In case anyone is interested, my reading list from last year totaled seventy books.  I chose not to provide a list here because it takes a bit of work and since nobody is reading this post it seems like a waste of time.

Perhaps the title of this blog should be changed since my lovely spouse has never contributed anything.  

 To think that I could have been blogging through the pandemic, with each daily post being almost exactly the same as the previous day.  

In looking over my blog I see that much of it is either outdated, not up to date, or the links no longer work.  Perhaps I will try to get most of it working again, but more likely not.  I don't see the need to do that since nobody visits anyway.

Another year of reading is over.  No reviews here, just a list of titles that I have read.  Seventy four books.  Quite a few for sure.

The Force	Winslow, Don
City of Lies	Thompson, Victoria
End Game	Baldacci, David
Death Row	Atkinson, Russell
On Copper Street	Nickson, Chris
Code Girls	Mundy, Liza
The Excursion Train	Marston, Edward
Deep Freeze	Sandford, John
Gut Shot	Atkinson, Russell
The Beekeeper's Apprentice	King, Laurie R.
Dark Dawn over Steep House	Kasasian, M.R.C.
The Woman in the Window	Finn, A. J.
The Stowaway	Sharpiro, Laurie Gwen
The Tuscan Child	Bowen, Rhys
Behead Me	Atkinson, Russell
The Railway Viaduct	Marston, Edward
A Will to Die	Atkinson, Russell
Hot to Stop Time	Haig, Matt
Need to Know	Cleveland, Karen
The Wanted	Crais, Robert
The Iron Horse	Marston, Edward
To Die But Once	Winspear, Jacqueline
Robicheaux	Burke, James Lee
A Monstrous Regiment of Women	King, Laurie R.
Murder on the Brighton Express	Marston, Edward
City of Endless Night	Preston, Douglas & Child, Lincoln
The Flight Attendant	Bohjalian, Chris
The Disappeared	Box, C.J.
Put It in the Book	Rose, Howie
The Bishop's Pawn	Berry, Steve
Cliffhanger	Atkinson, Russell
Before I Go To Sleep	Watson, S. J.
Noir	Moore, Christopher
The Escape Artist	Meltzer, Brad
Educated	Westover, Tara
A Letter of Mary	King, Laurie R.
The Silver Locomotive Mystery	Marston, Edward
Murder on Union Square	Thompson, Victoria
Dr. Mutter's Marvels	Aptowicz, Cristin O'Keefe
Twisted Prey	Sandford, John
The Moor	King, Laurie R.
The Fallen	Baldacci, David
The Forgotten Road	Evans, Richard Paul
The Pharaoh Key	Preston, Douglas & Child, Lincoln
Barracoon	Hurston, Zora Neale
Railway to the Grave	Marston, Edward
The Word is Murder	Horowitz, Anthony
Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore	Sullivan, Matthew
Silent Witness	Forester, Rebecca
The Hellfire Club	Tapper, Jake
Invasion of Privacy	Reich, Christopher
Priviledged Witness	Forester, Rebecca
Hell Bay	Thomas, Will
O Jerusalem	King, Laurie R.
Pieces of Her	Slaughter, Karin
The Take	Reich, Christopher
Expert Witness	Forester, Rebecca
I'm Keith Hernandez	Hernandez, Keith
Justice Hall	King, Laurie R.
Eyewitness	Forester, Rebecca
Indianapolis	Vincent, Lynn & Vladic, Sara
We Fed an Island	Andres, Jose
Always Look on the Bright Side of Life	Idle, Eric
Harry Starke	Howard, Blair
The Game	King, Laurie R.
Transcription	Atkinson, Kate
Red War	Mills, Kyle (Vince Flynn)
The Other Woman	Silva, Daniel
Locked Rooms	King, Laurie R.
Forgotten Witness	Forester, Rebecca
Holy Ghost	Sandford, John
Two For the Money	Howard, Blair
Blood on the Line	Marston, Edward
The Art of Detection	King, Laurie R.

Just testing to see if I remember how to do this.  It has only been a few years since I posted anything. Well, maybe a bit more than a few years.  So, will anyone read this?  Has anyone left the link open so they will get an alert?  We'll see.  I would hope if anyone sees this they will let me know.  

But why am I writing.  So much has happened in the years since I last posted.  Too much to include so I will not attempt to go over them.  Let me just say that I am now seventy years old.  I still ride my bike, though not as far or as fast.  And I have a new hobby, geocaching.  Rather than explain that you can check it out yourself at geocaching.com.  

Will I write another post after this one?  

Now I Remember

August 22nd, Pittsburgh. The Pirates and the Brewers were playing a twinight doubleheader. In a mini family reunion Pat, myself, and my brother Rick had driven in from NJ to meet my brother Bob and his wife Judy. Because the 22nd was our anniversary we went to dinner on Sunday night and did some sight seeing on Monday before attending the ball game at PNC Park.

But that is not the reason for this entry. The ballgame is the reason. Or more precisely attending the game is the reason. I now remember why I don't like to go to ball games any more. First and foremost is the music. From the time you enter the ballpark you are bombarded with music played so loud you have to talk loudly to be heard by the person sitting next to you. And it doesn't end when the game begins. Between innings and even between at bats the music blares. Each player has a certain song he wants played before he comes to bat. It borders on the ridiculous. And it isn't just the music either. Every moment that isn't a pitch or a play in the field is filled with either music or some game on the scoreboard, or some announcements. There is never silence. And by silence I mean sounds of the game or just the sounds of fans in the ballpark.

This need to have music playing all the time is also reflected in things you see every day. People walking, running, reading, driving, an doing most everything, need to have earphones or earbuds to listen to music. Are people that afraid or uncomfortable to have silence and basically be alone with themselves? Or at the game, does management think people have a need to be entertained constantly or they will leave the park or not come? Do they come to see a game, or to listen to music?

Music is number one but the remaining are not in any specific order. Seating can be next. I haven't been to Citi Field, and have not much experience at any stadium except Shea, but at PNC Park the seats are so narrow and the space between the rows are likewise so narrow that it borders on the ridiculous. You would think a new park would be made more fan friendly and more comfortable. Not in Pittsburgh.

Vendors at this park are virtually non-existent. I recall the days when there would be vendors moving up and down the aisles constantly. Which brings me to my next gripe. People. There are so many people who don't even pay attention to the game. It is like a social event or a place to come and eat. But in order to eat you have to go out to the concession stands because of the forementioned lack of vendors.

People? Obnoxious people. They can ruin it for everyone. I refer to the guys who stand up and yell at the umpire or the batter apparently thinking they will be heard and it will make a difference. And those that encourage them by laughing or joining in are just as bad. Sure, I have yelled in the past, but not this constant badgering of players.

And finally. Does anyone keep score anymore?

What do you do?

Many people have fender bender accidents. The proper thing to do is to call the police and wait. I know this is not true in CA and might be that way in other places too. BUT if the other car happens to be a police car? What do you do then? Call another cop to the scene?

Just some food for thought.

Unbelievable

Driving in the car today the dash said the outside temperature was 100. Holy crap!!

New iPhone

A couple weeks ago, prior to our trip to AZ and CA I finally moved into the 21st century by buying an iPhone. I am still learning everything you can do with it but just found that I can blog from it. At least I think I can. This entry will be a test.

Heading home

It has been a long while since I made an entry here and for those of you who also followed my 365 site you have seen that is now defunct. But this blog still has life. As the title indicates we are heading home on Thursday. After spending 66 out of 79 nights in a bed other than our own, with the last stretch being 35 days, it will be great to sleep at home again. But what we are not looking forward to is the change in temperatures. Today in California it is near seventy degrees and in NJ it is in the low thirties. That is going to be quite a difference when we exit the terminal at the airport.

It is definitely strange having the Christmas season upon us and the temps being so warm here. Just can't get in the mood of the season. Another strange thing is that the leaves are just changing now on the trees that get color and lose their leaves. A very strange place to live for sure.

Nothing else for now.

Countdown

Mets magic number is 17. Stick a fork in them.

Sheep

"This is the beginning of the great awakening of America ... We must give voice to what God says we must do," he added. "My message to you tonight is stand where He wants you to stand and trust in the Lord. If He tells you to do it, do it. If you can't figure it out, He will. Just do it."

Glenn Beck's words at a rally on Friday, the day before his Restoring Honor event. What strikes me about this quote is how much he sounds like a television evangelist. You can almost hear Jim Baker or Kenneth Copeland standing before their flock and saying similar things. All Beck has to do now is begin healing people. But what is more amazing to me and maybe it shouldn't be, is that he can conceive of and implement such an event. Is it that people would come to this event even if there were no central figure or is it Beck that draws them? If it is him, if he is some sort of Svengali, then it scares me that so many people can blindly follow someone. To use Beck's own argument, isn't it then like what Hitler did in Germany? And if he believes we should strictly follow the constitution then why does he say, "My role is, as I see it, to wake America up to the back-sliding of principles and values and, most importantly, of God. We are a country of God". I must be missing something because I can't understand why those who follow (like sheep) him can't see that he is just one man espousing ideas that are his and not theirs. What am I missing? He is in the end a personality, a former "morning zoo" dj, an entertainer. Is it time to move to Canada yet?

A Miracle

Our new 55" flat screen TV was scheduled to be delivered today. I had received two different confirmation emails giving me time of delivery, both being between 10 and 1PM. But one of them stated it was PDT and one was EDT. So that meant the delivery window for me was anywhere from ten and four. Not happy. So, I am sitting in the den and I hear a door slam out front. The TV was being delivered by Pilot trucking so I assumed it would be a large truck and I would hear it coming down the street. Besides it is 9:55 in the morning. I look outside and there is a small panel truck across the street. The driver gets out and opens the back and pulls out a hand truck. I stay to watch wondering what the neighbors across the street have purchased. Then he reaches into the back of the truck and slides a long thin box out. On the side of the box there are two things I can make out: "Samsung" and "55". Holy Crap! Remember it isn't even ten o'clock yet. I rush to the door and as he is wheeling it across the street I direct him to the patio in the back. I sign for it and he leaves. I go back in the den and it is 9:58. Never happened before. Never. Thirty eight years living here and I do not recall one instance where we were first on a delivery schedule when we were given the delivery hours. Many times the delivery window has closed and still we waited. Today was something totally out of the ordinary. It is truly a miracle.

There must be some mistake

There is no way Ringo Starr can be seventy years old today!!

July 4th

Happy Birthday Rube!

It is official

Wow, it has been a while since an entry has been made in this blog. I guess the novelty has worn off, or is it that I have become too involved in my 365 project? But it seems to be true not only for me but for others I know who have a blog. You know who you are. But back to this entry. It truly is official. I am old. I am retired. I am over the hill. I am on Social Security. Yep. Yesterday my checking account received a direct deposit from the federal government. Social Security. At one time it seemed so far in the future. That it was only for old people. That I would be dead before ever collecting. Yikes. Where has the time gone? .......... Only one other thing to mention. Anyone who is working and contributing to Social Security, please continue to do so. :-)

Frustration

If I see Oliver Perez start another game for the Mets I will scream. If I see David Wright lunge at a ball outside and strike out I will throw something at the TV. If I see Jose Reyes lunge and pop up another pitch I will give up on the Mets this year.

I am a glutton for punishment as I keep watching, though I will admit not every game. Two weeks ago they are in first place, today they are a couple innings of dropping into the basement. From Yadier Molina's home run in 2006, through the collapses of 2007 and 2008 and the dreadful 2009 season how can you blame me for being close to giving up already for this year. I know, I know, the season is just barely one quarter over and a lot can happen yet.

And now as I watch with the Mets down 7-0 in the 6th they have just scored three to tease me a bit. I can't take it. I just can't take it.

Happy Pi Day everyone

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YsM4ElTJcE&feature=player_embedded#

Are we alone?

Are Pat and I the only ones in the country not watching the olympics? We didn't watch the opening ceremonies except for perhaps ten minutes while sitting in Kevin and Tracy's living room. Since then I have seen perhaps another ten minutes of skiing. It seems to be of no interest to either of us. Even the big hockey game yesterday, Canada vs. USA, didn't draw my attention. Can't put my finger on the why, but it does free up a lot of time. Not that we need any more free time.

The Pluto Platter

Walter Frederick Morrison has passed away. A simple invention that provided so much fun for so many, including the writer of this blog. I think the most I played with his Frisbee was in college. A bunch of us would get together , with beers, and in a square would toss the frisbee around to see how many times we could go without someone dropping it. I know, pretty lame. Another "game" was in our long hallway in the dorm. Standing on each end of the hall we would play catch using the walls to bounce the frisbee along to each other. Mr. Morrison, thank you.

Pluto Platter was the original name of the Frisbee.

Meet the Mets

It was announced today that this past Monday we lost one of the memories and one of the sounds of my past. Jane Jarvis died at the age of 94. She will always be associated with attending Mets games in my youth. So many today don't recall the sound of her organ echoing through Shea. Now she is gone, and Shea is gone and we are left with a sterile ball park and rock music. I long for the old days.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday Bubble Wrap

First stage done

Yesterday Rob (contractor) was here all day ripping out the old doors and installing our new six panel doors. Not an easy swap because these houses originally had metal frames instead of wood jambs. I had a major problem fitting and squaring up the wood jamb and doors years ago when I replaced the originals. A lot of cursing and trimming, but I made them work. Rob actually took out one of the framing 2x4s on each side of each opening and replaced it with a piece of 5/4" board, thus allowing space for shimming and squaring. The three bedroom doors, bath and linen closet are all done except for knobs which I am responsible for. Not sure if we will get new ones or not. Today he will return to pop in the entry way closet door. He ran out of time yesterday. Next week, not sure of the days yet, the floor guys come to sand and finish the floors. Then the tile guy will come to tile the entry way, followed by Rob coming back to put shoe molding all around the floor molding. THEN comes my job when I have to paint.

You can see a pic of the hallway doors on my 365 project blog.

Viewers

I always wonder who views my blog, and now my 365 project blog, only because no one, or very few ever comment on anything in either blog. But this weekend I was both disappointed and happy about learning about my viewers or lack thereof. It seems my brother, who I always thought was a loyal follower, was not following my blogs at all. How distressing. But a day later I learned that a brother of an in-law does follow, even though he makes no comments. That was a nice thing to hear. So, to all who are reading this, please, every once in a while, take the time to make a comment on either this blog or my 365 project blog.

And to those who have been making comments. Thank you.