I swear the earth must be spinning faster around the sun because it's already the end of January. One twelfth of the year gone. Wasn't it Christmas yesterday and summer last week?
We continue the great American clean-up as we tackle closets, cabinets and stashes all around. This past week it was the 'medicine' cabinet where Carolyn disposed of all the meds past their expiration dates, and yet, we still have sufficient supplies to start our own small pharmacy. Then, we cleaned out underneath our master bath sinks, eliminating dozens of hotel shampoo bottles and non-functioning appliances.
Our new spa was delivered late Saturday morning and we hope the new concrete pad that was poured on Friday is cured enough so it can bear the weight. An electrician came out to hook it up only to find that we need to pull new wires as its a 60 amp setup versus the 40 amps we had. Electricians are expensive! But I'm not fooling around with 220. He should be back today to make the installation.
Sunday, we enjoyed reading the papers in bed and then headed down to the harbor for a nice sail, followed by a short walk around the harbor, a stop by Nan's, and then off to church.
Perhaps, the time seems to be going sooo fast because my next holiday isn't until the end of May! If work can speed up and vacations can slow down, that would work for me!!
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Monday, January 23, 2006
Winter Sun
With the exception of rain on the Rose Parade and a slight drizzle a week ago, the weather in So. Cal. has been bright and sunny in stark contrast to the rains of last year. Perhaps, I'm a little too anxious to see how the repairs hold up in a harder rain.
I've been trying to walk at lunch and have managed to about four days out of five last week. Today, though the wind is blowing and the chill by the mountains is a little more pronounced so I passed. I have to save my strength for tonight's poker game!
The last two weekends have been fairly productive. I spent several hours on Saturday and Sunday, installing new sprinkler heads and a new line after all of our outside construction work and then painting the stucco which had been repaired. Carolyn has been gardening and slowly bagging and trashing the abundance of "stuff" in several areas in the house that accumulates when you never move. But, there is always more to do!
Saturday, I went in for my eye exam and new contacts and my far vision actually needs a little less power, but we had to tweak my near vision to help with the clarity. Those pesky Excel spreadsheets in size 6 font are getting harder and harder to see.
Oh, after 17 years, we splurged on ourselves with an early Valentine's gift and purchased a new jacuzzi. Our old one was falling apart on the sides and the motor was no longer operational. This one is little smaller, but is more hydrotheraupetic and Carolyn is anxiously awaiting its installation in about two weeks. I wonder if I can claim it as a medical deduction?
Sunday was church and then dinner at the Stadium Brewing Co. with Pattie and Chris after watching at least a little bit of the Steeler - Denver game. And, then the work cycle begins again (I miss three and four day weekends).
I've been trying to walk at lunch and have managed to about four days out of five last week. Today, though the wind is blowing and the chill by the mountains is a little more pronounced so I passed. I have to save my strength for tonight's poker game!
The last two weekends have been fairly productive. I spent several hours on Saturday and Sunday, installing new sprinkler heads and a new line after all of our outside construction work and then painting the stucco which had been repaired. Carolyn has been gardening and slowly bagging and trashing the abundance of "stuff" in several areas in the house that accumulates when you never move. But, there is always more to do!
Saturday, I went in for my eye exam and new contacts and my far vision actually needs a little less power, but we had to tweak my near vision to help with the clarity. Those pesky Excel spreadsheets in size 6 font are getting harder and harder to see.
Oh, after 17 years, we splurged on ourselves with an early Valentine's gift and purchased a new jacuzzi. Our old one was falling apart on the sides and the motor was no longer operational. This one is little smaller, but is more hydrotheraupetic and Carolyn is anxiously awaiting its installation in about two weeks. I wonder if I can claim it as a medical deduction?
Sunday was church and then dinner at the Stadium Brewing Co. with Pattie and Chris after watching at least a little bit of the Steeler - Denver game. And, then the work cycle begins again (I miss three and four day weekends).
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Storm Watch Dud
The 'weather' people on local news warned us of the impending rain over the weekend which was to drop 1-2 inches of rain. That was OK with me as there were four football playoff games over the two days to occupy my time.
Friday night, Carolyn and I headed over to the Spectrum so Carolyn could buy a present for a bridal lingerie shower and then we could grab dinner out. Somehow Fredrick's didn't appeal, nor did a few other stores have a reasonable selection, so we ended up in Nordstroms. I always find it a bit more than a little uncomfortable to trail Carolyn through the racks of bras and panties, and Carolyn tries not to buy an absolute nothing for one of these 'events' as the younger set will be more than willing to supply those. Carolyn found a nightgown which was short, cute, comfortable and opaque, and as the clerk wrapped it we found out she had previously worked at Victoria's Secret. Her observation was that there are two type of men who shop there: the man who knows exactly what he wants; and, the other who is nervous and anxious to buy anything and get out. I understand the anxiety.
Dinner was at Champs which is lined with large screen video displaying every possible sport imaginable. Over Carolyn's shoulder, played hockey, pro and college basketball, and snowboarding. Carolyn had a pretty good pulled pork sandwich while I had a chicken wrap that also became my Saturday lunch.
Saturday morning, it was misting so I hurried to lay out some plastic on the deck to protect the garden room. I think that was the hardest it 'rained' all day, as the storm (or drizzle) never really materialized. Then I settled in for some playoff football before the evening at the OC Performing Arts Center, the Pop series, which featured Henry Mancini's music and his daughter's singing. Front row, nearly center, the typical Lewis provided seats. We enjoyed it very much then took in an after theater dinner at Jerry's Deli.
Sunday started off lazy with reading both papers in bed, but then I got into cleaning out some of my clothes in the closet and Carolyn was also inspired so we ended up with a MUCH neater closet and two full bags of clothes ready for Goodwill. This, of course, morphed into a need to move the sewing machine back into 'Ashley's' room and a bit of rearranging there. Meanwhile, I managed to slip back to the game room more than once, while Carolyn contemplated, to catch portions of the two Sunday football games.
Then, we made it to church at the temple for the first time in about four weeks, and Mike taught a great sermon from Hebrews 4:1-3 about the importance of knowing you're a Christian (not just because of what I've done, prayed, or felt) as the consequences are eternal.
Home again we enjoyed a roast Carolyn had put in before we left (the smell permeating our house), and then settled in for the first two hours of season 5 of 24 and Jack Bauer. The tension begins again!
Friday night, Carolyn and I headed over to the Spectrum so Carolyn could buy a present for a bridal lingerie shower and then we could grab dinner out. Somehow Fredrick's didn't appeal, nor did a few other stores have a reasonable selection, so we ended up in Nordstroms. I always find it a bit more than a little uncomfortable to trail Carolyn through the racks of bras and panties, and Carolyn tries not to buy an absolute nothing for one of these 'events' as the younger set will be more than willing to supply those. Carolyn found a nightgown which was short, cute, comfortable and opaque, and as the clerk wrapped it we found out she had previously worked at Victoria's Secret. Her observation was that there are two type of men who shop there: the man who knows exactly what he wants; and, the other who is nervous and anxious to buy anything and get out. I understand the anxiety.
Dinner was at Champs which is lined with large screen video displaying every possible sport imaginable. Over Carolyn's shoulder, played hockey, pro and college basketball, and snowboarding. Carolyn had a pretty good pulled pork sandwich while I had a chicken wrap that also became my Saturday lunch.
Saturday morning, it was misting so I hurried to lay out some plastic on the deck to protect the garden room. I think that was the hardest it 'rained' all day, as the storm (or drizzle) never really materialized. Then I settled in for some playoff football before the evening at the OC Performing Arts Center, the Pop series, which featured Henry Mancini's music and his daughter's singing. Front row, nearly center, the typical Lewis provided seats. We enjoyed it very much then took in an after theater dinner at Jerry's Deli.
Sunday started off lazy with reading both papers in bed, but then I got into cleaning out some of my clothes in the closet and Carolyn was also inspired so we ended up with a MUCH neater closet and two full bags of clothes ready for Goodwill. This, of course, morphed into a need to move the sewing machine back into 'Ashley's' room and a bit of rearranging there. Meanwhile, I managed to slip back to the game room more than once, while Carolyn contemplated, to catch portions of the two Sunday football games.
Then, we made it to church at the temple for the first time in about four weeks, and Mike taught a great sermon from Hebrews 4:1-3 about the importance of knowing you're a Christian (not just because of what I've done, prayed, or felt) as the consequences are eternal.
Home again we enjoyed a roast Carolyn had put in before we left (the smell permeating our house), and then settled in for the first two hours of season 5 of 24 and Jack Bauer. The tension begins again!
Thursday, January 12, 2006
First for '06
Well, it's about time that I again get into the bloggin' thing for 2006 after all the activities with Ashley and Bryce over the holidays.
The year began well with Bryce preaching at their old church, Christ Church, attended by both sets of parents. We were greeted for our annual pilgrimage and Bryce's sermon was excellent. Then A&B headed to Santa Barbara for a few days to visit the Crocketts.
On Friday, I took the afternoon off from work and took Ash, Bryce, Carolyn, and Sally sailing off of Dana Point. It was warm for December, about 75, but the wind was light and we ended up having to motor in after a decent sail outbound. Then the Hales, Wanda and Margaret joined us for a dinner at Ichibiri as our send off for Ashley and Bryce.
When we got home around 10, I wasn't sure if A&B were going to be able to get packed by the next morning as piles of clothes, books, etc. were waiting to be equitably distributed in suitcases, a box, duffels and backpacks. I hit the bed while Carolyn stayed up until 1:30 finishing sewing their duvet cover while watching Leno in our bedroom (did I mention that I don't have a problem sleeping). While I slept, a miracle had been wrought by Bryce as all their stuff had found a home and both their bedroom and the game room were in perfect order. Good job!!
Sally arrived at our home before 8 in her Yukon, as it was big enough for the five of us and the bags, to make the drive up to LAX. After a little re-arranging at the check-in counter, Bryce was able to end up with only one overweight bag ($25) and they were on their way down the long concourse as we embarrassed them by continually waving them all the way through security. And what is it about Ashley, that she required a wanding at security? She doesn't look that threatening to me!
The rest of the weekend, we stayed busy by cleaning up the yard, putting away all of the Christmas decorations (7 boxes), and watching some of the playoff games. I was totally bummed to see Carson Palmer hurt on the second offensive play for the Bengals as I wanted to see how well he could perform in a playoff situation. Carolyn tried not to mope around too much as she missed having Ashley (and Bryce) around.
Sunday evening we drove down to Capo Beach to the Aufhammer's temporary residence to join them and John and Sally for dinner. We had a good time catching up and had a lovely meal: salad; chicken; asparagus; mashed potatoes with spinach; and, cherry pie. And Chas did the cooking!
This week is my first full work week in about a month. I hope I can survive until the next holiday in May! Last night we took in a play at the Laguna Playhouse, 2 Pianos, 4 Hands, which was funny with excellent musicianship. I think it was even funnier to Carolyn as she has endured the same sort of piano lessons.
Tonight we begin our couple's Bible study again and so most of our life has returned to normal.
The year began well with Bryce preaching at their old church, Christ Church, attended by both sets of parents. We were greeted for our annual pilgrimage and Bryce's sermon was excellent. Then A&B headed to Santa Barbara for a few days to visit the Crocketts.
On Friday, I took the afternoon off from work and took Ash, Bryce, Carolyn, and Sally sailing off of Dana Point. It was warm for December, about 75, but the wind was light and we ended up having to motor in after a decent sail outbound. Then the Hales, Wanda and Margaret joined us for a dinner at Ichibiri as our send off for Ashley and Bryce.
When we got home around 10, I wasn't sure if A&B were going to be able to get packed by the next morning as piles of clothes, books, etc. were waiting to be equitably distributed in suitcases, a box, duffels and backpacks. I hit the bed while Carolyn stayed up until 1:30 finishing sewing their duvet cover while watching Leno in our bedroom (did I mention that I don't have a problem sleeping). While I slept, a miracle had been wrought by Bryce as all their stuff had found a home and both their bedroom and the game room were in perfect order. Good job!!
Sally arrived at our home before 8 in her Yukon, as it was big enough for the five of us and the bags, to make the drive up to LAX. After a little re-arranging at the check-in counter, Bryce was able to end up with only one overweight bag ($25) and they were on their way down the long concourse as we embarrassed them by continually waving them all the way through security. And what is it about Ashley, that she required a wanding at security? She doesn't look that threatening to me!
The rest of the weekend, we stayed busy by cleaning up the yard, putting away all of the Christmas decorations (7 boxes), and watching some of the playoff games. I was totally bummed to see Carson Palmer hurt on the second offensive play for the Bengals as I wanted to see how well he could perform in a playoff situation. Carolyn tried not to mope around too much as she missed having Ashley (and Bryce) around.
Sunday evening we drove down to Capo Beach to the Aufhammer's temporary residence to join them and John and Sally for dinner. We had a good time catching up and had a lovely meal: salad; chicken; asparagus; mashed potatoes with spinach; and, cherry pie. And Chas did the cooking!
This week is my first full work week in about a month. I hope I can survive until the next holiday in May! Last night we took in a play at the Laguna Playhouse, 2 Pianos, 4 Hands, which was funny with excellent musicianship. I think it was even funnier to Carolyn as she has endured the same sort of piano lessons.
Tonight we begin our couple's Bible study again and so most of our life has returned to normal.
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