Monday Evening and We Are in Pennsylvania

We finally arrived in PA and have time to sit down and catch our breath. In fact, we even have time to watch some, maybe all, of the Chiefs-Broncos game.

Friday evening we went to an Octoberfest and ate good German food and Milwaukee beer What a tasty combination. A group of young people. came in and performed a number of German folk dances. They did a marvelous job. it ws easy to tell how much they enjoyed the dancing.



On Saturday Maryann and I decided to visit the Reiman Publications shop. They have a complete collection of all of the "Saturday Evening Post" covers by Norman Rockwell. They even have a display of a specially made mannequin representing Norman Rockwell painting his self portrait cover. it was very cleverly done.


While in the little town of Greendale we visitied some of the shops after lunch. Outside of the restaurant was this fountain and garden. We are particularly interested in the device in the center that spins in the wind. We will be looking for one for our patio which we are planning to redo in the near future.

In the afternoon we did take the tour of the Miller Brewery. It was quite interesting. However, we did forgo the beer tasting. There were a lot of people on the tour and we wanted to beat the crowd to be able to get out of the parking lot more easily.

Saturday evening was the banquet and dance. It was another opportunity to visit with old friends and drink a little wine and, of course, dance. I was unable to get a photo of Maryann and me dancing. Perhaps Jim Anderson got one and will send it to me. If so, I will post it.

Time to get back to the game. The score is 0-0.

Serve well!

Friday in Milwaukee

Today was a great day. It started early for me, 0600. I had to meet the guys to go golfing at 0700. Where to get breakfast? Could I find a place for breakfast? The restaurant in the hotel opened at 0630 and granola with strawberries was great. Then, on to golf. There were only 13 of us played golf. It turned out thqt some of us had to play threesomes in stead of foursomes. I was extremely fortunate to play with two really great guys--my former company commander (Ev) and a fellow (Dave) I had not met until today. Dave consistently hit great shots, while Ev and I let him carry us. I did win a prize for hitting the farthest putt on one of the holes. All-in-all it was fantastic. The weather cooperated by being cool and dry.

Maryann went on a tour and did some shopping. She went to a local winery and said that the tour was very informative and the wine was quite good. So good, in fact, she bought a bottle of pinot grigio to take with us to PA.

Tonight we went to a local Octoberfest. The food was typically German and the beer was too. I will post some photos in a later posting of the event.

We did get to spend time with old friends who we don't get to see very often. Tomorrow, Maryann and I will be doing something on our own. Tomorrow evening will be the banquet and dance. I plan to get some photos of those events as well.

Serve well!

Day One Going on Day Two

We arrived at our motel around 4 PM yesterday. Got settled in and called Jim and Kathy to arrange getting together for dinner. What a great time, but more about that later.

The first day's travel was quite uneventful. We were slowed down a bit by construction on I-88. Even with that we made great time. We were within 20 miles of the motel, following the instructions that we got from MSN maps, when they indicated we should merge with I-290. No problem until we are forced to go west or east. You guessed it, we went the wrong direction. Fortunately we only had to go about five miles out of our way to get back on track.

Now back to dinner with Jim and Kathy. They picked us up and took us to their town house for a drink and discussion. Great time. The zinfandel was very nice, and the conversation was even better. We did have some catching up to do.

They then took us to dinner at a place called Jamesons. Maryann and I keep forgetting that we need to share orders. We both had beef tips cooked in wine and served over fettucini. There was enough on one plate to feed us all. It probably will, because we packed up what we couldn't eat and donated it to Jim and Kathy's fridge. I know they will enjoy it as much as we did.

This morning our wake up call came around 5:30 AM, which would have been great if we had asked for one. Rolling over and going back to sleep is a good thing to do when you don't have to be somewhere at a given time. Hence the time this is posted. I had to do something while Maryann was showering and shampooing. OK it is my turn now. I'll get back to you later,

Remember,

Serve well!

Getting Ready To Travel

It won't be long now and we will be on the road for a couple of weeks. Consequently, packing was on the agenda for today. (We did get the packing done.) Before we got to that we had to see our respective doctors. Maryann had her regular appointment to see her orthopedic surgeon about her hip. Everything is extremely well with her. She doesn't have to go back until 2007. Huzzah!!

I had intended to drive her to her appointment like I usually do, but I have been having a unique feeling on the left side of my neck. When I first noticed it I got the feeling that a hair was brushing my neck. That was not the case. I have had that feeling for a couple of months. Last week it got "worse". The entire left side of my neck and lower jaw has the feeling. I am not sure what the problem is. As I told my doctor, I am between concerned and worried. I do have some neurological problem with my left arm. About ten years ago I had a neurologist tell me he thought I had a possible pinched nerve around the second or third vertebra. It effected the ulnar nerve in my left arm. At that time I lost a lot of strength in my left arm and hand. I did the required exercises and the strength returned.

Now I have this unique feeling on my neck. The doctor suggested I get an MRI. OK. I figured I would have to put it off until after we returned from our two week trip. Much to my surprise they were able to schedule me this afternoon. Still no comment from the doctor about the results. I do suspect I will hear about it tomorrow. I do know that my doctor

Serves Well!


#50

Sunday Evening and All Is Well

Several good things happened this week. The iMac G5 had to be taken to the shop for warranty work. It just wouldn't start. Apparently the power adapter decided to quit. I'm pleased to say it is back on line and operating fantastically.

This weekend was the second weekend for the September Principles of Real Estate class. It was a smaller group than previous groups. Smaller meant better. The class really got involved in the process and made the experience a marvelous one.

It is a special treat to be able to help folks discover that they have the passion to move onto a new career. Most of them are a bit anxious about having to take a test. That is not unusual among most adults. We do try to give them some tips on improving their odds.

I also got some notices of students from previous classes successfully passing the required exams. They can now go on and get their licenses. They can now go on to,

Serve well!

The Visit Was Great, as Expected

Yesterday was the day to visit the oncologist to get the results of the CT scan and labs. Everything is within the required parameters, just as we expected. For the next year we go back every four months for the CT scan and labs. The following year it is every six months. Needless to say we are ecstatic about this news.

Maryann's exercise regimen is a big help to her continued recovery and staying in front of the lymphoma. There is no doubt that she,

Serves well.

Update from Visit to Oncologist

All systems are a GO!!! How sweet it is. All the numbers are in the green and the CT was clean. I did learn that I had misunderstood the schedule. At two years out from the stem cell transplant we now go to a CT scan every four months rather than every three. It isn't until we get to the fourth year that we go to every six months. But, hey, who's complaining. Not me. Maryann is doing so well. She is going to Curves three days a week and the results are fantastic. I need to get off my dead ass and start exercising. God it is difficult to stop procrastinating.

Serve well!

The Rains Came Again

It is a gentle rain falling this AM. I have been composing/editing articles/essays for Things I Have Stumbled Across. It is a quiet morning. And since I have discovered Absolutely Smooth Jazz on Sky.fm I am absolutely enjoying my writing. The temperature has started to feel like fall.

I had a great time yesterday watching the progress of Julianne's flight from LA to NYC. These widgets are amazing. She started th flight about 20 minutes late and landed about 10 minutes early. What deal. From the info in her blog, she is having a great time. Business trips in the music/publishing industries have got to be the best. Can you imagine having to go to establishments to hear bands/groups perform?

I also took time to respond to Shannon's "test" posted on her blog Our World. It was fun.

I also took time to read David Brin's blog Contrary Brin. I find it very interesting and always thought provoking. I like what he has to say about moving from a discussion pitting the left against the right. It would be more productive to think in terms of past versus future.

This afternoon we get to visit Maryann's oncologist to get the report on the latest CT scan and the lab results. If all goes as well as we expect the next visit will be in six months rather than quarterly. That is a good sign, one I fully expect.

We started getting things ready to pack for our next trip. Next week it is off to Milwaukee to sttend the Retired MP Officers' annual reunion. We had such great time in Louisville last year we decided to do it again this year. After Milwaukee it is off to Pennsylvania to visit Maryann's mother. She is in a nursing facility now. Her dementia is getting "worse". I am not sure if she will even remember who we are. She is such a wonderful person.

After PA we take a weekend at the Biltmore Estates in Ashville, NC. We are looking forward to that trip. We should be back by early October.

Until then,

Serve well!

Learning the Protocols of Blogging

Apparently with blogging there are certain protocols that are helpful to follow. I have been learning these the hard way. I think I am getting a greater understanding of the process. I know that a web log is personal diary, much like the kinds some folks used to keep in a private, locked book. Because they were private, they gave the author the opportunity to vent whatever emotions being experienced. With that in mind, the author could write whatever was important.

With a blog it is also possible for a similar venting of emotions. Blogs usually invite comments from whomever happens upon the blog. However, I am puzzled. The comments can be positive and sometimes negative. I have even received one that was nothing more than a couple of symbols that led to a blog with a couple of similar symbols and a column of letters like an outline. There was nothing more. Very puzzling.

Ah well. Perhaps I will understand it more as I continue to particpate with my blogs.

I just need to remember to,

Serve well!

Labor Day is Here and the Kids Have Gone

When Julianne and David first told us of their intent to visit this Labor Day we were overjoyed. We knew the time would be short. And, it was. We asked if there was anything special they wanted to do. David had heard about Kansas City Bar-B-Q and steak and wanted to try some. Well our marching orders were set. As you already know from a previous posting we had some great BBQ at Gates the evening they arrived. One requirement met quite satisfactorily. The next time they come back we will try another BBQ restaurant.

Sunday we set aside for them to take a tour of historic Leavenworth and then take them to the Country Club Plaza. Julianne had been there many times, but David had not had that pleasure. We also planned it to spend some time at the Fairmont Plaza Lounge for a quiet drink before dinner. As we were heading to the Fairmont we stopped for a photo-op with the Churchills. The Fairmont also had a super jazz group-piano, bass, drums and guitar. It was wonderful, and they hadn't even asked about the jazz. David produces music CD's., (Check out the Lewis Taylor, Stoned CD. It received a high rating in the Kansas City Star this week.)

After that we went to Union Station for dinner at Pierponts. We didn't know it, but on Sunday evenings they have a special on wine. Any bottle purchased with dinner that is less than $50 you get a 50% discount. The menu was wonderful. More gourmet food. This is where we made good the desire for a KC steak. The steak I had was a small filet that was prepared to perfection. Diets were difficult to keep this weekend.

After a whirlwind trip the kids are on their way back to LA. I have been tracking them with a widget I have on the computer, thanks to David. We all had a great visit that was just too short. Sometimes that is the best kind. We look forward to future visits.

I am pleased to report that both Julianne and David,

Serve Well!

The Technology Gods Strike Again

The visit with Julianne and David is going very well. They spent yesterday in Lawrence so Julianne could show him around her alma mater, the University of Kansas. Other than it being a very warm day, they had a great time.

We spent the afternoon with some alumnae from Penn State watching their first game of the year. Penn State prevailed 23-13. We weren't able to stay to watch the last 10 minutes of the game. We had to travel from KC MO to Lawrence to have dinner with the kids. It was a very good dinner. Gourmet dinner says it all. Wonderful dishes with great accompanying wines.

Now what does this have to do with the technology gods? Absolutely nothing. But, since I had mentioned they were here for the weekend I thought it would be propitious to mention something about them being here before going on a diatribe or explanation of technology woes.

The newest addition to the technology family is the iMac G5 desktop. You saw that in a previous posting when I discussed the printing problems and pointed out the wireless server. (I still have the printing problems.) It was that magnificent machine sitting on the desk.

Anyway, yesterday I had been working on my two other blogs. (There are links to them at the right of this message. You are cordially invited to visit them.) So I got the links hooked up and things were going very well. I had to turn on the screen saver and go do other chores. When I came back to check email, I discovered that I could not get the screen to come back. Uh oh! What now. OK, let's reboot. The indicator light comes on and immediately goes off when I release the start button. Not to be beaten, I decide to unhook the power cable and try again. No luck. The same light on, light off scenario.

Well now, we are getting close to the time to go watch the PSU game with the gang, so I quit. I unplug the machine and figure I will have to get to it later. Later arrives this morning. Fortunately I have a back up. The faithful G4 powerbook to the rescue. It seems appropriate after trying one more time to plug in and boot up and getting the same results with the big guy, check out the Apple Customer Service web site.

Was that ever easy. With a few clicks of the mouse I am at a place where it tells me exactly what to do. So, once I get the towel and the screwdriver it is press on and follow instructions. Do the obligatory electrical connection test to insure the machine is getting power. Check, it is. That was both through the surge protector and directly into a functioning outlet. Check, still no start up. Next spread out the towel and lay the computer on it "face" down. Check. Next remove three little screws on the bottom of the machine and remove the back. Check and double check. Wow! The innards are very complicated. The green of the mother board is very lovely. Next see if a certain light is glowing. Check, it is. Next push on another button and see if it will start. Check, nothing happens. OK, now, push the button just below the first button to see if it will start. Check, nothing happens. OK, you have a major problem with the computer. Pack it up and take it to an authorized Apple repair place. OK. Baby is back in the box and ready for the trip to the shop on Tuesday.

I just love these machines. Yes!

Serve well!

Head Colds are a Bummer, but There is a Bright Side

The week has gone by rather swiftly. The Principles of Real Estate class ended last Sunday. We then prepared for the visit of our older daughter and her friend from LA. David hadn't visited us yet. One of his requests was to have some authentic KC Bar-B-Q. So, where else to take him, but Gates. Since their flight from LA arrived late around 8:20 PM we chose to go to the KCK restaurant. It was great. The ribs, and combo sandwiches were awesome and worth the trip. (Shannon-the company was delightful. Thanks for the comment.)

Now what the hell does all this have to do with a head cold? Well all week I have been getting that feeling in my head and throat that says, "I'm coming, and I will make you recognize me for a little while." So things were going very well with the visit and all. Although I did feel a little off during the review class in Topeka Friday afternoon.

We leave Topeka. Maryann goes with me on review days. She grades papers. I get to spend more time with her. She even gets lunch and most times dinner on those days. Good help does not come cheap.

We even had a rather special luncheon. I invited some friends to join us for lunch to discuss an idea that has been brewing for sometime in my head. (Perhaps that is what brought on all of the drainage.) Anyway, I use the terms to serve, to care and to share the love in your heart in my classes. It seemed appropriate to get together with folks who exemplify those very concepts and see what would develop. It was marvelous. The only downer was that two of the folks could not be there due to prior commitments. However, I anticipate they will be contributing some fantastic ideas. You will be able to follow along with the growth of the Serve Well group by checking out the link shown here in the sidebar.

Now back to the head cold. We get back to the house from the airport and dinner around ten or eleven. We have a piece of the Nutty Fudge Torte I baked Thursday. Then my body tells me it is time to get to bed. We watch some of the news from New Orleans. (My prayers go out to all of them. I'm sure you all are sending them your prayers and positive energy too.) It is now midnight and time to go to sleep. Here is where the head cold kicks in. At about 0315 hours or so. I wake up because my head is draining through my nose, I am having trouble breathing, nature is calling because the bladder needs draining. So, I get up but I can't get back to sleep due to the head cold.

Which brings me to here. I took the time to clean up the blogs and link them together. I also thought that when I am finished I can at least fall asleep in a more upright position in the recliner next to this computer. And that, dear friends, is where I am headed right now.

Serve well!