ThreeScorePlusTen

QUIRKS (not to be confused with quarks)

2011-11-30T20:22:00.001-08:00

If you pay any attention at all, you no doubt have seen some pretty odd behavior habits of people around ya. I think each of us no doubt has habits that we never even think about.
I was out for my morning eggs, toast and coffee at my regular haunt here int good old Temecula, and got to watching the people around me, in particular was watching how they stirred their coffee (or Tea). I soon enough learned not all people stir their coffee the same way.
Basically their are those that stir their coffee clockwise, another bunch counter clockwise. You would think that would be pretty much everyone, but wait----I found some who agitated their drinks with a back and forth motion, others doing figure eights with their spoons. I even saw one young man slapping his coffee with a spoon not unlike a lil kid playing in a puddle of water, but then he had that dazed look in his eye and I was fairly certain he was coming off a binge of some kind and still not back to earth.
Then not satisfied to just observe all the variations of coffee stirring, I got to noticing the types of people stirring in a particular manner----but thats a whole different blog for a later time. lol

What goes around-----comes around

2011-11-30T19:39:00.001-08:00

Don't get over-heated, but I have been thinking about getting back into blog posting---its been acouple years since I last blogged---finding it a bit scary. However me thinks I can remember how to go about it.
what do you think?

Twas A Terrible Job---

2009-10-02T15:59:00.000-07:00

Some number of hours ago I posted a bit about my current trial and tribulation, well this is the sequel-----I had to go to three different stores to acquire a box, of some equitable size to accommodate the gift. Believe it or not I found what I needed at Fed Ex Kinko's. Then of course I just HAD to have wrapping paper, and plain brown wouldn't cut it, so off to other stores, where I found wrappings that pleased my sensibilites , and a third store for a card to go with the gift. Then of course I dashed home to DO the wrapping.

I most definitely miss the lil Princes talents in the sphere of gift wrapping-----this is the first year I have had to wrap gifts in over a decade, and unfortunately the end result definitely shows my lack of skill in that arena.. However I finally got the job done , and I don't know the name of the saint that invented scotch tape, but BLESS YOU, whoever you are. It was a terrible job, but somebody had to do it!! Just remember Alexi, years from now when you look back and talk of this occasion------and you will----be kind.

Now all I have to do is decide what to wear-----hmmm, maybe I should do laundry now that I think about it? ((sigh, it just never stops does it?)

Trials and oh yeah tribulations too

2009-10-02T13:40:00.000-07:00

I hate it when things are out of whack, off balanced, spinning out of control.-----can make a guy nauseous. So, whats bugging the old dude you might ask? Well as most of you all know, tomorrow is Alexi and Phil's engagement gala. (Gala, meaning a frantic gathering held in the afternoon, as compared to a Blast, which is of course a frantic gathering held in the evenings), but I digress-----my problem, which isn't really a problem so much as just a trial---hmmm, maybe its a tribulation, or some combination of those two things together, ----is I have acquired a nice little gift for the occasion, but the proprietorship from which I got the gift did not have a suitable box in which to put it----so I brought the bag home, and now its Friday and I have yet to find a suitable container in which to insert the gift, and whats really bugging me is once I DO find the right box------I will have to wrap it in some festive manner for the occasion, and oh yeah, guess a card would be a nice touch too. So will leave off blogging (I no longer have sufficient time to procrastinate resolving the above conflict)------and throw myself out into the world in search of appropriate solutions. TTFN (THATS TAA-TAA FOR NOW)

Guess Its Been Awhle huh?

2009-09-29T16:44:00.000-07:00

Sunday last, I waggled myself an invite to dinner up at Pete & Judi's. I say I waggled the invite in that I called to check in and see how things were going, and during the course of the chit chat alluded to how I was doing nothing, and everything was pretty much same-o, same-o, and of course Judi being the big hearted soul she is suggested , if I were of a mind to, that I should come over for dinner, which I of course accepted. I of course was aware that "The Joyce" was in town visiting, and accepting the dinner invite allowed me the pleasure of visiting and saying howdy.
Dinner was More than adequate, and I put a small dent in my Nephew's beer supply, he still is able to act normal and smiles----the full impact of his daughter Alexi's wedding in July has yet to sink in.
After arriving and the first wave of up dating chit-chat, Pete and Judi took us over to their neighbors, who are naturalists, and big on animal rescue-----their forte is Raccoons, at the time of our visit they were housing no less than 40 odd of the little buggers, nursing them back to health and ultimately to be released back into the wilds. Ken has gone to much expense and labor and has built a small zoo like complex to house them, and he and his wife keep the place immaculate. His wife had previously worked at one of the large groceries, and now she visits them a couple days a week and they give here all the produce that can no longer be sold, but that is still good, and the little raccoons are fed quite well, melons, banana's, grapes, celery, hot dogs, and I sort of envied them as we watched them eating. I didn,t have my camera with me, but perhaps Judi can supply some pics of the raccoon house in the future.
Prior to making my exit for home later, I invited Joyce , Pete and Judi to dinner Wednesday night, at the local Indian Casino, Pachanga-----which should prove to be a fun evening. I am looking forward to it.
Next Saturday, Oct. 3rd, is Pete and Judi's engagement party for their Daughter Alexi and her husband to be Phil----a small intimate gathering of around 80 people. THAT should prove to be entertaining.
Guess that's all I have to blog on for now----"The Joyce", kinda lectured me how selfish I have been by not blogging so guess I will have to endeavor to amend my ways and input with more frequency.

OH DRATS!!----

2009-08-06T15:06:00.000-07:00

Gosh Darn it----went to my local med clinic today to take a long scheduled blood test----what can I say I flunked my blood testing!! (note I said blood testing, not the actual blood test itself---so relax) I got up early this am, rewarded myself with going out to Papa Paul's for breakfast, and then since the clinic is just a short distance away, decided to drive over and get my blood tested (I get regular blood tests every six monthes, and this test was scheduled back in March), andway so I arrive at the clinic, enjoying the fantastic clear blue skies, and cool morning air, and noticed with glee, that there was no waiting line at the Lab---but the nice clerk at the check in desk stopped me cold when she casually asked if I had fasted prior to coming in----I had forgotten I was not suppose to eat 12-14 hours prior to having my blood tested. I admitted I had just came from a restaurant having had breakfast-----(sigh), so we will try again tomorrow morning, and AFTERWARDS, will go have breakfast.

On a more brighter note, today, I set a new personal best playing freecell----completeing successfully a new all time record for me of winning 1,403 games in a row. (not to shabby for an old dude !!)

Chores Done----

2009-08-03T15:07:00.000-07:00

Got my chores done, or at least enough to not feel guilty about those that didn't get accomplished. Tish is coming to visit tomorrow, so did a bit of house keeping, laundry, dusting, and mostly just putting things away and neating up the old abode.

The Stock market continues to be my friend, (knock on wood), and I am expecting things to slowly improve as the rest of the year progresses.

Spent about four hours last night viewing some of the recorded shows from my DVD recorder, and have got it down to only 49 percent of memory used. I have maybe another 10-12 old TV show episodes to watch, and am adding one or two every night. I also have four netflix discs to watch (all of "The Forsyth saga")., and if all else fails to interest me at the moment, I have instant movie on demand compliments of my Verizon FIOS system. (and you wondered why I am not blogging more often (grin).

Tomorrow Tuesday, Tish and I are going down to the Casino, and have a couple hours of wild abandonment------and then come Saturday, I will be attending my Nephew Ed's big bash that he is giving in honor of his Son Aaron's visit down from Montreal, as well as a Birthday Party for one of his Grandchildren---this party has been in the planning for some number of monthes, and should be quite the fete.

Where Does, The Time Go--??

2009-08-01T16:49:00.000-07:00

It seems like only a couple days ago since I last posted, but golly gee---!!? ----its been a month, and Judi is forewarding comments of concern about me. I guess I owe everyone and apology, I sure didn't mean to give anyone cause for worry. I'm just fine----really!!.

I have been busy getting to know my new Town better, or at least my way around and through it. I must say the traffic engineer who laid out this little city knew what he was doing, lots of left turn lanes, and the stop lights are all sensored so that the light changes to accommodate the heaviest traffic at any given time, and that makes driving around town so much more pleasant.

Today I got up rather late, (9:00am), and went out to breakfast at Papa Pauls, as I am now in the habit of doing. There I have my standard breakfast (two eggs over easy, hashbrowns and decaf coffee), and peruse my Investor Business Daily newspaper; This being saturday, no need to hurry home and watch the stock market, so I used the time to explore Temecula a bit-----found the Green Arrow Nursery, and spent the better part of two hours browsing over various plants, shrubs and pottery, and finally selected a Hibiscus, and a decorate pot for my Patio (which is beginning to look like someone actually lives here and uses the patio).

Last Monday, was invited over to my Niece Melanie's for a steak Barbeque, and totally enoyed sitting on THEIR patio with the magnificent view of the San Bernardino Mountains and looking over the City below. The Steak was most excellent and I finally headed home reluctant to leave , having become so relaxed and comfortable .

My other niece, Tish, mentioned she was thinking of dropping my here this coming week, which will be fun, will give me an excuse to check out another new eating establishment, called, "The Macaroni Grill", or maybe, "PF Changs", (no, saving that one to visit with Pete &Judi)---so mayhe instead will give "The Iron Wok" a try----or maybe that Nowegian restaurat-----hmmm ----decisions, decisions.

I am in the market to buy an IPod, but know nothing about them. I understand they come in various levels of complexities, and its my understanding one should buy them from an Apple Store. I have been told there is an Apple Store Outlet down in Escondido, (about 35 minutes down the big concrete hwy from here).

My lucky streak continues at my local casion (Pachanga), I seem to win there more than I lose. and it beats watching rerums on Televison. The biggest problem with the casion is, they keep the airconditioning so low, a guy could catch a real chill, and I feel stupid wearing sweatshirts when its 90 degrees plus outside, but hey, a guy has to be comfortable when gambling right?

Tomorrow, Sunday, I plan on having a late breakfast at Papa Paul's, and then heading down to the Town Library to check in my books that I have read, and get me some new ones to peruse. I may also go back to the Green Arrow Nursery, and see what else I can glom onto for my Patio Ambiance. (I don't think the Mgmt will allow me to put in Tiki Torches)

Sunday Again (two weeks later)

2009-06-28T17:15:00.000-07:00

Once again its Sunday, (seems sundays pop up on a regular basis----who knew?). Today finds me spending time with my niece Tish in Irvine, Ca.. Today we went to lunch, and had a most delightful Chinese repast. I opted to go with beef and vegaetables, and I believe Tish had the Schezan Beef. Both dishes of course come with the obligatory rice, hot tea, and afterwards the dreaded fortune cookies.

After Lunch, Tish suggested we visit the Presidential Library for Richard Nixon, which is located only a few miles away, so off we went. I found the LIbrary quite interesting, as it was a period of time when I was "into" politics, and the world scene. Also next to the Library complex, actually a part of the complex, was Nixon's boyhood hoom, and we of course had to see that, but bye then we were getting tired, and would have had to wait some length of time til the next tour of the house was to be run, so we opted to call it a day, and came back here to Tish's place. As I write this quick little post, SHE, (being the good lil niece that she is), is slaving out in the kitchen making me up a big batch of her excellent Tuna Salad to take home to Temecula, along with the loaf of bananna bread, and a container of grapeseed oil, which is suppose to be good for lowereing one;s chlorestorol.

During the last couple weeks, since I last posted, my Nephew Pete and I took a run up to Vegas, which I have not visted since 1996, ----the place sure has changed, but the games are the same-----I only lost about 400 bucks, but had a great time. (Pete won enough to break even after taking us out to a really fantastic great steak dinner, paid for the gas, and lunch on the drive back) We more or less agreed we would have to do it again in about 3-4 monthes. Driving up I learned it might be best for me to invest in an IPOD, as my new car had an IPOD jack in the sound system, and of course with an IPOD, one can collect thousands of songs.

Also during the last couple weeks, I have become a Cosco Member, in that their store in Temecula is abour a block from my apartment complex, and they sell gas abourt as cheap there as anywhere in the general local, and offer good deals on fresh meats, as well as clothes and electronics-----hmmm bet I should shop there for that IPOD.

Okay thats it for now good people----I'm typing this on Tish's computer, and I believe she wants to do something on the Puter, so am signing off------see ya all around the blogosphere ------(lol)

Okay its Sunday----now what?

2009-06-14T10:55:00.000-07:00

I more or less promised a post would be made today, and this is my attempt at meeting my promise----ain't got a clue as I write this sentence what I am going to post-----working without a net here.. (lol)

I don't have any immediate plans for today, or Monday or Tues, or Wednesday, so will be going with the flow of whatever comes along. On Thursday my nephew Pete and I will be driving up to Vegas, and taking a shot or two at blackjack. I am rather looking forward to the trip, I havn't been to Vegas since 1996, and I am looking forward to seeing all the many changes to the city ----about 10 new hotels. However, knowing how I love playing blackjack, most likely will find a hot table, and next thing I know it will be time to head back home, no time for silly sight seeing-----but then the worst case scenario would be not finding a hot table, and nothing else to do but go sight seeing----hell sounds like a win-win situation to me either way.

I have been slowly adapting my apartment to MY liking. Hung up some of my wall art, but what I havn't put up just doesn't "fit" the decor here, so am keeping one eye open for the right paintings and pictures that will work here . (your not alone in this problem Patty--- LOL).

As I write this , have been trying to decide if I want to go out for breakfast or stay in for breakfast---I know if I go out it will cost me money. Seems I can't just go out and get breakfast and come home, no, I will no doubt talk myself into doing some shopping-----and next thing I know will have spent monies on gawd only knows what ------not that there is anything wrong with that------seems I can always use "stuff".

Actually today, most likely this afternoon, will do my stock market research, and be ready for the market when it opens Monday morning------who needs Vegas (lol). I will also finish my current novel that I am reading , and oh yeah might as well do some laundry---and then come evening will have to decide if I am watching a netflix movie, or something I recorded off the DVR (its programed to record a number of tv series, such as "Supernatural", "Mission Impossible" and "Murder She Wrote", and if none of that appeals, perhaps take in one of the old movies off of one of the cable channels----oh, oh, just remembered, the Library is open on Sundays here----good time to go get acouple new novels to read. Gee, glad we had this little talk, it helped me more or less plan my day-------laters good people.

"---Back by popular demand" (yeah righttttt!)

2009-06-13T21:38:00.000-07:00

Hi all, guess I have been remiss in not posting of late. Several of you were thoughtful enough as to inquire as to my welfare, ---another few were actually angry that I hadn't posted for a time (I assume they were suffering from withdrawal symptoms). In anycase here I am again putting words up , without a thought as to where they should stop.

I have no excuse to offer for my lack of posting, just got caught up in a different swirl of things, and time escaped me------.

Its now going on 2am, and the old dude here is thinking he should be in bed, and there is no one here to talk me out of it, so------goodnight all----will endeavor to post something a mite more coherent tomorrow.

ARRIBA, ARRIBA!! LUNCH AT FIDEL'S NORTE

2009-05-24T17:15:00.000-07:00

Sunday----up early, breakast at Mimi's, the a quick run through the Winco Grocery establishment to gather up a few of the basic necessities, beer pretzels, ketchen trash bags. Home, decide what would be appropriate to wear to lunch donw by the sea sside, (Tan cargo pants with dark brown trim on the pocket flaps, black Tea Shirt, with the word "Honda" over the heart area, and a nice multi colored grahpic design on the back, and of course ones new dark sunglasses., what socks and all white tennies.. Then Blue and I make the run down the big concrete hwy to Carlsbad (just north of San Diego on the Ocean). Being the first to arrive, reserved space for 6-8 others, on the Patio, and ordered myself a Margarita, (blended not on the rocks), and waited for the others to arrive, which they did over the next 30 minutes., turns out some couldn't make it, so it ended up being a party of five, -----another margarita, then lunch, ( tostadas, enchiiladas, ),

It was fun sitting around in the ocean air, with bright conversation, good food, and definitely enjoyed the Margaritas-------Returned to the Hacienda by three , and opted to take a quick nap----and recharge, as I am off to Pete and Judi's in the early evening , and going to enjoy watching the sun set from the top of Shogo Mtn, and the group of us sitting around the fire pit-----hmmm wonder if I can remember any good ghost stories?? LOL--------depending what time the party breaks up at Pete's may stop at the casino and take a run at a certain quarter machine -----but then mayne not-------time will tell.

Moving right along-----

2009-05-23T11:20:00.000-07:00

Like they say, time passes quickly if your having fun----my last post was Wednesday, now its Saturday, ----where does the time go? Now lets see what did I do Thursday and Friday, hmmm?? OOH, on Thursday had the Technician in to hook up my blue ray player to my Fios system, and to swap out the original Fios set-top box, with a DVR, so now my system covers most everything, phone, fast internet, cable, as well as Blu-ray disc playing, and Digital video recording and playback-------still pondering whether to add surround sound---kinda like the technician told me, "---don't care how much wiring ya put in , its not gonna float in the air."

Friday, was one of those laid back days, never even left the apartment, spent some time reviewing the market doing some buying and selling, answered my email, watched a couple late night shows I had recorded off the TV, read most of my latest book, "The Last Precinct", by Patricia Cornwell., and then in the evening dove into watching a couple Blu-ray movies back to back, "Mama Mia", and "The Rookie".

Now today, am I mite busier. Was out of the apartment and having breakfast at Papa Paul's at 8am, the stopped and got my Monthly hair cut , and then came back here the apartment, to catch up on my blog reading and attempting here to do a posting. Later today need to go out and get ole blue washed and filled up, buy some groceries and potables for the coming week, and get back in time to clean up for the Wine tasting Party being held at 3Pm here at the Solana Ridge Complex Clubhouse.------after THAT, my social calendar is open to whatever comes to mind----maybe the casino?? ---I'm feeling lucky!! (LOL)

I Cleaned To Well

2009-05-20T09:29:00.000-07:00

Saturday had been something of a nightmare of my own creation (a fancy word for "Stupidity"), but Sunday had turned out to be both productive as well as relaxing---I slept much better Sunday night.

Then Monday arrived, and as I munched on home made muffins (compliments of my Niece Tish), and a big mug of coffee, watched my stocks as the Market went up, and by the time the market had closed I had made a couple bucks. Awhile later Judi called me on my land line, and we chit-chatted for a bit, and I then went out on the Patio kicked off my sandals and begin reading "The Third Option", an adventure/mystery novel by Vince Flynn, and soaking up the late afternoon sun, (good book, cold beer----life was good)

After about an hour or so, decided, I would scoot out for an early dinner at one of the local eateries, so changed from my shorts to long pants and sneakers, and began the search for the cell phone (Don't Leave Home Without it), wasn't on the kitchen counter, with my car keys, wasn't in the bedroom where I usually put my wallet and loose change, wasn't in the Media room ------well finally decided I must have left it in the car from my Sunday outing the day before---but no it wasn't there----but then the light came on---it had to be in the pocket of my cargo pants that I had worn earlier on Sunday----and as I made my way to the bedroom and the laundry hamper the GONG went off in my head--------I'D WASHED ALL THE LAUNDRY!!

-------With a cold stomach I slowly lifted the top of the washer lid and looked in----(have ya ever seen a drowned Cell Phone----??) and there it was laying at the bottom of the washer, deader than a nail------(sigh). Damn, the poor thing was only 3 1/2 months old----and I killed it----what can I say---"Stupid Strikes Again!! I put a note in my planner for tomorrow (Get new cell phone ) That's the easy part, the hard part is calling up all my relatives and explaining why I need them to give me their cell phone numbers again----the humiliation of it all. (sigh)

A Sunday In Temecula

2009-05-19T23:06:00.000-07:00

I awaken Sunday, to find clear blue skies, and after my morning stint in the shower, threw on my clean levis, a fresh t-shirt (I wear a clean shirt everyday regardless, thats the way I roll), and decided to go out for breakfast to "Papa Pauls", a small out of the way coffee/pizzaria, where I dined on an order of toast, two eggs scrambled and coffee-----and yes good people I made damn sure I had my cell phone with me).

Finishing my breakfast, I then remembered I needed to purchase an HDMI cable to connect up my blue ray disc player to my digital TV, so when the electronic guru arrived next thursday to integrate my DVR with my verizon FIOS system, I would have the right cables to use. So up the road Blue and I trotted, got the cable, and then decided to stop in and browse Pier One, to see if they had any neat stuff I might be able to use in fleshing out my decor here at the apartment, an hour and something later decided they didn't----then I moved on to Lowes Hardware/buiilding supplies and dallied in their plant dept, and picked up a few pots, a couple stands and a couple plants to go on my patio. At this point I decided I had totally smashed this weeks budget, and pulled my horns iun and came home.

Spent acouple hours reviewing my stock portfolio, doing some research on companies I might invest in, and then decided to clean the apartment, you know the old take out the trash, do some dusting, yadda, yadda yadda----kinda got carried away, scoured the bathes, and moved into doing laundry. All in all was a rather laid back but productive day. A good day to have after the nightmare I managed to create the day before.(life is good once more)

Saturday Part II---"After The Panic"

2009-05-18T23:15:00.000-07:00

When I finally finished calling everyone and assuring them I was okay, and after I deleted all the missed calls and voice mails from my cell phone (and put it on recharge)-----it occurred to me I had yet to pick up my mail for the day, so went across the street to the clubhouse and got my mail out of the box, and returned to the apartment, opened a cold beer and read my mail-----bills, flyers and one personal card ------a home made thank you card from Joyce Holland, Judi's Mother-----kinda ended my day on a really nice note------heres the great card she made and sent to me, thanking me for a small gift I had given her, while she was out here for Judi's big birthday bash.

The "0" in Hello, is a real button, and on the inside there was a nice little note, mounted on yet another slightly larger insert than the note, giving it a nice border-------just want you to know Joyce, it made my day getting it----and I hope ya don't mind my sharing it with the immediate world. Thanks a heap (lol)

THE SATURDAY PANIC

2009-05-18T19:53:00.000-07:00

Saturday last, I and Blue galloped up the big conrete road to attend the Political tax protest being held at Tom's farm just south of Corona, Ca. (about 20 miles North of Temecula). The game plan was to meet others from the family also attending, but coming from Irvine, and Corona, and once there we would find each other using our cell phones----that was the plan. I alerted them I would be arrivng there at 3pm, an hour before the big rally was to start. Here's a pic of the crowd that had already assembled when I arrived at 3pm.

It was about then I discovered to my chagrin, that I had left my cell phone at home, In that I had arrived a good 30 minutes before any of the others said they would be there I did the next best thing. I posted myself near the main entrance to the Protest arena, and scanned the hordes of people coming in, looking for my people-----long story short never saw them, found out later they had come in via a side entrance and wormed their way down in front of the crowd ------some two hours later, a bit faint from the heat, (it was about 100 F, and mad at myself for forgetting my phone, decided to go home and sulk----stopping on the way to pick up a 12 pack of cold beer, arrived home by 6pm-----Picked up the Cell phone on the counter where I had left it and discovered I had about a zillion calls.-------and listening to all my voice mails, quickly determined that----my entire family was in a full scale panic------UNCLE GARY WAS MISSING!!! Calls were made to the Highway patrol, hospitals , Tish , my niece even drove all the way down from Corona to see if maybe I had had a stroke and was laying helpless on the floor of my apartment, but then arriving here, saw my car was gone, and nobody was answering the door.------long story short---(I know to late), I called everyone assured them I was just fine, had merely forgot my cell p;hone-----and apologized to one and all for causing them so much worry.-------and once I worked through my own anger for having casued such a mess, I finally had to admit ----kinda nice knowing my people care enough to get that concerned on my behalf-----my family------GOTTA LOVE EM!!

NOW THIS is FUNNY---

2009-05-14T17:40:00.000-07:00

just read one hilarious posting, and wanted to share it with you, ---the man has one serious sense of humor. http://nikkicrumpet.blogspot.com/2009/05/i-wish-wedursday.html

Doing It With Flair!!

2009-05-14T14:23:00.000-07:00

Life here in Temecula is just PHEEnomenal, and I am still in the midst of getting settled in, and mingling with the natives. Decided it was not enough to adopt Temeculan dress codes (and yes Judi, took your advice, now have two (count em) pairs of shorts to select from), decided to complete the transition and add sun glasses. (the sun does shine bright here in Temecula), and so here's a pic of me in my new optics's----"JOE COOL" (check out the new t-shirt )

-----Tuesday On The Patio

2009-05-12T15:51:00.000-07:00

Nothing monumental or earth-shattering to report, we, here in Temec, (that's short for Temecula), are enjoying yet another beautiful day, blue skies, white puffy clouds, a balmy breeze, and just great for sitting on one's Patio----reading a book, or just blissfully taking in the scenery.

SCENERY?? did I just mention scenery?---of course I did, because that's the reason for this posting. Here below you have a couple of pics taken just a short few minutes ago, which I thought perhaps you might enjoy----

I mean like ----HELLO, I enjoyed (lol)----They are views taken from my patio, one is looking off towards the mountains, with the Jacaranda bursting into its lacy green leaves, and the other is of the Magnolia tree just off my patio, with an early bloom.

I guess maybe I am seeing it for the first time today, in that earlier today I returned to the eye clinic and picked up my new eye glasses, including a pair of prescription sun glasses. Anyway----life is good here in Temec.

The Poway Party Pics

2009-05-11T17:06:00.000-07:00

This is my Nephew Eric's lovely wife Jennifer, and the pic gives you some idea of the scope and beauty of their backyard and the pool.

and here is a pic of both Eric, (my Nephew), his wife Jennifer and my Niece Tish, whose birthday is actually today, and was the reason for the get together.

I neglected to make mention of the scrumptious desserts that were put out, talking strawberry shortcake, lemon curd cookies, chocolate cupcakes, and to die for Cream Puffs.

I guess if you want a pic of the new Temeculan, in his colorful costume, you will have to check with Jennifer and Eric, they might have got THAT pic with their camera's

A Sunday In Poway

2009-05-11T17:05:00.000-07:00

Poway, for those not living in Southern California, is a bright little City East-Northeast from San Diego, and as it happens is where my Nephew Eric and his lovely wife Jennifer live. The occasion for my visit to their home, (I live all of 40 minutes away), was primarily to acknowledge my Niece Tish"s birthday, (which actually is today 5/11, but what with everybody working on Mondays, well everybody but us old dudes anyway, the party was held on Sunday) Also, another reason was that now that I live so much closer, I can readily accept invites to "come on down", and finally of course, after all those years when good old Uncle Gary brought the beer to the parties-----now its time for payback----free beer for good old Uncle Gary.

So down the big concrete highway Pony and I gallopped, dressed in our finest (newly acquired native Temeculan costume---see previous post "Going Native---its not easy" published 5/9/09)", on yet another damn nice day here in Southern California (think "the hills are alive----").

Arriving at 11am, as I had been told to do-----I was the first to arrive (to hell with arriving fashionably late, when free beer is to be had). (afterall had I not just crossed 40 miles of semi desertto get there?)--- quickly enough I found myself , with libation in hand, meandering around the big backyard and perusing my Nephew's large pation, pool, and landscapings, while he finished up getting ready for grilling and otherwise general hosting duties. Shortly enough I made myself comfortable on a padded chaise lounger, basking in the warm balmy sun, cold beer in hand---life was good.

Tish, my niece, arrived a few minutes after I did, and a few minutes after that others arrived, and we spent the day with good repartee, and a whole lot of good food. Grilled hamburgers, guacamole, chips, baked beans, potatoe salad, beer and wine. I scored acouple nice potted plants to bring back to add to my naked Patio (yaaaa!), and to make a laong story short----I finally was able to pull myself away from the contented basis and head back home eight hours after I had first arrived.

It was something of a surprise to awaken this morning and in the process of getting out of bed, determined that perhaps I spent a bit more time in the sun than I thought----the old dude got his pale legs and feet a nice dose of sunburn---nothing all that painful, although I admit to some minor discomfort from it---but whats kinda funny is, the zebra stripes across my feet from wearing sandals. Needless to say, will avoid the sun for acouple of days.

I took some pics, and I was suppose to have had my pic taken with my camera of me in my native Temeculan outfit -----but when downloading from my camera at home, alas and alac no pic of me wearing shorts. Worse yet is, those pics I did take for some perverted reason blogger will not accept----and I can only assume this is a blogger problem, as have loaded pictures taken with my camera to my blog many times , but not now---most frustrating.

Decisions----Decisions??

2009-05-10T07:00:00.000-07:00

The problem with being socially popular, is it gets ya lots of invites, which in turn creates problems, like what to wear? You would think this would not be a big problem for an old dude. like a clean shirt, and pants, and one is off to the races. Not so fast-----I'm not a vain man, but I do want to make favorable impressions, and if not able to do that, then definitely want to give the impression that I do have more than one shirt and pair of pants, which I of course do have, so the problem is what did I last appear wearing---and this time select something different. (I am reasonable sure I can do this---now lets see, oooh yeah I wore that outfit to Judi's party, and I wore that shirt to the shindig in Irvine, and I wore those things at my birthday dinner-----so what to wear tomorrow when I go down to my nephew Eric's for the afternoon gala, in honor of my Niece Tish's birthday----??------and the old closet says---?? ---well damn, right off can see I am gonna have to do some laundry----like right now (sigh!)

OKIE DOAKIE!!----got the old washer loaded and in work-----have decided to present myself as a bonifide Temeculan native, (You DID read my saturday posting right?)---so have changed clothes, put the shorts and needed clothes in the wash, along with the rest of the dirty clothes (and yes I will have to do a second load, as I DO seperate the colored from the whites) Should be something of a moment when I appear in short pants, and sandals---will put up a post about that on Monday----will title it, "A Sunday In Poway"---and I may even allow pictures to be taken to mark the occassion. (Stay tuned good readers)

Going Native---its not easy

2009-05-09T13:17:00.000-07:00

Well as I settle into my new life style here in BEAUTIFUL Temecula, I find myself endeavoring to appear like I belong here----working on getting that outdoorsy look, but thats gonna take some time----(one doesn't acquire that famous california tan overnight---and one can TELL if its a dye job. However one can dress like a native, which is what I am now focused on.

Here as we approach summer, it would appear shorts, Pullover shirts, or T-shirts (with some kind of a commercial presentation on them are the best), and sandals-----------thats easy enough, I got the proper shirts (with commercial logo's) and as of yesterday in a wild fit of "damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead spirit", acquired a pair of cargo shorts, and I spent the rest of the day rambling around the apartment, in and out on the pation in my new outfit----I even got up enough nerve to walk across the street and pick up my mail, but gotta admit I didn't linger to long in the process. Okay so I got a tan face and tan arms, and these pale white beached whale colored legs----at least give me points for trying people.

TODAY, having discovered nobody actually gawked, and sneered or laugh at my appearance, decided to go full out ----dressed in my khacki cargo shorts, (not counting yesterday, havn't worn shorts for forty some years), a dark blue Izod pullover shirt, advertising the "Patterson Paint and Body Repair Shop", and my newly acquired sandals, I went out for breakfast at "Papa Johns" and mingled with the real natives of Temecula-----I was much relieved to find nobody paid me much mind, I took that as a sign that I was accepted as a native. I have to admit this is going to be a comfortable outfit to wear as it does get Hot here in Temecula in the summers (90F yesterday).

As I ambled back to old blue in preparation to the ride home however, I am fairly sure I saw acouple tourists driving bye and from the looks I got from them, can pretty much hear one telling the other, "Oh look Fred, there's one of the natives wearing those cute costumes they wear here!!" (lol)

A Tuesday In Irvine

2009-05-07T12:02:00.000-07:00

My niece Tish was kind enough to invite me over to her place in Irvine for a get together lunch. She asked me what I might like and I suggested Tuna Salad Sandwiches, and Ice Tea. However upon arrival, it being such a nice day, we ended up going out for lunch and a very nice Mexican restaurant named Javiarres (sp?), and in that Pete and Judi's office is in Irvine, we impulsively called them and asked if they could get away and join us for lunch---turns out they could, and so the four of us ended up at Javiarres. Pete and Judi of course had to get back to the office, but again it being such a beautiful day, Tish and I went on down the coast to Laguna, and treated ourselves to a nice cold libation sitting on the Patio of a restaurant, taking in the sight and smell of the ocean----twas a nice moment spent.

Having dallied from Lunch, rather than throw myself into the Rush hour traffic to drive back to Temecula, Tish suggested we rent a movie and on the way back to her place, we picked up a copy of "The strange Case of Benjamin Button", starring Brad Pitt. Its a long movie 145 minutes, but we both enjoyed it immensely---very good characterization, good writing and photography----the makeup artist should have got an academy award, making Brad Pitt appear as not only a teenager, but an old man in his 80's. If you haven't seen it, I recommend you make an effort to do so.

My "SpiritGuide" ---the missing pic from acouple three postings back

2009-05-06T09:18:00.001-07:00

Here is the pic of the "Spirit Guide" (or as Judi calls them--Gnome), that was created by Tim Mattox, and given to me as a birthday gift.-----the sign on it tells the story----William Tell, (Billie), the early years, as he perfected his skills. (in lieu of an apple, here we have an avocado)

JOYCE VISITS TEMECULA

2009-05-04T16:43:00.000-07:00

Due to some malfunction of Blogger.com, or possibly this blogger, was unable to insert the pic above in my post about my Birthday dinner evening, given me by Pete, Judi and Joyce, anyway here's the pic, Joyce, Judi, and yours truly---oooh and that's "old blue" in the background. The pic was taken just before we headed out on the town for my Birthday Dinner (see preceding post for the details of that event)

Dinner At Fillippe's

2009-05-04T15:51:00.000-07:00

Friday evening, Pete and Judi, came rolling down from Shogo Mtn, along with Joyce, to come visit me in Temecula, and to take me out for Dinner in Honor of my Birthday earlier in the week, (the day after Judi's Birthday). We met at my place, where we sat for awhile, imbibing on Champagne, chips and dips----. I also had the pleasure of receiving some nice birthday gifts, a Fantastic wind chime ( it now hangs on my Patio, and has a most delightful sound to it, and I also received a great bottle of Fusion, (one takes the cap off the scented oil, and inserts, thin wood sticks, that soak up the oil and diffuse it into the room----the scent is a soft subtle one that I find quite light and clean, not a heavy dominating odor.-----then with gifts opened, the champagne properly disposed of, we were off to find a suitable place to dine. We had more or less decided to eat Chinese, in that I had made mention that I had never been to PF Changs---a popular newly opened establishment, supposedly just a couple three blocks from my abode. (actually it is quite close to where I live, but finding it in the Mall complex took the better part of 30 minutes), but we finally located the place in the Promenade Mall Complex, and it was packed, we arrived at 8PM, and were told it would be a 4 hour wait!!! Needless to say we opted to go with Plan "B"---cept turns out we didn't have a plan B----more driving around looking at any number of good restaurants, but unable to decide---I suggested Italian, and had been informed some number of weeks earlier that in Temecula, THE ITALIAN restaurant was "Fillippe's", and I knew where it was. So that's where we went.

Pete was somewhat upset at first, as he had wanted to take me out for Dinner at a Fancy place, and the first impression he got of "Fillippe's" was of a typical Pizza place---and I admit its NOT all that fancy, ---BUT!! the food was excellent, the service good, and the prices very reasonable, and it WAS my choice, and it WAS my birthday dinner afterall.

The menu was perused, choices made, --- I went with the Spaghetti and Meatball plate. When it was served I could only gawk at it-----well we had to take a pic of it, (Joyce, Judi's Mother took the pic)------the meatball alone was enough for a dinner in and of itself----no way could I eat all of that dinner----nor could Pete eat all of his Eggplant Parmesan----doggy bags to the rescue.

------Hey Thanks guys for helping me make my 72nd a memorable day.

New Honda Owner's Dinner

2009-05-03T10:04:00.000-07:00

I was surprised to receive an invitation by the Local Honda Dealer, (DCH Honda of Temecula), to a "New Honda Owners Dinner, which was held on April 29th, and checking with my social calendar, was pleased to find I had no other obligations for that evening, and so of course accepted the invite. (old single guys will never turn down a free dinner---and getting out of the chore of cooking at home, and having to do the clean up afterwards).

The dinner was held on the floor of the showroom, and was attended by some 30 of us new Honda owners. The food was served buffet style, and was quite good. The Manager of the local Honda Dealer, welcomed us there, and proceeded to give us some interesting insights to the various features of our new Honda's, example, like how on hot days, the car having been sitting in the sun, one can open all the windows using the electronic key buttons , without having to get into the car, letting it cool down a bit first.----he explained too, about the low tire pressure alert system, and also warned us not to lose our keys as the replacement costs would run about $140 bucks---its not just a key, its programmed with our individual alarm codes----and things of that nature. It was good information to know about.

In addition to the dinner itself, there were door prizes and I made out like a bandit---(who was that masked man Ma?---) I won several nice prizes, a great black Honda T-shirt, a chrome license plate holder that just says HONDA on it , and a Honda baseball hat, which I gave to my Nephew Pete, who wears hats , whereas I don't.-------anyway that was a fun evening.

STARTING YEAR 2------BLOG 1

2009-05-03T09:51:00.000-07:00

WHOOOOEEE!!!----WELL, the month of April ended with a flurry of events. First I held off posting to award my 500th post in Honor of Judi's Birthday Bash. (and her being my blog sponsor and all). Then there was the New Honda Owner's Party given by the Local Honda Dealer , and then there was the Birthday Dinner I was taken to Here in Temecula, and oooh then I got to report I shattered a great driving record by getting my first ticket in 35 years (an improper U-turn). -------anyhooo, twas enough to keep me from blogging for a time----but now endeavoring to get back into the swing of it all-----so this is the start of my second year of Blogging , which I have titled Blog 1------

I last posted a few pics of Judi's birthday bash (and what a bash it was)----but I failed to mention while at the party got to talking with a friend of Pete and Judi's, Tim Mattox. I first met Tim about a week earlier, when He and his wife, along with Pete and Judi came over to Temecula, had a few drinks here at the Old Dudes place, (champagne was the drink of the evening here), and then we went to Lucille's Smokehouse grand hopening----for dinner and live Music (JD Priest), who had already been hired to play at Judi's party, but I digress-----so now later at Judi's Party, talking to Tim, he learns that my birthday is the Day after Judi's and HE insists I have to have a sprit guide (Judi refers to them as gnomes), and truth be told I did want one.

So next thing I know I am hustled into the Kabota (a golf cart for four), and we run over to Tim's place, and I spent the better part of 30 minutes perusing about 50-60 gnomes, in that Tim insisted I could have any one I wanted------well finally one gnome kinda leaped out at me, and well so with Gnome in hand, we rode back to the party.

Judi just posted a pic of one of the gnomes she has that Tim created, and should you spend much time shopping in and around the Fallbrook area, you will see Tim's gnomes sitting in many of the establishments of that fair town. I am proud to have one -------THANKS TIM.

(DO TO SOME UNKNOWN PERSON MESSING WITH MY CAMERA----MY CAMERA PICS ARE NOW TO BIG TO BE ACCEPTED BY THE BLOGGER.COM SYSTEM----when I ge a chance will read the camera manual, and reset it---and THEN will do a follow up blog and post the pic)

"Burning Down The Mtn" Happy Birthday Judi

2009-04-27T14:42:00.000-07:00

Well here it is people, my 500th post, and I am honored to make this post dedicated to my Blog sponsor, Judi----and help commemorate her 50th year, and her Great Birthday Party. (you might want to click on the pics to make em bigger as you go)

As you all have read on Judi's blog, something over 55 people RSVP'ed, and then there were a few others who also decided to come, at one point I counted over 60 people, (not including the band) in attendance. The weather was clear and sunny, but with the wind twas a touch on the cool side, but it sure didn't cool down the party none.

The party was held at Pete and Judi's beautiful home on top of Shogo Mtn, and if one looks past the activities in the pics, you can get an idea of the views available from their house. Here's a pic taken early in the Party, the band has arrived and is setting up-----

This is the front of Judi's home, notice the wide cross-hatching inlaid stone of their front deck----faboulous! (one is looking north in the pic)

---and here we have the Host of the party getting into the swing of things, and oooh there's Judi, with a long time friend from back in school days (I was introduced but have forgotten all the names, met to many last night)

In the above pic, as you can see the band has started to play, and here we have my lovely niece Tish, (Pete's Sister), being twirled around the floor by Big Dave Shelton, (Tish Pete, and my other nieces and nephews all grew up with Dave, and his younger brother Roger)

Food was served in the big open garage, and I neglected to get the information on who catered the party, but I can tell you the food was most tasty, and I considered myself lucky to leave the party with a plate to take home (Thanks Judi).

Looking West, we have those that were not dancing,but enjoying the food and drink and the portable fire pit on the other end of the front of the house., and then finally, in closing, I just had to include a pic of Me and my Nephew Eric's wife Jennifer, who was wishing me a happy birthday (which is the day after Judi's).

I finally faded fromn the party some four hours of partying, and am pleased to report tha old blue got the old dude home in one piece. I will let Judi give you all the neat details of the party------especially her surprise to find JOYCE (her mom) there for the party. I am hoping to get together with Joyce and Judi and Pete, later and perhaps check out the casino action down they're way. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUDI!! (AND I MEAN IT TOO)

A NICE TUESDAY THING (and this is post 499)

2009-04-21T16:15:00.000-07:00

Perhaps maybe it was the start I was born under, you know the one, yeah that lil dim one, about three klicks to the left and down a bit from THAT bright one---yeah that one----anyway good things seem to happen to me on Tuesday's----today for example. Lo and behold, about mid morning, I get interrupted from watching my money grow (its Tuesday and yes it is growing), by the doorbell, and lo and behold its the Apartment complex's repair crew, here to fix my Patio door and mesh screen------something I have been waiting for for some number of weeks. Anyway, now I got me a whisper quiet patio door that slides open and closed with just one finger, and I am pleased to report that the day on the Market was most comforting as well.----now as the sun slowly sinks in the west (as it is prone to do), I find myself in eager anticipation of perusing the on-line cable guide to see what is on for entertainment for this Tuesday night. (lol)

This as it turns out is my 499th post since I first started blogging, in April 2008---tomorrow will be my first blogging anniversary-----but not sure just when I will make the momentous post, lets see I, maybe I will save that and post about Judi's big birthday bash being held this coming Sunday------after all it twas she who turned me on to blogging, so would be kind of fitting----time will tell.

LIVE BY PROCRASTINATION----die by Procrastination---NO WAITTTT!!

2009-04-21T15:45:00.000-07:00

Where does the time go, I mean like I knew my license had to be renewed by my birthday, knew that when I first moved here to Temecula, (did the legal change of address via the Autoclub), but had plenty of time to find and do the DMV thing, so no hurry on that-----well hello, yesterday (04/20), decided I had procrastinated long enough, and best to call and make an appointment at the Local DMV, and get my license renewed-----only one problem with that----the earliest appointment I could get would have been May 4th, about a week after my current licensed expired----(NOT GOOD!!) I had put it off for to long----so-o-o, I had only one choice---drive to the DMV, and get in line and DO IT!!

To make this long story short (I know to late again---sigh), it only took just under two hours, the first 30 minutes was inching up the line to get into the DMV proper, 40 more minutes waiting to be called to one of the 16 windows to initiate getting my license extended, and of course they took my money right there and then----and over the next 50 minutes, I got my new pic taken (in my panic to get to the DMV I had forgotten I had forgotten to shave that morning---so gonna have that pic to look at for the next five years ). also got fingerprinted (electronically, so no dirty ink to wipe off) and of course had to take the written test----18 questions that would determine if I got my license renewed, ---18 questions that would determine if old blue would get to roam, or be padlocked in his stall for gowd knows how long----PRESSURE!!

I havn't read the DMV drivers manual for gosh, maybe 30plus years, -----I went through the questions and made checkmarks where I thought it was proper------and then waited for five minutes, as my test sheet was scored------as it was being tallied, I in a low, but tense voice told they young lady doing the tallying, that I was about to start bleeding around my eyes, waiting to know if Ihad passed or failed-----she gave a kinda grunt (my heart sank), but then she cooly remarked, "no problem you only missed two, and your allowed to miss three---you passed, your new license will be in the mail in acouple three weeks----OOOOH Yeah!!! LIFE IS GOOD.

Temecula----WINE COUNTRY

2009-04-21T15:24:00.000-07:00

This Sunday last, my niece Tish, stopped by for a visit. We did lunch at Texas Lil's, in "Old Town Temecula), and then on an unseasonably warm day (100 degrees plus), we drove old blue out to visit some of the many Wineries located just east of Temecula.

The wineries love hosting crowds, most all selling "Tasting tickets" for approximately $10.00, which entitles you to have a taste (one ounce servings) of any six wines that particular winery produces. All of them have nice garden, patio's, in which to enjoy your tastings, AND, you get to keep the winery engraved glass. In the late afternoons, many have live music, and its all quite enjoyable. I managed to take a few pictures during the day----am not noted for my photography but perhaps with practice---??-----will endeavor to get better at it!)

This first pic is of the sign in the public parking lot to the entrance to the Mount Palomar Winery, the vivacious women next to the sign is my Niece Tish (WARNING: she's a Taurean by nature and by birth)

Here is a pic of Tish, and Jennifer, the amiable, and knowledgable hostess that serves us our samples, (did I mention you get to keep your glass?)

Another shot of the the gift shop area of the Palomar Winery, sorry about it being so dark---we had a lovely time knocking back the six samples we each were allowed, and we opted to move on to the next Winery, just down the road about two miles, called Windsor Creek Winery and here is the entrance to the Winery.I think it was about then I kinda griped that I never ever got MY pic taken, so, ya see the three tiered fountain on the hill in the center of the pic----well Tish took my pic there----aint I gorgous?(lol)we did an additional sampling of six more wines (each), ending with the Windsor Wineries well reknown Almond Champagne (comes with a piece of chocolate) and is oooooooh sooooooooo goooooood!!). There are at least another dozen or so wineries to visit, so its gonna be a busy summer. OH I learned later that the Parking lot of the Windsor Winerery is where one goes to watch the launching of the Hot Air Balloons (thats an early morning 6:30am adventure)----it is on my list of things to do!! Anyway we made it back to Margaritaville (aka my apartment) took us all of ten minutes----here below is a pic of the wine glasses we were given---

I MADE A BIG MISTAKE

2009-04-17T17:30:00.000-07:00

Nobody warned me, but then I should have known-----well I know now!! My mistake was simple enough in hindsight, but still perhaps my telling the tale, will help some other soul avoid the nightmare.

The stock market closes here at 1Pm, and today the gods of finance were gentle with me and I felt a certain okay with the world. In this euphoric mood, I decided I should go to the grocery story, and stock up on victuals, seeing as I appeared to be able to afford them. So after doing my normal sum up of the days stock market, washed my coffee cup and cereal bowl, and fruit juice glass, spent some time making up a grocery list and headed out to the local market. It was 3PM, on a Friday-----as I entered the big grocery (its name is not relevant, as I am sure all supermarkets are the same in regards to the tale of horror I am about to relate.

I parked old blue in the back of the big parking lot hopefully to avoid any door dings, and hiked the quarter mile to the actual store, grabbing a cart, still not aware of what was to be, and pushed my way into the store proper, I got maybe 15 feet into the store, I remember hearing the automatic "in" doors whooshing closed behind me----as my eyes took in the fact that every other shopper in the store had at least two kids in tow, and a third either in their arms or in a stroller-----only then did it strike home----school was out, moms picking up their kids from school were now shopping for the dinner to be served at 5pm when the fathers came home!!!

As if to underline the hell I had unconsciously, voluntarily put myself in, a wall of sound hit me, the cacophony of tired, cranky mothers screaming at their kids, who in turn were doing their best bits at getting mom to buy them the candy, crackers, cookies and toys they just had to have. Some throwing hissy fits, others just plain loud caterwauling, yet others off their leashes had started an impromptu game of tag through the isles, others playing hide and go seek, (the store was huge enough to do that).

My reaction to finding myself in the 3rd level of Dante's inferno, was to make an immediate break for the "Out door", on the other side of the checkout counters----noting that there had to be between six and 10 tired cranky mothers and accompanying sticky fingered children in every line. A stubborn gene kicked alive in me and buddied up with a now blooming gene of Masochism, and I found myself trying to actually gather up my list of needed groceries, as wave after wave of screams from mothers, and resulting screams of protest echoed from the children, washed over me------thank god I had no need to buy crackers, cookies or candy, allowing me to avoid those areas of peak disaster.

It seemed liked days and days before my body shaking I was able to clear the checkout stand and in a daze hit the outside, only then horrified to find tears in my eyes, followed immediately with relief, it was only tears and not blood. I don't quite recall arriving back home, or putting the groceries away----I do know however that I failed to get three items that were on my list---and to the best of my knowledge, I didn't run over any kids with my shopping cart.

I have made a vow---I will never, never, ever go grocery shopping in the afternoons after school has been let out-----better yet, I will do my shopping between 7-9am on Sundays. If I can't get my shopping done then---will just have to pay the price of eating out.

TEMECULA "TEA PARTY"

2009-04-15T15:25:00.000-07:00

I awoke at my normal hour of 7am, to find the day would be clear and sunny, albeit a bit cooler than the normal for this time of year 67 degrees F. It would be a good day for the Tax Protest demonstration scheduled to be held down at the "Duck Pond" park, here in Temecula. I had heard of this public protest from my Nephew Edward, who had come across it on-line, and so I had promised to meet him there along with his wife and grandchildren. We figured perhaps about 100 people would show up, if any at all.

To my surprise, when I drove to the corner of Rancho California and Ynes blvds, (the protest was to be done on the Southeast corner of the park, near the big pond ), there was no parking to be found, and the intersection, all four corners were thick crowds of people waving tax protest signs of all kinds of descriptions. Cars moving through the intersection were all honking loudly like mad, in support of the demonstrators, who sent up great cheers , and waved their signs with more vigor. I finally found a parking place acouple blocks away and walked back, using my cell phone to finally Locate my Nephew and his people , where we listened to a series of political speakers , all denouncing , the wild government spending, the ill defended borders of our country, and a number of other political issues.

It was all good to see the large turnout , I estimate there had to be close to 3,000 people at the demonstration , and it was quite a grand lil "Tea Party", and I was glad I went. I did manage to take a couple pics, but failed to get pics of some of the better protest signs. I did see one that I got only a quick glimpse of that read, "You can't cure STUPID--but you CAN VOTE THEM OUT". I thought it captured the mood of the crowd---like the line from the Movie "Network"----we are mad as hell and we aren't gonna take it anymore"

Anyway here are the few pics I took of the milling crowd, such as they are----:

I PLAYED THE GAME (S)

2009-04-15T14:20:00.000-07:00

I played the games at the Casino, and the Casino won!!----I got home around 1:30am. It was the old story---I arrived at the Indian gambling resort of Pechanga, sometime shortly after 7pm, and was happily engaged with a nice lil quarter machine fifteen minutes later. ---By 7:30pm, I was up by 35 bucks---did I quit, no way-------by 8:15 pm, I was back to being even for the adventure---did I quit, ---nope!!-----over the next four hours it was just a slow up and down, mostly down night. We learned a few things however. 1) play the nickle machines and not the Quarter eating machines, ---learned to know the layout of the casino better, what with jumping around looking for "THE RIGHT MACHINE" (which still eludes me damnit!!) , and I learned that drinks are not free to the slot players----a bottle of Bud light costs $3.50 each----plus tip. My bar total expense last night came to $14.00---plus tips---as for the gambling loss???---we don't care to talk about that--------so don't even think about asking me. However, all in all I found the evening fun, and a nice diversion, and will no doubt do it again in the future---I think I have an opening in late march of 2010.

The Boy's Night Out

2009-04-14T17:42:00.000-07:00

Well today I have suffered through, a cloudy overcast day, took some lumps on the Stock Market (nothing severe, just didn't make any money today.), guess its somewhat unreasonable to expect the market to go up every day!!----(two steps forward, one step back is acceptable however).
In the afternoon, I went out and got my monthly haircut, and then decided since I was out, to have an early Dinner at Mimi's. A meatloaf sandwich, made with ciabatta bread, side of fries, and decaf coffee. Then stopped at Trader Joe's and picked up a few items for the home Larder, and returned to my Apartment.
Spent a couple hours researching and analyzing the Financial shenanigans of the day, in preparation of the market opening tomorrow.
Just looked at the TV on-line guide, and determined there is nothing worth spending any time watching, and I don't feel like curling up with a good book. (I have three currently checked out from the fabulous Temecula Library (the new one, not the old one). and the evening's entertainment looks bleak-----BUT WAIT!!! I got options, and so-o-o, I have decided to go out and spend the evening at our local Casino------will most likely lose some money, but what the heck, might just win too------as I am often prone to say-----"Time will tell"!!!

THE DAY AFTER (not the movie)

2009-04-13T18:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday of course was Easter Sunday, which this year was held at my niece Melanie's beautiful home in Redlands. Unfortunately, due to poor planning (as if one actually plans these things) I had come down with a good cold. Not feeling at all perky, or my normal self, I went through the motions, smiling and participating in the consumption of all the home cooked foods, and finally had to make my excuses and headed back home here in Temecula. I mention the cold as its my excuse for not taking more pics of the occassion, but here are the few I did manage to take below.

Even with my cold I have to say the food was scrumptious, the ham so good, the turkey so tender and moist, the greenbean casserole cooked just right, the mashed potatoes were nice and buttery (Ya did good tish), but I think from all the comments from many of the others, the one big hit of all the foods served, was the Macaroni&Cheese that you made Melani---twas fantastic, as you no doubt know as there were no leftovers of that.

As my priveledged position in the family of Uncle Extrordinaire--I was of course only allowed to leave if I took home leftover ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, and a cup of flan (good Flan Jen, lip smacking good) ----so won't have to go to the grocery store til later in the week.
I just got off the Phone, and am pleased to report Uncle Bob got home without incident, and he really appreciates having somebody drive and lead him back from the house to the freeway. (He got lost driving to the house, and in all fairness, unless your familiar with the territory it is rather complexed finding one's way up the hill to the house, lots of small lil lanes, twisting turns, leftsf and rights------) I also got home without incident, made all the right (and left) turns without getting lost----next time I come up won't need a google map to find my way. The pics below were all taken on the patio of Melanies home in Redlands

The picture above is my Nephew Edward's wife Sherri, and their daughter (my grand-niece) Rhonda.

The picture below is my Niece Melanie (the hostess of the gathering), and my Nephew Eric's wife Jennifer.

And this last picture is again Jennifer, Melanie (sitting) and the other uncle in the family, Uncle Bob, who got lost on the way to the party, but finally, by asking directions from some local bicycle-ists, finally found the place.

Tomorrow Will Be Easter---here are some helpful instructions

2009-04-11T12:54:00.000-07:00

I must first confess this post is a direct steal from an E-mailing my niece Tish sent me, and in that I am bored out of my skull with this cold I seemed to have glommed onto, thought I would put it in this post----if your not into cute----you may not want to go any further than this-----

THE PROPER INSTRUCTIONS FOR HUGGING A BABY:

1. First, well ah, find a baby:

2. Second, be sure that the object you found was

Indeed a baby by employing classic sniffing techniques.

3. Next you will need to flatten the baby before actually beginning the

Hugging process.

4. The 'paw slide'

Simply slide paws around baby and prepare for possible close-up.

5.. Finally, if a camera is present, you will need to execute

The difficult and patented 'hug, smile, and lean' so as to

Achieve the best photo quality.

If you don't pass this along, a dog

will pee on your computer!

Then its Saturday

2009-04-11T09:49:00.000-07:00

I somehow stumbled through the long, long day yesterday, don't ask me what I did----like hello, between reading a book, playing my SimCity4 game, staring at the TV---I do recall ordering an "On Demand" movie ----Highschool Musical #3----found it excessively cute, and was mad at myself for spending the $ 4.99 for it. Then too, I found an old movie going on one of the movie channels, the old but still good, "Captain Blood", with Errol Flynn, and Basil Rathbone.
Some time late in the afternoon yesterday I realized I was coming down with a Cold/Sinus thingy, my eyes were watering, my head felt stuffed to the point of having a headache, and was sneezing alot, so I started taking asperins, and I couldn't quite remember the old saw, --is it "Feed a fever, starve a cold"? or the otherway around??---its of no real importance, as I was hungry so I stuffed myself, made Tortilla's, stuffed with Cheeze and salsa, and a large bowl of cream of tomato soup---almost had a major disaster however, at one point had to sneeze , and almost sneezed into my bowl of soup------on my light beige carpets and white walls that would have been the end of the world -----fortunately I was able to catch myself.
Today, the pressure on my sinuses seems somewhat less, but my nose is running like the spring runoff of the missippi-----I am hoping my tomorrow morning that I will be up and about and feeling good enough to go to the family Easter convention (I mean even Uncle Bob, who is 81years old is driving the 75 miles to Mel's place in Redlands)----on the otherhand I don't want to give everyone else my cold-----time will tell.
OH, OH!!? Question of the day: How heavy is a Brick of Cheese?

Dreary Friday

2009-04-10T11:03:00.000-07:00

Today is Good Friday, and in honor of the religious Holiday, the Stock Market is closed. As a result of that I find myself with an extra six (count em) hours to fill. Also I awoke this morning to look out the window at a dull grey overcast day, that can't decide if it is going to rain or not.----so here I am at my 'puter' bored, and without direction-----like I said ----its a Dreary Friday.
I thought maybe I might pop out and treat myself to a late breakfast, but I had no appetite to spend the money. I thought maybe I could use the time to re-organize my kitchen cabinets, into a more efficient layout, but can't work up any enthusiasm for that project, so will live with the way its organized now----besides, have now adapted to where I know where things are in the kitchen, albeit in the wrong places, least I know where they are.
As I sit here I here the odd booming and rumblings from the other side of the mountain, which tells me the boys at Camp Pendleton are staging live ammo exercises. (Marines Rule!!)
I suppose I could use the time to give the apartment a good dusting and vacuuming----oh thrill!!
I could do laundry----but its not Thursday and besides doing the laundry here at home is just not the same fun as it was when going to the good old "fluff n fold" palace. (sigh), course too its just to damn efficient doing it here at home---no challenge.
Rats!, it just occurred to me that it being "Good Friday", there won't be any mail today either, course too, won't have to sift through all the junk mail, and throw-a-way crap that we all get.
Judi, (my Nephew Peter's wife), sent me her recipe for a great chicken/chili casserole, which calls for cheese, but am struggling to determine just how much cheese. I asked for that info, and the answer I got was ---half a brick??, which leaves me with the question of ---and how big is a brick of cheese? Like are we talking a pound, five pounds??? Is there some standard code that I am not aware of----like everyone knows how big a brick of cheese is, can I go to the store and ask for a brick of cheese and get some standard weight of cheese? (calm down old dude, your getting hysterical!!) sigh---well that's another thing I can put off to another day, I don't have all the other ingredients needed yet anyway---but not knowing how much cheese, no point in going to the store anyway.
I met my new Doctor last Wednesday, Dr. Fuertes, who seems congenial enough, easy to talk to, and he efficiently set me up with an appointment with a new Urologist Doctor, so that I can continue to monitor my on-going enlarged prostrate condition, the bad thing is, I have to go all the way up to Riverside to see the Urologist, but then I also have to go up to Riverside to get my eyes checked, (its been two years, so am definitely needing to do that), but as you know, it will be impossible to get an eye appointment the same day as my Urology appointment, so guess old blue is gonna get a chance to make some fun gallops to and from Riverside (about 35 miles one way)
Wow, looks like I have managed to kill a good 30 minutes putting this post up---now what am I suppose to do with the other extra 5 1/2 hours?? Guess I will go make a pot of coffee, its gonna be a long day------------

Road Trip Redux

2009-04-08T15:44:00.000-07:00

OKAYYY! As those that follow this blog know, Tuesday (yesterday), Blue and I took a road trip----Galloping up to Sherman oaks, (my old stomping grounds), to spend some time with friends there, but primarily to give one friend a nice sendoff back to her home in Ohio. Old blue sure enjoyed the long gallop, and I have to say so did I (found a radio station playing all the good old stuff from the 70's and 80's to listen to, while I let old blue have his wild romp)

Once there I indulged in all the repartee that friends throw at each other, and embibed in a number of cold refreshments, and a ton of fingerfood, cheeses, crackers, shrimps and dips, and then we all headed out to the local Marie Callendars, for some good food, and more drinks. All in all it was a most satisfactory time.

Here are some pics of those attending, (somehow Steve managed to avoid having his picture taken at this gathering, but I pulled up one from an earlier time to add to this post.:
Margarite (From Ohio)

Midge and Kathleen

On Top is Steve, and on the last pic is James, and the little doggie is named "killer", (just kidding) her name is Maggie, and then finally there is one more pic----of yours truly, (Pic taken by James---thanks James)

Enough With The Doom And Gloom People

2009-04-05T11:11:00.000-07:00

     I for one, am getting really ticked off with the constant bombardment of all the doom and gloom statistics being thrown at us by the TV talking heads, the newspapers, and radio broadcasts. Actually what really bugs me is the bias in the reporting of facts and the negative spin being put on them.
     The Unemployment rate is now (nationally) 8.1 percent-----great headlines how 650,000 jobs were lost in the month of March. (no mention of how many jobs were created) no mention of the fact that if 8.1 percent are unemployed, that that means 91.9% ARE EMPLOYED.   Yes things are tough right now, and excesses in the economy are being wrung out. Gone are the days when realestate increased in price 20-25% a year. Gone are the days when anybody with a smile could be handed a zillion dollar loan to go out and buy a new home or a bigger home----we are going back to a more realistic level where one is required to put down more like 20% , and then make enough income to support the resulting monthly loan payment.---but again I am getting off my point.
     The majority of people still get up and go to work everyday, people still buy clothes and necessities, the sun still comes up in the East and sets in the West. People are still taking vacations, eating out, going to the theaters, etc, etc, etc.------things are NOT as bad as the press reports, you have but to l.ook around and see for yourself----the world is not ending , not even with the Democrats in office. (sorry the devil made me say that)

ROAD TRIP!!

2009-04-05T10:41:00.000-07:00

This coming Tuesday, I plan on meeting up with some of my friends back in the old territory from which I just recently moved away from. So-o-o Old Blue and I are making a road trip, back to Sherman Oaks. It will be the longest trip to date that old
Blue and I have taken, but then I know old Blue loves to run, so it will be a good one.
The purpose of the trip is to meet with my old friends, and have dinner, and say goodbye to Margaret, who actually lives in Ohio, who has been out here visiting with her friends and taking care of some business, and who will be leaving to go back to Ohio in a few more days.
It will be a great afternoon, and it will also give me a chance to show off old Blue. and afterwards, then me and Blue will romp back to the home barn here in Temecula. (will endeavor to remember to take my camera, and give ya all an update when I get back)

By Popular Demand-----HERE'S BLUE

2009-03-30T16:01:00.000-07:00

I first need to apologize for the delay in getting this picture posted, but seems I lost control of my social calendar, and also kinda got totally involved in watching the Stock Market. Anyway below is a picture of me and good ole Blue. He and I galloped up to Mel's palace, for a most delicious Steak dinner, and I had this pic taken of me and Blue. Blue is eager to make the run up to Mel's for the Easter gathering---(old blue sure likes to run----eeeeeeehawwww!!) (click on the pic to make bigger)

A Saturday Night In Temecula

2009-03-28T22:04:00.000-07:00

My Nephew Pete and his wife Judi, called me up yesterday and told me they, along with some friends of theirs were coming down off Shogo Mtn, to the grand opening of Lucille's Bar-B-Que, located in the Mall complex here in Temecula, and invited me to join them. I said Pheenomenal!---next thing I know my other Nephew Edward, and his wife Sherri, joined the party, -----Ed and Sherri hadn't seen my new place here in Temecula, so everyone came to my place for a drink and some chips, before hopping over to the mall (two blocks away) to take in the Grand Opening. I welcomed the chance to show off my new digs, and more importantly to break open the champagne to christen the place properly.
So, we started the evening at my place, killed a couple bottles of champagne, and headed out to Lucille's. Lucille's had live entertainment by a guitar playing singer named J.D. Priestly, who is fantastic, has all the good sounds of the blues, and oldies and goodies. I learned that J.D., will be performing at Judi's Birthday party next month----a small intimate gathering of about 90 people that her husband and her offspring are putting together----(hmm ain't seen my invite in the mail yet??)---but that's okay, I KNOW how to get there. (lol)---what will be exciting is the drive back down the mountain after the party-----so many curves and so few guard rails.
Anyway tonight was a most excellent good time, drinks, friends, good food, and live entertainment----it don't get much better than that.

Pete and Ed are going fishing tomorrow morning, someplace not to far from here, anyway they are meeting at my place, for coffee before they head out. I will pass on the fishing, my plans call for a quiet day on the patio, reading, and working on my tan. -----maybe another trip to Lucille's after sundown, tis truly a fun spot.

"A Meme-a-day, A Meme -a-day----The Lion sleeps tonight---

2009-03-27T20:50:00.000-07:00

----sorry folks, my mind is easy to wobble out of its normal orbit---the play on words of the title to this post is a ripoff from the hit song done by the Kingston Trio, in the fall of 1955---was the year I escaped living at home and made my abode the dorm at the University of Colorado, free from Parental overview----I will say no more about THAT.

My fellow blogger MRMacrum, selected me along with five others to participate in a Meme, if I have a problem with that its only because he just blurted out he tagged me cause he KNEW I would play-----(don't ya love it when your taken for granted?)----(and don't ya hate it even more when you know they were right?)

Now MRMacrum in his response to the meme, started his out by admitting the concept of randomness kind of through him for a loop, how does one identify what is random as simply something you have done before but maybe not in a while---aw hell he says it much better, so go read his post (<----click on red link to get there). I at first thought he was making much ado about nothing, but now I'm tagged and ------yeahh can see the problem now. Since he has told the world that I am tagged, and told the world that I will play the game----its not like I can pretend I never knew about it----(sigh)---okayyyyy six (6) random things about me. (the hard part is to identify which six of so many to write about).

1) I love people who are not afraid to state their opinions, to which I almost always polarize and take an opposite view ----this almost always comes across to them and those listening , as sarcasm, belligerent, or belittle ling----occasionally its seen as being witty. It never ceases to amaze me that people have no sense of humor and take me seriously. (guess its a good thing I am 6'-2", 190#)

2) I, if having to choose one , would rather read a good book, than watch Television---I have no rational explanation for the fact that I am the owner of a 42" HD Plasma television.---now with a blue ray DVD player attached. Like I know where both the public Libraries are in Temecula, but ain't got a clue as to where the Social Security office is---is that weird or what?

3) I sometimes, more frequently that I want to admit, allow myself to spend ungodly amount of time trying to decide weird things like: What is the proper way to eat a Patty Melt w/grilled onions Sandwich in Public---I mean should the onions be on top when you bite into it , or on the bottom under the beef patty? I checked, Emily Post never said anything on that topic.

4) I am stiff suffering from going through "Stages"----I equate this to the fact that being an adult I am terribly aware of the gaping holes in my education, and when it almost always happens I fall into one of those ignorant pot holes, I over compensate and go into crash mode to fill the hole, and then have to announce to all I can pigeon hole and preach to them my new found knowledge on the subject that shortly before I was totally ignorant of---I of course do this in a manner that implies if YOU don't know these things, there is something wrong with you. (this is an offshoot of No. 1 above).

5) I personally think I come across in the real world as one of the characters from Oz, Sometimes I am "The Scarecrow", other times "The Cowardly Lion", and yet on other times, "The Tin Man"------I am sure however should you ask my friends, they might well come up with completely different images of me. I took enough Psychology in school, to know, its not uncommon for people to "Think" they are appearing one way, whereas the world sees, them differently----the question is?----are the people around you reacting to you the way you want them too----rather than are you reacting the way you THINK they want you to, or the way you want to?----Oh my gawd, I just heard an opinion, polarized with it, and am now arguing with myself. ---!!!!.

6) I have to confess, I just LOVE Yogi Berra-isms-----its amazing how many one can hear, when listening to people talk, and they are totally unaware they are doing it. What you ask is a Yogi Berra-ism? How do I explain---First off Yogi Berra was a baseball player for the New York Yankees, as an athlete he became famous---and he would make statements, which today are considered classics, ---for example, Yogi would be asked about a famous restaurant in New York, and his response was, "Oh nobody goes there anymore, its to crowded"----anyway such inane remarks make me laugh. and I love to laugh.---I wish people would learn to relax and let go and laugh more---everyone is so uptight and serious these days.

Now according to the rules of this meme, I have listed my six random things about myself above, and now I have to select six others to play the game---some will, the Lazy ones will make some excuse not to, and some will cop out they won't nominate six others to pass it on to, and deny us the possibility of knowing their friends better----however the lucky six are (and oh, you have to notify them they have been tagged), ----

1. Alexi---shes young, she's vivacious, and if you can't think of six random things Alexi, just

ask Phil for a list, and talk about those than you can talk in public about. (lol)

2. Drucie----A fellow Bloggerite, who lives right here in Grand Old Temecula---She's a lawyer, and it should be most interesting to learn how Lawyers do "random". You should read her posts about Temecula, better than the stuff they put out at the chamber of commerce, and thats a fact. (the Defense Rests your Honor!)(LOL).

3. Helene, (My good French Friend), many of you enjoy the pheenomenal water colors she

produces, and who apologizes for her English----(she does English better than I do for

crying out loud. (lol). The French invented randomness, so her answers should be a

delight to read.

4. Sadi, who never has a problem speaking out----let the pieces fall where they will right

Girl?

5. Granny Annie, because anybody who can write posts about raising baby chickens and

make it good reading has got to have some real depth to them----come on Annie, tell us.

6. Matt. I do like the bizarro way he has of presenting his posts , which by definition are

Radomness personified.

THE RULES:

1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them.
5. Let each person know they’ve been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

So, as the sun sinks in the west, (nothing random about that)----I will mosey out to the kitchen and do my best to prepare my evenings repast (tonight it will be hot roast beef sandwiches, mashed potatoes and I think peas---but I reserve the right to make it green beans, depends on what is in the larder to be honest)

Romping with Blue

2009-03-24T15:29:00.000-07:00

The day started with me close to home monitoring the stock market and doing my best to earn a buck or two---but then the market closed (1pm PST), and I opted to get out and enjoy some of the great sun and blue sky weather the day was presenting itself. So Blue and I drove over to Paul's to grab a quick lunch----(my third visit to Paul's restaurant), and sure enough just as I fill my mouth with a damn good tasting bite of my Patty Melt, who should come up to the Table but Paul, the man , himself----well he shook my hand, welcomed me to come eat there anytime, and he seemed satisfied, when I explained it was my third time there, in the last two weeks. Anyway having sated my immediated need for food, we and blue went for a romp. Drove North on Jefferson, had a great oldie but goodie playing on the stereo by the Mama's and the Papa's, and found myself taking in the wilds of north Temecula, and right on north into South Murrieta, making a right turn on Murrieta Hot Springs road, and going due east, (don't ya just love the names of the roads here?)----well was kinda surprised to find myself driving by the Murrieta Best Buy mall, and then realized old blue was just showing me the backway , and the more scenic way, to get there, ----we continued to head east and damn if we didn't come across Margarita Rd, and old blue made the turn and headed south, you could tell he was headed for the home barn----sure nuff, acouple miles later we were turning into the old homestead-----sure is fun romping around with Blue. (lol)

Good ole Blue

2009-03-23T18:04:00.000-07:00

You kind of know when things are just right, no facts you can put your finger on, more or less just a gut feeling----well that's the way it is with old blue and me---we only just met Yesterday, but well as soon as I laid eyes on Blue, I just knew we would be good for each other.---Today Blue took me to breakfast, I was right proud to be in his company, later he and I went to Winco, my local dispensary of groceries, and I picked up a few things to finish out the week with, namely a 12 pack of O'doules, and a 12 Pack of Budd Natural light, and a bag of pretzels that was on sale---life is simple here in Temecula (lol).
The ride home was just darn enjoyable, what with being in company with Blue----yeah good old Blue and I are gonna be damn good friends-----life is good.

Just another damn nice day

2009-03-23T11:19:00.000-07:00

One could take days like to day for granted, but maybe because I got the time I savor each day, or at least try to. Today for example: The sun is shining, spring has sprung, got fruit trees blooming, day lilies, etc. Went for a short little drive in the new car (gotta love that), had breakfast at Mimi's, (the waitress didn't even ask, just brought me my decaf coffee) took my order, eggs over easy, fried red potatoes, orange juice, and whole-wheat toast (buttered)---and it was good. The point being I enjoyed being acknowledged as a regular customer, enjoyed the efficiency and professional way it was served.
The Market is up, which always is a pleasant experience, yep its just another damn nice day.

Well it Aint Green Tea Metalic---but still----

2009-03-22T16:17:00.000-07:00

Okie doakie sports fans, ---its all over, lets keep the crowd moving here----nobody got hurt, there is nothing to see----move along. The old dude bit the bullet, and with trembling lower lip, purchased a new 2009 Honda CRV----would have liked green tea metallic, but alas and alac, the model I wanted with the features I wanted, wasn't in stock in that color, and I didn't want to wait for them to negotiate around with other dealers who might have that one in that color, so I went to plan B----well what color DO you have----fine I'll take it----actually I did have a choice, I could have gotten it in silver metallic , or Tango Red Pearl (Like who thinks up these color names anyway?)---I finally selected Glacier blue Metallic----and having looked at it a bit, have decided I like it better than the green tea metallic----I mean being a masculine like guy, I wouldn't want to go around telling people my car was green tea colored---comes off kinda wimpy, but now I got GLACIER BLUE----argh, argh, !! Its probably a bigger car than I really need, but still having looked at a whole lot of models and different brands, I chose the Honda CRV------NOW I gotta call my insurance company and get the bad news about how much the insurance is gonna be----mentally I have programed my mind to think in terms of tripling my old insurance rate---if it comes in less than that I will be happy----but that's a tomorrow thing.
For those wondering, I nixed the moon roof, nix the leather seats (that would have been another 1400 bucks---my tush ain't that sensitive anyway), did get cruise control, power locks and windows, remote entry -----so all in all I am satisfied with my decision, and I am no longer sobbing hysterically having written out the check------. Bye bye '94" S-10, and HELLO HONDA!!

Out of Step, and Out of my Mind

2009-03-22T10:52:00.000-07:00

---I try, really try to be a good "go-a-long" kind of guy. I almost always am cognizant of the other guys argument, whether I agree with it or not, ---I almost always know the weakness in my views of things---and almost always I end up in the middle of the road. Yet somehow today I am finding myself out of step with the prevailing mood of the people, ---the economy is at a standstill, many of losing their jobs, or having their hours cut back---the government, preaching they want to help the people, now have taken the position that in that, having given them monetary loans, that they the government will dictate how much pay employees should be allowed----now people who had been clamoring at the gates for the government give a way are running screaming into the distance, it would seem the government has shot itself in the foot. The ultra left liberals in control are confused, and have lost whatever goals they thought they had in mind---its almost amusing to watch them scrambling around trying to find solutions, actually its kind of pathetic----the libs project trillion dollar deficits for years to come---and China, the biggest buyer of our debt, publically warns us they might not buy any more----now what sportsfans?----does this mean we have to live within our means?----which brings me back to my original thought for this post, and MY place in things.
Today I am going into the Honda dealers and negotiate the purchase of a new car---(as I type that my mind flashes on the old roman salute the gladiators gave the ruler of Rome---"We who are about to die, salute you")---sigh---. So here I am out of step with the general mood of the country, and pretty sure I must be out of my mind -----but I want a new car----don't confuse me with facts---damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead-------no-o-o!!---WAIT!!! (film at 11)

----AND THE WINNER IS--??

2009-03-20T15:56:00.000-07:00

-----We have looked, and looked, and gone back and looked somemore----and I do believe I have finally decided what model new car I want to have.----the Honda CRV----in Borrego Beige, or maybe Green Tea Metallic. What I havn't decided is are the various options available----like should I go with the moonroof or not---I mean like have never had a car with a moonroof---they are kinda cool----on the otherhand I do very little driving at night?? Then there is the AWD option, (all wheel drive), like hello, guess thats a neat option if one frequently finds oneself driving in mud, or snow----not one to drive in that kind of weather----then we have to think about cloth seats, versus leather seats, do I want the GPS option, 6-disc player in the dash option---and of course the big decision---letting go of all that cash to buy a new car-----(sigh), in any case, have more or less told myself I have to make these decisions in the next few days---before the new statewide sales tax increase, and state mandated car registration cost go up on April 1st. I'm running out of procratination time folks------my stomach hurts. (click on the picture to make it bigger, sorry its the only pic of the CRV model I have)

Obama Watching---or "As The Stomach Churns"

2009-03-20T11:01:00.000-07:00

A large number of citizens watch the day to day actions of our duly elected President, and of course the media is always on him, waiting for anything that smacks of news. Unfortunately as I watch ----I hear echos of all the campaign rhetoric saying he was inexperienced, his views naive, etc, etc. etc. Now we know how fast he pushed a bill through the congress to throw money at the financial crisis, he wanted it, he got it, he signed it----------guess he didn't read it first? NOW he is unhappy because the money given to AIG , some small percentage of it was given as bonus monies to those employees who worked their butts off to earn it. so NOW the congress in a fit of angst, has passed a bill to tax these bonuses. I am trying to understand how the congress feels it knows how to run AIG----seems the "State" will now tell AIG, and all the other companies that took the handouts how to do business-----I wonder how incentivized employees will be at those companies, now knowing that the Government will determine if they should be given bonuses -----ain't this like communism, where the state runs everything?

Maybe---Maybe not----tis a quandry

2009-03-18T14:28:00.000-07:00

You would think buying a new car would be a simple choice of wanting a certain model, with certain features, in a certain color-----yeah righttt!! It aint that easy, least not for this old dude. First off havn't bought a new car in over 20 years, really couldn't afford it, as such I didn't frustrate myself by keeping current on what all is being offerred. So now, have no background to even tell me what models are available. Solution:---go round to all the car dealers and browse, and thats what I have been doing, and I have narrowed it down somewhat---but now I have to get into leather seats, or cloth seats, gps navigation or no, delux trim packages, or standard trip packages, and I don't even want to get into deciding what color the ultimate vehicle should be.---so to sum it up, as for buying a new car--??----A Honda? maybe---maybe not, a Toyoto? maybe--maybe not--------but yes I am going to get a new car---just not sure what model, what features, or what color------my head hurts----stay tuned sportsfans.

Trick OR treat---call em as you see em

2009-03-16T13:45:00.001-07:00

Trick Or Treat Smell My Feet by peasap

putting foil wrapped icecubes in tricker-treaters paper bags----

The New Car Hunt

2009-03-16T09:34:00.000-07:00

My Nephew Peter, stopped by Saturday, his wife Judi off visiting her Mother and sisters in Virginia, doing the blogger blast and all that stuff---so out of boredom he came over, and he talked me into biting the bullet and physically going into various car dealerships, and reviewing the various models being offerred. I think I have narrowed it down to about three models now. I have the Honda Accord CRV and Matrix models, and I also like the Toyota corolla ----this week will have to make further cuts on the list, and (gasp) make a decision soon, hopefully before the new California tax on new car purchases goes into effect the first of the Month---jeez, gonna have to decide what color???

OPERATING WITHOUT A CLUE

2009-03-15T12:26:00.000-07:00

My new life, here in Temecula, so far has been a most positive one, but then its only been something less than a full month. It occurs to me I am playing the game (life that is), more or less one day at a time----and so far each day has allowed, impulsive activities, which BT (Before Temecula) had not been a part of my daily routines. My earlier life style was rigidly structured, my new one seems to be just the opposite-----and I am finding the new life style both adventurous and exciting, and yet kind of unnerving----I'm operating without a net here!!(LOL)
I assume at some point, things will settle down and become more predictable, or at least happen when they are scheduled to happen, but then again who knows, maybe this wild unplanned , damn the torpedo's, full speed a head style will prevail----?? Hmm, Can I , or should I plan on that? How does one plan for unscheduled happenings?? I guess one just gets up each morning, brushes their teeth, gets dressed, and then-----see what happens?? Like I said, that makes for a most interesting approach to each day---but then a life without structure is Chaos--not sure I can live that way for very long. I obviously am a bit mad of late----its been fun, but I know it can't continue---I mean what if I get up, brush my teeth, get dressed, and then NOTHING happens??-----so a person just has to have plans for each day, just in case nothing happens if for no other reason.
So having said all the above, I will continue to more or less structure my day with possible plans and activities, but also attempt to remain flexible and go with whatever comes up. Eventually I am sure my life here in Temecula with put in place a new paradigm, and a sense of being in control of my life will return---meanwhile I am enjoying the ride.

Just another nice day today

2009-03-11T10:13:00.000-07:00

The sun is shining, the birds are tweeting. I have my apple juice, my coffee and my cereal---the market is not beating me up, ----just another nice day. Yesterday I mentioned I had bought my first plant to help dress up my barren patio----figured a picture would give you a better idea of that, so here it is:

----------well as you can see I still have a ways to go before the patio is properly decored, ---time and money thats all it takes.

Tuesday 03/10---A RED LETTER DAY

2009-03-10T17:55:00.000-07:00

     Today, this old dude awoke to blue skies and lots of sunshine, that in itself makes it a great day, but having my morning shot of apple juice , a couple hot muffins, compliments of my niece Tish, (who is currently in Europe, "doing" Sicily), and armed with a cup of fresh made coffee, I sat down to survey the status of my investment portfolio, and VOILA!! ---the damn thing was up 5.5%, , a most pleasant change from the previous week when it fell some 3.8%. My faith in my research and convictions boldly underscored, I did a little happy dance on the patio, not unlike the dancing chicken you see on the left side of this blog page. (lol).---but theres more----
     The happy feeling permeating my body and mind, I left the abode, and approached the one and only Dry Cleaners I have found todate, and determined that Yes, they could clean my 60" round throw rug, it would take a week, but I didn't care, ---success, I would get the damn thing cleaned and fit for the floor of my guest bath---the cost was a bit of a shock, but hey I can't let costs rule my life style---(I think I am working on the "build it they will come" model).----but wait there ius still more---.
     Giddy with success at finding a place to clean my rug, I then decided to act on my "want list", and I went to Lowe's hardware and dallied in the Plant department-----the idea being my patio needs some decor, got the patio furniture, but all those bare walls and empty spaces, screaming for plants----I did have to restrain myself a bit, and so after much see-sawing mentally back and forth, ended up buying a four foot tall cluster of Queen's Palm, and a decorative pot to put it in---total investment in Patio decor $33.53----well its a beginning-----.and yes there is more sportsfans----
     I succeeded in bringing home my patio plant without tipping it over, got it placed on the patio just so, and then I went and checked out my mail for the day, at the clubhouse across the drive and lo and behold, what should I receive, along with the normal five pounds of throw away crap, but a refund from AT&T from my old phone account.   YES today was truly a RED LETTER DAY.----LIFE IS GOOD.

It's One of THOSE Mondays

2009-03-09T13:10:00.000-07:00

I work up this morning to find the weather kinda bleak. more clouds than sun, and getting worse as the day progresses. The temps are more chillier than this old dude would prefer, no sitting on the patio and reading today. The stock market remains bleak, nothing exciting there to get involved with. I did manage to do a load of washing, but aside from glad its done, can't get much satisfation out of having done it.----In short its one of THOSE mondays. One just kinda works through it, hoping for a change to the better.
Part of the blahness today I suspect is the post let-down from the great time I had yesterday having Pete and Judi (MY nephew and his wife), stop bye and see my new place, now that I got all my stuff in place, (well most of it, the pictures still need to be hung). We ended the visit by going out for Dinner at the nearbye Olive Garden. I had heretofore never eaten at any of the Olive Garden restaurants, and I must say I found the experience quite pleasant and enjoyable. Our waitress was both professional, courteous as well as having a great personality and made the whole experience a great one. The food was quite good, the prices reasonable and of course I got to have this great experience in the company of really great people. (Next time I will opt with the Soup and Salad choice---three different soups, and all the salad you wanted, a big basket of breadsticks and rolls-----yeah I will definitely try that selection next time at the Olive garden.
Me thinks this afternoon I will throw myself into the mall and see if I can check off some things on my must have list----extra pillows to fill my new shams, and perhaps some new towels for my guest bathroom, (the ones I have although nice enough don't go with the color scheme I want for that room. Also while out, need to trackdown a dry cleaner for a large throw rug I kept from the old place that needs cleaning, and I guess too I should stop at the grocery store for a few things------tonight at least I will be able to put a dent in my backlog of Netflix movies and series I am watching.

SUPRISE, SUPRISE!!

2009-03-07T17:42:00.000-08:00

I posted earlier today, (saturday), actually this is the 3rd posting today, but I digress----I discovered I had received a comment on my initial blog of the day from a delightful person who lives right here in ~~River City~~, Temecula. She was most kind as to make a suggestion as to where I might find a good breakfast, now is that friendly or what?? In any case, I of course read her most well written blog, and have added it to my blog roll of interesting blogs to read. Her Name is Juliet, and her Middle name is----wait for it----Drucilla!!, well go visit Juliet's blog, and read her "all about me" input. I agree with her----"TEMECULA RULES"!!! (And you might mention I suggested it)

Dana said to---so I did---and I just had to post this

2009-03-07T14:07:00.000-08:00

-----I had of course had to check Dana's blog, hoping of course to see some signs of life, (I do believe she is slowly but surely crawling back to life from her Death bed. In anycase today she "advised" in her post that one should go visit Nikki's blog, "Blah, blah, blah", and so heeding Dana's advice I did so, and well I was impressed, made me kind of smile----and it inspired me to write this post, in response to Nikki's plaintive cry for suggestions. I suggest you all go visit Nikki's blog, then the rest of my post here will make sense----and HEY!!?---thanks Dana for the hot suggestion----(and I still say you should be drowning yourself in hot chicken soup! LOL)

Nikki,---some ideas of those things that you can put IN glass containers:

Not a very good pic, sorry, but underglass is an intricate "alice in wonderlandesque music box. (the glass not only makes it stand out, it keeps it dust free)

Hand me downs or "old" nostalgic toys also look good under glass. (Picutured here is an old Teddy Bear, which provenance claims came over the Oregon Trail, a bit over 100 years ago).

On the other hand some things just look great without anything in them:

I enoyed you blog have have added you to my blog roll list-----you might want to mention this to Dana, ------(I could use the brownie points)

Saturday

2009-03-07T10:34:00.000-08:00

     I seem to be falling into something of a routine, part due to old patterns, and part due to new circumstances. Today, Saturday, I sprung out of bed, bright eyed and bushytailed with nothing specifically planned or necessary to be done. A whole day stretched before me---I was bored before I even knocked back my glass of Apple Juice.
     The sun was shining off the surrounding mountains, another nice day here in Temecula, so grapping my keys I set out to treat myself to breakfast at Mimi's. (two eggs scrambled, whole wheat toast with orange marmalade, and decaf coffee. I dawdled over my meal, consuming three cups of coffee, and then decided since I was almost already at the grocery store, (just the other side of the plaza ), to do my shopping for the week. So soon enough I am hiking through the isles at Winco. (the place is huge, about the size of a football field I would guess). Well, long story short, ( I know to late---), I gather up my purchases (one bags ones own groceries at Winco), and set forth back to home base. There I put the groceries away, took out the trash, and sat down to catch up on my blogging world. So far now I have killed two hours, its going on 10am.
     The thought occurs to me I should most likely do some house cleaning, but I find that my mood says no to that Idea (need to build up a bit more guilt before I get to that one). So after posting this I have decided I will dive into the morning copy of investor's business daily and hopefully glean more financial, and economical news and statistical stuff to have a better understanding of how to deal with my investments, I now find myself watching the stock tickers and keeping a thumb on the economy---believe it or not, I do think it has a pulse-----see Walmart posted a new sales record, higher than the same period last year, the first time its managed that since April/08----perhaps the Market overall is about to reach its bottom and will rise lke a phoenix from the ashes----time will tell.
     This afternoon, I will venture back out into the world , this time to find the "OLD" library here in Temecula, which I understand has more books than the "NEW" one does----not sure that that matters as one can check books out and either one, and return them to either one.   I finished the two books I had checked out last week, and they need to go back, but I think I will not get any new books this time out, as I now have the "Investor's Business Daily" to read, along with a few online business articles to read, and too, all those many cable channels to investigate, and with my new DVD blue ray player, all those DVD's from Netflix to peruse-----hmm gonna have to get a LOT more guilt going before I get to the cleaning thing.---but then I have this insane fear of dustballs to worry about too.

The Next Big Thing

2009-03-06T10:08:00.000-08:00

Its been one wild ride so far this year, selling the old house, moving to a new locale, getting settled in, and now I only have one major decision yet to resolve-----getting a new car. The old Truck (1994 Chevy S-10), is getting to be something of a problem, the cost of maintenance and the ever growing assessment that it could break down at any given time, means I need to bite the bullet and venture into the dreaded Car Lots.
I did put a toe in that water the other day (last tuesday to be specific), and dabbled on the computer, almost within 15 minutes my phone was ringing, and my email box was going nuts, from inputs from the various car dealerships---boy talk about one hungry crowd!!!? If thats the reaction one gets via the computer, I am not ready to walk in in-person and hint that I might be in the market for a new vehicle----would be like throwing blood into the water and starting a shark feeding frenzy!!----
The actual reason I am hesitating here is simply I am not sure what kind of car I want to get. I kind of like the feel of my truck (been driving it for the last 7 years, its comfortable like well worn slippers ya know?). On the otherhand while moving down to Temecula, had the experience of renting new cars and riding in them, and ooooooh yeahhhhh very nice. Then getting back in the old truck and -----well I gotta get a new car, but which model, what brand, decisions, decisions, decisions!! Worse, from where I am now living , have half a dozen Car Dealerships within five minutes drive----Nissan, Honda, Toyota, Saturn, Chevrelet, buick, ford, Mazda, Cadillac, and I am sure I missed acouple, hell I am new in town.
Then it occurs to me I have to renew my drivers license in April, what if I fail the test, and become licenseless?? -------what would I do with a new car then? I somehow feel that is nothing more than a pure procrastination excuse, I have no real fear of failing the driving test. I am one of those types that gets the book, reads it and then goes in for testing, besides, it may turn out all they want is to check my eyesight and get a new picture----which reminds me I AM needing to get my eyes checked, its been acouple years----(writing that down on my things to do list).
Well its friday, and I am thinking it might be best to hit the old grocery store and buy some vittles, so guess I will end this post at this point, and go do that.--------any thoughts on what kind of car this old dude should look at seriously?

THE ON-GOING SAGA (with pics no less)

2009-03-05T08:41:00.000-08:00

OKAAY!, today people I have more pics of the new digs. I hope I am not boring you all with all these posts about me and mine, but well kinda like showing my new place off, as I am finding it getting better and better . anyway today I give you pics of the master bedroom, please remember I just moved in and have a ton of things to do to complete the decor---like hang up pictures, or in today's case, you'll notice I have not added the required extra pillows with shams to the bed----still on my list of things to go out and acquire.----

The dreaded headboard pic

and here are a couple more shots of the Master bedroom,

well I warned ya that things are still a bit raw here----but give me time people, one can't just slap up pics willy nilly---one needs to understand the lighting and determine what the space calls for----or one runs the risk of living in an unbalanced invironment----and you know how bad that can be---so trying my best to avoid that pitfall. (lol)

GOOD MORNING TEMECULA---GOOD MORNING WORLD!!!

2009-03-04T08:45:00.000-08:00

Awakening early and looking out as the sun reflects off the nearby mountains, makes for a glorious sight, and one can not help but realize its going to be yet another good day. I am quickly adapting to my new surroundings, and I almost regret not having made such a move much earlier---but one can not turn the clock back---well maybe for daylight savings time---but not sure that counts, as you have to turn the clock forward again six monthes later----or is that the otherway around??
     Okay, now where was I?---oooh yes adapting to my new world. I've completed the move, my stuff is unpacked and semi-quasily put away in some semblence of order, I have made all the necessary changes to my banking, insuruances, utilities, and alerted all my friends to my new location, phone numbers etc. I have initiated the investment of my proceeds from the House sale, into what I hope will return to me a pittance large enough to accommodate my spending habits, time will tell. In fact later this morning I have another meeting with "Chuck", this one to discuss Certificates of Deposits (CD'S), which will complete my investment portfolio. It was nice to see the stocks I bought yesterday are all up today----and I see now one is already about to issue a dividend to share holders of record 3/9 (thats this coming monday),
     Yesterday afternoon, I drove down to old town Temecula, and explored. I re-found "Texas Lil's ", a fun little place that sells adult beverages, and decent hamburgers, (My Nephew Pete and his wife took me to "Texas Lil's: some weeks back when I was first exploring the possibility of moving to Temecula, and I found it again on my own---a fun watering hole if every there was one----the harleys out front really set the mood of the place.   OOH, also I found the Temecula Senior Center-----they have pool tables, a library, and serve lunch every day , with different entrees each day. They also organize travel trips to local points of interest, this coming month they have one going to the J. Paul Getty Museum , which I may go on, which is kind of ironic, in that before I lived about 10 miles from the museum but never got there. now I'm a hundred miles away and I am going----go figure?
     The Headboard was delivered at 11:45am, and the crew had it efficiently installed in no time at all, and I think it looks great. -----yes I will post a picture soon.

Schedule??---what schedule??

2009-03-03T10:34:00.000-08:00

In my old life BT (before Temecula), I ran an organized scheduled life. I was programed, example, if I was at the fluff N fold, it had to be thursday 7-8:30 am. Now in the new order, its structured chaos, my new life has yet to establish a modicum of a pattern. I find this both exciting as well as disconcerting---wobbles the mind. I suspect this is because I have yet to come to firm grips with the new life style.
     Today for example, I got up at my normal time, (6:30ish AM), made a pot of coffee, made the bed, checked out the status of my stocks , and now find myself impatiently awaiting the delivery of the Head board which I purchased last Sunday. I would LIKE to go to the hardware store (Lowes), and see if I can find some decent greenery for my patio, but---gotta stay here at the apartment and wait for the delivery truck----they promised it would be between 8-12----well its now 10:22, and counting----. (sigh)
     Yesterday had that long talk with "Chuck: (aka Charles Schwab), and established an on-line stock account, and have started to buy some shares in this and that----watching ones stocks rise and fall is a bit of a nerve wrack----but that appeals to the masochist in me, as well as the little boy at Xmas side. I also used the time to embellish my office documenting files, I now have files for everything, but now need to alphabetize them-----hmm maybe I will let that slide til tomorrow---kinda has a wednesday feel to it ----. (In case you havn't noticed, I am an expert procrastinator).
     Sunday last, along with getting my headboard, I also acquired a new blue ray DVD player, and now have it hooked up and working. Managed to watch acouple of my Netflix discs, and complete season 1 of "Mad Men" Having been without tv or a period of three weeks I have lost all concept of the plots on most of the shows, but now I got basic cable, am enjoying the new channels such as the history channel, the travel channels----and as I said above, I now got netflix working for me again.
     Guess I will take a break from toiling over this post, grab a cup of coffee, abandon myself to the patio, and relish the mouintain view and fresh air-----.

The New Digs---Part 1

2009-03-01T20:19:00.000-08:00

well, I meant to get this post posted earlier this afternoon, but unfortunately (for you all), I got side-tracked playing with my new toy, a brand new Samsung Blue-ray DVD player, and well anyway I got it, got it hooked up and working and once more netflix is my friend. However here are a few shots of my new place, which right now is still a home in work------:

having given you some exterior shots of the view

from my patio, one turns and walks into the apartment and this is the view of the living room, as you can see the pictures have yet to find their place and be hung., if you inlarge the pic, you will see the see-through into the kitchen just above the tops of the pics. The Philadendron sitting on the counter is a house warming gift from my nephew Eric and his lovely wife Jennifer.

this is yet another shot of the living room, this time taken from the kitchen side, looking towards the patio, to give you some perspective on the size of the room the glass coffee tables combined measure 3'x6'----and as you can see the walls at this point are naked. The dark wood three panel screen in the far corner comes from my Parents home and is now something of a family heirloom. I think it looks good there.

and here is a shot of my new Den, Office, TV room. (I havn't gotten around to tieing up and hiding all the wires, and coaxial cables that my new (lol) wireless system employs.

again we are looking at the Den, office, TV room, this is the view you get when first walking in-----I know, I know, the far corner table begs for a lamp, and the poor walls are bare-----give me time guys!!

and this last pic is looking down the hall from the living room , you get a glimpse of my headboadless masterbedroom, the doorway on the right goes into the Den/office/tv room, the other doors are to the linen closet, the hall closet and the guest bath.

--------more pics to come soon, keep the faith.

In The Way Of Introduction

2009-03-01T09:25:00.000-08:00

This is the clubhouse of the Solana Ridge Apartment complex. MY unit happens to be right across the street from it, and thus this is the view I get each time I go out of my place. The clubhouse itself houses, the lounge, the computer/fax office area, the workout gym, and the big kitchen area for those having gatherings poolside and intertaining larger groups of people.-------moving right along-----

this picture was taken but a few minutes ago, and is a view from my Patio, looking southwest, Temecula is surrounded by mountains ---on the other side of the mountains seen here is San Diego-------continueing right along-----

This is yet another shot taken from my patio, now looking Northwest, the street in front is of course Margarita Rd. The large white building on the left is what I've been told is Abbot Labratories Corporate office building. They are by far the largest employer in the Town.-------which brings us to the last pic of this post---

I couldn't part with "Indira", who resided in my dining room of the old place, and now occupies a place on my patio ----it at the moment appears rather bleak, but soon I will have some plants and foliage going on the patio and it will be quite lovely----at least thats the game plan.

I will be making another post a bit later today with more pics of the inside----stay tuned sportsfans---film at 11-------(lol)

SATURDAY----LIVE FROM TEMECULA

2009-02-28T16:45:00.000-08:00

Well we got our boxes all unpacked and all the stuff stashed in various closets, drawers and nitches, of course trying to lay hands on any one thing sometimes puts me into what must appear a catonic state, while the old mind regurgitates the last few days activities to come up with the memory of last seeing the particular object of interest.. As I right this my mind is working on where did I put my digital camera, and also where did I put the charger for it. I know I promised pictures of the new digs here, but first must find these two items----I have a pretty good idea where the camera is---but drawing a blank on the charger---may actually have to start opening drawers and cabinets and then ultimately I will find both. I am also looking for the user manual for my HD TV, to brush up on how to make connections to a DVD player, and then I will have to match that up with connecting to the Verizon FIOS system that drives my TV, as well as my broadband computer connection, and my land phone. (Think "old dog"----"new tricks"----time will tell!!)
     Speaking of DVD players, seems my old combo DVD/VCR player has decided to give up the ghost, which having made that discovery last evening, means I have to buy a new one. Now as the world must know Circuit City has gone belly up, which is to bad as they ~~have~~ had a store not two blocks from me, so my next choice is to find a Best Buy outlet. Not knowing the town well yet, but fairly certain there must be a best buy store around somewhere, I consulted my Temecula yellow pages phone book, and Voila, yes there is a Best Buy on Temecula Parkway, right here in Temecula. (old dude jumps up and down with joy).
     So, arising at the leasurely hour of 7:30am, old dude does his morning rituals (I won't bore you with the details), put on clean clothes, and leaps out into Temecula, his first goal, add to my knowledge of good breakfast spots. Mimi's Cafe we have already found, and enjoy, but wanting variety, the search goes on. I went to Pauls Place, but, alas and alac it came across as a not so nice hole in the wall, and the prices were totally out of line with the decor. (Hey can't win em all right?). After driving down this and that byway, my need for coffee won out over my desire to fine a good breakfast spot and I pulled into a Denny's---the place was packed, the food was----like any and all other Denny's forgettable., but having sated my need for coffee, I eagerly went in search of my main objective of the day----The Best Buy store on Temecula Parkway----the waitress at Denny's balance a number of plates passing me in a quick aside steered me down the street in a southernly direction, mumbling you can't miss it.   (Righttttt!!)
     Well I did finally come to Temecula parkway, I had been on that street before, but I had only known it as HWY 79 South (its the road you take to go to the casino you see). So now feeling I must be getting close to Best Buy, I drove east on Temecula Parkway-----and quickly discovered another good half dozen plaza like malls-----but no sign of a Best Buy-----I also noticed abvout this time that the old truck was almost down to sniffing fumes and a gasoline outlet was of a much higher prioity, and as fate would have it, I just happened to know a gas station also located near my Winco groceria----so I abandoned the search for Best buy, and went for the gas and groceries. While checking out my groceries the nice clerk in answer to my question informed me I was within a block of the best buy , when I had headed back homeward. Its now going on 5pm, and I just may venture forth in the next few minutes and make another run at Best Buy------anyway that pretty much gives you the highlights of todays actions. OOOH just remembered I put a load of sheets in the washer, hmmm maybe I should go put them in the drier now----(lol)
5:23PM---FLASH UPDATE: The Camera AND its companion Charger as well as the necessary download cord have been located and the Camera is being charged-------Pics soon guys, be patient with me.

TEMECULA------HOME SWEET HOME

2009-02-26T14:30:00.000-08:00

      Hello Temecula---Hello World----HELLO GOOD FRIENDS!! Its done, the move is over, I am now almost back to feeling like I am in control of things again. Yesterday the nice computer technician from Verizon came and installed my Optic Cable, giving me HD TV, a land line phone, and Broadband internet, what more could a boy ask for ?? (lol) (Cold beers are a given).
     The move went smoothly, nothing got broken, which has to be some kind of record, the furniture I kept fits in the apartment just fine, I had planned to have pics for this initial post, but forgot to charge up the old camera, so will have to be later before I put up pics. If I have any complaint with my new digs is I don't have all the kitchen cabinet space I would like. I downsized a lot with my kitchen/chinaware, (gave up my collection of 29 champagne flutes (sigh), and passed on a complete set, service for 8, Royal Dalton china to my Niece Gabriel, but even so I still got more dishware than I can store in my new place---but maybe I can downsize further, like I don't really need three meatloaf casserole dishes, or two sets of cream and sugar sets, nor do I really need three sets of 8 everyday drinking glasses-----anyway over the next few weeks and monthes I will work on that.
     I have been doing some driving around and about here in my new Town, and I am first impressed with how close everything is. It takes about 5-7 minutes to drive anywhere in town, and I swear half the town is devoted to malls and plaza's, all ringed by large apartment and garden homes, with a freeway running thorugh it. I have an Olive Garden, a cosco, and a Lowes all within walking distance, I am about a mile away from a Major Mall, anchored by Sears, JC Penney's and Macy's----and about 150 other smaller speciality stores.. I am 25 minutes away from the Pachanga Indian Casino, (heh, heh, heh),   I have been there three times now and I am pleased to report that I am currently abourt 85 bucks ahead .
     My Nieces Tish drove over this morning from Irvine (an hour from me) and her Sister Melanie, drove down from Redlands (a 40 minute drive) and we all went out to Lunch at a local bistro called Mimi's).
    They both seemed well pleased with how I have furnished the apartment here (be patient pictures will be forth coming soon)., but it will be a few monthes before I get everything more to my liking, pictures hung up just so, and the place takes on a "personality" and has that somebody lives here look.
     Today the management put out a bulletin advising they are orgainizing a large garage sale to be held on the 21st of March, and I will definitely find a few things to put into that event., who knows might make enought to finance another visit to the old casion----?.
     Tomorrow I plan on going out and having a sit down talk session with Chuck (Chuck like in Charles Schwab---investment brokers). Their local office is next door to where I have my morning Coffee, about 5 minutes drove from the house here. Where is Temecual you ask, well its about 45 miles northeast of San Diego, and about 45 miles Southwest of Palm Springs. Its Wine Country, and we have a half dozen or more wineries here, and I intend to hit the public tours of all of me before the summer is out.
     Not having TV or Internet for the better part of three weeks, I searched out and ound the Local lending library, and got myself the mandatory Library Card. I am pleased to report Temecula has one excellent library here, sitting on a hill with a million dollar view of the Town below. and its a new building with all the bells and whistles electronic wise. Its open 7 days a week, and when I was there it was a sunday afternoon wiht a drizzling rain, and the library was quite full-----the people in this town read it seems----PHEEnomenal!!
     I have out of necessity also found the mandatory state smog testing garage, the Autoclub, and Kaiser Hospeital, a barber shop, a dry cleaners, a major grocery store (I had neer heard of Winco before, but they are huge, and the prices are fantastically cheap compared with those that I had been paying at Ralph's and Von's.
     Guess thats all I have to report for the moment, will post again no doubt a bit later, right now having mentioned the Dry Cleaners, I have laundry to go pick up.---also need to buy some groceries, so will post this piece now and go check out the town a bit. Boy is it good to be back on line----(oh joy)

LIVE!!---from Shogo MTN

2009-02-08T14:23:00.000-08:00

This quicky post is coming at ya, from the fab Shogo Mtn Home of Pete and Judi's. My new diggs are but a 30-35 minute drive from here. Judi was kind enough to invite me over for a sunday lunch of Taco's. (---and they were good too!)

My computer now sits on the floor of my new digs, waiting for the furniture to be delivered on Sunday, and then hopefully the following weekend that would be the 21st, I can schedule the computer gods to come hook me back up with DSL, phone and HD cable service. I of course first have to survive acouple more runs up and down the big concrte hwy (its exactly 99.8 miles one-way between the old digs and my new place---put 710 miles on the car last week----(sigh) one more week to go---escrow closes friday afternoon, which will throw me into rush hour traffic to drive the 100 miles home----but it will be a good trip no matter what.----so will soon be back on line from Margarita road-----

DAMN THE TORPEDOES---FULL SPEED AHEAD

2009-02-05T16:43:00.000-08:00

Well the fat is in the fire now for sure. I scheduled the big move for the tenth, that's like hello only four days from now----and I still have so much to pack up , clothes, books, all my electronics (computer, printer, display, VCR, and of course all the office documentation, misc phones, odd pieces of brick-a-brack, ---then there is the pantry with all the canned goods,(sigh). I also only have four boxes left to pack everything up---but have rented a car, and plan on driving down early Saturday, and will take about six packed boxes, then once there, will unpack them , and bring them all back for refills Sunday night. That should just about do it. Then the professionals can wrap up the big stuff, the paintings, the sculptures. Tomorrow, Friday they are scheduled to deliver a big dumpster to park at the curb, and in that I will dump all the extraneous left over stuff, that I didn't want, couldn't sell or give away. Anyway sports fans I will officially be living in Margaritaville Tuesday evening. That will give me two days to tidy up the empty rooms, sweep out the garage, and go to the escrow closing on the 13th. Anyway---here are the first pics of my new abode----will have to take new pics once the furniture is in and the empty cartons disposed of:

The complex Clubhouse:
Clubhouse Pool Area
My Living room and Patio
Master Bedroom
2nd Bedroom (my Den/TV room)
Guest Bath

I got the keys---the light ahead is not a train coming at me.

2009-02-01T18:53:00.001-08:00

Raced down the big concrete road to Temecula, and am pleased to report I now have keys to the place, including a mail key and my personal key to the fitness center. I toted down the first six boxes to the new place, and my back is starting to protest. Raced back to the old place, and loaded up another half dozen boxes, and will drive back down in the morning. Monday and Tuesday the termite people will be tenting my old place, so will be taking advantage of Pete and Judi's hospitality those nights. and spending the days driving around the Temecula area and getting informed on where things are---like grocery stores, Target, K-mart---hmm and looking for a new barbershop while I am at it. Need to change the area code on my cell phone, need to make arrangements for cable, fast Internet, and a land line for the old puter here. During the next two days in Temecula, will take some pics of my new digs (without the furniture yet), but it will give you some conceptualization of my new surroundings. By the way my new place is on Margarita Rd----(ya GOTTA LOVE THAT!!)

Closing of Escrow Is coming----

2009-01-30T18:11:00.000-08:00

My move will be complete (knock on wood) on Feb. 13th, when I sign off on the escrow completion and am handed a check. (be still my heart!(LOL). Between now and THEN, there are still a few things to be taken care of, finish packing up boxes , clothes, tools, medications, office, (including computer, monitor, Printer and all the peripheral crap such as cables, instruction booklets, and ones assembled array of assorted program discs, and how to books. I need also to arrange for a moving company to move the furniture, including a 400 pound statue of a seated Hindu Goddess, well maybe not a goddess, but a native women all dressed to the nines.----arrange for a large rubbish bin, to clean out the garage, clean the kitchen oven and refrigerator, oversee the installation of city required low flush plumbing and shower heads, smoke detectors, and shut off valve on the gas meter. (least on the last I can throw away the dumb wrench I kept for emergencies to shut the meter off)

I also need to call and schedule the turn on of utilities (gas, water, and power) to the new place, sit down and alert all the necessary people of my address change, fill out the change of address and forwarding instructions to the postal people, stop the gardening service, and the pool service---oooh and I need to get rid of all my food, as they are gonna tent the house for termiting and will not be able to be in the house for two and a half days----have scheduled a pickup by salvation army of the excess furniture I am NOT taking (that's to happen next Thursday), my nephew is sending up his company truck to move my patio furniture, along with a goodly number of boxes already packed and sitting in the garage-----(sigh) I realize I am probably boring the hell out of you all dear readers, but just wanted to let you know I am alive, or at least pretty sure I am, my back hurts, which is kinda a sign I must be alive right?

Yesterday I committed to a lease on my new apartment, and am excited about getting my stuff moved in, and it will take me a number of weeks to get truly organized---which reminds me I need to buy and have a new bed delivered at the apartment, otherwise will be sleeping on the floor. In any case between now and say next Thursday, the old dude will be bouncing around like spit on the griddle (Dana ain't got no lock on earthy expressions)---so maybe then will be able to put in one last post before unplugging the machine and moving it----Solana Ridge here we come!!----99.8 miles down the big concrete road. My new place faces west-southwest, so I should be able to get some fine sunset pics once established, and I find which box my camera and charger are in.-------okay, back to packing boxes now---

Blue Monday, a case of nervousness

2009-01-26T13:23:00.000-08:00

In the ongoing saga of my move, today the workers arrived to do the necessary termite repairs, also the couple spots of dry rot, install the city mandated low-flush equipments, and as I write this, I have four workers crawling all over and under my domocile, hammering, sawing and so its hard to think, what with blinking the tears out of my eyes at the mess-----I am of the understanding when its all said and done I won't even know they have been here--except for the low flush crapper installation. (did I spell crapper right Dana?)------later this week they will tent my house to complete the termite proofing.
One bright happy spot today however, is the situation regarding what was I to do with all my patio furniture------well family to the rescue---my nephews are taking my patio furniture off my hands, (thanks guys). so bit by bit, the move is coming together, and hopefuly around the weekend of 2/6/09, I will move into my new place------(sigh)

Adapting to cold coffee----

2009-01-25T16:14:00.000-08:00

Packing up ones years of living, is not all that much different than opening a time capsule----boxes from the garage, whats in em, opening them and finding stuff from back in one's childhood, or early college days etc, etc, and of course opening up another flood of agonizing decisioning,--- keep, sell, throw away, donate to charity etc, etc??----its amazing how much time it takes to make these kind of decisions. I try to stay diligent---keeping my focus on lets get this packed, or thrown away and pour myself a cup of coffee, open another closet, or box, and some time later, recall I have a cup of coffee going, and of course now its cold----and I am getting to like it cold----that's scary, and I wonder how many other of my old patterns are fading away and being replaced with new ones?----afraid one of these mornings will wake up in the twilight zone.
At last count I now have 18 boxes packed up and I do believe I am beginning to see the light and the end of the tunnel as far as boxing up stuff----me thinks maybe another six boxes should do it-----then it is a matter of disposing of all the trash throwaway pile, (will have to call a junk hauler for that). I then can begin to give the house a vacuuming and dusting so the new people when they come in won't think I am a total slob. (oops almost forgot, need to clean the stove ovens as well as the refrigerator----and I will need a big box to pack up all the can goods from the pantry-----well enough procrastination, I got to get back to work----(sigh)

Temecula Bound

2009-01-21T17:08:00.000-08:00

Just a quick update on how things progress here. Escrow is scheduled to close on Feb 13th, and so I will have to have all my stuff out of the house here prior to that. My three nieces are descending on me this coming Friday (1/23) with the intent of packing up my kitchen, and misc stuff, books etc. Sometime next week, probabely wednesday and thursday, will once again drive down to Temecula and commit to an apartment lease. and sometime between now and then will make an appointment to have the movers come in and give me an estimate on what it will cost me to move my stuff----and I have to make a list of all the people I need to alert to my address change, need to change my area code on my cell phone, need to eat up all the food in the pantry , and get some paper plates and plastic knives and forks, to use til such time as I can get unpacked at the other end----schedule the turnoff of my utilites and get utilities turned on at the new place, vacuum the house after I get all my stuff out of it, clean the stove and refrigerator, and I am sure there are about a dozen other things I must do-----so If you don't see any signs of life in my blog between now and the 13th of Febuary, don't panic---I will be in transition.

GOOD NEWS, and bad news!!

2009-01-20T14:28:00.000-08:00

In the on-going play out of closing escrow on my house sale, am now in the throws of implementing the legally required (by the city and state) repairs and modifications of my house. That is to say putting in low flush toilets, smoke detectors, and all the needed repairs dictated by the city inspectors and the termite people. The good news is the cost of doing the above is within my previously estimated cost of selling, in fact its substantially lower than my budgeted estimate. (OH JOY!!)-----now for the bad news----Bonnie, was most kind as to give me a blogging award, which I duly want to proudly display on my blog. I went to add it to my layout and----(sob), when I go to my layout page, all I get is a view of my current layout, but no add page element button appears?? I am at a loss to figure out how to resolve this problem, anybody have any ideas??--------some hours later, the old dude did a complete defrag ---and the problem went away, see award on my left column (I got a friend----yahhhh!)

DANGER!! DANGER!! RUN WILL ROBINSON!!----

2009-01-18T10:48:00.000-08:00

Having wasted all of yesterday, got a good nights sleep, and started my day by diligently doing my delayed fluff and fold today on sunday, arriving at the laundramat establishment at 6:45am, successfully completed the fluff and fold steps without misshap, and arriving back at "Motel six" (one can not apply the word "Home" with any degree of seriousness to this place anymore). I put the laundry away and rewarded myself with a cup of coffee and sat down here at the old trusty puter to make a quick perusal of mail, perhaps a quick post here to the old blog----and WHAM!! Even before I could take a sip of my coffee as the old machine signed on line, up pops my anti-virus alert telling me I am under attack by worms and trojans--YIKES!!, quickly I shifted from joe nice guy into my "conan the barbarian" persona, and fired up they old anti-virus to do a full scan-----47 minutes later, when the dust settled, their were 10 dead massacred trojans, and 14 virus bodies on the battle field, and all my screens were now flashing GREEN---the world was once more safe for democracy and the American way!! Victory was ours!! Just to be sure I changed all my passwords on my key accounts-----and now I am going to go have a fresh cup of coffee, and see if I can lower my pulse rate.

A Wasted day

2009-01-17T16:18:00.000-08:00

Today, saturday Jan 17, 2009, I have totally wasted. I have accomplished nothing, unless one counts working one's self into a mental contonic state has any significance. I really believe I have managed to work myself into a double approach/avoidance trap. The closer I get to making a firm decision regarding either renting an apartment, or buying a small home---the more I find reason not to, and so today I sit here at my desk quivering, unable to make a decision------another day off the escrow clock, and unable to make the necessary decision to line up a place to move to. I've had people telling me to relax, it will all work out, and I suppose it will, although I can't see the solution.
Thursday and Friday the mandatory house inpsections by the city , county and State were performed, and although I have not received the formal reports, from the termite inspector I have gleaned some information that will be in HIS report.-------all fixable at some unknown cost, and so I will proceed down that road, as it needs to be done regardless.------but mainly flashing in my head is the escrow deadline and picturing myself and my stuff out in the street, homeless, with a glazed look on my face------and aw hell, a good nights sleep and this catonic moment will pass. (least wise I sure hope so---the clock is ticking)

Escrow World

2009-01-16T15:50:00.000-08:00

YES!! I accepted and offer on my house, and am now in ~~hell~~ escrow world. Yesterday it was the city inspector checking to make sure I am up to code on everything and does anything work right, window and doors open and close properly, appliances (stove, refrig etc) all work, no pennies in the fuse boxes ad nauseum. I havn't seen his report yet. Today it was the termite man----and (sob) we have a few spots of termite damage---I suspect the buyer will insist on having the house tented---or maybe he will settle for spot treatments done. Wrote a check out to the Dept. of Building and Safety, for them to verify there are no outstanding liens and such.

At what point do I commit to a lease on a new place----are they still available??, the escrow clock is ticking, and moving day is approximately 2/14---but to where is still to be determined. Then there is the chore of packing up all of the kitchenware, glassware, etc, etc, what to do with the funiture is still up in the air, depends on what place I end up choosing to move to, and availabilty of said premises----did somebody just giggle and mutter "storage costs"?

if the above wasn't enough I also am due for my car registration and smog check-----when do I turn off the utiliites-----and when do I sign up for the new utililites?? Is there life on Mars?----stay tuned for the answer to these and other exciting questions---meanwhile there is a cold beer in the fridge-----(lol)

TIME OUT TIME

2009-01-10T10:35:00.000-08:00

Today I am kinda breaking out of my current routine, after all there must be more life than just packing boxes in preparation of moving right? So today I am taking a "time out" and going on a "ROAD TRIP"!!!
Its going to be a great weekend, lots of sunshine, warm temperatures (75-80F), and where am I going you ask? Going to that PHEEnomenal resort area known as "Shogo Mtn" (aka Pete N Judi's home). My nephew was kind enough to invite me down and while there to take me around and show me the area, knowing I have this growing need to find a new place to live.
Last weekend I went down to the Temecula area, this weekend going to check out the Oceanside area. I hope to remember to take my camera this time, and get some pics---with luck might catch one of those fabulous sunrises and sunsets from Shogo Mtn. Time will tell.

LATERS GATORS

ONE SMALL STEP FOR MAN, ONE GIANT LEAP FOR THE OLD DUDE

2009-01-07T17:16:00.000-08:00

aS YOU may have noticed I havn't been posting regularly, what with dealing with trashing my house (stripping it of all the civilized stuff), and trying to find out just where I might move too. I just noticed today looking at my official blog page, something I do infrequently, and WOW seems I now have reached Page Level 4 rating----when? did THAT happen??----(who WAS that masked man maw?") Anyhow kinda made my day discovering that tidbit of factuality. Okay thats all for now, going to leap into the kitchen, and get creative---something with noodles, cheese, and well something exciting and good to eat.----hmm do I have tuna in the pantry?? (lol)

Plugged in----and it feels strange

2009-01-07T14:53:00.000-08:00

OKIE-DOAKIE!!! we done got us one of them cell phone thingies, and the first thing I have come to realize is I'm afraid to set the damn thing down----might miss a call . CAN'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT, ---Now when I leaved the house, I got all this list of things to take with me, keys, wallet, handkerchief, ---phone.------so this is the modern way huh? hmph!!

Tuesday in Granola Land

2009-01-06T10:27:00.001-08:00

Its Tuesday here in Granola land , (we call it granola land as it is made up of fruits, nuts, and a whole bunch of flakes) Today my house is scheduled for an open house for realtors, so I plan on taking off, and go out in the world and investigate the feasibility of acquiring one of them new portable phones, (believe they are called cell phones?). This idea was planted in my head while I was perusing the area of temecula last sunday, and was not reachable by phone, and then driving through the wide open spaces, without any signs of civilization wondering what would I do if the car broke down out there??-----so, today we will remedy that situation.------then hopefully when I return my realtor will tell me I got a zillion offers to buy my house at my asking price-----yeahhhh, dream on old dude.!!----anyway I think I hear people coming up the driveway so laters ya all!!

THE LITTLE CARD THAT COULD!!

2009-01-05T11:46:00.000-08:00

I am waaay behind on posting , but I am not in total control of my life these days, what with realtors popping in and out with potential house buyers, and trips on my part checking out areas I want to considering moving to, and still bouncing between renting a nice apartment, or moving into a 55+ community, or purchasing a condo in some nice locale-----anyway figure first off I must show you the card Dana was so kind and considerate to create and send me. It arrived at a great time, I was feeling kinda put-a-pon, and somewhat depressed with the overall situation, and so the card arrived with its kind words and oozing with hopefulness, and brighten me right up real good.

-------again, my many thanks for the kind thoughts Dana, your--??---well heck your just swell!!

Christmas At My Nephew Edward's House

2008-12-28T17:27:00.000-08:00

I am kinda jammed getting things ready for show and tell with the realtor, packing boxes, house cleaning etc , etc, etc ad nauseum. SO thats my excuse for not getting my xmas pics posted til now. However, better late than never, and here they are.

From left to right we have Carl, Tish, Melanie and Bill. (as you all may know, Tish and Melanie are my nieces.

This is one of the cousins in the clan ,Tracey, and My nephew Eric's wife Jennifer

This is Alexandra and her boyfriend Phil.

and this is a group pic of the good looking women we have in our family, the girls at the ends are some of my Great GrandNieces (as you can see good looks run in the family)

---and this old dude is Moi, with my blogger sponsor Judi. (we can title this one "Beauty and the Beast" (lol)

Merry Christmas one and all!!

2008-12-24T15:54:00.000-08:00

Well its Christmas eve--(finally its only taken since before Halloween to get here)---I'm tired of xmas music, xmas promotions at the stores, in short I'm close to being totally bummed out on the theme of xmas, and STILL another day to go. Well I got the rent-a-car picked up, going to the family gathering in a PT Cruiser, kinda appropriate, what with being a single adult male again. its a nice jet black in color---way cool. Looking forward to the Christmas day family gathering, and the "Gil-Olympics" which are now a well entrenched tradition. I have yet to win the damn competition, have come close a number of times, but still---its alluded my grasp.----maybe this year------time will tell.
So just want to wish all those following my blog , as well as those that havn't signed on , a Merry Christmas, and a good 2009!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY

Here's A Seasonal Thought---good for year round too

2008-12-23T13:57:00.000-08:00

A couple more pieces of Bric-a-brac to some people, but these kinda are my touchstones to my outlook on life in General. (click on he make bigger thingy)

BELIEVE IN MAGIC

Living inside the Box

2008-12-22T15:22:00.000-08:00

-----Normally I get upset with people who can't think outside the box, and yet today it occurs to me that I am now pretty much living in a box---some would call it a house, but----nah, this might technically qualify as a house, but ---its no longer a home. I have been reduced to living in a box. Just waiting for that person that wants this box, meets my price and this boy flies down the freeway----.(lol)
Actually still have a lot to sort through and pack up---what am I suppose to do with 29 champagne flutes---can't remember the last time we used all of em, its been awhile, still there they all are, nicely washed and shiny, and that's not counting the fancy ones I also have.
Then there is the garage----what the hell is in the garage?? talk about a time capsule, I know there is this huge bag of pine cones, that were to be used in making a pine cone Christmas tree, which never got done, assorted wicker baskets which can be used to make Easter Baskets, and then too there are a few pieces of luggage, couple cabinets with drawers all filled with assorted ribbons and wrapping papers, about a dozen wrought iron candle holders of various heights and widths, and I have no idea whats up in the rafters----like I said, twill be like opening a time capsule.
Well I got three boxes packed today----my back says enough already!!---So its late afternoon,k and here I am blogging and enjoying a cold beer, and listening to Christmas music on the old HI-FI stereo. (life is good).

ADAPT OR DIE!! (The times they are a changing!)

2008-12-21T10:40:00.000-08:00

It is in its own way it's exciting to think about changing one's lifestyle, and old patterns of behavior. Now having said that---I'm finding its almost gut wrenching to actually do it. Today being an example. As you all know my day for doing "fluff and fold" (aka a laundry) has always been on Thursdays. (I have posted my adventures at the Fluff and Fold Laundramat in previous posts)----but my life IS changing, and changing faster than I had expected it to---today is Sunday, and lo and behold I did the fluff and fold bit this morning----its the way things just worked out----busy preparing my house for the lookee-loo's and the be prepared at all times for a realtor wanting to bring somebody through----the holidays falling on Thursday this year doesn't help either. So I am kind of taking each day as they come, and doing my best to stay flexible. It dawns on me most all my old patterns will ultimately be changed, deleted, and new ones added. I keep setting the table for two, not just one now----so its Adapt or die, we have opted to go down this road, so be it----or like the admiral said---Damn the torpedoes FULL SPEED AHEAD------NO-O-O-O WAIT!!! (LOL).

Watch Out For Penguins

2008-12-18T17:31:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post to allow those that still bother to check my blog to know that I am alive. Today we met with our lawyer, and completed the legalities , and now I can focus on where I am going to move to, have pretty much decided it will be in the area of Temecula/Murrieta, California. The big problem is I will have to drive down and spend a day or two interviewing potential apartments, and then figure out what furniture I have now will fit in them. I need to do that soon, as I want to have an address to give the movers, and avoid if possible having to put stuff into storage and pay THOSE costs (shiver).----so far no surprises, and everything seems to be under control-----but I am trying to keep an eye out for those pesky penguins-----!!!

Downsizing---(aka off loading)

2008-12-14T11:16:00.000-08:00

Well its starting people, reality is taking form. Moving from a house to most likely an apartment, and making the decisions as to what I wish to retain, versus what has to go--(sob). My Niece Melanie and her husband stopped by and I was able to talk her into taking a few things. She was kind enough to send me pictures of the things I off loaded on her, as they are now in her home. I thought I would share them with you.

This first pic is a painting done by an artist in Hawaii, (Oil on canvas) depicting the Queen of Hawaii's Lady in waiting. and is now hanging in Melanies lovely home.

Here is a pic of a fun little Vase she found to her liking (lol)

----and finally the pair of free standing Bronze Cranes which stand about 5' tall, and are now standing on her patio with a view of the San Bernardino valley, and the mountains beyond.

Today, one of my other nieces , Tish, is coming over, to assist me in packing up the 16 tons of bric-a-brac I have in the place, and no doubt we will go out for lunch or dinner, so it should be one nice day.

What I did today (not to get excited over people)

2008-12-12T17:07:00.001-08:00

Today I was awakened with a phone call at 6:30am, from my friend Midge advising she would be unable to meet me for coffee as it is our norm on Friday mornings. (just as well as in that it was already 6:30am and I hadn't got up yet, I would have been late. Anyway that's how my day started out---with a negative. (Don't ya just hate that when that happens?)
To awake to go back to sleep, and yes I did give that option a bit of thought, got up showered, shaved, wrestled with the coffee maker (I won---pretty sure the machine saw I was not in the mood for any attitude from it, and acquiesced to making me coffee)
Then sipping my coffee gazing out at the pool, decided it looked like the rain they had predicted for Saturday might come in early, and so I decided to go out and wipe down my bronze cranes and drag them into the house, and have them ready to fly when my niece Melanie and her husband bill arrive Saturday to pick them up.(Leastwise they won't have to put wet birds in their trunk. (lol).
Then I killed a couple hours walking back and forth through the house, measuring furniture, and letting my mind deal with what might fit in an apartment, which I have decided either has to be a very large one bedroom, or more likely a two bedroom unit. Then I leaped on the old puter and googled apartments for rent in the Temecula/Murrieta towns, then got to looking at condo's available-----next thing I knew it was 3pm, and then I remembered I had to go to the supermarket.
Returning to my domicile, put groceries away, and began preparation of the evenings repast, (will be reprised on Saturday night as well), which hopefully will be a big pot of beef stew. Browned the beef, chopped the onions, carrots and celery, potatoes, and even as I write this its all simmering on the stove----we won't starve tonight anyway.
Anyway, will finish this posting, review some of youawl's blogs, eat my dinner, catch the evening news and watch the next three hours of "Entourage" with Danny Divito. So did I get anything packed for moving?--NO. Did I make any firm decisions on what furniture I am taking?---No.-----do I know how to procrastinate?---OOOOH YEAH!!

The Living Room At Matilija

2008-12-10T10:51:00.000-08:00

Before I begin dismantling the place, figured I should take some pics to share with ya, the following pics are taken giving you a lil tour starting with the sight you see upon entering my front door--(don't forget to click on the make bigger thingy)

then if you step forward about 12 feet and look to your right, you see across the room to the opposite corner, and see this view.

now, this next shot is taken from the corner of the room to your right (from the above pic), which is the view from the kitchen entrance to the living room. (my blogging center in the far corner)

this next pic is taken looking from the above corner towards the doorway to the kitchen, and looks like this.

-----and finally I took a pic looking from the poolside windows looking across the room---shows the entrance way where this tour began and please note the packing boxes in the entrance way------(my back hurts already and havn't even started) (lol)

-------its hard saying good bye to this old home.

The Last Christmas at Matilija--such as it is

2008-12-10T10:05:00.000-08:00

Hi people, thought I should put up a post, if for no other reason that to allow you to know I am still alive and kicking. As you all know I am in the process of selling my home, and agonizing over what to keep (to feather my nest at my new place), what to sell off for whatever I can get for it, and trying to get organized and start packing up.

Not knowing exactly where I am going to settle, what size place I will settle in makes deciding what furniture to keep a real problem, then there is the 16 tons of "decorative" stuff that makes a place a home to keep or sell or give away (sigh). However have started on that. Sold my Japanese Garden light tower to my neighbor, who is in the process of dismantling it , to be reassemble in his back yard. My Niece Melanie has adopted my bronze cranes, (five foot free standing ) and they will next in her yard. My nephew Eric, will take the pair of 37" tall wood sculptures currently adorning my master bath and dining room. My other neighbor has purchased one of the five lamps I have.------so it begins.

I took a deep breath and have purchase some two dozen boxes, and if I can stop procrastinating will begin the fun task of removing brick-a-brack and packing it up. and too, sorting through all the books in the house and deciding which to keep which to sell or give away.

My Niece Tish is keen on doing a yard sale to dispose of clothing, sweaters, jackets, suits, as well as the ton of kitchen dishware I no longer want (example, two dozen champagne flutes, a George
Foreman Grilling Machine, etc, etc, etc. ---

I most likely too, will be having an estate sale, but first gotta decide what I AM keeping----decisions, decisions, decisions-----Anyway that's why I am not posting as often, but hopefully at some point in the not to far distant future I will be relocated and manage to regain some control of this old dude's place in the sun.

Looking Outward---

2008-12-06T11:59:00.000-08:00

Its a nice neighborhood I live in, and I got me good neighbors----here for example is the view as I step out of my front door, looking down the drive to matilija ave. Its my neighbors Smitty and Virginia's house-----.

isn't that one magnificent tree? and this is the very same view taken at night-----Santa and his Reindeer.------SANTA'S COMING, SANTA'S COMING!! (LOL)

(CLICK ON THE PIC TO ENLARGE)

I figure Christmas finally getting here, that I should post something in the spirit of things, so thought you all might enjoy this little input.