Four80East

Morning & Happy Friday!

I’ve got lots of favorite songs and I’m sure you can say the same.  One of my all time favorites is called Noodle Soup by Four80East.  It’s all instrumental.  Take a listen and maybe it will become one of your favorites too. 

FOUR80EAST–Noodle Soup

 

Nothing much going on here.  Had a summer like day yesterday and the AC worked a bit.  Put the trash out and let a Stink Bug in.  Mora was all over it letting me know we had an unwelcome visitor.  I killed it by sticking it down the drain and turning on the garbage disposal.  Had to use a butter knife for assistance and the knife fell in while the disposal was on.  That wasn’t a pleasant sound and I got the disposal turned off quickly!  Bug gone & crisis averted.  Yesterday was great, today is shaping up to be the same but tonight more severe weather will roll in and maybe there will be some hail enough to get me a new roof but based on what I have heard it’s just going to be lots of wind and rain with a very low Tornado risk.  Which is not a zero risk but the chances of one happening is very minimal.  I worked in a nice nap just before lunch and my phone permitted it – wow! It felt so good. 

Mora remains on bug watch and Rudy is helping.  Woke up this morning to find fur in the bed.  Rudy is scratching hard and pulling out his hair.  Not sure what that is all about, maybe it just felt that good to scratch.  You know that itch that just feels so good.  We all get them from time to time.  It wasn’t but a couple tufts but I’ll keep an eye on him just the same.  Mora’s got her pigment changes around her ears that I am watching.  These two are just like all of my other cats, they have something or do something that just inflicts endless worry on me.  Most probably it’s nothing but still I’m gun shy and it doesn’t take much for me to worry. 

Speaking of worry, the boss invited the new guy who doesn’t start for close to 2 weeks to our team meetings starting next week.  I’m sure it’s just to get him familiar with things but it’s rather odd.  I wasn’t looped in early when I started on the team.  I’m just hyperaware and hypersensitive.  Probably because I am breaking the rules and working from home.  I’m sure the boss will start asking us to turn our cameras on and if that happens I will need to get back to the office but for now I plan on business as usual.  No one is complaining and I for one am not going to let the cat out of the bag, so to speak. 

Had the strangest dream.  I was at a new restaurant eating, eggs so I suppose it was for breakfast.  I asked for a refill on my Diet Soda and the waitress refused saying that stuff is so bad for you that she limits people to just one.  Then we got into a verbal disagreement, some how I told her I was gay and next thing you know I was calling the cops because she was holding me hostage, refusing to give me my credit card back and ring up my check.  Hell, everything and anything is bad for you and no one gets of out of this life alive.  Might as well eat and drink as much as you can afford to. 

Things are all caught up at work and I am in a holding pattern watching and waiting for something to pop.  Kind of boring here in the basement but it feels good at 72 degrees right now.  I need to bring in the trash can and just like putting it out, both are tasks I do not enjoy.  My body woke me up early so I got to hear the banging of the cans.  Rudy was quite pleased and stopped his grooming to start making biscuits and giving me attention as well as a couple licks on my face.  He even summoned his sister to come make me get out of bed.  My bladder was the real culprit if I could have held it a bit longer I would have just laid there a bit longer.  It helped me get an early start and knock out several tasks that I put off until this morning. 

Well off to watch court, it’s Landlord Tennant Day my favorite.  Figure out what to have for lunch and supper, drag the trash can in and take care of any fires that crop up at work.  Then the day will be done but not quite as quick as you read this. 

Tomorrow is haircut day, it’s booked early and I will hate myself for doing that but I’m an early bird.  It might just keep me out of the house for a while depending on how much sleep I get and how I feel.  No real plans per se, just the usual errand running and dining out.  Hope you have a nice weekend and an awesome Friday.  Take care!

Older than I thought

Morning & Happy Friday!

I’ve seen lots of people posting their Spotify Wrapped.  Normally I get an email when it’s ready but nothing this year.  I opened the Spotify app and mine was there waiting for me.  Something new this year is they rate your age based on the music you listen to.  Apparently I am 62.  That shocked me.  I got into Bob Seger a bit more this year, just thinking about my mom.  He was one of her favorite artists and I discovered some of his music that was new and appealed to me.  This was the second year in a row that Charlie Puth wasn’t my top listened to and favorite artist.  I think and hope that next years Wrapped will show him at my top artist but only time will tell. 

Speaking of Charlie, I forgot to mention that he’s singing the National Anthem at the 2026 Super bowl.  That should be interesting.  He’s also hosting New Years Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.  He’s got a new album due out in March, which I look forward to hearing.  I’m still very much a huge fan of Charlie’s.  He’s got a special place in my heart. 

Music is a common bond that we can share with others.  It can change, alter or enhance mood and I honestly don’t know how I could get through this life without it. 

I’m watching a series new to me on Netflix called Brockmeyer.  It’s very funny and interesting.  It’s about a baseball announcer and his life, he’s a screw up but it’s interesting to follow. 

I have heard about a new Gay Hockey Drama series on HBO that is pretty good.  It’s a weekly series and there is apparently some hot steamy gay sex scenes that are pretty explicit.  I haven’t watched yet but it’s on my list.  I hate coming back for a weekly series like that I like to binge watch. 

Work yesterday was kind of a long day, not a lot going on and just watching a computer screen.  Helping out when I wanted to.  A couple things came my way but it’s slow right now.  Today will be pretty much the same I believe.  I’ve got one dumb meeting to attend that will be a gab fest of my boss yapping just because he loves the sound of his own voice.  I could miss the call if I wanted to but I think that might lead to more questions so I’ll go despite not wanting to. 

Had pizza that I baked in my own oven last night.  It was store bought but for frozen pizza it was pretty good.  I still have a few pieces left over that will probably be lunch.  Thinking of having some Buffalo Chicken tonight to change things up.  Just loaded up the fridge last night with Sprite Zero so in my mind that pairs perfect. 

Worked on getting the trash together so all I need to do today is take the barrel out to the end of the street, that’s an afternoon task because it will be a bit warmer but not by much. 

Rudy got me up an hour early today.  Good thing because the internet was down.  Not something I like to see in the morning but it provided me with some extra time to reboot the modem and try to get my phone connected to my desktop computer.  Thankfully my home connection came back up and it’s been solid for a couple hours so hopefully it will stay that way. 

I hate to include this but it’s just something I am having a hard time dealing with.  Scott Finn’s death really bothers me.  It’s mostly because he was so young, death in general is something that I have a hard time dealing with.  However, when it’s a young person that bothers me even more.  I didn’t know him beyond his screen porn performances but he sounds like quite a great guy.  Really wish that he was still here.  Sounds like he could have used someone to talk to.  Based on what I see from his obituary he was very loved and his very much missed by a lot of people.  While all signs from what I have seen and read point to suicide being the cause of this death, there still has been no official confirmation of that.  It’s a permanent solution to a temporary problem.  It’s tough to see that when your going through something.  I only know that because I’ve been in that situation multiple times in my life.  I’m kind of glad that I stuck around so many good things have happened both with Technology and my life that I would have otherwise missed. 

Hopefully that wasn’t too depressing I just had to let it out.  It helps to talk even if I am just typing and sending it into hyperspace.  I plan to enjoy today as well as the weekend.  Not looking forward to being back on-call but this time next week.  I’m looking forward to my time off.  Already got a shopping list going for Sam’s Club.  Thinking about restaurants that I’d like to visit and looking at new vehicles.  I don’t know that anything will ever quench my new car fever but it is fun to look online.  Some places make it look like they are giving you a great deal but I am not a fan of car dealers.  I know I’m not alone there lots of people dislike them. 

Have a great weekend, enjoy some good food, watch a movie or TV show.  Do something for you!  Relax, you’ve earned it.  Take care and stay warm.  Thank you for stopping by!

Charlie Puth - Changes (Official Video)

Traffic

Happy Saturday!  I hope it’s been a great day for you. 

All in all mine was okay.  I wound up getting woken up at 6a by trash trucks again, they showed up to pick up recycling.  For a second I thought it was Friday when I woke up but reality set in quickly.  Rudy wanted breakfast and I just gave in. 

I watched a little TV and then went back to bed.  Finally woke up around 10a and had my breakfast.  Don’t you know that Rudy asked for more food, as if I hadn’t fed him hours earlier.  I fed him again and he was really happy.  I think he things he got one over on me. 

My breakfast was a warmed Apple Fritter sprinkled with Cinnamon Sugar.  Washed that down with some Dark Chocolate Milk and had a Banana.  Then got my morning meds and lounged in my recliner.  Surfing You Tube once again and watching some mindless videos and some that were interesting.  Came across a couple different car auctions.  I like hearing auctioneers talk that is just pure entertainment to me, don’t know why but I like it. 

Several hours later I got up and passed out lunch for the cats.  I grabbed a soda and went back to my bedroom to continue watching You Tube. 

I knew when I wanted to leave and started getting ready for that at 3p.  I was out of the house a little after 3:30p.  It’s about a half hour drive on a normal day to the pizza place.  Damned if I didn’t disregard what GPS told me and went my usual route.  I wound up in not one but two traffic jams.  The first one was short and I was able to go around it.  The second one was closer to my destination and it went on for like 10 minutes.  People were loosing their minds, cutting in and out of traffic.  One car thought he was special and rode the shoulder.  It was all due to construction.  I said as I sat in the traffic jam I sure hope I get to see some cute guys that will make all of this worth it. 

Well I arrived and just like last time there were more girls working but they had a few guys.  A new guy walked out of the back, blond hair blue eyes and he had some meat on his bones and a very nice ass.  I took in the view and wished that I had taken a photo.  Seeing him was great but that was short lived he just popped out to clock in and then he went to the back where I couldn’t see him any longer.  My pizza came and it was hot & delicious.  I took some home and paid my bill.

On my way back home I stopped at the post office.  I saw a note on the front door, the place was supposed to be closed for maintenance but it was wide open.  I went in and grabbed my mail and got out of there.  That was a lucky break for me. 

My neck is back to giving me trouble.  I had a shower today and resisted putting anything on afterwards.  It itches and burns.  I had some minor skin peeling as well.  I’m starting to think this might have turned into something more than razor burn.  I got some prescription antibiotic my doc gave me a few months ago.  I am breaking that out to see if it helps.  If not then I might be going to the doc via the computer tomorrow.  I need this under control asap. 

It was nice to be able to relax and loaf.  I also turned my phone off for a short time as well.  I’ve gotten some work emails today, I was able to just file them away and keep on moving. 

Kind of lonely now that the day is winding down.  I wish I had kept with my original plans but that early morning wake up call did me in.  I could have forced myself but I honestly just wanted to relax.  So it was a me day.  I got in quality time with the cats. 

Speaking of which last night I was sitting on the couch watching TV and Rudy snuggled up with me.  He had Cheetos, which is what I call it when he grooms his back claws.  He chomps on them and it sounds like he is crunching on Cheetos.  I saw one claw that looked crooked.  Like he broke it.  There was a slight tinge of blood.  He let me touch it and mess with it for a few minutes before he told me to stop.  I got on my phone and looked, I didn’t know cats can break toes/claws and that requires a vet visit.  However, since he let me touch it I figured it was minor.  I went back at it and got a flashlight to help me.  I saw part of his claw was loose so I pulled it away, he wasn’t happy about that but I got it after a little bit of effort.  I watched it to see if he was bleeding but he wanted me to leave him alone at this point.  I hung on for a bit and didn’t see any blood.  I thought for a brief moment we were going to be headed to the vet.  Earlier on Thursday I saw something sticking out from between his toes on a back paw and I’m guessing this was it.  He was able to hide it from me but not for long.  I brushed both cats as well.  This time Rudy was just as furry as his sister. 

That’s my day in a nutshell.  I’m headed back up to put away laundry, get ready for bed.  I charged up my headphones which I haven’t gotten out in a long time.  I plan to listen to some music for a while.

Tomorrow will start and I will be making my usual morning rounds and getting a car wash.  I really don’t need it but hey I’m paying for it with my membership so might as well take full advantage of it.  I’ve already got my moneys worth.  I hope to see more cute guys that is a bonus for me.  Thinking of BBQ for supper tomorrow night, it’s closer and will keep me out of construction traffic. 

Have a good night!

Another 1st

I was so looking forward to my massage last night.  Muscles all tense and just the thought of a hot rock touching my skin as well as a pair of hands sounded so good.  Work bothered me up until I had only a couple minutes to spare.  Thankfully this place is right around the corner and I made it with a minute to spare.  Both of the doors were locked and no way to get a massage if I can get inside.  I called and then the therapist was at the door unlocking it.  She was finishing up with a client and I got to chatting with that person about their vehicle. 

The therapist was coughing a lot but I didn’t think much of it.  It continued into my massage and it got worse to the point where she became nauseated and barfed.  Needless to say this was the first time a massage ended early because the therapist got sick.  She said that she hadn’t eaten and thought that it what was causing it.  I think she was getting sick – at least she had post nasal drip and that is what made her barf.  She said she felt better afterwards but still she wanted to get home. 

She only charged me for an hour which we barely got in.  I get 30 minutes for free next time and we booked another session for next Friday.  It’s only an hour but I think I will probably need it if next week is anything like this week has been. 

I just got comfy on the table and was starting to relax when she got sick.  Since my back didn’t get what I was expecting I am super sore this morning.  She was digging but hadn’t quite worked out the knots just yet. 

At least I ate supper before I went.  Had a Grilled Cheese as I watched the latest episode of The Pitt.  Damn that’s an easy way to burn an hour.  I love that show but some of it is just too damn real. 

This morning when I woke up I was intent on heading out for breakfast but after a shower I felt like my sugar was crashing.  I instead opted to eat a couple pop-tarts and drink a soda.  That was breakfast.  I wasted time watching TV until I had to leave for my haircut appointment.  Got a free neck shave. 

After that I came back home, got out of my clothes and watched TV.  I watched Yanni Live at the Acropolis.  That took me back down memory lane.  My late spouse introduced me to Yanni.  We went to a couple concerts and I’ve got every CD that he put out, plus a couple video tapes.  His music is enjoyable still to this day.  I enjoy the upbeat songs the most.  Loved seeing the drum solo that Charlie Adams put on.  Wow he can play the drums!  He did that same solo at one of the concerts we went to and seeing as well as hearing it live is way more enjoyable.  Gosh, I sure do miss those good times. 

Eventually, I crawled into bed with Rudy and Mora joined us.  She wanted to cuddle and it didn’t matter that her brother was in the way she just plowed through and plopped so she could be next to daddy.  Rudy was all relaxed so it didn’t phase him at all.  I was tired when I got into bed but woke up a bit just laying there listening to the music play.  When the concert was over I tried to go to sleep but only closed my eyes and tossed a bit.  Wound up getting up and passing out lunch for the kids. 

That’s when I too got hungry but nothing here really appealed to me.  I polished off some chips and had another soda.  Then sat in front of my laptop trying to work on my WIN 11 machine at work.  I eventually locked it up and now need someone to reboot it for me, that probably won’t happen until Monday.  I’ve still got a phantom monitor and it’s causing me some issues.  Once I figure that out I am ready to give that machine a spin to see if I can make it working on it for a couple days.  I’d rather test it out than be forced to move to it and find that something I need wasn’t there.  I think I’ve got everything but nothing like a real world test to prove that out. 

Went out for a Large Fish Sandwich to a sports bar.  I had to wait for a table but not long.  I saw a lady leaving saying she was cold.  I felt fine, that is until I got my table.  They had the AC on full blast and it was chilly so I too was cold.  Didn’t have to wait terribly long for the sandwich to arrive.  it was fresh out of the fryer and damn hot but it tasted so good.  Had fries with it and they weren’t bad.  I could have used some celery salt to improve them.  It was an inexpensive supper and I was stuffed. 

I left and getting on to the freeway I saw a truck that had slid off the ramp and into some trees.  The truck was facing me and there was someone inside that didn’t have the best look on their face.  I was in the flow of traffic and couldn’t stop.  I did the next best thing and flew down the freeway, used a U turn that is reserved for the cops and went back to check on the driver.  I normally don’t stop but something called me to this.  I called 9-1-1 just before I pulled up and they told me that the police had already been out.  About that time the driver was at my passenger door and he told me the same thing.  Well, at least everyone was okay.  The guy was waiting on a tow truck to pull him out.  I went on my way and headed home. 

Then I went to process change at work that I had dreaded.  I did all of the work and then realized it was effective on April 1.  I had to undo all of the work I just did and put everything back because Monday is the 31st.  Then come Monday night I have to re-do my changes.  Damn!  While I was in I saw a couple other issues I could lend a hand on and grabbed them up and took care of them.  Logged off and went up to pass out treats for the cats while I took my laundry up. 

I feel like I am loosing my mind from all of the stress this week.  My hope is that tomorrow will be a more normal day.  At least I will start with breakfast out so I have something in my stomach before I go taking on the day.  Gonna do some surfing here and then head up to make the bed and enjoy an evening with the cats trying to take a break from technology.  I feel like my eyes as well as my brain could both use the rest. 

Hope all is well in your world!

Come on Amazon

Morning and Happy Friday!

I was all excited to get my new battery charger from the front porch but checked my phone first and found that the delivery is running late.  It should be here later this morning.  It was originally promised from 4a to 8a.  I hate when Amazon doesn’t meet their delivery window.  I don’t know what went wrong as I got a shipping confirmation last night.  Here’s hoping they keep their new “promised” arrival time.  I am eager to hook it up and make sure that my battery is properly charged before I head out tomorrow. 

Lugging the trash can out yesterday there is maybe two inches of snow on the driveway.  I see why no one has bothered to clear their driveways, it’s very manageable to trudge through. 

Saw a video yesterday where the content creator made Snow Cream.  It’s clean snow mixed with Condensed Sweetened Milk and then you eat and enjoy.  It’s supposed to be really good.  I’ve never heard of it before.  Have you?  You should use a metal bowl and act quickly so the snow doesn’t melt. 

Had 1/2 of the Country Fried Steak & Mashed Potatoes for supper last night.  Of course as soon as I put it in the microwave something work related popped off and I had to contend with the reminder beep from the microwave.  Plus the cats were a little rowdy.  However it wasn’t something that kept me terribly long and soon I was eating. 

That store bought burrito did a number on my stomach and it wasn’t a good number either.  Not sure what went awry there as my stomach is used to that type of food.  This is the second bad experience I’ve had with store made items.  The first one was a Chicken Pot Pie that I got a couple years back.  It tasted really good but I got really sick from it so I won’t take another chance on one today.  I have gotten the burrito many times and never had issues.  Since this was just a minor inconvenience I will likely give the burrito another chance but not right away. 

Had a mainly calm and quiet day yesterday.  I jumped in and took on a few things just to help out and knock them out of the way.  Friday’s are usually calm but you can’t bank on that.  I am hoping that today is one of those calm days and that it moves by quickly.  I am eager to get to the weekend and take a break from work. 

Watched DOC last night that show is getting pretty good.  Scott Wolf was my draw to watch it.  I had such a crush on him when he was on Party of Five and we were both a lot younger.  Even though he’s straight I still think he’s hot and a very good actor.  Also started watching a new Netflix show called Zero Day.  That got a little too real for me and I had to pause in the middle of the second episode.  It’s a thriller and stars Robert DiNero, who is a stellar actor.  While the show is only make believe it’s not too far fetched especially with the leadership the US has in place at the moment.  I will finish it but it’s the kind of show that makes me think a just a little bit too much about how this could go from TV to reality.  I sprinkled in some YouTube music videos and shorts. 

Rudy was there to beg as I was brushing my teeth for play time.  I saw Mora looking at me as well.  I did give them their play time before bed and Rudy wore out rather quickly.  Mora likes to grab the toy and keep it in her mouth then she takes me for a short walk so she can get in a better position to attack the toy.  She keeps me on my toes.  Last night she waited for just the right moment when her brother was distracted to go finish up the treats.  They are quite the pair.  They make me envious that my relationship with my brother isn’t a better one.  

Got in another episode and a half of Night Court before bed.  I am slowly approaching the end of that show and it’s gonna suck when I reach the end.  I am sure I will find something new to latch on to but I really like that show and totally understand why my late grandfather enjoyed it so much. 

Were on our way out of the deep freeze but slowly.  It supposed to be 30 for the high today.  Were in the 40’s tomorrow and 50’s by Sunday so they say.  I am glad that at least it is suppose to warm up since I have some time off next week. 

Here’s hoping that today is a great day for all of us and that we can all enjoy the weekend.  Take care and be well!

Home Alone Christmas Ambience | Iconic Music with Animated Holiday Scenes | 4K

 

A happy accident.  I found this video on YouTube while I was trying to pass time this morning.  It’s 3 hours of Christmas music with video backdrops from the Home Alone movie.  Hope you enjoy it as much as I am. 

Spotify Play List

I was really surprised this year by my Spotify Play List.  Normally my number 1 artist is Charlie Puth.  It’s been that way for the last 4 years.  This year my top artist was AC/DC and Charlie came in at number two.  Dixon Dallas was number three, Bob Seger was number four and finally Thomas Mac was number five. 

My top songs

1 – Like Whiskey by Dixon Dallas

2 – T.N.T. by AC/DC

3 – Kick You When Your Down by AC/DC (really love this song)

4 – Hit My Spot by ur pretty

5 – Say Hi to That Prick for Me by Thomas Mac

How did your list turn out?  Were you surprised in that your number 1 artist changed? 

 

Happy Accident

Morning … Often on YouTube I’ll get some random videos that seem appealing.  Earlier this week I stumbled across an America’s Got Talent clip from Alex Sampson.  He’s a young musician from Canada and he’s 20 years old.  Yeah he’s totally good looking and uber hot.  However, he’s got some voice on him. 

Here’s the clip I watched of him singing “Pretty Baby”

Being horny and curious I wanted to know what he looked like shirtless and to hear some more of his music.  I found a clip of him singing another song called “ All That We Could Have Been” 

Putting this together I found his Instagram and there are plenty of shirtless photos there to obsess over. 

He appears to be straight, which is fine.  All of the super hot guys that I am into are either Straight or Taken.  However, doesn’t mean I can’t look and have my own fantasies. 

Alex strikes me as another Charlie Puth.  The kids got some great vocal chords on him and I’m guessing that he will go places much like Charlie has.  However to be fair I listened to Charlie because of his voice and later fell in love with him over his looks.

Music is a wonderful thing and can evoke so many emotions as well as help to set and/or change a mood.  It can also help to pass time and can just be fun to listen to what ever appeals to you.  Personally, I like a little bit of everything.  Variety is the spice of life and you will find that in my taste for music. 

Hope that you enjoy Alex’s music and that it brings some pleasure to your day!

Again it’s Monday

Back to a regular full work week, yippie.  Can you sense the excitement I have, does it fully come through?  Yeah I’m not excited at all.  However, the weekend will come back eventually.  Right now the sun is out and they say it’s supposed to be another rainy couple days.  Not like we need them but the temperatures have been in the upper 80’s.  Nothing I enjoy more than at night sitting in my room feeling the cool AC pump in and the ceiling fan moving it all around.  The cats don’t care much for cold but they are sure fascinated by the air that comes out of the floor.  Be it hot or cold air.  However, cold air tends to draw them more, not exactly sure why.  It is truly an obsession of theirs. 

Got in some cuddle time with both cats yesterday.  Fell asleep holding Rudy and woke up neither one of us had moved.  It was so cute.  Both of them got brushed last night as well.  Rudy said if you want to brush something I’ll roll over and he let me brush his undercarriage.  I was super light and wound up petting him, he just laid there and soaked it all up like a sponge.  I might not be overloaded with friends and money but damn I sure feel lucky to have both of the cats!

Saturday was truly a loaf day for me, I did nothing but stay in and watch TV.  I wanted to get out but it just sounded more appealing to stay put.  I didn’t eat the best, but I’m still alive to tell about it. 

Sunday was my run day.  Got up early, took a much needed shower.  Headed out for breakfast, the grocery store and gassed up the vehicle.  Came home put the groceries away.  Started on laundry.  Then sat and watched TV.  Caught a new series on Netflix called FUBAR.  It’s got a great cast and is well worth the watch.  I started on Saturday and finished on Sunday.  Had my computer time, put out my meds for the week, cleaned the house.  Then out for Mail and Mexican food.  It wasn’t as good as usual but I still enjoyed what I had.  Back home, more computer time and laundry.  Watched some TV before bed.  My sleeping medicine didn’t kick in nearly as quickly as I wanted it to but I did get 7 hours with only having to wake up once. 

Plowed through some work this morning.  Saw that my tax bill will be waiting for me at the post office.  It’s all paid through my mortgage so it’s not a major big deal but damn I got a $300 increase from last year.  Taxes here are out of control.  My homeowners policy went up as well but it was like $15.  I’d wish that I could have a couple years where the taxes would stay the same.  My only saving grace is either moving or waiting until I hit the magic number of 65 and then I can apply for a Senior Citizen Exemption. 

Speaking of taxes learned through some online searching that my neighbor that is so good looking, yeah he bought some property and is building a house.  He will be moving just not sure when.  He just signed up to get a new roof on his house.  Not sure how quickly the place will sell considering that in his backyard none of the siding on the rear of the house matches.  It also kind of explains why he lets the grass grow so long before he mows.  The only real deal I have with him is over the tree that borders our properties and one day it’s going to need to come down.  Of course that won’t be his problem that much longer.  Hopefully when the time comes whomever buys his house will agree to split that bill with me, but with luck we should be years away from that point. 

I’ll be headed to the office tomorrow, sort of looking forward to it.  Just not the early morning wake up call and rushing.  I should be able to leave early like I normally do.  I know the cats don’t look forward to me leaving because they won’t get lunch.  However, I’m sure they will make me make up for it when I get home. 

Just came across music that is new to me, it’s been around for years but just hasn’t been my cup of tea.  I’m talking about AC/DC.  I’ve been listening to a variety of their songs.  The one that I am currently in love with is called Why Do They Kick You When Your Down.  The guitar work on this is mostly what appeals to me.  I’ve imbedded the video below if you’d like to give a listen. 

Take care! 

Cuts like a knife

Morning.  I know the title is a decent song by Bryan Adams however I’m talking about cat claws.  Last night Rudy was so intent on staying close to me.  I was sitting in my chair after a shower watching TV and waiting for my knock out pills to kick in.  Rudy was sleeping away, I had to wake him to get up.  He climbed down and waited for me to return.  When I came back he jumped back up in the chair and went back to sleep.  I had to get up multiple times and hated waking him.  After about the umpteenth time he was in a trance on the floor, I touched him to pick him up and it was kind of startling.  I set him in my lap and his back claws landed right on my nuts.  He sliced me open a little bit.  Like I told him no good deed seems to go unpunished for me.  I didn’t blame him or even yell.  I knew I was cut just waited for the blood to start to surface, once it did time for some alcohol wipes and some antibiotic ointment.  That was the final thing that went wrong for me yesterday. 

I did get my dinner at the Mexican place.  It wasn’t as good as last week, they held back on the seasoning which is what makes the meal.  Still I enjoyed it and service was slightly better.  The place was quiet as it was me and one other customer which was a family that had kids and they were all screamers.  Yeah not exactly the best experience for me and my ears but I made it. 

Glad the I elected to make the bed before I left the house and take care of some other chores.  That way all I had to do was come home, feed the cats, get comfy and watch TV.  It was nice.  I surfed social media and watched a couple YouTube videos then back to New Amsterdam.  Got up showered and came back to watch more of the show, took my pills and was all set to pass out. 

It was a little after midnight before I started to feel the effects of the drugs taking a hold.  I climbed into bed.  Mora gave me a magic hug and it wasn’t long before it was lights out and into the night I went. 

Had a horrible dream that I went back to work at a place that I left, got a crummy job.  Figured out how to rob the soda machine, had crappy hours and got a job where I was cleaning up dust which I am highly allergic to.  I managed to wake up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom.  Went back to bed and damn if the dream didn’t pickup where it left off.  Finally my alarm clock went off.  Apparently Rudy wanted to sleep on the job as well.  He was on top of me but there were no biscuits that I was aware of.  He probably tried but I was unresponsive.  I felt hung over as I made my way out of bed and to the bathroom and kitchen. 

Even heading down to start the day I felt horrible like I just wanted to go back to bed.  I had the idea last night before I went to sleep to call in today but here I am.  My tasks complete thus far who knows what else may crop up. 

I enjoyed staring at the cats last night just watching them sleep.  Mora was all sprawled out on my bed with that permanent smile of hers that seems to be tattooed on her face, just like her brother.  The both smile when they sleep.  They look so angelic and I just thought about how lucky I was to have them, how much joy they bring me and how they saved my life as much as I saved theirs.  It was a peaceful thought that had no interruptions and it’s moments like that I wish came more often.  I love them so much, despite the trouble they cause from time to time.  I still want to know what happened to the ping pong ball but cats got Mora’s tongue and she ain’t talkin. 

Here’s hoping Monday is a calm day that might permit a short nap.  I’ve got enough sugar in my system that I know is going to wear off sooner or later. 

Hope all is well in your world.  Take care. 

Wicked Weather

Greetings one and all.  What an evening Thursday was.  We had some wicked weather move in, as was expected.  Severe Thunderstorms and Tornadoes.  I heard the Tornado Warning from my phone and the weather radio at the same time.  TV was next and a couple minutes later the sirens went off.  The cats and I were sitting on the couch.  I watched as the storm rolled in and was watching TV as well.  At one point I heeded the warning and wrangled the cats to the basement.  Kind of handy having that TV down here I was able to keep an eye on things.  Apparently there was a Tornado in town from what I heard on the scanner but not exactly sure where it touched down at.  We are unscathed at my house, nothing but wind and rain.  We came back upstairs after about 15 minutes when I saw the storm pass over.  The Warning was still in effect for another 30 minutes but the cats were going crazy down here and it didn’t look like there was a threat. 

Once upstairs I passed out their treats and just kept an eye on things.  There was that period of time where it was calm and serene after the storm.  The sun was back out, the birds were chirping and the temperature had really dropped.  I took that opportunity to set out the trash.  Two hours later the next batch of rain and storms came rolling in as I was sitting in my bedroom.  Nothing severe. 

That was the so called excitement in the evening and really passed some time with all of my focus being on the weather.  Then I finished up Part 5 of The Upshaws on Netflix.  That went by quick.  I started earlier in the day.  Just my opinion but they never seem to release enough episodes for me to be satisfied. 

Next was back to YouTube where I watched The Pascal Show.  He had Riley Strain’s fathers (step and biological) on the show along with the family spokes person Chris Dingman.  It was a little over a 2 hour show and I didn’t know that I caught it at the start of their conversation.  There is new information but the toxicology report is still pending.  The more I hear about this case the more I say he didn’t die on his own or by accident, there was for sure fowl play.  The police do not appear to be that forthcoming and they have video evidence that the family would love to see but they aren’t releasing it.  Nashville Metro Police are trying to rubber stamp this as an accident and hope that the attention spotlight swings away from this as it’s a huge black eye for Nashville.  I really hope that the truth comes to light and the family gets the answers they deserve so they can start the healing process of grieving their loss.  If there is foul play as I suspect I hope that the wheels of justice move swiftly.  However, I think that this is going to remain one of those great unknowns.  I do hope that I am wrong on that. 

One thing that came to light in watching the Pascal Show is the reminder of how we are a digital society and there are logins and passwords for everything.  It’s important to have a password vault with emergency access so that if something happens to you, someone can get access to your stuff.  Be it your phone, bank accounts, safe, etc.  If you don’t want to go the digital route just make sure you tell a trusted person your logins and passwords, write them down in a notebook or have some other plan of action.  I know that my friends had a neighbor pass away and she took care of everything for the household.  Her husband had no clue what the password was to anything and he had to start over.  It was incredibly difficult.  Not a sponsor or paid endorsement but I use BitWarden and pay for it so that I get some extra features, Emergency Access is one of them.  Most password managers have a requirement that the person or persons that you designate have an account on their service.  My friend that I designated never did switch over from LastPass (which was hacked) and is still blindly using that platform as he feels safe, when it’s not safe despite my warning as well as warnings from other tech pros.  If I expire it will be a great mystery as to what my passwords are.  However, my friend has access to my home and will be able to get my two most valuable assets being the cats – I want to ensure they are cared for and not abandoned, they are all that I have that I truly care about what happens to them after I am gone.  I said all of this regardless of your age (young or old) make sure that you have a backup plan in place in case something happens to you where your seriously injured or you expire. 

Speaking of technology I have been looking at New vehicles again via You Tube.  I’ve opened my eyes a bit wider.  Still have no plans of making an immediate move but on the look out as I never know when I will give in.  I’ve said 1 to 2 years but I am enjoying saving money more than I am paying a car note.  With any luck I will be able to hold out and pay cash when I am in the market next, that would be a first and something I would be really proud of.  Not that I am not proud of where I am today. 

My insomnia kicked in again early this morning.  I woke up to a cooler house and it feels more like Winter outside this morning than Spring.  It’s going to be that way for a bit.  Anyway that woke the cats and Rudy came to beg for food as well as check on me.  Mora checked in and then went to playing with her toy.  She got into one of Rudy’s toys and he heard that and went to confront her.  Their toys are shared but they each have their favorites.  Anyway, Mora kept playing and Rudy returned to be with me for a while.  Eventually when I settled back in bed they were both gone but I woke up again in an hour and Rudy was resting on top of me.  He felt me move so he started his begging but I told him we have an hour to go.  Tonight will be so different I am taking a stronger dose to ensure that I sleep all night long.  I hate waking up in the middle of the night and then not being able to go back to sleep, it’s the worst. 

Plans for the weekend include maybe some outdoor work but probably not.  I’d also like to take a trip to the buffet just to change the scenery up as well as giving my vehicle a workout.  It seems to hum along much better when I drive it for a distance.  I also get better fuel economy.  I’ve wanted to make this trip for a couple weeks now but keep putting it off.  Who knows what will actually happen but it’s still in my plans.  I know that I will be eating out over the weekend regardless if I travel far for the food or stay close.  That’s something that I always look forward to is good food.

Hope that you have a good weekend.  Just one meeting in a few hours at work and unless something else comes in my day is done, I just remain on standby.  Not a bad way to spend a Friday. 

Take care!

Throat Punch Thursday

Howdy one and all!  Years ago talking with a then colleague about funny names for different days of the week one that stood out to me was Throat Punch Thursday, for some reason it just sound hilarious. 

Had a boring evening, just watching TV.  Trying to stay away from The Resident because I am now on the final season (#6) and want to savor it and not rush through it.  Although it is quite temping just to see what happens.  Wish I would have watched this live when it was in production but at the same time kind of glad that I didn’t because there are no commercials and you don’t have to wait a week to watch the next episode.  It would be neat if some how broadcast TV had the option for one to pay to not see commercials.  I’d sign up for sure, it would be useful especially now that we are in election season.  Saw my first political ad this morning and I know there are more coming, yuk. 

The cats were wound up last night just before bed.  I wasn’t interested in playing so they had to amuse themselves.  Mora managed to get two balls out of her new toy that the balls spin in a circle on.  I didn’t know that until this morning when she was playing with the toy and it sounded funny, I looked at noticed one ball.  Found one of them easily and the second one took me a few minutes.  I put it all back together and she is working on getting them free again now.  They aren’t supposed to pop out but since this is some knock off toy from Amazon it’s not a surprise that they pop out.  She won’t eat them, that doesn’t mean she hasn’t tried.  She will try to hide them to make it difficult for me to track them down. 

My insomnia kicked in at 3:30a and that was horrible.  I watched a little TV, got both cats back so I had to share my bed.  Half of me was covered and the other half not so much.  Eventually they both woke up and I got to reclaim some cover.  Eventually I passed out after an hour but it was tough to turn my brain off.  Rudy woke me early which didn’t help.  I wasn’t in the mood to get up but was glad that he was early so I could just close my eyes again.  Finally it was time and not sure what happened but when I went to get up, they both jumped and ran.  Not sure if they were playing or if I surprised them but I talked to each of them before I moved so they knew I was getting up. 

On the work front today is the best day.  All of my work, speaking of daily tasks is out of the way.  I can go catch that nap if I so choose.  However, I know that if I do my phone will wake me up. 

We have more severe weather and hail is in the forecast as well as possible Tornado’s.  It’s supposed to start in the afternoon and winds are supposed to be up to 60MPH.  Not exactly sure when I will set the trash out but I don’t want the can to blow over so I am going to try to wait until the bulk of the storm has passed.  Here’s hoping that I am once again unscathed by the weather. 

Got a Chicken Salad Sandwich with my name on it for lunch.  Had forgot that I purchased it, so that I’d have something for going into the office.  Since that didn’t materialize I need to eat it so it doesn’t go to waste.  The first jar of old peaches was polished off on Tuesday evening.  I am into the second jar and scarfing them down.  The goal is to have them gone by Friday, since I just opened the jar last night.  It’s always a fight to break open those vacuum sealed jars, even with a jar opener that I got from Amazon. 

Here’s hoping that Thursday is whisper quiet and an easy day for all of us.  Come on Friday were ready for the weekend!  Take care y’all!

Wacky Wednesday

Morning and welcome in to another hump day.  If you guessed that I talked myself into staying home then you are 100% correct.  Give yourself a pat on the back.  I got to thinking about it and just determined that I didn’t want to deal with all of the BS most especially the garage parking situation.  I will be in next week, I do need to keep appearances up for the small amount of people that actually take notice that I am in the office. 

Storms last night knocked down a large stick in my front yard but other than that I do believe we are okay.  The rain didn’t last as long as was predicted and the severity was minor to what was forecast.  All things I am happy about.  However, the next batch is queueing up.  It cooled off a little bit overnight but were back in the heat today in the upper 80’s.  The AC is still going strong.  It freezes me out when I am downstairs and when I am upstairs it’s just comfy.  Things will even out a bit more as we enter into the summer months.   

The grass is really growing here and I was due for my weekly cut tomorrow but the lawn people are here now.  I hate how they just show up for weeks on Fridays and then change it to Thursdays and now apparently it’s Wednesday.  I don’t actually get a full week in between cuts.  The important thing is that the grass is cut on a regular basis that keeps the neighbors and the city happy.  Funny thing is that my neighbor that works in local government has yet to cut his grass once.  Yeah it’s tall and his lawn looks like crap but you think anyone is threating him that if he doesn’t cut it there will be consequences?  Not a chance in the world.  I don’t think that is fair that he has a different set of rules to live by and is “above the law” to a degree.  The rules apply to everyone and they should be enforced equally but sadly they are not.  Welcome to America and Politics.  There might be one other person in the entire subdivision that hasn’t cut their grass yet but the majority of us have already started.  It’s the middle of April.  Sooner or later he will have to give in.  I kind of get it as I don’t like running the mower due to my allergies which is why I farmed the job out and pay someone to take care of it for me.  It’s a fun job when your younger but as you age it becomes less fun and more work.  Regardless of the mower you use. 

Things went okay yesterday for the most part until we had our call with a vendor late in the afternoon.  Suddenly it turned into a chatty meeting that went over just like it did last month.  Now we have another meeting with the same vendor on Friday, it’s all about changes the vendor made that we are trying to implement and my boss is making it harder than it needs to be.  There are also way too many cooks in the kitchen.  I’ll be glad when this one is done and we can just go back to our normal 15 minute meetings once per month where we say everything is fine. 

I’ve got 2 meetings today, one before lunch and one shortly after.  It’s not going to be any fun but I will survive.  Then I should be free from meetings for all of Thursday.  That gives me space to semi-decompress a little.  I use my time to organize and file away emails.  It’s the best day of the week for me, outside of a Friday that is free from meetings. 

Rudy was all worked up last night and wanted to play.  I was naked and just wanted to take a shower.  I grabbed the feather on a stick and played with him for a bit.  Mora just looked at me with a scowl on her face as if to say, what about me.  That’s when I ended things and disappeared to the bathroom.  Both of them were all wound up by the time I got out of the shower and they were having fun on their own, which is fine.  Then before I knew it they were both on the bed, napping.  Rudy woke up and got into it with his sleeping sister which didn’t fair well for him.  She hogged the bed all night long and he slept on the floor.  Kind of like she put him in the dog house.  I had some strange dreams and woke up to use the bathroom, had to carefully step over him.  Somehow he was on top of me an hour before it was time to get up.  Making his biscuits and trying to wake me up, which just led to him settling down and sleeping on me until I wanted to get up.  I didn’t make him wait the full hour but the majority of it.  I love them both but at times they are work. 

I hope you have a great day and I appreciate your visit.  Take care!

 

Take it Tuesday

Monday wasn’t all that bad; I was busy for a few hours but all of my work was done in 3 hours. I took a break and of course just as I got comfy and dozed off, Rudy woke me up. It was time for lunch. It’s another warm day here and I gave in on Sunday and turned the AC on. I don’t know that it will be on long as I see cooler temps by the weekend. For now, it remains on and nothing feels better than nice cool air blowing as I am drifting off for the night. I suppose if you add in two purring cats that would be ideal but usually only whichever one of them is close to me is the one that is purring.

Forgot all about Monday being Tax Day here in the US. I filed months ago and am glad that it’s out of the way. I like to put that behind me fast as well as get my refund.

Had some left-over Taco Pizza for lunch. It was like eating a cold Taco from Taco Bell. It’s got Sour Cream on top and I didn’t want to put it in the microwave. It was tasty. I’ve got a small amount left and plan to devour it soon.

The oldest jar of peaches I wrote about a couple days ago is about history. Enough left for one quick snack tonight and then it will be time to move on to the newer of the old jars if that makes sense. They taste fine and thus far no repercussions, hopefully it fairs that way. Then from now on I will pay more attention to expiration dates in the store before I make my purchase.

My plan for the moment is to head to the office on Wednesday. It’s been a long time since I have been in on a Wednesday and my hope is that traffic will be a bit lighter and the parking garage won’t be as much of a nightmare. It’s a hope but I know it probably won’t be reality. However, I found myself bargaining this morning that it’s not really a big deal if I go in. Yeah, I might feel better from the accomplishment and it would be a change of scenery but in the end, I’d just be bored after a bit and it kind of serves no real purpose. With that in mind my plans for Wednesday are up in the air at the moment. It is a lighter day according to my schedule.

At any rate I am just basking in the quiet time because it won’t last for very long. Things will get very busy soon. I am grateful that I built in a break of a couple days in May. I did the same thing last year and it was just dumb luck, which is exactly what happened this year. It’s only two work days but at the end of a week so it works out to 4 days straight and like always I won’t want to go back.

I was able to brush and trim both cats claw last night. Rudy was for sure the furriest of them. Not what I expected. Both of them had a couple of extra sharp claws and they were pissed when I clipped those. However, all is forgiven and were back to being friends again. I got snapped at but not bitten. I am going to try to keep the brushing up but it’s one of those tasks I would rather skip. I’d sooner hook up a vacuum to each cat and let it do the work. They actually make pet vacs with a brush that fits on the end of a hose and it sucks up the fur. They are supposed to be extra quiet so as to not freak your pet out but I don’t know how well it would go over. If I get up enough courage I might make the purchase. Rudy was extra wound up before bed so the three of us got in some play time before bed. I was playing with a feather on a stick and Mora just grabbed that out of my hand and ran off with it after a few minutes of playing. That kind of brought things to a close. Speaking of playing, Rudy’s toys arrived yesterday. The balls I ordered from Amazon and they were nothing like they were described but exactly what I wanted to get for him, so it was a happy accident that worked out well. I will cuss when I step on them in the middle of the night but as long as he’s happy and plays with them it’s worth it to me. I like happy cats.

Had some Stouffer’s Spaghetti and Meat Sauce for dinner last night. It was good. Caught up on The First 48 and The Neighborhood. Mixed in some YouTube and ended the night with The Resident. Had to reboot my modem and router last night. I think my WAP (Wireless Access Points) aka Range Extenders got software updates and I only needed to reboot the router but might as well do both, there is no harm. I like the fact that I don’t have to trudge to the basement and get in a closet to do the work. I can take care of rebooting both via my phone or even from a computer.

Today is one of those not much going on at the moment type days I’ve got 3 meetings. 1 before lunch and 2 after. Time to listen to the chicken’s crow. Not my favorite thing but taking the bad with the good.

It’s all sunshine and the temperatures are climbing to make for yet another hot day. That is until this afternoon when severe weather comes rolling in. As long as it’s not a night of sirens from the weather radio, those are the worst nights. Scares all of us and wakes us all up if we are sleeping. Just what is designed to do.

Here’s hoping it’s all sunshine and no rain in your neck of the woods. Have a great Tuesday!

Wedding Anniversary

Good Morning!

Sorry to start on a slightly somber note.  Today would be my Wedding Anniversary if my spouse was alive.  I set it up on this day specifically because he had problems remembering dates and it’s exactly two months after his birthday.  I know how thoughtful of me.  I wanted it to be a day that both of us could easily recall.  I believe it would be our 10th to be exact.  However, we were together long before we had a piece of paper that recorded our commitment to each other.  In total it would be 35 years of being together.  Any loss hurts but the longer that the person was a part of your life the more it hurts.  I find that to be true with animals as well. 

I can recall our wedding day.  I asked for the day off work and was working for a son-of-a-bitch that believed even though you were off, he was paying you so if something was needed you had to jump.  I was working feverishly to escape and get upstairs so that we could leave for the courthouse.  I made it just and then on the way there my Blackberry kept going off.  I remember replying to a message saying, about to enter a courthouse and phones aren’t allowed, I’ll get back to you when I am available.  I turned that sucker off and we walked into the courthouse. 

Both of us were nervous and we each had our moments of cold feet.  Seems that an impending commitment made both of us nervous and we had so many little arguments, even while we were waiting to be called to get things started. 

It was just the two of us and the judge.  We each got teary eyed and it was tough to exchange vows, especially when we got to that word death and parting.  However, we managed to each get through it, said I DO and were pronounced and kissed.  Damn we were both so happy!

What did we do after we walked out of the courthouse but drove back home.  I turned my stupid phone back on and did a little bit more work.  I know we eventually went out for a bite to eat.  We were just so damn happy and that was the second most positive moment we shared together where I know that I was able to block out the rest of the world and just think of us.  The other time was after Momma had her kittens.  Oddly enough the kittens moment ranked higher and gave me a more peaceful feeling.  Of course that was earlier in life and I had a much better job and more understanding employer then. 

It took me a long time to stop wearing my wedding ring.  I moved it to the opposite hand after he passed but still continued to wear it.  It just didn’t feel right or comfortable to remove it as if I was forgetting he existed.  Finally one day the timing was right and I removed it and placed it on a necklace that I bought on one of our trips, I wear both his and my bands along with a couple other items any time I go to work, need to feel closer to him or just want/need some good luck. 

Today really feels like just another day, I am not sad or depressed.  I very much enjoyed telling the above story.  I of course will always miss him until I cease to exist and take my last breath.  He made a profound impact on my life and it forever changed my world.  I do sometimes wonder where or what I’d be today having not met him.  I think I’d be working at some low income job struggling to get by, never knowing how fun cats are and certainly I would be less knowledgeable about life in general.  He really put me on the right course in life and I owe who I am today to him.  I know he was very proud of me before he passed.  I am positive that I have made him proud every day since we parted. 

When I think of moving on and trying to date or start a new life with someone it’s kind of scary.  However, I have a wealth of experience to fall back on and know what it takes to make a relationship work.  It’s really no secret.  If you love the other person that is the key.  The two other elements are compromise and communication.  If you lose one of the two key elements then your relationship is doomed to fail.  I am eager to find that special someone that he always told me would be waiting for me after he passed but our paths have yet to cross.  I sure do miss him and wish that I was able to land in the position I have now a lot sooner back when both of us were younger.  That would have made life even more different and I know he would be even prouder of me. 

====

Now on to a more regular post.  Glad that I stayed home last night, as I suspected my stomach calmed down and nothing bad happened.  However, better to be cautious and prepared.  I found a nice action movie about a bank robbery called Ambulance.  It was quite intense and took up a good portion of the evening.  During the movie I managed to brush both cats and trim their claws.  Mora was not a happy girl.  I really need to work on her back claws because she loves to dig those in me.  I wish both of them would keep their claws from doing harm to me and/or furniture around here.  However, that is kind of something that just has to be expected they are cats.  I got one or Mora’s nails a bit shorter and she yelped but she is in such a hurry to pull her paws away from me, I try to move fast to avoid a fight and that is how mistakes are made.  She didn’t lose any blood and I think it scared her more than anything.  She still loves me and is walking perfectly fine. 

Thinking about returning to the fun today caused me to peek at work email.  I had the lowest number of emails to come back to 25.  Yeah, nothing was going on and that is pretty much the theme of the week.  Everyone is checked out so not a whole lot is getting done or so it seems.  We are all kind of just relaxing and on standby if needed.  I’ve had to deal with a couple things and have something coming up but no meetings what so ever.  It’s like I could throw on some clothes and leave the house do shopping or take a trip provided that I stayed close by and no one would know the difference or for that matter even care.  I noticed the bosses out of office isn’t on, that’s because his boss is out.  I got them both in trouble years ago by accident and a mandate came down that they both couldn’t be out of the office at the same time ever again.  They sneak around and hope not to get caught.  This week I think there is little to no risk of getting caught.  Both will be back at the start of the New Year.  That’s when we will get the speech how were all going to do better and be stronger this year, it’s going to be different than in years past, blah, blah.  It’s not going to happen, were all still the same and the work still gets done. 

I ran my glasses through the jewelry cleaner, nothing gets them quite as clean as that.  Just some water, cleaner and vibration.  A good rinse off after wards and they come out spotless and crystal clear.  I broke out a screw driver and tightened the screws slightly, I’ve been rocking this same pair of computer glasses for a little over a year and no plans to change unless my vision does. 

Found an old Bluetooth Headset that was out of juice.  I charged it up and am using it now to listen to some music.  I placed a test call earlier and things sound great.  It’s a little sticky from ear wax and I cleaned it up a little bit last night.  Even hooked it up to my computer this morning and was surprised there are no updates.  I said it was old.  I’ve got the same model at work and should bring it home to update it.  It takes some special software that I stumbled on at the start of the pandemic when I was still using this thing.  I switched to using speaker a long time ago and much prefer it.  I am sure I will go back to that but might break this out once and a while for the fun of it. 

Rudy started my day early and my bladder helped to get me out of bed.  Got them fed, worked on breakfast for me.  I feel pretty good, itching a little from some claws but otherwise doing okay. 

The weather is a mix of rain and snow, that will continue today and tomorrow.  You can’t see any snow and there is no accumulation expected.  It just makes for sucky driving conditions.  The plows are out so the news says.  Glad I am inside that is where I want to be when the weather is bad out.  I would like to see a good snow fall, it brings some comfort to me but after a couple of them I get tired of snow pretty quick.  It turns to be more of a nuisance than enjoyment.

I will be working on Chicken for lunch and I’ve got a Ham Holiday Meal from the store for supper.  Eating good here for a bit.  Then it will be back to the boxed crap.

Well I told the cats I would be up soon and that was like over an hour ago so might as well get going.  Sorry I rambled so much.  Hope it’s a great day for you.  Stay warm and be well. 

Last day for work this week

Good Morning!  I hope it’s a great day for you. 

Yesterday had some minor stress.  That meeting I was running I got tongue tied and that was frustrating but I managed to snap out of it.  I am overwhelmed with compliments about how great I run meetings but yet I still hate it.  I don’t like being the center of attention.  However, I’ve been to enough meetings that I know how they should run, how to get started and how to get it over with.  Generally speaking no one likes meetings and that for sure includes me. 

During my lunch break yesterday Rudy wanted to play with his sister and she wasn’t up for it.  That resulted in a fight and I was able to corner and grab Rudy to break it up.  He just melted and went to sleep.  I don’t like any animal fights especially when they are in my house and I am the one who has to pay the bill if something happens. 

My allergies were on full blast yesterday.  There isn’t any pollen in the air so it’s what’s in the house that I am allergic to, if not the house it’s self.  In any case I took a Benadryl and that fixed things up nice.  Problem is it made me sleepy.  I stayed the course as long as I could.  I took a second pill and my sleeping pill.  Then went to bed, no cat nip for Mora & Rudy but they didn’t seem to mind.  Mora came to lay with me and it wasn’t terribly long I was out.  Damn I slept real good.  I had a couple of moments where I would wake up but I managed to fall back to sleep.  Very interesting dreams and I had the best Chicken sandwich of my life in the dream it had Bacon, Cheese and Ranch dressing. 

I rolled out of bed early waking up the cats which is something new.  They looked confused.  I assured them I was up for breakfast.  I took care of both of us.  Got in some morning play and petting.  Looked at the phone, nothing major going on.  It’s all in all a light day.  I still have to keep watch for any problems that crop up.  I’ve completed my morning tasks and then some.  Now comes the part of the day where I look to occupy myself and that’s not easy.  This is where the day starts to lag and suck. 

I will surf the internet and check up on email.  Stare at my work computer and eventually give up and go upstairs.  Get comfy in a chair watch TV and have my phone & laptop close by.  I will dose off and some idiot will wake me by sending an email and that will go on for a while until I snap back to an awake status.  Then presuming I don’t have to come back down, I will get up and have lunch.  Then relax a bit more and come back to work after lunch.

I’ve got a late afternoon task to take care of, hopefully all goes well there.  Then it’s just monitoring for the rest of the evening and I will be off Thursday & Friday.  I will turn off work email tomorrow when I get up and I won’t turn it back on until late in the evening on Friday so that I can reasonably try to enjoy my time away. 

How exciting is that?  Nothing good in the DVR queue for recording.  I am watching a lot of documentary series on HBO that are the work of HBO and CNN.  Most are really good.  Warmer weather today going from the 20’s and 30’s to the 50’s.  We get some rain in the next few days and that’s as far as I know.  While the weather is predicted you never actually know what is going to happen for certain until it does because the weather is much like a cat, fickle. 

Speaking of cats, I need to trim claws.  I’ve been started to get injured and when a cat scratch heals damn it itches like crazy.  Makes me want to chop or cut, anything to get rid of the itch.  On rare occasions I am able to ignore it.  If I can do that and not scratch it the itch will go away.  First scratch and the itching only gets worse, usually I think of that after the fact and not before.  It’s just a normal reaction to scratch.  Kind of like when I was much younger and got my first and only case of poison ivy.  That was a mess even with prescription drugs.  Get me around some ivy with 3 leaves and if I come in contact with it I will do a Silkwood scrub down and wash everything I was wearing.  Now I am just wanting to scratch just thinking about itching. 

Guess I should go watch some TV and look at food commercials.  Need to weight myself this morning to check on my progress.  My thanksgiving friends did notice remarkable weight loss but didn’t say anything until I mentioned it.  I think the 20 pounds I lost is my plateau and I expect that to vary but I don’t expect to loose more given my mostly inactive lifestyle.  However, if I change my ways and become more active then I am sure I will probably loose more.  I’d like to get back to pre-pandemic weight but that is a large (no pun intended) ask. 

I’m listening to Mannheim Steamroller on Spotify, that brings back some memories.  Discovered them with my late spouse and we used to listen to them around the holidays.  I got into their music a bit more and wound up buying several CD’s which he would borrow on occasion.  I still have them along with every other damn CD that I ever bought.  Lots of money tied up in Compact Discs, Cassette Tapes, Records and VHS Tapes.  If I could turn all of that into cash I would be doing pretty good.  I never saw or thought everything would be digital and streaming but it was interesting to be along for the ride and the advancement of technology.  I know I am not alone I’m sure some of you have some physical media audio, video or both. 

Talk with you all again soon. 

Charlie’s Tour

Howdy,

Social media as I predicted last night was a lot of love themed posts for people who have partners.  I mean that’s the purpose of Valentines Day.  There was some regular stuff mixed in.  I was pleased to find that Charlie Puth is going on Tour this summer in the US.  I always said that I would go back to see him if he comes to my neck of the woods.  Well, he is but it’s an outdoor venue in the summer time which heat is known to be extreme in my part of the US.  I have an intolerance to heat.  Then there is parking, it’s going to be at a premium and cost.  I think there might be some covered seating that is out of the sun but I am sure that will go for premium dollars and in the end your still in the heat, there is no AC.  So, I think I am going to have to sit this one out.  I’m not happy about it but I’m not super into crowds in the first place.  Add in heat & parking and it’s probably not a good combo.  That doesn’t mean I won’t look at tickets but I don’t think that I will be buying anything. 

When I went to his first concert that came to my part of the US in the summer I was able to take public transportation, it was at an indoor venue and I had a great time.  Well, since then his popularity has skyrocketed.  That because of the sound of his music and also how physically attractive he is.  I remember the first concert, the crowd was mostly female and any males that were there were mostly fathers who brought their daughters.  Charlie wasn’t the headliner then.  He was also outside afterwards and there was a line of people that wanted to meet him.  I wanted to be in that line but public transportation was making it’s last round so my choices were to get in line to meet him and get stuck there OR skip it and go home.  I opted to skip it and go home.  It was my very first concert that I attended all by myself and I was very proud of my accomplishment and I had a really good time.  I had 2 sodas that were in small glasses and they were super expensive.  I was pretty thirsty and it was hot but I made it thanks to the AC.  I don’t know but it would really surprise me if he is still doing meet & greets with the general public after a show.  I’d love to meet him, it would be an emotional experience both happy & sad.  See You Again the theme that he wrote for Paul Walker is how I learned about his music and that was shortly after I lost my spouse, so that song, plus his music in general holds a special place in my heart. 

If Charlie’s music of interest to you I’m posting a copy of the concert flyer with the tour dates on it below. 

In other news I’ve got 2 conflicting meetings and the one I am going to occurs every week, so I would rather go to the other meeting but sadly that is not an option.  I could get so much more information from the other meeting that would be beneficial to me doing my job but that’s the way it goes.  The meeting starts in a little bit and then after that my day is wide open until later this afternoon when I’ve got someone relocating.  I just heard that someone is being let go also but someone else is covering that, or so they say they are.  I’m sure it will probably be something I have to help with but I am going to try to stay out of it as much as I can. 

I got a semi decent nights sleep despite the cats hogging the bed and the covers.  Rudy snuggled up by my face at one point.  He also walked on my side and made biscuits when it was close to time to get up.  He really wanted me up.  When I sat up they were both happy to see me and I was happy to see them. 

I’m working from home again this morning.  2 more days and I still think I am going to spend them here at home.  I checked the FedEx app last night and I was supposed to have a package yesterday but it’s not actually been shipped yet.  It requires a signature and I’m fairly certain it will be my UPS batteries.  I’m watching Amazon and FedEx to see if I can make any correlation.  If that’s not it then I am at a loss as to what I am getting.

That’s about all I know at the moment.  Looking forward to going upstairs after this meeting and trying to relax and generally be lazy.  I am sure that something or someone will call me back to work but I am hopeful that it won’t be at least until after lunch.  That’s the one thing I really enjoy about working from home.  You can do nothing if you want or you can do laundry – no one really is going to say anything about it.  So long as I meet any deadlines and deal with any urgent things that might come up, no one really knows the difference and I am very okay with that. 

It’s supposed to be a warmer day here today but it’s back to the flood and chill tomorrow.  Rain and colder temps.  I’ll take what I can get.  I certainly seem to be happier when the sun is out.  I hope that you have a good day.  Off my meeting, boo hiss.  Take care and I will talk with you again soon!

New Music – JXDN

Over this past holiday weekend I took some time and spent it with Spotify.  Checking out new music and found some great tunes.  One artist, JXDN (Jaden Hossler, age 21) really captured my attention.  No matter how much of his music I consumed I wanted more.  There are some dark lyrics and if your not in the right mind set I could foresee his music pushing one over the edge.

The song that I first listened to was called Beautiful Boy from singles that were just released called Songs for Cooper.  Well that led me down a rabbit hole of trying to figure out who this Cooper was and what happened. 

Cooper was Cooper Noriega who was found dead last month.  This kid was only 19 and he had struggled with Mental Health Issues as well as Drug use/abuse.  It sounds like he managed to kick his drug habit.  However, he was discovered by a passer by slumped over the wheel.  Based on what I have read it sounds like he OD but there is yet to be a cause of death released. 

JXDN and Cooper were best friends and both straight.  This was a sad conclusion to their friendship and it it was completely unexpected.  JXDN seems to be still trying to recover and move forward.  My heart goes out to him.  I kind of wish his music wasn’t so dark as he probably would have landed on my radar a little sooner and that I didn’t discover him behind such a sad story.   

I’ve struggled with wanting to post something and then just letting this go.  Not exactly sure why other than its a sad story and I know that people in general don’t always want to read depressing news and no one really wants to be sad. 

You can find JXDN’s music on Spotify and I am sure it’s on other major music streaming apps.  There are videos on YouTube as well.  Here’s a link to a story that Rolling Stone did and it has a link to the video Beautiful Boy and the other song Even in the Dark.  https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/jxdn-songs-cooper-noriega-death-1375455/

Music is a great thing and has many good affects and uses.  I am very diverse when it comes to music and like a little bit of most everything.  Pop and Rock are my main listens but I do go off the beaten path, it all kind of depends on my mood and the purpose behind listening.  If it’s concentration I am after then instrumental music I find relaxes me and helps me to focus.  I listen mostly for entertainment purposes – relaxation and/or something to take with me when I am out for a drive. 

Is all of your party here?

Good Afternoon Everyone!  I hope that your doing well and enjoying the weekend.  Here’s a recap of how mine has been thus far. 

Friday afternoon I mustered up some gumption and went outside and filled in a couple of gaps in the patio with foam.  I also pulled some vines.  It was super hot out and I was out there for all of about 30 minutes.  I was exhausted and the heat really zapped me. 

That gumption gave me the idea to get up early on Saturday and work on my task list.  However, Gator had other plans for me and she woke me up a few times.  Since it wasn’t a work day it’s didn’t bother me horribly but it did ruin my plans.  I wound up sleeping in.  I got moving in the afternoon with a shower then a run to the post office, pet food store and Target.  The pet food had the least amount of food available that I have seen since this whole supply chain nightmare started.  I wound up buying mostly expensive Purina Pro Plan food that Gator seems to really like.  I like them too because they appear to be quite moist and they look like they give her some help in the hydration department.  Target had some additional cans of food but they too were down to bare shelves.  The price of litter that used to be $8 is now up to $12.  Not terribly happy about that but it’s not like I can go without.  I know Gator well enough that it really doesn’t matter what I use for litter so long as the box is kept clean she will use it.  All of Momma’s family was that way. 

I came home after spending a small fortune.  Unloaded everything and then made my venture to the attic.  I forgot the ladder that I had to use was a little wobbly.  I hated the whole thing from start to finish.  I threw 16 packets of Grandpa Gus’s Mouse Repellant in the hopes that does the trick.  From what little I could observe from the opening all appears to be well inside the attic.  I’m sure that if I was to dig around I would probably have a different opinion.  Thinking about this whole process, if I drive them out of the attic where are they most likely to go?  I think further inside my house.  Since one of them figured out how to get into the basement I’ve seen others,which is how I know I still have a problem.  Keeping that in mind I ordered more of this stuff and have plans to distribute packets throughout the house with the hope being that this will be a fool proof plan to evict them once and for all.  The best part is that it smells really good it’s got some Cinnamon and Peppermint among other things.  I also learned they (mice) hate the smell of bleach.  When I get to my house washing project bleach is in the formula that I have so that can only further help this cause. 

I went out to eat at a local Mexican place.  I wasn’t feeling the best from all of the physical activity and the heat.  Primarily the heat and the fact my sugar was starting to fall.  I got a really good meal and was super full when I left, which was the entire goal. 

Back home to spend the evening upstairs away from the computer with Gator.  I watched a series on Hulu called Bear it’s got Jeremy Allen White in it.  He play Lip (Phillip) on Shameless.  This was a really good series, I believe 7 episodes.  Once I started watching I just didn’t want to stop.  It was all about a chef and there was tons of food involved, plus some drama and a little bit of comedy. 

Thunderstorms rolled into my area overnight and Gator woke me up once.  The salsa talking back woke me up the other time.  That was horrific and I had to stay up for a while so I watched YouTube videos, naked in the living room.  I saw a flashing light a couple times.  For all I know one of the neighbors took my picture.  It really didn’t matter to me.  I’m not happy about how I look but I am also not ashamed to run naked in my own house. 

Woke up and got moving a little after 8:30a.  I hit up Cracker Barrel again for breakfast.  I walked in and it took a bit for someone to greet me.  I told them I had a mobile check in and without missing a beat the lady said “ are all the members of your party here?”.  I said I think so, it’s just me.  That gave both of us a good laugh.  I got sat with the same waiter who fucked me over the last time I was there.  He did it again this time, not with shitty service but by adding cheese to my eggs.  It cost me $1.39 extra.  It was good don’t get me wrong but it’s the principal of not having asked for it.  I mentioned it to the cashier but there wasn’t a price adjustment.  Fine so I filled out the survey online and called the waiter out by name.  Next time I go I will ask to be seated in anywhere but his section.  He’s great to look at and talk with but that’s about it.  There is also some new waiters that I noticed and they are all pretty tall drinks of water but they look fine.  So a little eye candy with my meal, I didn’t ask for that but at least I didn’t have to pay for it. 

From there it was to the grocery store and gas station.  Then back home.  I had Blueberry Pancakes and they always come with a nap if I want it or not.  When the sugar wears off I crash hard.  That was so the cast today and I got a very late start.  Gator had to keep hounding me to wake up.  Once again I won’t get everything that I want done but the essentials will be taken care of. 

My internet went up in price by $10.  I called and I was on a 2 year promo where I got the best price for the 1st year and then the 2nd year it’s a ramp up by $10 and after that it’s full price which is like $75 per month.  I’ve got the lowest possible speed and that is just insane pricing.  Internet is all I have and it’s the cable company so they charge me $10 more to start with because I don’t have TV service with them.  The guy I talked with got me a promo for another year and now I pay $10 less than I was paying for the last year.  Not bad but when this ends in another year I get to call back and start the process over again.  Not sure how willing they will be to help me then but I will cross that bridge when I get to it.  For now it’s take the savings and run. 

A gay singer I like came out with a new hit about three weeks ago but I just discovered it.  His name is Adam Joseph.  The song is called Versatile.  Take a listen the video appears below. 

I found this when I went to look at new music on Spotify.  I was after the new Charlie Puth track called Left and Right.  That video appears below, it’s pretty good too.  He worked with Jung Kook from BTS.  I’ve not listened to BTS but this turned out pretty good. 

That’s all I’ve got for now.  Need to pull the laundry out of the dryer, head up and start cleaning upstairs.  My tech podcast will be on and it’s a few hours long and something I look forward to.  I just hope they don’t ramble on about Elon I am so sick of hearing about him.  He’s been the primary focus for the last few weeks and I am over it. 

As for the week ahead, I am on-call this week and not looking forward to it.  I will be staying home this week because of that.  We have a 3 day holiday weekend coming up and I am hoping that I get an invite to my friends house for a bite to eat.  I really hope that happens it will be good to catch up but I am not holding my breath.  The best part about this holiday is that it’s one that my boss always insists on covering so I can enjoy my time even if I am just stuck at home.  I am planning on going for pizza on Saturday at least as of now.  Everything future state is always subject to change. 

Here’s hoping that it’s a great week for all of us and that is sails by fast!  Thanks for stopping by.