EVERY MORNING SUNRISE - MARK ALLEN - BLUE RIBBON FOR LILLY & HAM BONE SOUP - CUTTING IN FLOATERS - COLE SLAW - FRIED SALMON

There are a few homes around our neighborhood that face east and are routinely treated to these morning sunrises. We only happen upon these when we have to depart for early morning appointments. This photograph is OK, but cannot capture the grandeur of this sunrise.

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MARK ALLEN Found him Friday morning on The Feral Irishman's blog spot. 

I am a big fan of the guitar, unfettered of clutter.  I sit here with head phones on and his music  playing the background. I do enjoy the purity of being able to climb into a song along with the artist.  Try one of his songs with head phones on. You might enjoy, too. 

Mad World 

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Blue Ribbon for Lilly    (thank-you Fox Hat)

 "Lilly “graduates” (I hope!!) from her obedience class next week. She does OK in most things but still doesn’t like walking on a leash. We are lucky to have her -she is a sweet, sweet dog."

Lilly is a winner in my book. Congratulations, Lilly from a little corner of Texas. You are a good girl!!

"Had a killing frost last night so garden is gonzo. Decided to make ham-bone bean soup for this cold day so we will be having that with fresh cornbread for supper tonight - warms our tummies.
Colors didn’t seem that bright this year and trees look to be gone by around here already." 
 

Foxhat makes killer soups!!

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 MORNING DEER

Viewed from kitchen window while doing dishes. Quite often, members of our deer family "photo bomb" our normal routines.

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ANOTHER MORNING AT THE OFFICE "WORKING HOT"

 

"Cutting in floaters. This method sectionalizes the conductor. One side remains hot, the other side becomes de-energized." Well, of course it does!

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COLESLAW PREP

Cutter with its own bowl minimizes mess and quickens process.

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FRIDAY FISH NIGHT
 

I cross-hatched the fish, light salt and pepper rubbed in. Then, a little olive oil with a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning. Simmered in frying pan with lid on for 10 minutes on low, in butter and olive oil. Toothpicks temporarily held several pads of butter on top.

I cut the fillet lengthwise and made two servings off the skin. Light pink in the middle.  It was very good with more of the seasoning flavors noticeable. 

Will not repeat as the bride says just simmer 10 minutes, slice and serve. She is right. But I do like the photo and to try new ideas.

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JIBBER JABBER

October just about done and talking now of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Time flies. Soaking rain this weekend. Ponds low and lands browning from hot days and lack of rain. Changing season is bringing welcome rain. 

No more gardens. Beds coming down soon and the areas turned into lawn. The bride has replaced flowers around the home to be smaller, self sufficient and needing no more than watering. Downsizing and simplifying is in order before our winter sets in.

A pot of homemade soup on the simmer this morning and her loaded Tacos tonight. 

We started binge watching "Landman" on Paramount yesterday and will finish tonight. Season 2 comes out in a few weeks. I think I enjoyed this second watching more than the first.

Thanks for the visit this week. 

 

 

WASHING CARS - HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN - 10 DINNERS - HOTEL COSTIERA - JIBBER JABBER BROWNIES

 Her car finally back home after a month of waiting on parts for repair.

A member of the family has been away for awhile and we have been working the world with the family car. 

She will tell you about "her car" without you asking. "No bells, no whistles, buttons and knobs, easy to park and get in and out of places, no electronics navigating and so forth. Same with her cell phone. "It is just a phone." Well, she fudges from time to time with sharing a photo. But no email or any of that interweb nonsense. Just a phone, thank-you. 

Her car was dirty and in need of in-and-out detailing. I helped her get the washing stuff ready, hooked up the small electric pressure washer and told her I would wash and she should rinse and do all the interior work. She was happy with that and an hour later, her car looked all "pretty in black." 

I have been washing and loving automobiles since I was very young. I was always helping dad with the family car and his old DeSoto work car. Both mom and dad worked in those early days and two cars were as necessary then as they are now in the family fabric. 

The DeSoto had a unique gear-shifting concept.  Take your foot quickly off the gas peddle and it would automatically shift to the next gear. It was called "Fluid coupling."  It worked well. The old DeSoto was one of the first of the family cars I got to drive after getting my drivers license. Big like a truck but the ride was smooth and it was easy/fun to drive. Video does a good job of showing how this worked and felt while driving.

I still get the same feelings of a job well done from washing and cleaning cars as in those early days of the 1950's. I still turn around to look at the car after parking it at 80 years old. Now days, thoughk I ache more through the process.

I often look back on all the years now and having lived and grown up in the era of wonderful cars was a treat. 

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While drilling through the sites I visit daily, I came across another singer giving his interpretation of this original song. Not for me. This original song was, and still is, one of the songs that is woven in my DNA through high school, Vietnam and ever year since. Iconic, sign of the times and a song I always wanted to dance to during my teen years. 

HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN original by The Animals released June 19, 1964. From the first time I heard it until today, it still stirs emotions in me. Emotions of times passed. 

I did find this piano version that commanded my attention through the rendition. She captures the simple power of this song.

If you are interested. Volume up.

SWEET CHILD O'MINE 

INTERSTELLAR 

RIDERS ON THE STORM 

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 TEN DINNERS for lower middle class families. 

Found this on a click-bait site and just had to see for myself. I never ever saw or thought of how our family was classified. Mom and dad both worked, the meals were never lacking and always a meat, a starch and a vegetable at minimum for every dinner

1.  Spaghetti with jarred sauce. Yep, check. Add a few herbs, properly prepare the pasta and cover with Parmesan cheese. Still eat this and has nothing to do with class.

2.  Meatloaf was a treat and still is to this day. Just had one last week. The trick is knowing how to make it. Mom knew and passed down the recipes. The cold meatloaf sandwich with salt, mayonnaise, fresh bread and sliced on a diagonal was reason enough for having it for dinner the night before.

3.  Breakfast for dinner.  Eggs, hash browns from shredded potatoes, bacon/sausage/ham and pan cakes. Absolutely a winner.

4.  Tuna Noodle Casserole. I never ever did or will turn down this dish. Again, the cook has to have some skills and a hand-me-down recipe. And, canned mushroom soup is still magic sauce. This is one dish that the gals had to learn to make in their high school home education class.

5.  Hamburger helper. Mom never used this. She always cooked with "fresh" ingredients, but Hamburger Helper has come through my kitchen for years. I think I was the only one who truly enjoyed the mixed goo. And today, when no one else is around and I have the lunch duty for me only, Hamburger Helper may be a go-to meal.

6.  Hot dogs and boxed Mac and cheese.  Hot dogs still rock here quite often. Boxed Mac and cheese, though, are history. Improved by homemade with lots of cheese and baked in the oven. Hot dogs, mom's apple pie, family and friends at a get together. Grilled hot dogs on a toasted buttered bun with your choice of spread has never failed.

7.  Frozen Pizza.  Anyone who has and still eats frozen pizza has learned how "add on ingredients" make the pizza. It is not unusual for a frozen pizza with "added stuff" to be better than delivery. 

8.  Chicken and rice casserole. Again, this meal is dependent on someone who knows there way around a kitchen.  I will never turn this down!!

9.  Sloppy Joes. I have always had these at get togethers and made by someone who has a good recipe. Packing a toasted hamburger bun with a tasty hamburger mixture and sauce is a meal in and of itself. I have always been to lazy to do the work of making the mixture.

10. Toasted cheese and bowl of tomato soup.  Making a good cup of tomato soup with cream added is a skill-set. Making a good toasted cheese sandwich is also a skill-set. My wife and I talk of this meal quite often. She just commented on this one, "there is nothing better than a toasted cheese and a bowl of tomato soup, that is for sure."

And this list can go on.  For years, mothers across this country have had to figure out how to feed a family on a budget and make meals that appealed to kids. If the kids would eat the meal, the father would too.

*Peanut butter with potato chip sandwich. 

*Fresh sliced tomatoes, salt/pepper and mayonnaise on fresh bread. 

*Frito and baloney sandwich. The list goes on!!

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HOTEL COSTIERA on Amazon Prime 

Light-hearted comedy/drama. The filming along the Italian coast line is worth tuning in. Six episodes, for us two nights entertainment. The cast was new for both my wife and me and the story was not steeped in constant battles. Great cars, boats and street scenes, both day and night. Relaxed viewing.

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JIBBER JABBER 

Locals call this September/October dry and warm spell a second Texas summer. Apparently not unusual, but lawns and most things green are browning. There will not be any lawn mowing till some rain sets in. We are able to work outside during the days now and are finally getting to "put off" chores.

Fresh out of the oven this morning. I have tested a corner bite and leave the rest for "ya'll" to enjoy. 

 Thanks for the visit this week.

 

WAY IT SHOULD BE - CONDO FOR 6 - HUMMINGBIRDS - CHICKEN SOUP - CRACKER TINS - CHAT GPT PHOTO PRODUCTION - JIBBER JABBER

The way it should be!!

Why does fishing make me so happy?

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NEW CONDO FOR 6 

 

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STACKED UP AT PINEY WOODS INTERNATIONAL
 

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KITCHEN SINK CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP
 

A cool morning inspired leftovers-bowl of soup for lunch. I get as much pleasure throwing leftovers in a pot to make a meal as I do sitting down and eating. Often, it seems that the less I fuss over preparing a dish, the better it turns out. Such was the case here.

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1955 era family photo

My aunt is pictured in the middle and neighbor friend is sitting in the back. I can remember her friend vividly, but cannot remember her name. The families spent a lot of time fishing the Willapa River, all the way out into the Willapa Bay. When the salmon were running, they were on the river. 

Dad and I inherited this boat and turned it into a ski boat during my high school years. While looking for more photos of that project boat, I came across this photo. 

I think that is an old Sea King outboard motor.  

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COMMON PLACE

These brands sold in tins were commonplace through the 1960s to the 1980s. Sleeves of crackers in metal cans. The lids fit snug and kept the crackers fresh. Neither of these cans are rusted on the inside and continue to serve as storage for our crackers.

Today, these cans are found at estate sales/garage sales. Quite often, they made their way from kitchens into garage workshops storing a myriad of parts, pieces and tools.  And yes, also as a way of hanging on to our/the history.

We shop weekly at several Hispanic markets and grocery stores. We find some produce is much fresher and different products are offered. GOYA still packages crackers in everyday use tin cans.They serve other global markets and the tin can still offers a proven packaging method for airtight storage. They are functional and decorative in the kitchen.

A quick war story:

In 1967. I was flying helicopter gunships in Vietnam. Several teams of 2 helicopters were stationed for a one-day gig away from our main base. We were near a small village with dirt roads and a makeshift runway. Fuel and ammo were air-lifted in to us for that day's operations. 

During a lull, we found ourselves sitting on an old wooden fence awaiting a "fire mission" radio call. We were watching folks coming and going from the village and children playing. A young girl approached from a distance on a bicycle with a front basket loaded with fresh warm rolls just out of an oven. She stopped to sell and we bought. Warm bread is a universal comfort food and the moment was a special treat for us far from home. 

As we opened the fresh-baked rolls, we noticed that ants had also been baked into the rolls. Not a lot, but enough to notice. We laughed and ate the rolls without hesitation, joking that the ants were added protein. Had this particular "baker" been able to store flour in airtight tin cans like those pictured above, the flour would likely have been free of ant pests. 

Regardless, the fond memory of that fresh-baked bread still plays in me after all of these years. 

Airtight tin cans are a good thing for storage of food goods.

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CHAT GPT AI PRODUCED 

A good friend of my wife sent in a photo to Chat GPT and asked it to reproduce the photo in a style similiar to that of Iris Scott.

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 JIBBER JABBER

It is the time of the year for both of us for annual doctor visits. Blood work and checking on anything new we need to address. A few days have been spent on the road to get these visits completed.

Bottom line, if we are worse for wear, it appears that all of it is within normal operating ranges for our ages. A few more aches with some noticeable creeking in our movements. But we appear to be "ok" with no engine warning lights.

Each week brings more news that should send shivers down my spine. News of war, and war, and violence of people on people. My head is not in the sand, but neither am I running around yelling "the sky is falling, the sky is falling."

We do what we can do, watch out for each other, keep close to neighbors and friends, try to eat healthy and squeeze each day for goodness. Folks hold doors open for us, say good morning, have a nice day and God be with you. I cannot remember one encounter or passerby this past week that has not acknowledged us with a wave, or just pulling off the driveway to sit and visit about the weather and east Texas weeds and seeds. All offering kind words of wellness.

My wife tells me she loves me often each day and that is a two-way street.  After 25, years the woman still loves me and I her. A good way to end this week's blog and extend to you a "God Bless." Appreciate the visit. 

 

 

WAR FACE - PNW ARTIST SHARES - MORNING DOCK - FRIENDSHIPS - BREAKFAST BOX - SMOTHERED PORKCHOPS - JIBBER JABBER

Spooky has his war face on!!

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SUMMER VIEW

 Above, "In My Dreams" 1998 Acrylic on canvas. Shared from PNW Artist

CHERBU'S LANDING 1995 Acrylic on canvas also PNW Artist

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MORNING DOCK

Daybreak near a friend's cabin last week. The bride is keeping flowerbeds watered and spider webs at bay. The stillness and quiet are well reflected in this photo. 

Oh. how I would enjoy being on the dock, coffee in hand and wetting lures. Every time we visit this lake, fish are jumping and rolling just off the shore line. However, on this morning, there was not a ripple anywhere.

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SPOOKY and FINNEGAN

FRIENDSHIPS

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BREAKFAST BOX 

From time to time, we come across local meat markets with fresh meats, excellent selections of finer cuts and a weekly special known as Breakfast Boxes. The bride noticed a nearby local meat market on FB (City Meat Market in Mt. Vernon) and we decided to give their Wednesday special a try and learn more about the market. 

On Wednesdays, they offer a $3 bbq beef sandwich or a $5 dollar version with a drink and a bag of fresh potato chips. Our lunch that day was a treat, a bargain and now on the calendar for reminder. 

The breakfast box was $35 and consisted of:

2 dozen fresh extra-large farm eggs 

6 bone-in pork chops

2 pounds country sliced bacon

1 pound of locally ground breakfast sausage

6 hashbrown patties

Giving the eggs and bacon a morning try. Eggs fried in the bacon grease. Is there any other way?

Smothered pork chops turned out just like mom used to make. My wife is not a fan so a few dinners will cure my cravings.

For once, the photo above does justice to a meal made. The spinach is in keeping with eating healthy

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FROG just making a livin'! 

Local neighbor shares garden photo.

I always enjoy sharing photos that folks take the time to send to me. 

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JIBBER JABBER

I received an email from a longtime friend in Washington State yesterday. He shared with me a quick FB note of another longtime friend who recently passed away.

I found it ironic that awakening yesterday morning, memories of this longtime friend surfaced, seemingly out of no where. I could see his face clearly, his wife and one moment of riding dirt bikes through the hills just west of Olympia, Washington many years ago. I remembered laughing along with him as we were slogging through muddy trails and terrain. Falling down, getting up only to lose our footings, falling down again alongside our motorcycles.

He was a good friend and God Bless to him and his family. 

Fall officially starts tomorrow. Afternoons are quite pleasant now and we spend more time outside sitting with the cats by our feet and watching the birds clean up feeding trays. 

Neighbors driving by in their side-by-sides, seeing our gate open, turn in for a half-hour visit about nothing at all. Their flop-ear dog sits patiently on the front seat, waiting to get back on the road.

Appreciate your visit this week. 

 

 

 

 

LILLY IN A ONESIE - HEALTHY GRANOLA - SAUASAGE ON A STICK - B&W PHOTOGRAPHY - FLOWERING PAMPAS GRASS - JIBBER JABBER

from foxhat 

" Lilly was spayed two weeks ago and was put in a doggie onesie instead of the terrible cone of shame."

 "She had a vet visit last week and was cleared to take it off, now to get her into some dog training classes for manners!"

Thank you, foxhat. Will always share photos of Lilly. She is a good ol girl. Send pics of those homemade pickles.

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HOMEMADE GRANOLA

My wife made another batch of homemade granola and I could not resist a few pinches of the warm crunch. All healthy ingredients and she can put together a batch and bake in seemingly a few minutes. 

Helps me when I experience low blood coming on. If I take a spoonful along with a glass of water, the blood sugar problem does not occur. Much healthier than a Snickers bar. A small container is kept in the car helping eliminate low blood sugar issues on road trips. 

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SAUSAGE ON A STICK

Healthy? 

Nope and I would be afraid to know how they make these. These are found at our local gas stations/restaurants/quick stops. Much like a bag of Frito's or a corn dog, our body systems take complete control of us from time to time and we succumb to these kinds of treats. 

We enjoy eating these in the car on the way home, but have learned that they "pop" when bitten into and the dripping grease cannot be contained. These are safe to eat when plated and cut into small pieces with a very sharp knife. Pulling the stick is also accompanied by a flow of grease similar to that of the first gush of oil during an automobile oil change. Dipped in a large glob of mustard is mandatory.

Sausage on a stick was one of our first discoveries arriving in East Texas 5 years ago. One bite and we knew we were home! 

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BLACK AND WHITE

A collection of logs along a Washington State coastal river inlet. Photo taken 30 years ago. One of my favorite photos playing with black and white photography.

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 FLOWERING PAMPAS GRASS

 

These plants make an excellent dividing hedge row. Survive just fine in the summer heat. Sharp, long leaves require gloves while trimming. 

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JIBBER JABBER

Awhile has passed since posting. I have been lax and gone somewhat quiet on the net. There is no reason or underlying unhappiness here. I would be working harder today to explain and anything I have to work at these days pass as quickly as a Texas rain storm. Even trying to further explain to hear myself write out loud does not help. So best to move on, get a quick post out for proof of life.

I appreciate your visit this week.
 

 

THUNDERSTORMS WITH A CHANCE OF MEAT BALLS - SHADOWS OVER TARA - DEFEATING AI - CHICKEN IN A POT - JIBBER JABBER

Weather complaining still alive here. But the heat and humidity may have run its race this year as cooler temperatures come this next week. One big thunderstorm last week cooled and cleaned the air. Soaked the ground to the point of leaving puddles in the yard. A sign of change in the air? Locals also tell of feeling fall "in their bones". I pay attention to things like this. Also, plants at the entrance of our driveway are "leggy", showing signs of season changing. Both cats are eating more.

And yes, the bride made a batch of meatballs the same day.  

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 FROM THE FERAL IRISHMAN 

THE CRACK TRACKS....SHADOWS OVER TARA 

Put on head phones, turn the sound up some and listen and read. Four minutes of your time. 

ht to fi.

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HOW TO DEFEAT AI 

Found on Ace of Spades 082325

You may have to expand some to read.

It is the human spirit, of thinkers and problems solvers, that continue to amaze me. AI is a "thang" consuming some of my head time. In the blink of a technological eye, AI has woven its way into our lives. The old man in me is still wedded to those ways of old. How to cope. I have read this a dozen times and smile every time. A wooden shoe in the gears of change. 

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"This is where I enjoy my coffee in the morning.  It’s heaven." 

An email sent to an old friend with some complaining of "the times they are a changin." He writes back and ends his email with this photo and how he spends some of this time. Puts a smile on my face.

thankyou J  

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CHICKEN STEW

1. Add a whole chicken, stuffed with a whole onion, to the big soup pot.

2. Cover with water and simmer 5-6 hours.

3. Bone chicken and strain the broth.

Plenty of rich broth for soupmaking and chicken meat meals.  This will help cure colds and flu-s this coming winter. 

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JIBBER JABBER

Aging will continue to be talked about here.  In a nutshell, I am slower. Not yet dead in the water, but slower in moving, positioning, getting up, sitting down and walking, making sure I do not stumble or lose my balance. Most everything seems not to be done without some thought of that which I am doing. Driving in heavy traffic is avoided. Driving the back roads of Texas is the slower pace I wish to live. I see scenery now, not the blur. 

Sydney Sweeney has been fun to watch these past weeks. I did not realize she was an actress with credits beyond wearing jeans. Good for her.

Cracker Barrel has gone full Woke and has lost millions and millions of dollars overnight. Cracker Barrel has long been a place I have enjoyed eating at. My recent visit with my wife and her sister and sister's husband took place just a few weeks ago. The food was great, service staff excellent and atmosphere relaxing. I could always count on all of that at any of their resturants for so many years. My last meal there was a cowboy chicken lunch and may have been one of the best meals I have had there. But those days are over for us. Cracker Barrel resturants are now but a memory. I cannot comprehend this self-inflicted mortal wound Cracker Barrel brand brought upon itself. 

Appreciate the visit this week. 

 

CATS COPING - 105 DEGREES - ROAD BLOCKAGE - PORTABLE GENERATOR - CAJUN WOK - FOUND ON THE NET -JIBBER JABBER

Days spent this month finding any place that offers a cool lay.

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 HOT IN THE PINEY WOODS

 

BACK ROAD OBSTACLES

Not uncommon to come upon fallen trees across back country roads.  Root systems are often exposed near road ditches and a gust of wind can be the final push taking a tree down. 

We came upon this fallen tree blocking the road. My wife texted the photo above to our county commissioner and he said that a crew would be dispatched to clear the road.

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CHAMPION 2500 INVERTER GENERATOR

 

I am 4 months behind the monthly schedule of running this generator. Always starts on second pull, this morning 6 pulls. I also dumped out the gas that has been sitting in it and replaced with a fresh gallon.

I have covered this small generator here a couple years ago or so when we lost our in home generator to a lightening strike. I feared losing all the food in the two small freezers in the shop. 

I found this generator reasonably priced, highly recommended by the sales person who had a couple of these makes of generators at his home and never has had a problem. I am now a fan of this model because of price, dependability and quiet performance.

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   CAJUN WOK

A favorite dinner that is 100% carb free.

My wife found a Cajun seasoning recipe on the net, modified it our likings and made a large jar for us to pull from.

She mixes a +/-1/4 cup of olive oil and adds the Cajun seasoning until it thickens when whisked. 

The vegetables are marinated in 3/4 of the whisked seasoning and turned for about 10 minutes before being added to the wok to be cooked. 

After the veggies are sauteed, they are removed and the sliced sausage with remainder of the seasoning are cooked. The vegetables are added back along with the uncooked shrimp and "wokked" until the shrimp turn color. A few minutes. 

The meal is plated in a bowl along with a couple spoonfuls of broth. This Cajun wok dinner improves every time she makes it. This time, an over abundance of shrimp was added. She thought too many, I thought not enough. 

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FROM THE NET

GNOCCHI   Funny. 

Tree falling gone wrong.

I long ago learned to take some time and ask myself "how can all of this go wrong" when finding ways to complete tasks that may be "iffy" and/or present new challenges. In the video above, standing back and looking at the tree would have offered a very big clue. Trying to push the tree back the other way offers up volumes of questions.

Brothers in a martial arts demonstration. 

Amazing.

HUMANS A futuristic story line that may not be so futuristic in 2025. 

My wife and I watched this series when it first aired (2015/2018). This past week, we watched it again and it felt much different given the time that has passed since the release. FREE on PRIME, three seasons, 24 episodes.

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JIBBER JABBER

I sat under the carport a little bit ago listening to the quiet. The weather is comfortably warm this morning and a warm wind is blowing. Some birds in the distance were talking and a few were hitting the bird feeder. But life and the on goings here are quiet x 2. 

As the moments wore on, a lawnmower started up in the far off and became a white noise. The cat "meowed" once but was too lazy to talk more than that. 

Plants and green peppers have been watered. 

We are one-third of the way through August and summer in Texas. 

Appreciate your visit this week. 

 
 

 

 

 

 
 

THE WAY IT SHOULD BE - NO MUSS NO FUSS - ON THE GRILL - ELSBETH SERIES - DAD OF THE YEAR - JIBBER JABBER

 What to do on a hot summer night and the kids are restless?

The way it should be.
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CHUCK ROAST IN A SLOW COOKER OVERNIGHT. 

One sliced onion, salt, pepper and a 1/4 cup of beef broth. Nine hours on low. Plenty of broth for a boat load of homemade gravy too. No muss, no fuss! Four dinners for us. 

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GRILLING 

This photo from a friend, makes me want to pick up a cold beer and stand there watching the grill. A man thing?

 All the bases covered!

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OR SOME SALAD AND STEAK FOR DINNER

Keto friendly.

or

HOMEMADE 
 

Olive oil, fresh lemon, garlic, salt, pepper and some dill salad dressing. I could not fit any more in the dish. The sweet pickle was, like the whole salad, not planned. Surprisingly, the pop of the sweet pickle worked well with the homemade dressing. 

 JIBBER JABBER

A quiet, hot week. Same same story. Heat and morning humidity drains my energy and attitude in an instant. At least another month of days like this. Not complaining. Well, maybe a little bit.

ELSBETH , the 2 season series.

My wife came upon this quirky, lighthearted series a couple weeks ago. We finished the two seasons last night and I was surprised that I so enjoyed this series. Usually, anything fluffy like this is not my kind of entertainment. But, this is mindless entertainment, good actresses, actors and a wonderful array of guest/support actors in each episode. The stories are well-written and there is talent in the behind-the-scenes folks producing this series. I am also not a fashion person, but my wife is and brought to my attention the high-end designer wardrobes worn in each episode. Many fashion designers are also real life characters in a few of these episodes. Still do not know why I did enjoy this; maybe the bright colors, flash and the degree of absurdity that were an integral part of the lead actress's character. 

I did not like the first two minutes of the first episode opening though. But that never happened again in the following episodes. Give the series a try on Paramount.

DAD OF THE YEAR from Bustedknuckles 

You will enjoy this short video. This fellow knows how to be a dad to his son. His son will never ever forget these times together and they are just beginning. 

Appreciate the visit this week. 

 

AN EARLIER STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT - STORAGE CABINET - PERSON OF INTEREST - MUSIC VIDEOS - JIBBER JABBER

Wandering down the Lego aisle of toys at "Wally World", I asked myself if I was returning to an earlier stage of development. The kid is still alive in me, but might I better use my time spent in more aged adult activities? I answered "no" because I was having fun. And fun is always fun.

I had purchased two of these models at Christmas, one a gift for brother-in-law and the other for me. A justification at the time. This past week I decided to get the car model on the workbench and give into the nagging kid in me. 

Bag #1 parts laid out on a couple of microfiber cloth towels, the instruction book in hand, music on and I dropped into my own world. Hot and humid outside, but one AC running in the shop was comfortable. I was soon singing along with my music lists, mind and body fully engulfed for two hours of model-making. I do enjoy this this time spent with myself.

Models have come a long long ways from the 1950s. Lego parts and pieces fit and snap together like a hand in a glove. Decals are much easier to apply and this kit was not missing one of the over 300 pieces required to assemble this race car. Computer design and manufacturing of parts and pieces now. But the challenge of getting all of the pieces right still exists. Satisfactions and frustrations also still exist. The final piece fit and the car rolling along the work top is a trophy for me. 

So what is next?

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 ANOTHER BUILD

A storage cabinet has been in discussions here for over 2 years. A place to store garden/lawn supplies neatly in one corner. This cabinet was also a plug and play parts assembly. The advancement in these kinds of cabinet products for consumers to assemble, have also advanced leaps and bounds.

This cabinet was designed for sides, top, bottom and back to fit together by placing one piece into another then pushing in a inch or so to lock the pieces together. No muss, no fuss. A large work bench is most helpful or a couple of small ones, next to each other, in my case.

Assembly plans were easy to read, no missing parts and the doors worked without issue even after moving the cabinet into place. Sturdy and weatherproof to boot.

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ENTERTAINMENT

 

We watch a couple of hours of television at night. A way to end our days relaxing.

We are currently finishing up the Person of Interest series having just started the last season #5. We watched this when it first aired and thought it a good series then. Watching it again ten/fifteen years later has proven this show/series to be one of the best out there. To hold 100% of my attention for the full length of an episode rarely ever happens. This series does so with every episode.

 

Much of what the show depicted in 2011/2016 was futuristic. Today we find that these episodes touched on real times we are now living. A lot of what was covered in the episodes and AI is here today. 

 

Today we talk to/with machines on the internet. All of this happened overnight. None of what the series discusses is out of the realm of reality in today's world.

 

My wife and I have enjoyed every episode and all of the actors and actresses. A lot of creative effort, photography and filming in every episode. Add to this excellent storytelling that never takes a nap through all 103 episodes.

 

If you have not watched this series, give it a try. If you have and it has been a few years, revisit the series. You may find, like we have, a whole new appreciation for the subject matter, cast and quality production. 

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WESTERN EMPIRE IN DECLINE.  From The Burning Platform. 

Shared here for nothing more than food for thought. Are times more perilous now than at any time in the past 80 years? I am not sure. Maybe because I now have more time on my hands and pay closer attention to worldly issues, that more perilous has time to develop and surface in my perceptions. 

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I reference my age often now in my blogs. I have entered a new era. 

Another trip to Dallas last week for doctor's appointment and lunch with my wife's brother's and sister's families. A fun time laughing and exceptional eats. My wife does the driving because she knows Dallas like the back of her hand. I try to be the good passenger and spend most of the time gawking.

Time spent like this shows me that the world has not stopped moving just because I have pulled out of the main stream of movement. I am the one traveling slower alongside that normal everyday pace. 

Being older and slower, getting into that main flow is challenging. We can still do it, but realize that there is no way we could survive there day after day. So running with the bulls in and out of Dallas is something that takes a few nights of good sleep to recover from. The quiet in the country is healing, too. 

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A HORSE CALLED MUSIC 

One of my favorite songs 

MR. BOJANGLES 

Sammy Davis Jr. at his best 

IT WAS A VERY GOOD YEAR 

Frank Sinatra with a smidgen of excellent insight on good music. I agree! 

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JIBBER JABBER

The weather forecasts show hotter days in orange color. An attention grabber. Hotter with heat indices in triple digits.

No more lawn mowing for awhile and I prefer to leave the lawn on the tall side. I believe it helps with the grass holding some moisture into the hot days.

Getting in and out of the car and walking short distances into stores, gassing up the cars or movement of in those triple digit heat indices is noticeably more difficult. 

Allergies now a part of my days. In all of my life time I do not remember allergies affecting me. So, more sneezing and sniffling got added to this decade. OTC nasal spray helps, but drys out my eyes. Then eye drops needed. 

I have opted to deal with the sneezing and sniffles. I admit I do enjoy a good loud sneeze that starts at my toes and works it way up through the body. Usually three at a time. Having these "episodes" in the department or grocery store often elicits a far off "bless you." And yes, I cover my mouth!!

I leave you this week with you having your own slice of banana cream pie. The crust is crushed pecans so cutting out your slice will take a little patience. A good cup of homemade coffee and a fork recommended.

Do not be polite by taking a small slice. Cut the one you want and enjoy the moment. Treat yourself with abandon.

Actually, this pie was desert presented by sister-in-law in Dallas last week. The gal can cook. The pie filling had cream cheese in the filling, adding more depth and flavor to the pie experience. 

Appreciate the visit this week.