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.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
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.
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