Hey all, here are some thoughts coming from me in the late afternoon rather than the middle of the night. I don't know that there will be a greater wisdom or deeper thoughts. But at least They are coming during daylight hours.
It's a Sunday afternoon and Sue has gone to do some shopping. She will be bringing back a sandwich, so we don't have to worry about what to cook for supper. Laura is working today.
It's been hot as billy H here, but probably the same way at your house. We haven't had "real" summer here for a few years, so it's been a bit hard to take. Hard to believe now that when I was young, I'd do physical labor all day out in this kind of heat and go home and get cleaned up and be ready to go out and howl at night. Doesn't work that way these days.
We had a pair of beagles staying with us for 10 days or so.....our Minister was on vacation and we got the dogs. Sue has become a real dog whisperer, and had them whipped into pretty good shape. But it's work, and while we enjoy their occasional visits, it's nice when they go home too.
Some of you may have noticed my postings about getting a spiffy new smart phone....and Android Incredible. It's really, really powerful.....and it costs a bit less for care and feeding than my former Blackberry. I am really pleased with it. Really pleased. Of course, a bigger and better version came out about two weeks after I got mine....can't be on top of technology for long these days. I'm just beginning to get my arms around what this phone can do and how to make it work for me.
I don't know that I know much else, but figured that as long as I had a few odd moments it was time to try doing better at staying up to date.
Everybody take care and let me know what's happening on your end as time permits.
Jim
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Time for another insomniac post
Not very regular, or very frequent posts lately. Sorry.
Of course, the grandson remains the center of the universe. He doesn't look all that different from the last photo I posted, So I'll spare the world from more. His mobility has improved at warp speed and the cats at our house are not grateful for that. They would rather he remain crawling and slow. No words just yet, but definitely showing signs of communicating wishes and desires and interaction with folks around him. Sure is fun watching Nathan grow.
Looking forward to the long weekend. No fancy plans, but Rob, Amanda, and Nathan will be here for barbecue on Sunday. Ribs, corn on the cob. Supposed to be pretty hot then, so we may not be out on the patio so much.
The last of my father's siblings died recently. For the Eilers' line, that now puts us (my brothers and cousins) in the eldest generation. I reminded my big brother that he was now the Senior...not sure he appreciated the title. On my Mom's side, her 'younger' brother is still among us (pushing 90 or so). Mom would be 91 and Dad 97 if they were still around. It amazes me when I think of the time that has passed. In my mind, I'm still 20. (NOT!)
I have a new grand-nephew, named Max. I owe him a toy chest from my workshop, but I have yet to begin the project. I will need to motivate myself soon. Not a good example to set if i procrastinate too long.
Early in June I ordered a fancy new cell phone (not the iPhone that has been all the buzz, my carrier doesn't provide them). Demand has been higher than supply, so the phone was supposed to ship in about three weeks after I ordered. Well, we're now into the 4th week and still no phone. It will be probably Thursday next week before I get my Android Incredible, and I have to tell you I'm dyin' here. Waiting is killing me. To make matters worse, while I'm waiting they've already announced a new phone making my yet-to-be-delivered phone obsolete.
My last post I mentioned getting together with an old schoolmate from 40 years ago. We had lunch and walk-around time on the Mag Mile in Chicago last month. It was a really wonderful day. The funny thing was that while having lunch with one old, old friend, my phone went off with a Facebook friend request from another old schoolmate we both had known way back when. Funny how people you liked 40 years ago are still people you like after all those years have passed. I guess it just shows how our core values remain constant over the years.
Well, it has been nice to catch up at the opening of this holiday weekend when there's time to relax. Even so, if we're going to have a picnic on Sunday there's work to prepare and that means I should probably sleep a bit before then. Regards and love to all until the next time I get around to posting an update.......Jim
Of course, the grandson remains the center of the universe. He doesn't look all that different from the last photo I posted, So I'll spare the world from more. His mobility has improved at warp speed and the cats at our house are not grateful for that. They would rather he remain crawling and slow. No words just yet, but definitely showing signs of communicating wishes and desires and interaction with folks around him. Sure is fun watching Nathan grow.
Looking forward to the long weekend. No fancy plans, but Rob, Amanda, and Nathan will be here for barbecue on Sunday. Ribs, corn on the cob. Supposed to be pretty hot then, so we may not be out on the patio so much.
The last of my father's siblings died recently. For the Eilers' line, that now puts us (my brothers and cousins) in the eldest generation. I reminded my big brother that he was now the Senior...not sure he appreciated the title. On my Mom's side, her 'younger' brother is still among us (pushing 90 or so). Mom would be 91 and Dad 97 if they were still around. It amazes me when I think of the time that has passed. In my mind, I'm still 20. (NOT!)
I have a new grand-nephew, named Max. I owe him a toy chest from my workshop, but I have yet to begin the project. I will need to motivate myself soon. Not a good example to set if i procrastinate too long.
Early in June I ordered a fancy new cell phone (not the iPhone that has been all the buzz, my carrier doesn't provide them). Demand has been higher than supply, so the phone was supposed to ship in about three weeks after I ordered. Well, we're now into the 4th week and still no phone. It will be probably Thursday next week before I get my Android Incredible, and I have to tell you I'm dyin' here. Waiting is killing me. To make matters worse, while I'm waiting they've already announced a new phone making my yet-to-be-delivered phone obsolete.
My last post I mentioned getting together with an old schoolmate from 40 years ago. We had lunch and walk-around time on the Mag Mile in Chicago last month. It was a really wonderful day. The funny thing was that while having lunch with one old, old friend, my phone went off with a Facebook friend request from another old schoolmate we both had known way back when. Funny how people you liked 40 years ago are still people you like after all those years have passed. I guess it just shows how our core values remain constant over the years.
Well, it has been nice to catch up at the opening of this holiday weekend when there's time to relax. Even so, if we're going to have a picnic on Sunday there's work to prepare and that means I should probably sleep a bit before then. Regards and love to all until the next time I get around to posting an update.......Jim
Saturday, May 15, 2010
I think it's finally Spring
I haven't been very faithful with updates it seems, but here's anew installment -- even if tardy.
Nathan, our grandson, will be a year old in a couple of weeks. Little scutter sure is cute. He doesn't walk yet, but only because it hasn't occurred to him to do so. No words yet either.
Not so much different here for the adults. Laura and Sue have their same jobs. I have passed my first anniversary at my 'new' job.
One thing that is new is old as well. I have been getting reacquainted with old friends from high school via Facebook. I have really enjoyed getting reacquainted with one in particular, though have 'chatted' with several. New new/old friend Bobette will actually be in Chicago in a week and we're going to get together for lunch an a few hours of showing her Chicago before she has dinner with family who live here. Looking forward to seeing someone I knew 40 years ago (man that's a long time!)
Sue and I have to work up some ambition soon and prepare the back half of the house to get the floors refinished....had the front half done when we did the kitchen about 18 months back. Hate the thought of moving all that stuff, but no help for it if we want the floor. Maybe an excuse to get rid of some junk at the same time.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Whoa, it's been a month since I posted
Let's see, where to start.
Niece coming for summer, nope. Different plan.
Me to Pittsburgh to work, maybe sometime, not yet.
Big storm. Yep had that, snows all gone, but an inch or so new snow today (first day of spring)
Did taxes today. Owe the Feds. That depressed me until I remembered that a year ago today I was unemployed. What with two employers this last year, etc., etc., that we didn't withhold enough just means that we made more money than expected, "so quit your bitchin', James!"
Watching the grandson grow is a real joy. Let's see, he's now 9, no, almost 10 months old. Still the most intelligent and handsome child ever. We have lots of pictures, of course. They're just not organized, so posting some will wait for another day.
There were some really nice spring days here last week, even though we turned cruddy this weekend. The crocus and daffodils were trying to break through, but haven't bloomed yet. The little boy mallards are following the little girl mallards around eagerly. Robins appeared from nowhere and are everywhere now. Before this new blanket of snow, most of the grass wasn't looking so brown anymore. The catkins on the birch in the back yard seem to be getting fatter.
I met Laura's latest boyfriend briefly the other day. His name is Nathan (just like the grandson). He's a PhD candidate at Iowa State who is here doing work at Fermi Lab or Argonne (forget which), but fancy physics one way of the other. We'll get better acquainted soon. I'm told he's coming for Easter dinner.
Looking forward (if you can call it that) to a couple improvement projects once the weather turns nice. We had the floors in the front half of the house sanded and refinished when we did the kitchen last year....need to do the back half of the house next...don't look forward to moving all the furniture and crud for the project, but can't be helped. Then we need to have a plumber in to make repairs to our sewer line. I wouldn't be surprised if the line from the house to the street needs to be replaced...maybe we'll get lucky. Hope for the best but prepare for the worst.
My woodwork shop has been just gathering dust (and not sawdust) lately. I have received a shop order for a toy chest for new grandnephew, Max, so maybe I'll dust things off one day soon. I made a chest for his older sister, but have some different design elements in mind for this young man this time.
Last time I mentioned that Sue was feeling poorly. That's mostly gone away now, seems to have just been a combination of viruses and no longer being 18 years old. She was pretty miserable for a time, but is pretty well back to her old irreverent self now.
I guess that's all the news from Lake Wobegone for now.
Niece coming for summer, nope. Different plan.
Me to Pittsburgh to work, maybe sometime, not yet.
Big storm. Yep had that, snows all gone, but an inch or so new snow today (first day of spring)
Did taxes today. Owe the Feds. That depressed me until I remembered that a year ago today I was unemployed. What with two employers this last year, etc., etc., that we didn't withhold enough just means that we made more money than expected, "so quit your bitchin', James!"
Watching the grandson grow is a real joy. Let's see, he's now 9, no, almost 10 months old. Still the most intelligent and handsome child ever. We have lots of pictures, of course. They're just not organized, so posting some will wait for another day.
There were some really nice spring days here last week, even though we turned cruddy this weekend. The crocus and daffodils were trying to break through, but haven't bloomed yet. The little boy mallards are following the little girl mallards around eagerly. Robins appeared from nowhere and are everywhere now. Before this new blanket of snow, most of the grass wasn't looking so brown anymore. The catkins on the birch in the back yard seem to be getting fatter.
I met Laura's latest boyfriend briefly the other day. His name is Nathan (just like the grandson). He's a PhD candidate at Iowa State who is here doing work at Fermi Lab or Argonne (forget which), but fancy physics one way of the other. We'll get better acquainted soon. I'm told he's coming for Easter dinner.
Looking forward (if you can call it that) to a couple improvement projects once the weather turns nice. We had the floors in the front half of the house sanded and refinished when we did the kitchen last year....need to do the back half of the house next...don't look forward to moving all the furniture and crud for the project, but can't be helped. Then we need to have a plumber in to make repairs to our sewer line. I wouldn't be surprised if the line from the house to the street needs to be replaced...maybe we'll get lucky. Hope for the best but prepare for the worst.
My woodwork shop has been just gathering dust (and not sawdust) lately. I have received a shop order for a toy chest for new grandnephew, Max, so maybe I'll dust things off one day soon. I made a chest for his older sister, but have some different design elements in mind for this young man this time.
Last time I mentioned that Sue was feeling poorly. That's mostly gone away now, seems to have just been a combination of viruses and no longer being 18 years old. She was pretty miserable for a time, but is pretty well back to her old irreverent self now.
I guess that's all the news from Lake Wobegone for now.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Supposed to storm tonight
The weather forecasters say we're supposed to get clobbered tonight and tomorrow. Started off predicting a foot of snow, that's moderated some as the evening progressed. I guess we'll see when the sun comes up; only a half inch or so thus far.
Work stuff: Had a bunch of folks into the office last week; training of new staff, advanced training of staff who have been around. As an extension, I'll be traveling to Pittsburgh in a couple weeks to further train one of our new planners. It was a good session, but I'm still worried about one co-worker who just doesn't seem to get it. I'm afraid this individual will ultimately need to find a different way to make a living.
Over the weekend I brought the church books up to date and finished the IRS paperwork for employees for 2009. I hate the year end; all kind of folks, government, central church, insurance company, all think they need annual reports. Nobody understands how much crap I go through to handle this stuff. I'm tired of the Treasurer job, but don't see anyone standing in the wings waiting for a chance to take over. Oh well, tax season is all but over, then just writing checks isn't so bad.
Sue has been having a tough time. She's has a cold/virus that's making her miserable. In addintion, she's had a persistent pain in her lower back. After it went beyond a week, she went to the doctor who ruled out kidney stones and gave her a prescription for spiffy Tylenol. She's to report back for more tests if pain hasn't gone away in a week or two. Could be a just a virus. Or, other stuff.
We had a note from our niece Anne. She has a prospective job here in Chicagoland for some portion of the summer and was wondering that if things worked out, should she camp here. Seems like fun, so hope all does work.
Time for lights out, I guess. Everybody stay in touch. J
Work stuff: Had a bunch of folks into the office last week; training of new staff, advanced training of staff who have been around. As an extension, I'll be traveling to Pittsburgh in a couple weeks to further train one of our new planners. It was a good session, but I'm still worried about one co-worker who just doesn't seem to get it. I'm afraid this individual will ultimately need to find a different way to make a living.
Over the weekend I brought the church books up to date and finished the IRS paperwork for employees for 2009. I hate the year end; all kind of folks, government, central church, insurance company, all think they need annual reports. Nobody understands how much crap I go through to handle this stuff. I'm tired of the Treasurer job, but don't see anyone standing in the wings waiting for a chance to take over. Oh well, tax season is all but over, then just writing checks isn't so bad.
Sue has been having a tough time. She's has a cold/virus that's making her miserable. In addintion, she's had a persistent pain in her lower back. After it went beyond a week, she went to the doctor who ruled out kidney stones and gave her a prescription for spiffy Tylenol. She's to report back for more tests if pain hasn't gone away in a week or two. Could be a just a virus. Or, other stuff.
We had a note from our niece Anne. She has a prospective job here in Chicagoland for some portion of the summer and was wondering that if things worked out, should she camp here. Seems like fun, so hope all does work.
Time for lights out, I guess. Everybody stay in touch. J
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Nathan Pics
Promised pictures last time.
Notice that Grandpa really knows how to show a guy a good time.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Been awhile since an insomniac post
Hey everybody,
It's only 11:30, but then I tried to go to sleep and then couldn't, so here I am. Listening to Streisand, Josh Grolin, Linda Eder on Pandora....nice.
Thinking about stuff good and not so good that's going on in the world these days, and I keep wondering why it is that we (at this house) have been so lucky when there are so many around us that are having such a tough time. I mentioned this to a friend awhile back, and she was kind enough to remind me that we've had our times when it was the other way around...suppose that's true.
Poor Nathan has a cold. He was having trouble being his usual good-natured self what with having trouble breathing, stuffy nose and all, when I got home tonight. Poor kid.
Still high winter here, but not a bad one. I played emergency taxi this morning for a young woman who was in from the east coast on business...she needed to get the heck out of Dodge before the storms socked in everything out east. She hasn't called for me to come bring her back to use the spare bedroom, so I assume she's successfully back in Pittsburgh.
I have a new boss. She's finished her 4th week. I consider it a good sign that she has begun to confide in me about stuff. Sharon has her head on straight and knows her craft. We'll get along fine.
Ella Fitzgerald on Pandora now; a generation ahead of my time, but wow, was she good or what?
It might be time to start taxes...might still be some paperwork coming though. We'll see how the mood strikes when the sun comes up tomorrow.
Seems that though we're pretty busy here, there's really not all that much news. Just dealing with every day stuff.
Nathan is growing and growing. I'll post new pictures next time.
It's only 11:30, but then I tried to go to sleep and then couldn't, so here I am. Listening to Streisand, Josh Grolin, Linda Eder on Pandora....nice.
Thinking about stuff good and not so good that's going on in the world these days, and I keep wondering why it is that we (at this house) have been so lucky when there are so many around us that are having such a tough time. I mentioned this to a friend awhile back, and she was kind enough to remind me that we've had our times when it was the other way around...suppose that's true.
Poor Nathan has a cold. He was having trouble being his usual good-natured self what with having trouble breathing, stuffy nose and all, when I got home tonight. Poor kid.
Still high winter here, but not a bad one. I played emergency taxi this morning for a young woman who was in from the east coast on business...she needed to get the heck out of Dodge before the storms socked in everything out east. She hasn't called for me to come bring her back to use the spare bedroom, so I assume she's successfully back in Pittsburgh.
I have a new boss. She's finished her 4th week. I consider it a good sign that she has begun to confide in me about stuff. Sharon has her head on straight and knows her craft. We'll get along fine.
Ella Fitzgerald on Pandora now; a generation ahead of my time, but wow, was she good or what?
It might be time to start taxes...might still be some paperwork coming though. We'll see how the mood strikes when the sun comes up tomorrow.
Seems that though we're pretty busy here, there's really not all that much news. Just dealing with every day stuff.
Nathan is growing and growing. I'll post new pictures next time.
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