I couldn't believe my eyes. Yesterday I saw a guy at the health club working out wearing a shirt that read
"Des Moines, Iowa-
The greatest city in the world"
I didn't think anyone would wear something like that outside Polk County. Maybe it was a white elephant gift or the guy lost a bet. Hope he didn't notice me staring at him.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
One of Murphy's longest standing laws:
It's snowing. It started this afternoon and there are still a few flurries.
Murphy's Law is that "every Thanksgiving Sunday in the Rockies there will be a snow storm impeding college students' attempt to get back to campus for Monday classes." Today is no exception although the weather appears to be worse north of us.
I remember trying to get back to Laramie (7,200 feet) on those Sundays and it always snowed. Someone we knew always went in the ditch after skidding on ice. Just happy it was never me.
Maybe they should start classes on Tuesday.
It's snowing. It started this afternoon and there are still a few flurries.
Murphy's Law is that "every Thanksgiving Sunday in the Rockies there will be a snow storm impeding college students' attempt to get back to campus for Monday classes." Today is no exception although the weather appears to be worse north of us.
I remember trying to get back to Laramie (7,200 feet) on those Sundays and it always snowed. Someone we knew always went in the ditch after skidding on ice. Just happy it was never me.
Maybe they should start classes on Tuesday.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
We did our "Black Friday" shopping today. We bought an artificial Christmas tree, a couple of wreaths, and three poinsettias. Now if the wife can figure out how to assemble how to assemble the artificial tree, I'm home free-I think. I'm watching a couple of neighbors putting up Christmas tree lights up high on their houses. Won't catch me up there.
Yesterday I met a couple of people whom we used to teach with outside the fitness center. They were in Denver for a AAU basketball tournament. Two weeks ago a I ran into a teacher whose husband I used to referee basketball and football with. Small world. They have a daughter here but still live in Casper.
Yesterday I met a couple of people whom we used to teach with outside the fitness center. They were in Denver for a AAU basketball tournament. Two weeks ago a I ran into a teacher whose husband I used to referee basketball and football with. Small world. They have a daughter here but still live in Casper.
Friday, November 26, 2010
It's almost 6:30 am and I'm playing games on my laptop which is at Keri and Eric's house. What am I doing at their house at this time of morning? Why did I walk from West Freiburg Place to Finland Drive at 5:10 this morning? Why-it's Black Friday and K & E have an item they want to buy to save big bucks and the store opened at 6:00 am. Someone has to stay with the grandtwins and I'm usually an early riser although usually not this early. Hopefully the item they want is in stock.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
I have a lot to be thankful for:
My wife of 41 years (if I don't drive her nuts),
Our daughter Keri, her husband Eric and their 7 month old twin boys Aiden and Reid,
Our son David and his wife Kelsey who are spending this holiday with some of her relatives, I'm wearing my St. Olaf shirt today to let you know I am thinking about both of you.
There were more ads in the paper today than we usually get on Sundays. I don't think I want to shop tomorrow.
This morning there was the biggest crowd I'd ever seen at the fitness center. Must be atoning in advance for overeating later in the day.
My wife of 41 years (if I don't drive her nuts),
Our daughter Keri, her husband Eric and their 7 month old twin boys Aiden and Reid,
Our son David and his wife Kelsey who are spending this holiday with some of her relatives, I'm wearing my St. Olaf shirt today to let you know I am thinking about both of you.
There were more ads in the paper today than we usually get on Sundays. I don't think I want to shop tomorrow.
This morning there was the biggest crowd I'd ever seen at the fitness center. Must be atoning in advance for overeating later in the day.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
This is the sadistic side of my sense of humor. This morning I was driving home from the fitness center. I was first in my lane. I was also going about 5 miles over the speed limit when a Volvo shot by me. Unfortunately for him he had to stop at the next light and I caught up to him. Same thing happened at the second red light. At the third light he had to slow down and it turned green just as he got to the intersection but I had caught up to him again. The same thing happened at the next two lights. After that he hit all green lights but had slowed down so he wasn't that far ahead. Such is life with mean spirited traffic lights.
I had to go to the post office today. My surprise was they had opened two more windows and the two new postal workers were actually friendly and trying to be helpful. Even the usual two seemed to have picked up something from the new two as they also were half way nice. Tis the season.
Unexpected bumper sticker on an SUV:
"Bush-Cheney in 2012" with a picture of Bush asking "Do you miss me yet?" Well, as a matter of fact, GW...............NO!
It snowed a little today. I traded my sandals for shoes (UGH).
I had to go to the post office today. My surprise was they had opened two more windows and the two new postal workers were actually friendly and trying to be helpful. Even the usual two seemed to have picked up something from the new two as they also were half way nice. Tis the season.
Unexpected bumper sticker on an SUV:
"Bush-Cheney in 2012" with a picture of Bush asking "Do you miss me yet?" Well, as a matter of fact, GW...............NO!
It snowed a little today. I traded my sandals for shoes (UGH).
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Yesterday I got out my ski gear, went to AAA to see what they had on Colorado ski resorts, got a trip tik (directions to Arapaho Basin Ski Area), and watched the weather at 5:00 P.M. The weather forecast was for high winds with a blizzard coming in during the afternoon. I got up early this morning, looked at the Colorado Highway Department web cams around the Eisenhower Tunnel showing blowing snow, and finally decided to postpone until later.
Parents will appreciate this:
This noon I was helping feed one of the grandtwins. I had just put a spoonful of carrots in his mouth when he sneezed. He plastered himself all over, his father who was about a foot away feeding the other grandtwin, and part of my left arm. Eric took a picture, texted it to Keri, who replied that it brightened her day.
Finally:
I went to our group mailboxes just as the lady carrier was finishing loading the individual boxes. She smiled and wished me a Happy Thanksgiving. After my post of a few day ago, it almost tarnished my image of the US Postal Service until I realized she wasn't indoors working at a station and could actually be friendly. I now know one postal worker who smiles. Will there be a second in my future?
Parents will appreciate this:
This noon I was helping feed one of the grandtwins. I had just put a spoonful of carrots in his mouth when he sneezed. He plastered himself all over, his father who was about a foot away feeding the other grandtwin, and part of my left arm. Eric took a picture, texted it to Keri, who replied that it brightened her day.
Finally:
I went to our group mailboxes just as the lady carrier was finishing loading the individual boxes. She smiled and wished me a Happy Thanksgiving. After my post of a few day ago, it almost tarnished my image of the US Postal Service until I realized she wasn't indoors working at a station and could actually be friendly. I now know one postal worker who smiles. Will there be a second in my future?
Monday, November 22, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
Tis the season-already
Today I was driving down Wadsworth which is one of the busiest streets in our area. It's common to see folks on the side of the road holding signs-usually arrows-calling drivers' attention to a near-by business. This morning there was one for an electronics store. What made this stand out was the sign waver was wearing a Santa Clause suit. The temp on my car thermometer gave the outside temp as 60 degrees at that time.
Today I was driving down Wadsworth which is one of the busiest streets in our area. It's common to see folks on the side of the road holding signs-usually arrows-calling drivers' attention to a near-by business. This morning there was one for an electronics store. What made this stand out was the sign waver was wearing a Santa Clause suit. The temp on my car thermometer gave the outside temp as 60 degrees at that time.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Signs of the times:
Driving to Cheyenne on Tuesday I heard my first Christmas Carol on the radio. It was a station out of Greeley that proclaimed it would play "songs of the season" until Christmas. I heard my second carol on a Denver oldies station today. It isn't even Thanksgiving yet-give it a break.
Great bumper sticker seen on a VW bug today.
"What would Harry due?"-a play on 'What Would Jesus DO?' to 'What Would former President Harry Truman Do?' Remember Truman ordered the atomic bomb dropped on Japan. Interesting thought.
Driving to Cheyenne on Tuesday I heard my first Christmas Carol on the radio. It was a station out of Greeley that proclaimed it would play "songs of the season" until Christmas. I heard my second carol on a Denver oldies station today. It isn't even Thanksgiving yet-give it a break.
Great bumper sticker seen on a VW bug today.
"What would Harry due?"-a play on 'What Would Jesus DO?' to 'What Would former President Harry Truman Do?' Remember Truman ordered the atomic bomb dropped on Japan. Interesting thought.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Privatization of the US Postal Service:
Normally I am against privatization of most government services. I make the USPS an exception. I had to go to the post office to mail something before leaving town. We have two USPS branches in our area. You will experience the same scenario at either branch. First they are building longer lobbies so not as many people are standing outside the door but they still have the same small number of manned stations providing service. This year's "If it fits, it ships" program is the latest boondoggle. People bring their stuff in in bags, get the boxes, try packing it in at the counter where in some cases the postal worker helps tape the box. If they went elsewhere, they expect to jump right back in line where they were. The second is the Christmas stamp boondoggle. Rather than having a brochure of Christmas stamps, they pull them all out while the customer tries to make up his/her mind. Give them a display and get them out of the way.
One postal worker thought about opening a third station but changed her mind and retreated to the back where one could see several people walking around accomplishing nothing. God forbid they would aide the public. If you know of one postal station worker who smiles, you're lucky. If you know of two, that's incredible. In all my adult years I can't think of one.
First I think they ought to turn the whole thing over to United Parcel Service who would retrain all postal worker. Postal workers remind me of people who do football instant replays: incredibly slow and they often still don't get it right. The postal code says "never smile." The first thing UPS would do is train them to have a personality. The second lesson would be that speed and accuracy count. Try doing both.
Before they come with their hands out for more rate raises, make them accountable to someone outside postal supervisors. Cut their wages and retirement if that's way to avoid rate increases. I believe that would create a more efficient postal system rather than having a group of people who just show for work each day and go home at night and care less what happened in between.
Normally I am against privatization of most government services. I make the USPS an exception. I had to go to the post office to mail something before leaving town. We have two USPS branches in our area. You will experience the same scenario at either branch. First they are building longer lobbies so not as many people are standing outside the door but they still have the same small number of manned stations providing service. This year's "If it fits, it ships" program is the latest boondoggle. People bring their stuff in in bags, get the boxes, try packing it in at the counter where in some cases the postal worker helps tape the box. If they went elsewhere, they expect to jump right back in line where they were. The second is the Christmas stamp boondoggle. Rather than having a brochure of Christmas stamps, they pull them all out while the customer tries to make up his/her mind. Give them a display and get them out of the way.
One postal worker thought about opening a third station but changed her mind and retreated to the back where one could see several people walking around accomplishing nothing. God forbid they would aide the public. If you know of one postal station worker who smiles, you're lucky. If you know of two, that's incredible. In all my adult years I can't think of one.
First I think they ought to turn the whole thing over to United Parcel Service who would retrain all postal worker. Postal workers remind me of people who do football instant replays: incredibly slow and they often still don't get it right. The postal code says "never smile." The first thing UPS would do is train them to have a personality. The second lesson would be that speed and accuracy count. Try doing both.
Before they come with their hands out for more rate raises, make them accountable to someone outside postal supervisors. Cut their wages and retirement if that's way to avoid rate increases. I believe that would create a more efficient postal system rather than having a group of people who just show for work each day and go home at night and care less what happened in between.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
I drove to Boulder today to watch the Iowa State-U of Colorado FB game. Our nephew Paul from Iowa was in town to go the game. He stayed with us Thursday night and then was going to stay with a friend from college who works in Denver. It made sense that I meet them in Boulder at the ISU Alumni tailgate party. Another nephew John, who is quite active in the Colorado ISU Alumni Association, got me a ticket. Cheap trip. It took me about an hour to go from our house to the hotel where the ISU folks were gathering-$20 to park the car but it was close to the stadium and I had a free ticket so it averages out. I had on an ISU cap and was wearing an ISU T-shirt under an open jacket I was standing in line to buy a hot dog when the women behind said "Now there you can tell an ISU alum by the way he dresses." I had to tell that I am NOT an ISU alum but my daughter is and this is my $50,000 T-shirt. They got a charge out of that. I went back to the car, got my stadium seat and a warmer jacket and headed toward the stadium. I met that same lady with more of her friends so I had to flash them my $50,000 T-shirt.
My ticket was in the ISU section obviously. When Keri was in college in Ames, I would go to the games with her uncle. There was a guy who sat two rows behind who had a loud voice and always said "I don't know, Chuck (whoever Chuck is)" and maintained a running commentary. We finally named him 'Whats up, Chuck?' Guess who was in Boulder sitting two rows behind me. That's right. It was 'Whats up, Chuck?' I will never forget that voice. He had his usual running commentary so I moved (not much of a crowd).
Not much of a game either. CU killed Iowa State. I left after the third quarter. I ran into Paul and his friend on my way out. As I was getting ready to pull out of the parking lot, I ran into Paul and his friend again. They left a few minutes after I did.
It was my first game in Boulder. I don't know if it will be my last-it is only an hour away.
My ticket was in the ISU section obviously. When Keri was in college in Ames, I would go to the games with her uncle. There was a guy who sat two rows behind who had a loud voice and always said "I don't know, Chuck (whoever Chuck is)" and maintained a running commentary. We finally named him 'Whats up, Chuck?' Guess who was in Boulder sitting two rows behind me. That's right. It was 'Whats up, Chuck?' I will never forget that voice. He had his usual running commentary so I moved (not much of a crowd).
Not much of a game either. CU killed Iowa State. I left after the third quarter. I ran into Paul and his friend on my way out. As I was getting ready to pull out of the parking lot, I ran into Paul and his friend again. They left a few minutes after I did.
It was my first game in Boulder. I don't know if it will be my last-it is only an hour away.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Stayed up a little later last night to watch the ending of the Ravens-Falcons game on the NFL channel. Our nephew Paul from Iowa is visiting us. He's here to meet the twins as well as attend the Iowa State-Colorado FB game in Boulder Saturday. It was nice to visit with someone who understands the nuances of FB rather than just replays on the Home and Garden Channel.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
BAD BUSINESS:
I thought I owned the only Toyota model that didn't have a recall. I was wrong. About a month ago I received a notice that an oil hose needed to be replaced but I had until 2013 to get it done so I wasn't in too much of a hurry. I finally made an appointment for this morning at a Toyota dealer and went to have the hose fixed and get a lube, oil, filter while I was there. I told them I would wait in the customer waiting room and gave them my cell phone number in case they needed to reach me.
I went to the waiting room which unfortunately was in the sales part of the dealership, not the service side. They were piping in music that was so loud and annoying that I finally went to a couple of secretaries and asked if they could get the music turned down. It came down a little but not much. Another customer finally went and complained that we couldn't hear the announcements when our cars were done. They finally remedied that somewhat but it was still a guessing games as to whether one's name had been called or not.
How loud was the music? The service manager finally called me on my cell phone. I wouldn't known about the call if I had left it in my jacket which was beside me. I fortunately had it turned to vibrate as well as ring. I felt the vibration in my vest where I had placed my cell phone. When I paid my bill for the LOF, I told the cashier about it. She said they get several complaints about that but the waiting room is in the sales department, not the service department and although they tell the sales people, nothing appears to get done. I was happy with the service but if the waiting room conditions don't improve I won't be back after that.
I thought I owned the only Toyota model that didn't have a recall. I was wrong. About a month ago I received a notice that an oil hose needed to be replaced but I had until 2013 to get it done so I wasn't in too much of a hurry. I finally made an appointment for this morning at a Toyota dealer and went to have the hose fixed and get a lube, oil, filter while I was there. I told them I would wait in the customer waiting room and gave them my cell phone number in case they needed to reach me.
I went to the waiting room which unfortunately was in the sales part of the dealership, not the service side. They were piping in music that was so loud and annoying that I finally went to a couple of secretaries and asked if they could get the music turned down. It came down a little but not much. Another customer finally went and complained that we couldn't hear the announcements when our cars were done. They finally remedied that somewhat but it was still a guessing games as to whether one's name had been called or not.
How loud was the music? The service manager finally called me on my cell phone. I wouldn't known about the call if I had left it in my jacket which was beside me. I fortunately had it turned to vibrate as well as ring. I felt the vibration in my vest where I had placed my cell phone. When I paid my bill for the LOF, I told the cashier about it. She said they get several complaints about that but the waiting room is in the sales department, not the service department and although they tell the sales people, nothing appears to get done. I was happy with the service but if the waiting room conditions don't improve I won't be back after that.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Change in the weather:
First it hailed, then it rained, and finally it snowed today. It's the most moisture since the Noah kid went into the Ark building business-just kidding, it's the most/only moisture we've had in a month with temps in the 70's. Can we say draught? Maybe this will put an end to all the forest and grass fires we had lately.
First it hailed, then it rained, and finally it snowed today. It's the most moisture since the Noah kid went into the Ark building business-just kidding, it's the most/only moisture we've had in a month with temps in the 70's. Can we say draught? Maybe this will put an end to all the forest and grass fires we had lately.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Today is Sunday. Some people spend Sundays reading "The Good Book." Me-I just read a good book. I'm now reading "61 Hours" by Lee Child. The main character is Jack Reacher, who is one of my three favorite fictional characters. Jack is a roamer who seems to find a mystery to be solved. This setting in this novel is South Dakota. As I used to drive across SoDak, I never thought it would ever be a setting for a mystery. Wrong-the setting blends into the plot very well. There are 14 books in paperback in this series which I have read each of them and one that just came out in hardback but I buy only paperbacks.
I now have 14 other books at home to read when I finish this one. Reading is one of my favorite interests. I also like reading newspapers. I can't understand people who get their news from phones. We get the Denver Post and used to get USA Today in Casper but gave it up when we moved. We just don't have time for two newspapers. I also read magazines while I have a book going. I subscribe to TIME and Sports Illustrated and get a few from some memberships. I especially like the Colorado AAA magazine.
I don't know if I would do well in a book club. I prefer trashy mysteries with no social redeeming qualities to cloud my mind.
I now have 14 other books at home to read when I finish this one. Reading is one of my favorite interests. I also like reading newspapers. I can't understand people who get their news from phones. We get the Denver Post and used to get USA Today in Casper but gave it up when we moved. We just don't have time for two newspapers. I also read magazines while I have a book going. I subscribe to TIME and Sports Illustrated and get a few from some memberships. I especially like the Colorado AAA magazine.
I don't know if I would do well in a book club. I prefer trashy mysteries with no social redeeming qualities to cloud my mind.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Around 9:00 this morning I was driving to the fitness center to work out. As I was driving north I saw two balloons taking off. We live across from Chatfield State Park and a lot of balloonist launch from there. One was OK but the other seemed to be in a distress mode. It finally landed but where it landed was the interesting part-about 50 yards south of C470, which is the major belt road around the western and southern parts of the Denver Metro area.
When I came back over an hour later, I didn't see the balloon on the ground. Since the drift was a very light breeze to the north, the relaunch would have been an exciting rise over a freeway. I can imagine a sleepy driver encountering a balloon in his face (Whoa, dude! What was that?). The second launch is strictly my imagination but given what I had seen early, either the second launch was scratched or a different excitement was put back into four-lane highway driving.
I've seen balloons come down in our residential area. One almost landed in a pond one time. I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried.
When I came back over an hour later, I didn't see the balloon on the ground. Since the drift was a very light breeze to the north, the relaunch would have been an exciting rise over a freeway. I can imagine a sleepy driver encountering a balloon in his face (Whoa, dude! What was that?). The second launch is strictly my imagination but given what I had seen early, either the second launch was scratched or a different excitement was put back into four-lane highway driving.
I've seen balloons come down in our residential area. One almost landed in a pond one time. I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Tuesday elections: I was kinda happy with Colorado voters. They rejected a couple of Tea Party crazies for governor and US Senate and also voted down-usually by a three to one margin-a half dozen of the most ridiculous initiatives. The Republicans did gain a couple of seats in the US Congress and that was expected but they were hoping for a couple more. I guess we are neither a "Red State" nor a "Blue State" but we are a purple state.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Background: I attended the Air Force-Utah football game at the academy last Saturday. I had a great view of the scoreboard. I noticed the scoreboard sponsors included the usual:beer, bank, fast food, etc. Last week I posted a bumper sticker about better funding for education and the military having to raise funds for new armaments. Here is what came from that thought.
How about Budweiser who spends billions on advertising sponsoring an aircraft carrier. Can you imagine how happy the pilots would be when they landed and thought about a cool Bud waiting for them. It might even take their minds off the bullet holes. Coors could sponsor a couple of battle ships. They wouldn't be sailing on Rocky Mountain Spring Water but it's water nonetheless. Maybe GM and Ford would sponsor some Humvees and tanks. All the Arabs in the Mideast would create a new market for Lincolns and Caddys. I don't think liquor sponsors would go over well with certain area religions but cars, Remington rifles, paint, plants, and certain clothing lines may go over. Imagine a gum sponsor for bazookas. With the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" military policy, I don't think Dairy Queen would go over well with the services. Just an idea to help balance the budget.
How about Budweiser who spends billions on advertising sponsoring an aircraft carrier. Can you imagine how happy the pilots would be when they landed and thought about a cool Bud waiting for them. It might even take their minds off the bullet holes. Coors could sponsor a couple of battle ships. They wouldn't be sailing on Rocky Mountain Spring Water but it's water nonetheless. Maybe GM and Ford would sponsor some Humvees and tanks. All the Arabs in the Mideast would create a new market for Lincolns and Caddys. I don't think liquor sponsors would go over well with certain area religions but cars, Remington rifles, paint, plants, and certain clothing lines may go over. Imagine a gum sponsor for bazookas. With the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" military policy, I don't think Dairy Queen would go over well with the services. Just an idea to help balance the budget.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
Yesterday was our first Halloween in our new neighborhood. Didn't know what to expect in the number of kids, etc. The neighbors gave me a rough estimate and I bought treats accordingly. Kathy helped Keri at her place so it was up to me to man the home handouts. This is a big responsibility considering we were averaging about six to ten kids in Casper. Our neighborhood kids all grew up, left home, and many now have kids of their own. Our first client arrived about 6:15 and then for the next hour it was big business. I think the neighbors organize so the kids can all go together and for a second reason. Each group had a wagon pulled by a father. It wasn't to haul little kids or candy. No, it was to haul the beer which each father had in hand as he led his troops to the houses. One mother told me it was a neighborhood tradition. By the time the kids had gone up and down the two cul de sacs and hits a couple more streets, they had a pretty good stash. One real little kid would get a treat at one house and then trade it at the next house for another treat. The kids and parents were so nice and polite. I didn't see any vandalism when I drove to Eric and Keri's around six this morning. There were a lot of pumpkins and Halloween decorations which could have been destroyed. Our neighbors said they had around 80 kids the year before and that's about what we had last night. We turned off the front light around 8:15.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR in yesterday's Denver Post:
"Like most people, I am sick of the disgusting political attacks on TV. I can't wait until the election is over, so that we can get back to the wholesome tasteful ads for fungus infection and hemorrhoid cures."
Signature
LETTER TO THE EDITOR in yesterday's Denver Post:
"Like most people, I am sick of the disgusting political attacks on TV. I can't wait until the election is over, so that we can get back to the wholesome tasteful ads for fungus infection and hemorrhoid cures."
Signature