Every

picture tells a story or rekindles a memory.

Just before the third run of the day.

Packed and ready to ship!

Hopefully, they are always good.

Ohio U 69

Kent State 68!

Go Cats!

Snow Day

I was up early to run and then Mom and I met Carol at Boston Mills. It started to snow on the way there and never let up.

Views from the lift.

Lunch at Winking Lizard and then I shoveled all of the drive and walks. Lunch was so filling that dinner got put on hold so no food photos tonight. Disappointed?

Camera Woes settled?

Maybe, maybe not.

Capital One says it did all it could but the merchant wins. Not happy with that. They did credit us some of the money but not all of it. Not even a quarter of it but . . .

Nikon USA says they can repair the camera, maybe even at no charge, so . . . .  maybe it's a good day after all.

Let it be known to all who might care that JI XIAN D### N## is less than a reputable merchant.

On a lighter note, another night of following recipes. Bayou Chili!

Feeling Homesick yet??

Following recipes

Tonight's dinner; Mediterranean Turkey Stew with Feta.

Would we

let anything happen to this cat??? Or this one? They really don't like the cold at all. So they've been in more than out, and out consists of running to the edge of the deck and back in this house.

You could come home and take care of them.

Even less

than yesterday.

A cold run followed by my bi-annual application of liquid nitrogen and paperwork for the Chinese camera.

Mr. Obama has been re-inaugurated and let's hope for the best.

Something

is better than nothing.

Home again

No problems. Smooth flight that left early and got in early. Heather and Brian picked us up and we met Paula and Geoff at Casa del Rio for dinner.

So . . .

We weren't quite done. Besides, we were afraid they might miss us at the Home Depot.

Twelve bags of mulch later . . . done, really.

The work is done.

They know us on sight at Lowe's and Home Depot!

I climbed up on the roof today and cleaned it and the gutters. Five bags full. I had good help as Mom and Holly bagged what I blew off of the roof. I also threw a couple of bags that I filled too. Four buzzards were hanging around in case I fell! :-)

We washed all of their windows inside and out and discovered that they needed attention too so with a caulking gun and some caulk . . . they are set!

I also put new fittings on his flag pole. It's been a while since Uncle Bill could put his flag out.

The temperature is dropping but we are still going out to eat by the water. Let the vacation begin!

Too busy

to even take a picture today!

We went to Home Depot and got Aunt Ruby and Uncle Bill new porch furniture but it wouldn't fit in the car with all the things we also got like flea treatments and tables so . . . Mom and Holly sat in the chairs while I went to get the van. They got a lot of comments!

We raked up the yard, treated it, cleaned the porch, sanded the door, painted it, finished the blinds after a trip to Lowe's for more paint. Uncle Bill helped by tripping on the steps and tearing open his shin. Holly put a picture on FB.

Dinner was supposed to be Pizza Hut but it seriously burned up before Holly got there to pick them up. Good thing Panera makes sandwiches!

Back to the hotel and a shower.

Little things

We did a few things for Ruby and Bill today.

New blinds, a screen door closer, and the stuff to paint the front door. We also cooked a nice meal; the Rachael Ray Rice Pilaf and Honey Rosemary Chicken. It was a hit. More tasks tomorrow. It feels good to do things for them.

Pictures

Not as good as Meagan's beach picture but this is our view.

Ruby and Bill 2

Here you go. We cooked all day and generally were very good guests. We did manage an hour plus at the pool.

We did some minor house maintenance too. We have to talk to Holly about some more things.

Aunt Ruby and Uncle Bill

Your great-aunt and great-uncle are fine. I'll get iPod pictures of them tomorrow as the flight killed the battery and it had to charge. The flight was fine and the rental car is okay.

Here are two fresh pictures for you.

Under the wire.

Most of the day was spent with last minute preparations for visiting Aunt Ruby and Uncle Bill. I think we're ready!

After that it was up to Lockkeepers in Independence for Lea's birthday party. It was a surprise and she was surprised so all was good. Seared Ahi Tuna! Tasty!

Now a little TBBT and then it's a day.

It was bound to happen

Despite the best of intentions, I have nothing for you today. Nothing.

Stuck in Lodi again

Not stuck really but every time I go to Lodi I think of that Creedence song.

We spent a few dollars and got some needed things like pants that fit and running socks and some sweaters and other tops.

Bernie had extra tickets for Akron U. vs. Western Michigan and while Akron won by a lot, the game was pretty uneventful.

Some pretty cats for you.

Cameras

Is it better here at A?

Or here at B?

One of these pictures is with the 'new' camera purchased in Shanghai and the other with the repaired D60. I think the difference is obvious and when I think of how many pictures were taken that are all just a bit 'off' . . . . well, you can imagine.

Christmas is officially all put away and both of your rooms are clean. Planning on spending any time here soon?

Football hangover

Kent lost 17-13. They just didn't get the game they needed from a couple of players.

Now it is Alabama vs. Notre Dame for the national title. Looks like another late night but then it's not like anyone has to get up.

Tomorrow may be more normal as there won't be football and basketball has yet to occupy our full attention. I may spend tomorrow at Lay's but who knows. The joys of being retired are immeasurable.

If

today had been any lazier you wouldn't have even had this trivial little post. Lots of football and Kent State plays their bowl game at 9! Go Flashes!!

(You know I have a degree from Kent.)

You know what this means!

Time at Lay's!

This is the guitar that is getting the treatment. New board, new bridge, and a trimmed neck with a top refinished to tobacco sunburst.

Long overdue

We had a very lazy day unless you count taking down the last of the Christmas decorations. Put the tree out yesterday and it blew down to the neighbor's driveway!

Speaking of neighbors, we had dinner with Chris and Joe at The Galaxy. Only the second time in over twenty five years.

Mom's present from Heather, signed by Carl Edwards.

Cap Bear.

De-Christmased

A clean bill of health

I spent the afternoon with the doctor and you're all safe. I'll be with you for many years to come. All that good stuff and a good report so get ready to deal with me.

Be kind to me in my older age!

Looking pretty good for 61!

Stripping the house

It goes up right after Thanksgiving, and now it's time for it to come down. No hurry. I mean, who comes to visit in January? The outside is put away and the tree has been relieved of its ornaments and lights and one ornament is hiding somewhere on it so before it goes out tomorrow, we'll look at it again by the light of day.

All of the gifts are put away and it doesn't look a lot like Christmas anymore.

But it does look like January. He misses scaring you when you come downstairs.

As promised; New Year's Day

First of an unbroken string until ? When you live near enough that this isn't needed or ?

We celebrated New Year's in the traditional way with pork and sauerkraut. And birthday cake as we didn't do that yesterday.

As you know, we Skyped, and all that. Everybody is back home.

Some pictures for you as my camera is back and fixed, and the new one remains in limbo.