my contact there.
He told me I had a good swing and not to start thinking about my shoulders or anything. Also, let my head turn to follow the ball (I was keeping my head down too long).
It was a worthwhile lesson. The cost was $40. I'm looking forward to practicing and playing with my improved game.
I'll let you know when I break 80 without cheating.
I think Dennis felt he needed to include some golf type information to make the lesson more authentic.
With me, that isn't necessary. But in covering some basics there is a likelihood that a key piece of information will be mentioned. That was the case yesterday. I learned at least four different things about the golf swing. If not learning them, I knew them, but they were confirmed by a pro. I'll share the main strategy for improvement. He had me hit some chip shots...he had me take some practice swings to get the proper contact with the ground...I hit some chips to get the proper contact with ball and ground. Some of this is a feel and a sound. Then we moved on to a 4 iron. I hit several shots with that to get my contact there.
He told me I had a good swing and not to start thinking about my shoulders or anything. Also, let my head turn to follow the ball (I was keeping my head down too long).
It was a worthwhile lesson. The cost was $40. I'm looking forward to practicing and playing with my improved game.
I'll let you know when I break 80 without cheating.
Monday, May 6, 2013
A Day in the Life
Another Monday, and I thought I would chronicle it with a blog.
My daughter's family had been here this week end while she spent the time with a few internet friends in Indiana. We had a great time here with Suhitha, Gabe and Omar. I could write the whole blog on that, but I wanted to concentrate on Monday's activities. The kids are great though. So vibrant and full of life and energy and fun. The weather was great so we could play outside. Gabe can make baskets now with a small basketball or a volleyball.
The regulation basketball is too heavy for him to throw high enough. The sand box was used. They went for a walk in the big wagon...Suhitha pulled. We got breadsticks from the Fenton House. Sunday Uncle Matt and Aunt Rissa came over for dinner.
So, Mom and I were exhausted when they left for Toronto. Monday Morning I was still sleeping in the Mexican Room and heard music playing at about 7AM. I got up at 7:30 and turned off the alarm that for some reason had gone off in our bedroom, and Mom had ignored, as she was sleeping in Gilmour's old room.
I came down to a slight mess of kid's toys and books. Brooke had taken care of dishes the night before-bless her heart. I had some coffee and recopied a list of some things to do. Top item was to mail a few things out to Martyna and Jake. It took forever to assemble the stuff. Plus, when you add the psychological gamesmanship that always goes on with Brooke and me, it's a standoff for quite a while. (We still haven't done our taxes!) This seems stupid since we worry about spending too much on small items, but now we will have a large fine to pay.
Sorry, to have this turn negative, but really I'm very happy. I accomplished the first item on the list. The package should arrive in about 5 days.(no more than 15)
Actually, I have started each of my last three to-do lists with BE HAPPY. So that helps. On with my Monday...I agreed to get something from the car from Mom...she said it was a Big Favor. Also, since she got me to do that, I guess, she said she would put away the kid's toys if I would collect them all.
I decided to paint a little more on the sidebedroom trim. I painted a little while and then noticed my brush had broken! I thought this was a very good brush and would last for years. So, I have been repairing and re-repairing it today. Why can't I just throw it away? I enjoy fixing things. I did use Google to try to find out if that brush was any good and I think it is just okay. But I did learn how professional painters clean their brushes. So, I spent an hour cleaning brushes and finally got to my third significant thing I did today...I went to Tyrone Hills and played nine-holes of golf.
I used my pull cart for the first time this year and despite a terrible beginning, had a pretty good round. I played the back nine. If you know how most golf courses are laid out, usually nine holes will go around the outside of the property and the other nine will be on the inside. The 9th hole should end up near the clubhouse. The 18th hole also will end up near the clubhouse. Also the first tee and 10th tee will be by the clubhouse. I wanted to play the back, as my first two rounds this year had been on the front. Since the front nine has a lot of holes running along adjoining properties(many of which are rough) one expects to find more golf balls on this nine. Just walk over in the woods or high grass and you will most likely find some. Part of my mental score is determined by how many balls I gain.
My very first shot, (Drive on 10) was errant, to the left, and glanced off a small tree. While looking for my ball, I found two others(up two in balls gained) but then I dropped one down to continue the hole. I made two miserable attempts and then found my original ball. I reset my score, declaring my bad shots were hit with a provisional ball. I finished out the hole with a score of 7. Well, this is interesting only to me. If you play the game, there is a lot of fun to be had out there. I came home tired and in pain. I must have found 8 balls today. The game is coming along and I look forward to my next round.
I'm rested up now though and am ready to try the second repair on the paint brush.
My daughter's family had been here this week end while she spent the time with a few internet friends in Indiana. We had a great time here with Suhitha, Gabe and Omar. I could write the whole blog on that, but I wanted to concentrate on Monday's activities. The kids are great though. So vibrant and full of life and energy and fun. The weather was great so we could play outside. Gabe can make baskets now with a small basketball or a volleyball.
The regulation basketball is too heavy for him to throw high enough. The sand box was used. They went for a walk in the big wagon...Suhitha pulled. We got breadsticks from the Fenton House. Sunday Uncle Matt and Aunt Rissa came over for dinner.
So, Mom and I were exhausted when they left for Toronto. Monday Morning I was still sleeping in the Mexican Room and heard music playing at about 7AM. I got up at 7:30 and turned off the alarm that for some reason had gone off in our bedroom, and Mom had ignored, as she was sleeping in Gilmour's old room.
I came down to a slight mess of kid's toys and books. Brooke had taken care of dishes the night before-bless her heart. I had some coffee and recopied a list of some things to do. Top item was to mail a few things out to Martyna and Jake. It took forever to assemble the stuff. Plus, when you add the psychological gamesmanship that always goes on with Brooke and me, it's a standoff for quite a while. (We still haven't done our taxes!) This seems stupid since we worry about spending too much on small items, but now we will have a large fine to pay.
Sorry, to have this turn negative, but really I'm very happy. I accomplished the first item on the list. The package should arrive in about 5 days.(no more than 15)
Actually, I have started each of my last three to-do lists with BE HAPPY. So that helps. On with my Monday...I agreed to get something from the car from Mom...she said it was a Big Favor. Also, since she got me to do that, I guess, she said she would put away the kid's toys if I would collect them all.
I decided to paint a little more on the sidebedroom trim. I painted a little while and then noticed my brush had broken! I thought this was a very good brush and would last for years. So, I have been repairing and re-repairing it today. Why can't I just throw it away? I enjoy fixing things. I did use Google to try to find out if that brush was any good and I think it is just okay. But I did learn how professional painters clean their brushes. So, I spent an hour cleaning brushes and finally got to my third significant thing I did today...I went to Tyrone Hills and played nine-holes of golf.
I used my pull cart for the first time this year and despite a terrible beginning, had a pretty good round. I played the back nine. If you know how most golf courses are laid out, usually nine holes will go around the outside of the property and the other nine will be on the inside. The 9th hole should end up near the clubhouse. The 18th hole also will end up near the clubhouse. Also the first tee and 10th tee will be by the clubhouse. I wanted to play the back, as my first two rounds this year had been on the front. Since the front nine has a lot of holes running along adjoining properties(many of which are rough) one expects to find more golf balls on this nine. Just walk over in the woods or high grass and you will most likely find some. Part of my mental score is determined by how many balls I gain.
My very first shot, (Drive on 10) was errant, to the left, and glanced off a small tree. While looking for my ball, I found two others(up two in balls gained) but then I dropped one down to continue the hole. I made two miserable attempts and then found my original ball. I reset my score, declaring my bad shots were hit with a provisional ball. I finished out the hole with a score of 7. Well, this is interesting only to me. If you play the game, there is a lot of fun to be had out there. I came home tired and in pain. I must have found 8 balls today. The game is coming along and I look forward to my next round.
I'm rested up now though and am ready to try the second repair on the paint brush.
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Why was Jones so great?
Now George Jones has passed on. He may have
been my favorite singer of all, but Elvis and Roy Orbison make me a liar there. Favorite country singer for sure.
Without much thought or knowledge one might think he was just a drunk with a good voice. That will only get you so far. George I have read, worked at his craft and developed himself beyond the honky tank singer. His voice had a certain timbre? I'm not sure of the word, but it spoke to me like I was listening to a close friend or relative. I trusted what he said.
If you watch some of his performances you notice the great backup musicians and other things that go into making a polished product.
I'm sure glad he made so many recordings. I read he charted more hits than anyone. I loved him. There were times in my life when I heard one of his songs and it was perfect for me at that time. Try "The Cold Hard Truth" on for size or "Walls Can Fall". So many classics. "He Stopped Loving Her Today" may be his best known. "The Door" was powerful when I got divorced and there was a point when the goodbye was final and the door closed. I know he affected millions of people the same way.
I think whoever did the video for Walls, really screwed up. Great men like George, me and you can really get screwed over by lesser people who don't have the AUTHENTICITY, Heart and Soul that we do. It is understood, (unfortunate), and forgiven. I'm listening to "If Drinking Don't Kill Me" right now. Thanks, George.
been my favorite singer of all, but Elvis and Roy Orbison make me a liar there. Favorite country singer for sure.
Without much thought or knowledge one might think he was just a drunk with a good voice. That will only get you so far. George I have read, worked at his craft and developed himself beyond the honky tank singer. His voice had a certain timbre? I'm not sure of the word, but it spoke to me like I was listening to a close friend or relative. I trusted what he said.
If you watch some of his performances you notice the great backup musicians and other things that go into making a polished product.
I'm sure glad he made so many recordings. I read he charted more hits than anyone. I loved him. There were times in my life when I heard one of his songs and it was perfect for me at that time. Try "The Cold Hard Truth" on for size or "Walls Can Fall". So many classics. "He Stopped Loving Her Today" may be his best known. "The Door" was powerful when I got divorced and there was a point when the goodbye was final and the door closed. I know he affected millions of people the same way.
I think whoever did the video for Walls, really screwed up. Great men like George, me and you can really get screwed over by lesser people who don't have the AUTHENTICITY, Heart and Soul that we do. It is understood, (unfortunate), and forgiven. I'm listening to "If Drinking Don't Kill Me" right now. Thanks, George.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Grading my first round of golf
Watching the Masters usually puts me in a golfing frame of mind. The temperature was close to 70 today so I thought I'd get out of the house and see how the golf swing was.
I had an accident yesterday. While chasing Zeke to get him back into the house, I aparently forgot that we had a fairly large step from the porch down to the first level of the sidewalk. I think the first things to hit were my knees. Then maybe my right hand, broom(I was carrying) left hand and my face.
I hadn't been drinking at that point so maybe I'm just losing it. Since the incident, I'm a little shook up. So, I didn't know if this would affect my golf.
Since I was out in the Spring air I thought I'd try to start my convertible. After sitting all Winter in the garage I was quite sure the result of turning the key would be nothing. Instead, I heard the engine turn over and start as though it had been sitting for no more than a week. This was a minor miracle! Shades of Sleeper. So, I cleared a path and drove out to the golf course in my VW.
I'm being pressured for time now so to finish quickly, my driving and long woods get a B+. The long irons C+. The mid irons A-. Wedge D and putting B. It was a nice afternoon and I plan on spending many many more out there this Summer.
I had an accident yesterday. While chasing Zeke to get him back into the house, I aparently forgot that we had a fairly large step from the porch down to the first level of the sidewalk. I think the first things to hit were my knees. Then maybe my right hand, broom(I was carrying) left hand and my face.
I hadn't been drinking at that point so maybe I'm just losing it. Since the incident, I'm a little shook up. So, I didn't know if this would affect my golf.
Since I was out in the Spring air I thought I'd try to start my convertible. After sitting all Winter in the garage I was quite sure the result of turning the key would be nothing. Instead, I heard the engine turn over and start as though it had been sitting for no more than a week. This was a minor miracle! Shades of Sleeper. So, I cleared a path and drove out to the golf course in my VW.
I'm being pressured for time now so to finish quickly, my driving and long woods get a B+. The long irons C+. The mid irons A-. Wedge D and putting B. It was a nice afternoon and I plan on spending many many more out there this Summer.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Three Dreams
Thought I'd share the dreams flowing through my fertile mind this morning. I must warn you that I watched an episode of Sherlock Holmes last night just before retiring. This is a BBC version of Sherlock Holmes and takes place in present day London for the most part.
The first dream I recall I found myself in a car? that was moving down a street, but I was not at the controls of the car. I'm not sure anyone was. The drivers seat was two rows ahead of me. I reached over and somehow released the back of one of the seats ahead of me and that resolved the situation. Apparently there were two other people in the car with me then. We were approaching an intersection at which our "street" did not cross. The house directly across the intersection was a small house and that is where Trey Burke lived. He and Tim Hardaway Junior were on the porch preparing to deliver their paper route. They both had T-shirts on that had 816 E. Third St. on the front. That was our old address in Flint. Today is the day Trey is to announce whether he's leaving Michigan to turn pro. It is expected he is and that Hardaway probably will also. The car I was in turned left and turned into the driveway between Trey's house and the next-door neighbor's house. I said, something like,"Don't go in here, turn around." We started turning around but several people came out of the two houses and invited us to hang out with them.
Trey's grandmother lived in that house. We sat around a large table that was outside and we were offered Pot. One of the women said that the local dealer had been by a couple of weeks ago and had some good Shag? I don't recall the name now. She was going to go and get some of her stash so we could experience the good stuff. Everyone started pulling money from their pockets to buy the good dope.
Dream two took place in the desert. It involved working as a team, setting up a small plot of ground. I know not what for. We were being led by President Obama in this effort. Mom/Brooke was working on it and was on the phone talking to Emma reporting how well I was participating. The whole project was based on one that had been abandoned years ago by Walt Disney.
Dream three combined a boomerang and the 14 year old golfer from China who is playing at The Masters this week end. What? You say Who is on first? No, who is playing at The Masters. Except his name isn't Who . It is Guan. My dream thoughts combining the boomerang with golf was that this kid was playing golf in a different way. He plays in total harmony with the golf course. This includes the conditions and movement of the air above it. I think most of us see golf as a challenge and the wind is an element to be fought and conquered. The new way is to use the conditions as they are presented. Remember the speech by Bill Murry in Caddy Shack. He was speaking of caddying for the Dalai Lama with the flowing robes. That may be the new "Way".
Food for thought.
The first dream I recall I found myself in a car? that was moving down a street, but I was not at the controls of the car. I'm not sure anyone was. The drivers seat was two rows ahead of me. I reached over and somehow released the back of one of the seats ahead of me and that resolved the situation. Apparently there were two other people in the car with me then. We were approaching an intersection at which our "street" did not cross. The house directly across the intersection was a small house and that is where Trey Burke lived. He and Tim Hardaway Junior were on the porch preparing to deliver their paper route. They both had T-shirts on that had 816 E. Third St. on the front. That was our old address in Flint. Today is the day Trey is to announce whether he's leaving Michigan to turn pro. It is expected he is and that Hardaway probably will also. The car I was in turned left and turned into the driveway between Trey's house and the next-door neighbor's house. I said, something like,"Don't go in here, turn around." We started turning around but several people came out of the two houses and invited us to hang out with them.
Trey's grandmother lived in that house. We sat around a large table that was outside and we were offered Pot. One of the women said that the local dealer had been by a couple of weeks ago and had some good Shag? I don't recall the name now. She was going to go and get some of her stash so we could experience the good stuff. Everyone started pulling money from their pockets to buy the good dope.
Dream two took place in the desert. It involved working as a team, setting up a small plot of ground. I know not what for. We were being led by President Obama in this effort. Mom/Brooke was working on it and was on the phone talking to Emma reporting how well I was participating. The whole project was based on one that had been abandoned years ago by Walt Disney.
Dream three combined a boomerang and the 14 year old golfer from China who is playing at The Masters this week end. What? You say Who is on first? No, who is playing at The Masters. Except his name isn't Who . It is Guan. My dream thoughts combining the boomerang with golf was that this kid was playing golf in a different way. He plays in total harmony with the golf course. This includes the conditions and movement of the air above it. I think most of us see golf as a challenge and the wind is an element to be fought and conquered. The new way is to use the conditions as they are presented. Remember the speech by Bill Murry in Caddy Shack. He was speaking of caddying for the Dalai Lama with the flowing robes. That may be the new "Way".
Food for thought.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Altered states of mind
Just yesterday I was watching basketball on TV. Things seemed different in some way. I've had this feeling before; it's as though the things I am looking at are familiar, but I am seeing them in a different light. My cymbal of course did look different, because I had just given it a ketchup bath. I had also just returned from Planet Fitness where I had ellipticised for 25 minutes. But something was going on with the brain. Was I having some sort of stroke? Do I have a tumor? I was trying to think of the names of the players on this years Michigan Basketball team. I couldn't remember them. Only one came up. Tim Hardaway Jr. I could remember the other players as to positions and characteristics but not names. I was kinda panicking. Then I slowly started getting the names back. Trey Burke, Nick Stauskus, Glen RobinsonIII , Mitch McGary.
Shortly after, I noticed the shimmering of and Aura in my vision. I have been getting these for years. Doctors have said they are often precursors to migraine headaches. I don't get the headaches, at least not very strong at all. Well this is all more or less experiencial. (I've been reading a psychology/hypnosis book)
One point in the book: It is difficult to know you are in an altered state when you are the one in it.
As I sit here this morning I still don't feel "normal".
Happy Spring everyone!
PS: I sent an email yesterday about an idea for a beer drinking device. The next thing I see there on gmail, is an ad for beer brewing supplies. I hate this cyber snooping. Just let us have our free email and privacy at the same time.
Shortly after, I noticed the shimmering of and Aura in my vision. I have been getting these for years. Doctors have said they are often precursors to migraine headaches. I don't get the headaches, at least not very strong at all. Well this is all more or less experiencial. (I've been reading a psychology/hypnosis book)
One point in the book: It is difficult to know you are in an altered state when you are the one in it.
As I sit here this morning I still don't feel "normal".
Happy Spring everyone!
PS: I sent an email yesterday about an idea for a beer drinking device. The next thing I see there on gmail, is an ad for beer brewing supplies. I hate this cyber snooping. Just let us have our free email and privacy at the same time.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Difficult question
Say you heard about a new disease that has cropped up in the U.S. Only one person in 10,000 will get the disease but it is always fatal if you get it. You are scheduled for a physical so you decide to include a test for the new disease. The Doc tells you the test is 99% accurate. When the results come back, you find you have tested positive for the disease. Should you be devastated? Slightly worried or not too worried at all?
This is included in Tricks of the Mind by Derren Brown. It turns out you still have less than 1% chance of having the disease, so not to worry. I am slowly working my way through the book. It takes good concentration to stick with it. Usually I don't have that quality of mind, especially when I'm reading just before going to bed. It is more like reading a text book.
I thought I'd find out something about vapeing. If you haven't heard about it, it's a way of getting the benefits of marijuana without smoking it. There is also no strong smell. Instead of burning the "medicine" you grind some up and put it into a vaporizer. The vaporizer has some means of heating the herb to a temperature less than the combustion point but the cannibinoids are released as a vapor. One inhales this and gets the benefits they seek. I still haven't seen anything telling me that it definitely is not a health risk. After almost 30 years of not smoking I thought I might try vaping. The vaporizers can be pricy and I can't believe the price of pot. It used to be $20 for an ounce of Mexican, $40 for pretty good stuff. Now it's more like $300 for "medical grade". I think I'm just going to stick to PBR, FiveOClock vodka and cheap wine.
I did learn that the human mind can produce it's own cannibinoids. Maybe I can develop a hypnosis routine to increase this. Just received some bad news so I'll see you later.
This is included in Tricks of the Mind by Derren Brown. It turns out you still have less than 1% chance of having the disease, so not to worry. I am slowly working my way through the book. It takes good concentration to stick with it. Usually I don't have that quality of mind, especially when I'm reading just before going to bed. It is more like reading a text book.
I thought I'd find out something about vapeing. If you haven't heard about it, it's a way of getting the benefits of marijuana without smoking it. There is also no strong smell. Instead of burning the "medicine" you grind some up and put it into a vaporizer. The vaporizer has some means of heating the herb to a temperature less than the combustion point but the cannibinoids are released as a vapor. One inhales this and gets the benefits they seek. I still haven't seen anything telling me that it definitely is not a health risk. After almost 30 years of not smoking I thought I might try vaping. The vaporizers can be pricy and I can't believe the price of pot. It used to be $20 for an ounce of Mexican, $40 for pretty good stuff. Now it's more like $300 for "medical grade". I think I'm just going to stick to PBR, FiveOClock vodka and cheap wine.
I did learn that the human mind can produce it's own cannibinoids. Maybe I can develop a hypnosis routine to increase this. Just received some bad news so I'll see you later.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Bloggin at 5AM
It's late in the morning since I woke up at 2:30. Once in a while I will wake up and lie in bed for an hour or so before I fall back asleep. If it goes on much further than that I get up for a while and then go back to bed when I get sleepy. It may be part of an unstated and unplanned strategy that Brooke and I have fallen into, where we give each other the floor, as it were. We try to avoid being in the same place at the same time. It just works better that way. I'm sure it happens with a lot of couples. I mentioned it to one of Brooke's cronies when she was visiting and she remarked it's like room mates.
It's working for us right now.
I'm following college basketball. The big ten is still up in the air with a lot of good teams. Indiana beat MSU in East Lansing last week and last night Indiana went to lowly Minnesota and lost to the Golden Gophers. One of my favorite team names.
Michigan has both MSU and Indiana to play, both at Ann Arbor. It's fun to follow. It gives me something to do this time of year.
I am engaged in home improvement, also. I am painting the side bedroom. The ceiling is being prepped and tools assembled. Wallpaper must be removed and repairs made. I may put in Wainscoating. I'm sure there will be a couple of very hard days involved before it is completed.
We are members of Planet Fitness now. That is working out well so far. It makes one feel good to walk on the treadmill or elliptical for a while.
That's all the boring stuff for now. The really exciting stuff will have to wait 'til next time.
It's working for us right now.
I'm following college basketball. The big ten is still up in the air with a lot of good teams. Indiana beat MSU in East Lansing last week and last night Indiana went to lowly Minnesota and lost to the Golden Gophers. One of my favorite team names.
Michigan has both MSU and Indiana to play, both at Ann Arbor. It's fun to follow. It gives me something to do this time of year.
I am engaged in home improvement, also. I am painting the side bedroom. The ceiling is being prepped and tools assembled. Wallpaper must be removed and repairs made. I may put in Wainscoating. I'm sure there will be a couple of very hard days involved before it is completed.
We are members of Planet Fitness now. That is working out well so far. It makes one feel good to walk on the treadmill or elliptical for a while.
That's all the boring stuff for now. The really exciting stuff will have to wait 'til next time.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Life's Eddys
How did I end up with this title? Well, I was thinking about where my life is now. When you retire it's kinda like being out of the main stream. When one goes over to the side of the stream one thing that is encountered is eddy currents. They swirl and sometimes go back upstream for a ways. Like reflecting on the past. Whatever, I also have been reading Keith Richard's auto biography, "Life". It is quite good, and so I suppose it goes along with my title. Also there is a part in there where the newly forming Stones were referring to all the day-to-day people as Eddies. Based on people encountered in a restaurant they frequented, all seemed to be named Eddie. I am only about a fifth of the way through the book, but I recommend it justfor that part.
Keith Richards is about a year older than me. He tells of his youth and what it was like in post WWII England. What school was like. It was similar to my youth. When you're a young boy there is a lot of fighting and bullying on the playground etc.
After the war there were people living in this area near his house. It was a swampy area I believe along a river. Some homeless people lived there. Left over from the war still thinking it was going on. Some mental cases. Must have been a strange place to be with people running and hiding. Maybe like hobo areas here in the states. As he said, "Some of them were mean. He was shot by someone with an air rifle there." I take back those quote marks- I'm paraphrasing.
I thought it was funny that The Rolling Stones had a gig playing at a party for Lady Lampson early in their carrier.
The weather here is very cold these days. I'm talking about Jan. 2013. I've been putting up plastic film on the windows to save some heat. It does help. I'm still in the aftermath of the hypnosis seminar. Figuring out how to send Links to people so they can get the deepening audio file that I put in my Dropbox. I'm pretty sure I got it, finally.
I want to make some progress with guitar now. It's been going along slowly but steadily. This time of year is the worst in Michigan. Things start to pick up in March. Groundhog Day is coming up soon.
Be of good cheer.
Keith Richards is about a year older than me. He tells of his youth and what it was like in post WWII England. What school was like. It was similar to my youth. When you're a young boy there is a lot of fighting and bullying on the playground etc.
After the war there were people living in this area near his house. It was a swampy area I believe along a river. Some homeless people lived there. Left over from the war still thinking it was going on. Some mental cases. Must have been a strange place to be with people running and hiding. Maybe like hobo areas here in the states. As he said, "Some of them were mean. He was shot by someone with an air rifle there." I take back those quote marks- I'm paraphrasing.
I thought it was funny that The Rolling Stones had a gig playing at a party for Lady Lampson early in their carrier.
The weather here is very cold these days. I'm talking about Jan. 2013. I've been putting up plastic film on the windows to save some heat. It does help. I'm still in the aftermath of the hypnosis seminar. Figuring out how to send Links to people so they can get the deepening audio file that I put in my Dropbox. I'm pretty sure I got it, finally.
I want to make some progress with guitar now. It's been going along slowly but steadily. This time of year is the worst in Michigan. Things start to pick up in March. Groundhog Day is coming up soon.
Be of good cheer.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Hypnosis Party in side bedroom
I wrote this to Jake and Emma, thought I'd paste it here too. The "party" was to allow me to practice giving a self-hypnosis talk.
Aunt Elizabeth(not her real name) and the next door neighbors
attended. They learned a lot about hypnosis and were very interested
in the process. Bob(fake) had done some reading on it and had some good
questions. Elizabeth said her sister , Monica(fake name), uses a hypnosis tape
regularly.
Tammy-Lynn(fake) has a problem with going along with the relaxation etc. Even
though I said just pretend and play along. She couldn't let herself
do it. Maybe some trust issues. Who knows, but that kinda disrupted
things. We didn't accomplish the goal of learning and practicing
giving yourself suggestions. It was instructional for all though.
I will probably do it again. I will make some changes and am sure it
will be much better. I think Friday night is a bad choice of
time...people too tired. Maybe serve Red Bull instead of wine. The
mind should be alert for hypnosis.
All in all it was great from my perspective. I learned about uses for
the tablet; speech to text, audio files and drop box. I also reviewed
a lot of information on hypnosis.
So, the event was useful and fun. I'm learning more about internet fakery though. One thing that came up in our table talk, while drinking wine and eating snacks, people write blogs for other people just to keep their numbers up. This keeps their google listing higher. I wonder if we need two internets. They'd probably both get corrupted.
I did give an example of giving yourself a suggestion and ever since I want to"Exercise every day and love it."
Written by Ken Lamson(real name)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
