We got up as soon as the alarm went off this morning. I did the pet thing and had breakfast. Then Ellen went to Dola's to let out Teddy. I went to the well house and added salt to the softener tank. It was just at the "need more" level. Then I waited for Ellen to come back.
By 9 we were on our way to Kingsland. It was a nice drive on road that we hadn't been on before. When we got to Kingsland the GPS led us straight to the community center. I went to the gun show while Ellen took the dog to the adjacent park to run. I was only at the show for a few minutes before Ellen called to say she'd hung the bumper up in a tree.
The show was small, but had some interesting things. The prices were a little lower than in the other shows I'd been to. I just made a quick run through because I was thinking about the bumper. When I got outside I saw Ellen and the dog standing below the only tree in the park. She had collected a couple of good size rocks. It took me five throws, but I got the bumper down. I threw it four or five times for Lucy and then we left.
We went to a park by the lake. It was really small and the entire lakeshore was lined in a concrete wall. There was no place for Lucy to swim. I looked at the water and I wouldn't have let her swim anyway.
We drove back a different way to Marble Falls. On the way we drove through another small town that had a park. The water was just as dirty there. I don't think Lucy will be doing any swimming for a long time.
We stopped at the pottery store in Marble Falls. We didn't buy anything. We didn notice that the flamingos like I bought last time were sold out. We also ate lunch at the Dairy Queen. t was the only lace we could find with an outdoor sitting place. There was absolutely no shade, so Lucy wasn't very comfortable. The cement in the sitting area was too hot for her to lay down on.
We drove back the way we came, through Bee Cave. I stopped at the post office on the way home. The rest of the afternoon was surfing while we hid out from the heat.
The evening was movies. My choice tonight. A zombie movie and a weird flick about a tree hugger type that builds a bullet roff suit and starts shooting random people to hide a bank robbery.
Saturday, July 30, 2016
Friday, July 29, 2016
Day 294
Lucy did a weird thing last night. A little after we went to bed, she got up and went into her cage. I got up to make sure she was OK. I asked her if she wanted up on the bed and she immediately jumped up. So she slept with us. She jumped up on the bed again tonight, so I guess she'll sleep with us.
I woke up with the alarm, surfed, and played a little Minions. I stayed in bed for about an hour. For some reason I just didn't feel like getting up. Of course I did. After the pet stuff and breakfast I didn't feel like accomplishing anything, so I just surfed.
We had some errands to do, so about 11 we left. It was hot, but we took the dog because we were going to pet stores. The first stop was an estate sale in Circle C. There was an amazing amount of stuff, but nothing I wanted. Then it was Tomlinson's to get cat food and kitty litter. After that it was the post office and gas station. The next stop was Pet Smart to get a new kennel pad for the one Lucy tore up the other day. We ate lunch at Doc's backyard. Then there was a stop at Hoe Depot to get some hooks for the guest room closet. Finally, we stopped at Walgreen's for Ellen prescription. All in all we did a lot.
When we got home I didn't feel like installing the hooks. So I surfed and played Minions. At 5 I took the dog to the mailbox and Ellen went to Dola's to feed Teddy.
After dinner Ellen watched a movie, and then I watched one.
I woke up with the alarm, surfed, and played a little Minions. I stayed in bed for about an hour. For some reason I just didn't feel like getting up. Of course I did. After the pet stuff and breakfast I didn't feel like accomplishing anything, so I just surfed.
We had some errands to do, so about 11 we left. It was hot, but we took the dog because we were going to pet stores. The first stop was an estate sale in Circle C. There was an amazing amount of stuff, but nothing I wanted. Then it was Tomlinson's to get cat food and kitty litter. After that it was the post office and gas station. The next stop was Pet Smart to get a new kennel pad for the one Lucy tore up the other day. We ate lunch at Doc's backyard. Then there was a stop at Hoe Depot to get some hooks for the guest room closet. Finally, we stopped at Walgreen's for Ellen prescription. All in all we did a lot.
When we got home I didn't feel like installing the hooks. So I surfed and played Minions. At 5 I took the dog to the mailbox and Ellen went to Dola's to feed Teddy.
After dinner Ellen watched a movie, and then I watched one.
Thursday, July 28, 2016
Day 293
When the alarm went off this morning I reached up, turned it off, and went back to sleep. I'm not sure how long I slept, maybe half an hour. When I woke up I turned on Minions (of course) and saw that there was an update. I did the update, but nothing new appears. In fact, the only change that I can see is that the store now shows how many useless items you've accumulated. At least it doesn't count them.
After I got up and did the pet things in breakfast I decided it was time to finish installing the safe. I installed a bumper so that the door wouldn't hit the wall. Then I located the studs to anchor it. Unfortunately there wasn't a stud available on one wall. I had to get some lag screws, so off we went.
We stopped at the post office. Then we stopped at the jewelry store to get Ellen's chain fixed. It needs a new clasp. The clasp will cost as much as the chain. Then I drove to McCoy's and bought the bolts. The last stop was the snow cone place on 290.
Bolting in the safe was one of those tasks that just seemed to be harder than it should have been. The temperature in the garage was 105. That made the time I spent getting parts and preparing things miserable. Of course I had to make several trips out there. Because I could only bolt into one wall, the safe tipped. I ended up putting pieces of 2x4 between the safe and the two walls to keep it from moving. The end result is successful. The safe feels like it's securely bolted to the floor, even though it isn't.
When I finished I was dripping with sweat from the time I spent in the garage. I took the dog to the mailbox. After that I intended to take a shower, but Ellen announced that she had lost her phone. Because she had only got out of the car at the jewelry store, and waited outside at McCoys, I figured that she lost it at the snow cone place. It was after 5:30, but luckily they are open until 7. We drove back there and they had they phone.
I had told her before that the phone was going to fall out of the small purse she's been using. Tonight she moved back into her large purse.
Dinner was some fish that we bought the other day. Ellen actually cooked!!! The evening was surfing for me, and TV for Ellen.
After I got up and did the pet things in breakfast I decided it was time to finish installing the safe. I installed a bumper so that the door wouldn't hit the wall. Then I located the studs to anchor it. Unfortunately there wasn't a stud available on one wall. I had to get some lag screws, so off we went.
We stopped at the post office. Then we stopped at the jewelry store to get Ellen's chain fixed. It needs a new clasp. The clasp will cost as much as the chain. Then I drove to McCoy's and bought the bolts. The last stop was the snow cone place on 290.
Bolting in the safe was one of those tasks that just seemed to be harder than it should have been. The temperature in the garage was 105. That made the time I spent getting parts and preparing things miserable. Of course I had to make several trips out there. Because I could only bolt into one wall, the safe tipped. I ended up putting pieces of 2x4 between the safe and the two walls to keep it from moving. The end result is successful. The safe feels like it's securely bolted to the floor, even though it isn't.
When I finished I was dripping with sweat from the time I spent in the garage. I took the dog to the mailbox. After that I intended to take a shower, but Ellen announced that she had lost her phone. Because she had only got out of the car at the jewelry store, and waited outside at McCoys, I figured that she lost it at the snow cone place. It was after 5:30, but luckily they are open until 7. We drove back there and they had they phone.
I had told her before that the phone was going to fall out of the small purse she's been using. Tonight she moved back into her large purse.
Dinner was some fish that we bought the other day. Ellen actually cooked!!! The evening was surfing for me, and TV for Ellen.
Wednesday, July 27, 2016
Day 292
Woke up when the alarm went off, but didn't get up for an hour and a
half. There wasn't any poit as there was a thunderstorm going on.
Instead I played Minions. I know I'm addicted, because there's no point
i playing it. There's nothing left to accomplish, yet I keep playing
it. Maybe tomorrow I'll start a new game.
About 10 Ellen's pump ran down. So we went to the doctor. The dog came along because it was still raining. The doctor visit only took about 20-30 minutes. I expected it to take longer. After a stop at the post office we took Lucy to the school to run. It was still raining. She loved it. It was the first time in week that she could run in a comfortable temperature. I stopped her at 25 long retrieves. She would have done more, but she ddin't argue about stopping.
On the way home we stopped at Randall's for some groceries that we forgot yesterday. We ended up buying stuff that we couldn't get at HEB.
When we got home we had lunch. Then I took Ellen's new gun out to the garage so that she could shoot it.
The rest of the day was Minions and surfing. We watched Deadliest catch and zombie movie in the evening.
About 10 Ellen's pump ran down. So we went to the doctor. The dog came along because it was still raining. The doctor visit only took about 20-30 minutes. I expected it to take longer. After a stop at the post office we took Lucy to the school to run. It was still raining. She loved it. It was the first time in week that she could run in a comfortable temperature. I stopped her at 25 long retrieves. She would have done more, but she ddin't argue about stopping.
On the way home we stopped at Randall's for some groceries that we forgot yesterday. We ended up buying stuff that we couldn't get at HEB.
When we got home we had lunch. Then I took Ellen's new gun out to the garage so that she could shoot it.
The rest of the day was Minions and surfing. We watched Deadliest catch and zombie movie in the evening.
Day 291
We got up with the alarm, but stayed in bed surfing. After breakfast we did a little more surfing. I did some more clean out of the guest room closet. I took some gun cases and a big suitcase to the apartment attic. There's a mystery there. We have a Caesar Gureini case that neither of us recognize. It doesn't match any of our guns.
Cabela's was having a sale, so we went there about mid-morning. The dog had to stay at home because it was hot. I wanted to get a small safe for the guest room closet.
When we got there of course we had to look at everything. We struck up a conversation with one of the guys at the gun counter when he asked about my Briley hat. We talked for quite awhile. Just as we finished Ellen wanted to look at pretty guns. They had a blue Kimber 9mm, the one I've wanted to buy her for a long time. She said she wanted it, so we bought it.
After that she went to look for clothes and I went to buy the safe. By the time I'd paid for it it, it was raining - hard. So we spent about an hour in the restaurant until it stopped raining.
When I went back to the loading dock to pick up the safe, the warehouse guy had it waiting for me. We looked it over and it had a paint blemish on the front. The guy called a manager to see if I could get a discount. I had to track down the manager. I got lucky, it was standing right outside the warehouse door. He agreed to a discount - about 10%. We talked while the discount was being processed. The manager said that shoplifting was a huge problem. People try to stick rifles down their pants. They have devices that disable the anti-theft devices.
We went back to the loading dock and the manger helped box the safe up. That's when I remembered that the warehouse guy had said to check the combination. So we unboxed it.
It turns out that was a good thing. The combination didn't work. The manager tried it, I tried it, and the warehouse guy tried it. So they got me another, unblemished, safe. The manager said that the Liberty safe guy was coming tomorrow because they'd had so much trouble with the safes.
After that they helped load it onto the truck. The drive home was uneventful - it rode like a baby. It had started to rain though.
When we got home I unloaded the safe from the truck in the rain. Then I got the hand truck out of the back shed. It was easier to haul it to the house than I thought it would be. I unbolted the sage from it's pallet an got it on the hand truck. I had Ellen do very little because of her bag and pump. I did need her to help get the safe over the door jam. She misunderstood my instructions and ended up having to lift a lot more than I intended. I really wish that hadn't happened, but everything turned out OK.
Once the safe was in the house the rest was easy. The safe went in easy and fits fine. We do have to get something to protect the wall from the door. The last steps were throwing away the packaging and putting the hand truck back. Of course it stopped raining just about the same time we got the safe in the house.
After that it was almost 6, but we had to go to the grocery. We were out of a lot of stuff. Lucy had to go back in her crate.
When we got home we had a really late dinner, surfed a little, and watched a little TV. All in all it was a pretty full day.
Cabela's was having a sale, so we went there about mid-morning. The dog had to stay at home because it was hot. I wanted to get a small safe for the guest room closet.
When we got there of course we had to look at everything. We struck up a conversation with one of the guys at the gun counter when he asked about my Briley hat. We talked for quite awhile. Just as we finished Ellen wanted to look at pretty guns. They had a blue Kimber 9mm, the one I've wanted to buy her for a long time. She said she wanted it, so we bought it.
After that she went to look for clothes and I went to buy the safe. By the time I'd paid for it it, it was raining - hard. So we spent about an hour in the restaurant until it stopped raining.
When I went back to the loading dock to pick up the safe, the warehouse guy had it waiting for me. We looked it over and it had a paint blemish on the front. The guy called a manager to see if I could get a discount. I had to track down the manager. I got lucky, it was standing right outside the warehouse door. He agreed to a discount - about 10%. We talked while the discount was being processed. The manager said that shoplifting was a huge problem. People try to stick rifles down their pants. They have devices that disable the anti-theft devices.
We went back to the loading dock and the manger helped box the safe up. That's when I remembered that the warehouse guy had said to check the combination. So we unboxed it.
It turns out that was a good thing. The combination didn't work. The manager tried it, I tried it, and the warehouse guy tried it. So they got me another, unblemished, safe. The manager said that the Liberty safe guy was coming tomorrow because they'd had so much trouble with the safes.
After that they helped load it onto the truck. The drive home was uneventful - it rode like a baby. It had started to rain though.
When we got home I unloaded the safe from the truck in the rain. Then I got the hand truck out of the back shed. It was easier to haul it to the house than I thought it would be. I unbolted the sage from it's pallet an got it on the hand truck. I had Ellen do very little because of her bag and pump. I did need her to help get the safe over the door jam. She misunderstood my instructions and ended up having to lift a lot more than I intended. I really wish that hadn't happened, but everything turned out OK.
Once the safe was in the house the rest was easy. The safe went in easy and fits fine. We do have to get something to protect the wall from the door. The last steps were throwing away the packaging and putting the hand truck back. Of course it stopped raining just about the same time we got the safe in the house.
After that it was almost 6, but we had to go to the grocery. We were out of a lot of stuff. Lucy had to go back in her crate.
When we got home we had a really late dinner, surfed a little, and watched a little TV. All in all it was a pretty full day.
Monday, July 25, 2016
Day 290
We got up at 6:45 today. We hurried to leave, getting ready and feeding the pets in 25 minutes.
I expected big delays at the lights on Mopac. There weren't any. We got to the office by 7:35. That's when we discovered that the place doesn't open until 8. Ellen's appointment was at 8:10, not 8 like she told me. The result was that we ended up waiting almost half an hour in the car. I won't be getting up as early next time.
I went home as soon as the office opened. I put all of the Goodwill stuff in the trunk and used the box to hold empty pistol boxes that I had stacked in the guest bedroom closet. I filled up the box with boxes and put it in the apartment attic. I still had some left over. I also located a box for Hooch's birthday resent and wrapped the present up.
After that I surfed until 12:30. Because of startup activities, Ellen didn't get started on her infusion until 9:45. At 12:30 I dropped off the stuff at Goodwill, went to the post office, and ran the dog. She did 10 retrieves. She would have done more, but I stopped her at 10.
Ellen texted that she was ready just as Lucy finished. We drove over to the office and picked her up. I figured that she wouldn't feel like eating for many more days, so we went to the restaurant across from Harbor Freight. Lucy liked laying out on the cement floor. They were having an all day happy hour so I had a Guinness and a mojito.
Ellen stayed at the restaurant while I went to Tuesday Morning and a grocery store for a birthday card. I found one at Tuesday Morning and bought Ellen some Belgian chocolate at the grocery store.
After that we went home and hid out from the heat. Dola called and asked us to come over to show us how to take care of Teddy. We talked with her for at least an hour and a half.
When we got back home there was a snake in the driveway. We took pictures and posted them. Some people thought it was a copperhead, and others thought it was something else. I left it alone, but I'm not sure that was the right thing to do.
We got back about 6:30. About 7 there was a really big thunderstorm. We got 1.7 inches of rain in about half an hour. It killed the TV signal. It was over by 7:30 though and I got to watch the rest of the gun shows.
I'm going to bed a little early. I'm tired.
I expected big delays at the lights on Mopac. There weren't any. We got to the office by 7:35. That's when we discovered that the place doesn't open until 8. Ellen's appointment was at 8:10, not 8 like she told me. The result was that we ended up waiting almost half an hour in the car. I won't be getting up as early next time.
I went home as soon as the office opened. I put all of the Goodwill stuff in the trunk and used the box to hold empty pistol boxes that I had stacked in the guest bedroom closet. I filled up the box with boxes and put it in the apartment attic. I still had some left over. I also located a box for Hooch's birthday resent and wrapped the present up.
After that I surfed until 12:30. Because of startup activities, Ellen didn't get started on her infusion until 9:45. At 12:30 I dropped off the stuff at Goodwill, went to the post office, and ran the dog. She did 10 retrieves. She would have done more, but I stopped her at 10.
Ellen texted that she was ready just as Lucy finished. We drove over to the office and picked her up. I figured that she wouldn't feel like eating for many more days, so we went to the restaurant across from Harbor Freight. Lucy liked laying out on the cement floor. They were having an all day happy hour so I had a Guinness and a mojito.
Ellen stayed at the restaurant while I went to Tuesday Morning and a grocery store for a birthday card. I found one at Tuesday Morning and bought Ellen some Belgian chocolate at the grocery store.
After that we went home and hid out from the heat. Dola called and asked us to come over to show us how to take care of Teddy. We talked with her for at least an hour and a half.
When we got back home there was a snake in the driveway. We took pictures and posted them. Some people thought it was a copperhead, and others thought it was something else. I left it alone, but I'm not sure that was the right thing to do.
We got back about 6:30. About 7 there was a really big thunderstorm. We got 1.7 inches of rain in about half an hour. It killed the TV signal. It was over by 7:30 though and I got to watch the rest of the gun shows.
I'm going to bed a little early. I'm tired.
Sunday, July 24, 2016
Day 289
I got up with the alarm today. I played a little Minions (a concert and then started a machine). Then I got up.
After pet stuff and breakfast I surfed and played more Minions. That was pretty much all I did today.
After lunch we took the dog and went to Academy. I bought a low power pellet pistol for dissuading the deer. Then we went back to William Cannon to get gas - we've been using a lot of it between the miles and the AC. Because it was close we took the dog to the school by the post office to run. She did 11 retrieves, which was impressive given that the temperature was 101 or 102.
The last stop was the snow cone place. There was enough of a breeze to make sitting there pleasant.
It's early to bed today. Ellen's first chemo is at 8 tomorrow. We'll have to get up about 6:45.
After pet stuff and breakfast I surfed and played more Minions. That was pretty much all I did today.
After lunch we took the dog and went to Academy. I bought a low power pellet pistol for dissuading the deer. Then we went back to William Cannon to get gas - we've been using a lot of it between the miles and the AC. Because it was close we took the dog to the school by the post office to run. She did 11 retrieves, which was impressive given that the temperature was 101 or 102.
The last stop was the snow cone place. There was enough of a breeze to make sitting there pleasant.
It's early to bed today. Ellen's first chemo is at 8 tomorrow. We'll have to get up about 6:45.
Saturday, July 23, 2016
Day 288
I got up a little before the alarm today. I stayed in bed and played Minions - setting up a concert. There isn't anything else to do except to see if getting to the next level makes any changes. I also decided to build another machine - no particular reason, I just was bored. The main effort was to get to another party. It took hours.
When I got to the party I chose 8X distractivities. That allowed me to get to the next party in about an hour and a half. That's not bad considering it takes 24,000 points. I chose 5X distractivities then, but didn't get to use it because we had to take Gary to the airport. He spent all day wondering whether or not he would get home. In the end he did. He got on an earlier flight to Denver and there they got him on a flight to Spokane.
During the day we spent the morning reading and surfing. We went to Red's for lunch. We left Lucy at home so that we could eat upstairs. They have an entirely different weekend menu. The items were good, though.
When we got home it was more surfing and Gary took a nap. The Fastfire 3 came today, so I put it on the Browning. I was going to put the rifle rods in the safe until I discovered that I'm going to have to empty the whole safe and then modify the shelves.
In the evening when we got home from the airport we had dinner and then I watched a movie. The word that the Western had been cancelled came through. I guess all good things come to an end. I'm going to really miss working there and the people I worked with there.
When I got to the party I chose 8X distractivities. That allowed me to get to the next party in about an hour and a half. That's not bad considering it takes 24,000 points. I chose 5X distractivities then, but didn't get to use it because we had to take Gary to the airport. He spent all day wondering whether or not he would get home. In the end he did. He got on an earlier flight to Denver and there they got him on a flight to Spokane.
During the day we spent the morning reading and surfing. We went to Red's for lunch. We left Lucy at home so that we could eat upstairs. They have an entirely different weekend menu. The items were good, though.
When we got home it was more surfing and Gary took a nap. The Fastfire 3 came today, so I put it on the Browning. I was going to put the rifle rods in the safe until I discovered that I'm going to have to empty the whole safe and then modify the shelves.
In the evening when we got home from the airport we had dinner and then I watched a movie. The word that the Western had been cancelled came through. I guess all good things come to an end. I'm going to really miss working there and the people I worked with there.
Friday, July 22, 2016
Day 287
I got up at 7, but there wasn't any Minions stuff to do. I had to wait for the machine to build. That wasn' going to happen until noon.
Instead I got up and rearranged the pistol cases. That way I only had to take two of them with me when we went to the range. Then we sat around surfing until the range opened at 9.
It wasn't very crowded at the range, and mercifully no one was shooting a big gun. I rented a M&P 9 so Gary could try it out. I let him try all of our 9mm's. He liked the M&P best. I thought he would. He shoots really well. He out shot me, but I told him that was a low bar.
On the way home we stopped at Target for some printer paper. They had buba luba candy bars, so I bought one for Gary. he had never heard of them and liked it.
When we got home we picked up Ellen and the dog and left again. She had to get a notary to witness her signing her sister's trust. Gary wanted to pick up the fixings for a good dinner, so we went to the yuppie grocery store. Of course we stopped at the doggy bakery first. I sat in the car with the dog while they went grocery shopping.
We mad a quick stop at In-n-Out for lunch and took it with us because we were running late. After a quick stop at the post office to mail the trust document we went home. Ellen immediately left for her chemo port training. I surfed and Gary napped. I also finished another Minions machine. I no longer have anything to accomplish in the game. I've decided to complete the current level. That will take many days. When I'm done, if something new doesn't show up there won't be any point in continuing the game.
We did more of the same when Ellen got home until it was time for dinner. Ellen and Gary cooked shrimp and bison. I did tater tots. It was a really good meal.
After dinner Ellen watched TV, Gary did the newspaper crossword, and I surfed.
Instead I got up and rearranged the pistol cases. That way I only had to take two of them with me when we went to the range. Then we sat around surfing until the range opened at 9.
It wasn't very crowded at the range, and mercifully no one was shooting a big gun. I rented a M&P 9 so Gary could try it out. I let him try all of our 9mm's. He liked the M&P best. I thought he would. He shoots really well. He out shot me, but I told him that was a low bar.
On the way home we stopped at Target for some printer paper. They had buba luba candy bars, so I bought one for Gary. he had never heard of them and liked it.
When we got home we picked up Ellen and the dog and left again. She had to get a notary to witness her signing her sister's trust. Gary wanted to pick up the fixings for a good dinner, so we went to the yuppie grocery store. Of course we stopped at the doggy bakery first. I sat in the car with the dog while they went grocery shopping.
We mad a quick stop at In-n-Out for lunch and took it with us because we were running late. After a quick stop at the post office to mail the trust document we went home. Ellen immediately left for her chemo port training. I surfed and Gary napped. I also finished another Minions machine. I no longer have anything to accomplish in the game. I've decided to complete the current level. That will take many days. When I'm done, if something new doesn't show up there won't be any point in continuing the game.
We did more of the same when Ellen got home until it was time for dinner. Ellen and Gary cooked shrimp and bison. I did tater tots. It was a really good meal.
After dinner Ellen watched TV, Gary did the newspaper crossword, and I surfed.
Thursday, July 21, 2016
Day 286
We took Gary to breakfast at Jim's in the morning. After that we went to Walgreen's and got Ellen's drugs. Gary wanted to walk with the dog in the park, so we went home and got her. We took her to Circle C. She mainly did unstructured time, with three retrieves for variety. We only walked to Escarpment and back, but Gary was tired and hot when we were done.
Ellen had a 1:30 doctor's appointment, so we went to the Italian place for a slightly early lunch. There was a breeze and it was nice setting out on the patio.
I went to the post office while Ellen and Gary went to the doctor. After that we took Gary to the airport. It was early, but not so much that it made sense to go home first.
When we got home we discovered that the heat in the attic had caused the SWM to malfunction (it started working again about 10).
Gary called about 8 to say that his connecting flight had been cancelled. He can't go home until Saturday night. So I went back to the airport to pick him up. I'm actually happy he's staying. He wants to go shooting tomorrow morning.
Ellen had a 1:30 doctor's appointment, so we went to the Italian place for a slightly early lunch. There was a breeze and it was nice setting out on the patio.
I went to the post office while Ellen and Gary went to the doctor. After that we took Gary to the airport. It was early, but not so much that it made sense to go home first.
When we got home we discovered that the heat in the attic had caused the SWM to malfunction (it started working again about 10).
Gary called about 8 to say that his connecting flight had been cancelled. He can't go home until Saturday night. So I went back to the airport to pick him up. I'm actually happy he's staying. He wants to go shooting tomorrow morning.
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
Day 285
I got up a little before the alarm today and played Minions. I did that until about 7:45 and then got up. I did the pet thing, played a little more Minions, and talked with Gary. A little after 9 Gary and I went to Jim's. Ellen couldn't come because she couldn't eat until after the surgery.
Gary liked Jim's and was surprised at how inexpensive it was (he paid).
When we got home everyone surfed and played computer games until 12:30 when it was time to go. We stopped at the post office, but none of the packages that I was expecting came in. The traffic going north was slow by downtown, but not as bad as we expected. We got there at 1:40. We were supposed to be there at 2, with the surgery at three.
They started the surgery after 5. By that time Gary and my asses were sore from the lousy chairs they had in the waiting room. Ellen didn't get out of there until after 6. At least we wouldn't have to wait for traffic.
We ate at Opal Devine's. We hadn't eaten since breakfast, and Ellen hadn't eaten all day. The food was good and we showed Gary the doggy menu. It was weird eating there without Lucy.
The traffic giong back was moving at 70. We got lucky. They were just about to close the freeway at 183 when we went through.
When we got home Gary found out that the Southwest website had suffered a catastrophic failure. Flights are being delayed and cancelled. We'll have to see if he gets out tomorrow.
Gary liked Jim's and was surprised at how inexpensive it was (he paid).
When we got home everyone surfed and played computer games until 12:30 when it was time to go. We stopped at the post office, but none of the packages that I was expecting came in. The traffic going north was slow by downtown, but not as bad as we expected. We got there at 1:40. We were supposed to be there at 2, with the surgery at three.
They started the surgery after 5. By that time Gary and my asses were sore from the lousy chairs they had in the waiting room. Ellen didn't get out of there until after 6. At least we wouldn't have to wait for traffic.
We ate at Opal Devine's. We hadn't eaten since breakfast, and Ellen hadn't eaten all day. The food was good and we showed Gary the doggy menu. It was weird eating there without Lucy.
The traffic giong back was moving at 70. We got lucky. They were just about to close the freeway at 183 when we went through.
When we got home Gary found out that the Southwest website had suffered a catastrophic failure. Flights are being delayed and cancelled. We'll have to see if he gets out tomorrow.
Tuesday, July 19, 2016
Day 284
I had planed to sleep in this morning. Instead I got up about an hour before the alarm and played Minions. I stayed in bed for quite awhile after the alarm went off. After I got up and did the pet/breakfast thing I continued to play. I stopped after I'd made another machine. There wasn't anything else to do.
The rest of the morning and early afternoon was surfing. It was really just a wasted day.
Gary's plane came in at 2:20. So we left about 1:40 because I wanted to go to the post office first. We planned it well. His plane was on time and we only waited about 5-10 minutes before he was ready to be picked up.
We talked quite a bit when he got home. We went out for an early dinner at the Salt Lick. The food was better than I remembered, Gary seemed to like it.
When we got home We all just went into our separate corners and played games. Ellen has turned on the TV, but I expect that's how the rest of the evening will go.
The rest of the morning and early afternoon was surfing. It was really just a wasted day.
Gary's plane came in at 2:20. So we left about 1:40 because I wanted to go to the post office first. We planned it well. His plane was on time and we only waited about 5-10 minutes before he was ready to be picked up.
We talked quite a bit when he got home. We went out for an early dinner at the Salt Lick. The food was better than I remembered, Gary seemed to like it.
When we got home We all just went into our separate corners and played games. Ellen has turned on the TV, but I expect that's how the rest of the evening will go.
Monday, July 18, 2016
Day 283
I actually woke up before 7 today. I decided to play Minions instead of going back to sleep. I played until 7:30 and then got up. That allowed me to dot the pet thing, have breakfast, and start hauling gravel by 8:15.
I didn't count how many loads I hauled. I just kept working until I had the driveway finished. I probably did somewhere between 15 and 20. I completed covering all of the driveway that needed it. I also put gravel on several areas of the lower driveway that needed it. I still have 2 or 3 yards of gravel left. I'll probably wait until the rains start and fill in low spots then.
Ellen called the doctors. She'll get a port on Wednesday and chemo training on Friday. I don't know when she'll get her first infusion.
After a shower and some rest we left. The first stop was the post office to pick up the package I missed on Saturday. Then we went to Dripping Springs. We stopped at Schlotsky's and bought lunch. We took it over to the park by the soccer fields. After we ate we ran the dog. She did 13 retrieves with the temperature in the high 90's.
The last stop was Tractor Supply for bird seed and herbicide. It seem that the only weed killer that you can buy in Texas is Roundup. I wish I'd remembered to bring the stuff I bought in Oregon.
It was 102 when we got home. We spent the rest of the afternoon hiding out.
In the evening it was gun TV. Three deer showed up and were eating out of the bird feeders. At least one was up on her hind legs.
I didn't count how many loads I hauled. I just kept working until I had the driveway finished. I probably did somewhere between 15 and 20. I completed covering all of the driveway that needed it. I also put gravel on several areas of the lower driveway that needed it. I still have 2 or 3 yards of gravel left. I'll probably wait until the rains start and fill in low spots then.
Ellen called the doctors. She'll get a port on Wednesday and chemo training on Friday. I don't know when she'll get her first infusion.
After a shower and some rest we left. The first stop was the post office to pick up the package I missed on Saturday. Then we went to Dripping Springs. We stopped at Schlotsky's and bought lunch. We took it over to the park by the soccer fields. After we ate we ran the dog. She did 13 retrieves with the temperature in the high 90's.
The last stop was Tractor Supply for bird seed and herbicide. It seem that the only weed killer that you can buy in Texas is Roundup. I wish I'd remembered to bring the stuff I bought in Oregon.
It was 102 when we got home. We spent the rest of the afternoon hiding out.
In the evening it was gun TV. Three deer showed up and were eating out of the bird feeders. At least one was up on her hind legs.
Sunday, July 17, 2016
Day 282
I got up with the alarm today, but I got captured by Minions. I did a concert and started building a new machine. That effort, plus the pet stuff and breakfast meant that I didn't get out to haul gravel until after 8:30.
I got lucky. The clouds obscured the clouds for all of the time I was out there. I moved 20 loads of gravel. That allowed me to cover all of the remaining dirt section of the driveway. I got a start at putting a thin layer on the existing gravel, but I just got too tired to do any more. Also, the clouds were just about gone. Covering the existing gravel is nice. A load covers at least twice as much area. I'm really looking forward to doing some more. I'm getting close to done.
After a shower I spent most of the rest of the day surfing and building another Minions machine. I really wanted to get out of the house, but I couldn't think of anythig to go and do. Dola came over about 5:30 and talked with Ellen for about an hour.
Ellen has decided to do chemo. I think it's the right choice. She'll have to set things up with the doctors tomorrow morning.
The evening was TV and reading.
I got lucky. The clouds obscured the clouds for all of the time I was out there. I moved 20 loads of gravel. That allowed me to cover all of the remaining dirt section of the driveway. I got a start at putting a thin layer on the existing gravel, but I just got too tired to do any more. Also, the clouds were just about gone. Covering the existing gravel is nice. A load covers at least twice as much area. I'm really looking forward to doing some more. I'm getting close to done.
After a shower I spent most of the rest of the day surfing and building another Minions machine. I really wanted to get out of the house, but I couldn't think of anythig to go and do. Dola came over about 5:30 and talked with Ellen for about an hour.
Ellen has decided to do chemo. I think it's the right choice. She'll have to set things up with the doctors tomorrow morning.
The evening was TV and reading.
Saturday, July 16, 2016
Day 281
I got up with the alarm today, but started playing Minions. That, along with pets and breakfast meant that I didn't start hauling gravel until a little after 8:30. I moved 25 cart loads and was done about 10:15. I was really tired when I quit. Things go a little quicker because I don't have to haul it very far any more. I've got about 10 more cart loads and I'll have spread gravel all the way to the fill I put in years ago on the curve. At that point I'll just start filling in bare spots.
After a shower the rest of the morning was surfing. Ellen was watching some really stupid movie. The main character was some broad revolutionary. She kept getting caught and her brother kept breaking her out. That was the whole movie, interspersed with liberal bullshit about the big bad establishment. When it was over we left to go to the post office and let Lucy run.
When I got to the post office there was a package. The area was still open, but it was just after closing time so they wouldn't get it for me. Oh well. It was about 100 degrees and sunny. Lucy still did 12 long retrieves, which I thought was great.
After that we stopped for snow cones. There was a breeze blowing (it's Texas), so sitting under the trees was nice. After that I didn't want to go home, so we went over to the northwest place so I could get a beer and we could ave an appetizer. Unfortunately their appetizers suck. It was only 3:00, so we ended up ordering dinners, eating a little, and taking the rest home for later.
Th rest of the day was hiding out from the heat. I did a little surfing. Ellen watched movies.
After a shower the rest of the morning was surfing. Ellen was watching some really stupid movie. The main character was some broad revolutionary. She kept getting caught and her brother kept breaking her out. That was the whole movie, interspersed with liberal bullshit about the big bad establishment. When it was over we left to go to the post office and let Lucy run.
When I got to the post office there was a package. The area was still open, but it was just after closing time so they wouldn't get it for me. Oh well. It was about 100 degrees and sunny. Lucy still did 12 long retrieves, which I thought was great.
After that we stopped for snow cones. There was a breeze blowing (it's Texas), so sitting under the trees was nice. After that I didn't want to go home, so we went over to the northwest place so I could get a beer and we could ave an appetizer. Unfortunately their appetizers suck. It was only 3:00, so we ended up ordering dinners, eating a little, and taking the rest home for later.
Th rest of the day was hiding out from the heat. I did a little surfing. Ellen watched movies.
Friday, July 15, 2016
Day 280
It was up with the alarm today. After pet stuff and breakfast I was shoveling gravel by 8:15. The wind was lighter and the clouds thinner today, so it wasn't pleasant.
I loaded 24 carts and covered almost 30 feet of driveway. I'm making faster progress because I don't have to haul the gravel so far. The driveway is looking pretty good now. After tomorrow I should only have the curve to do. It will go slower because it's wider. The clouds were completely gone by a little after 10, so that's when I quit.
Ellen finished this horse scene embroidery that she's been working on for months. She's going to give it to the nieces. She's really proud of it She should be. It looks nice and it was an incredible amount of work.
The rest of the morning was shower and surfing. After lunch I started a Minions party. I did that because Ellen had an appointment with the oncologist today at 3:30.
We got there at 3:30. Of course we didn't see the doctor until after 4:30. He basically strongly recommended that she do chemo. If she does, the surgery will have to be delayed for about 4 months. She hasn't decided yet, but I'm trying my hardest to get her to do the chemo. It will add about 5% to her chances of avoiding more cancer. If she gets more, it will kill her in about 2-3 years.
After the doctor we went to HEB. We were running out of the usual - milk, bananas, cereal, etc.
We didn't get home until about 6:30. We let the dog out of her cage and gave her dinner.
I did some shopping after dinner while Ellen watched TV. I bought some stuff that I sort of needed. I was really just setting things up to move some money into the account I've been paying the gravel out of.
The rest of the evening was surfing for me and shopping for Ellen.
I loaded 24 carts and covered almost 30 feet of driveway. I'm making faster progress because I don't have to haul the gravel so far. The driveway is looking pretty good now. After tomorrow I should only have the curve to do. It will go slower because it's wider. The clouds were completely gone by a little after 10, so that's when I quit.
Ellen finished this horse scene embroidery that she's been working on for months. She's going to give it to the nieces. She's really proud of it She should be. It looks nice and it was an incredible amount of work.
The rest of the morning was shower and surfing. After lunch I started a Minions party. I did that because Ellen had an appointment with the oncologist today at 3:30.
We got there at 3:30. Of course we didn't see the doctor until after 4:30. He basically strongly recommended that she do chemo. If she does, the surgery will have to be delayed for about 4 months. She hasn't decided yet, but I'm trying my hardest to get her to do the chemo. It will add about 5% to her chances of avoiding more cancer. If she gets more, it will kill her in about 2-3 years.
After the doctor we went to HEB. We were running out of the usual - milk, bananas, cereal, etc.
We didn't get home until about 6:30. We let the dog out of her cage and gave her dinner.
I did some shopping after dinner while Ellen watched TV. I bought some stuff that I sort of needed. I was really just setting things up to move some money into the account I've been paying the gravel out of.
The rest of the evening was surfing for me and shopping for Ellen.
Thursday, July 14, 2016
Day 279
I slept in today. Actually I woke up with the alarm, but just stayed in bed and surfed. I got Lucy up on the bed with us. The cats came, too.
After about an hour I got up and did the pet thing and breakfast. I'm used to doing something in the morning, so I took the broken bird feeder out to the garage. I glued it back together. It was warm enough in the garage that the Elmer's glue was really runny. It made quite a mess, but I didn't care because the thing doesn't look that good to begin with.
That was the sum total of things that I accomplished in the morning. The rest was surfing.
Just after lunch the gravel people called. They were an hour and a half early, which was fine with me. I went out, opened the gate, and waited. I didn't have to wait more than a few minutes. Ten yards of gravel is a lot. It cost $530, so I now have a little over $900 invested in the driveway. I'm happy with that. Of course it was way too hot (99) to move any of it.
When I was finished we left for the post office. Even though it was really hot the dog wanted to run. She did a dozen fairly long retrieves in the hot sun. That was plenty. The last stop was the Circle C ice cream place. Ellen wanted to go there. I would have preferred a snow cone.
It was 102 when we got home. The rest of the day was surfing, reading, and TV. I'm getting really, really, bored.
After about an hour I got up and did the pet thing and breakfast. I'm used to doing something in the morning, so I took the broken bird feeder out to the garage. I glued it back together. It was warm enough in the garage that the Elmer's glue was really runny. It made quite a mess, but I didn't care because the thing doesn't look that good to begin with.
That was the sum total of things that I accomplished in the morning. The rest was surfing.
Just after lunch the gravel people called. They were an hour and a half early, which was fine with me. I went out, opened the gate, and waited. I didn't have to wait more than a few minutes. Ten yards of gravel is a lot. It cost $530, so I now have a little over $900 invested in the driveway. I'm happy with that. Of course it was way too hot (99) to move any of it.
When I was finished we left for the post office. Even though it was really hot the dog wanted to run. She did a dozen fairly long retrieves in the hot sun. That was plenty. The last stop was the Circle C ice cream place. Ellen wanted to go there. I would have preferred a snow cone.
It was 102 when we got home. The rest of the day was surfing, reading, and TV. I'm getting really, really, bored.
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
Day 278
It was up when the alarm went off again this morning. After the pets and breakfast I was moving gravel by 8:15. I managed to cover about 5 feet before I ran out of white gravel. The rest of what I had was colored or mixed. I used it to fill in low spots . I got all of the remaining gravel by 9:45.
Then I measured what I'd need to finish. The original 7 yards covered 123 feet of the driveway. I've got about 100 feet left to go. Some of that requires an appreciable amount of fill. I decided 10 yards should do the job and give me a good pile left over.
While I was taking a shower Ellen came in and announced her bag was leaking. That sucks since we changed it yesterday afternoon. We changed it again when I got out of the shower. Then I ordered 10 more yards of gravel. They will deliver it tomorrow afternoon.
Just after I did that Bob called. He wanted to make sure that I'd gotten my membership bill. I got it yesterday. We talked quite awhile about the TCGC/TVSC problems. Actually he talked and I listened. I also asked him about how much Intel stock we should sell (its at a 5 year high). He gave us three numbers based on how much we sell. We'll get hit by AMT, so the rates will be as high as 26%.
After that it was almost 1. We drove to the post office and Fireman's. We went there because we had a coupon. Of course Lucy wanted to go to the pet store next door. She didn't plan on getting a bath, but she got one. Now she's soft, fluffy, and smells like a French whore.
It was 101 when we got home. So we spent the afternoon surfing.
The evening was TV and reading.
Then I measured what I'd need to finish. The original 7 yards covered 123 feet of the driveway. I've got about 100 feet left to go. Some of that requires an appreciable amount of fill. I decided 10 yards should do the job and give me a good pile left over.
While I was taking a shower Ellen came in and announced her bag was leaking. That sucks since we changed it yesterday afternoon. We changed it again when I got out of the shower. Then I ordered 10 more yards of gravel. They will deliver it tomorrow afternoon.
Just after I did that Bob called. He wanted to make sure that I'd gotten my membership bill. I got it yesterday. We talked quite awhile about the TCGC/TVSC problems. Actually he talked and I listened. I also asked him about how much Intel stock we should sell (its at a 5 year high). He gave us three numbers based on how much we sell. We'll get hit by AMT, so the rates will be as high as 26%.
After that it was almost 1. We drove to the post office and Fireman's. We went there because we had a coupon. Of course Lucy wanted to go to the pet store next door. She didn't plan on getting a bath, but she got one. Now she's soft, fluffy, and smells like a French whore.
It was 101 when we got home. So we spent the afternoon surfing.
The evening was TV and reading.
Tuesday, July 12, 2016
Day 277
Up at 7:30 again. After the pet duties and breakfast I was out moving gravel by 8:15. I worked until 10:30. I moved 23 or 24 cart loads and covered almost 25 feet of the driveway. I also mad a huge dent in the remaining gravel. I'll use all of the remaining gravel tomorrow.
I'm going to wait until I've moved all of the gravel to order more. That way I'll make the most accurate estimate of how much more I need. I expect that it will be another 8 yards.
After that it was shower and rest until about noon. I've acquired a couple of aches now, chiefly my left knee. It's nothing serious though.
At noon we took the dog on an adventure. We went to the post office and then ran the dog at the soccer fields. She did 18 medium length retrieves. It was cloudy and she was having a great time.
After that we went to Doc's backyard for lunch. We had dessert at the yogurt place next door. Then it was home to hide out from the heat (98 degrees).
It was Amazon's Prime day, and I bought a couple of things. Most of the stuff on sale wasn't even worth looking at.
The evening was TV and reading.
I'm going to wait until I've moved all of the gravel to order more. That way I'll make the most accurate estimate of how much more I need. I expect that it will be another 8 yards.
After that it was shower and rest until about noon. I've acquired a couple of aches now, chiefly my left knee. It's nothing serious though.
At noon we took the dog on an adventure. We went to the post office and then ran the dog at the soccer fields. She did 18 medium length retrieves. It was cloudy and she was having a great time.
After that we went to Doc's backyard for lunch. We had dessert at the yogurt place next door. Then it was home to hide out from the heat (98 degrees).
It was Amazon's Prime day, and I bought a couple of things. Most of the stuff on sale wasn't even worth looking at.
The evening was TV and reading.
Monday, July 11, 2016
Day 276
It was up when the alarm went off today. Actually the alarm didn't go off because I'd turned it off while we were gone. I got up at 7:30 anyway. I did the pet thing and ate breakfast. By 8:15 I was hauling gravel.
I worked until 10:20. I hauled 21 or 22 loads and covered another 20+ feet of the driveway. It looks to me like I have a couple of more days before I run out of gravel. I'm going to run it all out so I have the best idea of how much I'm going to need. I have covered enough of the driveway now to look like I've accomplished something, but there's a lot left to do.
After a shower, rest, and lunch we left to do some errands. Lucy had to stay home. We stopped at the post office. There was a Bed, Bath, and Beyond coupon, so Ellen wanted to use it. We stopped there, and also stopped at Academy so that I could buy some .22 that they had on sale. Ellen and I both got light shirts.
The next stop was Costco for water and Wells Cargo for money. Then it was HEB to pick up a few groceries. The last stop was Tomlinson's because were were low on dog food. I felt guilty that Lucy wasn't along, so I bought her some treats.
It was 101 when we got home, so it was hide out in the house until 5 when I took Lucy to get the mail.
After dinner there was a squirrel raiding the feeders. I shot it, but it was just wounded. It ran over to the woods just on the other side of the fence. When I went out with Lucy she ran to the other side of the fence and started searching. She found the squirrel in less than a minute. She grabbed it and apparently it bit her. Wrong move. She dropped it and it tried to run. She chased it down and shook it just like she does her toys. That was it for the squirrel.
I let her walk around with it in her mouth for awhile. She was really, really, proud. Finally I told her to drop it. She did and I threw it into the neighbor's. There's about 4 of them over there now.
The evening was watching the gun shows on TV.
I worked until 10:20. I hauled 21 or 22 loads and covered another 20+ feet of the driveway. It looks to me like I have a couple of more days before I run out of gravel. I'm going to run it all out so I have the best idea of how much I'm going to need. I have covered enough of the driveway now to look like I've accomplished something, but there's a lot left to do.
After a shower, rest, and lunch we left to do some errands. Lucy had to stay home. We stopped at the post office. There was a Bed, Bath, and Beyond coupon, so Ellen wanted to use it. We stopped there, and also stopped at Academy so that I could buy some .22 that they had on sale. Ellen and I both got light shirts.
The next stop was Costco for water and Wells Cargo for money. Then it was HEB to pick up a few groceries. The last stop was Tomlinson's because were were low on dog food. I felt guilty that Lucy wasn't along, so I bought her some treats.
It was 101 when we got home, so it was hide out in the house until 5 when I took Lucy to get the mail.
After dinner there was a squirrel raiding the feeders. I shot it, but it was just wounded. It ran over to the woods just on the other side of the fence. When I went out with Lucy she ran to the other side of the fence and started searching. She found the squirrel in less than a minute. She grabbed it and apparently it bit her. Wrong move. She dropped it and it tried to run. She chased it down and shook it just like she does her toys. That was it for the squirrel.
I let her walk around with it in her mouth for awhile. She was really, really, proud. Finally I told her to drop it. She did and I threw it into the neighbor's. There's about 4 of them over there now.
The evening was watching the gun shows on TV.
Sunday, July 10, 2016
Day 275
We got up about 8 (no alarm). The hotel had a breakfast with waffle machines. We went down separately so that the dog wouldn't freak out being left alone.
There's lots of cool stuff in Waco - Dr. Pepper museum, the Fixer Upper place, museums at Baylor, and the Texas Rangers museum. Unfortunately we couldn't go to any with the dog. So we decided to drive home the long way. We could see parts of Texas we hadn't been in, and we'd avoid the traffic on I35.
We went west from Texas to Lampasas. It was a nice drive through flat Texas into the transition into the hill country. Some of it was divided highway and some was two lane. The speed limits were 70 or 75 (the two lane was 75). We passed through a small town (Gatesville?) that had a courthouse square with a lot of cool old buildings and a really neat old courthouse.
At Lampasas we decided to take 281 south to Burnett and Marble Falls. Burnett wasn't very interesting and we drove right through it.
Marble Falls was much better. We stopped at a pottery/yard sculpture/Texas decor place. It was really neat. Also they let Lucy in. We ended up buying a new cow hide to replace the one in the bedroom that Lucy ate. We also bought a rabbit sculpture for Patty and a really cool wrought iron pink flamingo.
We need to go back to Marble Falls. It has some other interesting stores and a neat looking park by the lake. We didn't stop there because the water quality is going to suck.
The next stop was Johnson City. I wanted to see that yard sculpture place that we always drove buy. It was OK, but we didn't see anything we really wanted to buy.
From there it was time to go home. We did stop at the fields in Dripping Springs so that the dog could run. She did 12 really long retrieves. It was 94, but cloudy. I think that helped her.
When we got home I unpacked everything and put up the new flamingo.
Now we are hiding out from the 99 degree heat. I expect that this evening will be more reading and TV.
There's lots of cool stuff in Waco - Dr. Pepper museum, the Fixer Upper place, museums at Baylor, and the Texas Rangers museum. Unfortunately we couldn't go to any with the dog. So we decided to drive home the long way. We could see parts of Texas we hadn't been in, and we'd avoid the traffic on I35.
We went west from Texas to Lampasas. It was a nice drive through flat Texas into the transition into the hill country. Some of it was divided highway and some was two lane. The speed limits were 70 or 75 (the two lane was 75). We passed through a small town (Gatesville?) that had a courthouse square with a lot of cool old buildings and a really neat old courthouse.
At Lampasas we decided to take 281 south to Burnett and Marble Falls. Burnett wasn't very interesting and we drove right through it.
Marble Falls was much better. We stopped at a pottery/yard sculpture/Texas decor place. It was really neat. Also they let Lucy in. We ended up buying a new cow hide to replace the one in the bedroom that Lucy ate. We also bought a rabbit sculpture for Patty and a really cool wrought iron pink flamingo.
We need to go back to Marble Falls. It has some other interesting stores and a neat looking park by the lake. We didn't stop there because the water quality is going to suck.
The next stop was Johnson City. I wanted to see that yard sculpture place that we always drove buy. It was OK, but we didn't see anything we really wanted to buy.
From there it was time to go home. We did stop at the fields in Dripping Springs so that the dog could run. She did 12 really long retrieves. It was 94, but cloudy. I think that helped her.
When we got home I unpacked everything and put up the new flamingo.
Now we are hiding out from the 99 degree heat. I expect that this evening will be more reading and TV.
Day 274
We got up as soon as the alarm went off. We got the cats prepared, ate breakfast, and left for Waco. The dog was really glad she was coming along.
We went up I35. Traffic was OK for most of the way except for a miles long construction zone in Temple. We got to Waco by 10:30 (good time) and got great gas mileage - 34.4 mpg.
Ellen stayed in the parking lot with the dog while I went to the show. It took up 2 pretty big buildings. I saw two things I was interested in. The first was a .450 Webly. Unfortunately it had been converted to .45. The second was a nice 20 gauge Model 12. At least it was nice until I saw they seller wanted $1,000 for it.
Most of the ammo guys don't seem to have heard that .22 isn't in short supply anymore. They all wanted $18 for 100 CCI's that yoiu can get at Cabela's or McBride's for $12 or less.
After the show we went to the gun club and shot some 5-stand. Ellen managed to last one and a half rounds before she couldn't do anymore. The 5-stand was entertaining except for a unhittable rabbit target. I shot like shit. 8 months with no shooting has really degraded my shooting.
After that we went looking for a place on Waco lake for Lucy to swim. All of the parks were closed due to the high water. So we went downtown. The first stop was a waterfront park on the river. It had a cool bridge over it that was built in 1870. It also had a group of life size sculptures of a cattle drive - two cowboys on horses and a dozen longhorns.
The river was really dirty and had obviously flooded earlier in the year. So we ran the dog in the park. It was really hot, so she didn't do many retrieves.
The next stop was a snow cone place at the park. They weren't as good as the Austin ones.
Then we drove around downtown Waco and looked at the buildings. They have some really cool ones that I'm sure are near 100 years old or more. We drove by the original Dr. Pepper plant. It's a museum now. I'd have gone in if we didn't have the dog. We also drove by the silos the Fixer Upper people renovated. It's a large multi-building complex. There were a huge number of people there. The line was out the door and down the block at 3 in the afternoon.
It was really hot by then, so we went to the hotel. I went out later to get some food, but we didn't go anywhere else. About 8 a big thunderstorm built up nort of town. The radar had it "red". It broke up into two sections before it hit town. One went east and the other went west.
The evening was TV and reading. The dog really liked laying on the bed with us and sleeping on it during the night.
We went up I35. Traffic was OK for most of the way except for a miles long construction zone in Temple. We got to Waco by 10:30 (good time) and got great gas mileage - 34.4 mpg.
Ellen stayed in the parking lot with the dog while I went to the show. It took up 2 pretty big buildings. I saw two things I was interested in. The first was a .450 Webly. Unfortunately it had been converted to .45. The second was a nice 20 gauge Model 12. At least it was nice until I saw they seller wanted $1,000 for it.
Most of the ammo guys don't seem to have heard that .22 isn't in short supply anymore. They all wanted $18 for 100 CCI's that yoiu can get at Cabela's or McBride's for $12 or less.
After the show we went to the gun club and shot some 5-stand. Ellen managed to last one and a half rounds before she couldn't do anymore. The 5-stand was entertaining except for a unhittable rabbit target. I shot like shit. 8 months with no shooting has really degraded my shooting.
After that we went looking for a place on Waco lake for Lucy to swim. All of the parks were closed due to the high water. So we went downtown. The first stop was a waterfront park on the river. It had a cool bridge over it that was built in 1870. It also had a group of life size sculptures of a cattle drive - two cowboys on horses and a dozen longhorns.
The river was really dirty and had obviously flooded earlier in the year. So we ran the dog in the park. It was really hot, so she didn't do many retrieves.
The next stop was a snow cone place at the park. They weren't as good as the Austin ones.
Then we drove around downtown Waco and looked at the buildings. They have some really cool ones that I'm sure are near 100 years old or more. We drove by the original Dr. Pepper plant. It's a museum now. I'd have gone in if we didn't have the dog. We also drove by the silos the Fixer Upper people renovated. It's a large multi-building complex. There were a huge number of people there. The line was out the door and down the block at 3 in the afternoon.
It was really hot by then, so we went to the hotel. I went out later to get some food, but we didn't go anywhere else. About 8 a big thunderstorm built up nort of town. The radar had it "red". It broke up into two sections before it hit town. One went east and the other went west.
The evening was TV and reading. The dog really liked laying on the bed with us and sleeping on it during the night.
Friday, July 8, 2016
Day 273
I got up as soon as the alarm went off today. After the pets and breakfast I went outside to start moving gravel. That's when I discovered that one of the tires on the cart was split. Of course I didn't see the split (it was on the inside) until I'd tried to fill it with Slime.
So it was off to Harbor Freight. Amazingly the tires were on sale. So I bought 4. I'm assuming the other three won't last the whole driveway experience. When we got back home I fixed the cart and then decided to move gravel even though it was getting hot. It was 9:45 by the time I got started, and hour and a half after I'd first gone outside.
It was in the high 80's by the time I started and the clouds were almost gone. It was 94 by the time I finished. I worked for an hour and a half and moved 17 loads of gravel, the same as yesterday. When came back inside I was almost too tired to stand in the shower. I more than doubled the amount of roadway that has been completed, but it sure doesn't seem that way when you look at it. I have less than half the gravel left. It will take at least another 9 yards besides what I have left to complete the task.
After a shower, lunch, Minions, and an hour's rest we went to the post office. Then I stopped for a snow cone. I think half of the attraction is the snow cone and half is sitting under the trees watching the traffic.
I didn't run Lucy today. She didn't seem to mind.
I got 2 squirrels today. I hit one with the car (unintentionally) when we went to Harbor Freight. I think it had a death wish. It deliberately ran out in front of the car. The other I shot. I may have gotten another, but I think it was wearing Kevlar. I hit it at least twice and it still ran off.
When we got home the rest of the day was surfing and watching TV. Ellen made reservations at a hotel in Waco for tomorrow night. We're going there for a gun show, to shoot 5-stand, and to look at the town. Lucy may get a chance to swim.
So it was off to Harbor Freight. Amazingly the tires were on sale. So I bought 4. I'm assuming the other three won't last the whole driveway experience. When we got back home I fixed the cart and then decided to move gravel even though it was getting hot. It was 9:45 by the time I got started, and hour and a half after I'd first gone outside.
It was in the high 80's by the time I started and the clouds were almost gone. It was 94 by the time I finished. I worked for an hour and a half and moved 17 loads of gravel, the same as yesterday. When came back inside I was almost too tired to stand in the shower. I more than doubled the amount of roadway that has been completed, but it sure doesn't seem that way when you look at it. I have less than half the gravel left. It will take at least another 9 yards besides what I have left to complete the task.
After a shower, lunch, Minions, and an hour's rest we went to the post office. Then I stopped for a snow cone. I think half of the attraction is the snow cone and half is sitting under the trees watching the traffic.
I didn't run Lucy today. She didn't seem to mind.
I got 2 squirrels today. I hit one with the car (unintentionally) when we went to Harbor Freight. I think it had a death wish. It deliberately ran out in front of the car. The other I shot. I may have gotten another, but I think it was wearing Kevlar. I hit it at least twice and it still ran off.
When we got home the rest of the day was surfing and watching TV. Ellen made reservations at a hotel in Waco for tomorrow night. We're going there for a gun show, to shoot 5-stand, and to look at the town. Lucy may get a chance to swim.
Thursday, July 7, 2016
Day 272
I got out of bed as soon as the alarm went off. After pet stuff and breakfast I was outside by 8:15. I got oiut the implements of destruction and started moving gravel. I moved 17 or so carts of gravel. I started at the gate and covered back to the gate keypad. It's working well, but I bet I need to buy more.
While I was raking the gravel out the guy across the street came out (it's garbage day). We talked for awhile. It turns out he does chainsaw carving. He seemed like a nice enough guy.
I think the work would have gone a little easier if I had bothered to pump up the cart tires. They are supposed to have 30 psi in them and all four had under 10. The last thing I did before stopping was to pump them up. I'll have to see what sort of difference it makes tomorrow.
I was done in about three hours. Of course the next step was a shower. Then I did a little Minions, surfing, and lunch. About 1 we left to go to an estate sale. It was north of 290 about half way to Dripping Springs. It was pretty picked over by the time I got there and the prices were way too high. Some used tools were priced higher than buying them new at Harbor Freight.
After that we went to Dripping Springs. We stopped at HEB for a few things. Then we ran the dog at the fields behind HEB. She did 9 really long retrieves, which were as many as I wanted her to. The last stop was Sonic for some half price drinks.
It was 102 when we got home. The rest of the day and evening was surfing, Minions, and TV.
While I was raking the gravel out the guy across the street came out (it's garbage day). We talked for awhile. It turns out he does chainsaw carving. He seemed like a nice enough guy.
I think the work would have gone a little easier if I had bothered to pump up the cart tires. They are supposed to have 30 psi in them and all four had under 10. The last thing I did before stopping was to pump them up. I'll have to see what sort of difference it makes tomorrow.
I was done in about three hours. Of course the next step was a shower. Then I did a little Minions, surfing, and lunch. About 1 we left to go to an estate sale. It was north of 290 about half way to Dripping Springs. It was pretty picked over by the time I got there and the prices were way too high. Some used tools were priced higher than buying them new at Harbor Freight.
After that we went to Dripping Springs. We stopped at HEB for a few things. Then we ran the dog at the fields behind HEB. She did 9 really long retrieves, which were as many as I wanted her to. The last stop was Sonic for some half price drinks.
It was 102 when we got home. The rest of the day and evening was surfing, Minions, and TV.
Wednesday, July 6, 2016
Day 271
I got up a little after the alarm went off. I picked up the tablet and started Minions. I spent the next hour and a half on it. I eventually built a new machine and filled up all of the replacement items. There's nothing to do until tomorrow morning.
The rest of the morning was spent waiting for the gravel to be delivered. They delivered it about 12:30. It was way too hot and humid to shovel any gravel for the rest of the day.
After lunch we went to the post office. After that it was stop at the soccer field for the dog. She did 14 retrieves, which was amazing given that it was 100 degrees. The last stop was the snow cone place.
When we got home it was 103. We hid ot inside for the rest of the day watching TV, Minions, and reading.
The rest of the morning was spent waiting for the gravel to be delivered. They delivered it about 12:30. It was way too hot and humid to shovel any gravel for the rest of the day.
After lunch we went to the post office. After that it was stop at the soccer field for the dog. She did 14 retrieves, which was amazing given that it was 100 degrees. The last stop was the snow cone place.
When we got home it was 103. We hid ot inside for the rest of the day watching TV, Minions, and reading.
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
Day 270
We didn't get up particularly early today either. After the usual morning activities I went to McCoy's to get another u-bolt. I also stopped at the rock place and ordered 7 yards (7.33 tons) of gravel for the driveway. It's supposed to be delivered tomorrow about noon. When I got back I went out to the garage and finished installing the chain lift. The whole thing went very smoothly. I think it will be a perfect replacement for the engine lift.
Of course I was soaked with sweat when finished, so the next step was a shower. By that time it was noon, so I did a little surfing and then had lunch.
I planned to go get a haircut a little after 1. As we were about to leave Ellen said her bag was leaking. The change took about 45 minutes. Then we left. It was hot, about 100.
I got the haircut. It's a little short, but I'll live with it. Then we went to Best Buy just to look around. We didn't see anything we had to have. After that we stopped at the pizza place next to the barber shop and got stuff for dinner. Then it was a stop at the post office and home. By then it was 103 degrees.
The rest of the day (really evening) was spent watching TV.
All during the day I played a little Minions. I did a party yesterday - it took most of the evening. They had updated the game and really reduced the points you get for a party favor. This will make having parties much harder. Today I spent a little time building a device. I think that will be the way the game goes from now on unless they do another update.
Of course I was soaked with sweat when finished, so the next step was a shower. By that time it was noon, so I did a little surfing and then had lunch.
I planned to go get a haircut a little after 1. As we were about to leave Ellen said her bag was leaking. The change took about 45 minutes. Then we left. It was hot, about 100.
I got the haircut. It's a little short, but I'll live with it. Then we went to Best Buy just to look around. We didn't see anything we had to have. After that we stopped at the pizza place next to the barber shop and got stuff for dinner. Then it was a stop at the post office and home. By then it was 103 degrees.
The rest of the day (really evening) was spent watching TV.
All during the day I played a little Minions. I did a party yesterday - it took most of the evening. They had updated the game and really reduced the points you get for a party favor. This will make having parties much harder. Today I spent a little time building a device. I think that will be the way the game goes from now on unless they do another update.
Monday, July 4, 2016
Day 269
I did some sleeping in and surfing before getting out of bed. I was finished with the pet stuff and breakfast by 10. Then I went out in the garage to put the reinforcement brackets on the beams that I'm hanging the chain hoist from. I was having problem driving the hex screws in. The socket kept slipping. I finally figured it out. The screws are cheap Chinese shit. The hex portion is rounded off insted of square like they should be That means the socket wasn't able to grip the head like it should have.
That task took about 45 minutes. Of course with the heat and humidity I was soaked in sweat when I was finished. So I took a shower.
Most of the rest of the day was surfing and reading. There wasn't any point in going anywhere.
In the evening I watched the gun shows. About 9 we went out and shot off the fireworks I bought a few days ago. I only bought a 12 shell mortar package, but that was just the right amount. The whole neighborhood sounds like a war zone.
That task took about 45 minutes. Of course with the heat and humidity I was soaked in sweat when I was finished. So I took a shower.
Most of the rest of the day was surfing and reading. There wasn't any point in going anywhere.
In the evening I watched the gun shows. About 9 we went out and shot off the fireworks I bought a few days ago. I only bought a 12 shell mortar package, but that was just the right amount. The whole neighborhood sounds like a war zone.
Sunday, July 3, 2016
Day 268
A little sleeping in and some surfing meant that we didn't get up until 9. The et activities were enhanced by having to clean up spilled litter and cat barf.
After breakfast I went out to the garage to finish as much of the hoist install as I could. I finished everything that I could do without more u-bolts. It was over 95 in the garage and the humidity was pushing 80%. So I was soaked with sweat by the time I was finished.
That meant a shower when I got in. While I was in the shower I got the idea of reinforcing the beams where the brackets attach with corner braces. It means more work, but I think it will be worth it.
After that it was time to take the dog somewhere. She hadn't been any place for 2 or 3 days. We stopped at the post office and then ran her at the soccer field. She did 14 retrieves. That's really impressive given the heat. The next stop was Home Depot where I got corner brackets and screws to reinforce the beams.
I wanted the dog to have a good day, so we went to Opal Devine's for lunch. She had a slider and an ice cream treat. I had a scramble and two pints of Guinness. I'm not sure what's going on, but I don't seem to be as affected by alcohol as I always have been. Two pints should have knocked me on my ass. Instead I barely felt any effect.
On the way home I stopped and picked up my drugs. We also stopped at the snow cone place.
Ellen's bag had started to leak a little while we were out. That's cool. It's lasted for almost a week. She waited until most of hr lunch had been processed and then we changed it. It will be interesting to see how long the new bag lasts.
The rest of the day was surfing, reading, and TV. Ellen watched some strange chick flick. Then we switched to Godzilla movies.
After breakfast I went out to the garage to finish as much of the hoist install as I could. I finished everything that I could do without more u-bolts. It was over 95 in the garage and the humidity was pushing 80%. So I was soaked with sweat by the time I was finished.
That meant a shower when I got in. While I was in the shower I got the idea of reinforcing the beams where the brackets attach with corner braces. It means more work, but I think it will be worth it.
After that it was time to take the dog somewhere. She hadn't been any place for 2 or 3 days. We stopped at the post office and then ran her at the soccer field. She did 14 retrieves. That's really impressive given the heat. The next stop was Home Depot where I got corner brackets and screws to reinforce the beams.
I wanted the dog to have a good day, so we went to Opal Devine's for lunch. She had a slider and an ice cream treat. I had a scramble and two pints of Guinness. I'm not sure what's going on, but I don't seem to be as affected by alcohol as I always have been. Two pints should have knocked me on my ass. Instead I barely felt any effect.
On the way home I stopped and picked up my drugs. We also stopped at the snow cone place.
Ellen's bag had started to leak a little while we were out. That's cool. It's lasted for almost a week. She waited until most of hr lunch had been processed and then we changed it. It will be interesting to see how long the new bag lasts.
The rest of the day was surfing, reading, and TV. Ellen watched some strange chick flick. Then we switched to Godzilla movies.
Saturday, July 2, 2016
Day 267
We slept in today. The alarm went off and we just turned over and went back to sleep. I finally got out of bed at 9:30. I did the pet stuff and had breakfast. Then there was some surfing. About 11 I decided I needed to do something useful. So I went outside and got the chain hoist out of the car and the compressor out of the truck.
I took the extension hose off the compressor and put a quick disconnect on the hose. I'll probably build a place to hold it on the wall later.
When I finished I still felt ambitious, so I decided to buy the stuff to hang the chain hoist. I went over to McCoy's and got what I needed. When I got back I cut the pipe and drilled holes in the backing plates. About halfway through the process Jeff came over and picked up the two recliners. I started to mount the u-bolts on the beams. I got one of the nuts cross threaded and ruined it. I put the other up, but I won't be able to replace the screwed up one until Tuesday.
After that I was soaking in sweat. It was almost 100 in the garage. So I took a shower as soon as I got in. After a little surfing and TV we went to Dripping Springs to do some grocery shopping. The dog had to stay at home, it was 98 degrees. We bought a lot of stuff. We bought sandwiches next door to take home for dinner.
The evening was TV and reading.
I took the extension hose off the compressor and put a quick disconnect on the hose. I'll probably build a place to hold it on the wall later.
When I finished I still felt ambitious, so I decided to buy the stuff to hang the chain hoist. I went over to McCoy's and got what I needed. When I got back I cut the pipe and drilled holes in the backing plates. About halfway through the process Jeff came over and picked up the two recliners. I started to mount the u-bolts on the beams. I got one of the nuts cross threaded and ruined it. I put the other up, but I won't be able to replace the screwed up one until Tuesday.
After that I was soaking in sweat. It was almost 100 in the garage. So I took a shower as soon as I got in. After a little surfing and TV we went to Dripping Springs to do some grocery shopping. The dog had to stay at home, it was 98 degrees. We bought a lot of stuff. We bought sandwiches next door to take home for dinner.
The evening was TV and reading.
Friday, July 1, 2016
Day 266
I slept in this morning. It just felt like the thing to do. I got up a little before 9. After the usual pet chores and breakfast I surfed. I didn't have anything planned to work on today.
About noon we put the cats in the cat room and the dog in her cage. Then we went on a grand tour. We stopped at the post office, and then Harbor Freight. I bought a chain hoist on sale. I'm going to use it instead of the engine hoist in the garage. Then we went south to Cabela's.
I thought the traffice would be bad, but it wasn't awful. It was slow on the ramp from 290 to I35. It was also a little slow on I35 until we got to Slaughter. After that it was smooth sailing.
Before we went to Cabela's we stopped at Dan's to eat.
We spent quite a bit of time at Cabela's. Ellen bought a couple of shirts on sale and a pair of pants. I bought a pair of shorts. On of the sales people gave us a $25 off coupon, so that was cool.
When we got home I did a little surfing and some reading. After dinner we watched a couple of zombie movies on Amazon.
About noon we put the cats in the cat room and the dog in her cage. Then we went on a grand tour. We stopped at the post office, and then Harbor Freight. I bought a chain hoist on sale. I'm going to use it instead of the engine hoist in the garage. Then we went south to Cabela's.
I thought the traffice would be bad, but it wasn't awful. It was slow on the ramp from 290 to I35. It was also a little slow on I35 until we got to Slaughter. After that it was smooth sailing.
Before we went to Cabela's we stopped at Dan's to eat.
We spent quite a bit of time at Cabela's. Ellen bought a couple of shirts on sale and a pair of pants. I bought a pair of shorts. On of the sales people gave us a $25 off coupon, so that was cool.
When we got home I did a little surfing and some reading. After dinner we watched a couple of zombie movies on Amazon.
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