tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870400989770196742024-03-27T18:53:23.532-05:00Mid-Life Thoughts from BobBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15978016568840318921noreply@blogger.comBlogger483125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987040098977019674.post-7941082433230227672024-03-13T16:18:00.002-05:002024-03-13T16:18:41.759-05:00Exceeding expectations<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizd9lvC0_uL0p1T_B00WlA3NuVacrvu-jpLGMJmTGts9ACvARC1b5iVf-gY-qB2-t1Gl71FNzDWXuWqylJH35KXg6sLmWq5CsGg3N6j8w7zPsFxS9bKyiNcN7iCU-xTe_uHW8tV2WBMFLeJG4aPYpKyjsN4YKU-nU93MVeaQfebUYnJm-KKiIDBs3vz6w/s4032/IMG_2745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizd9lvC0_uL0p1T_B00WlA3NuVacrvu-jpLGMJmTGts9ACvARC1b5iVf-gY-qB2-t1Gl71FNzDWXuWqylJH35KXg6sLmWq5CsGg3N6j8w7zPsFxS9bKyiNcN7iCU-xTe_uHW8tV2WBMFLeJG4aPYpKyjsN4YKU-nU93MVeaQfebUYnJm-KKiIDBs3vz6w/s320/IMG_2745.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front of Lincoln Presidential Museum</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDxprnsTXafYLkqk1PNhfSmCT_yPA1qa7aBtCnF1Qscl_VemwVPDChyphenhyphenH-yuJoWYjFyO4z0cxIHCeanZzkxWggIV0THy4zNUnY5DfKGGRVR_-vsQS24Pxh04XF0AYLqXLlpkFk2LZZWjz3qG8syKsBrEg6sWed0oZtT9r0JAu88RzbPDf3Jva7NbIXAaU/s4032/IMG_2738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDxprnsTXafYLkqk1PNhfSmCT_yPA1qa7aBtCnF1Qscl_VemwVPDChyphenhyphenH-yuJoWYjFyO4z0cxIHCeanZzkxWggIV0THy4zNUnY5DfKGGRVR_-vsQS24Pxh04XF0AYLqXLlpkFk2LZZWjz3qG8syKsBrEg6sWed0oZtT9r0JAu88RzbPDf3Jva7NbIXAaU/s320/IMG_2738.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wax figures in front of Lincoln White House exhibit</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></p><p>My visit to Springfield, Illinois this past weekend exceeded my expectations! </p><p>I expected to enjoy the Lincoln Presidential Museum, but not nearly as much as I did. I also did not expect to enjoy the town of Springfield as much as I did. So, the little weekend jaunt was a success. </p><p>The only slightly unpleasant part was the drive to get there Friday. I left about 3 p.m. I am south of Nashville, and getting around downtown and then north of Nashville was slow, with afternoon traffic being heavy. I think it's even heavier on a Friday. </p><p>Not long after dark fell, it began to rain, and it rained on me the rest of the way. What my maps app told me would take five hours and 45 minutes took about seven hours. The return trip was much easier. The weather was beautiful Sunday, and it took just under six hours. </p><p>The time in Springfield was delightful. The Lincoln Museum is very well done, with just enough artifacts and exhibits to keep me interested, as well as some interactive exhibits and films. </p><p>The museum is divided into three parts: Lincoln's childhood and time up until he was elected president; the White House years; and "treasures" which includes historical artifacts and additional information on the Lincoln family. </p><p>I came away an even bigger fan than I was of Lincoln and his presidency. His genius was in making his enemies his allies, as Doris Kearns Goodwin described in her excellent book <i>Team of Rivals</i>, which I read a few years ago. I don't doubt that politics was nasty and polarizing then, as it is today, but I believe our current presidential candidates could take some lessons in civility from our 16th president. </p><p>I spent the morning at the museum, taking my time and reading almost every word-narrative that went with the exhibits. I also spent some time talking to volunteers who were placed strategically throughout the building. It was a rather slow day there (which I loved, because I did not have to navigate through crowds), so they were eager to talk and share interesting information. </p><p>I had looked up places I might have lunch, and found a great local brewpub. I went in, saw one stool available at the bar and took it. I ordered one of the local beers and told the bartender I would shortly order food. </p><p>Being introverted by nature, I am not one to always strike up conversations with strangers. But the guy sitting next to me on my right looked to be about my age, so I took a breath and asked him if he lived in Springfield. Turns out he was born and raised there. He told me he was an architect and was working a few hours on this Saturday, so decided to come over to this establishment for lunch. A very interesting conversation ensued, and I am so glad I spoke to him. </p><p>He gave me all types of information on what I should see the rest of my time in Springfield, and being an architect, had an abundance of knowledge of buildings in the area. He was tremendously interesting to talk to, and I consider it a great stroke of luck to be able to talk about a place that was new to me, over beers with a local. The lunch -- a turkey burger with potato salad -- was great, too. </p><p>I spent the afternoon going to Lincoln's home and the surrounding area, which is a national park. I went to the visitors' center, saw another film and walked around the neighborhood. </p><p>From there I went to the state capitol, which my new friend from lunch had told me was must-see. Like so many buildings of its kind, it had a beautiful dome and I walked up three flights, just below the dome's top, to look up and down. I was too late for a tour that day, but enjoyed what I could see for myself. </p><p>From there it was to Lincoln's tomb, where he, his wife and three of his sons are buried. </p><p>It would not be inaccurate, with me as the only traveler, to say a good time was had by all! </p><p><br /></p>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15978016568840318921noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987040098977019674.post-72528176750664237482024-03-07T22:41:00.002-06:002024-03-07T22:45:28.549-06:00Traveling solo<p>Anyone who stops by here with any regularity knows I enjoy travel. Most of the time, I am accompanied by Wife, who not only is a good planner, but has a keen sense of direction. </p><p>That is not one of my gifts. So, when we are traveling, I depend on her. </p><p>Like so many, we rely on the GPS built into our phones. She also uses the one in her car. My car has one, but I have never used it. </p><p>She and I are, of course, old enough to remember when we depended on maps. We even remember when gas stations had them. </p><p>And I remember, when traveling with my family, how hard they were to refold after they had been unfolded. And as someone mildly anal-retentive, that just didn't work for me. I would fold and refold until it was back to its original configuration. </p><p>We still love to look at maps and atlases. Before we go on a trip in the U.S., we'll look at the atlas to see where we're going. And often, I'll look at it again when we return home to look back at where I went. I'm odd like that. </p><p>I think my affinity for maps is one of the reasons I so enjoyed the book "The Cartographers" last year, even though it has a fantastical element that is usually a turnoff for me. All the maps information piqued my interest.</p><p>But I digress. I started his post not to tell you about maps, but what I am doing this weekend. </p><p>Tomorrow afternoon, I will drive to Springfield, Illinois, and Saturday I will visit the Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. I have wanted to go for years, and with Wife otherwise occupied this weekend, I decided this would be a good time to do it. It looks like it will take about 5.5. hours for me to drive there. </p><p>I will be relying on my GPS to get there, and to get around once I arrive. I've glanced at a map, and I'm sure I will look at it again when I return to once again look back at where I went. </p><p>I thought about asking a friend to go with me, but I decided it would not be fair to either the friend or me. I really enjoy museums, and, unlike many folks, I like to take my time and read the narratives that go along with the exhibits. The person going with me might not want to do that, and the both of us could end up frustrated. </p><p>So, this is a solo trip, and I am 100 percent comfortable with that. I will take my time, meandering not only through the museum and library, but the streets of Springfield as well. I plan to walk around the neighborhood where the Lincoln home is located (apparently, the only home he ever owned), a nearby park and anything else I see that looks interesting. I don't know that I will have time to visit the state capitol, but I will at least go by it. </p><p>I will drive home Sunday. It will be a short trip, and I would not want to be gone much longer than a weekend traveling on my own, but I am excited. Look for a report and pictures next week! </p><p><br /></p>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15978016568840318921noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987040098977019674.post-28530415321502414392024-02-29T15:17:00.004-06:002024-02-29T15:21:52.193-06:00Eat with Eight<p>Our church has started a new ministry for we older folks. It's called, simply, "Boomers," borrowing from the term used for the period of life in which we were born. </p><p>That would be the post-World War II "baby boom." "Boomers" has caught on as our label. Sometimes the term is not used in a complimentary way, so I did not necessarily agree with the name given to this initiative. But nobody asked me, and I don't feel that strongly about it, so I'll keep my opinions to myself, except for this one time mentioning it here. </p><p>One of the purposes is to give people in our age group an opportunity to meet other people in our age group. Because our church is what is commonly defined as a mega-church, with several thousand attendees and multiple services on two different campuses, there are many church members we do not know.</p><p>So, one of the offerings of the Boomer ministry is "Eat with Eight" dinners. Eight people, composed of couples, singles or both, gather in someone's home, have a meal and get to know each other. In theory, you don't know these people until this meeting. </p><p>We do, in fact, know a lot of folks at church, and we are involved in a small group that meets regularly. But, still, there are many we do not know. </p><p>Wife volunteered to host one of these "Eat with Eight" dinners in our home last Friday night. </p><p>She had been given the names of three other couples who wished to participate. She contacted each of them and gave them assignments of what to bring. </p><p>As I wrote in my last piece here, I am an introvert. I love people, but for whatever reason, they make me tired and sometimes anxious. And in a new situation where I do not know the people, I can become particularly uncomfortable. </p><p>But I also believe God made us for relationships. Although because of my personality I keep events such as this to a minimum, I can rise above my comfort level from time to time.</p><p>It helps to prepare myself well. I tell myself there will be a starting and an ending, and I know we also gather for a common purpose. I also take cues from a book I recently read (<i>How to Know a Person </i>by David Brooks) in which the author contends all people, at some level, want to be seen and heard. All of this helps. </p><p>Wife knows me and my personality, so she agreed to take the leadership role. In addition to being in charge of getting everyone here, she had a mental list of conversation topics and kept things going throughout the evening. I think she also had some type of game in mind in the event of a lull, but it turned out she did not need it. </p><p>For us, Eat with Eight became Eat with Six. The husband from one of the couples who was supposed to come got sick, so that couple canceled. </p><p>It ended up being enjoyable, and I did fine. Guests arrived at 6:30. We had appetizers for about 30 minutes, then sat down to dinner. We sat at the table until about 9:30. I finally had to get up and stretch because my legs get stiff after sitting that long. (After all, I'm a Boomer.) </p><p>I was not in any way signaling that people needed to leave, but that kind of gave rise to departures. By the time everyone gathered up their dishes and coats, it was 10 p.m. </p><p>The people were very kind. I was the only one who still has a day job (not retired) and I was also the youngest one. (I did not hate that.) I did not ask for the age information -- they volunteered it. </p><p>I think we are supposed to have a couple more of these, so I will await Wife's further instructions. As long as they are appropriately spaced, I'll be a willing participant. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15978016568840318921noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987040098977019674.post-2891395209455109652024-02-09T11:50:00.001-06:002024-02-09T11:50:26.124-06:00Branching out<p>I am in the sunset of my working life. I will find myself retired in about 18 months, perhaps sooner. </p><p>I have all kinds of feelings about my working life coming to an end. Wife and I believe we are prepared financially, but it will be strange not to have an employer that deposits money into my bank account every other Friday. It will now be the government and pension plans making the deposits on a monthly basis. </p><p>That, however, is not my main concern. What I mostly think about for the time I'll not be employed is how I will fill my time. </p><p>And that's really not the main concern, either. What I most fret over is how I will establish a <i>routine</i>. </p><p>Today my weekdays revolve around what I do between the hours of 8-ish a.m. and 6-ish p.m. My mornings before I start work generally consist of exercise, some reading and devotions, and making a quick morning run to Sonic. (Don't judge me for that). </p><p>I think working exclusively from home has prepared me for not getting up and going somewhere. That' has been the case for four years now, and before that I did it a couple of days a week. So, I have that part well established and I like it. </p><p>But will I have the discipline to still get up and have some type of routine? I will definitely need to do that as I am a creature of habit, and you know what they say about idle hands. </p><p>I've joined a couple of groups lately that, even though I am not yet retired, should be a nice addition to my schedule when that day comes. </p><p>First, I joined a community chorus. I grew up singing in choirs, both at church and school. I love choral music and I had some wonderful choir directors. In my adult life, when I lived in Little Rock, I continued to sing in church -- in the choir, ensembles and even the occasional solo. </p><p>But when we moved to the Nashville area in 1997, we joined a church that does not have a choir. Our music is contemporary, and it is fine, but there is simply not a place for me. Over the years I have thought of going to another church just to sing in their choir, but Wife and I have always loved our church here and it's a big part of our life, so not having a choir, or music I like, was certainly not a reason to join another church. </p><p>I have thought of asking one of the denominational churches nearby if I could sing in their choir without being a member. I am guessing they would have let me do that, but to date, I have never gotten around to pursuing it. </p><p>Recently I learned that our county parks and recreation department has a community band AND a community chorus! An audition is required, so on January 4th I showed up to try out. I was candid with the director, telling her it had been a very long time since I had sung, and I would understand if, after listening to me, she told me I simply didn't have it anymore. </p><p>After all, I'm no spring chicken and vocal cords age like any other part of the body. And I was woefully out of practice. </p><p>She looked at me rather skeptically but let me proceed with the audition. She had me sing a familiar song ("My Country Tis of Thee") acapella. She had me sing several lines of music I did not know (sight reading) to assess my ability to read music. She had me go through vocal exercises, singing up and down the scale. She had me match pitches with her. </p><p>"Well, I think you still have it," she said after going through the aforementioned. She then proceeded to tell me she had only six openings for the spring semester, and at that time she was not sure where those openings were. In other words, I might have to wait until a spot opened up. </p><p>I told her that was fine, and I appreciated her letting me audition. Someday, I thought to myself. I had at least put myself out there. </p><p>The next week I received an email with an invitation to join! I have been to three rehearsals, and I love it. Even though it has been well over 25 years, it all seems very familiar -- the black folder of music that has my name on it, with a pencil pouch and pencil; the vocal and breathing exercises; and, most significantly, hearing the beautiful harmonies and blends of my fellow choristers all around me. It is as if something that lay dormant in me has been reawakened. </p><p>The music is challenging, but not overly difficult. I seem to be picking it up fairly well. </p><p>I did not know one person in the chorus (there are a total of 96), but everyone, especially those in my section (tenors) has been kind and welcoming. We will perform in concert May 5th, then will be off for the summer. </p><p>So, there is that. </p><p>In addition, in January I attended the first meeting of a monthly book club that meets at my favorite brewery. Like the choir, I didn't know anyone there. There were about 20 of us, from various walks of life, and it was great. We discussed <i>Beartown</i> by Fredrik Backman and I thoroughly enjoyed it (both the book and the discussion).</p><p>I am an introvert by nature, and walking into a group where I don't know anyone is way outside my comfort zone. These two groups, however, are perfect for me, because there is a <i>purpose,</i> meaning something that takes place other than small talk. I don't have to worry about going and standing around and thinking of something to say. There is a beginning and an ending. </p><p>In both cases, I have ended up talking briefly to people, but again, since we are all there due to a common interest, it is not uncomfortable. </p><p>Wife says I am branching out. I guess you can call it that. </p><p>And hopefully I'll be prepared when retirement comes. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15978016568840318921noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987040098977019674.post-73133780163747764742024-02-03T20:23:00.002-06:002024-02-03T20:23:34.987-06:00Life change<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45GoUOW9vB80aikTBm4TXTWBUhn3jFZiY4GZDgaPd_kDdN9RSrGC402NqqAuqxQ3mPgwiWWJurCrX8-3P9sov_sa0spinqK4D8i2m_0KcX__VrAINB6QvXitJVA1Vy_Zuklo0qyA2bjvkF9zjgSazKmgrYC-G4mA02NL8jpJ63Fny49wW4iDIRzjc5PU/s4032/IMG_2683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45GoUOW9vB80aikTBm4TXTWBUhn3jFZiY4GZDgaPd_kDdN9RSrGC402NqqAuqxQ3mPgwiWWJurCrX8-3P9sov_sa0spinqK4D8i2m_0KcX__VrAINB6QvXitJVA1Vy_Zuklo0qyA2bjvkF9zjgSazKmgrYC-G4mA02NL8jpJ63Fny49wW4iDIRzjc5PU/s320/IMG_2683.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguFu93uCwrY5C-XxPuNW9fpYsNl2ZrdXHRzmflo9DYggpErbMJDLGOrbmUfG9_QuxjdwSri1sPOAjZyGtyWeJSleS661M1qP57Qy7EKaM-Vva1PW-GndVdlmYJm_y_-wRH6sPtPIajB3SE381ob4RPRrQ4CoJnsIdp8Z_9FJoiJ2USVkwArCiaNuHyuhk/s4032/IMG_2684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguFu93uCwrY5C-XxPuNW9fpYsNl2ZrdXHRzmflo9DYggpErbMJDLGOrbmUfG9_QuxjdwSri1sPOAjZyGtyWeJSleS661M1qP57Qy7EKaM-Vva1PW-GndVdlmYJm_y_-wRH6sPtPIajB3SE381ob4RPRrQ4CoJnsIdp8Z_9FJoiJ2USVkwArCiaNuHyuhk/s320/IMG_2684.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> The title of this post is intentionally misleading, and definitely with tongue planted firmly in cheek. <p></p><p>What I am writing about is most certainly not life-changing, not in the truest sense of how that term should be taken, something that alters the course of one's life in a permanent or semi-permanent way, whether for good or bad. </p><p>Getting married or having a child? Definitely life-changing and hopefully for good. Sustaining an injury can be life-changing in a not-so-good way.</p><p>So, with that out of the way, I will tell you what has happened with yours truly that I have laughingly called life changing. </p><p>I am no longer carrying a wallet. </p><p>Months ago, I noticed a friend whose phone case opened up to reveal his driver's license and a couple of pay cards. I told Wife I might like something like that for Christmas. It's the only thing I asked for and the only thing she got me, and she hit it out of the park. </p><p>If you are a Seinfeld fan, you might remember an episode in which George Castanza catches grief for the thickness of his wallet. Well, I might not have been as bad as George, but until recently one could almost always detect a bulge in my backside from the little leather holder in which I would carry my valuables. </p><p>I have now made the change. If there are any downsides, they are (a) I can't get as much cash in this, but I don't carry much cash these days anyway, so it's not a deal breaker; and (b) I always feel like I'm missing something because I figure I have carried a wallet about 55 years. I find myself reaching for it and, at first, I had some mild nanoseconds of panic thinking I had lost it! </p><p>But so far, I like the new arrangement and it's certainly less to keep up with. That is progress, I suppose. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15978016568840318921noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987040098977019674.post-48576952456431143642024-01-19T16:22:00.000-06:002024-01-19T16:22:48.314-06:00Not what we are accustomed to<p>We have been blanketed with snow here in Middle Tennessee for the past several days, and with temperatures barely rising above freezing for only a few hours, it has largely remained. The photo below was taken out my front door this morning. </p><p>We get snow only occasionally, so it's a big deal. This was a good one, with about six inches of accumulation at our house.</p><p>Schools and many businesses close when it snows here. When it is in the forecast, grocery stores are overrun with folks buying provisions as if there will be food shortages and they'll never get out of the house again, with bread and milk being the biggest sellers. I have no empirical data, but I suspect beer and wine don't do too badly either. </p><p>As it so happened, Wife and I flew to Naples, Florida last Friday night to visit friends who are renting a place there for a month, seeing how they might like the snowbird life. We have other friends from here who have bought places in that area (already snowbirds), and we all got together for dinner Saturday and Sunday nights. </p><p>They were saying how lucky they felt to be there when we would be having this Arctic blast in Nashville. </p><p>Me? Not so much. While I enjoyed our trip and being on the beach in January, I was disappointed to miss a good a snowfall. </p><p>We were supposed to fly home Tuesday, but received notice late Monday afternoon our flight had been canceled. Seems the winter storm had a ripple effect at airports across the country. We were rebooked for late Wednesday afternoon. </p><p>Our friends we were visiting were kind and understanding, and since we were staying with them, it did not cost us anything extra. Since I still have my day job, and I did not take my laptop with me, I had to spend some time on the phone during the day Wednesday. </p><p>It was a nice trip, and I am still getting to enjoy the snow. I only missed the anticipation and the fun of watching it fall. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2ZMVoekASDMXVSJKr_IVKDM2akZV1ApUgHw_OrUbvqKV289Vbq2Xem6rr0WJQOmTKTH9fG0kNQGZMf07UzjwXKRjbKTl5xLwGKOUAlV8UNDUBXJEvtgug_kU4Fwq0fcGWpc3IKgBkqbrfgA7f5nt3K5qEfgxmFuQnFR6wLmvp8-oP3p1X2MJU6kFPx4/s4032/snowday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2ZMVoekASDMXVSJKr_IVKDM2akZV1ApUgHw_OrUbvqKV289Vbq2Xem6rr0WJQOmTKTH9fG0kNQGZMf07UzjwXKRjbKTl5xLwGKOUAlV8UNDUBXJEvtgug_kU4Fwq0fcGWpc3IKgBkqbrfgA7f5nt3K5qEfgxmFuQnFR6wLmvp8-oP3p1X2MJU6kFPx4/s320/snowday.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15978016568840318921noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987040098977019674.post-60323627008352647872024-01-06T16:41:00.001-06:002024-01-06T16:45:30.311-06:00Belated Merry Christmas . . . from Korea<p>This year's international Christmas Eve for our family was Korean. </p><p>Shortly after Thanksgiving, Wife and I went to a local Korean restaurant and thoroughly enjoyed the food, so much so that we decided they could do it better than we could, so we would get it from them! We talked to a nice lady there who told us to call a few hours before we would like it, and she would have it ready for us. Let me tell you, this made preparation and cleanup much easier. </p><p>We did the usual of drinks and apps in the entry hall, with steamed and fried dumplings, and a seafood pancake which may sound strange, but was awesome. We made a couple of cocktails from Jinro, a Korean spirit, and I bought some Korean, rice-based beer, most of which is still in the beer fridge in the garage if that tells you anything. </p><p>The main course food included bibimbap, Korean barbecue and bulgogi, all served with rice (bibimbap actually has rice incorporated into it and mixed in a bowl) and sides of kimchi. </p><p>As usual, it was a fun evening as we expanded our knowledge of cuisine and culture. Some pictures below, as well as a video I hope you can open. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVy3wI5iyGK98SQYnnx9HjB3n4FOXGdXA9lYbt820C8d1V6gRwsSndni1BynOph2rw5SpP97zYzIoaGDz8RxDQeeG62maZYCfrKIump3Eusd-akDB2t4bUZHPOTR0dgUxc1IbwQ-ptK9utC-rgxWzuLxBe5oxoU4idzUzc92-QKvEKytJeECSIORXui_g/s2049/IMG_4823.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2049" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVy3wI5iyGK98SQYnnx9HjB3n4FOXGdXA9lYbt820C8d1V6gRwsSndni1BynOph2rw5SpP97zYzIoaGDz8RxDQeeG62maZYCfrKIump3Eusd-akDB2t4bUZHPOTR0dgUxc1IbwQ-ptK9utC-rgxWzuLxBe5oxoU4idzUzc92-QKvEKytJeECSIORXui_g/s320/IMG_4823.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Korean cuisine</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQReWzbQETnLURxjuMEqV2TO7kU0psyWlxqgPt3TcgVsbMjtPc4vdxQR3EP6z86lU8wHEe9gF30egcfitx1kv-c9TPiHn-mjglbC8736bfgXwdSt2jqtxtNiQ0AGvv4jk8F3HknXD2UebE__wlnaRgTQyVnYpU9aPbNkGewZ7kfMwRbPsPnnZhNcgJdJk/s4032/IMG_9383.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQReWzbQETnLURxjuMEqV2TO7kU0psyWlxqgPt3TcgVsbMjtPc4vdxQR3EP6z86lU8wHEe9gF30egcfitx1kv-c9TPiHn-mjglbC8736bfgXwdSt2jqtxtNiQ0AGvv4jk8F3HknXD2UebE__wlnaRgTQyVnYpU9aPbNkGewZ7kfMwRbPsPnnZhNcgJdJk/s320/IMG_9383.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drinks and apps in the entry hall</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwX990LStZfXuIffdMN28P0wHCt_iPMXNvGKe7fGKxWWoljCkqyHUUga5HVJRmCpr0DoLc98Rhn0jNm-LQWSA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15978016568840318921noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987040098977019674.post-27939838711714954822023-12-31T08:00:00.005-06:002023-12-31T09:59:28.130-06:00Thoughts on reading: 2023<p> It is hard to name favorite books of this year because I liked every book I read. </p><p>That really comes as no surprise. At my age, I am not going to waste time with books I don't like. I have a "50-page rule," meaning if after 50 pages, I don't like the book, I stop. </p><p>That rarely happens because I research books before I read them, and I am a pretty good judge of what I will like or not like. Also, I often read books Wife recommends and she's a pretty good judge of that also. Only once this year did I stop a book after 50 pages, and I won't tell you the title just in case it is something you might consider reading. </p><p>Earlier this week Wife asked me to name favorite fiction and non-fiction from the year.</p><p>For non-fiction I told her it's a tie: <i>How to Stay Married</i> by Harrison Scott Key and <i>All My Knotted Up Life</i> by Beth Moore. </p><p>I have become a big fan of Harrison Scott Key, whose previous works, <i>The World's Largest Man </i>and <i>Congratulations, Who Are You Again? </i>are two of the funniest books I have ever read. In my view he rivals David Sedaris for humor writing, and that is high praise. </p><p>In <i>How to Stay Married</i>, Key chronicles the story of his wife's affair. And yes, this is a departure from his previous works, but believe it or not, his trademark humor is still front and center. But along with that is a raw poignancy and some heart-wrenching sadness. </p><p>One of my good friends (and probably my best reading buddy) rang my doorbell a few months ago. When I opened the door, he was standing there holding this book and said, "You have to read this." </p><p>I would say, if you're reading this post and you are a non-fiction reader, you also must read it, but only if you are willing to read with an open, non-judgmental mind. Some will likely not agree with how Key and his wife navigated through a painfully difficult season, and this might be too much for them. But not having walked where they have walked, I can only read what he has written from the point of view of an observer. And I loved this book. </p><p>As for <i>All My Knotted Up Life</i>, I devoured renowned Bible study teacher Beth Moore's lookback at her life, from her growing up in south Arkansas (less than 100 miles from my hometown!) to her eventual move to Texas and unintentionally becoming one of the most well-known Bible teachers in the country. Her outspokenness over the past decade led to a rift with and her eventual departure from her Southern Baptist denomination.</p><p>As I said, I liked all the books I read, but other non-fiction of note would include <i>Not In It To Win It,</i> Pastor Andy Stanley's take on evangelical Christians and politics; <i>Unreasonable Hospitality,</i> Will Guidara's reflections on running a New York City restaurant selected as world's best (believe me, I am no foodie, but I found this one fascinating); <i>Leadership: In Turbulent Times</i> by historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, in which she compares and contrasts leadership styles of Abraham Lincoln, Lyndon Johnson, Franklin Roosevelt and Teddy Roosevelt; and <i>Shoe Dog </i>by Phil Knight, founder of Nike. A late entry is Alba Donati's <i>Diary of a Tuscan Bookshop</i> which I picked up in a bookstore in Bologna, Italy in September. Alas, I did not read this until I had been home a few months. Otherwise I would have tried to find what I know is a delightful literary establishment on a hilltop in the Tuscan region of Italy, not far from where I was staying. Oh well, that's a good reason to go back! </p><p>Moving to fiction, I would have to say <i>American Dirt </i>by Jeannine Cummins would top the list. Following the main character's and her young son's path as they flea the Mexican drug lords that killed their husband and father and migrate into the U.S. is disturbing and at times hard to read. But it's a riveting story and worth the effort. </p><p>Anything else from my fiction list is also worth your time. John Grisham's latest (although he has a new one that's a sequel to The Firm which I have not yet read), <i>The Boys from Biloxi, </i>is another lose-yourself-in-it story. Probably the most surprising was <i>The Cartographers</i>, which has elements of fantasy, which is usually not my thing, but I think my interest in maps caused it to keep my interest. Also, if you are not familiar with Charles Martin, I would highly recommend him. Two of his, <i>Chasing Fireflies</i> and <i>Water from my Heart,</i> are on this year's fiction list, and they are excellent. </p><p>I read 30 books this year. As I have previously written, I do not have a goal of how many books I read in a year, nor do I read certain books in certain seasons, e.g. "beach reads." I keep both a physical and mental TBR (To Be Read) list, and I read them as I get to them. This year there were some long ones. <i>In Search of History </i>(non-fiction) was about 600 pages and <i>Never</i> (fiction) weighed in at 800. Both were worth the time it took to get through them. </p><p>The only real "rule" I try to follow is with regard to variety. I try to read different genres, a balance of fiction and non-fiction, and some older as well as more recent books. My wife's book club tends to read more recent ones, which Wife sometimes passes on. I have not been invited to join this all-female monthly gathering, nor even had my offers to be a guest speaker accepted, but through my limited influence on one of its members (my spouse), I try to steer them toward the occasional classic. </p><p>I will be starting 2024 with non-fiction -- <i>How to Know a Person</i> by David Brooks, one of my favorite New York Times columnists. We will see where I go from there. </p><p>As usual, I hope there are some titles on my lists that pique your interest, and I hope you will pass on some of your recommendations to me. Because I know this: when I die, I will not have read all the books I wanted to read. </p><p>Happy New Year to all of you, and happy reading! </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><br /></p>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15978016568840318921noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987040098977019674.post-75965953972553760362023-12-29T16:23:00.003-06:002023-12-29T16:23:19.995-06:002023 fiction<p>Here are the fiction books I read in 2023. Back soon to give commentary on my favorites and/or least favorites. </p><p>1. <i> The Boys from Biloxi</i> by John Grisham</p><p><span>2. <i>The Thursday Murder Club</i> by Richard Osman </span></p><p><span><span>3. <i>The Year of Jubilee</i> by Cindy Morgan</span></span></p><p><span><span><span>4. <i>American Dirt </i>by Jeannie Cummins</span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span>5. <i>Remarkably Bright Creatures</i> by Shelby Van Pelt. </span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span>6. <i>Chasing Fireflies</i> by Charles Martin</span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span>7. <i> When Ghosts Come Home</i> by Wiley Cash</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>8. <i> The Cartographers</i> by Peng Shepherd</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>9. <i>The Dog Stars</i> by Peter Heller </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>10. <i>Go as a River</i> by Shelley Read</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>11. <i>The Violin Conspiracy</i> by Brendan Slocumb</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>12. <i>Water from My Heart</i> by Charles Martin</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>13. <i>Never </i>by Ken Follett</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>14. <i> Lessons in Chemistry</i> by Bonnie Garmus</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>15. <i>Tom Lake</i> by Ann Patchett</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15978016568840318921noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987040098977019674.post-57367275701591197412023-12-24T11:19:00.001-06:002023-12-24T11:19:30.505-06:002023 non-fiction<p>With a few minutes to spare on this Christmas Eve morning, I will list the non-fiction books I read this year. This is for all of you, but especially blog friend Ed, who only reads non-fiction! :-) </p><p><br /></p><p>1. <i>Not In it to Win it</i> by Andy Stanley</p><p>2. <i>The Marriage Bureau</i> by Penrose Halson (This one is a historical novel, based on true events, but with some liberties taken with the dialogue. I'm calling it non-fiction.)</p><p>3. <i>The Sea Between Us</i> by Yoseley Perera and Billy Ivey</p><p>4. <i> Unreasonable Hospitality</i> by Will Guidara</p><p>5. <i>Spare </i>by Prince Harry. </p><p>6. <i>All My Knotted Up Life</i> by Beth Moore</p><p>7. <i>Pops</i> by Craig Melvin</p><p>8. <i>In Search of History</i> by Theodore H. White</p><p>9. <i>How to Stay Married</i> by Harrison Scott Key</p><p>10. <i>From Strength to Strength</i> by Arthur C. Brooks</p><p>11. <i> Never Settle</i> by Marty Smith</p><p>12. <i> Laundry Love</i> by Patric Richardson</p><p>13. <i> Leadership: in Turbulent Times</i> by Doris Kearns Goodwin</p><p>14. <i>Shoe Dog</i> by Phil Knight</p><p>15. <i>Diary of a Tuscan Bookshop</i> by Alba Donati</p><p><br /></p><p>I'll post fiction reading from this year in a few days, and I'll make some comments and tell you my favorites after that. There are some really good ones here! </p>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15978016568840318921noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987040098977019674.post-91413457846470454032023-12-21T14:41:00.001-06:002023-12-21T14:41:47.805-06:00Season's greetings<p>Season's greetings to all. </p><p>I'm definitely rethinking this blog. My Substack "newsletter," a continuation of the column I wrote for a local publican for 11 years, is my priority right now, so this space does not get as much attention as I might like. </p><p>But since this is the place where I met a handful of friends I like to stay connected with, I want to keep it going. Postings here, for now, will simply be less frequent. </p><p>I hope next week to post about books I read this year -- fiction and non-fiction. I have the list ready, so it should not be difficult to share here. </p><p>I'll also share some pictures from our annual international Christmas. This year's country is Korea, chosen in part due to a comment from a reader here last year who cautioned us against lumping all Asian countries together as we did one year. </p><p>Point well taken, and this year we are focusing on Korean food and decor. Wife and I visited a local Korean restaurant a few weeks ago and we will get most of our food from them, which will certainly make it much easier for preparation. </p><p>So I hope to close out the year strong here. </p><p>Now it's time to get ready for Christmas. Wife and I will go to Daughter's house in Huntsville Christmas Eve. We'll go to church with them and have dinner and will come home Christmas morning after we see what Santa brought our three grands there. </p><p>Younger Son and his wife will join us here late Christmas Day, then everyone else will arrive the 26th. We'll pretend that is Christmas Eve and have our Korean dinner that night, then have our family Christmas on the 27th. </p><p>There are 13 of us, with a new one due in April --Younger Son's first, a boy, and our sixth grand. </p><p>I hope however, wherever and with whomever you are celebrating, it's most enjoyable. Merry Christmas and hope to see you back here soon! </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15978016568840318921noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987040098977019674.post-28335739097261140232023-11-21T21:57:00.001-06:002023-11-22T09:16:57.425-06:00Fraud is everywhere<p>I have a friend who has a part-time job in a retail establishment. She recently shared that, per company policy, if she sees someone shoplifting, she is not supposed to say anything to the person or yell for a manager. </p><p>Front-of-the store personnel who might see a customer walking out without paying for something are not supposed to follow the wrongdoers out the door. </p><p>This is apparently for the safety of the employees. Who knows what a person who would steal in broad daylight might be packing under a jacket or sweatshirt? </p><p>This does not mean store security and law enforcement are not all over this, trying their best to keep theft losses as low as possible. But the store is not going to put their customer-facing employees at risk. </p><p>Theft definitely affects bottom line. In the retail business it is called "shrinkage."</p><p>Theft, however, is not exclusive to retail. Anyone with a credit or debit card has likely had their card compromised, meaning a bad actor has either stolen your card or has somehow obtained your card number, and made purchases. </p><p>Because of banking regulations, your card issuer is almost always responsible for reimbursing those losses. But it's a big hassle going through the claims process. And like the shrinkage that affects stores, these fraud losses have a huge impact on banks' profits. </p><p>Having a card or card number stolen has caused some bank customers to stop using them. For them, however, the alternative is to carry cash which, obviously, can't be replaced if lost; or to write checks, which some establishments will no longer even accept. I have not written a check in a grocery store in years, and that used to be the norm for me. </p><p>If you go to a big sporting event or an arena concert, it is likely the concession stands will only accept plastic --a debit or credit card. </p><p>On the other hand, some smaller merchants have stopped taking plastic because of the charges they have to pay to the issuers and card networks. At my local farmers market, most of the vendors will accept plastic, but they will give you a discount if you pay cash. </p><p>What's a shrewd consumer to do? For me, I still use a debit card for everyday purchases, and assume the risk of compromise. It has happened to me a couple of times and it has been a hassle to deal with, but I was reimbursed. </p><p>I also have a credit card, but I mostly use it for larger purchases. I know a lot of people who use their credit card almost exclusively and pay off the balance each month. If the card is lost or stolen and there is an unauthorized purchase, the claims process is similar to that of a debit card, but because it is a credit account and your card is not tied to your checking account, you don't put your operating funds at risk. </p><p>And I still carry a small amount of cash, which I use at places like the farmers market that either do not take cash or charge extra for using plastic. </p><p>Most important, I try to keep my eye on all of it to prevent fraud and theft. But it's not easy. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15978016568840318921noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987040098977019674.post-50384174848560421352023-10-30T16:58:00.001-05:002023-10-30T16:58:50.642-05:00Medical staff<p>I joke sometimes that I have a staff of physicians. </p><p>In addition to my primary care physician, who we once called a general practitioner or GP, I have a dermatologist; a urologist; two ear-nose-throat (ENT) docs; and a podiatrist. </p><p>Soon I am likely to have a cardiologist, as I have never been to one and think, at my age, I should probably add one to the group. And I will soon be going to see an orthopedic surgeon for him to take a look at my knees. I have two ENTs because I go a couple times a year to one who cleans my ears of wax with this super advanced equipment, and another who has been able to help me with some chronic sinus stuff that plagued me for years. </p><p>There are many advances in modern medicine that work great for me. For instance, my primary care doctor, whose office is affiliated with Vanderbilt University, has an online patient portal where I can see all my records and lab results. I can also make appointments there and, best of all, I can send an email to the office and have it answered by either the doc herself or a nurse on her staff. In almost all cases, I'll get a response in 24 hours, or 48 at most. </p><p>It is not like I send them emails often, but it is a quick and easy way to ask a question about medication or a follow-up question from an appointment. It seems to work efficiently for my doctor as well and is probably easier than trying to field telephone calls and messages.</p><p>One negative about my primary care doc's office is they generally don't want me to come if I am sick. Let's say I have cold symptoms or something that seems like the flu, and I call for an appointment. They will refer me to a walk-in clinic in their system. They will say my doc, or any other in the office, only has appointments weeks out and obviously I need immediate attention. </p><p>I guess this doesn't bother me a lot, and I have to accept that the former family-doctor model, at least for the medical system I am a part, is no more. My primary doc is for yearly physicals and "maintenance" (for example, I am going for some follow-up blood work in late November), but I need to see the walk-in folks if I am sick. </p><p>My other docs also have an online presence, but some are not as efficient as that of my primary care doctor. As a matter of fact, the one my podiatrist uses is less than satisfactory, to the point I am considering changing providers in that area. I liked the care I received, but the follow-up communication has been poor.</p><p>One positive I have seen in recent years is with appointments. I would say, for most of my doctor appointments, I wait less than 15 minutes on average -- often much less. I understand things happen sometimes. At one of my ENT's offices, I arrived at an appointment a couple years ago, only to be told he had been delayed with an emergency and was running several hours behind. They were apologetic and offered to reschedule me the next day. </p><p>While that was an inconvenience, I appreciated the attitude shown, and that they were quick to get me rescheduled. And with this office, nothing like this has ever happened. So, I gave them grace, and I am still a patient. </p><p>I have learned I must be my own advocate when it comes to healthcare. Each of my doctors sees numerous patients, so I have to remind him/her of my medical history, talk through medications, etc. Also, I have to keep a close eye on lab results. At my recent physical exam, my primary care doctor was supposed to include PSA in my blood work so I could report that to my urologist, and not have to have it done twice. </p><p>When I reviewed the lab results online, I saw there were no PSA results. I sent an email and learned it had not, in fact, been done. </p><p>I wish I did not have to have such a collection of doctors. They're all nice enough people but going to see them is not how I would choose to spend my time. </p><p>But how fortunate am I to have this group of doctors? I am in relatively good health, and with these fine folks giving me the occasional once-over and providing guidance, I hope to keep it that way. </p><p><br /></p>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15978016568840318921noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987040098977019674.post-86880909038689885142023-10-23T14:44:00.002-05:002023-10-23T14:44:59.939-05:00Cousins, etc.<p>I have about 20 first cousins, with my dad being one of five siblings and my mother one of six. </p><p>As I was growing up, I saw these cousins infrequently. Some of them I hardly know to this day and on my mother's side, there are a few I have never met. Two of her siblings were half-siblings who were born much later than she and her other siblings, and had their families later. </p><p>Of course, some of the cousins have now died. I am not sure how many I have that are still living, but I am guessing somewhere in the neighborhood of 15. </p><p>I have one from my mother's side who lives in the Nashville area, and we get together maybe twice a year. Every couple of years or so, Wife and I might have dinner with him and his wife. They have one son who lives here. Years ago, I ran into him at a restaurant and tried to explain to him who I was, but I could tell he did not quite understand. </p><p>When my brother was living, when he or any part of his family came to town, we would invite this cousin and his wife to join us for a meal. </p><p>I need not go into the reasons I have never gotten to know most of my cousins very well, other than to say (and this is nothing profound) families are complicated. I know some families in which the cousins are much closer. My children are not particularly close to their first cousins (my brother's children and Wife's sister's children), which I think is partially due to the distance they grew up from each other and partially to how very, very different they are from each other. I think my grandchildren will be closer to each other, and I hope that will be the case. </p><p>As it turns out, over the past year, I have seen every living first cousin from my dad's side. The cousin to whom I am closest lives in Dallas. Even though she is about 15 years older than I, she is definitely the one I know best. When her husband died late last year, I went for the funeral. Also in attendance was another first cousin whom I had not seen in probably 50 years, and as best I can remember, this was the third time I had ever seen her. </p><p>Then, last spring, one of my first cousins who had lived in Memphis passed away. There was a delayed memorial service for her in August, and I went for that. All of my other first cousins on my dad’s side, except for the other aforementioned one in Dallas, were there. </p><p>Last Sunday, the Dallas cousin flew into Atlanta, where Wife and I had been visiting Older Son and family. We collected her at the airport and drove to the mountains of western North Carolina, where we stayed three days. While there, we visited one of the other cousins in that area who lives in Savannah, Georgia, but has bought a small farm in North Carolina and spends part of his time there with his wife. </p><p>Wife and I love this part of North Carolina (it’s where we celebrated Wife’s birthday in June, which I previously posted). It is especially nice in the fall and the leaves were turning, which made it even prettier.</p><p>The time being with these two cousins was sweet, and I think we were all three mindful of the connection that binds us together, even though our visits have been relatively few. There were a number of conversations where we could put together our collective memories and come up with things that happened while we were growing up. We also learned from each other about our parents. </p><p>Maybe we will do better about seeing and keeping up with each other. Even if we don't, I will cherish the visit we got to have. A picture of my cousin's farmhouse is below, along with some other shots of the fall foliage. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQhG9isTkXvaIjKC1ReR8C5vi_wz5L998YzMneIKkHVlXGmx4spz05vDURLLR086AzE7jMoRFC5Fo9O32ejf3ewzpBh1A7czrJ4MbGOH4DOX5jGY3toNRyVaCOYzsmJSP7KR_nf1XxYxcHEtaTD1AXkFAzdQ_ijbQwTT1lcR3cEtxAzvlUnKtkCWtdN0/s4032/IMG_2465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQhG9isTkXvaIjKC1ReR8C5vi_wz5L998YzMneIKkHVlXGmx4spz05vDURLLR086AzE7jMoRFC5Fo9O32ejf3ewzpBh1A7czrJ4MbGOH4DOX5jGY3toNRyVaCOYzsmJSP7KR_nf1XxYxcHEtaTD1AXkFAzdQ_ijbQwTT1lcR3cEtxAzvlUnKtkCWtdN0/s320/IMG_2465.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGep_FztapRL7q08YkPaPWPm1UJK9djHGHMr51F8_gMH83HlmgsG6ZVGqv5gDVXGJgvwFHJfPHWMTWPDV6Yi0w88ziAV7mYCmtIM4omBA7COJEES1VWoHE_uotxd-Lp5DVVFxpq3_ekX3Hvl4AjIToZ0Muuv4fZTONuCV2Hh2wbIzduHUIn94mrPE2xE/s4032/IMG_2452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGep_FztapRL7q08YkPaPWPm1UJK9djHGHMr51F8_gMH83HlmgsG6ZVGqv5gDVXGJgvwFHJfPHWMTWPDV6Yi0w88ziAV7mYCmtIM4omBA7COJEES1VWoHE_uotxd-Lp5DVVFxpq3_ekX3Hvl4AjIToZ0Muuv4fZTONuCV2Hh2wbIzduHUIn94mrPE2xE/s320/IMG_2452.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WuSUgDAwAKUva-WAqu989NywvZX-Mt2sRz0wZxDhWQt0NwAh2ExlOx_I0PfCKxyoQbQYOJ9wUts_ax-XStYDzCAp9d4rVWvxqCYNppG2vLQ6P8xd1BJDD1vmXy2Vh3iaGKmL7d7_8i7FZSDWXxj-TB7LL5fry35UB6tDYEjVPWxjoaaDgrP4E6fQKvo/s4032/IMG_2451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WuSUgDAwAKUva-WAqu989NywvZX-Mt2sRz0wZxDhWQt0NwAh2ExlOx_I0PfCKxyoQbQYOJ9wUts_ax-XStYDzCAp9d4rVWvxqCYNppG2vLQ6P8xd1BJDD1vmXy2Vh3iaGKmL7d7_8i7FZSDWXxj-TB7LL5fry35UB6tDYEjVPWxjoaaDgrP4E6fQKvo/s320/IMG_2451.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15978016568840318921noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987040098977019674.post-81040560721364361062023-10-09T12:07:00.001-05:002023-10-09T12:07:24.768-05:00Not so fast<p>Anyone who has visited this blog for any length of time knows I like to travel. In recent years I have been fortunate enough to travel in the U.S., Canada and Europe. </p><p>If our health holds up, Wife and I will continue to travel. And if you have read my accounts of our trips, you know we do it on our own, following loose itineraries Wife plans in advance based on extensive research she does. We have never wanted to join a tour group. </p><p>One place to which she and I have never had much of a desire to go, however, is Israel, or the Holy Land. Over the years we have a had a number of friends who have gone, and they have always returned with stories of how wonderful it is, and how if you are of the Jewish or Christian faith, it really makes that faith come to life. </p><p>Perhaps, we have thought. But we still had no plans to visit there. We'll look at our friends' picture and listen to their stories. </p><p>A couple months ago, one of our pastors, who is also a longtime close friend, going back to our single days in Little Rock, asked us if we would like to consider going with him on a trip he will be leading to Israel in the spring of 2025.</p><p>We talked about it, and I went to a meeting of folks who might have an interest in going. Wife and I decided maybe this would be the time to go. We love our friend who will be leading the trip, and we will know many of the people going. And even though we have resisted tour groups as such, to see this part of the world, that's probably the way to do it. </p><p>The deadline for making our deposit to reserve our spot was noon yesterday, about 24 hours after we had heard the news that war has broken out in Israel. I know there is always some type of upheaval there with the continuing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, but this appears worse than what has happened previously. </p><p>We will see how things progress. But deposit or no deposit, I will not be boarding a plane bound for Israel if this is not resolved by the time we are supposed to go. That date is a long way off, but resolution of this particular matter seems as if it could take a long time. </p><p>In all seriousness, it really does seem like a grave situation, and my heart aches for innocent families who woke to witness fighting nearby. </p><p><br /></p>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15978016568840318921noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987040098977019674.post-83625057331072288962023-09-29T15:09:00.003-05:002023-09-29T16:08:54.838-05:00Travel notes and pics<p>Our recent trip to Croatia and Italy is about two weeks behind us now, and my internal clock has adjusted back to the time zone in which I live. </p><p>The flight back always seems easier, but recovery seems longer. For several days I woke in the middle of the night and had trouble going back to sleep, which is uncharacteristic of me, as I am blessed to be a good sleeper. </p><p>It was another great journey, and as usual, I give kudos to Wife for planning it all. We were in Croatia for ten days with our friends R and P. We rented a car in Dubrovnik, our first destination, and from there visited Korcula, Split, Plitvice Lakes National Park and Motovun, all in Croatia, before driving into Italy and dropping R and P in Venice. </p><p>Wife and I had been to Venice in 2019, and when we caught a glimpse of the Grand Canal, we could not resist a quick return visit to one of our favorite cities. We bummed a ride on R and P's water taxi to their hotel and enjoyed seeing some of the landmark sites we so enjoyed on our previous trip. </p><p>From there, Wife and I were on our own. We spent one night in Bologna, where we went on a walking food tour the next morning, before driving to our final destination, a charming bed and breakfast in little Tuscan Village, that was literally at the end of a dirt road. From there we took day trips to Sienna, Assisi and other places, and one day we went to an Italian cooking class, which was great fun. </p><p>Croatia was an incredibly interesting country. About two-thirds of the time, we were in coastal locations, and the hilltop/ocean vistas were breathtaking. Traveling inland to Plitvice National Park provided a contrast to that, and the gorgeous hilltop village of Motovun had a distinct Italian/Tuscan influence. </p><p>And speaking of Italy, Wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our time there. I also give kudos to Wife, and our friend R, for driving in both countries. In Italy, the speed limit "laws" are more like suggestions. For me, it was plenty stressful just being a passenger. I had no intention of getting behind the wheel. </p><p>I am happy to share more details for those interested. (I don't delude myself into thinking you want a blow-by-blow, but if anyone is thinking of traveling to these places, I will be happy to share information. Send an email.) </p><p>A few pictures below: </p><p><br /></p><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yyZda53J7g4-hKBRkCpzVzkT6XS19pkBmh5PGkEqqu6TqeHRnLfFwrCJyZaJsrwfGvp0rXgeaAWhVbqp1SkVf07-pANH5zGMJ3f4n7BzgHQGgorNv-Hd6PdkoFR1vVz1ua63XPJ-wPmgF9l5XB-K3TFhUQriQKrv6g6OWfqn7emacE9SGh2h5QM1hVY/s4032/IMG_2144.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yyZda53J7g4-hKBRkCpzVzkT6XS19pkBmh5PGkEqqu6TqeHRnLfFwrCJyZaJsrwfGvp0rXgeaAWhVbqp1SkVf07-pANH5zGMJ3f4n7BzgHQGgorNv-Hd6PdkoFR1vVz1ua63XPJ-wPmgF9l5XB-K3TFhUQriQKrv6g6OWfqn7emacE9SGh2h5QM1hVY/s320/IMG_2144.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Adriatic from our hotel room in Dubrovnik</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBhurFXA3zb-z_cV8A3-sY_xrAZTRjbhMKf0x0GnHE1O7yuO5XVTI4QWTnbuBYzkL2X_hxTX1HQ3ZTr3kX9ihBx8QaUt35p0Kf3BVIR8xdTlArHrifud_HC8P8jrUvoKNISb3Nrv-MkRhMbKT97lnCwJNuhbNjkVIRy_wKAXRl_u-bHLga0zUz3s10kWE/s4032/IMG_2146.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBhurFXA3zb-z_cV8A3-sY_xrAZTRjbhMKf0x0GnHE1O7yuO5XVTI4QWTnbuBYzkL2X_hxTX1HQ3ZTr3kX9ihBx8QaUt35p0Kf3BVIR8xdTlArHrifud_HC8P8jrUvoKNISb3Nrv-MkRhMbKT97lnCwJNuhbNjkVIRy_wKAXRl_u-bHLga0zUz3s10kWE/s320/IMG_2146.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking Dubrovnik's city walls</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK65lq2sbXnhdOmutOwshtlxAJx5ojEHA0opyw9_hkU-J_MEyw6wPruOvV8_Xgrf8_DTqiOBqbzP9FKQukajyUnkyjB85zVpwn7_P9JKyXIw6P6-3N4gTK4Nw9x-eZYOk2ffzV4-1s-PH_XBEYQ9Mme4J0sR7yn3VGsS3IxZyq-kls3T6t3qkMr4NdANA/s4032/IMG_2172.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK65lq2sbXnhdOmutOwshtlxAJx5ojEHA0opyw9_hkU-J_MEyw6wPruOvV8_Xgrf8_DTqiOBqbzP9FKQukajyUnkyjB85zVpwn7_P9JKyXIw6P6-3N4gTK4Nw9x-eZYOk2ffzV4-1s-PH_XBEYQ9Mme4J0sR7yn3VGsS3IxZyq-kls3T6t3qkMr4NdANA/s320/IMG_2172.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dubrovnik at night</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYMDf8EIgYkUPitZ0aKBFtlAC6GqoNJnEIWz86Sl7Na0SLwfEv1bBWBABij5a10Co2oj8rTMZoZMPNwQYdJGvveqDhgYhN6iWcKtdAHLi8OsdFNglb4c_IHvFsfXQH-TUIm51ThuiUQRiIsZIEvba2bqT2C-Y6MjbZB6jjDKqRRgyRiPDbOUCpcZ7YnI/s4032/IMG_2267.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYMDf8EIgYkUPitZ0aKBFtlAC6GqoNJnEIWz86Sl7Na0SLwfEv1bBWBABij5a10Co2oj8rTMZoZMPNwQYdJGvveqDhgYhN6iWcKtdAHLi8OsdFNglb4c_IHvFsfXQH-TUIm51ThuiUQRiIsZIEvba2bqT2C-Y6MjbZB6jjDKqRRgyRiPDbOUCpcZ7YnI/s320/IMG_2267.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seafood in Croatia was scrumptuous</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4doozB3DczKMy4B13Emkc3YeWvYNyKjHmF32W2b8WhhqS5Yi078GFNKwpjCS17igpjMnAKV5G9E8XrhxC0p5YNPYtj6eA0gu2eqeXBRoCVenAhdIoS-8ZbarxcNdUsptCTKLSk01PPwx3yzCRkog1kKbeiQ1jiQe4v6oHXL4PNhE3DzbAlSVlc6o7Ymo/s4032/IMG_2268.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4doozB3DczKMy4B13Emkc3YeWvYNyKjHmF32W2b8WhhqS5Yi078GFNKwpjCS17igpjMnAKV5G9E8XrhxC0p5YNPYtj6eA0gu2eqeXBRoCVenAhdIoS-8ZbarxcNdUsptCTKLSk01PPwx3yzCRkog1kKbeiQ1jiQe4v6oHXL4PNhE3DzbAlSVlc6o7Ymo/s320/IMG_2268.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Adriatic waters</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWWczroB75GwfsKrC07Jdp894hmI10sSnR8eM62zTtDbkdeWmMJoVxsZ6DEC7M4UG8ocyUsLNKlY2T4lRPqeVU4Xa4Im44sPaezOj59bGSpP76b2t-Zo6WuVRD-2gogt9hIf2ch-4LG5jcdbNSS7D3g4kx4yA_4kMxqt6H9V02iL09RaJwF7NCNe75rVs/s4032/IMG_2276.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWWczroB75GwfsKrC07Jdp894hmI10sSnR8eM62zTtDbkdeWmMJoVxsZ6DEC7M4UG8ocyUsLNKlY2T4lRPqeVU4Xa4Im44sPaezOj59bGSpP76b2t-Zo6WuVRD-2gogt9hIf2ch-4LG5jcdbNSS7D3g4kx4yA_4kMxqt6H9V02iL09RaJwF7NCNe75rVs/s320/IMG_2276.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plitvice Lakes National Park</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhL7mohkb-S98Xgkgs-4RAdkBG1CN7zbnksIc0l3KWNJuJdAWHJ1DH135J_BjlXnXrmJslMIHHrXoZIxTMr36APz7_xuK6ofvUWkoBSb_VcRptrmWo4fkGqfJrjbLx5zQA-F5-xs6o5235x3FDbIddScdeMmvMLZf0-29ShI_50nf4AzTUKfZzKWALhTI/s4032/IMG_2295.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhL7mohkb-S98Xgkgs-4RAdkBG1CN7zbnksIc0l3KWNJuJdAWHJ1DH135J_BjlXnXrmJslMIHHrXoZIxTMr36APz7_xuK6ofvUWkoBSb_VcRptrmWo4fkGqfJrjbLx5zQA-F5-xs6o5235x3FDbIddScdeMmvMLZf0-29ShI_50nf4AzTUKfZzKWALhTI/s320/IMG_2295.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breathtaking dinner spot in Motovun<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhr1CZm6LQa7T8ZSXMZaxlntSBaoWiDF-ddZHpBrpIGZcM1RkjK9k8QaylXDTWiKMZoQBeE_1ind8idKb2yHWrUWlBLGshr2E0HlxKux5vjdG4lNGTpPwkWDc6QOevbmle5s6oYDwPge_3SpMwo3QM_Fzu51D75dt6b4S5pkv1gjvngDa_wpjgbxgYu0A/s4032/IMG_2408.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhr1CZm6LQa7T8ZSXMZaxlntSBaoWiDF-ddZHpBrpIGZcM1RkjK9k8QaylXDTWiKMZoQBeE_1ind8idKb2yHWrUWlBLGshr2E0HlxKux5vjdG4lNGTpPwkWDc6QOevbmle5s6oYDwPge_3SpMwo3QM_Fzu51D75dt6b4S5pkv1gjvngDa_wpjgbxgYu0A/s320/IMG_2408.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise in Tuscany</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFEtj_8XCnMhW1_zLr55TINKJzR6FXz27OAcoxHzCZglJmfjx9oxqR87SG2PbLgwkBh7LxF3yCW5141OMk1JG_iQxewaNAqlRd9IY6AlesKZH89OnUcWvJE4mKCeLyMan8nTMX5mqZw5D4hmP3Em1aGOO4K7wpO8GQsKVpDNzUJBhLS0-0LKQNjGljOQ/s480/IMG_7595.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFEtj_8XCnMhW1_zLr55TINKJzR6FXz27OAcoxHzCZglJmfjx9oxqR87SG2PbLgwkBh7LxF3yCW5141OMk1JG_iQxewaNAqlRd9IY6AlesKZH89OnUcWvJE4mKCeLyMan8nTMX5mqZw5D4hmP3Em1aGOO4K7wpO8GQsKVpDNzUJBhLS0-0LKQNjGljOQ/s320/IMG_7595.JPEG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our window at our Tuscan Bed and Breakfast</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL4XWbWF7aSiUYFf0pqqr92FwGGvEN5SR9m1ofZQr8O89z0f6qshoFqxDvcN3571tLmUIIl6pP24cn7iousrZiAbHPyiTACEIcjuXvBdcz3u51ggMYVb3H4e2dU85HWl-Fj26og9Hxl1z3bcHBdWZ1jCB07Mnm9QqhgbfVi65lk68E1AORz609Yph5JBU/s4032/IMG_7714.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL4XWbWF7aSiUYFf0pqqr92FwGGvEN5SR9m1ofZQr8O89z0f6qshoFqxDvcN3571tLmUIIl6pP24cn7iousrZiAbHPyiTACEIcjuXvBdcz3u51ggMYVb3H4e2dU85HWl-Fj26og9Hxl1z3bcHBdWZ1jCB07Mnm9QqhgbfVi65lk68E1AORz609Yph5JBU/s320/IMG_7714.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We made bread at our Italian cooking school. Heavenly.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /></div><br /><br />Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15978016568840318921noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987040098977019674.post-66728888157267912642023-09-18T21:58:00.000-05:002023-09-18T21:58:14.644-05:00Back home<p><br /></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg08TM6DpQ2qb9Xejeg_2QtogqN6W6zmeNk7ltRGBjEjtHk2YiVhpBQWRCTX9dI6qfacXoQhVLaYWpVfodLFZRukeL4fld5iu3dCG6-Z0Etph94J9qKTHnyMlkT_Cq-EwmcyhlAsLmwoIgKkfY7IaCBH3kun_L4Belh4uzVkcTsXnLqJp37x1bEtbIMG_w/s4032/IMG_2145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg08TM6DpQ2qb9Xejeg_2QtogqN6W6zmeNk7ltRGBjEjtHk2YiVhpBQWRCTX9dI6qfacXoQhVLaYWpVfodLFZRukeL4fld5iu3dCG6-Z0Etph94J9qKTHnyMlkT_Cq-EwmcyhlAsLmwoIgKkfY7IaCBH3kun_L4Belh4uzVkcTsXnLqJp37x1bEtbIMG_w/s320/IMG_2145.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coastline in Dubrovnik, Croatia</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p>On August 31st, Wife and I boarded a plane in Nashville bound for Toronto. In Toronto we boarded a plane bound for Paris. And in Paris, we boarded a third plane, this one bound for Dubrovnik, Croatia.</p><p>In January of this year, Croatia was a country I had scarcely heard of. A few weeks later, Wife suggested we go there. We talked with another couple, with whom we traveled in England and France last year, and they were in. </p><p>Wife and the lady from the couple met multiple times over the months and began to plan an itinerary. The four of us would spend about ten days in Croatia, after which we would travel together to Venice, at which point we would part company. Our friends would spend some time in Venice, where we visited in 2019, while Wife and I would spend a few days in Tuscany. </p><p>We returned from this wonderful trip this past Saturday, September 16th. Fortunately, we made the return trip in only two legs -- Rome to Montreal, and Montreal to Nashville. That third leg on the trip over was a real killer. </p><p>I will not bore you with a play-by-play but will post more pictures soon with a few more details. </p><p>For now, suffice it to say it was a great trip. I'm still a bit jet-lagged but overall, no worse for the wear. </p><p>More to come. </p><p><br /></p>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15978016568840318921noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987040098977019674.post-47696438663784364882023-08-30T11:47:00.001-05:002023-08-30T11:47:38.340-05:00When it rains<p> A couple of posts ago I told you about our upstairs AC going out. That saga has been nothing short of a nightmare. </p><p>Just about anyone who knows me will tell you I am not an angry person by nature. I am also extremely loyal, especially when I am treated well. If you provide a service to me, and you do it well, and you treat me well, I'm likely to be your customer for life. </p><p>Unfortunately, that has not been the case with the provider of our HVAC services. They have lost a good customer, and the proprietor does not seem to care. </p><p>Because I have become uncharacteristically angry, Wife has taken over communicating with this guy. </p><p>I will leave it at that, because that's not what this post is supposed to be about. </p><p>Rather, I am going to tell you about another mishap, this one being an act of nature. </p><p>Wife and I were sitting in our game room late Saturday afternoon, watching a Braves game, when it started raining. We heard a few distant claps of thunder. Then, we heard a huge pop, and saw lightning out the window. </p><p>Our electricity went out for a split second. </p><p>The pop was loud enough to startle each of us. Wife got up and looked out the window. She called me over. </p><p>Apparently, the pop we heard was the big oak tree in our yard being hit by lightning. When we were able to get out and look more closely, we saw bark that had flown all around, in the yard and into the street. </p><p>Will we lose the tree? That remains to be seen. I am told we should wait and see what happens. My yard guy, not an arborist, says I'll know by next spring. He also said if I want more immediate information, I can retain an arborist. </p><p>I think for now I can wait. </p><p>Pretty crazy, don't you think? </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL3IauRGmF19GujIC9AmGyga47gB4Qerl81RDiMTfYXfS-gVkJea_GVROSHqq2EZti5MJOMLqe23qxKrLzR-8sBbWnmxbPBBpvxxW2mO5uWsCyqEwY3Jf_uIu5dExDZ2T_GPesMQkeaZE1fNF5kkwi4e61sCXYKgNO5_nKbJZUTdaPA86pUwU2wGcixsw/s4032/IMG_2124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL3IauRGmF19GujIC9AmGyga47gB4Qerl81RDiMTfYXfS-gVkJea_GVROSHqq2EZti5MJOMLqe23qxKrLzR-8sBbWnmxbPBBpvxxW2mO5uWsCyqEwY3Jf_uIu5dExDZ2T_GPesMQkeaZE1fNF5kkwi4e61sCXYKgNO5_nKbJZUTdaPA86pUwU2wGcixsw/s320/IMG_2124.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwpJari2yuU5c5tWDx0RrUEpRZD4BUqnccuD5Y8jciWF7n9Zbmql7mlnXtyl-JS7Q-Ya-EnZDHiaaFGz6ZzGtJ3RBQGfZnsPPWk6cYg5_Q51P459_WG99IAdy729iBcCvcCu3odky3SYxPj1sioY2sV3xokr8yygl0doy6YhiyryuI_hW9VZubeH7akLU/s4032/IMG_2123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwpJari2yuU5c5tWDx0RrUEpRZD4BUqnccuD5Y8jciWF7n9Zbmql7mlnXtyl-JS7Q-Ya-EnZDHiaaFGz6ZzGtJ3RBQGfZnsPPWk6cYg5_Q51P459_WG99IAdy729iBcCvcCu3odky3SYxPj1sioY2sV3xokr8yygl0doy6YhiyryuI_hW9VZubeH7akLU/s320/IMG_2123.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15978016568840318921noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987040098977019674.post-86250362311589856342023-08-24T13:11:00.001-05:002023-08-24T13:11:34.770-05:00Coast to coast baseball<p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1yneEREz-h1rFvVup8ADOEPj8gLysBpH2rMUolmscUN1sxdEYydukewgrzzaiQS9Ra16tpeAI8mh7nefakPfGqB2QLLDuOgIaOlXp0ee7cqRUjRFcdOF_ItJ9mp2lMN9b_2DM9I_nfB9ZRd0HKyVdglMhYPSSjosoq26bx5y6D60e9AuHQOJUlX5lZeA/s4032/HRMMiami.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1yneEREz-h1rFvVup8ADOEPj8gLysBpH2rMUolmscUN1sxdEYydukewgrzzaiQS9Ra16tpeAI8mh7nefakPfGqB2QLLDuOgIaOlXp0ee7cqRUjRFcdOF_ItJ9mp2lMN9b_2DM9I_nfB9ZRd0HKyVdglMhYPSSjosoq26bx5y6D60e9AuHQOJUlX5lZeA/s320/HRMMiami.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With grandson Hank at loanDepot Park in Miami</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>As regular visitors here know, I go on (at least) an annual baseball trip with my sons and son-in-law, working toward visiting every MLB park, a goal set by my son Daniel when he was eight (he's now 37). </p><p>Months ago, we decided on Los Angeles and Dodger Stadium this year. We would leave early the morning of Friday, August 11, see games Friday and Saturday nights, and return Sunday. </p><p>With that trip planned, during a visit home earlier this summer, son David proposed a "bonus" trip to Miami to see the Marlins play at home. He had some flight credit that was "burning a hole in his pocket" and he and I could knock off another park (Daniel had already visited this one). </p><p>I initially resisted, but I glanced at my Southwest Airlines points and saw I had enough for a free flight, so I thought, why not? </p><p>So, two weeks prior to L.A., I flew to Miami. Daniel brought his five-year-old son, Hank, who is OBSESSED with baseball. So, this trip consisted of Daniel, David, Hank and me. I flew down Friday night, saw games Saturday and Sunday afternoons, and flew home Sunday night. Didn't even take a day off work.</p><p>I will probably write more about this on my Substack with more detail. I am lucky to have had a coast-to-coast baseball summer. Needless to say, a good time was had by all. </p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvyVH5zjl85XbhPjhpMsgGxuqamHjywu972IqX0gKpJEvjqtDSQXhokdKqXiBsIf_g4pvTN_31CBlWQqgk8lh83qagJdcgM4au5SVBMCVTed-g--kYiSH6pc8Ky6P2ICSPYsUDGV2gXiirVh1pqaNF0tgLLPqMLdvvEk8KmlqM60bdjFfwutWlMdInqg/s2919/LAD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2919" data-original-width="2134" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvyVH5zjl85XbhPjhpMsgGxuqamHjywu972IqX0gKpJEvjqtDSQXhokdKqXiBsIf_g4pvTN_31CBlWQqgk8lh83qagJdcgM4au5SVBMCVTed-g--kYiSH6pc8Ky6P2ICSPYsUDGV2gXiirVh1pqaNF0tgLLPqMLdvvEk8KmlqM60bdjFfwutWlMdInqg/s320/LAD.jpg" width="234" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With my best guys at Dodger Stadium</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15978016568840318921noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987040098977019674.post-38732479014200522872023-08-22T22:08:00.002-05:002023-08-23T10:57:24.315-05:00Hot air<p> Wife and I have rather met each other coming and going lately. </p><p>With her being retired, she's always up for an invitation to take short trips with friends or go visit the grands. </p><p>I, on the other hand, tend to keep the home fires burning and welcome her back home. </p><p>Last week she was gone from Tuesday to Saturday. While she was gone, I made a quick trip to Memphis, about three hours away, for a family funeral. I drove over Friday and attended the funeral and a gathering of family members afterwards. (As an aside, there were the typical comments about how we should not limit our visits to these types of occasions, knowing that is what we will continue to do.)</p><p>I arrived back home Saturday morning. Wife was due home Saturday afternoon, and we had a wedding to attend that night. </p><p>I had a few things to do when I got home, and did not go upstairs, where all our bedrooms are located, until early afternoon. When I did so, I noticed it was a bit warmer there than downstairs. </p><p>I then realized the upstairs air conditioning was not working. </p><p>I performed the usual tasks of turning it off, then turning it back on, checking the air filter (which I had just changed a few days prior) and walking out to inspect the unit outside. </p><p>With all of that done and finding nothing I could interpret as the problem, I sent a text message to the guy who installed this upstairs unit in May, 2022. That's right, this unit that had stopped working is only 15 months old. </p><p>"Is it froze up?" he asked in his return message. </p><p>I patiently asked how in the world I would know that, and he sent me out to the unit to take a picture. </p><p>Nope, it wasn't "froze up." </p><p>I won't go into all the other things he told me to do and pictures he had me take. He essentially instructed me to turn everything off and let it rest. </p><p>Because we had had an unseasonable mild spell a few days last week, it was not terrible Saturday night. Wife and I were able to open windows and turn on fans and sleep comfortably. </p><p>Sunday, with still no upstairs air, I texted the AC guy again, the guy who answered the number posted on my unit that says "24-hour emergency number," which I hoped meant he would get himself over here. </p><p>He said he would be here on Monday. </p><p>He arrived Monday morning and went up into the attic to inspect things. Less than an hour later, he informed me he would have to get a part -- a "blower brain" that had shorted out. "Give me a couple of hours and let me see if I can get it," he said. </p><p>Two hours later I received this text message from him: "They have to order the motor. It could be up to five days."</p><p>At that point I called him and said that was certainly not good news. He agreed, but said he had checked all his distributors, and this was the best he could do. He assured me it was under warranty (uh, yeah). </p><p>I asked if he had any suggestions for temporary relief. </p><p>"Get a window unit," he said. </p><p>I then proceeded to tell him, as soon as he got that part, he should get over here forthwith, no matter the time, no matter the day. </p><p>Tomorrow morning it will have been 48 hours since the guy left here asking me to give him two hours. </p><p>Wife and I have each taken a downstairs sofa for sleeping. With my office being upstairs, I am working in the dining room. </p><p>We go upstairs in the evenings and early mornings to take care of necessities such as showering. </p><p>First world pains, I get that. But it's hot, folks. We're talking mid to high 90s. It's supposed to hit 100 by the end of the week. </p><p>Hoping for relief soon. I'll be texting and calling "the guy" on Day 5 if I've not heard from him. </p><p><br /></p>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15978016568840318921noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987040098977019674.post-15374890628426084412023-07-28T16:37:00.003-05:002023-07-28T16:37:54.435-05:00Can't make it up<p>I don't post much about politics here anymore. I'll occasionally touch on political matters on my Substack site, and for the most part, I make observations rather than state opinions. </p><p>I can still make people mad, though, and I've lost a couple of subscribers over there because of what they perceive my opinion to be. </p><p>This blog has become more about friendships, and my posts here tend to be fairly benign. </p><p>But sometimes I feel the need to dip my toe into the political stuff with my friends here. The few of you who read my posts here know I have no harmful intent, and I respect whatever your opinion may be as much as you do mine. </p><p>So, today is one of those days. </p><p>It is nothing short of astounding the way the 2024 presidential race is unfolding. </p><p>The incumbent, Joe Biden, is 80 years old. If elected to a second term, he will be 82 at the start of it, and 86 at the end of it. </p><p>For the most part, I don't have a problem with that. In spite of what some may think, there appears to be no indication Biden does not have all his mental faculties and is not capable of fulfilling his duties. Now, why he would want to have one of the most stressful jobs in the world in his golden years is beyond my comprehension, but can he do it? Well, it appears he can. For now, anyway. </p><p>Some folks think he did not intend to run for a second term. There are theories that when it became evident one Donald J. Trump was not going away, and would, in fact, emerge as the frontrunner in the GOP field, Democratic operatives encouraged Biden to run. In short, they were afraid nobody else could beat Trump. Biden did it once, so he can do it again, according to this theory. </p><p>And if you subscribe to this line of thinking, yes, he's old, but anything is better than Trump being president again. </p><p>And what of Trump? Well, he's got legal troubles out the wazoo. Lawsuits and indictments everywhere he looks. And yet, if you believe the polling, he is still the choice of most Republican voters. </p><p>Biden has his own problems. Son Hunter has not exactly done him proud with his escapades. The Republicans badly want to make hay over the Biden Justice Department cutting Hunter a deal and Hunter getting off way too lightly because of his last name and his father's current occupation. </p><p>And right now, it appears these two -- a former president who is facing criminal prosecution and an 80-year-old whose son who is causing no small amount of angst -- will again be facing off. </p><p>I tend to think, somewhere along the way, Trump, with all this legal stuff, will have to bow out. He will need to cut deals to avoid any number of criminal trials (that could result in prison time). And part of that will be not seeking the presidency again (if this occurs as I am proposing). </p><p>If that happens, he will undoubtedly portray himself as a victim and blame everyone he can think of. </p><p>And should that happen, will Biden stay in the race? I think he will, as I don't think the Dems will have time to groom anyone else. </p><p>But what do I know? I was once of the opinion this country would never elect Trump. I don't come into this with any kind of successful track record. </p><p>All we can do is watch, if we dare. On the bright side, it's pretty good theater. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15978016568840318921noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987040098977019674.post-71215079009104001312023-07-16T20:53:00.003-05:002023-07-16T20:53:37.379-05:00Family time<p>With an immediate family that now numbers 13, spread among four different cities, times with all of us together are few and far between. </p><p>Wife and I are fortunate, in that we travel to see the individual families, and they come to see us. The siblings, in-laws and cousins also visit each other. </p><p>But getting all of us in place at one time only happens two or three times per year. Christmas is a given -- somewhere around that time, we will all get together. Some years everyone comes for Thanksgiving, but not always. </p><p>Any other scheduled time together takes advance planning. </p><p>Accordingly, Wife suggested we all gather in the mountains of western North Carolina this summer. It is an easy drive for everyone, and we all love that area. This gathering would also be an early birthday celebration for Wife. Her birthday is in August, but late June was the best fit for the various schedules and calendars. </p><p>We were able to make it happen a few weeks ago in Highlands, a beautiful and quaint mountain town that lies within the Nantahala National Forest. Because of its mountain perch, it's always a bit cooler in summer than the temperatures to which we are accustomed at this time of year -- a big plus! </p><p>We rented a beautiful house high on a hill just off the downtown area, but which felt secluded. A huge, screened porch ran across one side, overlooking the valley below. </p><p>There were staggered arrivals and departures Wednesday through Monday, with everyone there Friday, Saturday and Sunday. </p><p>Highlights included a surprise birthday video for Wife, with friends and relatives from various parts of her life wishing her well; a catered dinner Saturday night at the house where we stayed; and a family photo shoot Sunday morning. (My standard dad joke for such events: we can't get through it without fighting and crying, and then there are the children to deal with . . . )</p><p>There were also family hikes to waterfalls and creeks; a night of open-air Bluegrass music; a couple of brewery visits; and lots of talking and laughter on the aforementioned porch. </p><p>With five little ones, it was at times chaotic, but they were great, and their presence only enhanced the fun and laughs. I wish I could think of a more original way to say it, but I cant: a good (and fun) time was had by all! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdzVon9rI-H5pqjRttabPalJ1d8qOXHPL7QNuMSrjIM6hvmsx1WC2KOzo30Uk5rSnOg3qjoXoc8zOYp6PWUIlrA-wpFFpbvz9x8ucl1tZm0Z2rvkeKczeCmV5szIfWL8beceE7vjygQb-4hEizJcW0Ec-Fnl1dsDXYiDdNRv_74OMIK2XAEKzNChMTU6I/s4032/NC23.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdzVon9rI-H5pqjRttabPalJ1d8qOXHPL7QNuMSrjIM6hvmsx1WC2KOzo30Uk5rSnOg3qjoXoc8zOYp6PWUIlrA-wpFFpbvz9x8ucl1tZm0Z2rvkeKczeCmV5szIfWL8beceE7vjygQb-4hEizJcW0Ec-Fnl1dsDXYiDdNRv_74OMIK2XAEKzNChMTU6I/s320/NC23.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15978016568840318921noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987040098977019674.post-91578945114285107702023-06-14T11:54:00.001-05:002023-06-14T13:06:06.945-05:00Boycotts <p>I have never been a big boycotter. </p><p>I find the current boycotts of Bud Light and Target rather humorous. But apparently they are having an impact, and the marketing departments at those companies are relooking at some things. </p><p>While I will not get into whether I agree or disagree with the reasons for these recent boycotts, I respect the rights of folks to spend their money as they see fit, and if they wish to refrain from spending at places they believe don't align with their values, that is certainly their right to do so. </p><p>As for me, I usually don't get too worked up over such things. I'll certainly do my best not to patronize a business or company that is known to be oppressive or is knowingly discriminatory or violative of human rights. </p><p>I am also careful about organizations to which I am asked to make contributions. There is information available online about various charitable groups and how their funds are distributed. You might be surprised to see what percentage of a dollar you give goes toward the work a particular group or organization is supposed to be doing. </p><p>But as far as basic products go, and where I might shop, again, I don't worry too much about it unless I am aware of something that is particularly offensive to me. And even then, it would have to be pretty egregious for me to boycott. </p><p>I don't drink Bud Light, but there are a few bottles in my beer fridge, on hand for the occasional guest who might prefer it. I would (and probably will) buy it again if I have the need to replenish the supply. </p><p>I am not much of a shopper, and my shopping or not shopping at an establishment is not going to affect anyone's bottom line. For certain items like any kind of storage containers, you can't beat Target. I would have to be really offended to not enter one again. </p><p>Companies have long been giving in to the pressure of political correctness. While that might make me roll my eyes, so far it is not causing me to boycott anyone. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15978016568840318921noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987040098977019674.post-3096311387457770272023-06-09T18:19:00.000-05:002023-06-09T18:19:16.853-05:00Mixed reality<p>If you happen to read this blog AND my Substack newsletter (which could mean you are a glutton for punishment), you might well see this subject addressed again on Substack, but it will probably be more detailed. </p><p>I read a few days ago about a new Apple product called Vision Pro. It's a headset. Per the news piece I read, "it features exterior cameras, allowing users to interact with digital content in <i>mixed reality</i>."</p><p>Best I can tell, you can be wearing it and talking on the phone, watching a movie or sending an email all at the same time, all in your own little virtual space. But apparently you can also conduct business and communicate with folks right in front of you, mixing the artificial and real to your liking. </p><p>In addition, according to Apple CEO Tim Cook, you can "relive your most important memories in an entirely new way." I don't know what that is supposed to mean, but I'm not too keen on a machine going back in time for me. I am old enough to still own photo albums. </p><p>As I understand it, it won't come out until next year. I suppose Apple is hoping to whet folks' appetite in the meantime. I wonder if there will be buyers standing in line when it makes its debut. </p><p>Although I never say never (as I once said about owning an iPhone; I'm on approximately my fifth one now), I can't see this being an accessory I'll own anytime soon. </p><p>In addition to being, well, just<i> too much</i> in a general sense, it will have a cool price tag of $3,499. That for sure takes me out. </p><p>Until further notice, I'll be keeping my realities separate. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15978016568840318921noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2987040098977019674.post-57457759332406727122023-05-26T18:05:00.001-05:002023-05-26T18:05:49.088-05:00Step right up<p> Our house was built in the mid-80s. Consequently, there is always some sort of repair or update that needs to be made. </p><p>One of those updates/repairs we have deferred for many years would be the front porch steps. They have been gradually, but steadily, sinking for the 22 years we have lived here. A dozen or so years ago, when we had some foundation repair done, the company that did the work theoretically raised the steps about an inch. </p><p>That made little to no difference, and I'm not sure they raised them at all. A few months ago, I measured length from the top step onto the porch landing -- one foot. It had gotten to the point we had guests come in our back door. It was no longer acceptable. </p><p>Because I have challenges with anything concerning construction, I asked around of some friends who know about these things. The consensus was I need a "concrete guy." </p><p>Wife graciously agreed to take on the job of finding someone. What she quickly learned was it's difficult to find someone in the concrete business to do a small job like this. They are more interested in the big jobs like pouring driveways and such. </p><p>That makes sense, but that's not what we needed. With some research and persistence, she found three different folks who would come and take a look and give us a bid. </p><p>One never showed up, although he called a couple of times and said he would. (He called again after the work was done. Too late.) </p><p>Two guys came, both of whom I liked, but the second one seemed much more professional. While the first one wrote his bid on the back of his business card and sent an email because I asked him to (which had little additional detail other than his bid), the second one emailed a bid with much detail, with a description of what his crew would do. He was also easier to communicate with. </p><p>Unfortunately, his bid was a good bit higher than the first guy. But with her sharp negotiating skills, Wife was able to talk him down some. We accepted his bid. </p><p>His folks did a great job. They jackhammered the steps, as well as the pad of aggregate at the bottom of the steps, and replaced both. It took a couple days and it was loud and messy, but the finished product is more than satisfactory. Where there once were two steps, there now are three, and ascending them is now easy. </p><p>A few weeks prior to that, we had our back deck stained. This is where Wife and I spend a good bit of time these spring evenings before it gets intolerably hot, so in addition to the stain, we have spruced things up a bit and we're enjoying our time out there. </p><p>So, front and back have gotten a bit of a makeover. Results below. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi0gHDAMmfMtAh_lnsepDEelxQwrGhEz4qYYr_5eRdyHOubbqkGrrN0qIRi3hbBe55Nra4A7WJhYjcbBNl5OpjTxOMFSD5dSPMupQWLebLE4VsJ_3sTcNOiwbiNmZGUXCEBkKj1Y7HB3V5sNreA7MaLsCyRN9DSEKRovpPZU1j3L-_g8245Gbsng-N/s320/IMG_1899.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front steps</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi0gHDAMmfMtAh_lnsepDEelxQwrGhEz4qYYr_5eRdyHOubbqkGrrN0qIRi3hbBe55Nra4A7WJhYjcbBNl5OpjTxOMFSD5dSPMupQWLebLE4VsJ_3sTcNOiwbiNmZGUXCEBkKj1Y7HB3V5sNreA7MaLsCyRN9DSEKRovpPZU1j3L-_g8245Gbsng-N/s4032/IMG_1899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3muqjWEcFtY-7bIsMmipHJlSXPI9duAdhF4iIbdhKCqtHTCdOFjYFOZE4yJn0p6IRibUNW0F9b6DClTHmPDKjugjuB5MlJQSZgXfZwRax9vtCJFHn4dh7SLQuZWwi__t5JOhfVdBaHVep9H7OSDOSON_HHj10DpdAgQsK9L-U-LI38yFSjV--D7u/s4032/IMG_1900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3muqjWEcFtY-7bIsMmipHJlSXPI9duAdhF4iIbdhKCqtHTCdOFjYFOZE4yJn0p6IRibUNW0F9b6DClTHmPDKjugjuB5MlJQSZgXfZwRax9vtCJFHn4dh7SLQuZWwi__t5JOhfVdBaHVep9H7OSDOSON_HHj10DpdAgQsK9L-U-LI38yFSjV--D7u/s320/IMG_1900.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back deck</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbSWLryf8wGWKQUNWi3JcNrdVAFbWSpFQ56zSLMy9EHLKJ4EjijwUqdp2Tbdjz1vP4OKbF0X49kaBWgc2k842EqoCDOi6Qula4c5SrOoJI81c3YDJMmpBm5PMEAdQic1beAp7cOr8bca43cph3--Xlg3hhWeiLPNFrgtCU0rv8GyXbHW-eM_frik4/s4032/IMG_1901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbSWLryf8wGWKQUNWi3JcNrdVAFbWSpFQ56zSLMy9EHLKJ4EjijwUqdp2Tbdjz1vP4OKbF0X49kaBWgc2k842EqoCDOi6Qula4c5SrOoJI81c3YDJMmpBm5PMEAdQic1beAp7cOr8bca43cph3--Xlg3hhWeiLPNFrgtCU0rv8GyXbHW-eM_frik4/s320/IMG_1901.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deck, different view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p><br /></p><br />Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15978016568840318921noreply@blogger.com6