So this has been a long Monday. Aren't all Monday's this way?
2 can give you the details of her afternoon appointment by her regular email.
I went to Mass by myself yesterday since 2 had a case of bad shrimp on Saturday night. But that meal was planned as there was a bachelorette party (with bus included) for a friend from one of her jobs. It was, "You Maka My Weekend" in RI last weekend.
Anyway, the one interesting moment at church was that I sat in the very back on the bench against the wall and got called upon to assist with the collection. I don't recall having that distinction in the past, and none of you were there to applaud. It may not have been the Communion Dance, but it was participation.
Daddy was a regular usher for the 9AM Sunday service at St. Pat's in Ottumwa when I was growing up. He took the job very seriously. This was before Vatican II, usher badges, handshakes during Mass, and Eucharistic ministers. Latin. Lots of mumbled prayers. Memorized responses in a foreign language. But he and Mother were big believers and it took a long time before they embraced the "new" church in the 70's.
I think I have written about this on the blog previously. Maybe I need to get a Google search engine protocol adapted to 4000 Days for cross-referencing purposes. This also brings to mind the Craig Wilson article in USA Today about the old ladies holding up two or more fingers when one of their group begins telling a story that they have all heard previously.
On my Sunday afternoon ride I stopped and checked out a couple of condos that have been constructed this year. The first is on the DCC road and overlooks the Mississippi and is in a structure that I think has 5 or 6 units. Once inside, I knew that the going was pretty deep with all the hard wood, deceptive size, huge rear windows, and full 3 floor build-out. Did I mention the elevator? It looked nice from the street, but I wouldn't have guessed $795,000. I left without taking the brochure.
The second one was a ranch in a new development on the south side of Forest Grove, just East of the Devil's Glen intersection. This development is a noticeably "down-scale" area with single-family places starting in the low mid-$200's. The condos will be built butting up to Forest Grove in two-unit properties starting around $200K, with an unfinished lower level (no walk-out). The finished portion on the one I went through was only 1500 or so square feet and had a boxy, cheap feel to it. And you won't be able to do anything in the back because Forest Grove is right there and it will be an increasingly busy road in the future (including the paving of it which should happen in a couple of years). There was no temptation to take that brochure either.
My humble abode may be my home for some time to come.
I need to get my yard mowed.
Be careful out there.
Monday, August 21, 2006
Monday AM
So I failed to get here all weekend. Sorry.
The trip East was successful, but not easy. Two straight 4AM wake-up calls. And travel is always stressful when you are operating in geography with which you are not that familiar. I can't remember if I have ever previously flown to Philadelphia. And I certainly have never been in the New Jersey area where I had my meeting on Friday. All this plus the added security stuff. But the bottom line is that everything went pretty close to schedule and I had most of the weekend at home and was able to complete my training rides both Saturday and Sunday.
Today is the first day of school in Iowa City. Good luck to 3 and 4. And I think 1 has the start of her teacher meetings at her new school this week too.
2 and I did Applebee's last night. Just a so-so meal.
So I'll get back on line later today to give some more details on various things.
Have a great day.
And be careful out there.
The trip East was successful, but not easy. Two straight 4AM wake-up calls. And travel is always stressful when you are operating in geography with which you are not that familiar. I can't remember if I have ever previously flown to Philadelphia. And I certainly have never been in the New Jersey area where I had my meeting on Friday. All this plus the added security stuff. But the bottom line is that everything went pretty close to schedule and I had most of the weekend at home and was able to complete my training rides both Saturday and Sunday.
Today is the first day of school in Iowa City. Good luck to 3 and 4. And I think 1 has the start of her teacher meetings at her new school this week too.
2 and I did Applebee's last night. Just a so-so meal.
So I'll get back on line later today to give some more details on various things.
Have a great day.
And be careful out there.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Thursday
Not much to say today.
I leave at 5:30 in the morning for Philadelphia. Then it's a drive of 50 miles to my meeting in New Jersey. And then a late evening return to Philly for an early Saturday departure for home. Barring the unforeseen, I'll be home by noon. The only positive is that I'm flying from Moline rather than driving to O'Hare.
Miss all you guys. Love you.
Be careful out there.
I leave at 5:30 in the morning for Philadelphia. Then it's a drive of 50 miles to my meeting in New Jersey. And then a late evening return to Philly for an early Saturday departure for home. Barring the unforeseen, I'll be home by noon. The only positive is that I'm flying from Moline rather than driving to O'Hare.
Miss all you guys. Love you.
Be careful out there.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Wednesday
Looks like another great day out there. I'm going to sneak away a little early tonight and get my DCC ride in before din-din.
I spent the better portion of my day on the phone with the home office folks of my securities business trying to make proper arrangements for a new vendor whose software will hopefully give my consulting business a boost. The downside is trying to explain the process to the compliance people in the home office. I doubt if the end-of-conversation feeling that 4 had with her new Indian friend was much different than mine right now. Not exactly the warm and fuzzies.
Based on 3's comments this weekend, a family trip to Tahoe will need to be scheduled for June next year to catch her before her future job will start. 1 will need to give some guidance. And 4 will have possible internship scheduling to consider as well. 2's world could also change. Bottom line is that we need to have some collective discussion and set the dates and plan accordingly. The retro condo should be available.
Interesting article in BussinessWeek this week about a gal who runs a business in Boston called Dancing Deer bakery goods (or something to that effect). Google Dancing Deer. Interesting because she's built a business in about 10 years to $8 million in sales. Natural ingredient cookies and the like. I am humbled at my own ineptitude when I see stories of entrepeneurs like this who have taken not-necessarily-new ideas and been successful. They have a drive, or something like a drive, to succeed and do so.
Another point of note. I have written several emails in the last day or two on the Criterium address where I have caught myself editting out even casual humor for fear of offending one of the parties at the home office who might be reviewing general email traffic. I am required by my contract to have my securities related email go through the home office server. An Enron and Martha Stewart by-product. I've reached the point where I'm pretty humorless on the securities email site, regardless of the insignificance of the topic. Many people might point out that I don't have to work too hard to be humorless.
There's a lot of examples where people have put themselves at personal or professional risk by thoughtless electronic communications. Facebook, MySpace or Blogger are all places where young people can enter things that may come back to haunt them, even years later. There will always be the mud grubber who will try to find bad stuff on people.
I am reminded of the Bill Clinton or George Bush efforts to avoid the draft. And they always wanted to be politicians. Or the ISU bball coach who got his picture on the web at post-game parties. Think camera phones. The world is a difficult place to remain fully below radar.
So go out and have fun. But...
Be careful out there.
I spent the better portion of my day on the phone with the home office folks of my securities business trying to make proper arrangements for a new vendor whose software will hopefully give my consulting business a boost. The downside is trying to explain the process to the compliance people in the home office. I doubt if the end-of-conversation feeling that 4 had with her new Indian friend was much different than mine right now. Not exactly the warm and fuzzies.
Based on 3's comments this weekend, a family trip to Tahoe will need to be scheduled for June next year to catch her before her future job will start. 1 will need to give some guidance. And 4 will have possible internship scheduling to consider as well. 2's world could also change. Bottom line is that we need to have some collective discussion and set the dates and plan accordingly. The retro condo should be available.
Interesting article in BussinessWeek this week about a gal who runs a business in Boston called Dancing Deer bakery goods (or something to that effect). Google Dancing Deer. Interesting because she's built a business in about 10 years to $8 million in sales. Natural ingredient cookies and the like. I am humbled at my own ineptitude when I see stories of entrepeneurs like this who have taken not-necessarily-new ideas and been successful. They have a drive, or something like a drive, to succeed and do so.
Another point of note. I have written several emails in the last day or two on the Criterium address where I have caught myself editting out even casual humor for fear of offending one of the parties at the home office who might be reviewing general email traffic. I am required by my contract to have my securities related email go through the home office server. An Enron and Martha Stewart by-product. I've reached the point where I'm pretty humorless on the securities email site, regardless of the insignificance of the topic. Many people might point out that I don't have to work too hard to be humorless.
There's a lot of examples where people have put themselves at personal or professional risk by thoughtless electronic communications. Facebook, MySpace or Blogger are all places where young people can enter things that may come back to haunt them, even years later. There will always be the mud grubber who will try to find bad stuff on people.
I am reminded of the Bill Clinton or George Bush efforts to avoid the draft. And they always wanted to be politicians. Or the ISU bball coach who got his picture on the web at post-game parties. Think camera phones. The world is a difficult place to remain fully below radar.
So go out and have fun. But...
Be careful out there.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Tuesday
I am trying to figure out what happened to today. It's gone. Just disappeared. Vanished. Poof.
3 is headed back to IC this evening. Had a great time at FFF last night. BBQ. Tuscan red.
I had planned to get out tonight for a DCC circuit, but I think I'll wait another day. I'm still a little tired from the DeWitt ride, and I'm a little late getting away from the office. The sun is beginning it's inexorable move to the Southern hemisphere and the days are showing definite signs of shortening daylight. In years past when my rides were usually on the city bike path which runs predominately East-West, I grew to dislike the after-work ride in the late Summer-early Fall because you were looking almost directly into the sun on the way out.
I can also detect the change in the day by the diminishing sunlight at 5:45 AM.
2 is taking suggestions for the name on the new car. I don't think that it necessarily means a vanity plate name, but it could. Be nice.
August 15th is the Catholic Church's holy day of obligation for the Assumption of Mary into Heaven. In the traditional church, this means attendance at Mass. I really don't know what the rules are these days, but I'm pretty sure that I've failed to meet whatever the criteria for whatever the offense.
In more worldly affairs, August 15th used to be the first extended due date for individual tax returns for the prior year returns which were originally due on April 15th. You could get a second extension to October 15th, but it took another request form. Now they just grant an automatic 6 month extension with the initial request. Who said the IRS wasn't able to change?
So hope rush at UI is a hit. I know 4 is a key to the success of the house. 3 will be there to close the deals later this evening.
Have a great evening.
Be careful out there.
3 is headed back to IC this evening. Had a great time at FFF last night. BBQ. Tuscan red.
I had planned to get out tonight for a DCC circuit, but I think I'll wait another day. I'm still a little tired from the DeWitt ride, and I'm a little late getting away from the office. The sun is beginning it's inexorable move to the Southern hemisphere and the days are showing definite signs of shortening daylight. In years past when my rides were usually on the city bike path which runs predominately East-West, I grew to dislike the after-work ride in the late Summer-early Fall because you were looking almost directly into the sun on the way out.
I can also detect the change in the day by the diminishing sunlight at 5:45 AM.
2 is taking suggestions for the name on the new car. I don't think that it necessarily means a vanity plate name, but it could. Be nice.
August 15th is the Catholic Church's holy day of obligation for the Assumption of Mary into Heaven. In the traditional church, this means attendance at Mass. I really don't know what the rules are these days, but I'm pretty sure that I've failed to meet whatever the criteria for whatever the offense.
In more worldly affairs, August 15th used to be the first extended due date for individual tax returns for the prior year returns which were originally due on April 15th. You could get a second extension to October 15th, but it took another request form. Now they just grant an automatic 6 month extension with the initial request. Who said the IRS wasn't able to change?
So hope rush at UI is a hit. I know 4 is a key to the success of the house. 3 will be there to close the deals later this evening.
Have a great evening.
Be careful out there.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Monday
My office is a pit, and it's only Monday.
I have this theory. I think that it applies to the office and the home. You get stuff. In the mail. From church. The office. Extra copies of this or that. Something from a family member. Stuff. Lots of time, make that all the time, you don't know whether you should put the stuff in a drawer, a box or just on the pile of stuff you got earlier. For me, it goes on the pile of stuff I got earlier.
I have piles at the office that are almost dated. They get higher than 6-8 inches and I have to start another pile. I count four active piles in my office right now. That doesn't count a couple of old piles that have ceased to be relevant.
At my house, I have the counter pile. (Actually, it is the pile that is on the counter. A counter pile sounds like the result of a football play.) This too is an active pile. Since I have moved 2 or 3 times in the last few years, my home pile has been reconstituted with each move. Some of the old piles are in my second bedroom and I really don't want to go through them. At the time of a move, I usually just put the pile on the counter into a plastic bag and put it in a place at my new residence with other stuff with which I didn't know what to do.
I think that a pile has a half life equal to about a year. After that year, you can get rid of half of it and you probably won't miss it. That rule probably applies to both the office and the home.
2 and 3 are headed over to my place in a while for a little FFF. 3 is off to IC tomorrow.
Be careful out there.
I have this theory. I think that it applies to the office and the home. You get stuff. In the mail. From church. The office. Extra copies of this or that. Something from a family member. Stuff. Lots of time, make that all the time, you don't know whether you should put the stuff in a drawer, a box or just on the pile of stuff you got earlier. For me, it goes on the pile of stuff I got earlier.
I have piles at the office that are almost dated. They get higher than 6-8 inches and I have to start another pile. I count four active piles in my office right now. That doesn't count a couple of old piles that have ceased to be relevant.
At my house, I have the counter pile. (Actually, it is the pile that is on the counter. A counter pile sounds like the result of a football play.) This too is an active pile. Since I have moved 2 or 3 times in the last few years, my home pile has been reconstituted with each move. Some of the old piles are in my second bedroom and I really don't want to go through them. At the time of a move, I usually just put the pile on the counter into a plastic bag and put it in a place at my new residence with other stuff with which I didn't know what to do.
I think that a pile has a half life equal to about a year. After that year, you can get rid of half of it and you probably won't miss it. That rule probably applies to both the office and the home.
2 and 3 are headed over to my place in a while for a little FFF. 3 is off to IC tomorrow.
Be careful out there.
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Sunday
Another entry of just a few lines. I never made it to the office today. This is being done in Century Heights. I'm here awaiting 3's arrival. Should be soon.
Busy weekend for me. Did a 25+ miler yesterday afternoon, and then made a Dewitt breakfast run this morning, which is a 47 mile round trip. The return ride today was dead into a head wind. Good to finally get that ride done. Also had lots of yard work and some Margret stuff as well. Also managed to find time for some Tuscan red.
2 has her new car. Nice!
How about this? They had a polo match in Bettendorf last night! And it wasn't my shirt against yours! I had been watching this farmer on Forest Grove groom this field all summer. He built it, and they came. Not exactly my fav, but what's a guy going to do on a Saturday night? Visit Tugfest in downtown LeClaire?
All for now. More tomorrow.
Be careful out there.
Busy weekend for me. Did a 25+ miler yesterday afternoon, and then made a Dewitt breakfast run this morning, which is a 47 mile round trip. The return ride today was dead into a head wind. Good to finally get that ride done. Also had lots of yard work and some Margret stuff as well. Also managed to find time for some Tuscan red.
2 has her new car. Nice!
How about this? They had a polo match in Bettendorf last night! And it wasn't my shirt against yours! I had been watching this farmer on Forest Grove groom this field all summer. He built it, and they came. Not exactly my fav, but what's a guy going to do on a Saturday night? Visit Tugfest in downtown LeClaire?
All for now. More tomorrow.
Be careful out there.
Friday, August 11, 2006
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Thursday
More terrorist stuff today. Ugly. Impossible to understand.
1 got back to Minnesota with no problems.
As I was getting back home from my ride last night, I'm headed south on Devil's Glen, just past the Forest Grove intersection. I'm grinding along at 14mph or so with a southerly breeze in my face. Without hearing or seeing her earlier, there's a "woosh" to my left and a young female rider just blows past me and is 200 yards ahead of me before I even figure out I've been dusted. She had to be doing 21-22 into the breeze. I was offically humbled. That's why I usually ride by myself. I'm so slow.
Did I previously report that I made a diversion to what has become my favorite wine shop while I was in KC last week? Stocked up on Tuscan red. Many that I've not seen on the shelves in the QC. For those who visit, I share.
Had my first tomatos from my garden last night. Actually, I had been sampling the cherry tomatos earlier. These were the regular size. Pretty good. Not as good as two years ago, but much better than the disaster of 2005.
The Big Unit had a no-no going for six innings last night for the Yankees against the Pale Hose. When the moon and the stars line up correctly, he can make good hitters look very ordinary. And he's 43.
Tomorrow is 3's last day for her summer internship in Ctown. And 2 should get her car. A big day for both.
I'm off to do a short ride.
Be careful out there.
1 got back to Minnesota with no problems.
As I was getting back home from my ride last night, I'm headed south on Devil's Glen, just past the Forest Grove intersection. I'm grinding along at 14mph or so with a southerly breeze in my face. Without hearing or seeing her earlier, there's a "woosh" to my left and a young female rider just blows past me and is 200 yards ahead of me before I even figure out I've been dusted. She had to be doing 21-22 into the breeze. I was offically humbled. That's why I usually ride by myself. I'm so slow.
Did I previously report that I made a diversion to what has become my favorite wine shop while I was in KC last week? Stocked up on Tuscan red. Many that I've not seen on the shelves in the QC. For those who visit, I share.
Had my first tomatos from my garden last night. Actually, I had been sampling the cherry tomatos earlier. These were the regular size. Pretty good. Not as good as two years ago, but much better than the disaster of 2005.
The Big Unit had a no-no going for six innings last night for the Yankees against the Pale Hose. When the moon and the stars line up correctly, he can make good hitters look very ordinary. And he's 43.
Tomorrow is 3's last day for her summer internship in Ctown. And 2 should get her car. A big day for both.
I'm off to do a short ride.
Be careful out there.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Wednesday PM
You guys are pretty quiet out there.
Didn't get my ride in last night. Too tired. But I did get the yard work done, including extraction of the two old clothes line posts in the back. They were set in cement and my neighbor came over with his utility jack to get leverage. Really didn't take that long and now I will have two less items to bang into while mowing. Plus, it's just less trash in the yard, although with a backyard neighbor who does zippo on her lawn, less trash on my side doesn't exactly create the perfect picture out my back windows.
The same neighbor has the huge cotton wood trees that are doing a slow death march. I called the electric company because, when the trees come down, they will definitely take out the power lines for sure. And possibly my garage. Their response was, "It's not our problem yet." My insurance people say only that when the trees come down, I'll have insurance coverage, less my deductible. So my neighbor ignores the dying tree. And nobody cares.
My Russian cleaning lady left me a note yesterday saying that she was headed back to Europe for a month beginning August 25th. So she'll take care of me on the 22nd, but not again until the end of September. I'll be on my own! I've become pretty comfortable with having my house routinely cleaned. I'll miss her.
Landis was on Leno last night, but I fell asleep and never heard his schtick. I really don't know what to think. He seems like a truthful guy. But the lab tests are very technical and difficult to dispute. His remarks ring similar to Tyler Hamilton, another American cyclist (an Olympic gold medalist cyclist) who took a two year ban in 2004 and never was able to prove his innocence. I do find it interesting that most of the media sports columnists have him convicted.
As a group, sports columnists, talk radio jocks and the like are borderline pond scum. They hold themselves out as society's conscious and have a responsibility by virtue of their elevated status to lay down judgements on the various figures whom the public might otherwise hold in higher esteem. Not that all that many sports figures should be held in high esteem. But it really bugs me when these media guys think I need their help to come to a conclusion on some event like the Landis thing.
But that gets into that topic of the media personalities wanting to be the news rather than just report on it. And I don't have the energy or time to do that rant tonight.
I'm off to ride the DCC hills. Hope everyone has a productive evening.
Be careful out there.
Didn't get my ride in last night. Too tired. But I did get the yard work done, including extraction of the two old clothes line posts in the back. They were set in cement and my neighbor came over with his utility jack to get leverage. Really didn't take that long and now I will have two less items to bang into while mowing. Plus, it's just less trash in the yard, although with a backyard neighbor who does zippo on her lawn, less trash on my side doesn't exactly create the perfect picture out my back windows.
The same neighbor has the huge cotton wood trees that are doing a slow death march. I called the electric company because, when the trees come down, they will definitely take out the power lines for sure. And possibly my garage. Their response was, "It's not our problem yet." My insurance people say only that when the trees come down, I'll have insurance coverage, less my deductible. So my neighbor ignores the dying tree. And nobody cares.
My Russian cleaning lady left me a note yesterday saying that she was headed back to Europe for a month beginning August 25th. So she'll take care of me on the 22nd, but not again until the end of September. I'll be on my own! I've become pretty comfortable with having my house routinely cleaned. I'll miss her.
Landis was on Leno last night, but I fell asleep and never heard his schtick. I really don't know what to think. He seems like a truthful guy. But the lab tests are very technical and difficult to dispute. His remarks ring similar to Tyler Hamilton, another American cyclist (an Olympic gold medalist cyclist) who took a two year ban in 2004 and never was able to prove his innocence. I do find it interesting that most of the media sports columnists have him convicted.
As a group, sports columnists, talk radio jocks and the like are borderline pond scum. They hold themselves out as society's conscious and have a responsibility by virtue of their elevated status to lay down judgements on the various figures whom the public might otherwise hold in higher esteem. Not that all that many sports figures should be held in high esteem. But it really bugs me when these media guys think I need their help to come to a conclusion on some event like the Landis thing.
But that gets into that topic of the media personalities wanting to be the news rather than just report on it. And I don't have the energy or time to do that rant tonight.
I'm off to ride the DCC hills. Hope everyone has a productive evening.
Be careful out there.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Tuesday PM
Just a few lines today. I need to get out of here a little early to get my yard done and then do 18 or so on my bike.
When I was coming back from KC, there was a steady stream of motorcycles headed west on I-80. The papers today had pictures of the thousands of bikes parked on the streets of Sturgis. A few of those boys will not make it back home. They always have some fatalities.
On my Sunday ride, I ran into an old acquaintance at the Argo Cafe and we got to talking about dogs on our different bike routes. There used to be one on Utica Ridge that was pretty religious about attacking riders. And we shared red-winged blackbird stories too. An interesting collection of folks at the Argo Cafe.
No big plans for the next week or two. I am doing a one-day trip to New Jersey next Friday to meet with a software vendor.
Hope everyone has a good evening.
Be careful out there.
When I was coming back from KC, there was a steady stream of motorcycles headed west on I-80. The papers today had pictures of the thousands of bikes parked on the streets of Sturgis. A few of those boys will not make it back home. They always have some fatalities.
On my Sunday ride, I ran into an old acquaintance at the Argo Cafe and we got to talking about dogs on our different bike routes. There used to be one on Utica Ridge that was pretty religious about attacking riders. And we shared red-winged blackbird stories too. An interesting collection of folks at the Argo Cafe.
No big plans for the next week or two. I am doing a one-day trip to New Jersey next Friday to meet with a software vendor.
Hope everyone has a good evening.
Be careful out there.
Monday, August 07, 2006
Monday PM
Well, I'm back at my post. I should have made the time to get to a computer on Saturday and Sunday, but I just didn't get the job done. Sorry.
My trip to KC was good, but I was glad to get back Saturday evening in time to get in a short ride before dark. And I did a 36+ miler on Sunday to get a good start on the week. A little BBQ/FFF in Century Heights last night. Roy's car was a treat to drive. XM radio. GPS tracking. Slick.
The closing speaker at the conference on Saturday was Pat Williams, owner of the Orlando Magic. He basically gave a motivational presentation in a speech that centered on the Florida vision of Walt Disney that led to the creation of Disney World in Orlando. I checked out Williams' website and he is in the business of guest speaking. It looks as though he may be a little on the religious right of things. And he is an athlete, even at age 66. He's run several marathons, including Boston a number of times. His bio includes a stint as baseball coach many years ago at Wake Forest.
The thing that most impressed me about his talk was his style of delivery. Very polished and well rehearsed. I'm sure that he has made the same talk before many groups. No stuttering or grasping for thoughts: he always knew what he was going to say next. Interestingly, he also mentioned Coach John Wooden in the speech a number of times. I was at a high school awards program in South Bend in 1969 or 1970 where Coach Wooden was the guest speaker. I was so impressed by his speech and by his fluid delivery. He never looked at notes, and he quoted various sources from literature. (Of course, he was an English teacher when he was a young coach.)
In the mid-"80's, I wrote Coach Wooden and asked for a copy of his book on "the pyramid of success", which had been the topic of his speech in South Bend. Yes, I included a check! He actually sent me two books, autographed to boot. I think all of those elements in Coach Wooden's pyramid are still relevant today. You should check it out.
One of the thoughts that came to me in the car on the drive back from KC was to incorporate the 4000 Days concept into my financial planning business. Everyone has a certain number of days that may be relevant to themselves for some longer term planning. A 25 year old has 15000 days to age 66. A 50 year old has around 5000 days to age 65. I am going to give it some thought and see if I can't create a story that will have appeal to people across the spectrum. I think I want to include it in a canned presentation that can be delivered to employee groups in the polished style discussed above. Its an idea.
Hope 1 is enjoying "the Cape". And that 3 is making the most of her last week in Ctown. 2 is replacing the Tracer this week. May the Tracer RIP.
Best wishes to 4 on her "Moving into Theta Day" today in IC. I was glad to see her recent entry on her blog.
Be careful out there.
My trip to KC was good, but I was glad to get back Saturday evening in time to get in a short ride before dark. And I did a 36+ miler on Sunday to get a good start on the week. A little BBQ/FFF in Century Heights last night. Roy's car was a treat to drive. XM radio. GPS tracking. Slick.
The closing speaker at the conference on Saturday was Pat Williams, owner of the Orlando Magic. He basically gave a motivational presentation in a speech that centered on the Florida vision of Walt Disney that led to the creation of Disney World in Orlando. I checked out Williams' website and he is in the business of guest speaking. It looks as though he may be a little on the religious right of things. And he is an athlete, even at age 66. He's run several marathons, including Boston a number of times. His bio includes a stint as baseball coach many years ago at Wake Forest.
The thing that most impressed me about his talk was his style of delivery. Very polished and well rehearsed. I'm sure that he has made the same talk before many groups. No stuttering or grasping for thoughts: he always knew what he was going to say next. Interestingly, he also mentioned Coach John Wooden in the speech a number of times. I was at a high school awards program in South Bend in 1969 or 1970 where Coach Wooden was the guest speaker. I was so impressed by his speech and by his fluid delivery. He never looked at notes, and he quoted various sources from literature. (Of course, he was an English teacher when he was a young coach.)
In the mid-"80's, I wrote Coach Wooden and asked for a copy of his book on "the pyramid of success", which had been the topic of his speech in South Bend. Yes, I included a check! He actually sent me two books, autographed to boot. I think all of those elements in Coach Wooden's pyramid are still relevant today. You should check it out.
One of the thoughts that came to me in the car on the drive back from KC was to incorporate the 4000 Days concept into my financial planning business. Everyone has a certain number of days that may be relevant to themselves for some longer term planning. A 25 year old has 15000 days to age 66. A 50 year old has around 5000 days to age 65. I am going to give it some thought and see if I can't create a story that will have appeal to people across the spectrum. I think I want to include it in a canned presentation that can be delivered to employee groups in the polished style discussed above. Its an idea.
Hope 1 is enjoying "the Cape". And that 3 is making the most of her last week in Ctown. 2 is replacing the Tracer this week. May the Tracer RIP.
Best wishes to 4 on her "Moving into Theta Day" today in IC. I was glad to see her recent entry on her blog.
Be careful out there.
Friday, August 04, 2006
Friday in KC
Just checking in. Long two days so far. May stay an extra day if Jake's Pants gets in tonight.
At least it's not 100 degrees. And Roy's car is a treat to drive. The Book on CD is marginal. Rosie and Tom's place is nice. Very comfortable and spacious. Well appointed.
Elected to not pack the bike. I'll need to make up some days next week. I'm toying with the idea of doing a little training so that I can do the Turkey Trot this year.
I've done some thinking about business changes. The one rule of retail, "Ask for the order", needs to get higher up the priority list at Criterium.
4, I tried to give a little feedback on the resume. Did you not get my email? Personally, I think most of what you write is pretty good.
Hope everyone has a good weekend.
Be careful out there.
At least it's not 100 degrees. And Roy's car is a treat to drive. The Book on CD is marginal. Rosie and Tom's place is nice. Very comfortable and spacious. Well appointed.
Elected to not pack the bike. I'll need to make up some days next week. I'm toying with the idea of doing a little training so that I can do the Turkey Trot this year.
I've done some thinking about business changes. The one rule of retail, "Ask for the order", needs to get higher up the priority list at Criterium.
4, I tried to give a little feedback on the resume. Did you not get my email? Personally, I think most of what you write is pretty good.
Hope everyone has a good weekend.
Be careful out there.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Wednesday PM
For those of you who look for inspiration here each day, the pickens will be pretty slim for the next few days. I leave early Thursday for KC and will not return until late Saturday. While I will probably have internet access in KC, I doubt if I have much time to blog. I'll try to check in, but the next significant entry may not be until Sunday.
4 should try to fill some of the space.
Busy day today to enable me to get out of town. I need to get my grass mowed, a bike ride in, pack, and miscellaneous other errands.
I know 1 is headed to the East Coast tomorrow. Have fun! 3 is finishing up her Chicago work. Just a few days, kiddo. Hang in there. And 2 continues to battle the cats at work. You hang in there too. Good luck with the Saturday event.
More later from the road.
Be careful out there.
4 should try to fill some of the space.
Busy day today to enable me to get out of town. I need to get my grass mowed, a bike ride in, pack, and miscellaneous other errands.
I know 1 is headed to the East Coast tomorrow. Have fun! 3 is finishing up her Chicago work. Just a few days, kiddo. Hang in there. And 2 continues to battle the cats at work. You hang in there too. Good luck with the Saturday event.
More later from the road.
Be careful out there.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Tuesday PM
Just a few lines before taking off for the evening.
My body still aches from yesterday. I'm glad that we were successful in getting the move completed with just the normal amount of challenges. Not that I am looking forward to the next move by anyone.
514 - 1/2 South Dodge IC, IA 52242.
4 should add some commentary for our entertainment. She's good at it and she needs the work for her writing samples portfolio.
So I'm headed home for a little R&R. Had originally planned to ride tonight, but I think recovery is the name of the game tonight.
Be careful out there.
My body still aches from yesterday. I'm glad that we were successful in getting the move completed with just the normal amount of challenges. Not that I am looking forward to the next move by anyone.
514 - 1/2 South Dodge IC, IA 52242.
4 should add some commentary for our entertainment. She's good at it and she needs the work for her writing samples portfolio.
So I'm headed home for a little R&R. Had originally planned to ride tonight, but I think recovery is the name of the game tonight.
Be careful out there.
Tuesday AM
Well, 3 is moved. The exercise to switch apartments in IC was everything I thought it might be. Hot and lots of trips to the 3rd floor. But all in all, just a challenging little exercise with no major unexpected developments.
2 gets daughter of the day for coming over with us to help. She made a big difference. Thanks.
I have two days to get several things done and then go to KC early Thursday. Busy week.
More later.
Be careful out there. And stay cool!
2 gets daughter of the day for coming over with us to help. She made a big difference. Thanks.
I have two days to get several things done and then go to KC early Thursday. Busy week.
More later.
Be careful out there. And stay cool!
Monday, July 31, 2006
Monday AM
This will be it for today. We're headed over to IC this afternoon to move the college girls. And it is unlikely that we'll get back before 10 or so tonight.
While this will be hot, I am reminded of the day I took 2 to Norman for the first time. Think of an oven with 10 floors.
28+ yesterday and little else done.
Had email problems at work this AM on the Criterium site. Gremlins in the system. Fixed now, but a pain.
Stay cool out there. And be careful.
While this will be hot, I am reminded of the day I took 2 to Norman for the first time. Think of an oven with 10 floors.
28+ yesterday and little else done.
Had email problems at work this AM on the Criterium site. Gremlins in the system. Fixed now, but a pain.
Stay cool out there. And be careful.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
SundayAM
Well, I missed a day for which I have no excuse. Sorry to those looking for insights on Saturday.
2 and 4 did a fine job getting through the 7 miles of Bix yesterday. Brutal heat and humidity. I think they spent most of the rest of the day in recovery. I had the good fortune of seeing both of them on the course. Actually, they saw me and called out. The mass of humanity made identification hard for interested fans. With 16k of runners in that short of a race, the horde passing at any one moment just overwhelmed the internal data processing system.
The story here this weekend has been the heat. 100+ on the heat index scale, and it's supposed to be higher today and tomorrow. Good times to stay inside. Which I think is what happened to a lot of the Bix attendees who elected to take a pass on the much of the daytime activities in Davenport. I did get out for 25 late yesterday and it wasn't as bad as the night last week that I mowed my yard. But I don't think that a longer ride would have been much fun. My plan is to do 20 or so this morning and beat the higher temps later in the day.
Of course Mom and I are scheduled to be in IC tomorrow to move 3 and 4 from the apartment. That should be fun. While 3 is in Chicago.
My buddy Pete rode RAGBRAI on Friday. Said that he had fun, but he missed the evening parties. Maybe next year.
I'm headed to KC for a couple of days of meetings beginning Thursday. Back Saturday night.
The cherry tomatos are coming in. Have had two small batches so far.
The first week of August was the general time-frame that we did our family vacations when the girls were young. This is a time before school starts, and after most of the organized summer programs like softball. And August was always the slowest month in the accounting business. It had been my experience in the first few years of my business that clients were often not around in early August, or they wanted to defer meetings or decisions until "after the holiday", meaning Labor Day. So it became a natural for us to take the same time off for family stuff.
In an even earlier time, I think that the Wapello County Fair in Eldon, Iowa was also usually held in the first part of August. I think that I have written about the fair on the blog in a previous entry. Anyway, that was certainly the equivalent of my annual vacation as a youth. Sunday evening to Thursday morning in the un-air-conditioned 4-H dorm in Eldon. Not a family event per-se, although Mother and Daddy were there daily, and Rosie too. Vague memories of Martha or Margaret having a board-and-brick bookcase as a fair project. (I think my 4-H club was called the Green Cornhuskers. Green being the township in the county where the club members lived.)
So I may get back to this later today. No promises. But if I come up with any great thoughts while on my bike, I'll pass them along here.
Be careful out there.
2 and 4 did a fine job getting through the 7 miles of Bix yesterday. Brutal heat and humidity. I think they spent most of the rest of the day in recovery. I had the good fortune of seeing both of them on the course. Actually, they saw me and called out. The mass of humanity made identification hard for interested fans. With 16k of runners in that short of a race, the horde passing at any one moment just overwhelmed the internal data processing system.
The story here this weekend has been the heat. 100+ on the heat index scale, and it's supposed to be higher today and tomorrow. Good times to stay inside. Which I think is what happened to a lot of the Bix attendees who elected to take a pass on the much of the daytime activities in Davenport. I did get out for 25 late yesterday and it wasn't as bad as the night last week that I mowed my yard. But I don't think that a longer ride would have been much fun. My plan is to do 20 or so this morning and beat the higher temps later in the day.
Of course Mom and I are scheduled to be in IC tomorrow to move 3 and 4 from the apartment. That should be fun. While 3 is in Chicago.
My buddy Pete rode RAGBRAI on Friday. Said that he had fun, but he missed the evening parties. Maybe next year.
I'm headed to KC for a couple of days of meetings beginning Thursday. Back Saturday night.
The cherry tomatos are coming in. Have had two small batches so far.
The first week of August was the general time-frame that we did our family vacations when the girls were young. This is a time before school starts, and after most of the organized summer programs like softball. And August was always the slowest month in the accounting business. It had been my experience in the first few years of my business that clients were often not around in early August, or they wanted to defer meetings or decisions until "after the holiday", meaning Labor Day. So it became a natural for us to take the same time off for family stuff.
In an even earlier time, I think that the Wapello County Fair in Eldon, Iowa was also usually held in the first part of August. I think that I have written about the fair on the blog in a previous entry. Anyway, that was certainly the equivalent of my annual vacation as a youth. Sunday evening to Thursday morning in the un-air-conditioned 4-H dorm in Eldon. Not a family event per-se, although Mother and Daddy were there daily, and Rosie too. Vague memories of Martha or Margaret having a board-and-brick bookcase as a fair project. (I think my 4-H club was called the Green Cornhuskers. Green being the township in the county where the club members lived.)
So I may get back to this later today. No promises. But if I come up with any great thoughts while on my bike, I'll pass them along here.
Be careful out there.
Friday, July 28, 2006
Friday PM
Just a few lines today.
Hot. Hot. Hot. And its supposed to get hotter this weekend.
4 did the filming of Lance at the IMU this AM. She said it was a well-attended event, but that she was not moved to seek an autograph. LA was a huge hit on RAGBRAI and in the IC nite scene last night. In some respects, you would like the masses to give the guy some space so that he could enjoy the experience without having a camera in his face all the time. On the other hand, he came to get publicity for the cause, so using his position to do that comes with a cost.
Several articles noted that his pace when riding was in the low 20's. When I'm riding on the flat roads, my comfortable pace is 16-17 mph. The Monday night riders here in Bettendorf have some folks that like the 20+ pace, but like I always say, I'm not getting paid to do this. Ramping it up to 22 would be no small amount of work.
The Landis saga is in full bloom. Some national sports columnists are chiming in with pieces that pretty well lambast the sport of cycling, even though they really don't follow it. It is an easy target. And most of those guys lump LA in the same pile of scrap. I don't know. So many things in cycling are fickle, and the various testing authorities can't agree on common grounds. The columnists look down the end of their noses at the boys in the tight shorts. As though if you can't take a blind side pick from Karl Malone, or a clothes-line tackle from Jack Tatum, you aren't really an athlete.
LA gave the critics some fodder with some border-line jokes in his monologue at the ESPY awards program a couple of weeks ago. I didn't watch that made for TV event, but there were lots of stories after the fact.
In other news, I was down having a beer at the Stockade in the village of East Davenport last night. Across the way, the brothers were playing bball on the court where I tore my ACL. A full court game going and then a bunch of guys shooting at the 3rd basket waiting for a game. And 5 year olds scurrying around underfoot. There was at least one white guy. The whole scenario rang true to my time there 17 years ago. Some things never change.
1 completed her summer school teaching stint today. You go girl! Good luck on your long run this weekend.
By the by 4, Coach K says you should run the Bix course twice tomorrow for the marathon training.
Good luck to 2 an4 in the Bix run tomorrow.
We love ya 3, but we never get to see ya!
Be careful out there.
Hot. Hot. Hot. And its supposed to get hotter this weekend.
4 did the filming of Lance at the IMU this AM. She said it was a well-attended event, but that she was not moved to seek an autograph. LA was a huge hit on RAGBRAI and in the IC nite scene last night. In some respects, you would like the masses to give the guy some space so that he could enjoy the experience without having a camera in his face all the time. On the other hand, he came to get publicity for the cause, so using his position to do that comes with a cost.
Several articles noted that his pace when riding was in the low 20's. When I'm riding on the flat roads, my comfortable pace is 16-17 mph. The Monday night riders here in Bettendorf have some folks that like the 20+ pace, but like I always say, I'm not getting paid to do this. Ramping it up to 22 would be no small amount of work.
The Landis saga is in full bloom. Some national sports columnists are chiming in with pieces that pretty well lambast the sport of cycling, even though they really don't follow it. It is an easy target. And most of those guys lump LA in the same pile of scrap. I don't know. So many things in cycling are fickle, and the various testing authorities can't agree on common grounds. The columnists look down the end of their noses at the boys in the tight shorts. As though if you can't take a blind side pick from Karl Malone, or a clothes-line tackle from Jack Tatum, you aren't really an athlete.
LA gave the critics some fodder with some border-line jokes in his monologue at the ESPY awards program a couple of weeks ago. I didn't watch that made for TV event, but there were lots of stories after the fact.
In other news, I was down having a beer at the Stockade in the village of East Davenport last night. Across the way, the brothers were playing bball on the court where I tore my ACL. A full court game going and then a bunch of guys shooting at the 3rd basket waiting for a game. And 5 year olds scurrying around underfoot. There was at least one white guy. The whole scenario rang true to my time there 17 years ago. Some things never change.
1 completed her summer school teaching stint today. You go girl! Good luck on your long run this weekend.
By the by 4, Coach K says you should run the Bix course twice tomorrow for the marathon training.
Good luck to 2 an4 in the Bix run tomorrow.
We love ya 3, but we never get to see ya!
Be careful out there.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Thursday PM
I did the yard last night and worked up a more drenching sweat than on any bike ride for the last year or so. It was around 90 with 110% humidity. Brutal. But I was able to get it done, bagged and set out for yard-waste pick up this AM. Also did some tree-trimming to boot on a scrub tree hanging in from a back yard neighbor.
Enjoyed 4's entry yesterday. She has a gift.
The big story on the wires today is about a positive drug test on Landis from the day last week that he won the big mountain stage. From what I read, it is an unacceptable testosterone level, which may or may not be produced naturally. Say, what? If the guy is guilty, string him up. If the system is flawed, please get it fixed before hanging more innocents out to dry.
On those long stages, you often see riders taking water bottles from by-standers. Usually, they just use those bottles to pour over their heads to cool down. But in the extreme case, a thirsty rider could take a drink out of a tainted bottle. Not saying that that is what happened here, but you can see how easy it is for a guy to take something in without planning to do so.
Personally, I don't think Landis has that sort of manipulation in his make-up.
Craig Wilson's Wednesday column in USA Today was a little relevant to us folks getting old.
Sorry to hear about 1's losing battle with the computer. I've been there. Sounds like 4 has had a variety of those episodes with her laptop this summer too.
Lance is a big hit on RAGBRAI. I've always ridden the more party-oriented part of the ride. That's the segment of people who make it to the little town right before the over-night town and camp out in the local establishments from mid-afternoon till 5 or 6 and then roll in to the over-night town after the rush. You can be away for years, hit those pre-over-night towns and meet up with the same people from years before. It's good to know that certain things are for certain.
And if I haven't said it before (or recently), I consider RAGBRAI a little like Vegas. Three days and two nights are plenty.
We are doing a Criterium promotional thing at SB's 4 weeks from tomorrow. I thought it would be a creative way to get further identified with a very specific local market (Bettendorf/East Davenport SB's customers). But things are now out of control. I had asked a couple other "regulars" to participate, which I thought would be a resonable way to split the costs. They quickly agreed, but then one of them suggested getting a charity angle going and the other turned his marketing person loose. Now we're talking a live radio remote, other publicity, t-shirts and prizes. With all the people involved, all of whom are better known than me, Criterium will be just another line on the sponsor list.
4 is done with summer school tonight. Congrats. I know that it hasn't been the best summer ever, but I think that it has helped build the resume and given you some good experience of living on your own.
I'm going to try to do 15-20 tonight in the heat.
Be careful out there.
Enjoyed 4's entry yesterday. She has a gift.
The big story on the wires today is about a positive drug test on Landis from the day last week that he won the big mountain stage. From what I read, it is an unacceptable testosterone level, which may or may not be produced naturally. Say, what? If the guy is guilty, string him up. If the system is flawed, please get it fixed before hanging more innocents out to dry.
On those long stages, you often see riders taking water bottles from by-standers. Usually, they just use those bottles to pour over their heads to cool down. But in the extreme case, a thirsty rider could take a drink out of a tainted bottle. Not saying that that is what happened here, but you can see how easy it is for a guy to take something in without planning to do so.
Personally, I don't think Landis has that sort of manipulation in his make-up.
Craig Wilson's Wednesday column in USA Today was a little relevant to us folks getting old.
Sorry to hear about 1's losing battle with the computer. I've been there. Sounds like 4 has had a variety of those episodes with her laptop this summer too.
Lance is a big hit on RAGBRAI. I've always ridden the more party-oriented part of the ride. That's the segment of people who make it to the little town right before the over-night town and camp out in the local establishments from mid-afternoon till 5 or 6 and then roll in to the over-night town after the rush. You can be away for years, hit those pre-over-night towns and meet up with the same people from years before. It's good to know that certain things are for certain.
And if I haven't said it before (or recently), I consider RAGBRAI a little like Vegas. Three days and two nights are plenty.
We are doing a Criterium promotional thing at SB's 4 weeks from tomorrow. I thought it would be a creative way to get further identified with a very specific local market (Bettendorf/East Davenport SB's customers). But things are now out of control. I had asked a couple other "regulars" to participate, which I thought would be a resonable way to split the costs. They quickly agreed, but then one of them suggested getting a charity angle going and the other turned his marketing person loose. Now we're talking a live radio remote, other publicity, t-shirts and prizes. With all the people involved, all of whom are better known than me, Criterium will be just another line on the sponsor list.
4 is done with summer school tonight. Congrats. I know that it hasn't been the best summer ever, but I think that it has helped build the resume and given you some good experience of living on your own.
I'm going to try to do 15-20 tonight in the heat.
Be careful out there.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Wednesday PM
Glad to see 4 take my request to heart.
No blog tonight. Long, unproductive day.
I tried to send pictures to 1-4 today. Let me know if I was successful.
I'm sure that I will be very glib tomorrow.
Be careful out there.
No blog tonight. Long, unproductive day.
I tried to send pictures to 1-4 today. Let me know if I was successful.
I'm sure that I will be very glib tomorrow.
Be careful out there.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Tuesday PM
I know nothing about facetime. I was just saying that I wanted to see 1 and 3 soon. Have I inadvertantly stepped into a parallel zone beyond a parent's universe?
Another day at the office. Riding tonight for 18 or so.
Had an acquaintance stop by at coffee this AM who had recently been to Italy and had been scheduled to bike some of the mountains used in the Giro d'Italia. Turns out that on the 2nd or 3rd day there he had his briefcase with assorted valuables and passport stolen. He had to go through a bunch of hoops to get another passport, etc. He says the pick-pockets in Europe are legendary. They did get their riding done. He said it was incredibly hard. I want to do it one day.
Work has included a number of meetings lately with soon-to-be retirees. Lots of people continue to work beyond the time that they must and are not prepared for a life off the job. Others will simply never retire because they enjoy whatever it is that they are doing. Most fear that they may run out of money or that the costs of future health care will ravage their assets. There are lots of books out there on all these topics. In many respects, we could be talking about an economics text book: the answers are different depending on your assumptions.
Augustana's former President Treadway said in one speech, "Find out what you like, and do it." Not a lot of people are able to do that, either for economic or wunderlust reasons. Lucky are those who can match a career with their heart.
I have received several compliments on Margret recently, as per usual. One guy at church on Sunday was talking about a '63 Ford that he had owned. When I mentioned to him that even though I had replaced the motor I still had some leaks, he said, "They always leaked. That was how you knew it was time to add some oil!" I thought that that was a pretty on-point comment.
I am reminded of the time that I literally drove an old teenager's car dry of oil my junior year of high school. Not a particularly stellar moment for me.
I encourage 4 to give us some material.
So I'm off to hit some hills around DCC.
Be careful out there
Another day at the office. Riding tonight for 18 or so.
Had an acquaintance stop by at coffee this AM who had recently been to Italy and had been scheduled to bike some of the mountains used in the Giro d'Italia. Turns out that on the 2nd or 3rd day there he had his briefcase with assorted valuables and passport stolen. He had to go through a bunch of hoops to get another passport, etc. He says the pick-pockets in Europe are legendary. They did get their riding done. He said it was incredibly hard. I want to do it one day.
Work has included a number of meetings lately with soon-to-be retirees. Lots of people continue to work beyond the time that they must and are not prepared for a life off the job. Others will simply never retire because they enjoy whatever it is that they are doing. Most fear that they may run out of money or that the costs of future health care will ravage their assets. There are lots of books out there on all these topics. In many respects, we could be talking about an economics text book: the answers are different depending on your assumptions.
Augustana's former President Treadway said in one speech, "Find out what you like, and do it." Not a lot of people are able to do that, either for economic or wunderlust reasons. Lucky are those who can match a career with their heart.
I have received several compliments on Margret recently, as per usual. One guy at church on Sunday was talking about a '63 Ford that he had owned. When I mentioned to him that even though I had replaced the motor I still had some leaks, he said, "They always leaked. That was how you knew it was time to add some oil!" I thought that that was a pretty on-point comment.
I am reminded of the time that I literally drove an old teenager's car dry of oil my junior year of high school. Not a particularly stellar moment for me.
I encourage 4 to give us some material.
So I'm off to hit some hills around DCC.
Be careful out there
Monday, July 24, 2006
Monday PM
Just a few lines before heading home for the evening. Long day.
Rest day from the bike. Need to get my yard mowed. I guess that its supposed to get hot again the rest of the week.
I need some face time with 1 and 3. Miss you guys.
Be careful out there.
Rest day from the bike. Need to get my yard mowed. I guess that its supposed to get hot again the rest of the week.
I need some face time with 1 and 3. Miss you guys.
Be careful out there.
Monday AM
Well, I was unsuccessful in getting back on the blog Saturday afternoon or Sunday. I really need to evaluate my scheduling for the blog. The summer has proven to be more of a challenge since I am motivated to get away from the office in the late afternoon to take advantage of the daylight.
Had a great day yesterday with 2 and 4. Church. Ross's. BBQ in the evening.
Good riding on the weekend too. 26 Saturday and 33 Sunday. Not much wind and mild temps. Can't say that I am envious of the RAGBRAI riders who usually do 75-80 a day. That's a lot of seat time. I don't like biking that much. I'm still being greeted frequently by re-winged blackbirds, although not the same one at Forest Grove and Middle.
Lots of activities over the next couple of weeks as the summer winds down. 1, 2, 3, and 4 will all be juggling their time to keep things pointed forward. Me too.
More later. Hope everyone's week gets off to a good start.
Be careful out there.
Had a great day yesterday with 2 and 4. Church. Ross's. BBQ in the evening.
Good riding on the weekend too. 26 Saturday and 33 Sunday. Not much wind and mild temps. Can't say that I am envious of the RAGBRAI riders who usually do 75-80 a day. That's a lot of seat time. I don't like biking that much. I'm still being greeted frequently by re-winged blackbirds, although not the same one at Forest Grove and Middle.
Lots of activities over the next couple of weeks as the summer winds down. 1, 2, 3, and 4 will all be juggling their time to keep things pointed forward. Me too.
More later. Hope everyone's week gets off to a good start.
Be careful out there.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Saturday
Hey to all. Looks like a great day in River City.
Funny week. Never quite got back into a routine. I was so tired last night that I fell asleep on the couch at 7!!! Then got up and went to bed at 10. I wonder if I had bad soup at lunch or something. I live an exciting life. I feel much better today.
Margret is out today.
I have a bunch of house/yard work to get done today. With the rain all day yesterday, the grass (and weeds) should start growing again.
RAGBRAI starts tomorrow on the western Iowa border. My buddy Pete is thinking about going out Wednesday afternoon for a couple of days of riding and partying. The DM Register online has daily features on the ride for those who may be interested.
One of our coffee regulars just got back from two weeks in Australia and Hawaii. He and his wife were chaperones for some high school golfers on one of those "all-star" trips that require the kid to raise, in this case, $4K for the privilige of joining the other stars. Anyway, he brought $10 Austailian SB's cards to each of us as gifts. His motivation was that the Australian dollar was trading at about $1.30 to the US dollar. So he thought that if he bought $10 gift cards in Australia that they would trade for $10 in the US and it would really only cost him $8+. Great idea, but the computer was smarter than that and the credit on the card in Bettendorf was only $8+. Funny how companies have that finance thing under control. But it was a good thought.
Landis is back in yellow. Amazing. Tomorrow is largely celebratory. The sprinters will contest the stage win, but the GC riders typically call off the dogs on that last day.
I'm off to do my chores. I may be back at this later today. Have a great one.
Be careful out there.
Funny week. Never quite got back into a routine. I was so tired last night that I fell asleep on the couch at 7!!! Then got up and went to bed at 10. I wonder if I had bad soup at lunch or something. I live an exciting life. I feel much better today.
Margret is out today.
I have a bunch of house/yard work to get done today. With the rain all day yesterday, the grass (and weeds) should start growing again.
RAGBRAI starts tomorrow on the western Iowa border. My buddy Pete is thinking about going out Wednesday afternoon for a couple of days of riding and partying. The DM Register online has daily features on the ride for those who may be interested.
One of our coffee regulars just got back from two weeks in Australia and Hawaii. He and his wife were chaperones for some high school golfers on one of those "all-star" trips that require the kid to raise, in this case, $4K for the privilige of joining the other stars. Anyway, he brought $10 Austailian SB's cards to each of us as gifts. His motivation was that the Australian dollar was trading at about $1.30 to the US dollar. So he thought that if he bought $10 gift cards in Australia that they would trade for $10 in the US and it would really only cost him $8+. Great idea, but the computer was smarter than that and the credit on the card in Bettendorf was only $8+. Funny how companies have that finance thing under control. But it was a good thought.
Landis is back in yellow. Amazing. Tomorrow is largely celebratory. The sprinters will contest the stage win, but the GC riders typically call off the dogs on that last day.
I'm off to do my chores. I may be back at this later today. Have a great one.
Be careful out there.
Friday, July 21, 2006
Friday
End of the week. Rained all day today. No ride tonight.
I'll make a good entry tomorrow.
Be careful out there.
I'll make a good entry tomorrow.
Be careful out there.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Thursday PM
So I'm still off my normal routine. Is that redundant? Or just repetitive?
Bill's son Jake is rowing over in Indy, maybe at a National event? Are there multiple "national" events? This comment is only relevant as I'm trying to suck up the motivation to row on my erg machine in my basement.
Just in case it didn't come across in the earlier commentary on Tahoe, I will be doing a ride up Mt. Rose next summer. Not sure why, other than that I think I still can.
There was a book review in USA Today today about some young law student who has written a book that evolved from his blog. He received a six-figure retainer and now they are talking movie and TV rights. Will Frank and Melanie have similar luck?
Landis stormed through the last Alpine mountain stage today for a huge win and is just 30 seconds off yellow in the TdF. Truely an amazing ride for a guy who was cooked 24 hours beforehand.
So I'm outta here for a little Tuscan red.
Be careful out there.
Bill's son Jake is rowing over in Indy, maybe at a National event? Are there multiple "national" events? This comment is only relevant as I'm trying to suck up the motivation to row on my erg machine in my basement.
Just in case it didn't come across in the earlier commentary on Tahoe, I will be doing a ride up Mt. Rose next summer. Not sure why, other than that I think I still can.
There was a book review in USA Today today about some young law student who has written a book that evolved from his blog. He received a six-figure retainer and now they are talking movie and TV rights. Will Frank and Melanie have similar luck?
Landis stormed through the last Alpine mountain stage today for a huge win and is just 30 seconds off yellow in the TdF. Truely an amazing ride for a guy who was cooked 24 hours beforehand.
So I'm outta here for a little Tuscan red.
Be careful out there.
Thursday AM
The entry from yesterday was not easy. Those BPL machines are not the best.
Did get in my second straight day of riding. 16. A little windy. Probably take the day off today.
I've got some pictures from KC and Tahoe. One role from Tahoe was blank. No explanation. I'll send what I have by email today.
More later.
Did get in my second straight day of riding. 16. A little windy. Probably take the day off today.
I've got some pictures from KC and Tahoe. One role from Tahoe was blank. No explanation. I'll send what I have by email today.
More later.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Wednesday
No blog today. Our internet is down. I'm at the Bett public library. Lousy set-up here.
Still trying to get back on routine. 18 last night. Maybe again tonight.
Miss you all.
Be careful out there.
Still trying to get back on routine. 18 last night. Maybe again tonight.
Miss you all.
Be careful out there.
Wednesday
No blog today. Our internet is down. I'm at the Bett public library. Lousy set-up here.
Still trying to get back on routine. 18 last night. Maybe again tonight.
Miss you all.
Be careful out there.
Still trying to get back on routine. 18 last night. Maybe again tonight.
Miss you all.
Be careful out there.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Tuesday PM
This going to be a fairly boring recounting of the Tahoe weekend. Not that the weekend was at all boring. But I don't normally like to just blah away at the things I/we do on a daily basis.
The trip out was pretty uneventful. Drive to O'Hare (using my buddy Pete's I-Pass for tolls). Wait. No pit-BBQ chicken this time. Ride the aerobus to Reno. Chatty gals in the seats directly in front of us. On-time arrival. Efficient car rental. Hyunda Sonata sedan. Nice. A little snack at a McDonals's drive-through. A hungry Susan is not something to ignore. Drive up the hill to Tahoe.
Phil was entertaining the groom's family on Tursday evening. Just as we parked at his house, the California and KC families rolled in too, so we had a rush of about 10 people who's collective presence may have been a little much for the new folks to handle. They took their leave pretty quickly.
Our accomodations were at a private residence in Incline Village. The owners, who also own the retro-condo from our last two Tahoe vacations, have built matching 4 bedroom additions to each end of what was once a fairly small ranch house. They rent rooms in the one side by the night. So we took two separate rooms, each with it's own bathroom. Very nice. Our LV relatives took another room for Friday and Saturday nights.
Interestingly, the husband/owner is a retired Marine pilot whose career included flying President Johnson's heliocopter in the DC area. The couple has several kids and the additions to the house were to make visits by those families easy. He retired as a colonel about 15 or so years ago at age 52. How do you say, "Not a chance for the LT?"
The retro-condo has been at least partially redone. The shag in the lower two levels is gone! And it may not even be available next summer.
Back to the story. Friday. Early to SB's. The gals didn't like my request for an extra hot Americano. 2 and 4 sleep in. There's juice and light snacks provided at the house as part of the fee. I watch CNBC as the market tanks. A few business calls to nervous clients.
The plan had been to do a hike on Mt. Rose mid-morning-ish. Once 2 and 4 arise, we get set to depart and the car won't start! Some electrical problem. Bottom line: I spend about 3-4 hours swapping out cars. First time in all my years of car rentals that I have any such problem. The hike is ditched. The girls spend most of the mid-day at Phil's hanging out. They are very popular with the young kids.
Once the car is replaced, we decide to get cleaned up and head over for the annual Salute to Wally at the Embassy Suites in South Shore. We do this and it is good. A little annoying with some loud fellow customers, and a non-English speaking wait staff. The strip at Stateline has really been cleaned up on the mountain-side. A few t-shirt shops remain on the lake-side, but I suspect that their days are numbered too. No purchases for our crew, but we did look at a $5 sale rack. Then back to Incline for a groom's family hosted get-together. Nice. Really good catered stuff. A fairly early evening.
Saturday became the hike day. SB's early. Less worry since the markets were closed. 2 and 4 get up between 9 and 10 and we head up to the trail. Lots of snow on the trail. About 2.5 hours of up and down. LV Doyle took the long route and was out for 6 hours or so. We ran into him on his way back to the trail head.
Obligatory stop at Raley's on the way back to the house. Subway for lunch. Chips. No Herdez. Rest. And get ready for the big evening. I managed to get lost on the way to the event. Too cute for my own good.
The civil ceremony was held outside at the Incline Village golf club. Cousin Kevin officiated. Rev Kev. He did a great job. 20 minutes. Music by a parlor quartet. No singing. Very nicely done.
The reception was right there at the club. Hors d'oeuvre's on the balcony for half-three quarters of an hour. Then inside for a sit-down dinner of either chicken or pasta. (The pasta was great.) We had the San Mateo and LV clans at our table. Toasts. Dancing. Good times. We stay till they shut it down.
Many of the contemporaries of the bride and groom were acquaintances from Warsaw, Poland where the bride taught 10-12 years ago. Most of those folks have moved on to other things, but many still reside overseas. And we aren't sure how many work for the CIA. Hmmm.
2 may have been over-served for the evening.
Sunday is a pure travel day. We get to say good-bye to Phil and Jan as they have breakfast at the Stardust(?) across from the Biltmore. Then down to Reno. I loose a bet to 4 on how many bikers we'll see on Mt. Rose. I say more than 5, but less than 10. 13 was the number. On-time departure around 11:15 local. We are at the back of the bus and get to listen to some self-absorbed engineer sitting behind us describe his water research project in painful detail for almost half the trip. I am reminded of the character in Airplane! with the drinking problem who describes his plights to several seat-mates who all try to kill themselves rather than to listen to his dribble.
We land early in Chicago, but sit on the deck waiting for an empty gate. Finally out. I go get the car in Economy Parking as 2 and 4 get the bags. We meet and get on the road. A visit to 3 downtown just isn't going to happen. Snacks and gas in DeKalb. Home around 9 local. Long day.
Summary thoughts. I never get tired of Lake Tahoe. But I don't think I would want to live there full time. It's certainly not as much fun when our entire family isn't there together. We have a wonderful extended family. The wedding was as nice of an event as I can recall attending. It would be nice to travel from the QC rather than have the drive to/from Chicago on both ends of the airplane ride. An upgrade to first class might be nice. Always have an I-Pass when travelling in Illinois. I can almost get the Friday and Saturday NY Times crosswords done on these trips because I have the time and don't have the distractions. The disadvantage is that I don't read a book, which, it could be argued, is a better mental exercise.
So that's about all. I may have some other thoughts after re-reading this myself tomorrow.
In other news, 4 says that Lance will be in IC for a cancer event next week while in Iowa for his RAGBRAI visit. And she will be part of the filming crew. He's in France today for the Tour. An American is back in yellow.
Be careful out there.
The trip out was pretty uneventful. Drive to O'Hare (using my buddy Pete's I-Pass for tolls). Wait. No pit-BBQ chicken this time. Ride the aerobus to Reno. Chatty gals in the seats directly in front of us. On-time arrival. Efficient car rental. Hyunda Sonata sedan. Nice. A little snack at a McDonals's drive-through. A hungry Susan is not something to ignore. Drive up the hill to Tahoe.
Phil was entertaining the groom's family on Tursday evening. Just as we parked at his house, the California and KC families rolled in too, so we had a rush of about 10 people who's collective presence may have been a little much for the new folks to handle. They took their leave pretty quickly.
Our accomodations were at a private residence in Incline Village. The owners, who also own the retro-condo from our last two Tahoe vacations, have built matching 4 bedroom additions to each end of what was once a fairly small ranch house. They rent rooms in the one side by the night. So we took two separate rooms, each with it's own bathroom. Very nice. Our LV relatives took another room for Friday and Saturday nights.
Interestingly, the husband/owner is a retired Marine pilot whose career included flying President Johnson's heliocopter in the DC area. The couple has several kids and the additions to the house were to make visits by those families easy. He retired as a colonel about 15 or so years ago at age 52. How do you say, "Not a chance for the LT?"
The retro-condo has been at least partially redone. The shag in the lower two levels is gone! And it may not even be available next summer.
Back to the story. Friday. Early to SB's. The gals didn't like my request for an extra hot Americano. 2 and 4 sleep in. There's juice and light snacks provided at the house as part of the fee. I watch CNBC as the market tanks. A few business calls to nervous clients.
The plan had been to do a hike on Mt. Rose mid-morning-ish. Once 2 and 4 arise, we get set to depart and the car won't start! Some electrical problem. Bottom line: I spend about 3-4 hours swapping out cars. First time in all my years of car rentals that I have any such problem. The hike is ditched. The girls spend most of the mid-day at Phil's hanging out. They are very popular with the young kids.
Once the car is replaced, we decide to get cleaned up and head over for the annual Salute to Wally at the Embassy Suites in South Shore. We do this and it is good. A little annoying with some loud fellow customers, and a non-English speaking wait staff. The strip at Stateline has really been cleaned up on the mountain-side. A few t-shirt shops remain on the lake-side, but I suspect that their days are numbered too. No purchases for our crew, but we did look at a $5 sale rack. Then back to Incline for a groom's family hosted get-together. Nice. Really good catered stuff. A fairly early evening.
Saturday became the hike day. SB's early. Less worry since the markets were closed. 2 and 4 get up between 9 and 10 and we head up to the trail. Lots of snow on the trail. About 2.5 hours of up and down. LV Doyle took the long route and was out for 6 hours or so. We ran into him on his way back to the trail head.
Obligatory stop at Raley's on the way back to the house. Subway for lunch. Chips. No Herdez. Rest. And get ready for the big evening. I managed to get lost on the way to the event. Too cute for my own good.
The civil ceremony was held outside at the Incline Village golf club. Cousin Kevin officiated. Rev Kev. He did a great job. 20 minutes. Music by a parlor quartet. No singing. Very nicely done.
The reception was right there at the club. Hors d'oeuvre's on the balcony for half-three quarters of an hour. Then inside for a sit-down dinner of either chicken or pasta. (The pasta was great.) We had the San Mateo and LV clans at our table. Toasts. Dancing. Good times. We stay till they shut it down.
Many of the contemporaries of the bride and groom were acquaintances from Warsaw, Poland where the bride taught 10-12 years ago. Most of those folks have moved on to other things, but many still reside overseas. And we aren't sure how many work for the CIA. Hmmm.
2 may have been over-served for the evening.
Sunday is a pure travel day. We get to say good-bye to Phil and Jan as they have breakfast at the Stardust(?) across from the Biltmore. Then down to Reno. I loose a bet to 4 on how many bikers we'll see on Mt. Rose. I say more than 5, but less than 10. 13 was the number. On-time departure around 11:15 local. We are at the back of the bus and get to listen to some self-absorbed engineer sitting behind us describe his water research project in painful detail for almost half the trip. I am reminded of the character in Airplane! with the drinking problem who describes his plights to several seat-mates who all try to kill themselves rather than to listen to his dribble.
We land early in Chicago, but sit on the deck waiting for an empty gate. Finally out. I go get the car in Economy Parking as 2 and 4 get the bags. We meet and get on the road. A visit to 3 downtown just isn't going to happen. Snacks and gas in DeKalb. Home around 9 local. Long day.
Summary thoughts. I never get tired of Lake Tahoe. But I don't think I would want to live there full time. It's certainly not as much fun when our entire family isn't there together. We have a wonderful extended family. The wedding was as nice of an event as I can recall attending. It would be nice to travel from the QC rather than have the drive to/from Chicago on both ends of the airplane ride. An upgrade to first class might be nice. Always have an I-Pass when travelling in Illinois. I can almost get the Friday and Saturday NY Times crosswords done on these trips because I have the time and don't have the distractions. The disadvantage is that I don't read a book, which, it could be argued, is a better mental exercise.
So that's about all. I may have some other thoughts after re-reading this myself tomorrow.
In other news, 4 says that Lance will be in IC for a cancer event next week while in Iowa for his RAGBRAI visit. And she will be part of the filming crew. He's in France today for the Tour. An American is back in yellow.
Be careful out there.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Monday AM
Back in the saddle. Great weekend in Tahoe. Too short. Details to follow later today or tomorrow.
Be careful out there.
Be careful out there.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Thursday PM
Made it to Tahoe. Long day. Lots of family. At Phil's.
More tomorrow.
Be careful out there.
More tomorrow.
Be careful out there.
Thursday AM
Sorry for the miss yesterday. Meeting out of town in the afternoon and then a client gathering at the Swing game in the evening.
Today will be a travel day. Leaving shortly for Chicago and the plane to Tahoe. I'll try to add some comments while on the road, but no promises.
Mary is having a tough go of it in C-town. Send her some love.
Gotta go.
Be careful out there.
Today will be a travel day. Leaving shortly for Chicago and the plane to Tahoe. I'll try to add some comments while on the road, but no promises.
Mary is having a tough go of it in C-town. Send her some love.
Gotta go.
Be careful out there.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Tuesday
Short entry tonight. Need to get home, get my ride in, and start getting my act together for the weekend.
Thanks to Kate for the acknowledgement that I have readers.
All-Star game tonight. How do you spell, "who cares?"
First big day in the hills tomorrow for the TdF. Interesting story out there about the American Flloyd Landis who is in 2nd right now, and a favorite in the mountains, who has a hip injury that will require hip replacement surgery after the Tour. An injury not dis-similar to Bo Jackson's that was, essentially, career ending. I wonder if they will prescribe cycling for the rehab?
My Russian cleaning lady was in today. I very rarely see her. I don't know her last name. Irina. She does a great job. I wonder if that's how the illegals work in other cash related daily work.
Susan is in the car-shopping business. Too bad about the Tracer. It was a great car.
There have been a few articles in the papers in the last month about Iowa high schools being the only ones playing Summer baseball and softball. Some say that this is a disadvantage for the gifted athletes who go unnoticed by college scouts who have tabbed their recruits after the Spring season used in other states. Iowa's argument is that the Summer season gives kids a chance to participate in other sports in the Spring. And that the truely gifted athlete will be discovered regardless. I guess I agree. Mostly, I think baseball is a Summer sport and that's when it ought to be played. I have pretty clear memories of those double headers in the 100 degree heat. Now that's baseball! With as much AAU basketball and volleyball that gets played in the Summer, I'm surprised that the there isn't more of a stink made by some people who think that their sons and daughters are being asked to do too much anyway. I suppose that there are many sides to any argument on these points.
Has that topic made the blog in the past? I'm losing it.
So be careful out there.
Thanks to Kate for the acknowledgement that I have readers.
All-Star game tonight. How do you spell, "who cares?"
First big day in the hills tomorrow for the TdF. Interesting story out there about the American Flloyd Landis who is in 2nd right now, and a favorite in the mountains, who has a hip injury that will require hip replacement surgery after the Tour. An injury not dis-similar to Bo Jackson's that was, essentially, career ending. I wonder if they will prescribe cycling for the rehab?
My Russian cleaning lady was in today. I very rarely see her. I don't know her last name. Irina. She does a great job. I wonder if that's how the illegals work in other cash related daily work.
Susan is in the car-shopping business. Too bad about the Tracer. It was a great car.
There have been a few articles in the papers in the last month about Iowa high schools being the only ones playing Summer baseball and softball. Some say that this is a disadvantage for the gifted athletes who go unnoticed by college scouts who have tabbed their recruits after the Spring season used in other states. Iowa's argument is that the Summer season gives kids a chance to participate in other sports in the Spring. And that the truely gifted athlete will be discovered regardless. I guess I agree. Mostly, I think baseball is a Summer sport and that's when it ought to be played. I have pretty clear memories of those double headers in the 100 degree heat. Now that's baseball! With as much AAU basketball and volleyball that gets played in the Summer, I'm surprised that the there isn't more of a stink made by some people who think that their sons and daughters are being asked to do too much anyway. I suppose that there are many sides to any argument on these points.
Has that topic made the blog in the past? I'm losing it.
So be careful out there.
Monday, July 10, 2006
Monday PM
I see that a new SB's coffee shop is being built just a couple of blocks down the road toward North Park with a Fall 2006 opening date. That represents an interesting alternative for me. After some comments that have come up recently, I've started to wonder if it wasn't time to make a change of venue for morning coffee. The staff at Duck Creek SB's is great, and we certainly have become a bit of a fixture there. But there is a little bit of me that says that showing up at the same place everyday and sitting in the same chair with the same people around your circle may be just too much. It's reached the point that even other customers comment if we aren't in "our" chairs in that 6:30 to 7:30 time slot. Something to think about.
My rides over the weekend were good, but hard. Total of around 61 miles. Windy. I have my 2005 calendar in my basement and I can compare my current mileage to the prior year. It looks like I was hitting it a little harder at this time a year ago. Then again, I was training for Mt. Rose in 2005. No such goal this year.
I often think about how outrageous it would have been to hear my dad say that he was headed out for "a little 35 miler" on a Saturday morning. Heck, that was like to Oskaloosa!! Daddy would have been 57 in 1967, the year I graduated from high school. He was certainly an old guy then. Unlike me now. And he made a lot of "old people" noises. No wonder you guys look at me strangely.
And I remember a lot from 1967. It was a great year. But I digress.
My weakness this summer has been Hy Vee Assorted Twin Pops. I'm generally off potatos and ice cream, but I go through a box of the frozen sugar water about every 4 days. The heat does it. Also lots of agua. When I get in from one of those rides in the heat, I can't stop pouring in the fluids.
Interesting that they shot the third movie of the Pirates of the Caribbean (for a future release) at the same time that they did the second one that is now in theaters. I'm sure that there were economies of scale by having all the people there, and the equipment, etc. With as good as computer people have become, could they reach a point where they really don't need living actors or sets at all and just fake the whole thing? Like the moon landings?
The same thought has often occurred to me about novels. Especially the prototypical Russian spy thriller. Couldn't they just change the names, places, dates, and other substitutable items and re-publish the same story every 5 years or so? Who would know? Except the hacks that have that plagarism analysis program(iThenticate). But what's the harm? It's a trashy novel by any name.
So I'm off for home. Sounds like we all will be busy this week. It's good to have stuff to do. Beats vegging and watching Wheel reruns. Really looking forward to Tahoe. Wish it was all the fam. Next year.
Be careful out there.
My rides over the weekend were good, but hard. Total of around 61 miles. Windy. I have my 2005 calendar in my basement and I can compare my current mileage to the prior year. It looks like I was hitting it a little harder at this time a year ago. Then again, I was training for Mt. Rose in 2005. No such goal this year.
I often think about how outrageous it would have been to hear my dad say that he was headed out for "a little 35 miler" on a Saturday morning. Heck, that was like to Oskaloosa!! Daddy would have been 57 in 1967, the year I graduated from high school. He was certainly an old guy then. Unlike me now. And he made a lot of "old people" noises. No wonder you guys look at me strangely.
And I remember a lot from 1967. It was a great year. But I digress.
My weakness this summer has been Hy Vee Assorted Twin Pops. I'm generally off potatos and ice cream, but I go through a box of the frozen sugar water about every 4 days. The heat does it. Also lots of agua. When I get in from one of those rides in the heat, I can't stop pouring in the fluids.
Interesting that they shot the third movie of the Pirates of the Caribbean (for a future release) at the same time that they did the second one that is now in theaters. I'm sure that there were economies of scale by having all the people there, and the equipment, etc. With as good as computer people have become, could they reach a point where they really don't need living actors or sets at all and just fake the whole thing? Like the moon landings?
The same thought has often occurred to me about novels. Especially the prototypical Russian spy thriller. Couldn't they just change the names, places, dates, and other substitutable items and re-publish the same story every 5 years or so? Who would know? Except the hacks that have that plagarism analysis program(iThenticate). But what's the harm? It's a trashy novel by any name.
So I'm off for home. Sounds like we all will be busy this week. It's good to have stuff to do. Beats vegging and watching Wheel reruns. Really looking forward to Tahoe. Wish it was all the fam. Next year.
Be careful out there.
Monday AM
Sorry for the miss yesterday. Had intended to spend the AM here, but just didn't get the job done. A little recovery from a longer ride on Saturday.
Charlie was in and out for the weekend. She needed to get back to IC for a Mary deal at 11 on Sunday. So we didn't even get to church. Just Ross's.
Italy and the World Cup. A French guy got the stage yesterday. Rest day today. Hills Wednesday and Thursday. 24 did a "bump and run" for the win in the race this weekend in Chicago. Bad press, but good for the points race.
Susan's back. Mary did get to Milwaukee. Details?
Busy week with the wedding schedules.
More later.
Be careful out there.
Charlie was in and out for the weekend. She needed to get back to IC for a Mary deal at 11 on Sunday. So we didn't even get to church. Just Ross's.
Italy and the World Cup. A French guy got the stage yesterday. Rest day today. Hills Wednesday and Thursday. 24 did a "bump and run" for the win in the race this weekend in Chicago. Bad press, but good for the points race.
Susan's back. Mary did get to Milwaukee. Details?
Busy week with the wedding schedules.
More later.
Be careful out there.
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Saturday
Really another nice day here. Margret out and about. Coffee with the boys. Bike ride later. Maybe BBQ.
Susan in Dallas. Mary in Milwaukee? Charlie in Bettendorf. Kate employed?
I will be re-assembling the park bench this afternoon. Staining it first. And I have to re-plant my front steps flowers. The first batch have not done well.
The Tour has an individual time trial today. This will be the first chance for the overall fav's to establish themselves. Looks like a ride of an hour or so. Most of the sprinters who have dominated the first stages will lose 5 minutes or more to the the GC (General Classification) guys today.
This is the last weekend of major league baseball games before the All Star game break. When I was young, I followed baseball daily, would listen to the Cardinals' game on local radio each day (or night), and knew the names and stats of lots of players on the different teams. The All Star game used to be a big deal. At one point, they actually played 2 All Star games. Now, I really don't know many of the players, and the game has become very ho-hum.
But I do know the names of the bicylists, and the NASCAR drivers. What does that say about the price of tootsie rolls?
This is about the time of summer when Mother and Daddy would take their summer trip when I was late high school and college age. I would milk the cows and run the farm while they drove to California to visit their grandkids, or drove to some county officials convention in Vegas, Miami or New Orleans. It was usually a 10 day or two week trip and, as I look back on it, quite a responsibility that they laid at my feet. It must have been quite the juggling act because I'm sure I played baseball games as well, although if it was later in the summer, the season was likely winding down. There were a few parties. But it's not like you could blow off milking the cows twice a day. And bailing hay.
For the record, I did Gollick's outdoor brats yesterday. Pretty special.
Ok. Not much else to add today. I've got lots to do. Enjoy.
Be careful out there.
Susan in Dallas. Mary in Milwaukee? Charlie in Bettendorf. Kate employed?
I will be re-assembling the park bench this afternoon. Staining it first. And I have to re-plant my front steps flowers. The first batch have not done well.
The Tour has an individual time trial today. This will be the first chance for the overall fav's to establish themselves. Looks like a ride of an hour or so. Most of the sprinters who have dominated the first stages will lose 5 minutes or more to the the GC (General Classification) guys today.
This is the last weekend of major league baseball games before the All Star game break. When I was young, I followed baseball daily, would listen to the Cardinals' game on local radio each day (or night), and knew the names and stats of lots of players on the different teams. The All Star game used to be a big deal. At one point, they actually played 2 All Star games. Now, I really don't know many of the players, and the game has become very ho-hum.
But I do know the names of the bicylists, and the NASCAR drivers. What does that say about the price of tootsie rolls?
This is about the time of summer when Mother and Daddy would take their summer trip when I was late high school and college age. I would milk the cows and run the farm while they drove to California to visit their grandkids, or drove to some county officials convention in Vegas, Miami or New Orleans. It was usually a 10 day or two week trip and, as I look back on it, quite a responsibility that they laid at my feet. It must have been quite the juggling act because I'm sure I played baseball games as well, although if it was later in the summer, the season was likely winding down. There were a few parties. But it's not like you could blow off milking the cows twice a day. And bailing hay.
For the record, I did Gollick's outdoor brats yesterday. Pretty special.
Ok. Not much else to add today. I've got lots to do. Enjoy.
Be careful out there.
Friday, July 07, 2006
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Thursday
Another beautiful day in River City.
Charlie made quite the entry last night. She gets an award for longest free-thought blogging, at least for the week. I liked her warning sign at the top of the entry.
Susan is on her way to Dallas for her friend's wedding. Via Atlanta. To return Sunday night.
Susan's car is dead for all practical purposes. The clutch is shot. Six bills to fix. It was a great car for the money, but it is far short of now being worth another $600 in repairs. New (actually used) choices after Tahoe.
I'm taking the night off from biking and birds. I know that I'll probably miss tomorrow too, but I'm just too tired to jump on the bike tonight. If I do 35 or so on Saturday, I'll still have the right number for the week. Next week will be a challenge with Tahoe in the mix.
Aunt Rosie has a birthday this week. I think that it's the BIG Six-Oh. I don't know how my siblings and I got to be so old. I never consciously thought about not getting old, but I have always felt young. Except in the mornings after long rides or bad shrimp.
Frank and Melanie will will return this weekend.
Here's the return of a blog fav...a Top Ten list. Summer Favorites. Not necessarily in order of importance.
1. Iced lemonade smoothies.
2. Sunlight at 5:30AM (and 8:30PM)
3. Fresh tomatos.
4. Mid-afternoon RAGBRAI beer bash.
5. A park bench at Adventure Land.
6. A drive-in movie.
7. Iced cold beer after a sweaty workout.
8. The beach at Sand Harbor, LakeTahoe.
9. Emerald Bay in Phil's boat, Lake Tahoe.
10.DQ runs in Margret.
There could be lots of additions. A Tahoe theme could emerge. Mt. Rose. The retro condo. Truckee. Etc.
All for now. Be positive thinking people. You all have much to be thankful for. Me too.
Be careful out there.
Charlie made quite the entry last night. She gets an award for longest free-thought blogging, at least for the week. I liked her warning sign at the top of the entry.
Susan is on her way to Dallas for her friend's wedding. Via Atlanta. To return Sunday night.
Susan's car is dead for all practical purposes. The clutch is shot. Six bills to fix. It was a great car for the money, but it is far short of now being worth another $600 in repairs. New (actually used) choices after Tahoe.
I'm taking the night off from biking and birds. I know that I'll probably miss tomorrow too, but I'm just too tired to jump on the bike tonight. If I do 35 or so on Saturday, I'll still have the right number for the week. Next week will be a challenge with Tahoe in the mix.
Aunt Rosie has a birthday this week. I think that it's the BIG Six-Oh. I don't know how my siblings and I got to be so old. I never consciously thought about not getting old, but I have always felt young. Except in the mornings after long rides or bad shrimp.
Frank and Melanie will will return this weekend.
Here's the return of a blog fav...a Top Ten list. Summer Favorites. Not necessarily in order of importance.
1. Iced lemonade smoothies.
2. Sunlight at 5:30AM (and 8:30PM)
3. Fresh tomatos.
4. Mid-afternoon RAGBRAI beer bash.
5. A park bench at Adventure Land.
6. A drive-in movie.
7. Iced cold beer after a sweaty workout.
8. The beach at Sand Harbor, LakeTahoe.
9. Emerald Bay in Phil's boat, Lake Tahoe.
10.DQ runs in Margret.
There could be lots of additions. A Tahoe theme could emerge. Mt. Rose. The retro condo. Truckee. Etc.
All for now. Be positive thinking people. You all have much to be thankful for. Me too.
Be careful out there.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Wednesday PM
Not the most effective day for me. IRS problems.
Beautiful day outside.
The Chicago trip was really an easy day. Travel time each way was just 2.5 hrs. On a normal week day it would likely be at least an hour more. And lots more stress. With it also being a parking meter holiday, there was no cost for parking the car. That's at least $10 for a remote spot. And I used my buddy Pete's I-Pass chip so I didn't even have to stop for the toll booths. Illinois is moving toward an electronic toll system which should mitigate (but not likely eliminate) some of the traffic bottlenecks.
Downtown Chicago continues to re-inventent itself. Over the years, many of the old buildings in the Loop have been torn down and replaced. There are still lots of older buildings, but there are lots of new ones too. The block between Mary's dorm and my office building has been razed and awaits new construction. There were two or three bars in that area that we were known to frequent. Mayor's Row is one name that I can remember.
Millenium Park is a new area just off Michigan Avenue at Randolph that has become a destination point for tourists and downtown visitors. Some modern sculpture, an open-air theater, and various vendors of foods and goods. Interesting, but no shortage of strange folks in a state fair-type of crowd.
Still plenty of homeless on the streets of the Loop. Mary's firm makes sure that she and her girl friend are cabbed home at night after working late.
Mary's internal directional equipment is suspect. We took the Red Line L out to Wrigley, which I had remembered from old times. Our return trip get-off point was up for debate. Absent a change of heart by Mare, we could have ended up south of Comiskey. And the pedway path to Millenium Park may not exist. But Mary was an economic star with the company L pass. I did need help in running it through the machine.
Charlie and I stopped at an outlet mall just off the tollway coming home. My friend Roy had been there the prior week and was touting the low prices at the Polo store. I did buy several shirts, but what Roy thinks is low and what is low to me are two different numbers. The mall was packed.
I had hopes of being more productive today. It is basically the start of the 2nd half of the year and I want to do positive things to make a forward step out of the gate. Just stumbled all day long. I'll make a better move tomorrow.
I'm off to do 15-20. And fight off the freaking bird at Middle and Forest Grove.
Be careful out there.
Beautiful day outside.
The Chicago trip was really an easy day. Travel time each way was just 2.5 hrs. On a normal week day it would likely be at least an hour more. And lots more stress. With it also being a parking meter holiday, there was no cost for parking the car. That's at least $10 for a remote spot. And I used my buddy Pete's I-Pass chip so I didn't even have to stop for the toll booths. Illinois is moving toward an electronic toll system which should mitigate (but not likely eliminate) some of the traffic bottlenecks.
Downtown Chicago continues to re-inventent itself. Over the years, many of the old buildings in the Loop have been torn down and replaced. There are still lots of older buildings, but there are lots of new ones too. The block between Mary's dorm and my office building has been razed and awaits new construction. There were two or three bars in that area that we were known to frequent. Mayor's Row is one name that I can remember.
Millenium Park is a new area just off Michigan Avenue at Randolph that has become a destination point for tourists and downtown visitors. Some modern sculpture, an open-air theater, and various vendors of foods and goods. Interesting, but no shortage of strange folks in a state fair-type of crowd.
Still plenty of homeless on the streets of the Loop. Mary's firm makes sure that she and her girl friend are cabbed home at night after working late.
Mary's internal directional equipment is suspect. We took the Red Line L out to Wrigley, which I had remembered from old times. Our return trip get-off point was up for debate. Absent a change of heart by Mare, we could have ended up south of Comiskey. And the pedway path to Millenium Park may not exist. But Mary was an economic star with the company L pass. I did need help in running it through the machine.
Charlie and I stopped at an outlet mall just off the tollway coming home. My friend Roy had been there the prior week and was touting the low prices at the Polo store. I did buy several shirts, but what Roy thinks is low and what is low to me are two different numbers. The mall was packed.
I had hopes of being more productive today. It is basically the start of the 2nd half of the year and I want to do positive things to make a forward step out of the gate. Just stumbled all day long. I'll make a better move tomorrow.
I'm off to do 15-20. And fight off the freaking bird at Middle and Forest Grove.
Be careful out there.
Wednesday AM
Just a few lines this morning to let everyone know that the blog lives.
Great day in Chicago yesterday with Mary. No traffic. Easy parking. Chicago Dogs for lunch at The Sports Corner at Wrigley.
Mary's dorm on State street is within 200-300 yards of the building I worked in for 4 years in the late '70's. Kind of nostalgic. More of this later.
This is really the start of the second half of the year. More on this later too.
Susan has a busy couple of weeks ahead with trips this weekend to Dallas and the following weekend with Charlie and I to Tahoe. Kate has job issues and then the wedding here in 10 days. Charlie is already back in IC for work.
More later. Busy day here for me. Have a great day.
Be careful out there.
Great day in Chicago yesterday with Mary. No traffic. Easy parking. Chicago Dogs for lunch at The Sports Corner at Wrigley.
Mary's dorm on State street is within 200-300 yards of the building I worked in for 4 years in the late '70's. Kind of nostalgic. More of this later.
This is really the start of the second half of the year. More on this later too.
Susan has a busy couple of weeks ahead with trips this weekend to Dallas and the following weekend with Charlie and I to Tahoe. Kate has job issues and then the wedding here in 10 days. Charlie is already back in IC for work.
More later. Busy day here for me. Have a great day.
Be careful out there.
Monday, July 03, 2006
Monday PM
Quiet day today. Looks like another thunder storm rolling in.
Happy tax 4th of July! I'll be in Chicago for mid-morning coffee with Mary and Charlie. May not get an entry in tomorrow.
Be careful out there!
Happy tax 4th of July! I'll be in Chicago for mid-morning coffee with Mary and Charlie. May not get an entry in tomorrow.
Be careful out there!
Monday AM
This is really the additional entry I promised for Sunday PM.
Really a good weekend here. Got another 20 miler in yesterday afternoon. Nice time with Susan.
Also have tweaked the schedule to go into Chicago early Tuesday rather than Monday PM. This allows me to sleep in my own bed, get in a Monday ride, and save the $$ from a hotel and parking. I told Mary that I would spring for their Monday night dinner in absentia, but it still keeps me above the line economically, and I have the side benefits noted above. Just won't have quite as much face time with Mary, but Tuesday will be just like a Dad's Day In IC. Or Norman. And those have always been good days.
The Tour is underway. RAGBRAI on steroids. No drug pun intended, but I guess it is applicable.
So I will definitely add more later today. The markets close at noon, but I'll be around until three or so.
Be careful out there.
Really a good weekend here. Got another 20 miler in yesterday afternoon. Nice time with Susan.
Also have tweaked the schedule to go into Chicago early Tuesday rather than Monday PM. This allows me to sleep in my own bed, get in a Monday ride, and save the $$ from a hotel and parking. I told Mary that I would spring for their Monday night dinner in absentia, but it still keeps me above the line economically, and I have the side benefits noted above. Just won't have quite as much face time with Mary, but Tuesday will be just like a Dad's Day In IC. Or Norman. And those have always been good days.
The Tour is underway. RAGBRAI on steroids. No drug pun intended, but I guess it is applicable.
So I will definitely add more later today. The markets close at noon, but I'll be around until three or so.
Be careful out there.
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Sunday
I have been deficient these last couple of days. Sorry.
Friday has become a fairly regular Tuscan red day for after work. This past Friday was just one of those days and before I knew it, I was late for meeting people and it was then a full night. Saturday was just plain busy with biking, yard work and a cook-out with friends. It got hot too. Anyway, I never got into the office, and was not at another computer location to make an entry.
Church and Ross's this AM with Susan. Am now test-driving the Tracer. Susan has reported some problems and they do exist. Tranney or clutch. Neither is good.
Charlie is in Chicago visiting Mary. She had a little excitement last night that I'm sure she will enjoy sharing in a near-term entry. I'm headed in tomorrow for an overnight. Mary was given the holiday weekend off by her slave-drivers.
Kate is in DM visiting Sarah. I think they were going to do a training run this AM. Her news Friday was great to hear. Sounds like the position will allow some coaching and fitness stuff. We'll be anxious to hear more details in the next few days.
I had a nice tail-wind ride to Elvira yesterday afternoon. A little over 30 total miles which pushed my weekly mileage to over 100. I'm going to try to reach that total each week for the remainder of the summer. That won't be easy with my travel schedule.
The Tour is off and running. After today's stage, Discovery's George Hincapie has yellow by a couple of seconds. The first week is usually for the sprinters. The second week gets the peleton down to Pyrenees, and then the Alps in week three. The hills is where yellow gets decided.
How 'bout them Cubbies?
I'll add more later. Just didn't want anyone thinking that I was on the DL.
Be careful out there.
Friday has become a fairly regular Tuscan red day for after work. This past Friday was just one of those days and before I knew it, I was late for meeting people and it was then a full night. Saturday was just plain busy with biking, yard work and a cook-out with friends. It got hot too. Anyway, I never got into the office, and was not at another computer location to make an entry.
Church and Ross's this AM with Susan. Am now test-driving the Tracer. Susan has reported some problems and they do exist. Tranney or clutch. Neither is good.
Charlie is in Chicago visiting Mary. She had a little excitement last night that I'm sure she will enjoy sharing in a near-term entry. I'm headed in tomorrow for an overnight. Mary was given the holiday weekend off by her slave-drivers.
Kate is in DM visiting Sarah. I think they were going to do a training run this AM. Her news Friday was great to hear. Sounds like the position will allow some coaching and fitness stuff. We'll be anxious to hear more details in the next few days.
I had a nice tail-wind ride to Elvira yesterday afternoon. A little over 30 total miles which pushed my weekly mileage to over 100. I'm going to try to reach that total each week for the remainder of the summer. That won't be easy with my travel schedule.
The Tour is off and running. After today's stage, Discovery's George Hincapie has yellow by a couple of seconds. The first week is usually for the sprinters. The second week gets the peleton down to Pyrenees, and then the Alps in week three. The hills is where yellow gets decided.
How 'bout them Cubbies?
I'll add more later. Just didn't want anyone thinking that I was on the DL.
Be careful out there.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Thursday
Continuing the non-fiction streak.
Margret is on the streets today. Had a guy come up to me in a parking lot at lunch wanting to get details on the car. Interesting that many Boomers have these reincarnation ideas. For me, it is just a small retreat into a simpler time. As I may have shared here previously, my original Galaxie was hardly the most reliable transportation. I developed an electrical problem coming back to Iowa from ND one weekend and the repair did little to correct the problem. The car sat for several months that winter in the lot at ND because I didn't have the money for the repairs and I was afraid to ask Grandpa.
Tomorrow will be an interesting day as people start to take off for the long 4th of July weekend. Our office is open Monday, as most businesses are, but lots of people are inclined to take Monday as a vacation day. If the "markets" are open, Criterium is open.
Phil sounds pretty calm for the father of the bride, just two weeks before the wedding. He says that bride and mother of the bride are still on point.
The Tour de France starts this weekend. Lots of doping controversy. OLN broadcasts the race each day, somewhat live in the AM, and then a produced show of sorts at night. The national news services are now picking up daily stories on the event and the various personalities. If he stays healthy, Basso should be the man to beat.
My partner Bill and his family are moving to a new place this weekend. They built a villa/townhome/condo in one of the new developments in north Bettendorf. Looks like a lot of money and stress to me. I like my house. Just wish it were on a street with a little less traffic.
My tomatos are coming along nicely. I'm already miles ahead of my results last year. I have 4 plants. I remember Mother having row after row of tomato plants in the garden at the original farm house. And she never put stakes or cages around the plants. They just kind of grew in a mess there on the ground. I remember hoe-ing the weeds. And eating tomato sandwiches. And Mother canning tomato juice. Glass jars in the cave that we called a basement. I still like tomato juice and crackers.
Mother also planted lots of potatos at one time in the second garden north of the back yard, behind the peach trees that bordered the old chicken house/coop. I vaguely remember digging up potatos, picking peaches, and gathering eggs. I guess you could say that we were just poor dirt farmers.
Enough of that nostalgia. I'm hitting the hills for 15-20. Thanks for reading. This is always one of my favorite parts of the day (whenever I'm writing the blog). I know that I'm connecting with you guys just down the old electronic hallway. It makes the miles go away. Love you.
Be careful out there.
Margret is on the streets today. Had a guy come up to me in a parking lot at lunch wanting to get details on the car. Interesting that many Boomers have these reincarnation ideas. For me, it is just a small retreat into a simpler time. As I may have shared here previously, my original Galaxie was hardly the most reliable transportation. I developed an electrical problem coming back to Iowa from ND one weekend and the repair did little to correct the problem. The car sat for several months that winter in the lot at ND because I didn't have the money for the repairs and I was afraid to ask Grandpa.
Tomorrow will be an interesting day as people start to take off for the long 4th of July weekend. Our office is open Monday, as most businesses are, but lots of people are inclined to take Monday as a vacation day. If the "markets" are open, Criterium is open.
Phil sounds pretty calm for the father of the bride, just two weeks before the wedding. He says that bride and mother of the bride are still on point.
The Tour de France starts this weekend. Lots of doping controversy. OLN broadcasts the race each day, somewhat live in the AM, and then a produced show of sorts at night. The national news services are now picking up daily stories on the event and the various personalities. If he stays healthy, Basso should be the man to beat.
My partner Bill and his family are moving to a new place this weekend. They built a villa/townhome/condo in one of the new developments in north Bettendorf. Looks like a lot of money and stress to me. I like my house. Just wish it were on a street with a little less traffic.
My tomatos are coming along nicely. I'm already miles ahead of my results last year. I have 4 plants. I remember Mother having row after row of tomato plants in the garden at the original farm house. And she never put stakes or cages around the plants. They just kind of grew in a mess there on the ground. I remember hoe-ing the weeds. And eating tomato sandwiches. And Mother canning tomato juice. Glass jars in the cave that we called a basement. I still like tomato juice and crackers.
Mother also planted lots of potatos at one time in the second garden north of the back yard, behind the peach trees that bordered the old chicken house/coop. I vaguely remember digging up potatos, picking peaches, and gathering eggs. I guess you could say that we were just poor dirt farmers.
Enough of that nostalgia. I'm hitting the hills for 15-20. Thanks for reading. This is always one of my favorite parts of the day (whenever I'm writing the blog). I know that I'm connecting with you guys just down the old electronic hallway. It makes the miles go away. Love you.
Be careful out there.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Wednesday
Just a few lines today. I'm headed out for another meeting and will not get back to the office tonight.
Had a real good ride last night. 20 + on the hills around DCC, but not on the hill up Wells Ferry as it has that funky surface these days. For some reason I felt strong and was able to go further up different hills without downshifting, or at least not downshifting as early. Must have been the pasta from Monday night, although Kate may beg to differ.
NBA draft tonight. Again, who cares?
I plan to re-assemble the park bench this weekend. I took it apart for the winter and have just never got around to putting it back together. I need to apply a new coat of stain to it first as the sun bleached the original coat away last summer.
AdventureLand made its' way into a number of conversations in KC. I always felt like those were great times for our young family. I continue to have very good memories of those days. The things I would do, like riding the Tornado, for my girls, took me places I had no interest in going. I still smile when remembering Charlie's reply to a statement that we were going to Des Moines, knowing that we were going to stay in Newton. "Dad, it's Newton, not Des Moines,"was her reply with that touch of sarcasm in her voice.
Off to my business. Everyone have a great evening.
Be careful out there.
Had a real good ride last night. 20 + on the hills around DCC, but not on the hill up Wells Ferry as it has that funky surface these days. For some reason I felt strong and was able to go further up different hills without downshifting, or at least not downshifting as early. Must have been the pasta from Monday night, although Kate may beg to differ.
NBA draft tonight. Again, who cares?
I plan to re-assemble the park bench this weekend. I took it apart for the winter and have just never got around to putting it back together. I need to apply a new coat of stain to it first as the sun bleached the original coat away last summer.
AdventureLand made its' way into a number of conversations in KC. I always felt like those were great times for our young family. I continue to have very good memories of those days. The things I would do, like riding the Tornado, for my girls, took me places I had no interest in going. I still smile when remembering Charlie's reply to a statement that we were going to Des Moines, knowing that we were going to stay in Newton. "Dad, it's Newton, not Des Moines,"was her reply with that touch of sarcasm in her voice.
Off to my business. Everyone have a great evening.
Be careful out there.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Tuesday
Another non-fiction day.
Looks like the "free coffee" day at SB's will be August 25th. I'm working with two other businessmen to do some promotional stuff and now we have each of our staffs carrying the ball. Its a little bigger than I had originally envisioned. We'll see. The twist now is to make it a charity deal with the customers contributing their coffee money to the event's charity, which will likely be The American Cancer Society. Lots of planning yet to do.
My bike ride tonight will be on an alternate route. They have put down some powdery asphalt substance on one of the legs around DCC, so I'll have to make a small mid-course correction. I fell off my bike when I figured out that I shouldn't try riding on the stuff Saturday. Miner inconveniences. The blackbirds have been mostly quiet lately.
Kate's jumper cables saved another guy at coffee yesterday. His Lexus did nothing but clickety-clickety-click when he tried to start it as we left the restaurant. My pal Roy tried to give some technical mumbo jumbo at first, but then said maybe we should try to jump it. He turned to me and asked if I had cables, which Katie had made part of her emergency gear, so I was right there with them. It fired up at the first turn. Roy commented that you should have cables when you have an older car. As though any of the vehicles in his stable are "older." Thanks for the left-handed tweak, friend.
Our buddy was happy with our work and bought coffee for us today.
I think we have a birthday and a wedding anniversry out in the Vegas household this week. Best wishes.
Oregon State won the game last night. By one run on a North Carolina error in the eighth on a routine throw to first base from the second baseman. Ouch. The Carolina pitchers were throwing aspirin tablets.
Yet another totally meaningless fact, Erin Andrews remains my favorite sideline reporter in sports.
Sorry that I have not added much interesting stuff lately. I'll keep trying.
Be careful out there.
Looks like the "free coffee" day at SB's will be August 25th. I'm working with two other businessmen to do some promotional stuff and now we have each of our staffs carrying the ball. Its a little bigger than I had originally envisioned. We'll see. The twist now is to make it a charity deal with the customers contributing their coffee money to the event's charity, which will likely be The American Cancer Society. Lots of planning yet to do.
My bike ride tonight will be on an alternate route. They have put down some powdery asphalt substance on one of the legs around DCC, so I'll have to make a small mid-course correction. I fell off my bike when I figured out that I shouldn't try riding on the stuff Saturday. Miner inconveniences. The blackbirds have been mostly quiet lately.
Kate's jumper cables saved another guy at coffee yesterday. His Lexus did nothing but clickety-clickety-click when he tried to start it as we left the restaurant. My pal Roy tried to give some technical mumbo jumbo at first, but then said maybe we should try to jump it. He turned to me and asked if I had cables, which Katie had made part of her emergency gear, so I was right there with them. It fired up at the first turn. Roy commented that you should have cables when you have an older car. As though any of the vehicles in his stable are "older." Thanks for the left-handed tweak, friend.
Our buddy was happy with our work and bought coffee for us today.
I think we have a birthday and a wedding anniversry out in the Vegas household this week. Best wishes.
Oregon State won the game last night. By one run on a North Carolina error in the eighth on a routine throw to first base from the second baseman. Ouch. The Carolina pitchers were throwing aspirin tablets.
Yet another totally meaningless fact, Erin Andrews remains my favorite sideline reporter in sports.
Sorry that I have not added much interesting stuff lately. I'll keep trying.
Be careful out there.
Monday, June 26, 2006
Monday
This is a non-fiction posting.
Monday is always a tough day for me. I never felt like I got a complete handle on things today, and it is now 6PM. And tomorrow will be an even busier day as I will be out of the office most of the morning.
Charlie had a little excitement this AM when she stopped for gas on her way back to IC. I'll let her fill in the details. It did involve her car keys. I still have flashes of dispair from an episode in the Chicago suburbs before any of the girls were born. We were out on your basic weekend shopping trip and as we approached the car in the parking lot of a big box store, I pulled the keys from my pocket, fumbled them and they fell to the ground. Except the "ground" was a sewer grate and the keys hit one of the cross bars, and then fell through into the deep unknown. We were stuck. Fortunately, we were only a couple of miles from home, it was a decent day, and we were able to walk there, get the extra set of keys and, I think, get our second car and return for the car in the parking lot. Everytime I fumble my keys even today, my mind races back to that time with the sewer grate.
I also remember a time in Ottumwa when Aunt Martha had driven down for a day-visit with her brood. On her way out of town she had stopped at a store for some things and one of the kids, John maybe, had somehow locked the keys in the car. She had to call Grandpa and I rode in with him to "help." I have a vague memory of waiting in the store's entryway with a somewhat unhappy Aunt Martha for the locksmith. I don't think it was very good weather, it was late, and the kids were a little excited.
There are lots of "keys locked in the car stories." One of my favorites was replayed at almost every ND home football game. Sometime in the first half, the PA announcer would invariably come on and say, "Ladies and gentlemen, your attention please. A red, four door Ford Galaxie (for instance), Iowa license plate number 90-12345, parked in Red Lot 2, your lights are on, your doors are locked, and your motor is running."
Finals of the college world series tonight on ESPN. North Carolina and Oregon State. ACC and Pac Ten. Are there two other conferences about whom I could care less? But I will watch the game. Both teams can play.
Kate has another interview this week. Knock 'em dead girl.
Charlie can also provide details on Bettendorf cat health care. I can't believe that the cats made the blog.
So everybody be careful out there.
Monday is always a tough day for me. I never felt like I got a complete handle on things today, and it is now 6PM. And tomorrow will be an even busier day as I will be out of the office most of the morning.
Charlie had a little excitement this AM when she stopped for gas on her way back to IC. I'll let her fill in the details. It did involve her car keys. I still have flashes of dispair from an episode in the Chicago suburbs before any of the girls were born. We were out on your basic weekend shopping trip and as we approached the car in the parking lot of a big box store, I pulled the keys from my pocket, fumbled them and they fell to the ground. Except the "ground" was a sewer grate and the keys hit one of the cross bars, and then fell through into the deep unknown. We were stuck. Fortunately, we were only a couple of miles from home, it was a decent day, and we were able to walk there, get the extra set of keys and, I think, get our second car and return for the car in the parking lot. Everytime I fumble my keys even today, my mind races back to that time with the sewer grate.
I also remember a time in Ottumwa when Aunt Martha had driven down for a day-visit with her brood. On her way out of town she had stopped at a store for some things and one of the kids, John maybe, had somehow locked the keys in the car. She had to call Grandpa and I rode in with him to "help." I have a vague memory of waiting in the store's entryway with a somewhat unhappy Aunt Martha for the locksmith. I don't think it was very good weather, it was late, and the kids were a little excited.
There are lots of "keys locked in the car stories." One of my favorites was replayed at almost every ND home football game. Sometime in the first half, the PA announcer would invariably come on and say, "Ladies and gentlemen, your attention please. A red, four door Ford Galaxie (for instance), Iowa license plate number 90-12345, parked in Red Lot 2, your lights are on, your doors are locked, and your motor is running."
Finals of the college world series tonight on ESPN. North Carolina and Oregon State. ACC and Pac Ten. Are there two other conferences about whom I could care less? But I will watch the game. Both teams can play.
Kate has another interview this week. Knock 'em dead girl.
Charlie can also provide details on Bettendorf cat health care. I can't believe that the cats made the blog.
So everybody be careful out there.
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Sunday
Just a few lines this evening. Writing this from Century Heights. Just did a little BBQ with Susan, Charlie and Mom. Good stuff.
Beautiful day today. Church with Charlie. Ross's for breakfast. 30 mile ride.
The kids' triathlon last night was fun. They had about 150 in ages 7-14. There was a short delay for rain at the start, but once things got going, it was pretty well done for a first-time event. Lots of volunteers. Post-race adult beverages at Gov's.
24 won in California on the road course today. About time.
Talked to Mary this afternoon. She was at work. I think that her employers are getting their money's worth out of their interns this summer.
Kate's still looking. Hang in there. Something will come up.
Busy week ahead for me at the office. Getting close on a couple of new things for Criterium. Had hoped to get some pic's at the the tri last night, but the weather did not cooperate. Need to spruce up the website.
Okay. I'll try to get back to Melanie and Frank this week.
Be careful out there.
Beautiful day today. Church with Charlie. Ross's for breakfast. 30 mile ride.
The kids' triathlon last night was fun. They had about 150 in ages 7-14. There was a short delay for rain at the start, but once things got going, it was pretty well done for a first-time event. Lots of volunteers. Post-race adult beverages at Gov's.
24 won in California on the road course today. About time.
Talked to Mary this afternoon. She was at work. I think that her employers are getting their money's worth out of their interns this summer.
Kate's still looking. Hang in there. Something will come up.
Busy week ahead for me at the office. Getting close on a couple of new things for Criterium. Had hoped to get some pic's at the the tri last night, but the weather did not cooperate. Need to spruce up the website.
Okay. I'll try to get back to Melanie and Frank this week.
Be careful out there.
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Saturday
So anyway, I stopped by the Bettendorf Library late yesterday afternoon to put on an entry because we had lost power at the office around noon and I had been at a client's all afternoon. I couldn't get anyone on the phone so I figured that we might still be out of power. But I got a phone call just as I was pulling into the library's parking lot and that call took several minutes. So I finally get inside, log in, and almost immediately get the "the library will be closing in 10 minutes" warning on the screen. Then about two minutes later, its "the library will be closing in 5 minutes." So I try to complete the sentence that I'm typing and publish, but before I can hit the "send" key, the screen goes back to "Library Home" and I'm screwed. Sorry.
Had fun last night with some friends and some Tuscan red.
Yard work and a 25 miler this AM. Kid triathlon this afternoon and evening. It will be a good day.
Margret was out all day yesterday.
I have enjoyed watching the college world series this week on ESPN. I can remember many pieces of my NCAA tournament expeience as a junior at ND. We played as an at-large invitee team in a regional in Columbus, Ohio with Michigan, Southern Illinois and Ohio University as the other three teams. The tournament must have had 8 regionals at that time with 4 team each place. We got beat pretty good by SIU in the first game, then beat Michigan in the loser's bracket. Ohio had beat SIU in the winner's game, so we played them again and lost 1-0 on a real freaky play. Ohio then beat SIU again for the ticket to Omaha. Mike Schmidt, now in the Baseball Hall of Fame, was Ohio's star. And he was a stud.
I may check back in later today. Lots going on for everyone. Be careful out there!
Had fun last night with some friends and some Tuscan red.
Yard work and a 25 miler this AM. Kid triathlon this afternoon and evening. It will be a good day.
Margret was out all day yesterday.
I have enjoyed watching the college world series this week on ESPN. I can remember many pieces of my NCAA tournament expeience as a junior at ND. We played as an at-large invitee team in a regional in Columbus, Ohio with Michigan, Southern Illinois and Ohio University as the other three teams. The tournament must have had 8 regionals at that time with 4 team each place. We got beat pretty good by SIU in the first game, then beat Michigan in the loser's bracket. Ohio had beat SIU in the winner's game, so we played them again and lost 1-0 on a real freaky play. Ohio then beat SIU again for the ticket to Omaha. Mike Schmidt, now in the Baseball Hall of Fame, was Ohio's star. And he was a stud.
I may check back in later today. Lots going on for everyone. Be careful out there!
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Thursday PM
OK. This is a non-fiction entry. And I want my readers to know that I drove across town to get in front of the computer in time to get an entry posted before my ride.
I have been doing one-on-one employee meetings at a car dealer client this week where we are switching the menu of investments offered in the retirement plan. It has been interesting as I talk with young people who I automatically measure against the ages of my daughters, and then talk with older people close to my age who I automatically compare to my situation. I feel old when I am talking to a twenty-four year old mechanic, and I feel just plain odd when I'm talking to a 55 year old salesman who is considering his years until retirement.
The USA crashed and burned in the World Cup soccer tournament. Stop yawning!
The Miami Heat won the NBA title. And exactly who cares?
The Carolina Hurricanes won the NHL Stanley Cup. That's hockey for anyone who's curious.
Steve Alford got a one year extension and a $72k raise at U of Iowa. Now he is really someone to get excited about.
Susan has a local wedding this weekend. I'm sure that she'll have fun. Did you hear that she is training for Bix?
I'm working as a volunteer this Saturday for a kid's triathlon. The organizer is a SB's regular and I helped him get some other people to volunteer. Should be fun. Ages 7-14. He already has 130 kids and they are still registering. It's received lots of local press and word tends to spread among this type of crowd. Are you going to be there, Charlie? A free T-shirt is involved.
So I know that this hasn't been the most exciting entry, but it is progress. My plate has been pretty full. The road to recovery begins with the first step. Consider this that effort.
Be careful out there.
I have been doing one-on-one employee meetings at a car dealer client this week where we are switching the menu of investments offered in the retirement plan. It has been interesting as I talk with young people who I automatically measure against the ages of my daughters, and then talk with older people close to my age who I automatically compare to my situation. I feel old when I am talking to a twenty-four year old mechanic, and I feel just plain odd when I'm talking to a 55 year old salesman who is considering his years until retirement.
The USA crashed and burned in the World Cup soccer tournament. Stop yawning!
The Miami Heat won the NBA title. And exactly who cares?
The Carolina Hurricanes won the NHL Stanley Cup. That's hockey for anyone who's curious.
Steve Alford got a one year extension and a $72k raise at U of Iowa. Now he is really someone to get excited about.
Susan has a local wedding this weekend. I'm sure that she'll have fun. Did you hear that she is training for Bix?
I'm working as a volunteer this Saturday for a kid's triathlon. The organizer is a SB's regular and I helped him get some other people to volunteer. Should be fun. Ages 7-14. He already has 130 kids and they are still registering. It's received lots of local press and word tends to spread among this type of crowd. Are you going to be there, Charlie? A free T-shirt is involved.
So I know that this hasn't been the most exciting entry, but it is progress. My plate has been pretty full. The road to recovery begins with the first step. Consider this that effort.
Be careful out there.
Thursday AM
I have no reasonable excuse for not allocating my time to get to the blog. To some extent, its been a matter of having commitments at 5PM most weekdays over the last couple of weeks. That has historically been my primary writing time for 4000 Days. Last Saturday I just never got into the office, and Sunday was Father's Day. As I have mentioned many times, 4000 Days is my portal to keep in close contact with the girls. When I am with them, the edge comes off my need to communicate on the blog.
That said, I will do better.
I really enjoyed Charlie's comment. There are some difficult times ahead for Melanie and Calhoun.
Mary's stay in Chicago seems to be very positive. She's working a lot, but its a great experience for her. She does deserve a little pick-me-up when she gets in at oh-dark-hundred.
More later. Everyone be careful out there!
More later
That said, I will do better.
I really enjoyed Charlie's comment. There are some difficult times ahead for Melanie and Calhoun.
Mary's stay in Chicago seems to be very positive. She's working a lot, but its a great experience for her. She does deserve a little pick-me-up when she gets in at oh-dark-hundred.
More later. Everyone be careful out there!
More later
Friday, June 16, 2006
Friday
Wow, what happened to the week? Great time with Roy. Played some pretty lousy golf. The clubs will gather dust until at least January.
Sounds like Mary is doing well in Chicago. Charlie and Susan will be my Father's Day companions. Kate has had a good week in the Cities.
So rest assured that I will be back up fully engaged with the blog next week. I've missed spending the time writing. It feels good to put words together.
Be careful out there.
Sounds like Mary is doing well in Chicago. Charlie and Susan will be my Father's Day companions. Kate has had a good week in the Cities.
So rest assured that I will be back up fully engaged with the blog next week. I've missed spending the time writing. It feels good to put words together.
Be careful out there.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Wednesday
I am actually going to be worse this week than last. Roy has me in his tournament at Crow and that means golf all day yesterday, today and tomorrow. My poor back.
Charlie is back on line. And we missed her. I think Minnie Mouse is a perfectly acceptable wallet.
So I may have a report tomorrow morning.
Be careful out there.
Charlie is back on line. And we missed her. I think Minnie Mouse is a perfectly acceptable wallet.
So I may have a report tomorrow morning.
Be careful out there.
Monday, June 12, 2006
Monday June 12, 2006
Wow. Haven't missed this many days since I started in November. But since we had a clan meeting in Kansas City, my absence from the blog should be justified.
I enjoy the "lobby time" of these family gatherings. If you sit in the hotel lobby long enough, someone you know will come by for some conversation. Of course, the same can be said of the hotel bar.
Beautiful day here today. I have Margret out for the afternoon. I'll do a ride in a while. Just missed the 2 days while in KC as I was able to get out for a short ride upon our return.
Interestingly, the big ride to Dubuque that I missed last weekend for the wedding was a bit of a bust. Saturday was cold and rainy and the gal who works for me who is always riding didn't even make the trip. I guess Sunday wasn't much better. There is no way I would have ridden to Dubuque in the rain. So I missed nothing.
I'll try to catch back up to a more regular schedule later this week.
Be careful out there.
I enjoy the "lobby time" of these family gatherings. If you sit in the hotel lobby long enough, someone you know will come by for some conversation. Of course, the same can be said of the hotel bar.
Beautiful day here today. I have Margret out for the afternoon. I'll do a ride in a while. Just missed the 2 days while in KC as I was able to get out for a short ride upon our return.
Interestingly, the big ride to Dubuque that I missed last weekend for the wedding was a bit of a bust. Saturday was cold and rainy and the gal who works for me who is always riding didn't even make the trip. I guess Sunday wasn't much better. There is no way I would have ridden to Dubuque in the rain. So I missed nothing.
I'll try to catch back up to a more regular schedule later this week.
Be careful out there.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Wednesday AM
So I have been a slackard here recently. Sorry
Yesterday didn't work because I had a dinner after work and just never got back to post an entry. I had taken some time at lunch to get in a nice ride, knowing that I wasn't going to get that done in the evening. Same blackbird events.
Sounds like Mary has survived her first couple of days in Chicago. And Charlie has her own juggling act going on in IC.
Looks like a great day today. More later.
Be careful out there.
Yesterday didn't work because I had a dinner after work and just never got back to post an entry. I had taken some time at lunch to get in a nice ride, knowing that I wasn't going to get that done in the evening. Same blackbird events.
Sounds like Mary has survived her first couple of days in Chicago. And Charlie has her own juggling act going on in IC.
Looks like a great day today. More later.
Be careful out there.
Monday, June 05, 2006
Monday Part Two
So today was a good, but not great day here at the office. I wish that I were more productive.
I picked up the much-maligned bifocals today. And new sun glasses. The new prescription is a little stonger and gave me a headache after lunch. Still adapting to the bifocal thing.
Tomorrow is 06-06-06 which has certain bible-thumpers in a snit. There are stories on-line that talk about the biblical/satanic meaning to the number. I have one partner who has refused to have the client number 666 assigned to any of his accounts. I wonder if he will take any dramatic defensive action tomorrow. I think its all hooey.
Speaking of hooey, the talk on the wires about the Constitutional amendment to ban same sex marriage certainly creates some strange bedfellows (no pun intended). You have George Bush, Jerry Falwell, the Catholic bishops and the Knights of Columbus taking the high and righteous road. And I'm sure that I'm on the same side of the question with Susan (I can't stand you) Sarandan (and the rest of Hollywood). The Federal government needs to figure out how to balance the budget. And stay out of the bedroom.
I can't believe I'm on the same side as Susan Sarandan. On anything.
Lots going on for everyone this week. Good luck.
Be careful out there.
I picked up the much-maligned bifocals today. And new sun glasses. The new prescription is a little stonger and gave me a headache after lunch. Still adapting to the bifocal thing.
Tomorrow is 06-06-06 which has certain bible-thumpers in a snit. There are stories on-line that talk about the biblical/satanic meaning to the number. I have one partner who has refused to have the client number 666 assigned to any of his accounts. I wonder if he will take any dramatic defensive action tomorrow. I think its all hooey.
Speaking of hooey, the talk on the wires about the Constitutional amendment to ban same sex marriage certainly creates some strange bedfellows (no pun intended). You have George Bush, Jerry Falwell, the Catholic bishops and the Knights of Columbus taking the high and righteous road. And I'm sure that I'm on the same side of the question with Susan (I can't stand you) Sarandan (and the rest of Hollywood). The Federal government needs to figure out how to balance the budget. And stay out of the bedroom.
I can't believe I'm on the same side as Susan Sarandan. On anything.
Lots going on for everyone this week. Good luck.
Be careful out there.
Monday
Guilty.
Really a good weekend though. Rode all three days. Just a little wind. No sideways rain. Angry bird on only two of the three days.
Enjoyable evening with friends on Friday night. Cookout with the girls on Saturday. Busy Sunday with Mary off to Chicago, yard work, a short ride, and a little FFF/pizza in the evening.
This will be a short week with a KC departure on Thursday.
Funny how getting a posting done everyday can get hard, particularly on the weekend. If I had a computer at my house, it would be easier. But getting to the office at 8PM just doesn't happen. My Saturday AM meeting this past weekend was unusual, but we have the wedding this weekend coming up and there will be other commitments this summer. The consolation to me is that, like this past weekend, my time away from the blog did include time with the girls. One of the original objectives for the blog was to keep that contact with the girls active. Real contact is better than electronic contact.
So consider this the Sunday entry. I'll check in later with Monday's.
Mary is in NYC for the day. Knock 'em dead, girl.
Have a great day out there.
Really a good weekend though. Rode all three days. Just a little wind. No sideways rain. Angry bird on only two of the three days.
Enjoyable evening with friends on Friday night. Cookout with the girls on Saturday. Busy Sunday with Mary off to Chicago, yard work, a short ride, and a little FFF/pizza in the evening.
This will be a short week with a KC departure on Thursday.
Funny how getting a posting done everyday can get hard, particularly on the weekend. If I had a computer at my house, it would be easier. But getting to the office at 8PM just doesn't happen. My Saturday AM meeting this past weekend was unusual, but we have the wedding this weekend coming up and there will be other commitments this summer. The consolation to me is that, like this past weekend, my time away from the blog did include time with the girls. One of the original objectives for the blog was to keep that contact with the girls active. Real contact is better than electronic contact.
So consider this the Sunday entry. I'll check in later with Monday's.
Mary is in NYC for the day. Knock 'em dead, girl.
Have a great day out there.
Friday, June 02, 2006
Friday
No blog Friday.
Just had most of the day blown with my securities Compliance Officer out of Des Moines. She had us digging up correspondence and confirmations of all our transactions in the last year. What a pain.
Beautiful day here. I'm going out for a ride. Then maybe some Tuscan red.
Be careful out there.
Just had most of the day blown with my securities Compliance Officer out of Des Moines. She had us digging up correspondence and confirmations of all our transactions in the last year. What a pain.
Beautiful day here. I'm going out for a ride. Then maybe some Tuscan red.
Be careful out there.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Chapter Four - Continued Blog Date 060106
Cedar Rapids 19April05 1430
Melanie opened the door and greeted Carmondii, "Hello, Anthony. Sorry that I can't say that I am happy to see you, but I'm sure that you understand."
"Always good to see you too, Melanie," he replied as she shut the door and lead him to the library.
"I just opened a half gallon of real grapefriut juice," said Melanie. "Care for some?" This small indulgence was a remnant of Melanie's West Coast days. She hated the frozen juices sold in most of the local stores. This came from a health food place in Iowa City.
"Yes, thanks," he said with a wry grin. "Just like home."
She poured him a tall glass and they sat down, she in her favorite wingback chair and he in the loveseat facing her. Their drinks rested on convenient end tables. Anthony seemed slightly distracted and Melanie could tell that he wished that he was elsewhere, tending to other business. He had only been to see her in Iowa twice before, both times to obtain her signature on time-sensitive corporate documents for Cyberware. He did not make these trips without a major reason. This would definitely be interesting.
"Melanie," he began, "I need some time on this dividend thing. I'll get you your money, but I'm in a bit of a bother right now and Cyberware's 90 day cash flow projection is negative. We were notified just last week that payment on a big contract with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) got rolled over to the fiscal year beginning October 1st and that has really put a crimp on things."
"That's original, Anthony," responded Melanie. "Blame it on the government. Are you running for office?" She had expected a song and dance, but this was a pretty pathetic effort for a guy whom she knew was a financial expert. She wondered what the real story was, so she pressed further, "You flew here today thinking I would buy that story? You'll need to do better than that."
Carmondii was not surprised by Melanie's reaction. She had worked for several years in the Family Practice section of the Carruthers Finch law firm and she was far from naive when it came to fabricated explanations. But his curiosity to test her current level of savviness after several years of being out of practice had made the FEMA story an inexpensive trial balloon. He had also wanted to witness in person her demeanor in repsonse to what he knew was an outrageous story, or her reaction to his darker message, if it came to that. Well, he thought to himself, Plan B was really the plan anyway.
"Okay," said Carmondii, "here's the deal." His tone turned cold, almost evil. "Cyberware can't pay you the cash today. Unless certain things fall into place, you won't get another dime out of Cyberware or me. If you want to play hardball with me, your share of the company will be worthless when the restrictions on the sale of your stock expire in August. You may own half of my company, but if you turn this into a public legal battle, or you get the Department of Justice involved, I can assure you that you will end up without a pot to piss in."
Melanie was speechless. Her heart raced.
Carmondii stood and walked from the room, but stopped and turned before reaching the foyer. "Melanie, there are some people involved in this thing who have lots of money at risk. They have given me a very small amount of operating space and a limited amout of time to complete a financial restructuring of the business. If you stir up a mess, they will be very unhappy."
She watched him leave and close the door. She was afraid. And alone.
Melanie opened the door and greeted Carmondii, "Hello, Anthony. Sorry that I can't say that I am happy to see you, but I'm sure that you understand."
"Always good to see you too, Melanie," he replied as she shut the door and lead him to the library.
"I just opened a half gallon of real grapefriut juice," said Melanie. "Care for some?" This small indulgence was a remnant of Melanie's West Coast days. She hated the frozen juices sold in most of the local stores. This came from a health food place in Iowa City.
"Yes, thanks," he said with a wry grin. "Just like home."
She poured him a tall glass and they sat down, she in her favorite wingback chair and he in the loveseat facing her. Their drinks rested on convenient end tables. Anthony seemed slightly distracted and Melanie could tell that he wished that he was elsewhere, tending to other business. He had only been to see her in Iowa twice before, both times to obtain her signature on time-sensitive corporate documents for Cyberware. He did not make these trips without a major reason. This would definitely be interesting.
"Melanie," he began, "I need some time on this dividend thing. I'll get you your money, but I'm in a bit of a bother right now and Cyberware's 90 day cash flow projection is negative. We were notified just last week that payment on a big contract with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) got rolled over to the fiscal year beginning October 1st and that has really put a crimp on things."
"That's original, Anthony," responded Melanie. "Blame it on the government. Are you running for office?" She had expected a song and dance, but this was a pretty pathetic effort for a guy whom she knew was a financial expert. She wondered what the real story was, so she pressed further, "You flew here today thinking I would buy that story? You'll need to do better than that."
Carmondii was not surprised by Melanie's reaction. She had worked for several years in the Family Practice section of the Carruthers Finch law firm and she was far from naive when it came to fabricated explanations. But his curiosity to test her current level of savviness after several years of being out of practice had made the FEMA story an inexpensive trial balloon. He had also wanted to witness in person her demeanor in repsonse to what he knew was an outrageous story, or her reaction to his darker message, if it came to that. Well, he thought to himself, Plan B was really the plan anyway.
"Okay," said Carmondii, "here's the deal." His tone turned cold, almost evil. "Cyberware can't pay you the cash today. Unless certain things fall into place, you won't get another dime out of Cyberware or me. If you want to play hardball with me, your share of the company will be worthless when the restrictions on the sale of your stock expire in August. You may own half of my company, but if you turn this into a public legal battle, or you get the Department of Justice involved, I can assure you that you will end up without a pot to piss in."
Melanie was speechless. Her heart raced.
Carmondii stood and walked from the room, but stopped and turned before reaching the foyer. "Melanie, there are some people involved in this thing who have lots of money at risk. They have given me a very small amount of operating space and a limited amout of time to complete a financial restructuring of the business. If you stir up a mess, they will be very unhappy."
She watched him leave and close the door. She was afraid. And alone.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Wednesday
I'm bugging out for a midweek ride. Too nice out to miss.
Everybody is pretty quiet this week. I'll try to spice things up with Frank and Melanie tomorrow.
Be careful out there.
Everybody is pretty quiet this week. I'll try to spice things up with Frank and Melanie tomorrow.
Be careful out there.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Tuesday
Still stuck on non-fiction.
These short weeks always test my ability to keep my days straight. I spent much of my morning referring to tomorrow as Tuesday. I'm like most people in that I like the longer weekend, but unless I really work on my mental acuity, I have that tendency to think that the first workday of the week is Monday.
Monday was a successful day for me. Got to The Arsenal for the Memorial Day ceremony, then over to Rock Island for the Criterium for a while. Also was efficient at home and got my yard mowed, and had time to get out for a quick 15 miler before dinner (which gave me 23 for the day). The Arsenal deal was a bit of a drag. The increased security made it something less than pleasant. It was like they really didn't want people there, and certainly not a bicyclist. Somebody must have screwed up on a security exercise on the Arsenal in the past, and these MP's were definitely not going to let it happen again.
There has been one Momma's Boy left in my front tree from the robin's nest in my side tree. Mom continues to bring snacks, but she is really getting impatient. The nestling has moved from branch to branch several times, but he's having quite a time leaving home. Does this give an illustration of humans or not? He was still there late this afternoon, and mom was sitting on a nearby branch chirping and fluttering her wings as if to say, "Leave!"
Basso killed 'em in the Giro. 24 sucked in the Coca Cola 600. Not a good weekend for my fav's.
Today was the start of my "summer dress code." That now means that I wear shorts most days. Wasn't all that long ago that I was wearing suits everyday. Then it was "business casual" for the summer. Now this. It is what it is.
When I was in middle school and high school, this would have been prime baseball time. I think we only had a couple of games a week, but we practiced at least a couple of other days, and then later on when I played American Legion ball, it was everyday, and double headers on the weekends. And the hot days like we had last weekend were common. Parents had to die going to all those games. Sounds like Matt is still doing it.
So I hope you have all recovered from your weekend. Good luck to everyone in getting done their own agendas. It isn't always easy, but keep your eye on the ball.
Be careful out there.
These short weeks always test my ability to keep my days straight. I spent much of my morning referring to tomorrow as Tuesday. I'm like most people in that I like the longer weekend, but unless I really work on my mental acuity, I have that tendency to think that the first workday of the week is Monday.
Monday was a successful day for me. Got to The Arsenal for the Memorial Day ceremony, then over to Rock Island for the Criterium for a while. Also was efficient at home and got my yard mowed, and had time to get out for a quick 15 miler before dinner (which gave me 23 for the day). The Arsenal deal was a bit of a drag. The increased security made it something less than pleasant. It was like they really didn't want people there, and certainly not a bicyclist. Somebody must have screwed up on a security exercise on the Arsenal in the past, and these MP's were definitely not going to let it happen again.
There has been one Momma's Boy left in my front tree from the robin's nest in my side tree. Mom continues to bring snacks, but she is really getting impatient. The nestling has moved from branch to branch several times, but he's having quite a time leaving home. Does this give an illustration of humans or not? He was still there late this afternoon, and mom was sitting on a nearby branch chirping and fluttering her wings as if to say, "Leave!"
Basso killed 'em in the Giro. 24 sucked in the Coca Cola 600. Not a good weekend for my fav's.
Today was the start of my "summer dress code." That now means that I wear shorts most days. Wasn't all that long ago that I was wearing suits everyday. Then it was "business casual" for the summer. Now this. It is what it is.
When I was in middle school and high school, this would have been prime baseball time. I think we only had a couple of games a week, but we practiced at least a couple of other days, and then later on when I played American Legion ball, it was everyday, and double headers on the weekends. And the hot days like we had last weekend were common. Parents had to die going to all those games. Sounds like Matt is still doing it.
So I hope you have all recovered from your weekend. Good luck to everyone in getting done their own agendas. It isn't always easy, but keep your eye on the ball.
Be careful out there.
Monday, May 29, 2006
Monday
I forgot to put a "No blog today" entry on yesterday. I was in the office briefly in the AM, but just didn't get to the point of writing. Maybe thought that I would get back later, but never did.
I missed the girls. Still do And it was really warm. Not a very productive day at all. But I did get a few flowers potted.
So today is Memorial Day. I'll get over to the Arsenal for the ceremony. And The Criterium is in downtown Rock Island, so I'll get over there for some of the races. Hope to ride this afternoon, and I need to get my yard mowed. It will be a busy day.
The baby robins in the nest out my back door left the nest yesterday. It was facinating watching the last few hours of their progression. There had been a total of four. All had still been in the nest yesterday morning when I had left early for coffee. By my return mid-morning, the nest was empty. Then, later on, I figured out that one was on a branch higher in the tree, and a second one was in the tree in my front yard. The mother kept bringing morsels to these two throughout the day, and I think, kept encouraging each to get going. By evening they too were gone.
This day has been the historical start of summer for me, certainly since the girls were born. I'm not overly satisfied with my progress on my 2006 goals right now, but this is another opportunity to re-commit, so I will try to do that. The Blog has been one area where I feel like I have done ok. Biking has been ok. Around the house, a luke-warm ok. The office part needs work.
By-the-by, the attacking red-winged blackbird is still there. I watched it assault another rider on Saturday afternoon, and my buddy Pete called from the road yesterday to let me know that it had come after him too. A dog came at me Saturday on my ride, but I was too quick, and some stupid teenagers in an on-coming car threw an empty plastic soda bottle at me on the same ride. The bottle glanced off my front wheel. Really a pretty dangerous event. Life has not been dull on the road.
So I doubt if I get back at this today. Hope all my readers have a great day. Frank and Melanie should return tomorrow.
Be careful out there.
I missed the girls. Still do And it was really warm. Not a very productive day at all. But I did get a few flowers potted.
So today is Memorial Day. I'll get over to the Arsenal for the ceremony. And The Criterium is in downtown Rock Island, so I'll get over there for some of the races. Hope to ride this afternoon, and I need to get my yard mowed. It will be a busy day.
The baby robins in the nest out my back door left the nest yesterday. It was facinating watching the last few hours of their progression. There had been a total of four. All had still been in the nest yesterday morning when I had left early for coffee. By my return mid-morning, the nest was empty. Then, later on, I figured out that one was on a branch higher in the tree, and a second one was in the tree in my front yard. The mother kept bringing morsels to these two throughout the day, and I think, kept encouraging each to get going. By evening they too were gone.
This day has been the historical start of summer for me, certainly since the girls were born. I'm not overly satisfied with my progress on my 2006 goals right now, but this is another opportunity to re-commit, so I will try to do that. The Blog has been one area where I feel like I have done ok. Biking has been ok. Around the house, a luke-warm ok. The office part needs work.
By-the-by, the attacking red-winged blackbird is still there. I watched it assault another rider on Saturday afternoon, and my buddy Pete called from the road yesterday to let me know that it had come after him too. A dog came at me Saturday on my ride, but I was too quick, and some stupid teenagers in an on-coming car threw an empty plastic soda bottle at me on the same ride. The bottle glanced off my front wheel. Really a pretty dangerous event. Life has not been dull on the road.
So I doubt if I get back at this today. Hope all my readers have a great day. Frank and Melanie should return tomorrow.
Be careful out there.
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Chapter Four Blog Date 052706
At 35,000 Feet Over Colorado 19April05 1100MDT
Anthony Carmondii, the plane's only passenger, took another drink of coffee from his paper cup. He glanced out the window of the private Citation 300 business jet at the snow-covered mountains below. In years past, he had often spent a Spring week in Aspen to sample the abundant apres' ski night life. But these last two years had just been too hectic at Cyberware to indulge in the fantasy life that had now made Aspen America's premier winter playground.
He checked his watch again. They were due to land in Cedar Rapids/Iowa City in another ninety minutes. Carmondii closed his eyes and recalled his conversation late yesterday afternoon with Aaron Ginsberg in a quiet corner of the men's grill at the Half Moon Bay Golf Links club house. They had been joined on the course by two other Equity Funding clients and there had been no opportunity for any significant business discussion during the round. It had been a subdued round for the foursome, with little of the normal banter usually present in weekend matches at the club. After settling the gentlemen's bets from the round over cocktails, the other two players had made diplomatic exits, leaving Ginsberg and Carmondii alone at the table.
"Anthony," said Ginsberg, "my sources tell me that you've been making some noise with the bond boys about an extension on that $300 million indenture that matures in June. And those same sources say that you deferred payment Friday on a sizable dividend to Melanie. Those aren't good signs for the payment you owe us on July 1st. Care to explain?"
Carmondii was not surprised that Ginsberg had been alerted to his inquiries of the investment banks regarding the refunding of the bond indenture. You sneeze in the same area code as one of those vulchers and you start getting calls from people you don't know about your vital signs. But by letting Carmondii know that he was already aware of the withholding of the dividend payment to Melanie, Ginsberg was making it clear that Equity Funding expected payment of the Cyberware debt on time.
"We're just checking out our options on that indenture, Aaron," Carmondii had replied. "And the withholding on that dividend for Melanie was her idea," he had lied. "She's trying to organize some not-for-profit thing out there and she didn't want the locals to think that she was going to be the sole source of funding. She thinks that a big balance in her investment account might put off some possible donors to the cause."
"You know, Anthony," Ginsberg had said in response, "we go back a long time, and we have made a lot of money together. The business at Equity Funding has always been fairly simple. We put money in up front, and then once the thing is up and running, we take a lot more money out on the back side. Our arrangement with you and Cyberware was designed the same way. I hope that you understand that while you and I have this very good history together, business is business, and July 1st is not all that far away. Eh?"
Carmondii had smiled, nodded, and said, "Aaron, I wouldn't have expected it any other way."
Later on Saturday evening, Carmondii had decided that he needed to meet with Melanie face-to-face to see if he could at least obtain a small reprieve from her on the special dividend schedule. He knew that she was probably going to get the lawyers involved next week if he didn't find some way to appease her. When he called to see if she would meet with him on Sunday, she was obviously angry about the dividend, but she also seemed otherwise upset and had no interest in an extended conversation. She told him that he could come to her place around three, but to call when he landed so that she would know he was on his way.
The Citation had been an extravagance that Carmondii had justified when airport security had become a full contact sport after 9-11. Cyberware co-owned the aircraft with two other corporations to obtain some additional efficiencies on the costs of ownership, but usage was heavily tilted toward Cyberware's Chief Exective Officer. Availability of the plane made unscheduled trips like this one nothing more than a call for a cab.
He must have drifted off to sleep because he was startled at a call from the pilot on the overhead speaker, "We've begun our descent, Mr Carmondii. We should be on the ground in about 15 minutes.
Anthony Carmondii, the plane's only passenger, took another drink of coffee from his paper cup. He glanced out the window of the private Citation 300 business jet at the snow-covered mountains below. In years past, he had often spent a Spring week in Aspen to sample the abundant apres' ski night life. But these last two years had just been too hectic at Cyberware to indulge in the fantasy life that had now made Aspen America's premier winter playground.
He checked his watch again. They were due to land in Cedar Rapids/Iowa City in another ninety minutes. Carmondii closed his eyes and recalled his conversation late yesterday afternoon with Aaron Ginsberg in a quiet corner of the men's grill at the Half Moon Bay Golf Links club house. They had been joined on the course by two other Equity Funding clients and there had been no opportunity for any significant business discussion during the round. It had been a subdued round for the foursome, with little of the normal banter usually present in weekend matches at the club. After settling the gentlemen's bets from the round over cocktails, the other two players had made diplomatic exits, leaving Ginsberg and Carmondii alone at the table.
"Anthony," said Ginsberg, "my sources tell me that you've been making some noise with the bond boys about an extension on that $300 million indenture that matures in June. And those same sources say that you deferred payment Friday on a sizable dividend to Melanie. Those aren't good signs for the payment you owe us on July 1st. Care to explain?"
Carmondii was not surprised that Ginsberg had been alerted to his inquiries of the investment banks regarding the refunding of the bond indenture. You sneeze in the same area code as one of those vulchers and you start getting calls from people you don't know about your vital signs. But by letting Carmondii know that he was already aware of the withholding of the dividend payment to Melanie, Ginsberg was making it clear that Equity Funding expected payment of the Cyberware debt on time.
"We're just checking out our options on that indenture, Aaron," Carmondii had replied. "And the withholding on that dividend for Melanie was her idea," he had lied. "She's trying to organize some not-for-profit thing out there and she didn't want the locals to think that she was going to be the sole source of funding. She thinks that a big balance in her investment account might put off some possible donors to the cause."
"You know, Anthony," Ginsberg had said in response, "we go back a long time, and we have made a lot of money together. The business at Equity Funding has always been fairly simple. We put money in up front, and then once the thing is up and running, we take a lot more money out on the back side. Our arrangement with you and Cyberware was designed the same way. I hope that you understand that while you and I have this very good history together, business is business, and July 1st is not all that far away. Eh?"
Carmondii had smiled, nodded, and said, "Aaron, I wouldn't have expected it any other way."
Later on Saturday evening, Carmondii had decided that he needed to meet with Melanie face-to-face to see if he could at least obtain a small reprieve from her on the special dividend schedule. He knew that she was probably going to get the lawyers involved next week if he didn't find some way to appease her. When he called to see if she would meet with him on Sunday, she was obviously angry about the dividend, but she also seemed otherwise upset and had no interest in an extended conversation. She told him that he could come to her place around three, but to call when he landed so that she would know he was on his way.
The Citation had been an extravagance that Carmondii had justified when airport security had become a full contact sport after 9-11. Cyberware co-owned the aircraft with two other corporations to obtain some additional efficiencies on the costs of ownership, but usage was heavily tilted toward Cyberware's Chief Exective Officer. Availability of the plane made unscheduled trips like this one nothing more than a call for a cab.
He must have drifted off to sleep because he was startled at a call from the pilot on the overhead speaker, "We've begun our descent, Mr Carmondii. We should be on the ground in about 15 minutes.
Friday, May 26, 2006
Friday
No blog today.
The girls are gathering in Minneapolis tonight for the holiday weekend. I'm doing the bike thing. Roy and I will probably hang out some too.
The lives of Frank and Melanie will return tomorrow. Events will bring them together again, sooner rather than later.
Be careful out there.
The girls are gathering in Minneapolis tonight for the holiday weekend. I'm doing the bike thing. Roy and I will probably hang out some too.
The lives of Frank and Melanie will return tomorrow. Events will bring them together again, sooner rather than later.
Be careful out there.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Chapter Three - Continued - Blog Date 052506
Cedar Rapids 18 April05 1820
Melanie glanced in her rear view mirror as she exited the parking lot of Norm's Place and headed east on 5th Avenue. She saw Calhoun's Expedition turn down the alley toward 4th Avenue for what she knew would be a turn north onto I-380. What had begun as a perfectly enjoyable evening had ended quickly, and badly. Frank Calhoun had apparently been interested in her only for the information that she might be able to provide him on Anthony and/or Cyberware. She was completely stunned. How had he expected her to react? Did he think that she would just roll over and be his snitch?
Her part in the conversation following his plea had been brief and to the point; "Frank," she had said," I though I just heard you say that you were conducting a professional investigation of Cyberware for the NSTF, or whatever you call yourselves, and that you wanted me to be some kind of a source for information about dirty tricks in the company. Was I hearing things? Most of my dates just want to get into my pants or my bank accounts. I'd say that you are setting a new, lower standard for my social life."
"Melanie, please," Frank had tried to interject. "It's really not that way at all. I want to help you too. If Carmondii is actually working on a scheme to defraud the securities markets, you could be caught in the same conspiracy. Whatever part of your wealth that is still connected to Cyberware could be in jeopardy"
But Melanie could handle nothing further from Frank Calhoun tonight. She had stood from the table and said, "Thanks for dinner, Frank. Have a nice life."
Cedar Rapids 18April05 1822
Calhoun accelerated the Expedition onto the northbound entrance ramp of I-380. That went well, he thought to himself. Let's see. I gave up non-public information on a classified case. I burned my best connection to get new information on Cyberware. I pissed off, maybe forever, a woman who clearly has everything that I would want in a relationship. And I certainly complicated several other friendships. What more could a guy accomplish in less than two hours? Life sucks.
Melanie glanced in her rear view mirror as she exited the parking lot of Norm's Place and headed east on 5th Avenue. She saw Calhoun's Expedition turn down the alley toward 4th Avenue for what she knew would be a turn north onto I-380. What had begun as a perfectly enjoyable evening had ended quickly, and badly. Frank Calhoun had apparently been interested in her only for the information that she might be able to provide him on Anthony and/or Cyberware. She was completely stunned. How had he expected her to react? Did he think that she would just roll over and be his snitch?
Her part in the conversation following his plea had been brief and to the point; "Frank," she had said," I though I just heard you say that you were conducting a professional investigation of Cyberware for the NSTF, or whatever you call yourselves, and that you wanted me to be some kind of a source for information about dirty tricks in the company. Was I hearing things? Most of my dates just want to get into my pants or my bank accounts. I'd say that you are setting a new, lower standard for my social life."
"Melanie, please," Frank had tried to interject. "It's really not that way at all. I want to help you too. If Carmondii is actually working on a scheme to defraud the securities markets, you could be caught in the same conspiracy. Whatever part of your wealth that is still connected to Cyberware could be in jeopardy"
But Melanie could handle nothing further from Frank Calhoun tonight. She had stood from the table and said, "Thanks for dinner, Frank. Have a nice life."
Cedar Rapids 18April05 1822
Calhoun accelerated the Expedition onto the northbound entrance ramp of I-380. That went well, he thought to himself. Let's see. I gave up non-public information on a classified case. I burned my best connection to get new information on Cyberware. I pissed off, maybe forever, a woman who clearly has everything that I would want in a relationship. And I certainly complicated several other friendships. What more could a guy accomplish in less than two hours? Life sucks.
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