We got up at 8 and after pet stuff and breakfast I loaded up the car with shooting stuff - Ellen's AR and my 10/22. We'd decided yesterday to take the kids shooting at Tri-county today.
We got to the club a little after 10. Hooch showed up about 15 minutes later. It took me forever to sight in the kid's AR. I had to do it at 50 feet and just couldn't get it on paper. It must have taken over an hour and 50 rounds to do it. Then we had one kid shoot the AR while the other shot my 10/22.
The kids both shot really well, especially Alicia. I would have liked to see her shoot my 10/22 more, but the damn thing wasn't working. The trigger wouldn't reset and so it was basically a single shot. Crap. The kids seemed to have fun though.
We were shooting until almost 2. Then Hooch took the kids to a German restaurant at Washington Square while we went to Cabela's. They had a rifle target that I wanted to buy on sale for 20% off and today was the last day of the sale. We bought it and then met them at the restaurant.
It was happy hour for drinks and food, so we ate well. Then we went to Toys-r-us like we promised the kids we would. I bought them some Nerf guns and I got a drone with a camera. The last stop was Dick's at Washington Square to buy a volleyball for Alicia.
When we got to Hooch's place we surfed and talked. I bought a chocolate cake before we got there and told the girls they couldn't have any if they shot me with the nerf guns. That kept me safe.
Martha brought a late dinner home, Chinese. Then we went spent some time watching the girls shoot Nerf.
We left at 9:30. We had to go down 99 again. This time we had to go all the way down because the Donald entrance to I5 was closed. It was a pain in the ass.
Whenn we got home it was a little surfing and then bed.
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
Day 687
This was a normal Tuesday start, but a little late because we didn't have to watch Hooch's house. We got up, did pet stuff and had breakfast, and went to the laundromat. For some reason Ellen decided the top sheet didn't need washing, so she didn't bring it. When we were done we headed to Portland.
We picked up Mom and went to Michael's. Mom wanted to get a couple of items and we wanted a frame for the eclipse poster we bought in Newport. We got everything, but it took awhile.
I called Hooch and he met us at Helvetia for lunch. He brought Rowdy, so Rowdy and Lucy ate with us. After that we went back to his place.
We spent part of the afternoon talking. The place that was fixing his trailer called at 4:30. They're in Troutdale and said that he should pick it up that afternoon, because the place isn't secure. So Hooch and I drove out there in the teeth of the rush hour. It wasn't really that bad - much better than Austin.
When we got back I helped him a little with the trailer and then we had dinner. Martha fixed salmon. Apparently the kids kept Mom entertained all afternoon.
We talked some more and then left to take Mom home a little before 100. I'd forgotten that they were paving I5 southbound. Of course it was blocked, so we took 99 down to aurora and then cut back to I5. It really wasn't too bad.
We got home in time to go to bed.
We picked up Mom and went to Michael's. Mom wanted to get a couple of items and we wanted a frame for the eclipse poster we bought in Newport. We got everything, but it took awhile.
I called Hooch and he met us at Helvetia for lunch. He brought Rowdy, so Rowdy and Lucy ate with us. After that we went back to his place.
We spent part of the afternoon talking. The place that was fixing his trailer called at 4:30. They're in Troutdale and said that he should pick it up that afternoon, because the place isn't secure. So Hooch and I drove out there in the teeth of the rush hour. It wasn't really that bad - much better than Austin.
When we got back I helped him a little with the trailer and then we had dinner. Martha fixed salmon. Apparently the kids kept Mom entertained all afternoon.
We talked some more and then left to take Mom home a little before 100. I'd forgotten that they were paving I5 southbound. Of course it was blocked, so we took 99 down to aurora and then cut back to I5. It really wasn't too bad.
We got home in time to go to bed.
Monday, August 28, 2017
Day 686
We didn't get up until after 9 today, the bed was just too comfortable. After pet stuff and breakfast it was surfing. I didn't have anything to do and no projects scheduled.
That only lasted a little while. Then I got bored. So I decided to finally start trying to find where the water leak in the trailer was. Ellen said she thought she heard dripping from the toilet area. I turned off the toilet and pumped up the water pressure. I couldn't hear if the pump went back on because the air conditioners started running. So I went outside and opened the basement. There was definitely water leaking from that area. Soo I wnet back inside and looked at the toilet water valve.
The valve was leaking at the bottom. It looked like the bottom cap may have been loose. Of couirse things are too tight in there to really see. I tried to tighten it, but that didn't stop the leak. I took it apart, added Teflon tape, and reassembled it. That didn't work either. So I got on the web and ordered another one. It will be here on Wednesday.
Of course all of the screwing around made it leak more, but hopefully it will be fixed in a couple of days. It would be really nice if that fixes everything.
It was 1:30 by the time all of that was done. After lunch I spent some time looking at the effects of the hurricane on Houston. The place is a real mess. About 3 I wanted to go to the post office, but Ellen's asshole was acting up so we didn't. Instead it was more surfing and reading.
We were supposed to go shooting with the other people living here in the evening, but apparently they thought high 80's/low 90's was too hot. So after dinner we watched TV - an uncut version of Blazing Saddles.
That only lasted a little while. Then I got bored. So I decided to finally start trying to find where the water leak in the trailer was. Ellen said she thought she heard dripping from the toilet area. I turned off the toilet and pumped up the water pressure. I couldn't hear if the pump went back on because the air conditioners started running. So I went outside and opened the basement. There was definitely water leaking from that area. Soo I wnet back inside and looked at the toilet water valve.
The valve was leaking at the bottom. It looked like the bottom cap may have been loose. Of couirse things are too tight in there to really see. I tried to tighten it, but that didn't stop the leak. I took it apart, added Teflon tape, and reassembled it. That didn't work either. So I got on the web and ordered another one. It will be here on Wednesday.
Of course all of the screwing around made it leak more, but hopefully it will be fixed in a couple of days. It would be really nice if that fixes everything.
It was 1:30 by the time all of that was done. After lunch I spent some time looking at the effects of the hurricane on Houston. The place is a real mess. About 3 I wanted to go to the post office, but Ellen's asshole was acting up so we didn't. Instead it was more surfing and reading.
We were supposed to go shooting with the other people living here in the evening, but apparently they thought high 80's/low 90's was too hot. So after dinner we watched TV - an uncut version of Blazing Saddles.
Sunday, August 27, 2017
Day 685
We got up at 7, but didn't get out of bed until 7:30. Then it was pet stuff, breakfast, and a trip to Tri-county.
We got there by a little after 8:30. We shot with Garrett again, but this time we started on 15. The weather was great and the targets were a little easier than yesterday. Unfortunately I shot like shit. Oh well, I had fun. Ellen came in Lady's runnerup and Bev gave her the buckle for lady's champ.
After the shoot we went back to Wanker's. They were serving breakfast, so that's what we had for lunch. The service was good yesterday, but it sucked today. There were plenty of servers and not many diners. They still couldn't manage to give us menus, bring us menus, take our orders, or check to see if everything was alright. We paid cash instead of waiting for them to get around to taking a card.
We stopped at Freddy's for some groceries before going home.
When we got back we put the stuff away and went to the clubhouse. I surfed for awhile before going back to the trailer. Ellen had a lesson.
Ellen came back to the trailer and we surfed until Dave and Vandy were ready to go to dinner. We went to the sushi place. The paid close attention to us because Dave and Vandy are regulars. Then we all went to Safeway. They bought some stuff and so did we.
When we got home it was surfing, TV, and bed.
We got there by a little after 8:30. We shot with Garrett again, but this time we started on 15. The weather was great and the targets were a little easier than yesterday. Unfortunately I shot like shit. Oh well, I had fun. Ellen came in Lady's runnerup and Bev gave her the buckle for lady's champ.
After the shoot we went back to Wanker's. They were serving breakfast, so that's what we had for lunch. The service was good yesterday, but it sucked today. There were plenty of servers and not many diners. They still couldn't manage to give us menus, bring us menus, take our orders, or check to see if everything was alright. We paid cash instead of waiting for them to get around to taking a card.
We stopped at Freddy's for some groceries before going home.
When we got back we put the stuff away and went to the clubhouse. I surfed for awhile before going back to the trailer. Ellen had a lesson.
Ellen came back to the trailer and we surfed until Dave and Vandy were ready to go to dinner. We went to the sushi place. The paid close attention to us because Dave and Vandy are regulars. Then we all went to Safeway. They bought some stuff and so did we.
When we got home it was surfing, TV, and bed.
Saturday, August 26, 2017
Day 679
This was the big day. We got up before 7 (I don’t know why). Then it was pet stuff and breakfast. There was a heavy fog, the first since we’ve been here. You couldn’t see the water. I wish we could have, the tide was really low.
The fog burnt off slowly during the next hour or so. By 15 minutes before the start of the eclipse it was clear skies. When it started it was cool. A small dark spot grew into a crescent shape that was covering the sun. The after 15 minutes the fog came back. In another 10 you couldn’t see the sun. Ellen, Vicki, and I piled into the truck with Lucy and headed for the high ground above the ACE hardware.
There’s a school up there. We parked in the parking lot and the sky was clear. There were several other cars up there, too.
The rest of the time was cool. We saw the shadows turn to crescents. I got some pictures of that. Went totality happened it was spectacular. The corona was at least twice the size of the sun. We stayed for about 15 minutes after totality and then went home.
When we got home I took the dog to the liquor store to replenish our supply of Pendleton. Unfortunately it was 11 and they decided not to open until 12:30 in honor of the eclipse. We went home.
I surfed until about 1 and then Ellen, Vicki, and I went to the 60’s café for lunch. John and Patty stayed with their dog, Lucy went with us. The food was good, and I got to give them some business. We picked up some stuff at Safeway on the way back, and Pendleton at the liquor store.
The rest of the afternoon and evening was surfing and football again.
The fog burnt off slowly during the next hour or so. By 15 minutes before the start of the eclipse it was clear skies. When it started it was cool. A small dark spot grew into a crescent shape that was covering the sun. The after 15 minutes the fog came back. In another 10 you couldn’t see the sun. Ellen, Vicki, and I piled into the truck with Lucy and headed for the high ground above the ACE hardware.
There’s a school up there. We parked in the parking lot and the sky was clear. There were several other cars up there, too.
The rest of the time was cool. We saw the shadows turn to crescents. I got some pictures of that. Went totality happened it was spectacular. The corona was at least twice the size of the sun. We stayed for about 15 minutes after totality and then went home.
When we got home I took the dog to the liquor store to replenish our supply of Pendleton. Unfortunately it was 11 and they decided not to open until 12:30 in honor of the eclipse. We went home.
I surfed until about 1 and then Ellen, Vicki, and I went to the 60’s café for lunch. John and Patty stayed with their dog, Lucy went with us. The food was good, and I got to give them some business. We picked up some stuff at Safeway on the way back, and Pendleton at the liquor store.
The rest of the afternoon and evening was surfing and football again.
Day 678
We got up early today, just after 7. Then it was pet stuff and Patty’s breakfast. We had the cherry pie (baked last night).
Then I went off for a walk with the dog. I went back to the school across the street from where the A&W was. There was still no traffic on 101. In fact, there was less than I would expect for a nice Sunday in August.
There wasn’t anything interesting at the farmer’s market. On the way back I stopped briefly to talk to a couple of cops in their car. One was older and the other was young. I asked them if they were glad that the predictions about big crowds were wrong. The old guy said yes, but the young guy seemed a little disappointed.
After that I decided to walk back as close to the beach as possible. I’d never been down there before. It didn’t look to me like there was an over abundance of no vacancy signs.
When I got back we spent the rest of the day surfing, reading, and watching football.
Then I went off for a walk with the dog. I went back to the school across the street from where the A&W was. There was still no traffic on 101. In fact, there was less than I would expect for a nice Sunday in August.
There wasn’t anything interesting at the farmer’s market. On the way back I stopped briefly to talk to a couple of cops in their car. One was older and the other was young. I asked them if they were glad that the predictions about big crowds were wrong. The old guy said yes, but the young guy seemed a little disappointed.
After that I decided to walk back as close to the beach as possible. I’d never been down there before. It didn’t look to me like there was an over abundance of no vacancy signs.
When I got back we spent the rest of the day surfing, reading, and watching football.
Day 677
We got up even earlier today, just after 7. Then it was pet stuff and Patty’s breakfast.
I was seriously bored after yesterday’s afternoon/evening of doing nothing, so Lucy and I went for a walk. We went along 101 all the way down to where the A&W used to be. Traffic was almost non-existent. So much for the eclipse inspired apocalypse.
Along the way I stopped in a kite store and got a replacement flamingo spinner for Austin. I also talked to this guy who works at a marijuana store. He told me they do a booming business selling to tourists. There was a farmer’s market kind of thing across from where A&W was. It was about a dozen booths. There wasn’t anything interesting though.
On the way back I stopped at a garage sale that was being put on by a small apartment complex. There wasn’t anything interesting. I didn’t think that there would be.
When I got home I went out on the back porch and read. The reading turned into a nap. The nap turned into lunch. Lunch turned into more reading on the back porch. Eventually I went back inside to watch football with everyone else.
The rest of the day and evening was spent watching football and surfing. I surfed on my phone because at least the Verizon internet is working.
I was seriously bored after yesterday’s afternoon/evening of doing nothing, so Lucy and I went for a walk. We went along 101 all the way down to where the A&W used to be. Traffic was almost non-existent. So much for the eclipse inspired apocalypse.
Along the way I stopped in a kite store and got a replacement flamingo spinner for Austin. I also talked to this guy who works at a marijuana store. He told me they do a booming business selling to tourists. There was a farmer’s market kind of thing across from where A&W was. It was about a dozen booths. There wasn’t anything interesting though.
On the way back I stopped at a garage sale that was being put on by a small apartment complex. There wasn’t anything interesting. I didn’t think that there would be.
When I got home I went out on the back porch and read. The reading turned into a nap. The nap turned into lunch. Lunch turned into more reading on the back porch. Eventually I went back inside to watch football with everyone else.
The rest of the day and evening was spent watching football and surfing. I surfed on my phone because at least the Verizon internet is working.
Day 676
We’re getting up earlier and earlier. Today it was 7:30. I did the pet stuff and then we had breakfast. Patty does like to fix breakfast.
We all tried to surf after breakfast, but the internet is useless here. At most one person can use it at a time, and then it’s not very good.
About 10:30 Ellen and I left for Newport to see the Lincoln County fair. Lucy stayed at the house. She was not happy. Traffic was really light and we made good time. It’s Friday and the No Vacancy signs are going up. Depoe Bay is putting out port-a-pottys on the sidewalk.
We stopped at the Wally World at the edge of town to pick up a couple of pet supplies - kitty litter and dog treats.
The fair was fun. There were about 10 food booths and a couple of dozen vendor booths. There were also two small buildings with crafts and a small barn with animals. They had two large tenst set up. In one they were serving free lunch for seniors. The other was seating for the concert stage.
We walked around looking for things until 1. As we were starting to leave a concert started. It was a group doing Johnny Cash songs. We listened for half an hour. Pat texted that Lucy was getting lonely, so we started home.
We stopped at Depoe Bay on the way home. Ellen had the shits. I went to an art gallery. They had a really neat heron metal wall sculpture that I bought.
We got home mid afternoon. The rest of the day was chilling, playing with the puppy, reading, and watching football in the evening.
We all tried to surf after breakfast, but the internet is useless here. At most one person can use it at a time, and then it’s not very good.
About 10:30 Ellen and I left for Newport to see the Lincoln County fair. Lucy stayed at the house. She was not happy. Traffic was really light and we made good time. It’s Friday and the No Vacancy signs are going up. Depoe Bay is putting out port-a-pottys on the sidewalk.
We stopped at the Wally World at the edge of town to pick up a couple of pet supplies - kitty litter and dog treats.
The fair was fun. There were about 10 food booths and a couple of dozen vendor booths. There were also two small buildings with crafts and a small barn with animals. They had two large tenst set up. In one they were serving free lunch for seniors. The other was seating for the concert stage.
We walked around looking for things until 1. As we were starting to leave a concert started. It was a group doing Johnny Cash songs. We listened for half an hour. Pat texted that Lucy was getting lonely, so we started home.
We stopped at Depoe Bay on the way home. Ellen had the shits. I went to an art gallery. They had a really neat heron metal wall sculpture that I bought.
We got home mid afternoon. The rest of the day was chilling, playing with the puppy, reading, and watching football in the evening.
Day 675
The light coming through the blinds woke us up at 6:30. I read and Ellen surfed until 7:30. Then we got up and went upstairs.
Patty made breakfast and we talked some more. Then we went our separate ways. Some surfed, I went out on the porch and read. About mid morning Lucy and I took a walk over to Safeway. When we got back it was more reading and then a late lunch (including alcohol).
I went back in for more talk. No surfing. The internet is down and not scheduled to come back up until late. John and I walked to the liquor store. We killed a whole bottle last night and figured we needed resupply.
When we got back we had dinner. The rest of the evening was talk and playing with the puppy.
Patty made breakfast and we talked some more. Then we went our separate ways. Some surfed, I went out on the porch and read. About mid morning Lucy and I took a walk over to Safeway. When we got back it was more reading and then a late lunch (including alcohol).
I went back in for more talk. No surfing. The internet is down and not scheduled to come back up until late. John and I walked to the liquor store. We killed a whole bottle last night and figured we needed resupply.
When we got back we had dinner. The rest of the evening was talk and playing with the puppy.
Day 674
We got up at 8, did pet stuff and had breakfast. We didn’t want to get to the coast until 2, so we just sat around and surfed for awhile. At 10 we took a bunch of the guns to the clubhouse and put them in the safe. We had to take a couple of the less valuable guns to the trailer to make room.
After that I loaded up the rest of the stuff into the truck. We had lunch and left the club about noon.
We took the Wheatland ferry and drove through Amity to get to 18. Then we went to Lincoln City. I took it easy. I set the cruise control at 58 and just went.
The weather was 70 degrees and sunny when we got there. Traffic was light. We parked on the street and went to some of the gift stores. We bought a light base for the crystal thing we gave Patty a couple of weeks ago. We also got eclipse shirts. Ellen was hungry, so we had a late second lunch.
John and Patty got to the house at 4. We met them a little later. It took awhile to unpack everything. Then we got down to talking and drinking on the back porch. We stayed there for hours and finally ordered pizza for dinner.
After dinner it was more drinking, talking, and some surfing. I fell asleep on the couch about 10, woke up at 11:30, and went to bed.
We put the cats in the bathroom during the day, but we let them sleep with us that night.
After that I loaded up the rest of the stuff into the truck. We had lunch and left the club about noon.
We took the Wheatland ferry and drove through Amity to get to 18. Then we went to Lincoln City. I took it easy. I set the cruise control at 58 and just went.
The weather was 70 degrees and sunny when we got there. Traffic was light. We parked on the street and went to some of the gift stores. We bought a light base for the crystal thing we gave Patty a couple of weeks ago. We also got eclipse shirts. Ellen was hungry, so we had a late second lunch.
John and Patty got to the house at 4. We met them a little later. It took awhile to unpack everything. Then we got down to talking and drinking on the back porch. We stayed there for hours and finally ordered pizza for dinner.
After dinner it was more drinking, talking, and some surfing. I fell asleep on the couch about 10, woke up at 11:30, and went to bed.
We put the cats in the bathroom during the day, but we let them sleep with us that night.
Day 684
We got up at 7:30 today, earlier than we had to. After pet stuff and breakfast we left for Tri-county. We were there before 9.
We signed up and then hung around waiting to start. At the intro they gave Ellen a thank you card signed by all of the people that were at the state shoot. It had the customary Cabela's card in it.
The course was nice, and so was the weather. It was testy, but not overly hard. The only problem was we got stuck on one station due to a windmilling machine. Ellen didn't shoot very well and neither did I. That's OK though, I don't need anymore punches.
We were done before 1. We went to Wanker's in Wilsonville because they have a patio for the dog. The food was standard bar food. Then it was home. We stopped at a garage sale on Butteville road. It had an amazing amount of junk. I repeat junk, and nothing else. Then it was the post office and home.
We got to the club in time to mooch some of the food from the charity event they had. Then we put the guns away. Ellen played with scooter and I took a nap.
The evening was surfing, TV, and reading.
We signed up and then hung around waiting to start. At the intro they gave Ellen a thank you card signed by all of the people that were at the state shoot. It had the customary Cabela's card in it.
The course was nice, and so was the weather. It was testy, but not overly hard. The only problem was we got stuck on one station due to a windmilling machine. Ellen didn't shoot very well and neither did I. That's OK though, I don't need anymore punches.
We were done before 1. We went to Wanker's in Wilsonville because they have a patio for the dog. The food was standard bar food. Then it was home. We stopped at a garage sale on Butteville road. It had an amazing amount of junk. I repeat junk, and nothing else. Then it was the post office and home.
We got to the club in time to mooch some of the food from the charity event they had. Then we put the guns away. Ellen played with scooter and I took a nap.
The evening was surfing, TV, and reading.
Day 683
We didn't get p until 8:45 today. I guess it was in reaction to all the early mornings lately. After pet stuff and breakfast it was a little surfing. I went out to see if the Ranger would start. It did. I drove it around the course with no problem. I think part of the battery drain was driving around with the radio on at a low level coupled with the short drives that didn't allow a battery recharge.
After that we left on errands. We stopped at an estate sale in Salem. There was a lot of stuff with OK prices, but nothing I wanted. I did get a hammer for the Ranger and an antique blow torch for yard art.
The next stop was Freddies. My "lounge" shorts didn't make it back from the laundry, so I needed a new pair. They had one for 50% off, nice. The final stops were Walgreen's for Ellen's drugs and the post office.
When we got home we stopped at the club and socialized for awhile. Then we got out the shotguns. I drove around the course and trapped while Ellen shot some stations. Then she trapped for me while I shot trap. After that we went home and surfed until dinner.
After dinner it was TV, reading, and a little surfing.
After that we left on errands. We stopped at an estate sale in Salem. There was a lot of stuff with OK prices, but nothing I wanted. I did get a hammer for the Ranger and an antique blow torch for yard art.
The next stop was Freddies. My "lounge" shorts didn't make it back from the laundry, so I needed a new pair. They had one for 50% off, nice. The final stops were Walgreen's for Ellen's drugs and the post office.
When we got home we stopped at the club and socialized for awhile. Then we got out the shotguns. I drove around the course and trapped while Ellen shot some stations. Then she trapped for me while I shot trap. After that we went home and surfed until dinner.
After dinner it was TV, reading, and a little surfing.
Thursday, August 24, 2017
Day 682
No 7 in the morning today - 7:45 instead. The day started bad. Thursday is weigh-in day. I gained over 6 lbs in a week. That's all the progress I've made since the second week in June.
After pet stuff and breakfast I went out to work. I decided to install a screen on the new spout. That took awhile. Then Ellen helped me use it to pour the diesel into the truck. It worked great.
After that I started taking the truck tunnel apart. Then I mounted the camera to the back of the rig. The next step was a laborious process of putting all of the wire in the sleeve and routing it from the camera to the front of the rig. I tied it off in the front storage area. I'll finish the rest some other day.
The last steps were putting the tunnel back and installing the new rack. It looks nice. It's only an inch and a half lower than the old one, but that makes quite a difference.
The bean harvesters have been going at it in the field across the street since early this morning. After lunch Ellen and I went out to watch them as they were working right in front of the house. They are amazing machines, and we got to watch them unload. It's a lot like a garbage truck unloading a dumpster.
I was going to take the Ranger to the club, but it wouldn't start. At first I thought I had screwed something up today. The thing is, I only strung wire, I didn't connect anything. I looked it over and couldn't see that I'd disturbed anything. Then I realized that it hadn't run in a week. The radio and the clock are constant drains. I hooked up the battery charger and sure enough the battery was really low. So we walked to the club.
We spent a couple of hours chilling on the clubhouse porch. There was a nice breeze blowing - it was almost too cool. We went home about 6.
After dinner I went back out and reloaded the 28 ga that I'd shot before we left. Then I walked the dog around the course. Finally I screwed around a little in the shed and then did my exercises. They were a little hard to do after almost 2 weeks without doing them.
The rest of the evening was shopping and surfing.
After pet stuff and breakfast I went out to work. I decided to install a screen on the new spout. That took awhile. Then Ellen helped me use it to pour the diesel into the truck. It worked great.
After that I started taking the truck tunnel apart. Then I mounted the camera to the back of the rig. The next step was a laborious process of putting all of the wire in the sleeve and routing it from the camera to the front of the rig. I tied it off in the front storage area. I'll finish the rest some other day.
The last steps were putting the tunnel back and installing the new rack. It looks nice. It's only an inch and a half lower than the old one, but that makes quite a difference.
The bean harvesters have been going at it in the field across the street since early this morning. After lunch Ellen and I went out to watch them as they were working right in front of the house. They are amazing machines, and we got to watch them unload. It's a lot like a garbage truck unloading a dumpster.
I was going to take the Ranger to the club, but it wouldn't start. At first I thought I had screwed something up today. The thing is, I only strung wire, I didn't connect anything. I looked it over and couldn't see that I'd disturbed anything. Then I realized that it hadn't run in a week. The radio and the clock are constant drains. I hooked up the battery charger and sure enough the battery was really low. So we walked to the club.
We spent a couple of hours chilling on the clubhouse porch. There was a nice breeze blowing - it was almost too cool. We went home about 6.
After dinner I went back out and reloaded the 28 ga that I'd shot before we left. Then I walked the dog around the course. Finally I screwed around a little in the shed and then did my exercises. They were a little hard to do after almost 2 weeks without doing them.
The rest of the evening was shopping and surfing.
Day 681
Up at 7 again. After pet stuff I loaded up the truck. It took a long time. When I was finished it was as full as when we got here. I'm not sure how that happened.
After breakfast. We helped clean up and did a little help packing. Neither John or Patty wanted much help, and I can understand it. They were almost done when Vicki left a little before noon. We left shortly afterward.
Traffic wasn't bad. I expect it was almost normal. We made good time, probably because I wasn't in a hurry.
When we got home I started the unpacking and putting away effort. It took about an hour. Then we went over to the club and switched out the guns that we'd moved before we left.
I discovered that I'd left the spout for the diesel can in Texas. I'm glad we didn't have to use it. Amazon wanted $60 for a new one. I ran across a web posting that showed how to make one from plumbing parts. So off we went to Lowe's. I bought what I needed for $10. We also stopped at Ross for milk and lunch meat. We got dinner to go at the Chinese place. Ellen's asshole was giving her trouble, so she wanted to eat at home.
After diner I went out and assembled my spout. I can''t use it until tomorrow when the glue is dry. I also assembled the new gun rack for the Polaris. It was somewhat of a pain in the ass because the base needs modification in order to set it low enough. I also made a plan on where to mount the rear camera.
By then it was after 9:30. I went in, did some surfing, and went to bed. It was nice to sleep in the foam bed rather than the one at the coast. That thing hurt my back.
After breakfast. We helped clean up and did a little help packing. Neither John or Patty wanted much help, and I can understand it. They were almost done when Vicki left a little before noon. We left shortly afterward.
Traffic wasn't bad. I expect it was almost normal. We made good time, probably because I wasn't in a hurry.
When we got home I started the unpacking and putting away effort. It took about an hour. Then we went over to the club and switched out the guns that we'd moved before we left.
I discovered that I'd left the spout for the diesel can in Texas. I'm glad we didn't have to use it. Amazon wanted $60 for a new one. I ran across a web posting that showed how to make one from plumbing parts. So off we went to Lowe's. I bought what I needed for $10. We also stopped at Ross for milk and lunch meat. We got dinner to go at the Chinese place. Ellen's asshole was giving her trouble, so she wanted to eat at home.
After diner I went out and assembled my spout. I can''t use it until tomorrow when the glue is dry. I also assembled the new gun rack for the Polaris. It was somewhat of a pain in the ass because the base needs modification in order to set it low enough. I also made a plan on where to mount the rear camera.
By then it was after 9:30. I went in, did some surfing, and went to bed. It was nice to sleep in the foam bed rather than the one at the coast. That thing hurt my back.
Day 680
We're up before 7 every day now - too early. After pe stuff and breakfast it was more surfing and reading. The internet is still really slow, so surfing is done mainly on the phone. It's slow, too.
By 11 I was really bored. Today was a big let down after yesterday. Patty suggest that we take Vicki to Newport, so we did. Traffic northbound was a mess. Lincoln City down to the last art gallery was a parking lot. It was heavy the rest of the way to Newport. Traffic was pretty crowded southbound, but at least it was moving.
When we got to Newport we stopped at the kite shop. They didn't have what we were looking for. Then we took the back way to the waterfront. We searched for a parking spot for quite awhile and eventually parked on the street up the hill. After that it was several hours of art gallerys and tourist shops. We bought a couple of things for Patty and even found a sort of gag gift for John.
We listened to the sea lions for awhile and then ate at the restaurant overlooking their dock. They allowed the dog and even brought her water. As we were eating the cook came out, petted her, and asked if she would like some bacon. I said yes and she brought out 4 big slices of freshly cooked bacon. I ordered chowder and a coconut shrimp appetizer. I got this great seafood soup with lobster, shrimp, scallops, fish, and mussels. It was expensive ($26), but really, really, good.
After lunch it was more galleries and gift shops. We left about 4:30. By then the road north didn't have any traffic.
When we got home Patty fixed us dinner and then we surfed and read for the rest of the evening.
By 11 I was really bored. Today was a big let down after yesterday. Patty suggest that we take Vicki to Newport, so we did. Traffic northbound was a mess. Lincoln City down to the last art gallery was a parking lot. It was heavy the rest of the way to Newport. Traffic was pretty crowded southbound, but at least it was moving.
When we got to Newport we stopped at the kite shop. They didn't have what we were looking for. Then we took the back way to the waterfront. We searched for a parking spot for quite awhile and eventually parked on the street up the hill. After that it was several hours of art gallerys and tourist shops. We bought a couple of things for Patty and even found a sort of gag gift for John.
We listened to the sea lions for awhile and then ate at the restaurant overlooking their dock. They allowed the dog and even brought her water. As we were eating the cook came out, petted her, and asked if she would like some bacon. I said yes and she brought out 4 big slices of freshly cooked bacon. I ordered chowder and a coconut shrimp appetizer. I got this great seafood soup with lobster, shrimp, scallops, fish, and mussels. It was expensive ($26), but really, really, good.
After lunch it was more galleries and gift shops. We left about 4:30. By then the road north didn't have any traffic.
When we got home Patty fixed us dinner and then we surfed and read for the rest of the evening.
Tuesday, August 15, 2017
Day 673
We got off to a late start today, didn't get up until after 8:15. The put us about a half hour late leaving after pet stuff and breakfast. We ddi the wash and a short stop at the bank before going north. The stop at Hooch's place was standard. Then we went to see Mom.
I opened the jars of candy that we bought Mom, I doubt she could have done it. Then I cleaned the cat box while Ellen worked with Mom. The screws I used to attach the rake worked. It actually scooped all of the shit and piss into the container. Mom got another letter from a place that needed her new credit card number. The place put us on terminal hold. So we left with the phone on Ellen's ear. They finally answered and we got it changed.
We took Mom to a sandwich place that we hadn't been to before. It was OK, nothing special. Then we walked around the shopping center a little bit looking for skirts. No skirts, but Mom bought three tops (that she probably didn't need). Then we stopped at Target so she could get some diapers and sundries. There was a Best Buy next door, so I went there and bought a game controller for my new laptop.
When we were driving home I asked Mom if she wanted a cupcake. She said yes, so we stopped. She definitely enjoyed the cupcake. Then we took her home. Ellen took her upstairs because Ellen had left her keys in the apartment. Ellen said that by the time they got up there Mom had forgotten that she bought the clothes.
We were done about three. Of course traffic sucked. I5 was a standstill form 217 to 205. So we went down Murray to Scholls, then Roy Rodgers to Scholls/Sherwood. That let us go south through Newberg. We stopped at the French Prairie farmers market on the way and bought a couple of things. Then it was the post office and home.
When we got home I cleaned up out old ice chest (made in 1994). Then we went out ans shot the course. I took my 28 ga. I still don't shoot it well, but there was a little improvement.
We ate a late dinner and then packed for the trip. We'll do the rest tomorrow before we leave. There's no hurry, the house isn't open until 4.
The rest of the evening was TV and surfing.
I opened the jars of candy that we bought Mom, I doubt she could have done it. Then I cleaned the cat box while Ellen worked with Mom. The screws I used to attach the rake worked. It actually scooped all of the shit and piss into the container. Mom got another letter from a place that needed her new credit card number. The place put us on terminal hold. So we left with the phone on Ellen's ear. They finally answered and we got it changed.
We took Mom to a sandwich place that we hadn't been to before. It was OK, nothing special. Then we walked around the shopping center a little bit looking for skirts. No skirts, but Mom bought three tops (that she probably didn't need). Then we stopped at Target so she could get some diapers and sundries. There was a Best Buy next door, so I went there and bought a game controller for my new laptop.
When we were driving home I asked Mom if she wanted a cupcake. She said yes, so we stopped. She definitely enjoyed the cupcake. Then we took her home. Ellen took her upstairs because Ellen had left her keys in the apartment. Ellen said that by the time they got up there Mom had forgotten that she bought the clothes.
We were done about three. Of course traffic sucked. I5 was a standstill form 217 to 205. So we went down Murray to Scholls, then Roy Rodgers to Scholls/Sherwood. That let us go south through Newberg. We stopped at the French Prairie farmers market on the way and bought a couple of things. Then it was the post office and home.
When we got home I cleaned up out old ice chest (made in 1994). Then we went out ans shot the course. I took my 28 ga. I still don't shoot it well, but there was a little improvement.
We ate a late dinner and then packed for the trip. We'll do the rest tomorrow before we leave. There's no hurry, the house isn't open until 4.
The rest of the evening was TV and surfing.
Monday, August 14, 2017
Day 672
We got up a little before 8. We did the pet stuff and had breakfast. Then I started my todo list. First up was filling the water tank and draining the black tank. After that I started packing up the truck. I moved all of the food that we needed and some of the other stuff. I also packed away some stuff so it would be ready to go. The truck is going to be full.
I called Dell to see about downloading my game. After getting through their crappy phone system the guy told me that their system was down and to call back in three hours. Crap.
Dave stopped by and asked me to fix the mailbox. Someone knocked it half off its pedestal last night with a pumpkin. I said sure and went out to fix it. I got it half fixed, but needed angle braces to finish the job.
When I was finished with that we left for errands. The first stop was the hardware store for braces. We went to the pet store for more dog food and Safeway for some bakery items. Then we had lunch at the Salem Chinese place. The next stop was Roth's for a cherry pie and a litter box scoop. Then it was Baumann's for corn and fruit. The last stop was the post office. I thought ther would be packages, but there weren't.
When we got home I finished repairing the mailbox. Then I called Dell again. I turns out that to get the game I had to download Steam, the Geforce app, and then the game itself. Of course none of this was mentioned in the email they sent me. I let the tech remote control the laptop and setting everything up took him an hour. Then it took another 2 hours for the game to download. It's not big, it's just that the download was really slow.
While the download was going on I took Ellen's gun out to the shed to add the bling we bought weeks ago. The bolt advance wasn't hard. I got really lucky on the pivot pin. I launched the detent three times and found it each time. The last time was a miracle. The latch pin wasn't hard and I got lucky. For some reason I had a castle wrench here. It's the only assembly tool I have here.
The download was still going when I was finished. I surfed and did some trip planning until it finished. When it was I started the game just to make sure it worked. That's all I wanted to do right now.
After dinner I put the laundry stuff in the car and took Lucy for a walk around the course. Then it was TV and surfing for the rest of the evening.
I called Dell to see about downloading my game. After getting through their crappy phone system the guy told me that their system was down and to call back in three hours. Crap.
Dave stopped by and asked me to fix the mailbox. Someone knocked it half off its pedestal last night with a pumpkin. I said sure and went out to fix it. I got it half fixed, but needed angle braces to finish the job.
When I was finished with that we left for errands. The first stop was the hardware store for braces. We went to the pet store for more dog food and Safeway for some bakery items. Then we had lunch at the Salem Chinese place. The next stop was Roth's for a cherry pie and a litter box scoop. Then it was Baumann's for corn and fruit. The last stop was the post office. I thought ther would be packages, but there weren't.
When we got home I finished repairing the mailbox. Then I called Dell again. I turns out that to get the game I had to download Steam, the Geforce app, and then the game itself. Of course none of this was mentioned in the email they sent me. I let the tech remote control the laptop and setting everything up took him an hour. Then it took another 2 hours for the game to download. It's not big, it's just that the download was really slow.
While the download was going on I took Ellen's gun out to the shed to add the bling we bought weeks ago. The bolt advance wasn't hard. I got really lucky on the pivot pin. I launched the detent three times and found it each time. The last time was a miracle. The latch pin wasn't hard and I got lucky. For some reason I had a castle wrench here. It's the only assembly tool I have here.
The download was still going when I was finished. I surfed and did some trip planning until it finished. When it was I started the game just to make sure it worked. That's all I wanted to do right now.
After dinner I put the laundry stuff in the car and took Lucy for a walk around the course. Then it was TV and surfing for the rest of the evening.
Sunday, August 13, 2017
Day 671
We got up at 8 today, did the pet stuff, and had breakfast. We didn't shoot until 10, so we did a little surfing before going to the club. We got there about 9 and sat around talking until it was time to shoot.
It had rained in the night and still acted like it might rain. I wore my Filson vest because it was warm and waterproof. I didn't need the waterproof, but I did need the warmth.
Dave set a good course, it was fun. I shot an 88, which was one less than HOA. I should have shot at least a 90, and probably a 92. Oh well. I now have 12 punches this year. I've got to be careful, 8 more punches and I'll end up in Master class.
I felt tired half way through the course. By the end neither Ellen or I wanted to shoot the super sporting. We had lunch there - they had really good BLT's. Then we put the guns away and went to Sportsman's Warehouse.
We needed to buy $50 worth of stuff to get a 20% discount. Unfortunately they didn't have any shotshells that we wanted. I ended up getting a box of defensive .45 and a pair of 511 pants.
On the way back we stopped at BiMart and Wally World. I picked up the two ammo containers at BiMart that I had a raincheck for. I also got an eclipse shirt. At Wally world I got a night light for the lighthouse thing that I bought a few days ago in McMinnville.
We stopped in briefly at the club when we got back. Everyone seemed happy.
We spent the rest of the day surfing and watching TV. It's going to be nice and cool tonight.
It had rained in the night and still acted like it might rain. I wore my Filson vest because it was warm and waterproof. I didn't need the waterproof, but I did need the warmth.
Dave set a good course, it was fun. I shot an 88, which was one less than HOA. I should have shot at least a 90, and probably a 92. Oh well. I now have 12 punches this year. I've got to be careful, 8 more punches and I'll end up in Master class.
I felt tired half way through the course. By the end neither Ellen or I wanted to shoot the super sporting. We had lunch there - they had really good BLT's. Then we put the guns away and went to Sportsman's Warehouse.
We needed to buy $50 worth of stuff to get a 20% discount. Unfortunately they didn't have any shotshells that we wanted. I ended up getting a box of defensive .45 and a pair of 511 pants.
On the way back we stopped at BiMart and Wally World. I picked up the two ammo containers at BiMart that I had a raincheck for. I also got an eclipse shirt. At Wally world I got a night light for the lighthouse thing that I bought a few days ago in McMinnville.
We stopped in briefly at the club when we got back. Everyone seemed happy.
We spent the rest of the day surfing and watching TV. It's going to be nice and cool tonight.
Saturday, August 12, 2017
Day 670
We got up at 7:45 ( we shot at 8:30). We did the pet stuff, had breakfast, and went to shoot the 20 ga. Ellen shot terrible and didn't shoot well. I did shoot better than I did last time. We had a half hour to change guns and then we shot the 28. I definitely shot the 28 better than before, but nothing to write home about.
After that we put the guns away and then hung around the club for awhile. Ellen had a hamburger. I helped Dave by unpacking a couple of guns and putting them on display. Then I went to the trailer and had lunch.
After lunch I fooled around on the new computer. Windows 10 doesn't have a lot of the features of earlier Windows. Microsoft has removed them all and now charges for them. Fortunately I found good quality freeware that fills in for the missing parts.
At 3 I went to help reset the course. Dave and Andreas had already done 9-13 by then. I helped with the rest of the stations. We were done by 4:45.
I went back to the trailer, took a shower, and did more work on the new computer. I actually found Microsoft Works on a thumb drive in the computer case. I installed it and it works fine. I also installed Solitaire. The final installs were DirecTV and Netflix. They work great, and the picture on the 4K display is really nice. When I was done I packed up the computer for taking to the coast.
The rest of the evening was surfing and reading.
After that we put the guns away and then hung around the club for awhile. Ellen had a hamburger. I helped Dave by unpacking a couple of guns and putting them on display. Then I went to the trailer and had lunch.
After lunch I fooled around on the new computer. Windows 10 doesn't have a lot of the features of earlier Windows. Microsoft has removed them all and now charges for them. Fortunately I found good quality freeware that fills in for the missing parts.
At 3 I went to help reset the course. Dave and Andreas had already done 9-13 by then. I helped with the rest of the stations. We were done by 4:45.
I went back to the trailer, took a shower, and did more work on the new computer. I actually found Microsoft Works on a thumb drive in the computer case. I installed it and it works fine. I also installed Solitaire. The final installs were DirecTV and Netflix. They work great, and the picture on the 4K display is really nice. When I was done I packed up the computer for taking to the coast.
The rest of the evening was surfing and reading.
Friday, August 11, 2017
Day 669
We got up at 8 today, had breakfast and did the pet stuff. Then we went out to shoot before it got hot. We shot several of the stations on the sporting clays course that had interesting targets. I didn't shoot as well as I wanted. I had a distinct lack of consistency.
We stopped at the clubhouse on the way back. My new laptop was there. I tried to set it up there, but I couldn't connect to the internet. Something is screwy with the router there. So we went back to the trailer.
I started the long process of the initial updating of the computer. When it was done I decided to pick up some things for it - a SD card, a mouse, and a case. We did a little surfing and then decided to go to Office Depot and Best Buy. I got the case and SD card at Office Depot and the mouse at Best Buy. I spent a little more than online, but I had them immediately.
When I got back I had a late lunch and did a little file transfer between machines. Then It was 3 - time to go set the course. Dave, Andreas, and I worked for about 3.5 hours setting targets and getting the course ready. Then I went back to the trailer (Ellen was doing an ODFW class).
I took a shower, had dinner, and worked on the laptop. I spent hours trying to find a clean copy of Works to install. I thought the install was on the old computer, but it isn't. I can't remember how I installed it.
I think I'm going to end up using freeware called LibreOffice on the new machine. Getting a copy of Works is just too hard.
I also spent a lot of frustrating time trying to install the free game that Dell says I'm entitled to. I can't get their download page to work, and their help file describes a different version of the page. I can't talk to their support people until Monday. Crap.
All that took until 10:30. Now I'm going to bed.
We stopped at the clubhouse on the way back. My new laptop was there. I tried to set it up there, but I couldn't connect to the internet. Something is screwy with the router there. So we went back to the trailer.
I started the long process of the initial updating of the computer. When it was done I decided to pick up some things for it - a SD card, a mouse, and a case. We did a little surfing and then decided to go to Office Depot and Best Buy. I got the case and SD card at Office Depot and the mouse at Best Buy. I spent a little more than online, but I had them immediately.
When I got back I had a late lunch and did a little file transfer between machines. Then It was 3 - time to go set the course. Dave, Andreas, and I worked for about 3.5 hours setting targets and getting the course ready. Then I went back to the trailer (Ellen was doing an ODFW class).
I took a shower, had dinner, and worked on the laptop. I spent hours trying to find a clean copy of Works to install. I thought the install was on the old computer, but it isn't. I can't remember how I installed it.
I think I'm going to end up using freeware called LibreOffice on the new machine. Getting a copy of Works is just too hard.
I also spent a lot of frustrating time trying to install the free game that Dell says I'm entitled to. I can't get their download page to work, and their help file describes a different version of the page. I can't talk to their support people until Monday. Crap.
All that took until 10:30. Now I'm going to bed.
Thursday, August 10, 2017
Day 668
We got up a little after 8, did pet stuff, and had breakfast. The day started off crappy. I'd gained 2.7 lbs in the last week. That wiped out almost all of the last 4 weeks' progress. I'm going back on a really restrictive diet.
After breakfast we went out to shoot the course. I took the 28 ga. I hadn't shot that well at FITASC, and I didn't shoot it well today. Part of the problem might have been the light loads, but most was just me. There were some good targets out there. We'll probably shoot tomorrow morning also.
After shooting we loaded the dog and went to McMinnville for the farmers' market. We got there an hour before it started. At least that got us a prime parking space. We used the hour to walk around the town and go through some antique stores. I found a couple of things for Patty. We would have gone to the city park, but they don't allow dogs.
At noon we went to the market. We bought fruit - strawberries, peaches, and raspberries. Then we had lunch at the bakery place we ate at before. They have good sandwiches.
On the way home we stopped at the ferry and let the dog swim. She did 23 retrieves. She would have done more, but I called a halt. It was a good thing I did, she's really stiff tonight.
When we got back we gave Vandy some strawberries. Ellen's earplugs were in. Vandy insisted that we pay her cost, she wouldn't let us give her more. I took a nap there while Ellen talked with Vandy and others.
About 5:30 we went home for dinner. After dinner and a little TV it was cool enough to work in the shed. I installed a switch in the halogen lights so I could turn them off when it was hot. Then I reloaded the 28 ga I shot. I reamed out the powder bushing a little to make them hotter. Then I did my exercises.
That took until about 9:30. The rest of the evening was surfing and reading.
After breakfast we went out to shoot the course. I took the 28 ga. I hadn't shot that well at FITASC, and I didn't shoot it well today. Part of the problem might have been the light loads, but most was just me. There were some good targets out there. We'll probably shoot tomorrow morning also.
After shooting we loaded the dog and went to McMinnville for the farmers' market. We got there an hour before it started. At least that got us a prime parking space. We used the hour to walk around the town and go through some antique stores. I found a couple of things for Patty. We would have gone to the city park, but they don't allow dogs.
At noon we went to the market. We bought fruit - strawberries, peaches, and raspberries. Then we had lunch at the bakery place we ate at before. They have good sandwiches.
On the way home we stopped at the ferry and let the dog swim. She did 23 retrieves. She would have done more, but I called a halt. It was a good thing I did, she's really stiff tonight.
When we got back we gave Vandy some strawberries. Ellen's earplugs were in. Vandy insisted that we pay her cost, she wouldn't let us give her more. I took a nap there while Ellen talked with Vandy and others.
About 5:30 we went home for dinner. After dinner and a little TV it was cool enough to work in the shed. I installed a switch in the halogen lights so I could turn them off when it was hot. Then I reloaded the 28 ga I shot. I reamed out the powder bushing a little to make them hotter. Then I did my exercises.
That took until about 9:30. The rest of the evening was surfing and reading.
Wednesday, August 9, 2017
Day 667
We got up at 7:30 today, no particular reason. After pet stuff and breakfast I drug Ellen out to trap for me while I shot trap. I wanted to shoot before it got warm. I did OK, but only shot about 50 rounds.
After that we talked a little while in the club and then went to Costco. We bought water, beer, chips, and lemonade. That covers all the things we plan on buying except bakery goods and farm goods. We'll buy those on Monday.
We stopped at Roth's for a couple of things on the way back. We also stopped at the Chinese place on 99. It was pretty good. We'll be back. The last two stops were to fill the truck with diesel and the post office. We're going to have to take the truck to the coast, there isn't room in the car for all the stuff.
When we got home I put some of the stuff we'd bought in the truck. The heat sensitive stuff went in the trailer. Then it was time to hide out from the heat in the trailer. It was in the low 90's and humid. I did some surfing and then took a nap.
After dinner we watched some TV and then went to the club. We talked with Vandy for awhile to keep her company. Today is stay open late day. We walked around the course with the dog after that.
The rest of the evening was surfing and reading.
After that we talked a little while in the club and then went to Costco. We bought water, beer, chips, and lemonade. That covers all the things we plan on buying except bakery goods and farm goods. We'll buy those on Monday.
We stopped at Roth's for a couple of things on the way back. We also stopped at the Chinese place on 99. It was pretty good. We'll be back. The last two stops were to fill the truck with diesel and the post office. We're going to have to take the truck to the coast, there isn't room in the car for all the stuff.
When we got home I put some of the stuff we'd bought in the truck. The heat sensitive stuff went in the trailer. Then it was time to hide out from the heat in the trailer. It was in the low 90's and humid. I did some surfing and then took a nap.
After dinner we watched some TV and then went to the club. We talked with Vandy for awhile to keep her company. Today is stay open late day. We walked around the course with the dog after that.
The rest of the evening was surfing and reading.
Day 668
We got up at 7:30, but somehow got off to a late start. We did the wash and were done with it by 10. I called Mother and she seemed bright eyed and bushy tailed.
We made good time to Portland, following a guy doing 80 at times. Everything was fine at Hooch's place. I did have to reset a camera and tell him that there's a mole attacking his back yard.
When we got to Mom's place I reattached the bumper to the edge of the bed. I also put two screws in the cat box rail. We'll see if that keeps it from falling off. Someone has been cleaning it.
We went to lunch at the bar place across the street. They charged me $8 for a Guinness. I won't be ordering one there again. Then we took Mom over to the cupcake place. She has a new parking sticker which makes things nice.
Then we took her home. It was early, but we needed to get some stuff for the club. I walked her inside because she seemed to want to stay outside. I really didn't want her to go outside (more on that later).
We stopped at Home Depot on the way back and got 6 bags of water softener salt for Dave. We also bought some carpet cleaner for us. Taiko has been barfing a lot lately. Then it was the post office and home.
I left the salt on Dave's porch and retreated inside because it was hot. We did some surfing and TV watching. I dozed off. About 4:30 Hooch called to say Mom had been taken to Kaiser ER. It took half an hour and three phone calls to confirm that.
Of course going north on I5 was impossible at that time. So I went through Newberg and over Chehalem mountain. It would have been nice except for a Prius over the mountain and a Californian shithead on the other side.
Once I got to the hospital it was the same old same old. Wait for tests and info. I think we spent more time talking to social workers than we did medical staff. We never saw a doctor. They cut her loose about 9.
Her walker wasn't with her and when we got to Laurel Parc the entrance was blocked with emergency vehicles. I had to walk Mom across the street. She wouldn't hold on and almost fell. Then I made her hold on. When we got to the door I couldn't figure out how to get us in. Luckily there was a resident who knew Mom hanging around the lobby. She let us in and lent Mom her walker. Mom was really upset about the walker.
The night person finally gave me a key to Mom's apartment. I went upstairs and the walker was there. I took her upstairs, made sure she seemed OK, and left.
The fun didn't stop there. The freeway embankment at 217 and Walker was on fire. It was in the northbound lanes, but of course the idiots in the southbound lanes had to slow down to look. They were fucking up I5 south of Donald for repaving. So the GPS sent me on 99 through Aurora and Hubbard. It's about a mile shorter then I5, but the stop lights make it slower. It was still faster than sitting on I5.
I got home a little before 11 - a 50 minute trip from getting on 26. There was an email from Laurel Parc. Apparently Mom was stupid and went for a walk in the heat. She was never more than a little hot and tired. However she went non-linear and wanted an ambulance. She insisted on a ride to the ER and complained of shortness of breath and chest pains. Sounds familiar.
Overall, tonight sucked.
We made good time to Portland, following a guy doing 80 at times. Everything was fine at Hooch's place. I did have to reset a camera and tell him that there's a mole attacking his back yard.
When we got to Mom's place I reattached the bumper to the edge of the bed. I also put two screws in the cat box rail. We'll see if that keeps it from falling off. Someone has been cleaning it.
We went to lunch at the bar place across the street. They charged me $8 for a Guinness. I won't be ordering one there again. Then we took Mom over to the cupcake place. She has a new parking sticker which makes things nice.
Then we took her home. It was early, but we needed to get some stuff for the club. I walked her inside because she seemed to want to stay outside. I really didn't want her to go outside (more on that later).
We stopped at Home Depot on the way back and got 6 bags of water softener salt for Dave. We also bought some carpet cleaner for us. Taiko has been barfing a lot lately. Then it was the post office and home.
I left the salt on Dave's porch and retreated inside because it was hot. We did some surfing and TV watching. I dozed off. About 4:30 Hooch called to say Mom had been taken to Kaiser ER. It took half an hour and three phone calls to confirm that.
Of course going north on I5 was impossible at that time. So I went through Newberg and over Chehalem mountain. It would have been nice except for a Prius over the mountain and a Californian shithead on the other side.
Once I got to the hospital it was the same old same old. Wait for tests and info. I think we spent more time talking to social workers than we did medical staff. We never saw a doctor. They cut her loose about 9.
Her walker wasn't with her and when we got to Laurel Parc the entrance was blocked with emergency vehicles. I had to walk Mom across the street. She wouldn't hold on and almost fell. Then I made her hold on. When we got to the door I couldn't figure out how to get us in. Luckily there was a resident who knew Mom hanging around the lobby. She let us in and lent Mom her walker. Mom was really upset about the walker.
The night person finally gave me a key to Mom's apartment. I went upstairs and the walker was there. I took her upstairs, made sure she seemed OK, and left.
The fun didn't stop there. The freeway embankment at 217 and Walker was on fire. It was in the northbound lanes, but of course the idiots in the southbound lanes had to slow down to look. They were fucking up I5 south of Donald for repaving. So the GPS sent me on 99 through Aurora and Hubbard. It's about a mile shorter then I5, but the stop lights make it slower. It was still faster than sitting on I5.
I got home a little before 11 - a 50 minute trip from getting on 26. There was an email from Laurel Parc. Apparently Mom was stupid and went for a walk in the heat. She was never more than a little hot and tired. However she went non-linear and wanted an ambulance. She insisted on a ride to the ER and complained of shortness of breath and chest pains. Sounds familiar.
Overall, tonight sucked.
Monday, August 7, 2017
Day 667
We didn't get up until after 8:30. Blame the trains and the goddamn airplane which started flying over us every few minutes starting about 6. When we did get up we did the pet stuff, had breakfast, and surfed for awhile. Eventually we decided to do errands. We stopped at the hardware store so I could get the bolts I needed to make the bed braces. Then we did some shopping at Safeway. After that it was lunch at the Chinese place and a stop at the post office.
When we got home it was hot and humid, so we hid out in the trailer reading and surfing. About 4 it cooled off enough (high 80's) to do some work outside. I reloaded the 20 ga I shot yesterday. Then I drilled holes in the bed braces and then went inside and installed them on the bed. Ellen helped with holding up the bed and cleanup. The braces work great.
I went back outside and cleaned up. Then I did my exercises for the first time in days. After that it was back inside to cool off and have dinner.
About 7 Lucy started woofing to go on a walk. I told her it was still too hot (85), but she wanted to go. She quickly discovered how hot it was and didn't do a lot of running. She did cover a lot of ground trotting though.
The rest of the evening was TV, reading, and surfing. At least last night and tonight it's cooled off enough to have a pleasant lat evening.
When we got home it was hot and humid, so we hid out in the trailer reading and surfing. About 4 it cooled off enough (high 80's) to do some work outside. I reloaded the 20 ga I shot yesterday. Then I drilled holes in the bed braces and then went inside and installed them on the bed. Ellen helped with holding up the bed and cleanup. The braces work great.
I went back outside and cleaned up. Then I did my exercises for the first time in days. After that it was back inside to cool off and have dinner.
About 7 Lucy started woofing to go on a walk. I told her it was still too hot (85), but she wanted to go. She quickly discovered how hot it was and didn't do a lot of running. She did cover a lot of ground trotting though.
The rest of the evening was TV, reading, and surfing. At least last night and tonight it's cooled off enough to have a pleasant lat evening.
Day 666
We got up about 8, did the pet stuff, and had breakfast. Ellen went to the club to help Vandy and pose for pictures. I went to the shed.
I had gotten an upgrade kit for the maglight flashlight I keep in the shed. Installing it was a cluster fuck. I had problems removing the old pieces. Taking off the lens cap required two pliers. One of the batteries was stuck in the handle. I needed a hammer and screwdriver to get it out. Then I had to file down the inside to smooth it out enough for new batteries to fit. When I was all done and put it together it didn't work. I pitched it. That wasted well over an hour.
Then I tackled trying to fix the shop vac. It's so sealed up that you can't get to the motor, so I pitched it, too.
I finally had success wiring the new shop light. It's nice. At least I had one success.
Ellen came back and said that Garret wanted to shoot the 5-stand. I got out all of the stuff and we went. I shot the 20. I was glad to find out that I could shoot it. The FITASC parcour was still up. I ran the first two stations and did well on the last. We shott 100 rounds at it and the upper 5-stand.
Vandy was having a clothing sale, so we went shopping. I didn't find anything I needed/wanted. Ellen bought a shirt.
We went back to the trailer and had a late lunch. It was getting very hot and humid, so we hid out in the trailer for the rest of the day surfing and reading.
After dinner I took the dog for a walk around the course. Then we watched TV.
I had gotten an upgrade kit for the maglight flashlight I keep in the shed. Installing it was a cluster fuck. I had problems removing the old pieces. Taking off the lens cap required two pliers. One of the batteries was stuck in the handle. I needed a hammer and screwdriver to get it out. Then I had to file down the inside to smooth it out enough for new batteries to fit. When I was all done and put it together it didn't work. I pitched it. That wasted well over an hour.
Then I tackled trying to fix the shop vac. It's so sealed up that you can't get to the motor, so I pitched it, too.
I finally had success wiring the new shop light. It's nice. At least I had one success.
Ellen came back and said that Garret wanted to shoot the 5-stand. I got out all of the stuff and we went. I shot the 20. I was glad to find out that I could shoot it. The FITASC parcour was still up. I ran the first two stations and did well on the last. We shott 100 rounds at it and the upper 5-stand.
Vandy was having a clothing sale, so we went shopping. I didn't find anything I needed/wanted. Ellen bought a shirt.
We went back to the trailer and had a late lunch. It was getting very hot and humid, so we hid out in the trailer for the rest of the day surfing and reading.
After dinner I took the dog for a walk around the course. Then we watched TV.
Day 665
We got up at 8. John and Patty were already up. The puppy is costing them sleep. We had breakfast and then just settled into a day of conversation and surfing. The puppy provided a lot of entertainment. Lucy was feeling a little better, but didn't want to play with the puppy.
That's all that happened. We didn't go anywhere or do anything.
We left about 9 in the evening. Ellen needed to be down at the club in the morning.
Traffic was OK. Everything was going well until we got to Donald to gas up. I pulled into the Shell. The guy took my card, but instead of pumping gas he disappeared inside with it. I stood around for awhile, getting mad. When he finally returned he just stood in the doorway. I went over, retrieved my card, and left. I wnet over to Pilot. It was packed, because the attendants were morons. It took a long time to get gas. I think it took at least half an hour from the time we left the freeway until the time we got back on.
To put the icing on the cake, we had to wait for a long train in Gervais. I was not a happy camper when we got home.
That's all that happened. We didn't go anywhere or do anything.
We left about 9 in the evening. Ellen needed to be down at the club in the morning.
Traffic was OK. Everything was going well until we got to Donald to gas up. I pulled into the Shell. The guy took my card, but instead of pumping gas he disappeared inside with it. I stood around for awhile, getting mad. When he finally returned he just stood in the doorway. I went over, retrieved my card, and left. I wnet over to Pilot. It was packed, because the attendants were morons. It took a long time to get gas. I think it took at least half an hour from the time we left the freeway until the time we got back on.
To put the icing on the cake, we had to wait for a long train in Gervais. I was not a happy camper when we got home.
Day 664
We got up about 8, did pet stuff and breakfast. After a little surfing Ellen went to the club for a lesson. I stayed at home to work in the shed.
I cleaned up a little and then measured the length I needed for the bed props. That wasn't easy trying to hold up the bed and measure at the same time. Then I cut two lengths out of the bar, degreased them, and painted them. I went back into the trailer and that's when I found out that the lesson had been cancelled.
We packed up a suitcase, put out extra cat food, loaded up the car, and left. We stopped at Goodwill for a power cord, BiMart for storage boxes (they were sold out, but I got a rain check), and the bank to cash checks. Then it was up I5 to Cabela's. We had a 10% off everything coupon. They problem was, we didn't need anything.
We spent quite a bit of time looking around. There was absolutely no shooting related stuff I wanted/needed. We went over to clothing and neither Ellen or I could find anything we wanted. Then we went to shoes. I found a pair I liked - didn't have my size. I found another pair that did fit, so I bought it. Ellen also found a pair that she bought.
We ate lunch at Fireman's and then took the dog for a bath in Tigard. She was not amused.
We got to John and Patty's and settled in for a lot of talk and surfing. I ordered the shoes I saw at Cabela's on Amazon. We spent the rest of the day just talking, playing with the new puppy, and a little drinking. John did do a little work on his trailer with me supervising.
We ordered dinner from Nona Emilia's.
Lucy was out of sorts. She snapped at the new puppy and didn't want anything to do with it. She also just dragged her ass around.
I cleaned up a little and then measured the length I needed for the bed props. That wasn't easy trying to hold up the bed and measure at the same time. Then I cut two lengths out of the bar, degreased them, and painted them. I went back into the trailer and that's when I found out that the lesson had been cancelled.
We packed up a suitcase, put out extra cat food, loaded up the car, and left. We stopped at Goodwill for a power cord, BiMart for storage boxes (they were sold out, but I got a rain check), and the bank to cash checks. Then it was up I5 to Cabela's. We had a 10% off everything coupon. They problem was, we didn't need anything.
We spent quite a bit of time looking around. There was absolutely no shooting related stuff I wanted/needed. We went over to clothing and neither Ellen or I could find anything we wanted. Then we went to shoes. I found a pair I liked - didn't have my size. I found another pair that did fit, so I bought it. Ellen also found a pair that she bought.
We ate lunch at Fireman's and then took the dog for a bath in Tigard. She was not amused.
We got to John and Patty's and settled in for a lot of talk and surfing. I ordered the shoes I saw at Cabela's on Amazon. We spent the rest of the day just talking, playing with the new puppy, and a little drinking. John did do a little work on his trailer with me supervising.
We ordered dinner from Nona Emilia's.
Lucy was out of sorts. She snapped at the new puppy and didn't want anything to do with it. She also just dragged her ass around.
Thursday, August 3, 2017
Day 663
We got up at 8 today. After pet stuff and breakfast we went to Silverton to get the dog's nails done. It was easy. We walked in, they clipped her and we walked out. Her nails look a lot better now.
After that we decided to walk around the town. We went to the plant store, but it's only open on the weekends. Then we stopped at a restaurant that was always too busy to eat at. We ate a late breakfast there even though we'd eaten 90 minutes ago. It was good, but a little expensive.
We stopped at Roths on the way out of town. Then we stopped at Baumann's to get some stuff for to take to John and Patty's. The final stop was the post office.
We got back before 11. The temperature was in the high 80's. We put the groceries away and I filled the water tank. Then we went to the club. There wasn't anyone there. We spent hours there surfing.
Mid afternoon Ellen got hungry, so we went back to the trailer for lunch. I had a little snack. We went back to the club when Vandy got back with her new computer.
We spent hours getting the computer set up. Everything went really well, but Microsoft downloaded a huge update which took literally hours to download and install. We left the computer with all of her software and files transferred (at least we think so). Tomorrow we have to move it to her desk and install the printers.
It was 8:30 by the time we were done, temp 88 degrees. We went back to the trailer to watch TV and read.
After that we decided to walk around the town. We went to the plant store, but it's only open on the weekends. Then we stopped at a restaurant that was always too busy to eat at. We ate a late breakfast there even though we'd eaten 90 minutes ago. It was good, but a little expensive.
We stopped at Roths on the way out of town. Then we stopped at Baumann's to get some stuff for to take to John and Patty's. The final stop was the post office.
We got back before 11. The temperature was in the high 80's. We put the groceries away and I filled the water tank. Then we went to the club. There wasn't anyone there. We spent hours there surfing.
Mid afternoon Ellen got hungry, so we went back to the trailer for lunch. I had a little snack. We went back to the club when Vandy got back with her new computer.
We spent hours getting the computer set up. Everything went really well, but Microsoft downloaded a huge update which took literally hours to download and install. We left the computer with all of her software and files transferred (at least we think so). Tomorrow we have to move it to her desk and install the printers.
It was 8:30 by the time we were done, temp 88 degrees. We went back to the trailer to watch TV and read.
Wednesday, August 2, 2017
Day 662
We got up at 7 today. I did the pet stuff, had breakfast, and then finished getting the trailer to move. We left the club at 7:35. We got to the tire store at almost exactly 8.
Unfortunately, a guy with a class 3 had gotten there a minute or two before us. We still managed to get out of there by 9. It was near 80 by the time we got home. I stacked the old tires on the flatbed trailer and then unhooked the 5th wheel. I put the tire covers on to protect the new tires.
The back of the Ranger was filled with garbage, so we made a garbage run. The dumpster is so full that I had to pack our three grocery sacks in it. Then we went to the club. Ellen helped Vandy while I shopped for a new laptop. I don't really need a laptop, but I want one.
After a lot of searching I settled on a laptop from Dell. It's a killer machine - i7, 16 GB, 512 GB SSD, and a 4K display. It's $250 more than I wanted to spend, but it's a kick ass machine. My problems started when I tried to order it. The shopping cart process crapped out on my phone. So I went to the trailer to use a computer.
I discovered that the Dell website doesn't like Firefox, so I used IE. It locked up at the same place as the phone. The website puts up a popup asking if I want to finance it and the close button on the popup doesn't work. I started a chat with their support people but that didn't help. I finally ended up ordering it over the phone. I was really paranoid that they would get something wrong, they didn't.
They promised expedited shipping. They say it will be here before the 15th. I hope so, because we're leaving on the 16th and I really want it for the coast.
After that I had lunch and went back to the club. Ellen was still helping Vandy. I mentioned I'd seen a couple of nice low priced desktops. Vandy asked us to look for one. So we did. We found a really nice machine for only $350 at Best Buy. They might buy one tomorrow.
I ended up taking a nap while Ellen helped Vandy some more. Then we went home for dinner. At 8 it was still 93. The sun was low in the sky and obscured by dust, so it wasn't bad. I took Lucy for a walk around the course.
The rest of the evening was reading and a little surfing.
Unfortunately, a guy with a class 3 had gotten there a minute or two before us. We still managed to get out of there by 9. It was near 80 by the time we got home. I stacked the old tires on the flatbed trailer and then unhooked the 5th wheel. I put the tire covers on to protect the new tires.
The back of the Ranger was filled with garbage, so we made a garbage run. The dumpster is so full that I had to pack our three grocery sacks in it. Then we went to the club. Ellen helped Vandy while I shopped for a new laptop. I don't really need a laptop, but I want one.
After a lot of searching I settled on a laptop from Dell. It's a killer machine - i7, 16 GB, 512 GB SSD, and a 4K display. It's $250 more than I wanted to spend, but it's a kick ass machine. My problems started when I tried to order it. The shopping cart process crapped out on my phone. So I went to the trailer to use a computer.
I discovered that the Dell website doesn't like Firefox, so I used IE. It locked up at the same place as the phone. The website puts up a popup asking if I want to finance it and the close button on the popup doesn't work. I started a chat with their support people but that didn't help. I finally ended up ordering it over the phone. I was really paranoid that they would get something wrong, they didn't.
They promised expedited shipping. They say it will be here before the 15th. I hope so, because we're leaving on the 16th and I really want it for the coast.
After that I had lunch and went back to the club. Ellen was still helping Vandy. I mentioned I'd seen a couple of nice low priced desktops. Vandy asked us to look for one. So we did. We found a really nice machine for only $350 at Best Buy. They might buy one tomorrow.
I ended up taking a nap while Ellen helped Vandy some more. Then we went home for dinner. At 8 it was still 93. The sun was low in the sky and obscured by dust, so it wasn't bad. I took Lucy for a walk around the course.
The rest of the evening was reading and a little surfing.
Tuesday, August 1, 2017
Day 661
We got a little bit of a late start today. It was after 8 when we got up, did pet stuff, and had breakfast. Lucy stayed at home because it was supposed to get over 100 today (it did).
We were done with the wash by a little after 10, drove to Hooch's place, and were done with him a little after 11.
Mom was ready to go when we got there. She said she hadn't eaten today, so after I cleaned the cat box and called to give her credit card number to State Farm we went to lunch. We went to the place near Amberglen that doesn't like dogs. It was OK food, but nothing spectacular. We ordered a bacon wrapped shrimp appetizer. It cost $13 and there were only 5 of them. I won't be doing that again. Mom ate mac and cheese and had a hyge piece of strawberry cheese cake for dessert. She ate the whole thing.
The point of going over there was to buy Mom skirts at Macy's. We entered the store by the shoe department and she decided she needed some. She bought two pairs. The skirt search didn't go well. There were only 4 in the store, not 4 designs, but 4 total skirts.
Mom was pretty tired after that, so we took her home. It was a little after 3.
The drive home sucked. There was an accident on 217 and Hall. Traffic was backed up to Walker. I got off at Walker and drove through Beaverton. Of course it was slow. I took Hall down to Nimbus and Nimbus to Scholl's. We got back on 217 and had smooth sailing until I-5. I-5 was a parking lot until the Stafford exit. It was only 3:30.
We stopped at the bank to deposit checks on the way home. Then we stopped at BiMart because we'd seen an ad with some desirable stuff. We bought several things. The next stop was to get some wire loom at the auto store to use installing the backup camera. We went home after the post office.
It was really hot, high 90's. We went into the trailer and made the bed. I had dinner. Just as I finished Vandy came over to ask us to go to dinner. Ellen went. I hooked up the trailer to go get tires tomorrow. Then I went to the shed. I hooked up an new 12V supply to the roof fan. It seems to work really well. I also hung a LED shop light that I bought at BiMart. I still have to wire it in.
It was 9:30 when I got done and the bugs were getting bad. So I went back inside and surfed the rest of the night.
We were done with the wash by a little after 10, drove to Hooch's place, and were done with him a little after 11.
Mom was ready to go when we got there. She said she hadn't eaten today, so after I cleaned the cat box and called to give her credit card number to State Farm we went to lunch. We went to the place near Amberglen that doesn't like dogs. It was OK food, but nothing spectacular. We ordered a bacon wrapped shrimp appetizer. It cost $13 and there were only 5 of them. I won't be doing that again. Mom ate mac and cheese and had a hyge piece of strawberry cheese cake for dessert. She ate the whole thing.
The point of going over there was to buy Mom skirts at Macy's. We entered the store by the shoe department and she decided she needed some. She bought two pairs. The skirt search didn't go well. There were only 4 in the store, not 4 designs, but 4 total skirts.
Mom was pretty tired after that, so we took her home. It was a little after 3.
The drive home sucked. There was an accident on 217 and Hall. Traffic was backed up to Walker. I got off at Walker and drove through Beaverton. Of course it was slow. I took Hall down to Nimbus and Nimbus to Scholl's. We got back on 217 and had smooth sailing until I-5. I-5 was a parking lot until the Stafford exit. It was only 3:30.
We stopped at the bank to deposit checks on the way home. Then we stopped at BiMart because we'd seen an ad with some desirable stuff. We bought several things. The next stop was to get some wire loom at the auto store to use installing the backup camera. We went home after the post office.
It was really hot, high 90's. We went into the trailer and made the bed. I had dinner. Just as I finished Vandy came over to ask us to go to dinner. Ellen went. I hooked up the trailer to go get tires tomorrow. Then I went to the shed. I hooked up an new 12V supply to the roof fan. It seems to work really well. I also hung a LED shop light that I bought at BiMart. I still have to wire it in.
It was 9:30 when I got done and the bugs were getting bad. So I went back inside and surfed the rest of the night.
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