We woke up alittl before 8, surfed for awhile, and got up for breakfast and pet stuff. I was a sauna outside - 74 degrees and 93% humidity. I went out to work anyway.
I got out the pool noodles I'd purchased and cut them to length. The I put them on 6 of the carport legs. That will do a good job of protecting the truck doors. Then I folded up the tie downs on the back porch and put them in the garage. I also hauled the ice chest back to the back storage building.
Things had just gotten more miserable. It was now 78 degrees. I was going to work on the trailer, but I called it quits instead. I'm feeling pretty sick, fever and chills. hope it's over before the eye surgery. It's in two days.
I went back inside. A little later John came over. There was a football game he wanted to watch. Unfortunately his team got murdered. We had leftovers for lunch and continued watching football. I got a lot of the remaining truck manual reading done.
I took the dog to the mailbox. On the way back I saw Lee. We talked for awhile. Apparently there's a 19 year old across the street who is under indictment for aggravated robbery. I told John and Melissa to consider locking their door.
Dinner was nachos. We talked and surfed after dinner. They left at 8 when I gave the dog her treats. Apparently Reggie isn't supposed to get any. The rest of the evening was surfing and TV.
Saturday, November 30, 2019
Friday, November 29, 2019
Day 1487
We woke up about 8, but didn't get out of bed until almost 10. We got up because Melissa knocked on the door. After pet stuff and breakfast it was surfing.
The day was rainy and very foggy. I looked for things to do in Austin on the web, but there's nothing interesting going on today. We finally decided to go to a movie - Ford vs Ferrari. It was a great movie. It was 3 when we got out. We went home and fixed a late lunch of leftovers.
After lunch we talked and surfed for hours. We didn't have a dinner. John and Melissa went home about 8. We went to bed a little later. I'm not feeling well, I hope I'm not getting sick. I'm having the eye surgery in 3 days.
The day was rainy and very foggy. I looked for things to do in Austin on the web, but there's nothing interesting going on today. We finally decided to go to a movie - Ford vs Ferrari. It was a great movie. It was 3 when we got out. We went home and fixed a late lunch of leftovers.
After lunch we talked and surfed for hours. We didn't have a dinner. John and Melissa went home about 8. We went to bed a little later. I'm not feeling well, I hope I'm not getting sick. I'm having the eye surgery in 3 days.
Thursday, November 28, 2019
Day 1486
WE got up before 7 to put the turkey in the Traeger. After that Ellen stayed up and I went back to bed. About 8 I woke up and surfed until about 9. Ellen took care of pet stuff. I had breakfast. After breakfast I surfed. Ellen cooked.
About 10 Melissa came over. She joined Ellen in cooking things. I continued to surf and encode CD's. John came over for lunch. We had leftovers and BBQ sandwiches. When lunch was complete John and I surfed and Ellen and Melissa cooked.
Isaac and Bella showed up about 4:30 or 5. By then everyone was surfing. We talked for awhile and then had dinner. It was really good. After dinner there was a lot more talk. All in all a typical Thanksgiving.
When Isaac and Bella left John and I watched car shows and football. They went home about 8. I surfed and encoded CD's for the rest of the night. Ellen surfed.
About 10 Melissa came over. She joined Ellen in cooking things. I continued to surf and encode CD's. John came over for lunch. We had leftovers and BBQ sandwiches. When lunch was complete John and I surfed and Ellen and Melissa cooked.
Isaac and Bella showed up about 4:30 or 5. By then everyone was surfing. We talked for awhile and then had dinner. It was really good. After dinner there was a lot more talk. All in all a typical Thanksgiving.
When Isaac and Bella left John and I watched car shows and football. They went home about 8. I surfed and encoded CD's for the rest of the night. Ellen surfed.
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
Day 1485
I woke up about 7:30, but didn't get out of bed until 8:30. Then it was pet stuff, breakfast, and surfing until it was time to leave at 9:30. John came with me.
Traffic up to TexanEye was really light. I didn't even have to stop at teh bottom of loop 1. We got there about 15 minutes early. I spent some time filling out paper work and buying $100 worth of eye drops. Then I waited for a few minutes until it was my appointment time.
The technician spent about 15 minutes taking measurement of both eyes. Then she took me to another room and went over the pre and post op requirements. She also explained what the surgery would be like. The post op sounds a little bad. Possible several days of reduced sight and 6 weeks of eye drops.
We were out of there in less than an hour. Then we went to Trader Joe's. John bought a whole case of wine. They go through about a bottle a night. Then we tried to stop at the post office. There was an accident at the intersection at the post office. It had just happened and there were car parts scattered all over the intersection. Some of them were pretty big.
We stopped at the donut and taco palace for kolaches. Then we stopped at HEB for chips. The final stop was UPS to return the trailer documents we signed.
When we got home we ate lunch (kolaches). Then John and I went out to install the truck cover. I'm sure glad he was there to help. The assembly wasn't complicated, but it wasn't easy. Mounting and positioning the cover on the truck was definitely a two person operation. It took us more then 2 hours.
After that I cleaned up. There was a whole lot of packaging to take to the recycle and garbage. We had a total of 4 packages come. One was for Melissa. One had three presents for Ellen. I wrapped them like Hooch wanted. I was tired by the time it was all done.
Dinner was pork cutlets that Melissa made. After dinner there was a lot of talk. We tried to watch a car show that had been taped, but the recording failed. I fell asleep. When I woke up they were gone. I encoded a book on tape and then went to bed.
Traffic up to TexanEye was really light. I didn't even have to stop at teh bottom of loop 1. We got there about 15 minutes early. I spent some time filling out paper work and buying $100 worth of eye drops. Then I waited for a few minutes until it was my appointment time.
The technician spent about 15 minutes taking measurement of both eyes. Then she took me to another room and went over the pre and post op requirements. She also explained what the surgery would be like. The post op sounds a little bad. Possible several days of reduced sight and 6 weeks of eye drops.
We were out of there in less than an hour. Then we went to Trader Joe's. John bought a whole case of wine. They go through about a bottle a night. Then we tried to stop at the post office. There was an accident at the intersection at the post office. It had just happened and there were car parts scattered all over the intersection. Some of them were pretty big.
We stopped at the donut and taco palace for kolaches. Then we stopped at HEB for chips. The final stop was UPS to return the trailer documents we signed.
When we got home we ate lunch (kolaches). Then John and I went out to install the truck cover. I'm sure glad he was there to help. The assembly wasn't complicated, but it wasn't easy. Mounting and positioning the cover on the truck was definitely a two person operation. It took us more then 2 hours.
After that I cleaned up. There was a whole lot of packaging to take to the recycle and garbage. We had a total of 4 packages come. One was for Melissa. One had three presents for Ellen. I wrapped them like Hooch wanted. I was tired by the time it was all done.
Dinner was pork cutlets that Melissa made. After dinner there was a lot of talk. We tried to watch a car show that had been taped, but the recording failed. I fell asleep. When I woke up they were gone. I encoded a book on tape and then went to bed.
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
Day 1484
We woke up a little before 8. After a little surfing we did the pet stuff and breakfast. Then I called the Medicare people to get the mailing address changed on the drug card. I think I was on hold for 15 minutes or more.
It was warm, but cloudy and raining. John and Melissa didn't come over, so we spent the morning surfing. I did a little surfing on Amazon and started encoding CD's on a thumb drive for the truck. That's slow work.
John and Melissa came over about 11 just as we were going to the grocery store. We all got in the truck to go together. The first stop was the post office so they could get mail sent to our box. Then we went to the grocery store. We were planning on going to lunch afterwards, but we'd bought some frozen stuff so we went home.
When we got home I did some more encoding. The truck tonneau showed up. It's in two boxes. The large one weighs 50 or more pounds.
I ttok the dog to the mailbox before dinner. Dinner was BBQ'd steaks that we bought today.
After dinner we talked and watched TV. They left about 9. I did a little more encoding and went to bed. I have to go to the eye place tomorrow morning.
It was warm, but cloudy and raining. John and Melissa didn't come over, so we spent the morning surfing. I did a little surfing on Amazon and started encoding CD's on a thumb drive for the truck. That's slow work.
John and Melissa came over about 11 just as we were going to the grocery store. We all got in the truck to go together. The first stop was the post office so they could get mail sent to our box. Then we went to the grocery store. We were planning on going to lunch afterwards, but we'd bought some frozen stuff so we went home.
When we got home I did some more encoding. The truck tonneau showed up. It's in two boxes. The large one weighs 50 or more pounds.
I ttok the dog to the mailbox before dinner. Dinner was BBQ'd steaks that we bought today.
After dinner we talked and watched TV. They left about 9. I did a little more encoding and went to bed. I have to go to the eye place tomorrow morning.
Monday, November 25, 2019
Day 1483
I woke up at 7, turned over and went to sleep until 9. Then it was get up for breakfast and pet stuff. After that I went out to the garage and got a couple of cabinet latches and the tools.
Then cats have been getting into the cabinet under the sink. So I spent some time on my back installing latches and smelling garbage. When I got finished I sprayed the inside of the cabinet with Lysol. It needed it.
When that was done we left to take stuff to Goodwill. There were two pillows and a garbage sack of clothes. I didn't want them under the desk while John and Melissa were here. Then we went to the post office. After that we went to Academy to buy swim noodles to put on the carport legs. They didn't have any. We also went to Home Depot so I could buy some tools. The Black Friday sales made them really cheap.
With company coming we took Lucy for a doggy bath. The last stop was Doc's back yard. I was great sitting outside in 80 degree weather.
When we got home I went out to the garage to unpack my purchases. John and Melissa showed up while I was in the garage. We talked for awhile while they unpacked.
Ellen fixed spaghetti for dinner, but only after John and Melissa went out for supplies. After dinner the wives talked while we watched football.
Everyone went to bed about 10.
Then cats have been getting into the cabinet under the sink. So I spent some time on my back installing latches and smelling garbage. When I got finished I sprayed the inside of the cabinet with Lysol. It needed it.
When that was done we left to take stuff to Goodwill. There were two pillows and a garbage sack of clothes. I didn't want them under the desk while John and Melissa were here. Then we went to the post office. After that we went to Academy to buy swim noodles to put on the carport legs. They didn't have any. We also went to Home Depot so I could buy some tools. The Black Friday sales made them really cheap.
With company coming we took Lucy for a doggy bath. The last stop was Doc's back yard. I was great sitting outside in 80 degree weather.
When we got home I went out to the garage to unpack my purchases. John and Melissa showed up while I was in the garage. We talked for awhile while they unpacked.
Ellen fixed spaghetti for dinner, but only after John and Melissa went out for supplies. After dinner the wives talked while we watched football.
Everyone went to bed about 10.
Sunday, November 24, 2019
Day 1482
I woke up at 7, took a piss, and went back to sleep until 9. When I woke up again I surfed until almost 11. Then it was pet stuff and breakfast.
After breakfast I went out to put the rear splash guards on the truck. It went fairly easily. My idea for adding the missing mount point worked well, mainly because I measured very carefully.
After that I tried to install the catches in the trailer screen door. I decided where to mount them and searched through my collection for the right mounting hardware. I was just about to start drilling holes when I realized that the catches were wrong. They were right hand catches and I needed left hand ones. That put an end to the effort.
I went inside and ordered the right latches. Then I surfed and read.
Dinner was frozen pizza. After dinner was football and reading. About 8 Melissa called to say that they would be here tomorrow. That kicked off a frenzy of cleaning. Ellen vacuumed and I scrubbed the counter and sink. We both cleaned off the kitchen table.
After the cleaning was done it was more reading and a little surfing.
After breakfast I went out to put the rear splash guards on the truck. It went fairly easily. My idea for adding the missing mount point worked well, mainly because I measured very carefully.
After that I tried to install the catches in the trailer screen door. I decided where to mount them and searched through my collection for the right mounting hardware. I was just about to start drilling holes when I realized that the catches were wrong. They were right hand catches and I needed left hand ones. That put an end to the effort.
I went inside and ordered the right latches. Then I surfed and read.
Dinner was frozen pizza. After dinner was football and reading. About 8 Melissa called to say that they would be here tomorrow. That kicked off a frenzy of cleaning. Ellen vacuumed and I scrubbed the counter and sink. We both cleaned off the kitchen table.
After the cleaning was done it was more reading and a little surfing.
Saturday, November 23, 2019
Day 1481
We woke up at 8 today, but surfed in bed until about 9. Then it was pet stuff and breakfast. After breakfast we went out to the truck to leave for Fredericksburg to pick up the pendent and ring. We didn't get far.
Lucy was acting weird. She didn't go to the truck. Instead she stood in the drive and shook like she was freezing cold. Then she walked off into the woods. I went looking for her, but couldn't find her. Eventually she came back, but she was still shaking some. It didn't look good, so Ellen called the vet. Luckily they could take her immediately. Lucy was in no shape to ride in the truck, so we took the Audi.
It took 15 minutes or so to get to the vet. By that time she was looking much better. By the time the vet saw her she was almost back to normal. He confirmed what we thought - that it was probably old dog disease. We had them do a blood test for valley fever and liver function. From there we went to Fredericksburg.
We didn't get there until almost noon. We stopped at ACE to get a little hardware. I have an idea for the truck flaps. The main street parking was full as usual for that time on a Saturday. Lucy came through though. We found a space on main just aroiund the corner from the jewelry store.
The pendant and ring are great. It's nice to finally have that tanzanite in a piece of jewelry. Ellen forgot a chain, so we bought one so she could wear it immediately. He gave us 20% off.
When we were done we walked over to Dogologie for Lucy. Then we had lunch at the outdoor place with the music. I love their mojitos. After lunch we did a little more walking and then drove home.
We didn't get home until after 5. We fed the pets, watched TV, and surfed. Dinner was a HEB salad I bought a few days ago. After dinner was TV and surfing.
Lucy was acting weird. She didn't go to the truck. Instead she stood in the drive and shook like she was freezing cold. Then she walked off into the woods. I went looking for her, but couldn't find her. Eventually she came back, but she was still shaking some. It didn't look good, so Ellen called the vet. Luckily they could take her immediately. Lucy was in no shape to ride in the truck, so we took the Audi.
It took 15 minutes or so to get to the vet. By that time she was looking much better. By the time the vet saw her she was almost back to normal. He confirmed what we thought - that it was probably old dog disease. We had them do a blood test for valley fever and liver function. From there we went to Fredericksburg.
We didn't get there until almost noon. We stopped at ACE to get a little hardware. I have an idea for the truck flaps. The main street parking was full as usual for that time on a Saturday. Lucy came through though. We found a space on main just aroiund the corner from the jewelry store.
The pendant and ring are great. It's nice to finally have that tanzanite in a piece of jewelry. Ellen forgot a chain, so we bought one so she could wear it immediately. He gave us 20% off.
When we were done we walked over to Dogologie for Lucy. Then we had lunch at the outdoor place with the music. I love their mojitos. After lunch we did a little more walking and then drove home.
We didn't get home until after 5. We fed the pets, watched TV, and surfed. Dinner was a HEB salad I bought a few days ago. After dinner was TV and surfing.
Friday, November 22, 2019
Day 1480
We woke up about 8, but didn't get out of bed until 9. Then it was pet stuff and breakfast. After that Ellen went to Home Depot to buy a new oven. They're on sale for Black Friday and she's always wanted one. Apparently it will be delivered the day before Thanksgiving. That's cutting it a bit close.
I had to stay at home to wait for the carport people. I started to put the new splash guards on the truck. It wasn't pleasant, 53 degrees with a light rain. I was working on that when the carport guys showed up.
I finished the front guards and started on the rears. The mounting points on the guards didn't match the instructions, or the ones on the truck. I went inside and called the dealer. They said that they are the right part number, and the only ones available. I decided to install one to see how it works. I'll do it when it's warmer and dryer though.
The eye people called with a whole bunch of instructions for the day of the surgery. There wasn't anything too bad though.
I started working on the dinosaur mini-lego again. I had nothing but trouble with it. I finally ended up tearing down almost everything I'd built and rebuilding it. I'm not sure, but I think I made a mistake the first time. My second attempt seemed more sturdy. Then I started adding to it. I got about halfway through the rest when I just got tired of doing it.
I spent the rest of the afternoon surfing except a walk to the mailbox. Elllen fixed waffles and sausage for dinner. After dinner was TV and surfing.
I had to stay at home to wait for the carport people. I started to put the new splash guards on the truck. It wasn't pleasant, 53 degrees with a light rain. I was working on that when the carport guys showed up.
I finished the front guards and started on the rears. The mounting points on the guards didn't match the instructions, or the ones on the truck. I went inside and called the dealer. They said that they are the right part number, and the only ones available. I decided to install one to see how it works. I'll do it when it's warmer and dryer though.
The eye people called with a whole bunch of instructions for the day of the surgery. There wasn't anything too bad though.
I started working on the dinosaur mini-lego again. I had nothing but trouble with it. I finally ended up tearing down almost everything I'd built and rebuilding it. I'm not sure, but I think I made a mistake the first time. My second attempt seemed more sturdy. Then I started adding to it. I got about halfway through the rest when I just got tired of doing it.
I spent the rest of the afternoon surfing except a walk to the mailbox. Elllen fixed waffles and sausage for dinner. After dinner was TV and surfing.
Thursday, November 21, 2019
Day 1479
We woke up at 8, surfed for awhile, got up and did the pet stuff and breakfast. After breakfast we went out to do errands. The first stop was for a much needed haircut. As we were driving there the carport people called. They want to install the carport tomorrow. I'm glad I cleaned up the debris on the basketball court yesterday.
The wait at the barber place was almost an hour. So we went to Best Buy to kill time. I went back in half an hour and waited until it was my turn. Ellen came in just as I was done. We decided to go to Sam's Club for Thanksgiving stuff. While we were there she remembered to tell me that the dealer had called to say that the mud flaps were in. So we cut the shopping short and went up there to get them.
While I was there I asked a service guy about the glow plugs. He really didn't know, but said he thought that the truck would delay starting automatically if necessary. I don't have much faith in his answer.
We decided to go to Central Market on the way back. We stopped at Arby's first for lunch. We spent $100 on Thanksgiving food at Central Market.
We stopped at the post office on the way home. I also stopped at an auto parts store to get a funnel for putting DEF in the truck.
It was 4:when we got home. I surfed for a little bit and then took the dog to the mailbox.
Dinner was spaghetti from HEB. After dinner was football.
The wait at the barber place was almost an hour. So we went to Best Buy to kill time. I went back in half an hour and waited until it was my turn. Ellen came in just as I was done. We decided to go to Sam's Club for Thanksgiving stuff. While we were there she remembered to tell me that the dealer had called to say that the mud flaps were in. So we cut the shopping short and went up there to get them.
While I was there I asked a service guy about the glow plugs. He really didn't know, but said he thought that the truck would delay starting automatically if necessary. I don't have much faith in his answer.
We decided to go to Central Market on the way back. We stopped at Arby's first for lunch. We spent $100 on Thanksgiving food at Central Market.
We stopped at the post office on the way home. I also stopped at an auto parts store to get a funnel for putting DEF in the truck.
It was 4:when we got home. I surfed for a little bit and then took the dog to the mailbox.
Dinner was spaghetti from HEB. After dinner was football.
Day 1478
We got up about 8 today. There was no particular reason, we just woke up then. After pet stuff and breakfast we loaded up the truck to go to Capitol City. It was raining lightly when we left, but we decided to take a chance.
The decision was a good one. It wasn't raining up there. Getting there wasn't fun. The construction on 183 has fucked up traffic for miles. The traffic jam started at 290 and was at least 3 or 4 miles long.
When we got to the club we renewed our membership, bought some targets, and shot the hard course. We also shot the tower stations on the medium course. It was a lot of fun. I shot abot how I expected given my eye. Ellen shot her 20 ga because of the bee sting on her tit.
We took 290 back because southbound on 183 was just as fucked up as north bound. We decided to drive down I35. That was a mistake. Then I decided to get off at 12th and drive across to Mopac. That was a bigger mistake.
We ate lunch at Rudy's. It was great as usual. Lucy really liked being there, too.
When we got home I took out the garbage and the recycle. The garbage can was half full, so I decided to clean up the remains of the truck shelter. It took quite awhile to unscrew all of the pipes and separate them. I had to use pipe wrenches on a lot of the pipes. I managed to get all of the pieces, including the cover, into the can. The only thing left is the pipes themselves.
After that there was a little surfing followed by a trip to the mailbox with Lucy.
Dinner was meatloaf from HEB. It was good. After dinner was TV. I just couldn't face reading any more of the truck manual.
The decision was a good one. It wasn't raining up there. Getting there wasn't fun. The construction on 183 has fucked up traffic for miles. The traffic jam started at 290 and was at least 3 or 4 miles long.
When we got to the club we renewed our membership, bought some targets, and shot the hard course. We also shot the tower stations on the medium course. It was a lot of fun. I shot abot how I expected given my eye. Ellen shot her 20 ga because of the bee sting on her tit.
We took 290 back because southbound on 183 was just as fucked up as north bound. We decided to drive down I35. That was a mistake. Then I decided to get off at 12th and drive across to Mopac. That was a bigger mistake.
We ate lunch at Rudy's. It was great as usual. Lucy really liked being there, too.
When we got home I took out the garbage and the recycle. The garbage can was half full, so I decided to clean up the remains of the truck shelter. It took quite awhile to unscrew all of the pipes and separate them. I had to use pipe wrenches on a lot of the pipes. I managed to get all of the pieces, including the cover, into the can. The only thing left is the pipes themselves.
After that there was a little surfing followed by a trip to the mailbox with Lucy.
Dinner was meatloaf from HEB. It was good. After dinner was TV. I just couldn't face reading any more of the truck manual.
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
Day 1477
We woke up about 6 today. For some reason both of us woke up really early. We surfed and dozed for quite awhile. We finally got up a little before 10. Then we got up, did pet stuff, had breakfast, and started the wash.
I called a tonneau dealer and ordered a cover for the truck. It costs $1,600 when the list price is $1,900. I had to call because no one advertises a lower price. There's no tax or shipping, so the final savings over buying one locally is almost $500.
Then we went outside to load up the truck. There was an amazing amount of stuff. We filled up the glove compartment, the console, some of the under seat storage, and some of the door storage. We put away all of the stuff we needed and still had room for more.
When we finished I called the carport guy. He was available, so I told him we'd be right over. Then there were a couple of delays. There was a squirrel in the back yard. I got him. Then when I opened the front door there was a (poisonous) coral snake on the walkway. I had Ellen come out and watch him while I went and got a shovel. I cut it's head off and put it in the garbage can.
We finally got to the carport guy and order the carport. Apparently it won't take long to get it. Then we went to HEB for some bananas and the pizza place next door for lunch. It was 82 degrees with a pleasant wind, so Lucy could eat outside with us. I have to lift her in AND OUT of the new truck. It's not easy.
When we got home I did a little surfing and then took the dog to the mailbox. After dinner I spent a lot of time reading the truck user manual. It's a long read. I got about a third of the way done before I couldn't stand it any more.
I called a tonneau dealer and ordered a cover for the truck. It costs $1,600 when the list price is $1,900. I had to call because no one advertises a lower price. There's no tax or shipping, so the final savings over buying one locally is almost $500.
Then we went outside to load up the truck. There was an amazing amount of stuff. We filled up the glove compartment, the console, some of the under seat storage, and some of the door storage. We put away all of the stuff we needed and still had room for more.
When we finished I called the carport guy. He was available, so I told him we'd be right over. Then there were a couple of delays. There was a squirrel in the back yard. I got him. Then when I opened the front door there was a (poisonous) coral snake on the walkway. I had Ellen come out and watch him while I went and got a shovel. I cut it's head off and put it in the garbage can.
We finally got to the carport guy and order the carport. Apparently it won't take long to get it. Then we went to HEB for some bananas and the pizza place next door for lunch. It was 82 degrees with a pleasant wind, so Lucy could eat outside with us. I have to lift her in AND OUT of the new truck. It's not easy.
When we got home I did a little surfing and then took the dog to the mailbox. After dinner I spent a lot of time reading the truck user manual. It's a long read. I got about a third of the way done before I couldn't stand it any more.
Monday, November 18, 2019
Day 1476
We woke up before 8, but stayed in bed until 8:30. Then it was pet stuff and breakfast. After that we left to go to the car dealership.
Things didn't start off well. I had to get on loop 1 at Slaughter because traffic was fucked up even though it was 9:30. Then traffic was slow south of the bridge. I took the toll road even though we paid extra. We got there just at 10 as we told them we would. We had to wait while the salesman dealt with another customer.
Eventually we got to take a test drive. It went fine. The truck looks and runs great. It had 300 miles on it. Apparently it came from Beaumount. After that we went in to do paperwork.
Things looked up. They gave us the correct price and took off this bogus $600 option. Then we had to wait for the finance guy. That took quite awhile. We sat out in the truck and messed with soe of the buttons and switches. The truck has as many bells and whistles as the Audi.
Eventually we got to talk to the finance guy. There was a pile of papers for us to sign. We also had to suffer through the additional stuff sales pitch. We ended up buying a slightly overpriced extended warranty.
We were at the dealership for 5 hours. It was 3 by the time we were done. We were ungry, but we needed to get south. We took the toll road, which avoided miles of traffic jam. We still had stop and go for a couple of miles south of the river.
We stopped at the post office and then went to Cheddar's. It was great.
When we got home I took Lucy to the mailbox. The evening was watching football while reading truck documentation.
Things didn't start off well. I had to get on loop 1 at Slaughter because traffic was fucked up even though it was 9:30. Then traffic was slow south of the bridge. I took the toll road even though we paid extra. We got there just at 10 as we told them we would. We had to wait while the salesman dealt with another customer.
Eventually we got to take a test drive. It went fine. The truck looks and runs great. It had 300 miles on it. Apparently it came from Beaumount. After that we went in to do paperwork.
Things looked up. They gave us the correct price and took off this bogus $600 option. Then we had to wait for the finance guy. That took quite awhile. We sat out in the truck and messed with soe of the buttons and switches. The truck has as many bells and whistles as the Audi.
Eventually we got to talk to the finance guy. There was a pile of papers for us to sign. We also had to suffer through the additional stuff sales pitch. We ended up buying a slightly overpriced extended warranty.
We were at the dealership for 5 hours. It was 3 by the time we were done. We were ungry, but we needed to get south. We took the toll road, which avoided miles of traffic jam. We still had stop and go for a couple of miles south of the river.
We stopped at the post office and then went to Cheddar's. It was great.
When we got home I took Lucy to the mailbox. The evening was watching football while reading truck documentation.
Sunday, November 17, 2019
Day 1475
We woke up at 8 today, but stayed in bed for at least an hour. There really wasn't anything to do. When we got up it was pet stuff and breakfast.
After breakfast I got out the rest of the jewels that we didn't have a case for. I put them all in the new case we got yesterday. I couldn't fit it in the safe, so I called Hooch to see if he'd like the pistols I don't want anymore. He said yes, so I got them out and rearranged the rest. I was even able to find their boxes in the apartment.
After that it was a little more surfing. I was bored, so we decided to go to Torchy's for lunch. It was really good. There wasn't anything else to do, so we just went home afterwards.
I put some rum in the pink stuff I'd brought home from Torchy's. Then I sat down to watch football. The drink was good. I fell asleep.
I woke up in time to feed the pets dinner. I watched a little more football and then had a TV dinner for dinner. After dinner was more football.
Did I mention that we didn't have anything to do today?
After breakfast I got out the rest of the jewels that we didn't have a case for. I put them all in the new case we got yesterday. I couldn't fit it in the safe, so I called Hooch to see if he'd like the pistols I don't want anymore. He said yes, so I got them out and rearranged the rest. I was even able to find their boxes in the apartment.
After that it was a little more surfing. I was bored, so we decided to go to Torchy's for lunch. It was really good. There wasn't anything else to do, so we just went home afterwards.
I put some rum in the pink stuff I'd brought home from Torchy's. Then I sat down to watch football. The drink was good. I fell asleep.
I woke up in time to feed the pets dinner. I watched a little more football and then had a TV dinner for dinner. After dinner was more football.
Did I mention that we didn't have anything to do today?
Saturday, November 16, 2019
Day 1474
We woke up at 6 today, turned over and went back to sleep until almost 8. Then it was get up,do the pet stuff, and have breakfast. After that it was surfing and some small tasks like taking out the garbage. I did contact Carmax about selling them the truck, but they didn't call back.
After an hour or so of that we decided to go load several bags of stuff for Goodwill in the car. We also wanted to go to ACE for their BBQ demo. ACE was disappointing, one guy BBQ'ing vegatables. While we were there Melissa texted us the number for the truck. We forwarded it to the dealer. We headed to Goodwill while we waited for a reply.
The dealer replied that they'd like us to come in Monday because it was busy today. So we just went to the post office and Goodwill. We stopped for lunch at the Asian place y Goodwill. They have great Ramen, much better than the place at the Domain.
When we got home I decided to hang the art work from Sisters above the TV. I got the ladder and tools from the garage and went to work. Ellen helped. The piece required three mounting screws arranged in a skewed triangle. Measuring it was a job. The result is perfect though.
I really wanted to get more done, so I went out to the trailer to finish up with my clothes. I put the rest away and loaded the extra stuff in the laundry basket. It almost filled the basket.
I took the clothes to the bedroom and sorted them out. I also sorted out the t-shirts in the closet. When I was finished I had a garbage sack filled with clothes for Goodwill.
That was the end of work for the day. The only really big job left to do is wash the trailer. I'm not sure when that will get done. It's supposed to get cold again soon.
Dinner was a frozen dinner. After dinner was surfing. I printed out the new price for the truck so I have it for Monday.
After an hour or so of that we decided to go load several bags of stuff for Goodwill in the car. We also wanted to go to ACE for their BBQ demo. ACE was disappointing, one guy BBQ'ing vegatables. While we were there Melissa texted us the number for the truck. We forwarded it to the dealer. We headed to Goodwill while we waited for a reply.
The dealer replied that they'd like us to come in Monday because it was busy today. So we just went to the post office and Goodwill. We stopped for lunch at the Asian place y Goodwill. They have great Ramen, much better than the place at the Domain.
When we got home I decided to hang the art work from Sisters above the TV. I got the ladder and tools from the garage and went to work. Ellen helped. The piece required three mounting screws arranged in a skewed triangle. Measuring it was a job. The result is perfect though.
I really wanted to get more done, so I went out to the trailer to finish up with my clothes. I put the rest away and loaded the extra stuff in the laundry basket. It almost filled the basket.
I took the clothes to the bedroom and sorted them out. I also sorted out the t-shirts in the closet. When I was finished I had a garbage sack filled with clothes for Goodwill.
That was the end of work for the day. The only really big job left to do is wash the trailer. I'm not sure when that will get done. It's supposed to get cold again soon.
Dinner was a frozen dinner. After dinner was surfing. I printed out the new price for the truck so I have it for Monday.
Friday, November 15, 2019
Day 1473
We woke up at 7:30 today. There was no particular reason, we just woke up. I did a little surfing on a website that showed the discount that we should receive on the truck. It's about twice what they said it should be. I texted that to the salesman.
A text and phone conversation ensued. The upshot was that they will put the truck on the lot with a Sold sign until we get the number. GM is supposed to be mailing it to Melissa. We'll see.
After that I went out to work. I moved about half a ton of gravel from the pile to the pad where I park the truck. That enlarged it enough to hold the car port that we plan to buy. I had to get out the edger to prepare the area I put the gravel on. That turned into me edging all of the front yard and the areas around the well house and the trailer. That's all of the edging that I plan on doing this year.
I was really tired when I was done. I went back inside and rested for about half an hour. It was time for lunch, so we decided to go to the post off and then Hop Doddy's. I had to wait for awhile to pick up at package at the post office. Lunch was OK, but we don't think it's as good as the other Hop Doddy's.
I was still tired when we got home. I surfed until dinner - a ham sandwich. After dinner was TV and surfing. Ellen worked on this new hardware firewall that came in today's package.
A text and phone conversation ensued. The upshot was that they will put the truck on the lot with a Sold sign until we get the number. GM is supposed to be mailing it to Melissa. We'll see.
After that I went out to work. I moved about half a ton of gravel from the pile to the pad where I park the truck. That enlarged it enough to hold the car port that we plan to buy. I had to get out the edger to prepare the area I put the gravel on. That turned into me edging all of the front yard and the areas around the well house and the trailer. That's all of the edging that I plan on doing this year.
I was really tired when I was done. I went back inside and rested for about half an hour. It was time for lunch, so we decided to go to the post off and then Hop Doddy's. I had to wait for awhile to pick up at package at the post office. Lunch was OK, but we don't think it's as good as the other Hop Doddy's.
I was still tired when we got home. I surfed until dinner - a ham sandwich. After dinner was TV and surfing. Ellen worked on this new hardware firewall that came in today's package.
Thursday, November 14, 2019
Day 1472
We woke up at 8, but didn't get out of bed until after 10. Then it was pet stuff and breakfast. After a little surfing we left for Tomlinson's to get the dog food that we'd ordered. It was 42 degrees and raining.
After Tomlinson's we went to Dripping Springs. We stopped at HEB for milk and gas. Then we stopped at Tractor Supply for bird seed. The last stop was the car port seller that I saw when we drove through town from Fredericksburg. They were on the west side of RR12, when I remembered them being on the east side.
The carport guy sold both carports and wooden garage buildings. I'd like to get the building, but I'm not sure the truck will fit in the door. We had him price out a carport. While we were there the truck dealer called. The truck is in. Unfortunately we don't have the code from Melissa yet. I told them I'd talk with them tomorrow.
After the carport stop we went back home to pick up the safe deposit box key. Then we went to CVS for my drugs and the bank to get the truck title. The last stop was the hair salon so Ellen could get some hair stuff.
It was late afternoon when we got home. There were three packages waiting for us - one from Amazon and two from Samsung. I surfed the rest of the afternoon away.
Dinner was HEB salad, clam chowder, and hot chocolate. It was pretty good. After dinner was surfing and football.
After Tomlinson's we went to Dripping Springs. We stopped at HEB for milk and gas. Then we stopped at Tractor Supply for bird seed. The last stop was the car port seller that I saw when we drove through town from Fredericksburg. They were on the west side of RR12, when I remembered them being on the east side.
The carport guy sold both carports and wooden garage buildings. I'd like to get the building, but I'm not sure the truck will fit in the door. We had him price out a carport. While we were there the truck dealer called. The truck is in. Unfortunately we don't have the code from Melissa yet. I told them I'd talk with them tomorrow.
After the carport stop we went back home to pick up the safe deposit box key. Then we went to CVS for my drugs and the bank to get the truck title. The last stop was the hair salon so Ellen could get some hair stuff.
It was late afternoon when we got home. There were three packages waiting for us - one from Amazon and two from Samsung. I surfed the rest of the afternoon away.
Dinner was HEB salad, clam chowder, and hot chocolate. It was pretty good. After dinner was surfing and football.
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
Day 1471
We woke up at 8 today, but didn't get out of bed until after 11. It was really cold - near freezing. It didn't get above 40 the whole day.
The eye place called to schedule my appointments. Apparently I'll be getting my first eye done on Nov 27 (2 weeks) and the second one about a week later.
I did a little surfing after pet stuff and breakfast. Then I decided to attach the doors to the Lego stand. It didn't go well. I had trouble attaching the hinges. Then I had trouble removing the protective film. The handles went on OK, but the magnetic latch for the first door gave me a lot of problems. I even had to use the Dremel to shorten the bottom door. All in all it was a couple of hours or more of frustration.
After that I just didn't feel like doing anything else. So I just surfed and did a little reading. Ellen fixed pork chops for dinner. They were good. After dinner was TV and reading.
The eye place called to schedule my appointments. Apparently I'll be getting my first eye done on Nov 27 (2 weeks) and the second one about a week later.
I did a little surfing after pet stuff and breakfast. Then I decided to attach the doors to the Lego stand. It didn't go well. I had trouble attaching the hinges. Then I had trouble removing the protective film. The handles went on OK, but the magnetic latch for the first door gave me a lot of problems. I even had to use the Dremel to shorten the bottom door. All in all it was a couple of hours or more of frustration.
After that I just didn't feel like doing anything else. So I just surfed and did a little reading. Ellen fixed pork chops for dinner. They were good. After dinner was TV and reading.
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Day 1470
We got up at 6:30 today. After doing the pet stuff we left for the eye doctor. It was below freezing last night. The car was covered with a thick coating of ice. Luckily I'd found an ice scraper when we emptied out the truck. I got it out of the apartment and went to work. I had to work hard scraping for 15 minutes in order to clear the windows.
Luckily the roads were clear. Also the government and schools were on 2 hour delays. That meant that there weren't a lot of cars on the road. We made good time driving up to iHOP. We had breakfast there and finished up just in time to go to the eye place at 8:30.
I spent awhile filling out paperwork and waiting. Then a couple of technicians did a bunch of eye measurements. I sat while the dilation drops worked and then saw the doctor. He was a duck hunter, so he understood shooting. He didn't think the adjustable lenses were a good idea. He suggested a normal lens in my right eye and an astigmatism lens in my left eye. They'll call me tomorrow about scheduling.
From there we went to Best Buy via the coffee place Ellen drove because I couldn't see. Best Buy didn't hand the Samsung Tab S6, so we went to Verizon and bought one. Then we went to HEB and Randall's for groceries. The final stop was the post office.
When we got home we had lunch and I set up the S6. It's battery was low, so I just hooked it up to charge after that. Then I did some surfing. The temp never got up to 40.
About 4 Ellen went to coach the kids. I did more surfing and a little later TV. Dinner was a frozen dinner. After dinner was more TV and surfing. The temperature at 9 was 24.
Luckily the roads were clear. Also the government and schools were on 2 hour delays. That meant that there weren't a lot of cars on the road. We made good time driving up to iHOP. We had breakfast there and finished up just in time to go to the eye place at 8:30.
I spent awhile filling out paperwork and waiting. Then a couple of technicians did a bunch of eye measurements. I sat while the dilation drops worked and then saw the doctor. He was a duck hunter, so he understood shooting. He didn't think the adjustable lenses were a good idea. He suggested a normal lens in my right eye and an astigmatism lens in my left eye. They'll call me tomorrow about scheduling.
From there we went to Best Buy via the coffee place Ellen drove because I couldn't see. Best Buy didn't hand the Samsung Tab S6, so we went to Verizon and bought one. Then we went to HEB and Randall's for groceries. The final stop was the post office.
When we got home we had lunch and I set up the S6. It's battery was low, so I just hooked it up to charge after that. Then I did some surfing. The temp never got up to 40.
About 4 Ellen went to coach the kids. I did more surfing and a little later TV. Dinner was a frozen dinner. After dinner was more TV and surfing. The temperature at 9 was 24.
Monday, November 11, 2019
Day 1469
I woke up sometime before 8, but played games until after 9. Then it was pet stuff and breakfast. After breakfast I did some more surfing. I also reread the info on the replacement lenses for cataracts. I finally decided I had to do something, so I went out to the garage and got the wind chime.
I found a clamp to mount the chime and took everything to the back porch. Ellen decided where she wanted it. As I was starting to mount it I decided I needed a hook instead of a clamp. So I put everything up and we went to ACE.
We bought the hook and then went to Tomlinson's. We'd promised Lucy a trip there the other day but didn't go. This was a makeup. We also stopped at Pieous for lunch. We got pastries, which were great. We also got a pizza, which sucked. Given that they are always busy I doubt we'll be back, at least for pizza.
When we got home I hung up the chime. The temperature had dropped 30 degrees in the hour and a half we'd been gone. The wind had really come up, but the chime didn't make a lot of noise. I'm not sure if that's good or bad.
After that I got the doors for the Lego holder. I measured and marked where the hinges needed to go. Then it was back to the garage to drill and mount the hinges on the door. I brought everything I needed to mount them on the holder, but I decided I'd done enough for today.
The rest of the day was surfing and football. The Seahawks are fucking it up.
I found a clamp to mount the chime and took everything to the back porch. Ellen decided where she wanted it. As I was starting to mount it I decided I needed a hook instead of a clamp. So I put everything up and we went to ACE.
We bought the hook and then went to Tomlinson's. We'd promised Lucy a trip there the other day but didn't go. This was a makeup. We also stopped at Pieous for lunch. We got pastries, which were great. We also got a pizza, which sucked. Given that they are always busy I doubt we'll be back, at least for pizza.
When we got home I hung up the chime. The temperature had dropped 30 degrees in the hour and a half we'd been gone. The wind had really come up, but the chime didn't make a lot of noise. I'm not sure if that's good or bad.
After that I got the doors for the Lego holder. I measured and marked where the hinges needed to go. Then it was back to the garage to drill and mount the hinges on the door. I brought everything I needed to mount them on the holder, but I decided I'd done enough for today.
The rest of the day was surfing and football. The Seahawks are fucking it up.
Sunday, November 10, 2019
Day 1468
We woke up about 8 and spent a little time in bed before getting up to do the pet stuff and have breakfast. Then I went out to the garage to get out the mower.
The mower didn't start when I tried to start it. So I hooked up the battery charger. The charger said the battery was down to 80% which was a little puzzling. I decided to fix the plant shield while I waited for it to charge.
I measured and cut the new panel for the shield. It was a little difficult because I didn't have a heavy cutting tool. Then I took the door off the panel and used it as a template to drill holes in the new door. Finally I hooked everything back together.
By the time I was finished the charger said the battery was at 98%. The mower still wouldn't start. I was about to start trying to debug it when I noticed the blades were engaged. I suspect there was an idiot light that indicated this when I tried to start it, but the light isn't labelled. I disengaged the blades and the mower started right up.
I mowed the area by the tennis courts. Then I mowed the margins of the driveway ant the area by the road. I decided to mow the road margins all the way to the stop sign because the back area doesn't need it. Also I think the road looks like shit with it not mowed.
After that it was strait mowing as usual except for three stops. The first was to cut some low hanging tree branches. The second was to remove a couple of large rocks in the front yard. I had to get the pick to remove them. The third was to remove the skeleton of some animal. It was a carnivore about the size of a cat. I threw the bones over the fence.
I took a shower afterwards because I was covered with dust. Then I ate a late lunch. After that I went back to the garage and cut the doors for the Lego stand. It's supposed to be cold tomorrow, so I'll probably work on them inside the house.
After that it was time for football. The games were actually interesting this week. The best was the last - the Cowboys lost. Dinner was a HEB salad we bought a few days ago.
The mower didn't start when I tried to start it. So I hooked up the battery charger. The charger said the battery was down to 80% which was a little puzzling. I decided to fix the plant shield while I waited for it to charge.
I measured and cut the new panel for the shield. It was a little difficult because I didn't have a heavy cutting tool. Then I took the door off the panel and used it as a template to drill holes in the new door. Finally I hooked everything back together.
By the time I was finished the charger said the battery was at 98%. The mower still wouldn't start. I was about to start trying to debug it when I noticed the blades were engaged. I suspect there was an idiot light that indicated this when I tried to start it, but the light isn't labelled. I disengaged the blades and the mower started right up.
I mowed the area by the tennis courts. Then I mowed the margins of the driveway ant the area by the road. I decided to mow the road margins all the way to the stop sign because the back area doesn't need it. Also I think the road looks like shit with it not mowed.
After that it was strait mowing as usual except for three stops. The first was to cut some low hanging tree branches. The second was to remove a couple of large rocks in the front yard. I had to get the pick to remove them. The third was to remove the skeleton of some animal. It was a carnivore about the size of a cat. I threw the bones over the fence.
I took a shower afterwards because I was covered with dust. Then I ate a late lunch. After that I went back to the garage and cut the doors for the Lego stand. It's supposed to be cold tomorrow, so I'll probably work on them inside the house.
After that it was time for football. The games were actually interesting this week. The best was the last - the Cowboys lost. Dinner was a HEB salad we bought a few days ago.
Saturday, November 9, 2019
Day 1467
We got up at 8 today, did the pet stuff and had breakfast. Then we left to go to the GMC dealer. We ended up buying a truck that will be here in a week. It's everything we wanted except that it has a sliding roof and a center console lock. That cost about $800. I'm a little mad at myself for letting then give me so little for the trade-in, but that's on me. We can afford it, so I'm not worrying.
We stopped at the post office on the way home. The gem holders were here - I've been waiting for them. We made a short stop at CVS and then went home.
The weather was actually nice today, low 70's. I backed the truck into the garage and removed the hitch. It's the first time I've used the chain hoist and it worked pretty well. After that I started cleaning out the truck. It took hours and I found stuff I didn't even know was in the truck. Ellen was pulling weeds while I worked. She got tired of that and came over to help unload the truck. It helped.
Eventually we got it done. I moved the truck over in front of the trailer. The next time I drive it will probably be the last. I sure hope the new truck is as reliable and trouble free as it was. I'm going to kind of miss the old truck.
I went out to the gate and cleaned the driveway entrance before I went in. It was covered with gravel that had washed off the pavement. It just looked bad and it has been bugging me for a long time.
We fed the pets and then went to dinner. I wanted to go to Pieous. It was a little after 5, but there was a line of about 20 people. We looked at the menu and didn't see anything that we wanted to wait that long for. So we went to the place next to ACE. It was great. They had Guinness on tap and I had two - only $5 apiece.
When we got home Ellen watched TV. I hit the web to look at things for the truck.
We stopped at the post office on the way home. The gem holders were here - I've been waiting for them. We made a short stop at CVS and then went home.
The weather was actually nice today, low 70's. I backed the truck into the garage and removed the hitch. It's the first time I've used the chain hoist and it worked pretty well. After that I started cleaning out the truck. It took hours and I found stuff I didn't even know was in the truck. Ellen was pulling weeds while I worked. She got tired of that and came over to help unload the truck. It helped.
Eventually we got it done. I moved the truck over in front of the trailer. The next time I drive it will probably be the last. I sure hope the new truck is as reliable and trouble free as it was. I'm going to kind of miss the old truck.
I went out to the gate and cleaned the driveway entrance before I went in. It was covered with gravel that had washed off the pavement. It just looked bad and it has been bugging me for a long time.
We fed the pets and then went to dinner. I wanted to go to Pieous. It was a little after 5, but there was a line of about 20 people. We looked at the menu and didn't see anything that we wanted to wait that long for. So we went to the place next to ACE. It was great. They had Guinness on tap and I had two - only $5 apiece.
When we got home Ellen watched TV. I hit the web to look at things for the truck.
Friday, November 8, 2019
Day 1466
We woke up at 7:30, but didn't get out of bed until 9. It was 43 degrees and raining. It didn't get above 45 all day. After pet stuff and breakfast it was surfing.
The cats have been wrecking the plants and my Legos. The fix is to redo the plant shield and put a door on the Lego stand. So we went to Lowe's to get parts. We also stopped at Home Depot because Lowe's didn't have everything. We went to the post office, stopping at the pet store on the way for a doggy treat. The last stop was Jim's for lunch.
It was too cold to work in the garage when we got home. So I spent the rest of the day and most of the evening on surfing and TV. Dinner was clam chowder.
The cats have been wrecking the plants and my Legos. The fix is to redo the plant shield and put a door on the Lego stand. So we went to Lowe's to get parts. We also stopped at Home Depot because Lowe's didn't have everything. We went to the post office, stopping at the pet store on the way for a doggy treat. The last stop was Jim's for lunch.
It was too cold to work in the garage when we got home. So I spent the rest of the day and most of the evening on surfing and TV. Dinner was clam chowder.
Thursday, November 7, 2019
Day 1465
We got up at 7:30, but didn't get out of bed for an hour or so. Then it was pet stuff, breakfast, and some surfing. I printed out a truck configuration.
We left for the Domain after 9. It was raining a little, but there weren't any traffic problems. I took the toll lane anyway. When we got up there we bought bamboo towels at the bamboo store. Then we went to the Microsoft store so I could look at the new Surface. It was nice, but it's bigger and I'm not sure I want it. We decided to wait until Best Buy has it. That way we can use a discount and get it set up on Verizon right there.
By then it was noon, so we ate lunch at the Ramen place that's always been too busy to eat at. It was OK, but I didn't think it was anything special. It was packed after we came in even though not many people were walking around due to the rain. On the way back to the car we passed the French pastrey place, so we stopped for dessert. We even got Lucy one of their dog cookies.
I kind of screwed up. I texted the GMC guy just as we got back to the car. He didn't answer until we were halfway home. It turns out that that was lucky, because the configuration I printed out was the wrong one. We stopped at the post office, the mower place, and ACE on the way home. I got a filter for the mower and a power cord for the lighted flamingo.
When I got home I ran the extension cord for the flamingo and hooked it up. By then the temperature was in the low 50's and the wind was blowing. That meant no walk to the mailbox. I called the GMC guy and set up a meeting Saturday morning.
I spent quite awhile constructing and printing out a new configuration. Then I closely read all 15 pages of it. I marked several places where I had questions. I also looked up the credit union money rates. All the banks now lend through the dealers rather than directly. I also looked up extended warranties. There's no reason to buy one until the original warranty runs out.
Ellen fixed hamburgers for dinner. After dinner was football. For once it was an interesting game. The flamingo looks fantastic.
We left for the Domain after 9. It was raining a little, but there weren't any traffic problems. I took the toll lane anyway. When we got up there we bought bamboo towels at the bamboo store. Then we went to the Microsoft store so I could look at the new Surface. It was nice, but it's bigger and I'm not sure I want it. We decided to wait until Best Buy has it. That way we can use a discount and get it set up on Verizon right there.
By then it was noon, so we ate lunch at the Ramen place that's always been too busy to eat at. It was OK, but I didn't think it was anything special. It was packed after we came in even though not many people were walking around due to the rain. On the way back to the car we passed the French pastrey place, so we stopped for dessert. We even got Lucy one of their dog cookies.
I kind of screwed up. I texted the GMC guy just as we got back to the car. He didn't answer until we were halfway home. It turns out that that was lucky, because the configuration I printed out was the wrong one. We stopped at the post office, the mower place, and ACE on the way home. I got a filter for the mower and a power cord for the lighted flamingo.
When I got home I ran the extension cord for the flamingo and hooked it up. By then the temperature was in the low 50's and the wind was blowing. That meant no walk to the mailbox. I called the GMC guy and set up a meeting Saturday morning.
I spent quite awhile constructing and printing out a new configuration. Then I closely read all 15 pages of it. I marked several places where I had questions. I also looked up the credit union money rates. All the banks now lend through the dealers rather than directly. I also looked up extended warranties. There's no reason to buy one until the original warranty runs out.
Ellen fixed hamburgers for dinner. After dinner was football. For once it was an interesting game. The flamingo looks fantastic.
Wednesday, November 6, 2019
Day 1464
We woke up at 7:30 today, but didn't get out of bed until 8:30. After pet stuff, breakfast, and some surfing I started on today's errands. I couldn't mow the lawn because it rained last night. Instead I started by taking out the garbage and recycling.
I went the garage and put the new pulley on the mower. The I aired up the tires. They were all at about half the inflation level. I took the mower off the stand and cleaned up all of the dead grass that I'd removed from the mower deck. Then I hauled the mower stand back to the back storage shed.
Ellen came out and said it was time for her haircut. So we put Lucy in the car and drove there. I left her there and went to the post office. Then I went to Best Buy. I wanted to look at the new Surface laptops. I might have purchased one, but they were out of stock. I didn't feel like doing anything else, so I went to the coffee shop.. I got a coffee and sat outside with the dog until Ellen called.
When she called I went back to the haircut place. It was about 2, so we had lunch at the Italian place. I went to Tomlinson's so Lucy could have a lunch treat. I picked out a lamb burger and a duck foot. They gave them to me for free.
After lunch it was back home. I put away the rest of the stuff from the trailer. I also assembled the neon flamingo and put it on the deck. I had to screw it to the deck, otherwise it would fall oer in the wind. I need to get an extension cord for it before I can light it up.
The last tasks related to the stuff from this summer will be mounting a wind chime and the wall art we bought.
When I was finished it was time to take the dog to the mailbox. After that it was an hour of surfing before a dinner of leftover sausage and hashbrowns. The rest of the evening was surfing.
I went the garage and put the new pulley on the mower. The I aired up the tires. They were all at about half the inflation level. I took the mower off the stand and cleaned up all of the dead grass that I'd removed from the mower deck. Then I hauled the mower stand back to the back storage shed.
Ellen came out and said it was time for her haircut. So we put Lucy in the car and drove there. I left her there and went to the post office. Then I went to Best Buy. I wanted to look at the new Surface laptops. I might have purchased one, but they were out of stock. I didn't feel like doing anything else, so I went to the coffee shop.. I got a coffee and sat outside with the dog until Ellen called.
When she called I went back to the haircut place. It was about 2, so we had lunch at the Italian place. I went to Tomlinson's so Lucy could have a lunch treat. I picked out a lamb burger and a duck foot. They gave them to me for free.
After lunch it was back home. I put away the rest of the stuff from the trailer. I also assembled the neon flamingo and put it on the deck. I had to screw it to the deck, otherwise it would fall oer in the wind. I need to get an extension cord for it before I can light it up.
The last tasks related to the stuff from this summer will be mounting a wind chime and the wall art we bought.
When I was finished it was time to take the dog to the mailbox. After that it was an hour of surfing before a dinner of leftover sausage and hashbrowns. The rest of the evening was surfing.
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
Day 1463
We got up at 7:30, did the pet stuff, had breakfast, and hit the road for San Antonio. It would have been a nice trip except for several miles of construction on 1626. Traffic was backed up and barely moving. I was not a happy camper.
There was another slowdown - stop and go, on I35 once we got to San Antonio. It lasted for 2 or 3 miles. The last problem was that the car GPS decided to route us on a 14 mile side trip. We switched to Ellen's phone and got there.
We had to park several blocks from the Big Boy in the parking lot for the San Antonio observation tower. We walked over to it and got there about 10. There were a lot of people there. I took a ton of pictures. A fully functioning steam locomotive, especially one that large, is really impressive. The sound was something, too. There was a high pitched scream from escaping steam even though it was standing still.
After about a half an hour they let people walk right up to it. We walked all around it and I took a slew of pictures of different details. We even got someone to take a picture of both of us.
One interesting note. Everyone wanted a picture standing in front of the locomotive. People just naturally took turns. No one was organizing it. That's something that would never happen in the Pacific Northwest. People are too rude up there.
We spent almost 2 hours at the train. Then we walked back to the tower. We bought tickets and went to the top. The view was impressive. I have a new appreciation for how San Antonio is laid out. There's a revolving restaurant at the top. We didn't go there, but we had drinks and an appetizer at the bar. Our table had a great view of downtown. The drink and appetizer were really good.
After that we drove back to Austin. We had to wait a little while on 1626, but only a fraction of the time we did this morning. On the way home we stopped and picked up the mower pulley.
When we got home I just didn't feel like working on the mower. So I spent the rest of the afternoon surfing and reading. I also took the dog to the mailbox.
Dinner was leftovers. After dinner was TV and reading.
There was another slowdown - stop and go, on I35 once we got to San Antonio. It lasted for 2 or 3 miles. The last problem was that the car GPS decided to route us on a 14 mile side trip. We switched to Ellen's phone and got there.
We had to park several blocks from the Big Boy in the parking lot for the San Antonio observation tower. We walked over to it and got there about 10. There were a lot of people there. I took a ton of pictures. A fully functioning steam locomotive, especially one that large, is really impressive. The sound was something, too. There was a high pitched scream from escaping steam even though it was standing still.
After about a half an hour they let people walk right up to it. We walked all around it and I took a slew of pictures of different details. We even got someone to take a picture of both of us.
One interesting note. Everyone wanted a picture standing in front of the locomotive. People just naturally took turns. No one was organizing it. That's something that would never happen in the Pacific Northwest. People are too rude up there.
We spent almost 2 hours at the train. Then we walked back to the tower. We bought tickets and went to the top. The view was impressive. I have a new appreciation for how San Antonio is laid out. There's a revolving restaurant at the top. We didn't go there, but we had drinks and an appetizer at the bar. Our table had a great view of downtown. The drink and appetizer were really good.
After that we drove back to Austin. We had to wait a little while on 1626, but only a fraction of the time we did this morning. On the way home we stopped and picked up the mower pulley.
When we got home I just didn't feel like working on the mower. So I spent the rest of the afternoon surfing and reading. I also took the dog to the mailbox.
Dinner was leftovers. After dinner was TV and reading.
Monday, November 4, 2019
Day 1462
We woke up about 8 and surfed for awhile. Then it was pet stuff and breakfast. After breakfast I went out to remove the broken pulley from the lawnmower. The Kroil didn't seem to have done much. I still couldn't budge it. It did allow me to remove enough rust to confirm that it wasn't a reverse thread.
I switched to socket wrench so I could use a pipe as a breaker bar. The pipe was 5 feet long. I had to grab the end of it and use a lot of force to finally break the nut loose. When I got the nut off I found that part of the pulley had broken off.
We got in the car and went to the mower repair place. They didn't have the part, but said they would have it by 4:30. We stopped by ACE because we had a coupon. We bought a broom and some cleaning supplies.
The next stop was the post office. It was a good move. The box was crammed full and there were two packages also. The next stop was the Cajun pace for lunch. It was just as good as I expected it would be. Then it was HEB for milk. The last stop was Tomlinson's for dog food. Unfortunately they were out of what we wanted. Lucy got a cookie though.
When we got home I went back out to the garage. I took the mower blade and sharpened it. One of the packages contained a power cord adapter for the trailer. I installed it which removed the daisy chain I'd been using. It also let me put the expensive 50 amp cord back in the trailer.
The last trailer task Is to remove the extra clothes in the trailer. I went through the t-shirts, pants, and heavy shirts. I piled everything I didn't need on the bed. There was almost as much on the bed as I left in the trailer. I left it on the bed because it was 90 in the trailer and I was hot and tired.
The mower place never called, so I'm not sure they really had the part.
I watched a movie until a late dinner - Caesar salad. After dinner was football and reading. I have a whole stack of magazines to get through.
I switched to socket wrench so I could use a pipe as a breaker bar. The pipe was 5 feet long. I had to grab the end of it and use a lot of force to finally break the nut loose. When I got the nut off I found that part of the pulley had broken off.
We got in the car and went to the mower repair place. They didn't have the part, but said they would have it by 4:30. We stopped by ACE because we had a coupon. We bought a broom and some cleaning supplies.
The next stop was the post office. It was a good move. The box was crammed full and there were two packages also. The next stop was the Cajun pace for lunch. It was just as good as I expected it would be. Then it was HEB for milk. The last stop was Tomlinson's for dog food. Unfortunately they were out of what we wanted. Lucy got a cookie though.
When we got home I went back out to the garage. I took the mower blade and sharpened it. One of the packages contained a power cord adapter for the trailer. I installed it which removed the daisy chain I'd been using. It also let me put the expensive 50 amp cord back in the trailer.
The last trailer task Is to remove the extra clothes in the trailer. I went through the t-shirts, pants, and heavy shirts. I piled everything I didn't need on the bed. There was almost as much on the bed as I left in the trailer. I left it on the bed because it was 90 in the trailer and I was hot and tired.
The mower place never called, so I'm not sure they really had the part.
I watched a movie until a late dinner - Caesar salad. After dinner was football and reading. I have a whole stack of magazines to get through.
Sunday, November 3, 2019
Day 1461
We spent the extra hour from "falling back" sleeping. When we woke up we surfed and didn't get up until about 9:30. Then it was pet stuff and breakfast. It was cold again this morning, so I surfed until it was warm enough to do the mowing.
The mower started right up and I got to work. Unfortunately the mower deck got set to its lowest setting and I didn't realize it. The part bu the trailer went fine, but the part by the well house resulted in a lot of dragging of the blade. I finally realized the problem and raised the deck.
I'm afraid the damage was done. I noticed that mowing wasn't being done well. So I pulled the mower into the garage and got the mower lift from the far storage building. When I raised it I found out that one of the blade drive pulley's was broken. I tried to get it off, but the nut holding it is rusted on. I soaked it in Kroil and will try again tomorrow.
That ended mowing. Si started emptying boxes from Salem instead. I emptied the two from the basement and one from the truck. All of the stuff got put away, and a little went to Goodwill. There was a whole lot of stuff for Isaac. I still have one more box from the truck to go.
After the boxes I've got several pieces of art, and some pin flamingos to deal with. I'll do that if the mower fix takes time.
After the boxes it was some surfing. Lucy really wanted to do something, so I took her to the mailbox. It was Sunday, but I didn't go yesterday. She had fun.
Dinner was a take home and cook thing from HEB. After dinner was TV and surfing.
The mower started right up and I got to work. Unfortunately the mower deck got set to its lowest setting and I didn't realize it. The part bu the trailer went fine, but the part by the well house resulted in a lot of dragging of the blade. I finally realized the problem and raised the deck.
I'm afraid the damage was done. I noticed that mowing wasn't being done well. So I pulled the mower into the garage and got the mower lift from the far storage building. When I raised it I found out that one of the blade drive pulley's was broken. I tried to get it off, but the nut holding it is rusted on. I soaked it in Kroil and will try again tomorrow.
That ended mowing. Si started emptying boxes from Salem instead. I emptied the two from the basement and one from the truck. All of the stuff got put away, and a little went to Goodwill. There was a whole lot of stuff for Isaac. I still have one more box from the truck to go.
After the boxes I've got several pieces of art, and some pin flamingos to deal with. I'll do that if the mower fix takes time.
After the boxes it was some surfing. Lucy really wanted to do something, so I took her to the mailbox. It was Sunday, but I didn't go yesterday. She had fun.
Dinner was a take home and cook thing from HEB. After dinner was TV and surfing.
Saturday, November 2, 2019
Day 1460
We woke up about 9 today. That's mainly because we stayed up pretty late last night. After a little surfing it was pet stuff and breakfast. It was cold again this morning, so after that it was surfing until it warmed up.
Once it warmed up I went out to winterize the trailer. I thought draining the water from the hot water tank would be difficult, but it wasn't. Blowing the water out of the lines with compressed air took a little while though. After that I locked up the trailer. I should have sorted out my clothes, but I didn't feel like it. Instead I started to work on a mini-lego T-rex. It's hard. I only got the legs done.
We had lunch - sandwiches. Then we went out to the trailer to measure the bedroom windows for new shades. Unfortunately I need to remove the valences to do it and I didn't have the right tool. That meant a trip to Lowe's. That was OK since I needed gas for the mower. I put the mower on the charger so it will be working tomorrow.
We left, got the gas, and went to Lowe's. I found the took I needed. I also wanted to buy a small drill driver. The web said the store had 5 in stock. I couldn't find any. The employees weren't interested in helping me look, so we left. The last stop was the Icehouse for dinner - nacho's.
When we got home I misjudged the gate timing. It hit the back of the truck and knocked a bumper guard loose. Fortunately it was an easy fix.
The rest of the evening was surfing and TV. I tried to order the drill from Lowe's, but their website wouldn't accept the order. So I ordered it from Amazon instead.
Once it warmed up I went out to winterize the trailer. I thought draining the water from the hot water tank would be difficult, but it wasn't. Blowing the water out of the lines with compressed air took a little while though. After that I locked up the trailer. I should have sorted out my clothes, but I didn't feel like it. Instead I started to work on a mini-lego T-rex. It's hard. I only got the legs done.
We had lunch - sandwiches. Then we went out to the trailer to measure the bedroom windows for new shades. Unfortunately I need to remove the valences to do it and I didn't have the right tool. That meant a trip to Lowe's. That was OK since I needed gas for the mower. I put the mower on the charger so it will be working tomorrow.
We left, got the gas, and went to Lowe's. I found the took I needed. I also wanted to buy a small drill driver. The web said the store had 5 in stock. I couldn't find any. The employees weren't interested in helping me look, so we left. The last stop was the Icehouse for dinner - nacho's.
When we got home I misjudged the gate timing. It hit the back of the truck and knocked a bumper guard loose. Fortunately it was an easy fix.
The rest of the evening was surfing and TV. I tried to order the drill from Lowe's, but their website wouldn't accept the order. So I ordered it from Amazon instead.
Friday, November 1, 2019
Day 1459
We woke up about 9, but surfed for awhile before getting up. Then it was pet stuff and breakfast. After that it was a little more surfing. Then it was time to get to work.
I put away all of the stuff from under the sofa. Some of it went to the bedroom, some to the spare room, and some to the apartment. It took quite awhile to get everything distributed to the correct places. Then I unpacked the box from the trailer bedroom and put it in the apartment.
We ate some lunch - frozen food. By then it was about 2:30. We needed some food and I wanted to pick up the stuff at the post office. I decided to go north on Mopac to see what it looked like. It's more screwed up than when we left. It's 1 lane from before the turn to past Slaughter. That's with entrances feeding people from the toll road and La Crosse on to it at the curve. It must e a complete disaster in the morning.
We stopped at Randall's to buy the frozen food that HEB doesn't have. Then we picked up the package at the post office. I went home on William Cannon because both Mopac and 290 were parking lots. It still took awhile due to school just getting out.
One of the things in the package was new latches for the trailer drawers. So I took them out to the trailer and installed them. It was kind of a pain in the ass because I needed to remove the drawers and drill new holes to install them. They seem to make a difference though.
After that it was some reading and surfing until dinner. Ellen fixed waffles. After dinner was TV and surfing.
I put away all of the stuff from under the sofa. Some of it went to the bedroom, some to the spare room, and some to the apartment. It took quite awhile to get everything distributed to the correct places. Then I unpacked the box from the trailer bedroom and put it in the apartment.
We ate some lunch - frozen food. By then it was about 2:30. We needed some food and I wanted to pick up the stuff at the post office. I decided to go north on Mopac to see what it looked like. It's more screwed up than when we left. It's 1 lane from before the turn to past Slaughter. That's with entrances feeding people from the toll road and La Crosse on to it at the curve. It must e a complete disaster in the morning.
We stopped at Randall's to buy the frozen food that HEB doesn't have. Then we picked up the package at the post office. I went home on William Cannon because both Mopac and 290 were parking lots. It still took awhile due to school just getting out.
One of the things in the package was new latches for the trailer drawers. So I took them out to the trailer and installed them. It was kind of a pain in the ass because I needed to remove the drawers and drill new holes to install them. They seem to make a difference though.
After that it was some reading and surfing until dinner. Ellen fixed waffles. After dinner was TV and surfing.
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