Lots happening in my life. First of all, yesterday Barb & I were actually re-married in the Catholic church. Father Tom presided and Dina & Michael were our able Maid of Honor and Best Man. It was kind of chilling to see that my wife apparently still loves me so much that she wanted to do this. She is my best friend. Observing were Grace, Dolly & John Imbrunone (and Sylvia), Michael's Mom, Toni Koop and his sister Mary Blackstock. Oh, Father Collins, visiting from Africa, also stood by Father Tom's side during the service. Observation, that morning when Barb came down I said to her "Happy Wedding Day" and she stopped and gave me the sweetest smile I've seen in awhile. Score one for Larry! After the ceremony, we went to Carrabas for dinner. Toni & Mary had other plans so they didn't come. We had a nice dinner and good company.
Michael is building a tool shed for Mary at the farm. I have been trying to help out but with my back, I've been limited to about 4 - 5 hours a day. This morning, my back absolutely refused to cooperate so I'm giving it a day off. Michael's still out there and I feel bad not being there to help somehow. Maybe tomorrow will be better. The tool shed is being built to last. We dug a 4 foot hole for the foundation and built it up with concrete block before back filling. Michael has a carpenter who rough framed the structure and a mason who did the concrete work. Now the base is being built up with stone work. In other words, we went out to the old rock walls and picked rocks of all shapes and sizes for build up the base to a height of about 4 feet. The mason did the first layer before he went on a 4 day Labor Day weekend and we've been continuing. He'll be surprised to see that he only has about another foot or so when he returns. Probably not happy either. The carpenter is a joke. Michael planned this with pressure treated lumber and come to find out, you need a special nail when you construct something using this lumber. Apparently the carpenter never knew that so we will have to re-nail everything as soon as the stone work is done and before the top layers of T 111 is nailed on. It'll be a cute structure.
Now that our "wedding" is done, we are waiting for Barb's niece Amber wedding day on the 9/19/09. Then we are free to go back to Florida. We'll lallygag our way back by stopping at the NFL Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio and possibly a quick visit to Pastor Mike & Judy in Hiawassee, Georgia. Barb hates to impose on anyone so I guess it'll be a quick visit. I just hope the hot dog days of summer are done in Florida when we return. With a little bit of luck.........
Today we're going to Angela's so that I can write down Byron's chili recipe. He claims that he just "throws it together" without measuring so I'll try to be a bit more accurate. I really love his chili! He usually serves it with his cornbread too which also is very good. Is Byron's better than David Fowler's? Well, just different.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Have to learn how to do this properly and other thoughts
This morning, I wanted to finish the post I began yesterday. I went looking for my saved draft and actually found it but I couldn't figure out how to continue writing it. I decided that perhaps I needed to post it and then edit it but that didn't work so now I have an unfinished post cluttering my page. Oh well, there's an unfinished picture of George Washington that is quite famous and after all, how many people are actually going to read my blog?
Today should be a kick back, lazy day for me. Dina & Michael took three of their grandchildren across the state to an amusement park. Barb is still trying to get over her sickness which had her in bed most of the day yesterday. I'm up in the air about giving my step-son Pete my laptop and replacing it with a new one. I don't mind doing it but my fear is that he'll never use it and also I'm a month away from Windows 7 coming out. I hear it's far superior to Vista. Heck, Windows 95 was superior to Vista. Well, maybe not.
Yesterday, I finally spoke with Jim Summerville, CPA who does Metro Club's annual Form 990. Since he complemented me on the shape of Metro's records, he's my new best friend. We had a nice chat about Metro Club and I was able to help him with the compliance section of his 990. Maybe he thinks I'm his best friend since I offered up some good ideas (in his words)that he never thought about. Nice to know I can still hold my own with active accountants.
I saw a tab where you can monetize your blogs by allowing an advertisement on your page. My guess is that you get paid for every different person reading your post. I wonder if I can set that up and then email everyone I know to read my blog just to see how many hits I can generate. If everyone I know sends it to the folks in their address book............. I'm not sure I want a lot of unknowns reading my thoughts anyway. After all, they might grab David Fowler's chili recipe!
Speaking of chili. My son-in-law, Byron makes the best chili that I've ever tasted. He claims he just throws stuff in but it's consistently good stuff. I have to sit and watch him do it like I did with Bud Kenyon's sausage gravy.
Today should be a kick back, lazy day for me. Dina & Michael took three of their grandchildren across the state to an amusement park. Barb is still trying to get over her sickness which had her in bed most of the day yesterday. I'm up in the air about giving my step-son Pete my laptop and replacing it with a new one. I don't mind doing it but my fear is that he'll never use it and also I'm a month away from Windows 7 coming out. I hear it's far superior to Vista. Heck, Windows 95 was superior to Vista. Well, maybe not.
Yesterday, I finally spoke with Jim Summerville, CPA who does Metro Club's annual Form 990. Since he complemented me on the shape of Metro's records, he's my new best friend. We had a nice chat about Metro Club and I was able to help him with the compliance section of his 990. Maybe he thinks I'm his best friend since I offered up some good ideas (in his words)that he never thought about. Nice to know I can still hold my own with active accountants.
I saw a tab where you can monetize your blogs by allowing an advertisement on your page. My guess is that you get paid for every different person reading your post. I wonder if I can set that up and then email everyone I know to read my blog just to see how many hits I can generate. If everyone I know sends it to the folks in their address book............. I'm not sure I want a lot of unknowns reading my thoughts anyway. After all, they might grab David Fowler's chili recipe!
Speaking of chili. My son-in-law, Byron makes the best chili that I've ever tasted. He claims he just throws stuff in but it's consistently good stuff. I have to sit and watch him do it like I did with Bud Kenyon's sausage gravy.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
A great day
Monday, Dina & Michael took Barb & I to watch the Tigers/Rays game at Comerica Park. The ride down was interesting because #1 Michael drove (Dina drives 99% of the time) and #2 he drove straight down Woodward Avenue to the ballpark. Woodward Avenue runs from Pontiac to Detroit. It encompasses some of the richest real estate in the area but also some of the worst as well. It's disheartening to see beautiful old churches boarded up in the ghetto areas.
Our first surprise was the great seats that they got for us. They were in the Tigers Den which are behind homeplate and are wide, wooden chairs with a cushion and a little table between two seats. Must be how rich people watch baseball! A waiter kept coming by to see if we needed anything. The odd thing was his prices were the same as the concession stands and much quicker service. (no lines to stand in between innings)
Our second surprise was that son-in-law Byron came to the game with a woman he works with and he was sitting, in the Tigers Den just two rows in front of us. Temporarily at least - apparently the real owners
Our first surprise was the great seats that they got for us. They were in the Tigers Den which are behind homeplate and are wide, wooden chairs with a cushion and a little table between two seats. Must be how rich people watch baseball! A waiter kept coming by to see if we needed anything. The odd thing was his prices were the same as the concession stands and much quicker service. (no lines to stand in between innings)
Our second surprise was that son-in-law Byron came to the game with a woman he works with and he was sitting, in the Tigers Den just two rows in front of us. Temporarily at least - apparently the real owners
Monday, August 31, 2009
Monday morning
Mondays are good and bad for a retired guy. Monday morning means the weekly stepping onto the scale. This morning I find that despite the day in Pinconning and the day off to the casinos, I lost a pound and now weigh 232. I like to weigh 218 so I have some serious weight to lose. Why can't I get motivated to exercise more? It would be easy to run out to the gym - but I don't. I could walk around the neighborhood listening to my ipod - but I don't. Maybe back in Florida I will walk the golf course more?
Monday also means I get to feel guilty for not calling Mom over the weekend. I called a few days ago but I need to make it a twice the week deal at least. Maybe later this morning.
Monday means Peter King's "Monday Morning Quarterback". It arrives in email form with a link to SI. Oh it's arrived - more later.
Monday also means I get to feel guilty for not calling Mom over the weekend. I called a few days ago but I need to make it a twice the week deal at least. Maybe later this morning.
Monday means Peter King's "Monday Morning Quarterback". It arrives in email form with a link to SI. Oh it's arrived - more later.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
A good day ruined
Today, Barb & I went with Dina and Angela to two casino's located in the western part of lower Michigan. We seem to be fixated on hitting every Michigan Indian casino this summer. We have only missed two and they're both in Detroit.
We took Dina's car and it was a very long drive. We went first to Four Winds which is located on exit 1 of I 94. In other words one mile from the Illinois border near Chicago. It was a nice place and although we all lost a bit, we had a good time. Poor Dina took it on the chin and dumped a tidy sum which I won't reveal. We all felt bad for her though and that was just the beginning of her bad news for the day.
We then drove east back to Battlecreek and the new casino Firekeepers. It is a nice place where Angela managed to hit a small jackpot and actually walked out with $170 bucks more than she walked in with. I had been up but didn't know when to quit and I ended up losing about $75 for the day. Since it was Dina's gas and the casino comped my lunch I didn't feel real bad for myself. Barb lost a little bit and Dina continued her losing ways and her doldrums continued. I knew that once we got going and began joking around a little that our spirits would get better so I decided to read my sporting news magazine for awhile. All the sudden I heard Dina say "Oh, no". I looked up and saw a state police vehicle taking our "picture' with radar and sure enough he pulls us over and gives Dina a ticket for speeding. Poor Dina she was feeling down and now this. Nice way to cap off what was a bad day for her.
There was rain in western Michigan but a beautiful day back in Waterford. Tomorrow Dina & Michael are taking Barb & I to Tigers stadium to watch them play the Rays. Should I wear my Tigers shirt or my Rays stuff? Ordinarily I would wear the Rays gear but since they traded away Scot Kazmir, I feel like they've already given up on the season while the Tigers are still in the thick of it all. Hmmm decisions, decisions.
We took Dina's car and it was a very long drive. We went first to Four Winds which is located on exit 1 of I 94. In other words one mile from the Illinois border near Chicago. It was a nice place and although we all lost a bit, we had a good time. Poor Dina took it on the chin and dumped a tidy sum which I won't reveal. We all felt bad for her though and that was just the beginning of her bad news for the day.
We then drove east back to Battlecreek and the new casino Firekeepers. It is a nice place where Angela managed to hit a small jackpot and actually walked out with $170 bucks more than she walked in with. I had been up but didn't know when to quit and I ended up losing about $75 for the day. Since it was Dina's gas and the casino comped my lunch I didn't feel real bad for myself. Barb lost a little bit and Dina continued her losing ways and her doldrums continued. I knew that once we got going and began joking around a little that our spirits would get better so I decided to read my sporting news magazine for awhile. All the sudden I heard Dina say "Oh, no". I looked up and saw a state police vehicle taking our "picture' with radar and sure enough he pulls us over and gives Dina a ticket for speeding. Poor Dina she was feeling down and now this. Nice way to cap off what was a bad day for her.
There was rain in western Michigan but a beautiful day back in Waterford. Tomorrow Dina & Michael are taking Barb & I to Tigers stadium to watch them play the Rays. Should I wear my Tigers shirt or my Rays stuff? Ordinarily I would wear the Rays gear but since they traded away Scot Kazmir, I feel like they've already given up on the season while the Tigers are still in the thick of it all. Hmmm decisions, decisions.
Friday, August 28, 2009
It's been awhile
Recently, my beloved daughter, Patti Anne began her own blog and I felt a bit ashamed of dropping my own blog waaaaaaaaaay back when. I hope to resurrect it with this first post.
Currently, Barb & I remain in Michigan. We arrived in early July and it is now late August. Several reasons why:
1. Florida summers are hot and miserable.
2. We promised Barb's niece, Amber that we attend her wedding. (I wish she made it earlier)
3. Barb & I will have Father Tom at St Ben's bless our marriage in a ceremony to coincide with our 30th anniversary. Wow, 30 years!
If I go back to last December, we have spent 7 of 9 months here. A month in December where we celebrated Christmas and then I worked on Metro Club. We left in January to go home when our burglary took place but returned just after the first of February to help Dina & Michael with their tax business. We went home in mid-May for 6 weeks and then returned. I think we are more comfortable in Michigan than Florida. At least more comfortable than living in Ft Pierce. I believe it's time to bite the bullet and sell out in Ft Pierce. I'd like to get a small apartment in Michigan where we would be on our own but still close to family. I would be closer to drive to Albany as well. I'd like to be able to spend more time with Patti Anne so that Alice will be more comfortable with me. She is such a little cutie.
Today is an icky, rainy day good for reading and net surfing only. I am still trying to diet but feel that the current one is not really good for losing weight. It used to be so easy to drop 10 - 15 lbs. now it's murder. I think exercise is the answer but my back is not allowing much of that. I may have to try Atkins, Weight Watchers or that stupid cabbage soup diet. I am really sick of diets though. I haven't had a beer in two weeks or better and football season is coming up soon. What to do? What to do?
I have to set a goal of calling my mother more often. I called her several times and left messages at least 4 times but finally got through to her yesterday. We spoke for 28 minutes. I am sad that I can let a couple of weeks go by without making a concerted effort to call her, I have to do better than that.
Currently, Barb & I remain in Michigan. We arrived in early July and it is now late August. Several reasons why:
1. Florida summers are hot and miserable.
2. We promised Barb's niece, Amber that we attend her wedding. (I wish she made it earlier)
3. Barb & I will have Father Tom at St Ben's bless our marriage in a ceremony to coincide with our 30th anniversary. Wow, 30 years!
If I go back to last December, we have spent 7 of 9 months here. A month in December where we celebrated Christmas and then I worked on Metro Club. We left in January to go home when our burglary took place but returned just after the first of February to help Dina & Michael with their tax business. We went home in mid-May for 6 weeks and then returned. I think we are more comfortable in Michigan than Florida. At least more comfortable than living in Ft Pierce. I believe it's time to bite the bullet and sell out in Ft Pierce. I'd like to get a small apartment in Michigan where we would be on our own but still close to family. I would be closer to drive to Albany as well. I'd like to be able to spend more time with Patti Anne so that Alice will be more comfortable with me. She is such a little cutie.
Today is an icky, rainy day good for reading and net surfing only. I am still trying to diet but feel that the current one is not really good for losing weight. It used to be so easy to drop 10 - 15 lbs. now it's murder. I think exercise is the answer but my back is not allowing much of that. I may have to try Atkins, Weight Watchers or that stupid cabbage soup diet. I am really sick of diets though. I haven't had a beer in two weeks or better and football season is coming up soon. What to do? What to do?
I have to set a goal of calling my mother more often. I called her several times and left messages at least 4 times but finally got through to her yesterday. We spoke for 28 minutes. I am sad that I can let a couple of weeks go by without making a concerted effort to call her, I have to do better than that.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
9 Holes of Golf today
This is week 2 of the golf league but week 1 for me. Last week I had a funky feeling in my chest and decided it wasn't really worth it to try playing. Turns out I was OK but I don't like to push the issue. Today I woke with very little back pain and felt really good. Last night we were to go to dinner with Judy & Ed and others but as luck would have it, I become nauseous an hour and a 1/2 before we were to leave so we canceled out.
I shot a lousy 39 but not bad considering the lack of play I've had. Took 4 1/2 points. My opponent started slow but finished well. I had a 6 and a 4 the last two holes and lost the match by 1! I stopped at the 19th hole with Norm afterwords. I stayed only long enough to say hi and drink a beer with the guys. I must have left 6 - 7 beers that were bought for me. I guess the guys were happy when I left - more for them. LOL
Lots of things happened this week. I had SPRC issues to deal with, a discussion with Joey Sweat, our youth Pastor. I like Joey he just seems to have his head up his butt in the worse times. Computer work to transfer the sheets for the Golf league to Mike Giglio. Mike was funny, he thought I might want to keep doing the computer work and let him and Ed run the league. Gee I can do all the work if I want. Not.
Now I have the Church Profile to finish by Tuesday. A lot of detail that I don't have. I have to remember to schedule a an appointment with Pastor Mike on Monday. Probably will need Jan Everette too.
We spoke with Dennis Berg this afternoon. He is in Clyde, North Carolina now. I told him to send me his tax info. I have comped tax work for him for 9 - 10 years now - no sense stopping now that I can't use his home for a hurricane shelter. All that tax work and we used his house 1 night! What a deal......for Dennis. He is having a lot of problems with his health. His cancer seems to be stabilized but he's been having other difficulties. Poor guy! Poor Helen. She's had pure misery taking care of him for the past two years! She's buried a husband, her brother and a son. If we thought they were odd when we met them 27 years ago when Dennis was 32 and Helen was 54 imagine now when Dennis is 59 and Helen 82! I remember Dennis introducing him and Helen as "the odd couple".
We went to the Riverside Theatre this week to see the stage play - The Boyfriend. A musical that was a lot of fun. Judy's neighbors, Ron & Suzy went along. We went first to The Patio for dinner where I managed to score an end cut Prime Rib. I think Barb's inside cut was better. Oh well, once in a while I get a fabulous piece of meat sometimes not. The show made it worth while.
Today I spoke with Bev & Janet. They are in California visiting Lisa. I forgot to ask about Aunt Marge. Chances are they didn't contact her. Unfortunately, She can be difficult but Barb & I like her a lot and Bud too. Bev is having anxiety about her house here. She'll practically give it away to get out of the monthly costs. Unfortunately she has to have someone want it. It should sell. Today a lady called to see if she could rent it for $700 or 800 a month. What to do? Get a few bucks to help pay the bills or try to sell and get out from under. If someone wants it they may not take it with a renter in place.
I'll have to finish this tomorrow with another post. The Patriots and the Jaguars game is on. Go Jags!
I shot a lousy 39 but not bad considering the lack of play I've had. Took 4 1/2 points. My opponent started slow but finished well. I had a 6 and a 4 the last two holes and lost the match by 1! I stopped at the 19th hole with Norm afterwords. I stayed only long enough to say hi and drink a beer with the guys. I must have left 6 - 7 beers that were bought for me. I guess the guys were happy when I left - more for them. LOL
Lots of things happened this week. I had SPRC issues to deal with, a discussion with Joey Sweat, our youth Pastor. I like Joey he just seems to have his head up his butt in the worse times. Computer work to transfer the sheets for the Golf league to Mike Giglio. Mike was funny, he thought I might want to keep doing the computer work and let him and Ed run the league. Gee I can do all the work if I want. Not.
Now I have the Church Profile to finish by Tuesday. A lot of detail that I don't have. I have to remember to schedule a an appointment with Pastor Mike on Monday. Probably will need Jan Everette too.
We spoke with Dennis Berg this afternoon. He is in Clyde, North Carolina now. I told him to send me his tax info. I have comped tax work for him for 9 - 10 years now - no sense stopping now that I can't use his home for a hurricane shelter. All that tax work and we used his house 1 night! What a deal......for Dennis. He is having a lot of problems with his health. His cancer seems to be stabilized but he's been having other difficulties. Poor guy! Poor Helen. She's had pure misery taking care of him for the past two years! She's buried a husband, her brother and a son. If we thought they were odd when we met them 27 years ago when Dennis was 32 and Helen was 54 imagine now when Dennis is 59 and Helen 82! I remember Dennis introducing him and Helen as "the odd couple".
We went to the Riverside Theatre this week to see the stage play - The Boyfriend. A musical that was a lot of fun. Judy's neighbors, Ron & Suzy went along. We went first to The Patio for dinner where I managed to score an end cut Prime Rib. I think Barb's inside cut was better. Oh well, once in a while I get a fabulous piece of meat sometimes not. The show made it worth while.
Today I spoke with Bev & Janet. They are in California visiting Lisa. I forgot to ask about Aunt Marge. Chances are they didn't contact her. Unfortunately, She can be difficult but Barb & I like her a lot and Bud too. Bev is having anxiety about her house here. She'll practically give it away to get out of the monthly costs. Unfortunately she has to have someone want it. It should sell. Today a lady called to see if she could rent it for $700 or 800 a month. What to do? Get a few bucks to help pay the bills or try to sell and get out from under. If someone wants it they may not take it with a renter in place.
I'll have to finish this tomorrow with another post. The Patriots and the Jaguars game is on. Go Jags!
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