The Best Gift of All

Merry Christmas and a Happy New year to everyone.

Christmas has passed for another year, and I was thinking about all the gifts both given and received over the years.  All the toys and clothes and books.  All of the electronic things from cassette players to camera to computers and tvs.  Dolls and legos and trucks and "things for the house".  The silly stuff you don't need, and the things you hold near and dear.  All the boxes and paper and bows.  There are many wonderful gifts from throughout the years, but I think I have finally realized the best gift of all.

I have decided that the best Christmas gift that I ever gift is just spending time with friends and relatives.  I look back through my life and the things I remember probably more than the shopping and the gifts are the times spent with the relatives.  Going to my aunt's or grandparents house when I was a kid.  Having people over to the Misses and my place after we got married.  I think I have finally realized that the getting together with people is much better than stuff.

I wish that I would have learned this sooner, because as we get older, we lose people.  Parents, aunt and uncles, friends move on or pass away.  It is always sad when those we love are no longer with us, and it always seems rougher around the holidays.  You know, once they're gone, they are gone. 

So I try to spend as much time as I can with he family as I can.  The kids are home from school so that is nice (who knows how much longer that will happen!), and grammas in from Florida (a great sacrifice for her during this time of the year).  We don't really do too much, but just being together is nice.

Looking back I should have spent more time with the people and been less concerned with the stuff.  In the hurry up right now get it done world we live in, I find that I would prefer just to spend my time with my family and friends.  You just never know when the chance will come up again.

I'm Back....

I am back.  Reenergized, revitalized, rejuvenated.  So what's on my mind today.......

Recently I've been reading about these walls and blackboards popping up letting people kind of list or write what they would like to do before they die.  Since I guess I'm heading into the fourth quarter of life here (if I'm not there already!), I decided to think about what I'd like to do before the end comes....

As I think I've stated before, I do like to travel.  And I really have no desire to leave the country, although the Misses may have something to say about that.  The family and I have been all over the country, but there are still a few places I'd like to see.  I would like to see New York City.  Think it would be interesting.  I'd like to see the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.  I like museums and historic stuff, so I'd like to spend weeks at the Smithsonian in DC.  Think it would be very interesting.  I'd like to see a glacier before its too late.  I have really enjoyed the southwest US and would like to go back sometime.  And it would be real nice to get back to the northwest one more time.

I'd like to get to retirement so I can do absolutely nothing if I feel like it.  Read a book, walk in the woods, go for a swim, whatever.  Sometimes I just like to sit and watch the world go by.  Wouldn't mind just having some time to just sit.  Everything goes right were looking at six years, two months, three weeks and two days.....not that I'm counting or anything.....

Finally, I'd like to be around long enough to see the kids get graduated from college and kind of get settled into their lives, whatever that may be.  Don't know exactly what the future will hold for them, but I would like to at least see them settled in and started down the roads of their lives.

So that's about it.  Don't really need anymore stuff.  And if I'm not able to do any of this stuff, well I've been awful lucky and blessed as it is.  Can't wait to find out what the future holds.......

Random Rumblings of a Middle Aged White Guy: That's Home......

Random Rumblings of a Middle Aged White Guy: That's Home......: I was thinking recently that I have lived nearly my entire life within about 20 minutes of the same place.  Although I was born in the state...

That's Home......

I was thinking recently that I have lived nearly my entire life within about 20 minutes of the same place.  Although I was born in the state of Washington, I have always lived here in the Milwaukee area, and for a good portion of it no more than 10 minutes from one place to the next.  So I decided to take a little trip down memory lane.....

This is 2115 S. 68th street in West Allis.  Mom says I lived here.  I have no memory of the place.  None.

My first memories of my entire life are from here, 3270 S.98th Street, in Milwaukee.  This is where I had my growin' up years.  We had great neighbors--Tony and Isabelle, The Bauers, the Thomasers, all my childhood friends, like Henry and Barry and David.  My grandparents lived about 10 minutes away.  I walked to grade school, rode my bike all over town.  It was a great place and time to live in this neighborhood.  Everyone seemed to watch out for everyone.  I lived here until about 1973, when I was in 7th grade, and we moved to....




 
 




7000 W Plainfield, in Greenfield.   It's hard moving when you're in your middle school/high school years, and I was no different.  But we made new friends like the Champagnes and the Wehrs and things weren't bad.  So this is where I spent my high school days and was the mailing address of record when I was away to college in Oshkosh.  I also lived here after graduation for awhile.  This is about 10 or 12 minutes from the house on 98th.  Must have lived here until '84, when I moved about 5 minutes away to....

 

3660 W. Loomis.  Don't remember too much about this place except that I could walk to the golf course for a little pitch and putt, and that it was close to the freeway.  Never knew any of the other tenants there.  I was on the second floor.  First and only time I ever lived alone.  Oh, and I got engaged...which led to.....

The first placed I lived with the Misses.  American Colony (this is the back door, the one we used most of the time). Not even 5 minutes from my place on Loomis.    Big apartment complex, 2 bedroom and 2 bathrooms.  It had a big pool.  I was in it once I think  Not a bad place to start out, but after a year they wanted to raise the rent.  Didn't sit well with us, so for the first time in my memory I moved north of Oklahoma to....

1631 N. 57th Street.  We had the lower, with the landlords--the Coopers---living upstairs.  That is, when they were around, which really wasn't that often.  The Jahn's were the neighbors to the south, and they were great.  We enjoyed living there, were close to things, it was a nice situation.  This is where the Misses and I really started getting on our feet.  So much so, that it was time to buy our own place.  Since Cath was teaching in Milwaukee, we had to live ....so back to the south side and our first house, at

2911 S. 45th street.  This was a real nice starter home for us.  I was basically back in my "neighborhood".  It was easy to get to places.  We put a lot of work into the place, and I truly enjoyed our time there.  My children were born here.  We didn't really know a lot of the neighbors--except for George and Isabelle (again!) and the Ciganceks, but everyone was friendly. Soon Cath had left MPS, and although the kids were less than 2 yrs old, we were already thinking about their schooling.  I really didn't want to be moving them once they started school, so we decided to start looking for a different place.  One day in the mail came 3 different ads from realtors, so after one told us the price she could get for our place, I told her if she could get that for this house to sell it.  Thee days later it was gone.  After a lot of looking and a couple of months of our buyers not being able to sell their place, we got lucky and moved to....

...Rolling Ridge in Menomonee Falls.  When I think of all the places we looked and all the places we could have ended up I am amazed this is where we landed.  It was a brand new subdivision with lots of young families, plenty of kids to play with and neighbors to hang out with.  The schools were great for the kids in every way.  It's typical suburban living, and I feel fortunate to have had it.  The neighborhood has started to change over again, and we are seeing a lot of kids around here again.  Kind of makes me nostalgic.  I've been here almost twenty years now, the longest I've ever been in one house.

 

So these have been "my home".  I have really been very lucky to have nice, safe places to live.  I have memories from most all of them, some better than others.  I said when I moved into the present place  that I'd be moving out feet first.  When the kids went off to college, I told the Misses we had to "lighten the load" for our next move.  Is there going to be another?  You never can tell.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

Things I'm Missin'

Was thinking about things that have changed over my 50 some odd years here....

I miss Popeye and Road Runner cartoons.  Somebody must have decided they are too violent.  A lot of the old cartoons are gone.  Guess they weren't politically correct.

I miss pre free agent baseball.  Andy Messerschmidt and Dave McNally are not friends of mine.  Players stayed pretty much with the same team their entire career if they were any good.  Al Kaline was a Tiger.  Willie Mays was a Giant.  Mickey Mantle was a Yankee.  You knew who was playing on every team.  Owners got rich.  Players still made more money than most everyone else.  Games were more affordable for folks to attend.  Things were simpler......

I miss the days before the proliferation of cell phones.  Who the hell are we talking to all the time?  What is so important?  What did we do before we had them?  We can carry around the knowledge of the world in our pockets.  We IM and text and snapchat and what not.  Not near as much face to face conversations as there used to be, I notice....

I miss the little mom and pop stores and restaurants and what not.  Economy of scale I suppose.  Trying to be everything to everyone, make more money for the shareholders.  The big got bigger, the little went away.  Oh well...

I miss Michelob Classic Dark.  Really enjoyed that.

I miss my grandparents.  Never really knew them on my mom's side, but I miss them from my dad's side.  Gramma's baked potatoes, quarter for a lost tooth, playing cards, all kinds of good memories.  Miss them.

I miss all the friends that have come and gone over the years.  People from childhood and college and old neighbors and the workplace who have passed through my life.  Once in awhile they show up again.  Suppose I could make an effort to track them down, probably should. We'll see.....

I miss my Dad.

I miss my kids from when they were kids.  Boy I had some fun.  I got to be a kid again.  What a wonderful time I had.  Now I get to miss them when they are gone. 

There are plenty of other things that I miss, but time moves on.  There is also plenty that I don't miss, so I suppose things have a way of evening out.  Enjoy the people and things you enjoy while you can, because you never know when they will be gone.....

This and That

A few things on my mind....

Shame to see those wild fires out in Yosemite.  I have been there on a family vacation, and the place truly is a sight to be seen.  I remember the family heading  out early one morning for a daylong hike to see the Giant Sequoias.  They are majestic.  Hope they are able to get the fires put out without too much more damage.

The Harley's are coming....or are already here!  It's the 110th birthday party, and they are rolling out the red carpet here in southeastern Wisconsin.  There are highway signs pointing out different attractions, big doings on the Summerfest grounds, and the city is spending time and resources cleaning up the Third Ward--sweeping streets, fixing roads, picking garbage.  Seems to me they should be doing this all the time.  Some folks are unhappy with the distractions and inconveniences, but I look at the economic impact and am glad to have the visitors.  And they'll be gone in a week anyways.

It's back to school time. Every years the kids go back to schools and the Misses goes back to work.  I watch the neighborhood population decrease as kids head off to college.  I know there are many folks who look forward to having their kids back to school, but it's always kind of a sad time for me. Not only is summertime just about done, but it always means the kids are getting older.  I have always liked having my kids around, and I miss them when they are not here. Time marches on.

Of course, this means the NFL season is upon us, and that means Packer football around here.  And for many, if not most, fantasy football as well.  I've played for years, either having a team of my own, or sharing a team with a neighbor.  This year, I am out!  I did this a few years ago before being drawn back in, and am looking forward to not worrying about a yard here or an extra point there or who the third string tight end for the Browns is.  I won't worry about lineups when I'm out of town, and won't be concerned about some guy from Tampa Bays knee injury.  I will probably miss it dearly.

Finally, we have come to the end of an era.  The Misses and I have decided there will be no Chuckapalooza this year.  We've been having our little get together for 20 years, but have decided to take a break.  We need to get the darling daughter back to college, and the getting ready  has become more of an effort than I care to put up with.  We have had more fun over the years than I can put into words.  Gone through hundreds of brats and burgers, pounds of slaw and spuds, and many of gallons of beer.  It has been great having neighbors and friends and relatives over, and the memories I will cherish forever.  But doing it every year has finally become a chore, and when it becomes work then that's enough. I am pretty sure that this is not the last Chuckapalooza though. After all, we have a bunch of new neighbors who have never had the chance to experience this great event, and I am sure old friends will miss it as well.  So, make your plans now for 2014, we'll see you here on the Sunday before Labor Day,,,,,sooner as well I hope!

One Last Ride

In a couple of hours the Misses and I will pile into the car and take our little boy to St. Louis for his final year of college.  It doesn't seem that this is possible.  It isn't that long ago that he was being Elmo for Halloween,  learning to ride his bicycle, or starting kindergarten, or being a cub scout, or finishing middle school, or learning to drive, or graduating high school.  It can't be three years ago that we first moved him into Greis, with that kid who's name I have no idea what is.  There is absolutely no way that he will soon be finishing college, can he?

It really is amazing to me how fast these years have passed.  I still really have no idea how Stewart choose SLU.  We looked at a number of state schools, some smaller schools out of state, and some big public universities.  St. Louis has really been a great fit for Stew.  He has some wonderful (and interesting) friends and classmates.  He has done very well in the classroom, and has traveled all over the place running track.  Don't see how things could have worked out any better anywhere else.

Stew is ready to go back.  His friends are in St. Louis for the most part now.  For all I know, so is his future.  I dearly miss him when he isn't here, but have finally come to peace with it.  I have decided that I shouldn't be sad that he is gone, instead being happy that I had the eighteen or so years with him here all the time.  There is no way that I would have experienced all that I have if Stew and his sister hadn't come along.   It has been a pleasure.  I am excited for him and his future, and look forward to seeing where things lead him.   I wish him all good luck, because he will need it.  I am damn proud to be his father, and he has made it easy.  Thanks for everything son, thanks.

Wisconsin State Fair

So yesterday I went to the state fair with the Mrs. and the daughter.  We had a nice time, but it got me to thinking that I really have a lot of history with the place. 

I have vague memories of going to the fair with my family when I was a kid.  I can remember being in one of the old horse barns reading all the names of the horses (or having them read to me), and I remember some kind of acrobats performing in the mall area on these all sway poles, and I remember the old coliseum, a dusty old musty building that stood about where the present day building is.  It was white and hot and you sat on folding chairs.  It had character.  I am pretty sure it came down in 1971-2.  I remember seeing Kenny Rogers and the First Edition in 1968 I believe it was, they wore shinny silver outfits.  Ol' Kenny and I go way back. I remember shaking hands (more than once) with Senator Proxmire at the Flower building.   I also remember going to the auto races with my Dad in the 60's and 70's.  He knew Ted Lake who was the flagman, so we always had nice seats.

I believe it was in 1972 when I was first turned loose at the fair on my own.  I mean totally alone--dropped off, and then walking the 18 blocks to my grandparents house to spend the night.  It must have been cheap, because I know I couldn't have had much money.  I remember looking at the animals, eating a sidewalk sundae (still a favorite), and watching some veil dance at the brand new International Amphitheater.  It was quite an adventure for an 11 year old, but I remember a lot of it like it was yesterday. 

And then in 1979 I got a job  at the fair park working in the building and grounds department.  And not just for the fair,  but the entire summer.  There were Western Days, horse shows, rummage o rama, auto races, all kinds of stuff going on.  I learned how to drive standard transmission, tractors, fork lifts, how to fix small engines, build stages, the difference between hay and straw, and how to drink lots of beer.  I worked there for 5 years during the summers while I was in college, and also spring and winter breaks.  It didn't pay much, but I was glad to have it.

I met lots of interesting people while I worked at the fair.  The grounds department was mostly the 10 or so full time people, school teachers and students.  And it seemed like most of the people were related, either somebodies kid or cousin or brother or sister.  I know I got my younger sister in, and Mom worked for fat Eddie one summer (I had nothing to do with that), and the Mrs. even spent a summer in a information booth.  She loved it (ha). 

I had lots of good times taking my kids to the fair when they were young.  They got to experience many of the same things that I remembered doing, and it always made me happy being there with them.   I remember them doing all the activities on children's day, making stuff in the Youth Expo and the DNR area, eating corn and what not.  And of course checking out all the animals!  Nothing but good memories there....

....but much of the fair park is just memories for me now.  I'm old enough to remember the old buildings like the Youth Building and the Women's Building and the old exhibit halls.  I remember the Pine Hut, and the Ag Products building.  I remember the old grandstand and all the character it had.  And the old swine barn and Mexican Village.  I remember before all the food stands were permanent buildings and were mostly trailers and tents.  I remember the Lutheran Diner and the Red Circle Inn and the Tavern on the Mall (great turkey legs).  I remember the cow with the plastic hole in its side so you could see the digestion and the smell.  I remember the midway being on the southwest corner of the grounds and the sideshows they had, and the carnies.  It seems like there were more things to do at the fair back then.  I realize time moves on, but I miss the old stuff.

I always say have fun at the fair, and I mean it, and I do have fun.  And I always say I love the fair, and I really do.  So many memories with family and friends, and making new ones every year.  And so many stories, but they will have to wait for a latter time......

Odds and Ends

Well we've come to the end of July, the summer months just a flyin' by.  Seems the nice weather months go so much quicker, or maybe there are just more of the cruddy months.  Anyhow, a couple of things on my mind.....

It's been about 10 days or so now since Braun has been suspended by MLB.  Seemed like a good guy, turns out he's a pretty good actor.  And a liar.  And a cheat.  Who knows what he admitted to, or how long he did it, but whatever.  I guess everybody has their price----wonder what mine (and yours is).

But who cares about the baseball season around here anymore?  Packer practice has started!!!  Lead stories on the news, front page stories, the newspaper packed full of articles on our Packers.  Nothing but feel good stories all around.  All is right with the world....I'm sure hopes are high all over the football world, but it is a little different around here with all the owners all over the place.  So if "we" can avoid injuries and everyone performs up to their capabilities, "we" could be in for a very good year.  Here's hoping....

And here's hoping folks can stop shooting each other.  Geez, first thing every morning we get the reports of the over night shootings.  And it is worse---much in other parts of the country.  It is really sad to see these reports everyday.  Somebody needs to get this figured out....

We're going to have the kids around for a little while this summer together!  Looking forward to spending a little time together as a family.  You never know when these times will come further and further apart.  Besides the fact they are over half way done with college, they are both 6 hours away and have their own agendas.  The time is fast approaching when they will be making long term decisions about their futures.  Who knows what awaits.....

Finally, we are on the eve of the Wisconsin State Fair.  I love the state fair.  Besides all the wonderful memories with family and friends, I have so many great memories of my time working there.  Wonder what happened to all those people I worked with all those years ago.  Then again, not real sure I really want to know....Looking forward to seeing old friends again at the fair this year, that is always a treat.  Of course the end of the fair pretty much means the end of summer, so although I always look forward to it, I'm not always wild about what follows.  Part of the deal I guess....

Til next time.....

Road Trip 2013---10th (and last) day

Well this is going to do it.  Last day of our trip.  We took a little 10 mile bike ride around and through the Nicolet Forest.  It had its up and downs, but neither the Mrs or myself fell or are too much worse for wear.  We'll see how we feel tomorrow.  We spent a little time walking around Fish Creek, then decided to head home.

Of course, we are never able to just drive home, so we stopped at Curley's Pub for some lunch.  And you can't really pass through Green Bay without stopping at the shrine.  Good meal and service, wonderful atmosphere.  They must always have people there.

One last stop on the trip for old times sake, so it was off to Oshkosh for root beer and ice cream at Ardy's & Ed's.  Place has always been there as far as I know, so it's kind of a touchstone for us.

So that's it.  2871 miles, 9 states, 10 days.  Saw a lot of things, met some interesting people, had just a wonderful time.  This is the first time that we have really traveled without the kids, and I must say it is different.   I' not saying it's better, but we'll be getting used to it.  And although our trip is done, our summer certainly isn't.  We have concerts to go to, and county fairs.  And of course the State Fair will be here in just a couple of weeks.  We have a couple of ballgames to get to, and the kids will both be home for a couple of short visits.  All this, plus the usual shenanigans with the neighbors will keep us busy for the next couple of months I am sure.  It's been fun, and we're fortunate to be able to do it.  

The Ninth Day of the Road Trip

So we stayed at home last night.  Saw a few neighbors, and when we told them we were still on our trip they kind of laughed but they know us so weren't really surprised.  We took the car rental back and headed north towards Door County.  Took the freeway to Manitowoc, had a little lunch, then kept going along the coast.  We hit all the small towns--Two Rivers, Algoma and such.  We finally reached the peninsula and hit the towns like Egg Harbor, Ephram, Fish Creek.  Quite the difference from the hustle and bustle of Nashville and Indianapolis---especially on a Monday.

We took a room at The Settlement.  An old fashion motel lodge kind of a place.  Huge room, fridge, sofa, just like the olden days.  They said heated pool, but I was suspicious.  Figured it was heated by the sun.  Wrong---whole outdoor pool just to ourselves.  Very relaxing.  We went into Egg Harbor and had a nice meal, and then walked down to the  waters edge and watched the sunset.  Just a real laid back day. 

I need to tell a quick story here....The Mrs. was driving, and we were listening to some radio station from Sturgeon Bay.  An ad comes on, and the guy says "Hi, this is Graham Harrell, quarterback of the Green Bay Packers".  The Mrs. says "What?  Who is this guy?  He isn't the quarterback of the Packers.  Aaron Rodgers is".    Laughing like a crazy man......

Well we are just about set to wrap this thing up.  Gonna spend some time here in Door County tomorrow,  then head for home.  We'll see what else we can come up with, then it'll back to reality---well kinda.....

Road Trip---Day 8

Beautiful day in Indianapolis today.  Just great.  We had our breakfast at the hotel and headed over to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame and Museum.  We took the lap ride around the track in the bus and the museum tour, but passed on the infield, gasoline alley, scorers table etc. part of the tour.  The lap was real interesting, saw the movie in the museum, then took some time to lok at the cars they have on display there.  I thought it was real interesting.  Even the Mrs. liked it.

Next we headed over to President Benjamin Harrison's home.  Not difficult to find, but we couldn't decide if we wanted to pop for the tour or not.  It's just his home, and how many of these places do you need to see?  Well, we finally decided to go, and I sure am glad we did.  Many original pieces of furniture and pictures and the like, and our tour guide was excellent.  I learned a lot about B. Harrison's presidency, and also some about his personal life.  It was very interesting.  Made a half hearted attempt to find his grave site, but the signage is kind of lacking so we decided to hit the road. 

We had lunch in Danville, Indiana at a place called Mayberry.  Yup, you guessed it, an Andy Griffen themed restaurant.  The food was real good, the people were awful nice, and they played Ang shows the whole time we were there.  A fun stop.

Off to covered bridge land!  Kind of headed cross country to see what we could see.  Lots of corn.  And I thought a lot of motorcycles.  The scenery was nice, it was a good day for a ride out in the country.  We found one covered bridge (maps were tough to follow).  We decided to keep head west into Illinois to see what we could see.

And we couldn't decide where to go.  We got our hour back, so it was relatively early.  Didn't want to go to Chicago.  Couldn't think of anywhere to go in the middle of the state.  So what to do?  I finally suggested Door County--yup, Door County.  So we're heading north.  Made it to Menomonee Falls, so we decided to stay at the house.  How convenient. But we're not done yet----still have a week of vacation left!!!

Day 7

Well the day turned pretty much into a travel day.  We left Nashville and headed north on 65.  We thought about hitting the Mammoth Caves but decided against it.  We did stop at Abe's birthplace, but it's kind of a misnomer really.  Nobody knows exactly where he was born.  They have a reproduction of the cabin, a lot of maybes and probables.  But ya gotta' stop.


Next we headed to Louisville.  They make it hard to visit.  Twice we headed to visitor centers, twice they were close down.  Odd.  And unfortunate for them.  We left.  Didn't need the aggravation.  Kind of a shame too, as it looks like an interesting town.  We'll give it a shot the next time we're in the area.  So it came down to Indianapolis or Cincinnati, and we went with......

Indy.  Very vibrant city.  we went downtown for dinner and there were people all over the place.  A ike race going on, all kinds of activity.  A cop says it's just an average night in Indy.  We ate at a pub called the Ram.  Really nice place, good beer and prices.  We really had a nice evening....

Couple of things though. We are still finding it somewhat difficult to find lodging.  I find this incredible.  Seldom have we had these issues traveling all over the country.  Maybe it means more folks are on the road, or maybe we are just hitting more popular ares.  I don't know. However, when I  call and you say you have plenty of rooms, and I get there are you are "all booked", this I have a problem with.  My friends at the Drury will be hearing from me.

And when/where is 192 less than 144?  When you're  buying beer in Indianapolis, that's when.  Twelve pack of 16 ouncers 3 bucks cheaper than the 12 pack of 12 ouncers.  We are having silos now...... More of Indy today, then we'll see what's up next.

Road Trip.....Day 6

We're still in Nashville.  Walked over to the State Museum from the hotel in the morning.  Very interesting interactive museum.  And quite.  Pretty empty.  We spent our time looking at the Civil War exhibits.  It was interesting to get a slightly "southern" view of things.  It was a nasty thing, either way you look at it.

Our next stop was Andrew Jackson's place, the Hermitage.  This was the home and plantation that Jackson owned and built up during his life, and that his heirs kind of let fall into disrepair (economic changes and problems), and then was brought back before it had to be razed.  Excellent docents in the mansion tour, lot of information around the grounds.  The introductory video was  directly from a PBS documentary I have seen. I guess when you find the best you use it.....

We finished up the day at the Nashville Sounds game.  We arrived too late for the free t-shirts (sorry Leah), and it was typical minor league baseball.  Lots of activities between innings, local advertisers, post game fireworks.  The Sounds are a farm team of the Brewers, so we recognized a number of the players.  It was a long game, as many are nowadays.  Score was 3-3 at the end of nine, three hours and 15 minutes.  Enough for me.  Lots of little gets getting anxious for the fireworks, long ride back to the hotel, we hit the bricks.  9200  some odd people at the game, Sounds loose 6-3 in 11.  Didn't see any game changers for the Crew either.

I mentioned long ride back to the hotel. There appears to be a ton of youth sport activities around here and of course it is Nashville.  It is kind of hard to find a room last second, so if your coming you may want to plan a little in advance.  Just a little heads up......

Road Trip----5th Day

It is 120 miles from Jackson to Nashville, and the state patrol must know people are in a hurry to get there.  I can't remember seeing such a high concentration of troopers over such a short area.  We arrived at 11 am without any encounters with John Law and immediately headed to Broadway.  Having stopped in Nashville this past spring we kind of knew our way around a bit.

Our first stop was the Ryman Auditorium.  We took the self guided walking tour and learned quite a bit about the place.  I was surprised by it's history--I didn't know that it wasn't just built for the Grand Ole Opry. or that they moved out in the early 70's. or that it was once less than a week from being razed.  All in all, time well spent.

Then headed over to the entertainment district.  Blocks and blocks of bars and gift shops and the like.  The Mrs. says its like the Dells only with more beer.  We hit a number of these places and had a wonderful time.  There are some newer places, which tend to be bigger, but I liked the older ones, the ones with some history.  There is Tootsies and Legends and Roberts amongst many others.  They all had good music and cold beer, friendly people and their own little claim to fame.  Had no problem getting a seat anywhere and had a real nice afternoon.

We stayed right downtown at the Shereton, so about 5 we checked in and cleaned up for the hike back downtown.  We walked pass Printers Alley, then headed back down 2nd Avenue to Broadway.  By this time there were a heck of a lot more people on the street, and it was haed to even get into some of the places.  We finally work our way back into Roberts and decided to hunker down.  The music and food was good, the beer was cold, and we met some new friends from Chicago.  Some Harley riders who told us to meet them at the Harlyfest,  OK.

By 10 we had pretty much reached our limit.  We took another stroll around Broadway to people watch, then made the uphill hike back to the hotel.  A real full and fun day. 

A few final thoughts......don't bring your school age (and younger!) kids to the bars in Nashville.  I traveled with my kids all over the country.  There are many better options than this for them.  I doubt if they care or will remember the old pictures of Farron Young or Kitty Wells.

The bartenders and the swompers work hard.  No doubt about it.  But boy is the the waste!  Ever see that TV show with John Tapper, Bar Rescue?  The man would be having a grabber....

The entertainment plays for tips.  They are awful talented.  Some are more aggressive is asking for/acquiring those tips.   It can be a real pain in the butt, but I suppose if that's how you make your living.....be prepared.

Nashville is one heck of a party town.  Next we plan on checking out some of the more historical sites around town....

Road Trip--Day 4

We awoke in St. Louis to a very rainy morning, so we decided to take it easy.  Leisurely breakfast, dip in the pool.  We were set to head to Nashville when i get the bright idea to head to Memphis.  Decided I wanted to tour Stax Records.  No big deal, we don't have a schedule, so...

Down I-55 we head.  And there is pretty much nothing on I-55 except I-55.  Towns are few and far between, no points of interest, just drive drive drive.  We did stop for a quick lunch at Lambert's, home of the Throwed Roll.  I had seen it one one of those goofy eating shows on TV, and it was a fun stop.  The food and service was excellent, they were throwing rolls all over the place, and we had a good time.  But if you go, bring cash---that's all they take.  You won't leave hungry.

Well we got to Memphis and headed to Stax.  I am sure there are some nice areas of Memphis, but this is not one of them.  Very sad, devastated area.  Soulsville was not some place that I wanted to be.  The studio/museum looked fine, it was the rest of the area I was concerned with.  I just didn't feel comfortable.  I decided to just take a picture and hit the road.  If I want the tour I'll watch the PBS documentary again.

After the obligatorily drive by of Graceland--ya' gotta' at least drive by and nod--it was of to Nashville.  But we weren't going to make it before nine, so we decided to just take a piece of the trip, and over nighted in Jackson, home of Casey Jones.  Yee ha.....Stopped at one of those no name motels that you fine the coupon for at the rest area.  It wasn't the Ritz.  Heck it wasn't even the Budgetel.   It was old, the mattress was shaped like a U, and the morning breakfast was a miss.  But it was clean, had a pool, and was half the price of what we usually pay, so sometimes you gotta' take one for the overall good.  Now, off to Nashville...

Road Trip Day 3

The third day of our trip found us heading south into Missouri.  The Mrs. was driving when we came upon Hannibal, home of Mark Twain.  This was a no brainier, of course we had to stop.  Now I can remember making this stop many years ago when I was a kid, and let me tell you Hannibal has seen better days.  I know it is old, but it just seemed run down.  They have been hit hard by water and wind in recent years.  We took the bus our, and the guide was good, we learned and saw quite a few things.  The Mrs. and I talked about it and decided that maybe people just don't pay as much attention to Tom and Huck and Becky and the rest of the gang as they used to, hence the lack of tourists in Hannibal.  Don't know.....

Next we stopped in St. Charles.  Now the Mrs. and I had been here some 28 years ago when we honeymooned in St. Louis.  The neighborhood has changed.  I remember driving out there on a little two lane road, but found myself on a eight lane superhighway.  Once we got ourselves to the river, much seemed the same (as best we can remember).  Lots of little shops, clothes and trinkets and  Missouri souvenirs.  We all been somewhere like this, but it was fun to go back.  People were awful nice.

Then it was a short ride to St. Louis and our home away from home, the Drury Inn.  This is where we usually stay when we come to St. Lou, and I would recommend it.  I would also recommend you get in touch with me so I can share a little secret we've learned on how to get the best rates......

After a quick nap for me and a dip in the pool, it was off to dinner with Stewart at Four Square. I can't believe that he will be starting his fourth and final year at SLU in just a little over a month.  The time does fly.  Mother says he looks skinny.  She always says that, I thought he looked good.  He certainly seems to know what he is doing as far as his future and what not.  Very confident man.  We will always be concerned, but I think the worrying is done.  It was great to see Stew, and he'll be home to visit in a few weeks, so we are looking forward to that.

And that was it.  We got "confused" per usual on our ride back yo the hotel after dropping off Stewart, but no big deal.  Still haven't decided where to next, guess we'll just follow the road....

Road Trip Day 2

Might as well stay at it....

This morning found us heading out of Minnesota back to Wisconsin.  But not directly, got to cut through Iowa.  We were heading to Potosi to the National Brewery Museum. First stop found us in Burr Oak, Iowa at a Laura Ingalas museum.  Nice people, but the Mrs. foot precluded us from taking the 45 minute walking tour.  Did enjoy the museum.

Next up was the Effigy Mounds National Monument.  You all have heard the story of these things, how they were built and how the were flattened out by progress.  The shortest hike was a mile out, and a mile back.  The temp was in the 90's.  I was wearing black.  A guy just back looked like he was going to pass out in the bathroom.  The Mrs. said she would just sit and wait for me.  I figured she might be waiting forever.  I decided to pass.

Finally got to the old historic Potosi Brewery.  Had lunch, and it was fantastic.  The museum is a couple of floors of advertising on loan from collectors around the country.  It was neat to see, and I'm glad we stopped.  Am also glad I didn't make a special trip just to see it......

Stared to get late in the day, so we headed south.  Thought about the cable car ride in Dubuque, but 98 degrees is hot to ride up a hill.  We passed.  Through Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, finally decided to stop early in Mt. Pleasent.  Nobody from Mayberry here, but we had a couple of beers and played some cribbage and hit the pool. 

Which brings me to the strangest sight I may have ever seen in my travels.  This old guy (older than me, so old).  He gets in the pool, which is cold, quite cold.  After this guy gets in a little bit, he starts soaping up!  Yup, the guy is taking a bath in the swimming pool.  Kinda trying to hide it, but I just gave him the stink eye.  No more swimming for us......that'll do it for today.  We'll see what tomorrow brings.....

Oh, by the way---anyone know anything about some Buddest Temple or Oriental shrine on highway 50 in Minnesota?  Strange sight.....

Road Trip--2013

Day 1---

So the Mrs. and I are on vacation.  We couldn't decide if we wanted to head way out west or head south.  With her recovery taking a little longer than anticipated, we decided to head south.

Which led us to Minneapolis.  Yeah, we decided to drive daughter and her friend Martha back to the Cities rather than send them back on the bus.  They came home for the Fest, and her visit was much too short.  We took a quick stop in Eau Clare to see the great nieces----Kate is quite the card!!   After an hour or so, off to Minneapolis, quick dinner at BWW, dropped the girls, and headed south.  To....

Rochester!  Just here for a quick overnight, then we will be heading back to Wisconsin for a quick stop, then continuing to the south.  Just kind of meandering around, still looking for the giant ball of twine....enjoy the traveling with no schedule to keep or places to be....

Summertime---and the livin' is easy....

I like that song-Billy Stewart version--check it out....

Summertime around here has finally arrived, even though the heat hasn't really come with it ---yet.  Things are a little different than in years past, now with the kids staying away at their college towns.  In the past everything was so very hectic.  There was work of course, and there still is.  But we no longer have baseball games and practices and tournaments to go to.  Or soccer.  Or softball.  We don't have to try and figure out how to squeeze in a family vacation, how far we can go so we don't miss some other activity.  We won't worry about trying to fit in a trip to Wisconsin Dells, or if everyone can get away for a trip to the zoo.  There will be no family days at the Brewer game this year.  We won't be worrying about getting a spot for the 4th of July parade either---or wondering who we'd run into....

Now we're doing things a little bit differently around here.  I guess you could say we're a little more laid back.  Things aren't nearly as scheduled as they used to be.  The Mrs. and I are going on a little vacation.  Where to?  Who knows.  We'll figure it out as we go.  Yard work to be done?  We'll get to it when we get to it.  It seems as if we are less organized than we used to be, and I don't mind it.  If friends call, or we see something in the paper or on TV that looks interesting, not a problem, we just drop what we're doing and have a go at it.  Livin' easy.....

I miss the livin' hard.  I guess it's missing the kids being kids.  All the running around here with their friends, and their friends parents.  The parents at all the different sporting events whining about the officiating.  Having everyday of the week (seemingly) scheduled with some activity.  The weekend travels.  The family vacations.  Always something that needed to be done, and never having enough time to do it.  It was very hectic at times, but so very enjoyable---especially in hindsight. 

So now the Mrs. and I are sliding into what I call the pre retirement mode.  Doing things when we want to.  Not being so rigid with the plans.  Not worrying too much about what we have scheduled.  The kids will be home a couple of times to "visit", which will be nice.  We'll do some of the things we used to do, but it'll be different.  We'll be livin' easy.  Which ain't necessarily better.....

Greeting Cards

And the lightening of the lode continues.  If you have ever sent me a greeting card, I pretty much still have it.  That's right, fifty some years of Hallmark memories are in boxes and bags in my basement.  Christmas and birthday cards, invitations, anniversary, and every other holiday under the sun.  And I'm getting rid of them now.

But of course I just can't toss them out.  I have to read them all.  No, not the the printed part from the card companies, but the little notes and comments you have all sent.  Yeah, I'm reading them all one more time.  And the memories sure do come back.  There are greetings from relatives celebrating births and weddings and anniversaries.  And condolences for losses.  There are party invitations for all kinds of events.  And there are notes here for no reasons at all.  Some of these cards are silly, some are dated (I mean content dated, not old dated---of course they are old), and some are just pretty "cards".

And then there are the people who sent the cards, those kind enough to remember the Mrs. and me.  There have been many changes in my life, as well as yours.  I have greetings from you before you we married, before you had kids.  Some of you have divorced.  Some of your kids now have kids.  I have cards from relatives who have passed away---some are sad, but people get old.  They all bring back memories.  There are cards from old classmates, old girlfriends, and people who I have absolutely no idea who they are.  Some folks simply signed their names, other short notes.  There are cards here from people I sure do miss seeing, and folks I hear from all the time.  Oh, and the wonderful Christmas letters are all there is well.

But now is the time to send them to the recycling bin.  I'm keeping the ones (for now) from mom and dad, the in laws,  and everything from the Mrs,--even from before she was the Mrs.  But everything is being read.  I want to thank you all once again for the kind wishes, and all the memories they are bringing back.

Well I'm Back

Well I've been gone from the blogosphere for quite some time now, but now I am back.  I had thought that I was probably done, but I went back to my first post and was reminded of the reasons I originally stared writing this thing----different things on my mind, hopefully the kids will get around to reading it someday.  So I'm going to get back at it. 

As I have written about earlier, I have decided it is time to start weeding out some of the stuff around here.  Those of you who know me well know that I never get rid of anything, because every time I do it turns out I'll end up needed it for something--or so I think.  But I have finally realized stuff has to go.  So it goes with the..........beer can collection.......

I started my can collection probably when I was 13 or 14 years old.  My neighbors Chris and Tom were also into it, and we spent quite a bit of time trading amongst ourselves.  There were the trips to Rummage O Rama and to St. Als.  And a couple of years the big trip to St. Martins Fair would net some old beer cans.

And then there were the family vacations where I would walk around the side of roads looking for beer cans. I remember one year in Washington walking with my cousins and sisters looking for cans, and another in Arizona when some guy asked me if I was riding the rails while I was just looking or old beer cans. 

And there were trips to the various beer depots looking for obscure beer cans.  Anything  new or different I had to have.  Soon, of course, money started getting in the way and the joy of basically collecting garbage began to wane.  No longer could you just stop and pick a six pack at the regular prices.  Now "collector cans" began to cost more.  No longer could you get an old can for a buck or two.  The "dealers" were driving the prices up.  I never made a conscious decision to quit collecting, but I did. 

But I never got rid of the cans I had.  Everyone of them had their own story, and I pretty much remembered them all.  I had enjoyed displaying them, first in my room then in the basement.  I found them interesting and colorful, and I enjoyed the stories about the cans and the breweries.  Eventually, mom moved, and my beer cans were all boxed up.  I don't remember what happened to them when I was living in the apartment, but when the Misses and I moved into the house in Milwaukee, I had them back. 

And my buddies and I moved them here to the Falls 20 years ago.  We stored them under the basement steps, and that is pretty much where most of them stayed right there.  There were about a hundred or so I displayed for about 10 or 12 years, but other than that they haven't been touched. 

So last week I was looking at Craigslist at see somebody looking for beer cans.  I decided to get in touch with the guy.  As I have decided to start weeding out, I have thought about my beer can collection.  I was afraid that when I was gone the Misses would just toss them out.  I knew I didn't want this to happen, heck I figured these things have to be worth a lot of money.  Hence my call to Andrew.

And my dose of reality.  There isn't much of a market for old beer cans, unless they are real old, and in real good shape.  I pulled the boxes out, and he went through them.  There were some nice cans and some dumpers, a couple that interested him and some he claimed were "worthless".  Maybe to him, but not to me.  They all had memories for me.  People who had given them to me, which show I got them at, the guys I traded them with, the family vacations looking for them.  He said I could toss some of them out.  Not gonna happen.  Turns out the most valuable thing I had was a Grampa Grafs root beer can.  Ironic.  So after a couple of hours, he makes me an offer for the entire collection.  My "gold mine" was worth a couple of nice dinners with the Misses.  I was stunned, and saddened, and I took the deal. 

But I got one additional thing thrown into the deal.  I'm going to Andrews house to see his collection, and to meet his collector friends.  And to see the few cans of mine that he didn't have and has added to his collection.   And maybe I get a new friend out of the deal.  And all my beer cans get a new home---even if most get tossed.  I--and better yet, the Misses--didn't have to do the deed.  Forty years, time to move on....

Concert Etiquette

As many of you know, I enjoy going to live music events.  I also am very fortunate that there are all kinds of tickets available for free, so I don't often pay much (or anything!) to go.  That being said, there are things that really are irritating me.....

Now I understand the difference between an outdoor venue, an arena type event, and a small theater.  I also understand different acts elicit different responses from folks.  But some of this stuff is gettig out of hand.

What is so hard about getting to your seat before the show starts?  I'm not talking about the opening act, but the headliner.  No, people wait until they start, then file in, causing folks to have to get up so they can get through, obstructing others views.  Way to think about anyone but yourself.

Then you have the guy singing along.  You know the words?  Yeah, so do most of the other people here. And if you were any good at singing, you'd have your ass up on stage instead of in the seats here with me.  I'm here to hear them, not you.

And what is the deal with all the talking during the songs?  And they play louder, you talk louder.  I was at a show last night and the guy in front of me talked to either his date or his buddy during EVERY song.  Usually I would say something, but I was a little tired.  And had mom with me.  And he was bigger than a wall, and drinking heavily.  I decided to cut him a break.  But shut the hell up.

I didn't show up to watch you walk up and down the aisle during every song.  Or go down to the stage and point at the performer like you are buddies or something.... and of course everyone has a camera in their phone now.  Big ol' sign that says no photography, but that only applies to everyone else.  So you just walk to the stage and snap away, or get you buddy to take your picture with the artist in the background.  Hope your pictures turned out good.  You looked like an ass doing it.....

And why do people keep checking their phones and texting.  What is so damn important?  If you are that busy or important you should just stay home and take care of your business.  Two stinkin' hours, and you can't not text?  Geez....

I don't know, maybe I'm wrong.  If  I'm out of line, somebody please let me know.  Hate to have to think I have to restrict myself to the symphony from now on.....

Couple of Things On My Mind

Just got back from spring break and had a great time.  I said it before and I'll say it again.  Thank you DD Eisenhower for the interstate system.  It sure is easy to get around.  But there are areas where things are in disrepair.  Need to take care of the bridges and tunnels or they'll be shot.  I also got to thinking about when I was a kid and traveled with my family.  We used to eat at places called Eat, or Mom's or Bob's.  Now it seems all you see are chains.  I understand people like to know what they are going to get, and I understand the economics of the thing.  But I still like they local restaurants.  Ate at a couple in Florida, and Stew took us to a place called Uncle Bills in St. Louis.  Food was real good, atmosphere was interesting.  What I'm getting at is if you get the chance, don't be afraid to support the little guy, while you still can.

What is the deal with North Korea?  Just exactly what is it that they want?   This guy is turning out to be worse than his old man.  And he is starting to seem crazy enough to do something that we are all going to end up paying for, one way or another.

Coach Rice of Rutgers seems to be quite the guy.  Pushing the players, throwing balls at them, he is probable lucky one of them didn't go off on him.  The thing is the AD and president of the university have known about these incidents since at least last November.  See ya boys, they'll be gone.

I think all the people trying to get the Supreme Court to rule on gay marriage are wasting their time and energy.  They should be going after members of Congress!!  One senator's son comes out as gay, boom--he changes his stance on the subject.  I think it's up to seven or eight who have changed their position lately.  They are tripping over themselves to get on board.  I just hope they don't have to lose a child to gun violence to address the gun issues...


So spring is here (allegedly), and that means the baseball season has arrived!  And with it we have astronomical salaries, PED investigations and rising ticket and concession prices!  And you know what?  People don't care!  Television ratings are up.  Attendance is around 75 million or so a year.  We don't care what they make or what they take, we just like to watch them play.  Unless it's the Marlins......

Well that's gonna do it for now.  Hang in there, things have a way of working out.....

NCAA BASKTBALL TOURNAMENT 2013

Well it's that time of year again, time to fill out the ol' NCAA bracket.  I've done this before, though not every year.  I have never had much success, so this year I have decided to put in some research and effort.  I have watched a bunch of TV shows and read a pile of internet stories, and the following is some of what I have learned.

It is wide open this year.  There are only 9 or ten teams that can't "win it all".

There are only 5 or six teams that have a chance to "win it all".

A sixteen has never beat a one seed.  This could be the year.

The Big Ten is the best conference in the country.  The Big Ten is the most overrated conference in the country.

You need good guard play in March.

A twelve seed always beats a five seed.  Except when they don't. 

Watch out for a team loaded with seniors.  Except if they were that good they would already be in the pros, wouldn't they?

Some teams can't be sped up, some can't be slowed down.  Some play great D, some can't score enough to win. 

Some teams have played a tough schedule.  Some teams haven't played anyone.

The Midwest is the "Region of Death".  Scary.

"They come to play".  "Cinderella Team".  "They know how to close".  "They take care of the rock".  Every cliche in the book.  And then some.

Enough already.  These guys have seen a lot more ballgames than I have, but I'm not all that certain they are any smarter.  One guy says team A will win, second guy says team B.  First guy says yeah you might be right. Think even I could come up with something like that.  So after all the reading and watching, it's back to the same old way of picking the bracket for me.  Generally higher seed, pick a couple of upsets, root for the kids schools now, then talk about how if a couple of plays or call went my way I could have won it all......

The Death Book

I have finally gotten around to starting to write my death book.  It's really not as morbid as it sounds.  I have done a terrible job of keeping the Misses in the loop when it comes to stuff like passwords, account numbers and things that she will need to know when I pass on from this ol' life. 

So what kind of stuff is in this book--which is still right now mainly a bunch of scraps of paper but which is slowly being turned in to a well organized script for the Misses for life after me?  Well first of all, I have the policy numbers for the life insurance policies.  And the phone numbers of who to contact!  There are account numbers and phone numbers for the various savings accounts.  And there are the passwords for all the various web sites that I visit....And who to contact to cancel certain things.

I am writing my obituary.  Figure this will save the family some time when I pass.  And who really knows me better than me?    I am also including some of my wishes as far as funeral services and what not.  Don't want it to be some morbid thing--I've really been a very lucky person.   Hope somebody will get a few cases of beer, turn up some tunes and have a little party....we know how I hate funerals.

I plan on writing little notes or letters to friends and family that I love.  Yeah I know these things should be done while I am still alive, but that's really not my style.  So people will just have to deal with that.  I still haven't decided if I'll leave notes to those who have irritated me, but it's an interesting thought to me (probably won't happen). 

When my Dad died I learned quite a bit about what needs to be done after a person passes on---I was the executor.  It can be a real pain in the butt.  You need to get x number of certified death certificates.  You need to close accounts and notify various companies and people.  It all happens very quickly.  And it is very hard on the ones left behind.  I really think it will be a "final gift" if I can kind of get things a little organized for the family when I'm gone.  It's a lot easier for me to do it now than for them to try and do it when I'm gone.  You may want to have a little talk with your family about these things, because the last time I checked none of us are going to be here forever.....

Happy Birthday Stewart

Today is my little boy's twenty first birthday.  I know that everyone says it, but it bears repeating.  Boy, the time sure does go fast.  I don't like to brag, but he is a wonderful young man.  Thoughtful, caring, intelligent, athletic. sense of humor.  On second thought. I do like to brag.....

I've been thinking lately about what Stewart has meant to my life.  It got me to thinking about what Teddy Roosevelt said when he was asked about going on an hunting trip after he was president.  He said something to the effect that it was his last chance to be a boy.  And that is exactly the way I feel about having Stew around here growing up.

I started to remember all the things I would have never done or learned about if Stewart and his sister Aleah hadn't come along.  I would have never known Elmo,or the Count or Gina or Hooper.  I would have never known Fred Rodgers or Mr. McFeeley.  Or Bill Nye.  I wouldn't have known what the Magic School Bus is, or Barney.  Would have never spent so much time in the parks or on playgrounds.

I doubt if I would have ever gone to a soccer game.  Must have been to well over a hundred by now.  I probably never would have gone back to the zoo, or the museum, or the Domes.  I never would have went to a train museum.  And the trips to Chicago for Science and Industry, or the Field museum, or the planetarium, or the aquarium.  Never.  I would have never gone back to Disney World......

I got to be a Cub Scout again.  Oh, Stew was the scout, but I was the "Den Mother" and got to do all the stuff with him.  He was a better scout than I was.  And what about all the family vacations we took.  Probably wouldn't have gone to half the places if the kids hadn't been here.

And then of course there were all the athletic events, from rec to select teams to high school, and all the other stuff in high school.  I had the opportunity to do some coaching.  Met some interesting people.  Never would have went to a track meet.  Never would have went to a band concert, or to a band revue.  All things that have made my life so much richer.

And it has continued in college.  I think a trip to St. Louis is just a short jaunt now.  I get to follow his track team, just as I did his high school team.  I got to go to the Drake Relays.  I've driven like a maniac for five or six or twelve hours to watch him run for two minuets at a time.  All worth it. 

I continue to be impressed with what a fine person he is.  I never got a call from the police, or from school, or from another parent with some kind of problem.  He knows what he needs to do, and just does it.  He actually is the person I wish I could have been.

So here is my birthday wish for you Stewart, on your twenty first.  I know all your work will pay off someday, so I'm not going to wish that for you.  And I could shower you with material things, but you never were much for that type of stuff either (good for you).  My birthday wish for you will be that one day you have a son much like yourself, one who enhances your life as much as you have mine.  Love you, Dad

Do As I Say, Not As I Did

I had to go back to my first posting to kind of get my bearings back on the ol' blog.  That being said, a little bit of advice to my younger friends....

A long long time ago I was in high school.  I was just an average student, maybe a little above.  As they do in high school, they eventually got around to asking me what I thought I wanted to do with my life.  I told them I wanted to teach high school history.  To this day I remember what Dale Hayman, my high school guidance councilor told me.  "Take it from a history teacher, you'll never find a job".  I'm sure he thought he was doing the right thing, but what a pompous little man.  And I was a fool for listening to him.  I ended up drifting through college, graduated with my history degree, but not my else.  Should have gotten the teaching degree.

I am a mailman.  I got very lucky finding a job that enabled me to help support my family.  The benefits and schedule and vacation time has enabled me to enjoy my children, see America and to be able to see a pretty good retirement on the horizon.  But it is just a job.  It is boring.  There is really not much thinking involved, basically just the same thing day after day.  At least I don't hate it.  I get to interact with different customers (for good or bad) everyday, and I am outside quite a bit, so there are some things to be said for it.  And as for being something that was just temporary for me, it's too late to change now.

Which leads me to the points I want to make.  Everyday I see people trudging to their jobs in various offices and stores.  I talk to people that really hate what they are doing.  They don't want to be there.   Now I understand that sometimes you need to do what you need to do.  Good jobs are hard to come by.  That being said, I would suggest that you had better find something to do that you enjoy doing.  If you are indeed lucky, you will be doing it for 35 or 40 years--or more!  It is a long time.  Your life will most likely be happier earning a living doing something you like. 

So do some research, then listen to yourself.  If you want to teach, teach.  Be a banker, a chef, a salesman, a doctor, a plumber or soldier.  Do whatever YOU want to do.  Work at it, stay with it--you will be successful.  But try to do something you'll be happy doing.  May be one of the secrets of life......

TELEVISION

I've been doing some thinking lately about how I never seem to have time to get things done that I need to do or want to do.  I have come to the realization that I am spending way too much time watching television.

Then I start to think about all the garbage I am watching.  Why should I really care about cops and the criminals they are chasing, or watching them in prison, or acting like fools in lockup?  Why should I care about some goofy pawn shop, whether it be in Vegas or Detroit or New York or Chicago?  Why am I watching a bunch of goofs rummage through peoples storage units all over the country?  I think that stuff has to be staged anyways....

And then there are all the "hillbilly" shows I tend to gravitate to.  Guys catching gators, turtles, hand fishin', the list is long.  And the Moonshiners.....do I really care about Tim and Tickle and whether they get caught by the Feds?  And how can they not get caught---just watch the stupid show.....What is it about folks from the south???

I watch sports.  I watch sports I have no interest in.  Games I couldn't care less who wins.  I don't follow much basketball anymore, but football and baseball I watch.  For not much reason that I can think of.  Heck, I watch soccer, even though Stew isn't around anymore.

So I'm going to try and be done with it.  I have too many other things to do.  Books to read, chores to complete.  It's not going to be easy for me.  I find it very easy to just sit down when I get home from work, flip on the TV and the next thing I know 2 or 3 hours are just gone.  Well I have had enough of that.  Now there are a couple of things that I will still be watching....Seventeen or eighteen weeks of Packer football per year will not be missed.  Modern Family is must see for me, and will continue to be.  I do like a few PBS offerings, and they will be recorded.  But I am going to try and limit it to about that.  We will see how it works out. 

Although I would like to see how that Amish Mafia thing works out.....

The Tip

I've been thinking about this for some time now.  The Misses and I  like to go out to eat, probably too much.  It is easy to do, a little treat for us, less work for her, so we go.  No big deal.  But after the meal is over, it's time to pay the bill (why do they call it a check?).  Of course, with the bill comes the tip.  And here is where my questions come in.

How much do I tip my server, and why?  I know the waiter will say 20 percent (or more), if you can't afford the tip you should stay home.  Others say 15 percent, others still have their little math formulas or tip calculators they follow.  Then does it matter if it's breakfast lunch or dinner?  What about if I have a coupon, or a Groupon?  So many questions......

Does the size of the party come into play?  Sometimes the restaurant will add a tip amount if your group is more than 6 or 8.  I find that usually these folks would do better (with me at least) if they let me figure it myself.  What about if you go by yourself?  I had breakfast the other day by myself, bill was nine bucks.  Tip was three bucks.  Now if I was out with the Misses and the bill was eighteen, I really doubt if I would have left the lady a six dollar tip. 

What about the "quality" of the restaurant?  The the higher cost of the meal justify a higher tip for your server?  If I'm just getting average service at an upscale restaurant the percentage tip will probably be lower than if I'm just getting average service at an average price place.

We have a couple of places around here we go to that generally have buy one/get one coupons quite often.  The wait staff at these places make out pretty well with me if they even have average service, as I usually  just tip the cost of the free meal.  I figure I'm saving the cost of the tip, so I'm happy, they're happy, it works out. 

So how do I tip?  Well I guess I tip women more than men.  Don't know why, just do.  I guess I figure they need it more.  I try not to let the meal determine how much I tip.  I tend to tip more if I go to an inexpensive place because I figure there are too many folks there that simply use some math formula.  If you have a poor attitude, forget it---don't treat it like a chore, it's your job.  Act like you enjoy it.  If you "add a gratuity" don't expect one cent more, you won't get it from me.  I'm usually in the 20 percent range--you really need to irk me to get anything close to 10 from me.  College age wait staff get a bump from me as well as I have a couple of kids that age and am really happy they don't work in that industry.....

Well that's about it.  Finicky part of the world we live in, but it is what it is....let me know your thoughts......

Green Bay Packers 2012 Epiloge

Well that was an ugly ending to the season.  Who ever heard of giving up 300 some odd yards rushing?  Everyone has their opinions on what went wrong, so I've decided to chime in.  Kinda' my view of what the Pack needs to do to get better.  Since I obviously know better what goes on with the organization .  Ha....

Seems like every year we hear about how the offensive line is built for pass protection, not the running game.  Only problem is that Rodgers is getting hit and sacked at an alarming rate.  Don't know if Sherord would help, think Bularga will--if he comes back from hip injury.

It is time to find a running back.  Not some old retread either.  These guys they come up with are cute, make a nice story.  Don't care.  They need some one who can haul the ball 20 some times a game and not get hurt.  Running game will improve with better run blocking as well.

Defense needs to tackle better.  A lot better.  Geez, some of these guys should be embarrassed.  Hopping on guys backs, bouncing off with shoulder tackles.  I know they are leery of fines, but once in a while you need to pop somebody.

Maybe it's time to get back to the basics a little bit.  Seems like the injuries just decimate the offensive and defensive lines.  Last nights game, Sitton goes out and the next guy in is Jeff Saturday?   But you have six receivers active?  Nobody carries 5 tight ends on the roster, except Green Bay.  I know every year we hear about how everyone wants our young skill guys and we have to keep them on the roster.  Maybe we should just let some of them go and build better depth elsewhere....boy if Rodgers ever goes down....

There was a time not that long ago when Dom Capers was considered the big defensive guru.  They were always afraid he was going to some other team.  Maybe it's time for a little reevaluation here.  I haven't been that impressed with the D for the last couple of years.  And on the offensive side, maybe they have too many receivers--they have guys running all over the place.  Sometimes it looks like McCarthy is coaching Arena league.....

I hate to say it, but this team is soft.  Who is the tough guy, the guy who won't take crap from anyone?  Matthews?  Nah, great player, but he is more of a finesse guy.  Woodson. too old now, too injured.  Raji?  Too nice.  Hawk?  Not good enough.  Rodgers?  Nope.....Sitton?  Probably toughest guy they have....They need a couple of guys willing to take on the entire other team, and back it up.  The kind of guy on other teams that we call "dirty".

So who goes?  Driver, gone.  Take the emotion out of it, should have not been on the team this year.  Woodson, gone.  Hall of Famer--- slowed down, $10.5 million next year, can't afford the luxury  Jeninngs, gone.  Will want one last huge salary.  Too many other weapons left.  Two tight ends.  Three is plenty.  Waldon--GONE.  Gee whiz, how many times you gonna' get sucked in on a fake?  You need to set the edge...I'm sure there will be other changes as well.  I just hope we don't keep eight or nine or ten first year guys again.  I know the money figures in, but sometimes you need to let guys play together for a while to make a better team.

Decisions need to be made on a number of free agents, and I know Ted Thompson doesn't dip too deep into the free agent pool.  He likes to develop and pay hid own guys.  Sometimes the problem with that is the same problem we all have.  We think our stuff is worth more than it really is, and we place too high a value on it.  I like Thompson, thinks he does a good job overall and know what he is doing.  I just don't think we need so many rookies and free agents.  Hey, maybe it's a good time to trade UP in the draft.

I'm pretty sure the Packers will have a decent team again next season.  They have good management, coaching, and a great quarterback.  But he is 30 years old now.  You only get so many shots at the Super Bowl, and I know it's tough.  But when you have as many weapons available to you as the Packers do, you need to take advantage.

This and That

A few things on my mind...

...Well we have backed away from the "Fiscal Cliff".  The brokers on Wall Street sure seem happy, but this isn't the end of our problems.  The debt ceiling looms, the Speaker is dropping F-bombs, and now a new Congress is sworn in.  I'm no economist, but even I know that if ya' spend more than ya' take in, your gonna have trouble.  Work together to solve problems people....

...Speaking of the new Congress, we now have the least amount of veterans since WWII, and the most women ever (20).  Will be interesting to see if the ladies can get things accomplished.

....Sad to see that Newsweek has ceased publication of their print edition.  I enjoyed reading the magazine, along with others like The Sporting News that are now gone.  I realize the way the business works, with the internet and what not.  It's kind of hard to argue when you can pretty much carry every newspaper and magazine and book in your pocket or briefcase.  But to me, there is still some thing about holding a book or newspaper in your hands---the smell, the sound of turning pages,----I will miss it.

....Glad I don't live in Chicago.  Heard on the radio there were 15 shootings on Jan 1st.  Then they say that only three people were killed though.  The guy sounded kind of disappointed, like they needed target practice or something.  Guess it's come to the point if you have a beef with someone ya' start shooting.  Time to find a new Marshall Dillon...

...Nave you noticed how may college football bowl games there are?  When I was a kid I think there were maybe ten or so.  You had the Cotton, Orange, Sun, Gator, of course the Rose Bowl, and a few others, like the Tangerine.  Now there has to be nearly 40 I would guess.  Get a couple of guys (or schools) together, find a sponsor, a place to play and somebody to televise it and you have your own bowl game.  And you have tams with 5 or 6 losses playing.  Guess we need something to fill up all the network TV. At least the games I've watched have been entertaining...

....Speaking of TV, I can't get over the stuff they put on TV.  Moonshiners, pawn brokers, swampers, Amish Mafia, cheating wives (and husbands), prison garbage.  I know they wouldn't put it on if people weren't watching, and there is plenty of good stuff on, and if I don't like something all I have to do is switch the channel (or just turn it off).  I just hope I don't see anyone I know on any of these shows....

....I see in Kansas the state is going after some guy for child support.  He says he was just a sperm donor for his lesbian friends.  Only problem with that is they didn't use a sperm bank, just went at it naturally.  Yeah, okay, sounds a little fishy to me, if ya' know what I mean....

....Wishing everyone a prosperous New Year.  Stay safe.....