Today we drove to Ft. Gibson for a volkswalk. Ft. Gibson is just to the east of Muskogee. It took just over an hour to get there on the Muskogee Turnpike from Sand Springs. Ft. Gibson is the oldest town in Oklahoma.
It was foggy as we left home. In fact, it was foggy all day. There was not much fog in Ft. Gibson, but when we returned home, we noticed the fog was still around.
There were two options for today's volkswalk: a 5 K and a 10 K route. We choose the 5 K route. 5 K is equal to 3.1 miles. However, I figure we walked at least 4 miles due to some confusion along the route.
There is a nice visitor center there. The original fort has been reconstructed and is open for touring. The museum has many items from the heyday of the fort.
The UP railroad runs right by the fort, and we saw several trains today.
I had checked out the geocaches in the area before leaving home. I found two which were on the walk route. Later we found two more which were outside the walk route. The first one we found was titled "Here Lies Mr. Martin," Martin, the Chief Justice of first Supreme Court of the Cherokee Nation, is buried on the grounds in an above ground encasement. The second cache we found in a park. The micro was hanging in a cedar tree. The plastic tube is tied to a branch. After finishing the walk, we drove to "This Old House Once Knew My Granny." The coordinates led me directly to where the cache is hidden. Sometimes the coordinates are off by a little, but these were right on. The cache here was in a jar, making it a small cache rather than a micro.
The other cache we found is a virtaul cache. With virtual caches you are seeking information to e-mail back to the cache owner. This cache is inside the National Cemetary at Ft. Gibson. There are thousands of graves here, each with its own small white marker. I wish I had taken my camera to get a picture. We drove through the cemetary for a while, gazing at the thousands of markers. I thought that many have come before me and many have left before me. Just as I had no memory of the thousands of years that preceded my life, I will have no memory (or knowledge or awareness) of anything following my death. Anyone who is alive at this time is, for all intents and purpoes, immortal. Once you die, you will never be aware of having been alive. I would like to live long enough for signals from another civilization out in the Cosmos to be received on earth. While life in the Cosmos is exceedingly rare, there are literally millions of galaxies out there, each with untold thousands of solar systems in them. I think it is just a matter of time until contact is received from another far off civilization.
We had lunch today at Badlands Restaurant, across the street from the fort. Barbecue is their specialty. We both had pork sandwiches. I paid two dollars extra and got a piece of catfish. J paid two dollars extra and got a salad. It is not a bad place to eat.
We went to a fifth cache site, but did not pursue that cache as it required going through rough terrain and weeds.
My total finds for the day was four. This was my first volkswalk for this year, and was number 234 on my lifetime total. My number of geocache finds is at 262 now.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Some words on the health care crisis
Today I found the following e-mail in my inbox:
(Printed in Yukon Review, Feb. 20, 2010, by Carol Ruth)
If 45,000 people died this year as a result of terrorist attacks, Americans would respond with anger. If another 20 million were injured, citizens would march in the streets until politicians stopped the terror, retaliated, and provided care for the victims. Demands would be made for the slaughter to stop. Our fellow citizens would not die without a fight.
If 45,000 more died the following year, Congress would have long been forced by popular demand to focus on the protection of our citizens. Americans would insist Congress ignore lobbyists and concentrate on the good of the people. No expense would be spared in developing the finest fighting equipment possible; we would happily pay to train multitudes of the best fighters the world has ever seen.
If 45,000 additional people died the third year, prayer vigils would be held frequently in every city, town and village to pray to stop the madness. Every church leader would focus on the victims and demand a stop to the slaughter and pain. We would understand and share the agony of others; we would be furious if the attacks were not stopped.
If 45,000 more died in a succeeding year, anyone who said that the costs of were not worth it to put an end to the madness would be rightfully deemed a traitor. We would draw and quarter any politician who fought against the ending the pain of our fellow citizens. Those who made money off the misery of others would be called war profiteers. We would indict any politician who accepted money of anyone whose bottom line overrode the survival of the citizens.
Big events capture our attention, but the slow drawn out pain of our friends and neighbors escapes the nations undivided attention. It should be just as shocking as a terror attack that, according to Reuters, every year 45,000 Americans die due to lack of health care, most of it caused by a lack of health insurance. America may have the best health care system in the world, but it is not protecting every citizen. Millions suffer needless pain or bankruptcy because an illness wipes out everything they have and leaves them in debt for the rest of their lives. According to Business week, only about half of Americans receive medically recommended care for chronic or fatal conditions.
45,00 terrorist deaths would cause constant media attention. Yet, every twelve minutes an American dies from lack of health care, while millions more suffer in silence. Corporate owned media frequently discusses the costs of care and ignores the pain. Other industrialized countries have taken up the challenge and provided health care for all. As a result, the life expectancy in those countries is as high as 84 years, while the American life span at 78 years ranks below Bosnia.
The health care of almost everyone under age 65 is tied to their work. When someone loses his or her job through no fault of their own, that person is doubly penalized because they usually lose their health care as well. The system is also skewed when the sickest among us are the least able to hold down a job or to purchase health insurance. Health care should be separated from our work or age just as surely as defense is available to all.
Health care should be focused on healing the sick and keeping everyone well rather than the bottom line. Just as Nero fiddled while Rome burned, disaster will always strike when leaders ignore the pain and suffering and focus instead those who only worry about their personal gain.
------------------------------------
How can people just ignore the pain and suffering, and yes, death, that results from embracing the status quo? Powerful monied interests are deceiving the public on the subject of health care.
(Printed in Yukon Review, Feb. 20, 2010, by Carol Ruth)
If 45,000 people died this year as a result of terrorist attacks, Americans would respond with anger. If another 20 million were injured, citizens would march in the streets until politicians stopped the terror, retaliated, and provided care for the victims. Demands would be made for the slaughter to stop. Our fellow citizens would not die without a fight.
If 45,000 more died the following year, Congress would have long been forced by popular demand to focus on the protection of our citizens. Americans would insist Congress ignore lobbyists and concentrate on the good of the people. No expense would be spared in developing the finest fighting equipment possible; we would happily pay to train multitudes of the best fighters the world has ever seen.
If 45,000 additional people died the third year, prayer vigils would be held frequently in every city, town and village to pray to stop the madness. Every church leader would focus on the victims and demand a stop to the slaughter and pain. We would understand and share the agony of others; we would be furious if the attacks were not stopped.
If 45,000 more died in a succeeding year, anyone who said that the costs of were not worth it to put an end to the madness would be rightfully deemed a traitor. We would draw and quarter any politician who fought against the ending the pain of our fellow citizens. Those who made money off the misery of others would be called war profiteers. We would indict any politician who accepted money of anyone whose bottom line overrode the survival of the citizens.
Big events capture our attention, but the slow drawn out pain of our friends and neighbors escapes the nations undivided attention. It should be just as shocking as a terror attack that, according to Reuters, every year 45,000 Americans die due to lack of health care, most of it caused by a lack of health insurance. America may have the best health care system in the world, but it is not protecting every citizen. Millions suffer needless pain or bankruptcy because an illness wipes out everything they have and leaves them in debt for the rest of their lives. According to Business week, only about half of Americans receive medically recommended care for chronic or fatal conditions.
45,00 terrorist deaths would cause constant media attention. Yet, every twelve minutes an American dies from lack of health care, while millions more suffer in silence. Corporate owned media frequently discusses the costs of care and ignores the pain. Other industrialized countries have taken up the challenge and provided health care for all. As a result, the life expectancy in those countries is as high as 84 years, while the American life span at 78 years ranks below Bosnia.
The health care of almost everyone under age 65 is tied to their work. When someone loses his or her job through no fault of their own, that person is doubly penalized because they usually lose their health care as well. The system is also skewed when the sickest among us are the least able to hold down a job or to purchase health insurance. Health care should be separated from our work or age just as surely as defense is available to all.
Health care should be focused on healing the sick and keeping everyone well rather than the bottom line. Just as Nero fiddled while Rome burned, disaster will always strike when leaders ignore the pain and suffering and focus instead those who only worry about their personal gain.
------------------------------------
How can people just ignore the pain and suffering, and yes, death, that results from embracing the status quo? Powerful monied interests are deceiving the public on the subject of health care.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Another slow day
It must sound like a broken record by now, but today we got up and had breakfast and went to the TCC Fitness Center and walked three miles. On the way home, we stopped at Homeland and got a bag of lettuce and one tomato. We come home and fixed a salad with chicken left over from a day or so ago.
Then we drove to the carwash and had the car washed. We swung by the library and then returned home. We got out the touch up paint and touched up a couple of spots on the rear bumper where we had chipped the paint while loading luggage into the trunk.
In the afternoon, I went to Roary's and got a haircut. After dinner, I swept and mopped the kitchen and dining room floors. A few years back, we had these two floors relaid in ceramic tile.
Tonight I loaded some coordinates in my GPS receiver in anticipation of doing some geocaching tomorrow.
Then we drove to the carwash and had the car washed. We swung by the library and then returned home. We got out the touch up paint and touched up a couple of spots on the rear bumper where we had chipped the paint while loading luggage into the trunk.
In the afternoon, I went to Roary's and got a haircut. After dinner, I swept and mopped the kitchen and dining room floors. A few years back, we had these two floors relaid in ceramic tile.
Tonight I loaded some coordinates in my GPS receiver in anticipation of doing some geocaching tomorrow.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Music at the Mansion
We attended a program today at the Tulsa Historical Society. We saw and heard two young ladies performing on the harp and flute. Some of the time it was harp and concertina. The program lasted for about an hour, perhaps a little longer. We also looked at a display on Tulsa of the 1940s.
On the way home we stopped at the Subway on 21st St. and had our usual sub. Next we went to the post office box for HAT. There were a few pieces of junk mail there. We stopped at TCC on the way home and walked four miles on the elevated track.
From there we trucked it on home and have been inside ever since. I missed my afternoon nap again today, and I am about ready to drop from fatigue.
On the way home we stopped at the Subway on 21st St. and had our usual sub. Next we went to the post office box for HAT. There were a few pieces of junk mail there. We stopped at TCC on the way home and walked four miles on the elevated track.
From there we trucked it on home and have been inside ever since. I missed my afternoon nap again today, and I am about ready to drop from fatigue.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Busy day
We had a busy day. So busy that we did not get around to going to TCC to walk.
We got up this morning and I fixed blueberry pancakes (with the assistance of the head cook). I had an appointment at my dentist to get a crown seated. After about a dozen times of putting it on and taking it off (and making two lucky saves when the thing almost went down my throat), the crown finally got seated. It was now 11:00 am. I had an 11:20 am meeting to make in Tulsa. We were going to drop off some library books in Sand Springs but skipped going to the Charles Page Library to save time.
We arrived at the White River Fish Market about 11:25. Gail and a couple of others were already seated at a table for the February ALGAE gathering. ALGAE is an acronym for "A Little Group of Atheists Eating." There were seven people at the luncheon, including one first-time attendee. There were seven of us there: Larry, Dave, Don, Gail, Marilyn, J and myself. I had the broiled seafood platter. WRFM has the best scallops. I love them dipped in butter. After we ate, we sat around for conversation.
It was about 1:45 pm when we left the restaurant. We went to the credit union and withdrew some money to make the final payment on my hearing aids. We went by Dr. Shirk's office, and gave them the check. Next we drove by the location where contra dances are held. Gail and her husband attended the last time the group met. I am hoping the J and I will be able to attend next time. The group meets once a month. If you are not familiar with contra dancing, go to YouTube and search for "contra dance lessons."
We had time remaining before the 3:00 pm showing at the Circle Cinema and went to Saied's Music Store on Yale. I noticed they had some new music for piano duo. I bought two pieces: "A Little Bit of Bach" and "Fiddle Faddle."
Next we went to the Circle Cinema. We got there early, so we went next door to the Kendall-Whittier Library. We read today's Tulsa World there.
We went across the street to the Circle Cinema. We saw Bill D. and his wife Jackie M. as we were going in. The movie we saw was Creation. The movie explored the conflict between Darwin and his religious wife. After reading the manuscript, Darwin's wife consents to the publication of his book, On the Origin of Species. At the same time as Darwin was mulling over his life's work, Alfred Russell Wallace had reached the same conclusion as Darwin. Wallace's paper on the subject was just twenty pages long; Darwin's was 250 pages long. The death of Darwin's young daughter (appears to be about 10 in the film) is a major event in his life.
We returned home in time to see the evening news. J went to the Methodist church for Ash Wednesday services while I stayed here. As she was leaving the church, she phoned me to see if I would like to meet her at the Crescent Cafe. I said yes. We met there and had dinner together.
We got up this morning and I fixed blueberry pancakes (with the assistance of the head cook). I had an appointment at my dentist to get a crown seated. After about a dozen times of putting it on and taking it off (and making two lucky saves when the thing almost went down my throat), the crown finally got seated. It was now 11:00 am. I had an 11:20 am meeting to make in Tulsa. We were going to drop off some library books in Sand Springs but skipped going to the Charles Page Library to save time.
We arrived at the White River Fish Market about 11:25. Gail and a couple of others were already seated at a table for the February ALGAE gathering. ALGAE is an acronym for "A Little Group of Atheists Eating." There were seven people at the luncheon, including one first-time attendee. There were seven of us there: Larry, Dave, Don, Gail, Marilyn, J and myself. I had the broiled seafood platter. WRFM has the best scallops. I love them dipped in butter. After we ate, we sat around for conversation.
It was about 1:45 pm when we left the restaurant. We went to the credit union and withdrew some money to make the final payment on my hearing aids. We went by Dr. Shirk's office, and gave them the check. Next we drove by the location where contra dances are held. Gail and her husband attended the last time the group met. I am hoping the J and I will be able to attend next time. The group meets once a month. If you are not familiar with contra dancing, go to YouTube and search for "contra dance lessons."
We had time remaining before the 3:00 pm showing at the Circle Cinema and went to Saied's Music Store on Yale. I noticed they had some new music for piano duo. I bought two pieces: "A Little Bit of Bach" and "Fiddle Faddle."
Next we went to the Circle Cinema. We got there early, so we went next door to the Kendall-Whittier Library. We read today's Tulsa World there.
We went across the street to the Circle Cinema. We saw Bill D. and his wife Jackie M. as we were going in. The movie we saw was Creation. The movie explored the conflict between Darwin and his religious wife. After reading the manuscript, Darwin's wife consents to the publication of his book, On the Origin of Species. At the same time as Darwin was mulling over his life's work, Alfred Russell Wallace had reached the same conclusion as Darwin. Wallace's paper on the subject was just twenty pages long; Darwin's was 250 pages long. The death of Darwin's young daughter (appears to be about 10 in the film) is a major event in his life.
We returned home in time to see the evening news. J went to the Methodist church for Ash Wednesday services while I stayed here. As she was leaving the church, she phoned me to see if I would like to meet her at the Crescent Cafe. I said yes. We met there and had dinner together.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Slow day
This entry will be brief. After a breakfast of scrambled eggs and sausage casserole, we went to the Fitness Center. We walked four miles today.
After we got in our walk, we drove home and had lunch. J went to Roary's and got her hair cut. I stayed here and read the Epstein book. There was going to be a discussion of the book, but I received an e-mail telling me that the discussion has been canceled.
I realize my lack of religious orthodoxy disappoints some of my friends and relatives, but I really have no choice in the matter. If you had been in my shoes for the last four decades, you would have a better understanding of my worldview.
After we got in our walk, we drove home and had lunch. J went to Roary's and got her hair cut. I stayed here and read the Epstein book. There was going to be a discussion of the book, but I received an e-mail telling me that the discussion has been canceled.
I realize my lack of religious orthodoxy disappoints some of my friends and relatives, but I really have no choice in the matter. If you had been in my shoes for the last four decades, you would have a better understanding of my worldview.
From "Good Without God"
The following is a quote from the book Good Without God.
"...Humanism is also a warning that we cannot afford to wait until tomorrow or the next life to be good, because today -- the sort journey we get from birth to death, womb to tomb -- is all we have. Humanism rejects dependence up faith, the supernatural, divine texts, resurrection, reincarnation, or anything else for which we have no evidence. To put it another way, Humanists believe in life before death.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Activites of the day
We began the day with Gail coming over for piano practice. Ayla, my granddaughter, had spent the night with her Nana. Ayla especially likes Gail. She hero worships her. So it was a treat for Ayla to be here when Gail arrived. Periodically, Ayla would come in to the living room and chat with Gail.
Following our two-hour practice, we went to Ayla's house and picked up Luke. Then the four of us went to McDonald's for lunch. Luke and Ayla played on the indoor playground equipment. They played for quite a while. Then we took them back to their house. Next, we went walking at the Case Center. There is an indoor walking track above the gym floor, but I do not like it as well as the track at TCC. I walked only two miles today. Not knowing we were going walking when we left, I did not bring my MP3 with me.
I have not had a nap today and am starting to feel tired. I might go to bed early tonight.
Following our two-hour practice, we went to Ayla's house and picked up Luke. Then the four of us went to McDonald's for lunch. Luke and Ayla played on the indoor playground equipment. They played for quite a while. Then we took them back to their house. Next, we went walking at the Case Center. There is an indoor walking track above the gym floor, but I do not like it as well as the track at TCC. I walked only two miles today. Not knowing we were going walking when we left, I did not bring my MP3 with me.
I have not had a nap today and am starting to feel tired. I might go to bed early tonight.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Daily wrap-up for February 14
I went to Church of the Restoration this morning. There were 10 people there. I think Barbara will be returning to the church. She was very disappointed in a number of things about the church and seemed to indicate she would not be returning. However, today at the Congregational Meeting following the service, she volunteered to serve on the board in the "at large" position. I might actually join the church soon, too. I have been attending there for a few year. I found out today that many there thought I was a member, but I have never signed the membership book. They need all the help they can get. I might be able to convince some of my humanist friends to start coming. We definitely need more members. I looked on the roster today and saw 21 names listed. Two of the members I had never met before were there today.
There are a couple of members who do not live in the area who send large sums of money to keep the church going. Were it not for them, the church most likely would have folded by now.
I took Barbara home. She had caught a ride to church with Joy, but Joy had to leave early to be at the ballet. Joy asked me if I could take Barbara home, and I agree to.
On the way home, I went through the drive thru at Taco Mayo. I got two beef soft tacos, Mexicali rice, and refried beans. I ate that as my lunch and then left for Joe price's house for drumming. There were four of us there: Joe and Lou, Joel, and myself. Joe had some news for us. He had been contacted by the library to see if we would like to perform at one of their weekday noontime performances along with a troup of belly dancers. We would be providing the rhythm for the dancers. This would occur in May, if all goes well.
On the way home, I stopped at Dollar General and bought a birthday card for Gail, whose birthday is tomorrow. I watched the news and "Life (Part 2)" and took the trash cart out to the curb. I played the piano some in anticipation of our weekly practice session tomorrow.
Below is a link to a new movie about Charles Darwin. It looks interesting. I am going to try to go see it.
http://creationthemovie.com/trailer/
There are a couple of members who do not live in the area who send large sums of money to keep the church going. Were it not for them, the church most likely would have folded by now.
I took Barbara home. She had caught a ride to church with Joy, but Joy had to leave early to be at the ballet. Joy asked me if I could take Barbara home, and I agree to.
On the way home, I went through the drive thru at Taco Mayo. I got two beef soft tacos, Mexicali rice, and refried beans. I ate that as my lunch and then left for Joe price's house for drumming. There were four of us there: Joe and Lou, Joel, and myself. Joe had some news for us. He had been contacted by the library to see if we would like to perform at one of their weekday noontime performances along with a troup of belly dancers. We would be providing the rhythm for the dancers. This would occur in May, if all goes well.
On the way home, I stopped at Dollar General and bought a birthday card for Gail, whose birthday is tomorrow. I watched the news and "Life (Part 2)" and took the trash cart out to the curb. I played the piano some in anticipation of our weekly practice session tomorrow.
Below is a link to a new movie about Charles Darwin. It looks interesting. I am going to try to go see it.
http://creationthemovie.com/trailer/
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Hyechka event
This Saturday, we got up and threw on some clothes and went to the Fitness Center for our morning walk. While walking, I listened to music by Handel: Water Music and Royal Fireworks Music. Following those selections, I listened to some Dave Brubeck. We came home and had lunch.
After lunch, I took another long nap. Naps are so good, so refreshing.
This evening we went to an event held at All Souls Unitarian Church. There is a music lovers group in the city known as Hyechka. They sponsor performances throughout the year, usually at the Mansion on Peoria. Tonight's theme was "Love's Old Sweet Songs: Music of the Roaring Twenties." The dinner tonight was a benefit for Hyechka philanthropies. Several acts performed.
After lunch, I took another long nap. Naps are so good, so refreshing.
This evening we went to an event held at All Souls Unitarian Church. There is a music lovers group in the city known as Hyechka. They sponsor performances throughout the year, usually at the Mansion on Peoria. Tonight's theme was "Love's Old Sweet Songs: Music of the Roaring Twenties." The dinner tonight was a benefit for Hyechka philanthropies. Several acts performed.
Friday, February 12, 2010
The day in review
We had a busy day today. We went walking at TCC. I walked three miles. Then we left and stopped at Subway and got a five-dollar footlong sub. We got a black forest ham sandwich, with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and bell peppers. J does not like bell peppers, so she let me have hers. We took the sandwich home and ate it.
We went to the library and turned in some movies and books and checked out a few books waiting there for me. That afternoon, we wrote out some checks to pay some bills. We went over our bank statement and got that caught up. We went to WalMart and bought some strawberries and chocolate dippng sauce. We came home and J fixed the strawberries and chocolate for our gathering at the Bradleys.
At 7:00 pm we went to Border's Bookstore for the meeting of the small poetry group. Gail is currently the leader of this group. Tonight we looked at the poetry of Edgar Allan Poe. I read "The Raven," and Gail read "The Bells." There were six of us there, including J who does not normally attend. J was with me since she wanted to go to Randy's for the celebration of Darwin's birthday. We, including Gail, had to leave early to arrive at Randy's. We were late, of course, since both events started at 7 pm.
After we arrived, Randy presented the Planned Parenthood representative with a check for $300 raised among local freethinkers. I took pictures of the presentation. We are hoping to get one in the newspaper. The PP rep spoke of the various kinds of services provided by PP. The husband of the rep was there. He will be a part of the Chautauqua in June. He will be portraying Robert E. Lee on one of the nights.
We went to the library and turned in some movies and books and checked out a few books waiting there for me. That afternoon, we wrote out some checks to pay some bills. We went over our bank statement and got that caught up. We went to WalMart and bought some strawberries and chocolate dippng sauce. We came home and J fixed the strawberries and chocolate for our gathering at the Bradleys.
At 7:00 pm we went to Border's Bookstore for the meeting of the small poetry group. Gail is currently the leader of this group. Tonight we looked at the poetry of Edgar Allan Poe. I read "The Raven," and Gail read "The Bells." There were six of us there, including J who does not normally attend. J was with me since she wanted to go to Randy's for the celebration of Darwin's birthday. We, including Gail, had to leave early to arrive at Randy's. We were late, of course, since both events started at 7 pm.
After we arrived, Randy presented the Planned Parenthood representative with a check for $300 raised among local freethinkers. I took pictures of the presentation. We are hoping to get one in the newspaper. The PP rep spoke of the various kinds of services provided by PP. The husband of the rep was there. He will be a part of the Chautauqua in June. He will be portraying Robert E. Lee on one of the nights.
The Days of Our Lives
Below is a link to a web site which will, among other things, calculate your age in days. It tells me that I have lived 22,621.9 days. The site will calculate for you your age on other planets.
http://www.exploratorium.edu/ronh/age/index.html
http://www.exploratorium.edu/ronh/age/index.html
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Wintry weather bypasses us
I guess we got lucky today for the Thursday snowstorm missed the Tulsa area. Gail came over this morning, and we played piano duets for two hours.
After lunch I stretched out on the bed and awoke two hours later. That was quite a nap. Hope I will be able to sleep tonight.
Tonight we went to the TAM mid-month social gathering. I will try to post a picture I took at the gathering. Some of the regulars were there: Bill D. and Bob H. were there. The others were people I had met just once or twice or not at all. There were about nine people there. We talked about many things, including veganism, and the brain. Kym has her doctorate (in some area of neurobiology) and she is not yet 30. Toby is a dedicated vegan and spoke about how he became a vegan and what all it entails.
After lunch I stretched out on the bed and awoke two hours later. That was quite a nap. Hope I will be able to sleep tonight.
Tonight we went to the TAM mid-month social gathering. I will try to post a picture I took at the gathering. Some of the regulars were there: Bill D. and Bob H. were there. The others were people I had met just once or twice or not at all. There were about nine people there. We talked about many things, including veganism, and the brain. Kym has her doctorate (in some area of neurobiology) and she is not yet 30. Toby is a dedicated vegan and spoke about how he became a vegan and what all it entails.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
A Trip
Tuesday afternoon we took an out of town trip. We looked at the roads Monday, and decided a Wednesday morning business trip (for J) might be a problem. We decided to travel Tuesday while the roads were clear, then use it for an excuse to celebrate an early Valentine's Day.
Finding no motels actually close to the conference center, we got the closest motel we could find. That ended up being a motel three and a half miles away. We drove around a little getting familiar with the town, and ate at a local "Mom and Pop" that had generous portions for the price. We were both stuffed by the time we left, and we passed up dessert.
Wednesday morning, I drove J. to her meeting, then relaxed in the motel room watching TV. At noon I met Jan and we took advantage of the college cafe, but I do not recommend the place. I ordered a chicken salad sandwich, but had trouble finding much chicken salad between the slices of bread. Instead of saying "Where's the beef?", I was saying "Where's the chicken?"
That afternoon I visited the library, and read my Kindle until J was ready to head out of town.
We missed the rush hour traffic across Tulsa by using the Creek Turnpike. We use that turnpike often and find it saves time even when it may be a longer trip.
After supper, J and I went to a showing of a Darwin video at All Souls Unitarian Church. The room was packed once again as it was last week. Following the showing of the DVD, there was a brief discussion. Next week, the plan is to discuss the book Good Without God.
J and I are tired, but we had a nice trip.
Finding no motels actually close to the conference center, we got the closest motel we could find. That ended up being a motel three and a half miles away. We drove around a little getting familiar with the town, and ate at a local "Mom and Pop" that had generous portions for the price. We were both stuffed by the time we left, and we passed up dessert.
Wednesday morning, I drove J. to her meeting, then relaxed in the motel room watching TV. At noon I met Jan and we took advantage of the college cafe, but I do not recommend the place. I ordered a chicken salad sandwich, but had trouble finding much chicken salad between the slices of bread. Instead of saying "Where's the beef?", I was saying "Where's the chicken?"
That afternoon I visited the library, and read my Kindle until J was ready to head out of town.
We missed the rush hour traffic across Tulsa by using the Creek Turnpike. We use that turnpike often and find it saves time even when it may be a longer trip.
After supper, J and I went to a showing of a Darwin video at All Souls Unitarian Church. The room was packed once again as it was last week. Following the showing of the DVD, there was a brief discussion. Next week, the plan is to discuss the book Good Without God.
J and I are tired, but we had a nice trip.
Monday, February 08, 2010
More snow arrives
I went out to the mailbox to get the mail around 9:00 this morning. It was spitting rain but there was no sign of snow. By 9:30 the rain had changed over to snow, and it was snowing fast. We got a heavy snow for three hours, and then it stopped as suddenly as it had begun. Gail called from her cell phone when she was just four or five miles away and said she was turning back for home.
Fortunately, the snow did not stick. The ground was too warm. I got out and went to the library and the post office at the tag agency. I got an e-mail from Gail asking to reschedule the practice. She will be coming over Thursday morning now.
We went to TCC and walked three miles today.
I spent some time this afternoon trying (unsuccessfully) to find the sheet music to a song written by Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs. The title of the piece is "Cabin on the Hill." I checked my favorite music-by-mail site, Sheet Music Plus, but did not see it there. I called Saied's Music in Tulsa, and they could not find it in any of their collections of music. I checked with the Tulsa Library, and had no luck there. The lyrics can be found on the Internet, but not the musical notation. If any of my readers out there have any ideas on finding the music to this song, please let me know. The song is track 2 on the album "16 Biggest Hits, Flatt & Scruggs."
Fortunately, the snow did not stick. The ground was too warm. I got out and went to the library and the post office at the tag agency. I got an e-mail from Gail asking to reschedule the practice. She will be coming over Thursday morning now.
We went to TCC and walked three miles today.
I spent some time this afternoon trying (unsuccessfully) to find the sheet music to a song written by Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs. The title of the piece is "Cabin on the Hill." I checked my favorite music-by-mail site, Sheet Music Plus, but did not see it there. I called Saied's Music in Tulsa, and they could not find it in any of their collections of music. I checked with the Tulsa Library, and had no luck there. The lyrics can be found on the Internet, but not the musical notation. If any of my readers out there have any ideas on finding the music to this song, please let me know. The song is track 2 on the album "16 Biggest Hits, Flatt & Scruggs."
Sunday, February 07, 2010
How much will it snow?
It looks like we are in for another round of winter weather. The weatherman says we could get up to six inches. We will know by this time tomorrow.
Today I went to Church of the Restoration. I took highway 64 up to the Gilcrease Museum Road. I took the Museum Road to Pine. I go this way to avoid the road construction around downtown Tulsa. From Pine I go straight to Greenwood, turn right, and the church is just a block down the street. It was another slender group today: seven altogether.
Betty Morrow read a sermon written by Suzanne Meyer. Suzanne died recently. Her memorial service will be this Wednesday at Hope Unitarian Church. She was living in Wyoming (?) if I remember correctly. She was a minister there. Prior to that, she lived in Tulsa. She wrote some great sermons. Betty has read several of hers to the congregation before.
Following the service, I went to Braum's on Gilcrease Museum Road for lunch. J said she was going to take Luke and Ayla out for lunch. She also went to Braum's, but the one in Prattville (as south Sand Springs is known). I had a grilled chicken sandwich, fries, and a peanut butter and fudge shake. I usually get chocolate when I order a shake, but I saw a sign promoting the PB and fudge shake, so I got that instead. It was okay, but I think I will stick with chocolate.
I got a call from the Prices. They were not well and called off drumming for today.
Ayla spent the afternoon here. We took her home around 5 pm.
We also watched another lecture in the series we have been watching. The lecture was on the teleological argument for God.
Looking at my appointment calendar, I can see I have a busy week ahead. Of course, plans could change if we get a lot of snow.
Today I went to Church of the Restoration. I took highway 64 up to the Gilcrease Museum Road. I took the Museum Road to Pine. I go this way to avoid the road construction around downtown Tulsa. From Pine I go straight to Greenwood, turn right, and the church is just a block down the street. It was another slender group today: seven altogether.
Betty Morrow read a sermon written by Suzanne Meyer. Suzanne died recently. Her memorial service will be this Wednesday at Hope Unitarian Church. She was living in Wyoming (?) if I remember correctly. She was a minister there. Prior to that, she lived in Tulsa. She wrote some great sermons. Betty has read several of hers to the congregation before.
Following the service, I went to Braum's on Gilcrease Museum Road for lunch. J said she was going to take Luke and Ayla out for lunch. She also went to Braum's, but the one in Prattville (as south Sand Springs is known). I had a grilled chicken sandwich, fries, and a peanut butter and fudge shake. I usually get chocolate when I order a shake, but I saw a sign promoting the PB and fudge shake, so I got that instead. It was okay, but I think I will stick with chocolate.
I got a call from the Prices. They were not well and called off drumming for today.
Ayla spent the afternoon here. We took her home around 5 pm.
We also watched another lecture in the series we have been watching. The lecture was on the teleological argument for God.
Looking at my appointment calendar, I can see I have a busy week ahead. Of course, plans could change if we get a lot of snow.
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Monty Python film shown at Movie Night
Right now the weather here is much better than the weather in Ohio, Virginia, and the D.C. However, another winter storm should be here by Monday. I am ready for this winter to be over.
This morning we went to the Case Community Center and walked three miles. That gives me 20.5 miles for the week. We managed to go walking every day since Monday. I probably will not go walking tomorrow. I have church in the morning and drumming in the afternoon.
We picked up Ayla this afternoon and went to McDonald's and ate. Ayla played on the indoor playground equipment.
My letter was published in the Tulsa World today. The last time I checked, it had received 40 online comments.
Tonight was Movie Night at the Bradleys. We watched Monty Python's "The Meaning of Life." Gail had a prior commitment and thus was not able to play a duet. Following the film, we moved back to the Bradleys' living room and had a free-wheeling (and lengthy) discussion, mostly pertaining to the sorry state of the country at this time. There were eleven people in attendance.
Following the gathering, I took Barbara back to her apartment. I returned home. Everyone had gone to bed; that is, Ayla and her grandmother.
This morning we went to the Case Community Center and walked three miles. That gives me 20.5 miles for the week. We managed to go walking every day since Monday. I probably will not go walking tomorrow. I have church in the morning and drumming in the afternoon.
We picked up Ayla this afternoon and went to McDonald's and ate. Ayla played on the indoor playground equipment.
My letter was published in the Tulsa World today. The last time I checked, it had received 40 online comments.
Tonight was Movie Night at the Bradleys. We watched Monty Python's "The Meaning of Life." Gail had a prior commitment and thus was not able to play a duet. Following the film, we moved back to the Bradleys' living room and had a free-wheeling (and lengthy) discussion, mostly pertaining to the sorry state of the country at this time. There were eleven people in attendance.
Following the gathering, I took Barbara back to her apartment. I returned home. Everyone had gone to bed; that is, Ayla and her grandmother.
Friday, February 05, 2010
Roundup of events
We began our day by watching another lecture in the series on Philosophy of Religion. Then we went grocery shopping. That took a couple of hours. After we got back home and put away the groceries, we changed clothes and drove to the Fitness Center at TCC West and walked three miles. I have walked 17.5 miles this week. We managed to get to the Fitness Center every day this week. We might go walking in the morning, but I don't know right now.
After walking we returned home and had a fish dinner with scallops. Scallops are my favorite food item. The best scallops are found at White River Fish Market in Tulsa. They almost melt in your mouth. Red Lobster has good scallops, but I prefer those at WRFM.
In the mail today I received the current issue of Sheet Music Magazine. I spent some time at the piano tonight playing several of the pieces. Some of the pieces in this issue which I like are "Heliotrope Bouquet," "Love's Been Good To Me," "Great Balls of Fire," and "The M.T.A." The issue also contains two interesting jazz pieces: "Upside" and "Patternesque." The magazine is published four time a year, and in addition to publishing 18 or so songs per issue also includes instructional material to improve your playing. The novelty song "Why Do They Play Here Comes The Bride (When They Should Play There Goes The Groom)" is also found in this issue.
This has been a strange winter. It looks like we might be in store for some more snow starting Monday. I will be glad when Spring gets here.
After walking we returned home and had a fish dinner with scallops. Scallops are my favorite food item. The best scallops are found at White River Fish Market in Tulsa. They almost melt in your mouth. Red Lobster has good scallops, but I prefer those at WRFM.
In the mail today I received the current issue of Sheet Music Magazine. I spent some time at the piano tonight playing several of the pieces. Some of the pieces in this issue which I like are "Heliotrope Bouquet," "Love's Been Good To Me," "Great Balls of Fire," and "The M.T.A." The issue also contains two interesting jazz pieces: "Upside" and "Patternesque." The magazine is published four time a year, and in addition to publishing 18 or so songs per issue also includes instructional material to improve your playing. The novelty song "Why Do They Play Here Comes The Bride (When They Should Play There Goes The Groom)" is also found in this issue.
This has been a strange winter. It looks like we might be in store for some more snow starting Monday. I will be glad when Spring gets here.
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Labyrinths
I have had an interest in walking labyrinths for a few years now. On occasion, we have walked a few. There are two I can remember in Oklahoma. One in in Norman and the other is in Tahlequah. There also was a temporary labyrinth set up in a church in Tulsa that I walked once. The labyrinth in Norman in in Reaves Park, and the labyrinth in Tahlequah is at Sancta Sophia Seminary (a religious retreat) a little ways outside of Tahlequah.
What got me thinking about labyrinths is an article I read in a magazine called The Current. According to the review of the book, Oklahoma Labyrinths - a Path to Inner Peace by Gail Peck, the author cites 70 labyrinths in the state. I checked a web site I used to look at (Grace Cathedral in San Francisco), and noticed that the labyrinth locator at the site now list more labyrinths in Oklahoma than the last time I looked at the site, which was probably five years ago.
I ordered a copy of the book from Amazon. My son, Nick, gave me a gift card for $50 for Christmas. This was my first time to use the card.
I have a VHS tape which I used to show my friends about labyrinth walking. Proponents of labyrinth walking claim the activity has spiritual dimensions. I have walked six or seven labyrinths but have not noticed anything spiritual about them. I suspect a lot depends upon the walker's prior experiences. But I continue to walk one whenever I come across one. Other cities in Oklahoma have labyrinths including Oklahoma City, Ponca City, Tonkawa, and Shawnee.
We did our usual walk at TCC today - 4 miles. Stopped again at Subway on the way home and had a Black Forest ham sandwich. We ate it there and read the newspaper while we were in the store. We later went to the bank and deposited some money in Luke and Ayla's savings accounts and paid our annual fee on our safe deposit box. Then we went to the library and I picked up some books which had come in for me.
What got me thinking about labyrinths is an article I read in a magazine called The Current. According to the review of the book, Oklahoma Labyrinths - a Path to Inner Peace by Gail Peck, the author cites 70 labyrinths in the state. I checked a web site I used to look at (Grace Cathedral in San Francisco), and noticed that the labyrinth locator at the site now list more labyrinths in Oklahoma than the last time I looked at the site, which was probably five years ago.
I ordered a copy of the book from Amazon. My son, Nick, gave me a gift card for $50 for Christmas. This was my first time to use the card.
I have a VHS tape which I used to show my friends about labyrinth walking. Proponents of labyrinth walking claim the activity has spiritual dimensions. I have walked six or seven labyrinths but have not noticed anything spiritual about them. I suspect a lot depends upon the walker's prior experiences. But I continue to walk one whenever I come across one. Other cities in Oklahoma have labyrinths including Oklahoma City, Ponca City, Tonkawa, and Shawnee.
We did our usual walk at TCC today - 4 miles. Stopped again at Subway on the way home and had a Black Forest ham sandwich. We ate it there and read the newspaper while we were in the store. We later went to the bank and deposited some money in Luke and Ayla's savings accounts and paid our annual fee on our safe deposit box. Then we went to the library and I picked up some books which had come in for me.
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
What happened today?
First, we went to TCC and walked three miles. On the way home, we stopped at Subway and bought a five-dollar Black Forest Ham footlong sandwich, brought it home and ate it.
At 3:00 pm Gail arrived and we played piano until 5:00 pm. I watched the news at 5:30 and then we left at 6:30 for All Souls Unitarian Church to watch a DVD of Richard Dawkins on Charles Darwin. We actually saw two DVDs (45 minutes long) of Dawkins talking about Darwin. The second DVD deals with the subject of altruism. Tonight was the first part of a three part series on Darwin. The next sessions are on Feb. 10 and Feb. 17. The theater will filled to capacity. Extra seats were brought in to accompany the overflow crowd.
Afterwards, we stopped at La Hacienda, a Mexican restaurant on Peoria, for our evening meal. For less than seven dollars we got a gigantic chicken burrito which we shared.
At 3:00 pm Gail arrived and we played piano until 5:00 pm. I watched the news at 5:30 and then we left at 6:30 for All Souls Unitarian Church to watch a DVD of Richard Dawkins on Charles Darwin. We actually saw two DVDs (45 minutes long) of Dawkins talking about Darwin. The second DVD deals with the subject of altruism. Tonight was the first part of a three part series on Darwin. The next sessions are on Feb. 10 and Feb. 17. The theater will filled to capacity. Extra seats were brought in to accompany the overflow crowd.
Afterwards, we stopped at La Hacienda, a Mexican restaurant on Peoria, for our evening meal. For less than seven dollars we got a gigantic chicken burrito which we shared.
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Recapitulation of today's happenings
Well, you are probably thinking we did a lot today from the title of this post, but you would be mistaken. Today was pretty much like yesterday and several other previous days.
We went walking at TCC. I did four miles today. Then on the way home we stopped by the Springs Village shopping center where Papa Pat had his smoked meats truck parked and bought two pulled pork sandwiches. We took the sandwiches home and ate them.
I got a call from the newspaper, checking to verify that I was the writer of a letter I sent in for publication. I confirmed my authorship of the letter. I assume it will show up in the paper soon.
We were going to go grocery shopping, but thought we should give some attention to the snow on the roof. So we used the ladder to get up to the roof and removed some chunks of ice which had accumulated in the gutters.
Tonight while my better half watched "Lost" on TV, I watched some instructional videos (from YouTube) on the computer. The videos were on playing the ukulele. I would like to learn how to play the uke. I have a cheap soprano uke which I bought from WalMart. I find the most difficult thing about playing it is fingering the chords without muting strings that are supposed to be open. There are several instructional videos available on YouTube, and I watched a few of them tonight.
We went walking at TCC. I did four miles today. Then on the way home we stopped by the Springs Village shopping center where Papa Pat had his smoked meats truck parked and bought two pulled pork sandwiches. We took the sandwiches home and ate them.
I got a call from the newspaper, checking to verify that I was the writer of a letter I sent in for publication. I confirmed my authorship of the letter. I assume it will show up in the paper soon.
We were going to go grocery shopping, but thought we should give some attention to the snow on the roof. So we used the ladder to get up to the roof and removed some chunks of ice which had accumulated in the gutters.
Tonight while my better half watched "Lost" on TV, I watched some instructional videos (from YouTube) on the computer. The videos were on playing the ukulele. I would like to learn how to play the uke. I have a cheap soprano uke which I bought from WalMart. I find the most difficult thing about playing it is fingering the chords without muting strings that are supposed to be open. There are several instructional videos available on YouTube, and I watched a few of them tonight.
Monday, February 01, 2010
Some melting today
Today, following breakfast, we watched two lectures from the course "Philosophy of Religion" (on DVD) taught by James H. Hall of the University of Richmond. We listened to "What Constitutes Good Evidence" (lecture 8) and "Why Argue For the Existence of God?" (lecture 9). We listened to lecture 8 yesterday, but since I received three phone calls during the half-hour lecture, I wanted to hear it again.
In the afternoon, we went to TCC and walked the indoor track. I was hoping to walk four miles, but was interrupted after three and a half with a request to go home.
We had a good bit of melting of the snow today; however, much snow remains. I know what it is like to go three days without electricity. That happened to us in December of 2007. The house did not get cold. I guess the greatest hardship was being without all those things that use electricity to operate: lights, television, garage door opener, CD player.
I spoke with Gail on the phone, and we are going to get together for piano duet practice on Wednesday afternoon this week.
In the afternoon, we went to TCC and walked the indoor track. I was hoping to walk four miles, but was interrupted after three and a half with a request to go home.
We had a good bit of melting of the snow today; however, much snow remains. I know what it is like to go three days without electricity. That happened to us in December of 2007. The house did not get cold. I guess the greatest hardship was being without all those things that use electricity to operate: lights, television, garage door opener, CD player.
I spoke with Gail on the phone, and we are going to get together for piano duet practice on Wednesday afternoon this week.
Food and Fellowship with Friends
Here are two pictures taken by Kathy Warren at our January Food & Fellowship meal at Billy Simms' Barbecue Restaurant in The Farm Shopping Center. There were 17 people at the event. We took several tables and lined them up so we could be together.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
No church today
We both received phone calls informing us that our respective churches had canceled services for today. There is plenty of snow outside. I phoned Gail to cancel our Monday practice. We will reschedule later. Gail said that she and Glenn were about to go walking. Brave souls are they; however, it did not feel so cold as it looked. There was very little wind.
I managed to drag the trash cart out to the curb. It gave me a chance to get outside. It is good to get outside when you are snowed in. We have had more snow this year than in any recent year I can recall. I can remember several winters when we got no snow at all. I also cleared the snow off the '96 Saturn parked on the driveway.
We watched a lecture from the series "Philosophy of Religion" which I bought from The Teaching Company a few months back. It is an interesting course. I took a course by that title forty years ago at SMSU. However, I had already lost my childhood beliefs in a personal god by that time.
I managed to drag the trash cart out to the curb. It gave me a chance to get outside. It is good to get outside when you are snowed in. We have had more snow this year than in any recent year I can recall. I can remember several winters when we got no snow at all. I also cleared the snow off the '96 Saturn parked on the driveway.
We watched a lecture from the series "Philosophy of Religion" which I bought from The Teaching Company a few months back. It is an interesting course. I took a course by that title forty years ago at SMSU. However, I had already lost my childhood beliefs in a personal god by that time.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Quick and easy way to peal a potato
Here is a tip on pealing potatoes which I wish I had known about earlier:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4W0qIPJmoo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4W0qIPJmoo
Friday, January 29, 2010
Today is Thomas Paine's birthday
Although he left us a couple hundred years ago, I want to recognize the birthday of Thomas Paine. Paine was a hero during the American Revolution. His pamphlet, "Common Sense," inspired many to take up arms in the revolution.
To freethinkers he is best remembered as the author of The Age of Reason. A quote from this book follows:
To freethinkers he is best remembered as the author of The Age of Reason. A quote from this book follows:
Whenever we read the obscene stories, the voluptuous debaucheries, the cruel and torturous executions, the unrelenting vindictiveness, with which more than half the Bible is filled, it would be more consistent that we called it the word of a demon, than the Word of God. It is a history of wickedness, that has served to corrupt and brutalize mankind; and, for my own part, I sincerely detest it, as I detest everything that is cruel.
Snowed in
We never lost power, but it was not a day for getting out. I walked out to the mail box, got the mail, and walked back to the house. That is the extent of my travels for today. We have, I'm guessing, about a half foot of snow. The poor pine tree in the front yard has branches bent low due to the weight of the snow. Our other tree, the bradford pear, was lost in the ice storm of 2007. I hope our pine tree makes it through this winter.
The consequences of this storm did not quite live up to the dire predictions of the weather prognosticators. It could have been worse. We never lost power, knock on wood, and I'm hoping the worst is over. We saw videos of cars which slid off the roads. I was thankful to be inside a warm house while all this was going on.
The consequences of this storm did not quite live up to the dire predictions of the weather prognosticators. It could have been worse. We never lost power, knock on wood, and I'm hoping the worst is over. We saw videos of cars which slid off the roads. I was thankful to be inside a warm house while all this was going on.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Howard Zinn dies
Here it is 10:35 pm and we still have electricity. Yoo-hoo.
A hero of mine died on Wednesday. His name was Howard Zinn. He was a radical historian. He wrote A People's History of the United States. Here is a YouTube clip on him:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ehc3V1g5pm0&NR=1
He was born in 1922 and left us just yesterday. May he RIP.
A hero of mine died on Wednesday. His name was Howard Zinn. He was a radical historian. He wrote A People's History of the United States. Here is a YouTube clip on him:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ehc3V1g5pm0&NR=1
He was born in 1922 and left us just yesterday. May he RIP.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Circling the track
Here I am circling the walking track in the TCC Fitness Center. This picture was taken last week. There are three lanes: walking, jogging, and running. Today I walked four miles here. I did not walk yesterday since I had dental work and was advised to not go walking.
.
I guess we are ready for the freezing rain to come. We are stocked up with food and have no appointments which require our being away from home. I just hope the electricity does not go out. Last time we went through an ice storm, we were without power for three days. Others in the Tulsa area were without power for an even longer period of time. This might be the last time I blog for a few days if we do lose power.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Mind, Mood & Memory
Mind, Mood & Memory is a newsletter which is published monthly by Massachusetts General Hospital. Each issue is just eight pages long, but it is full of the latest research findings on aging. Accompanying each issue is a single sheet of "Brain Games." On the front side is WordMorph, Sudoku, and a Word Search puzzle. On the back side is a crossword puzzle. The newsletter is aimed at people who are 50 and beyond.
Reading the February 2010 issue, I discovered a web site which is a good source of puzzles of various kinds. The URL is given below:
http://www.lumosity.com/
Click on it and try out a few of the games. The are fun, plus they may help you stave off Alzheimer's.
Also of interest to baby boomers is the OETA TV show "Life (Part 2)," which airs on Sundays at 6 pm. Each week a different topic related to aging is explored.
Reading the February 2010 issue, I discovered a web site which is a good source of puzzles of various kinds. The URL is given below:
http://www.lumosity.com/
Click on it and try out a few of the games. The are fun, plus they may help you stave off Alzheimer's.
Also of interest to baby boomers is the OETA TV show "Life (Part 2)," which airs on Sundays at 6 pm. Each week a different topic related to aging is explored.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Preparing for bad weather
We began our day by going to TCC and walking three miles. We came home and showered. Soon Gail arrived for our weekly piano duet practice. She left shortly after noon, and then we had lunch, a nap, and later we watched the evening news. Following the news, we went grocery shopping. We want to make sure we have enough food on hand in case we have another blizzard. The weathermen are talking about the possibility of power outages due to freezing rain. We now have enough food laid by to stay inside for several days. I also bought a bag of votive candles for lighting.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
ABC news interview of Greg Epstein
Click on the link below to see an interview with Harvard Humanist Chaplain Greg Epstein:
http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=9650818
Music Sunday at Church of the Restoration went well this morning. There were eight people present for the service.
The Atheists Meetup at the Agora Coffee House at 1 pm drew 33 people. Barbara went with me. Afterwards we stopped at Wendy's for a snack. I should have taken my camera with me, but I had a tote bag full of things for COR and did not think about my camera.
I missed drumming tonight due to the length of the TAM meeting.
I'm sure many people have a birthday on this day. If you are one of them, I want to wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=9650818
Music Sunday at Church of the Restoration went well this morning. There were eight people present for the service.
The Atheists Meetup at the Agora Coffee House at 1 pm drew 33 people. Barbara went with me. Afterwards we stopped at Wendy's for a snack. I should have taken my camera with me, but I had a tote bag full of things for COR and did not think about my camera.
I missed drumming tonight due to the length of the TAM meeting.
I'm sure many people have a birthday on this day. If you are one of them, I want to wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Events of the day
Today was our day for the January Food and Fellowship gathering. By our, I mean the Humanist Association of Tulsa. We had 17 people there today. We met at Billy Sims Barbecue in the Farm Shopping Center. The restaurant is small; so our meeting there was a real benefit to the business.
We picked up Barbara, one of our members who is 84 years old, and gave her a ride to the gathering. Her daughter and son-in-law recently moved here from California and are living with her while trying to find work. Her other daughter and son-in-law suffered a misfortune when the young man had a stroke. He is still in the hospital as I write this.
The quote by Epicuris I posted a few days ago pretty well summed up the problem of the coexistence of God and evil -- a problem in philosophy that goes by the name of theodicy. My wife resolves this problem by saying that while God would like to ease the suffering of humans, he is not able to change things for the better. That is, God is not really omnipotent. He looks down on the suffering (think of Haiti) and would truly like to do something to ease the pain but is lacking in the ability to achieve that end.
From my point of view (naturalism), the world works exactly as if there is no god. A lot of unfortunate things happen to people, and there is no god around to intervene, to set things right, to ease the suffering. It has always been that way, and wishful thinking is only that -- wishful thinking. I remain open to contrary evidence, should any present itself. But so far, none has.
We picked up Barbara, one of our members who is 84 years old, and gave her a ride to the gathering. Her daughter and son-in-law recently moved here from California and are living with her while trying to find work. Her other daughter and son-in-law suffered a misfortune when the young man had a stroke. He is still in the hospital as I write this.
The quote by Epicuris I posted a few days ago pretty well summed up the problem of the coexistence of God and evil -- a problem in philosophy that goes by the name of theodicy. My wife resolves this problem by saying that while God would like to ease the suffering of humans, he is not able to change things for the better. That is, God is not really omnipotent. He looks down on the suffering (think of Haiti) and would truly like to do something to ease the pain but is lacking in the ability to achieve that end.
From my point of view (naturalism), the world works exactly as if there is no god. A lot of unfortunate things happen to people, and there is no god around to intervene, to set things right, to ease the suffering. It has always been that way, and wishful thinking is only that -- wishful thinking. I remain open to contrary evidence, should any present itself. But so far, none has.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Preparations for Sunday
We began our day by going to the TCC Fitness Center and walking 3.5 miles. Yesterday's walk was interrupted by a fire drill. I walked only 2.5 miles yesterday. So to make up what I missed yesterday, I added on a half mile today. That makes nine miles for the week.
We have a Food & Fellowship planned for tomorrow, so I might miss walking tomorrow.
This afternoon, Gail came over and we practiced several pieces we will play this Sunday at church. We got eight duet pieces in shape for this Sunday. I later talked with Joy and Mary. They both agreed to take part in the music service this Sunday. I cut back to six the number of pieces Gail and I will play.
The titles of the pieces we plan to play are :
Wade in the Water
The Ancient Lantern
Birch Tree Rag
The Water is Wide
Irish Air
Broadway Lights
Joy will be playing guitar and singing "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child" and "Amazing Grace." Mary will be singing "Cry Me a River" to my piano accompanyment.
We have a Food & Fellowship planned for tomorrow, so I might miss walking tomorrow.
This afternoon, Gail came over and we practiced several pieces we will play this Sunday at church. We got eight duet pieces in shape for this Sunday. I later talked with Joy and Mary. They both agreed to take part in the music service this Sunday. I cut back to six the number of pieces Gail and I will play.
The titles of the pieces we plan to play are :
Wade in the Water
The Ancient Lantern
Birch Tree Rag
The Water is Wide
Irish Air
Broadway Lights
Joy will be playing guitar and singing "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child" and "Amazing Grace." Mary will be singing "Cry Me a River" to my piano accompanyment.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
A visit to the audiologist
Today I saw my audiologist, whose office is located in the physicians' building across the street from Hillcrest Hospital. We got in quickly. She made some adjustment on my hearing aids and they are working better now. The visit lasted about an hour.
Hearing aids are a big business in this area. You see ads for them constantly on TV. Former radio and TV personalities often go to work for hearing aid companies, making commercials for their products.
I get the church newsletter online. I looked at it today and saw that the program for next Sunday read "Music Sunday" and it had my name where usually the name of the speaker is found. Apparently they are expecting Gail and me to do the entire program. I forwarded the program to Gail and asked by e-mail if she would be able to do a larger program? I will call her in the morning to see what she has to say. I'm not sure how doing two selections of special music grew into being in charge of "Music Sunday." I will be willing to do a program of six to eight pieces, if Gail is.
Hearing aids are a big business in this area. You see ads for them constantly on TV. Former radio and TV personalities often go to work for hearing aid companies, making commercials for their products.
I get the church newsletter online. I looked at it today and saw that the program for next Sunday read "Music Sunday" and it had my name where usually the name of the speaker is found. Apparently they are expecting Gail and me to do the entire program. I forwarded the program to Gail and asked by e-mail if she would be able to do a larger program? I will call her in the morning to see what she has to say. I'm not sure how doing two selections of special music grew into being in charge of "Music Sunday." I will be willing to do a program of six to eight pieces, if Gail is.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
We're back from Springfield
We have returned to Sand Springs after a brief trip to Springfield, MO to visit my parents. This is the first time i have blogged since Sunday, I guess. All I did on Sunday was post a quote. So I should have a lot to write about, if only I can remember everything which has happened.
Let me back up to last Sunday. We had a larger than usual crowd at Church of the Restoration, if you can call eleven people a crowd. Vanessa, who was two years old at the time Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, read the famous "I Have a Dream" speech. Being a news junky, I recall hearing the original speech. We also sang "Life Every Voice and Sing," now widely regarded as the Black National Anthem. The words to this song were written by James Weldon Johnson, who also wrote "God's Trombones."
Following the service I sat in on a board meeting. Seven people were at the board meeting. It seems, and this is only a slight exaggeration, that everyone who attends the Sunday morning service is on the board. Next Sunday, there will be a congregational meeting following the sermon, at which time the items discussed at the board meeting will be presented to the congregation and voted upon. The man who was the minister is still a member of the congregation and was present last Sunday.
I found this a little strange, but part of the protocol of the board meeting is that everyone present sings a hymn in unison.
The next morning was Monday, and Gail come over to play duets with me. Gail and I will be playing the special music at church next Sunday. We plan to play "Wade in the Water" and "The Ancient Lantern." We worked on "Spanish Dance," but we decided to wait until next week before making our video for "YouTube."
That afternoon, we got in the car and headed for Springfield. I drove the entire way. We stopped at the visitors' information center just across the state line into Missouri. There we looked for a geocache which we had looked for on our previous trip. We could not find it. We went on in to Springfield and talked with my parents in their apartment.
J assisted my Dad in cleaning up his computer. I played piano for my Mother. I played some hymns and some standards. We went out to eat that evening at the nearby Golden Corral. I ate too much, as I usually do there. We stayed the night in my parents' apartment. The next day for lunch we ate at Red Lobster. The food so so good. I had a broiled fish platter. There was supposed to be a cache cliose by. I looked for it but did not see it.
About 4:30 in the afternoon, we hit the road for Oklahoma. It was getting dark as we approached Joplin, so we pulled off and spent the night at the Super 8 motel. We walked to the nearby Denny's for our evening meal. When we returned to the motel we listened to the results of the senate race in Massachusetts. The race was an upset and may end the hopes of those who have worked for health care reform. Our health care system is broken and may remain broken for some time. I'm just glad I have insurance, but I know that 48 million Americans are without any health care insurance. It may be that those working for the status quo may win in the short run, but the avalanche of the uninsured will continue to build until on day it will break away.
The next day we continued our journey toward home. We stopped in Tulsa and joined a group of friends at the White River Fish Market. From there we went to Border's Bookstore and then to Office Depot and then home.
Let me back up to last Sunday. We had a larger than usual crowd at Church of the Restoration, if you can call eleven people a crowd. Vanessa, who was two years old at the time Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, read the famous "I Have a Dream" speech. Being a news junky, I recall hearing the original speech. We also sang "Life Every Voice and Sing," now widely regarded as the Black National Anthem. The words to this song were written by James Weldon Johnson, who also wrote "God's Trombones."
Following the service I sat in on a board meeting. Seven people were at the board meeting. It seems, and this is only a slight exaggeration, that everyone who attends the Sunday morning service is on the board. Next Sunday, there will be a congregational meeting following the sermon, at which time the items discussed at the board meeting will be presented to the congregation and voted upon. The man who was the minister is still a member of the congregation and was present last Sunday.
I found this a little strange, but part of the protocol of the board meeting is that everyone present sings a hymn in unison.
The next morning was Monday, and Gail come over to play duets with me. Gail and I will be playing the special music at church next Sunday. We plan to play "Wade in the Water" and "The Ancient Lantern." We worked on "Spanish Dance," but we decided to wait until next week before making our video for "YouTube."
That afternoon, we got in the car and headed for Springfield. I drove the entire way. We stopped at the visitors' information center just across the state line into Missouri. There we looked for a geocache which we had looked for on our previous trip. We could not find it. We went on in to Springfield and talked with my parents in their apartment.
J assisted my Dad in cleaning up his computer. I played piano for my Mother. I played some hymns and some standards. We went out to eat that evening at the nearby Golden Corral. I ate too much, as I usually do there. We stayed the night in my parents' apartment. The next day for lunch we ate at Red Lobster. The food so so good. I had a broiled fish platter. There was supposed to be a cache cliose by. I looked for it but did not see it.
About 4:30 in the afternoon, we hit the road for Oklahoma. It was getting dark as we approached Joplin, so we pulled off and spent the night at the Super 8 motel. We walked to the nearby Denny's for our evening meal. When we returned to the motel we listened to the results of the senate race in Massachusetts. The race was an upset and may end the hopes of those who have worked for health care reform. Our health care system is broken and may remain broken for some time. I'm just glad I have insurance, but I know that 48 million Americans are without any health care insurance. It may be that those working for the status quo may win in the short run, but the avalanche of the uninsured will continue to build until on day it will break away.
The next day we continued our journey toward home. We stopped in Tulsa and joined a group of friends at the White River Fish Market. From there we went to Border's Bookstore and then to Office Depot and then home.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Epicurus quote
Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able?
Then he is not omnipotent.
Is he able, but not willing?
Then he is malevolent.
Is he both able and willing?
Then whence cometh evil?
Is he neither able nor willing?
Then why call him God?
Epicurus, BCE 341-270
Then he is not omnipotent.
Is he able, but not willing?
Then he is malevolent.
Is he both able and willing?
Then whence cometh evil?
Is he neither able nor willing?
Then why call him God?
Epicurus, BCE 341-270
Saturday, January 16, 2010
HAT meeting at new venue
Today seems like a Sunday. That is because we had a HAT meeting this afternoon. For the last several years HAT has held its monthly chapter meetings on Sundays. We have now moved the meetings to a new venue at a new day and time. Instead of meeting at the Hardesty Library on the south edge of Tulsa, we now meet in a more central location at 2901 S. Harvard in the Genealogy Center of the Library System. Plus the room we meet in is a bit larger than the room we used at Hardesty. The new location is about six miles south and three miles west of our former location. Actually, we used to meet at the new location back when the building was owned by the Harmon Foundation. It was used by the Tulsa Philharmonic at that time.
We had a good turnout for today's meeting. There were 16 in attendance, if I remember correctly. I circulated a sign-in sheet, but have mislaid it. Otherwise, I would refer to it for the exact count.
KOTV, Channel 6, interviewed Randy recently concerning the billboard currently in place in Tulsa. The billboard says "Good Without God? Millions Are." The billboard can be seen as you travel west on I-44 as you go across the Arkansas River. We do not know when, or if, the interview will be aired.
Randy is continuing with his project of having member letters posted on the HAT web site. If you send in a letter for publication, be sure to send Randy a copy so he can post it also.
Richard told us about a hilarious web site called "Mr. Deity." I look at it ever so often to see what is new there. Check it out at http://www.mrdeity.com/. I would recommend that you begin by watching episode 1 of season 1. In light of the recent earthquake in Haiti, this one is most apopropriate.
We spoke briefly about the unfairness of allowing churches to go tax free, while every other business operation is taxed.
We discussed the move to teach the Bible as literature in the public schools. While this idea may look innocuous on paper, in practice it can be a can of worms. Everything depends upon the individual teacher who has the responsibility of teaching the course. In the hands of the wrong teacher, it can be used to proselytize students. And what Christian teacher is willing to ignore Christ's command to go into all the world and spread the gospel? Teaching this course would be a golden opportunity to do just that.
Richard also mentioned a program on Nova called "Archaeology and the Bible." He said it would be good for all students to see this program.
Randy spoke about the great feeling of love we in HAT have for one another. We get together frequently and know a lot about each other's lives. He is right. I have never felt so loved by a group of people as I do by those in our chapter. We are not just a chapter of the AHA; we are a community of like-minded people who enjoy each other's company. We love being together.
Herb brought up the idea of having shirts with printing on them saying something like "Humanist Association of Tulsa." We could wear the shirts to various community events, thereby advertising our chapter. Dawn mentioned an organization which prints shirts for something like $6.50 each. She will look into it and let us know.
We had a visitor today. Her name is Judy, and she is a retired teacher. We hope our group can fill a need in her life and that she will become a part of our group and help us grow.
Toward the end of the meeting, I read a poem by Phillip Appleman titled "Noah." I was gratified that the group applauded when I finished reading the seven-page poem.
These are the highlights of the meeting as I recall them. Feel free to add anything you remember in the "Comments" area below.
In other news, today I received a package from The Teaching Company. I had ordered DVDs of the course "The Art of Reading" a few days ago. The course guidebook begins with "We all know how to read, but how many of us know how to read well? This course is designed to encourage the habit of artful reading."
There are 24 half-hour lectures. Once I have viewed them, I will be glad to loan the course to anyone interested in watching it.
Thanks for posting the pictures.
We had a good turnout for today's meeting. There were 16 in attendance, if I remember correctly. I circulated a sign-in sheet, but have mislaid it. Otherwise, I would refer to it for the exact count.
KOTV, Channel 6, interviewed Randy recently concerning the billboard currently in place in Tulsa. The billboard says "Good Without God? Millions Are." The billboard can be seen as you travel west on I-44 as you go across the Arkansas River. We do not know when, or if, the interview will be aired.
Randy is continuing with his project of having member letters posted on the HAT web site. If you send in a letter for publication, be sure to send Randy a copy so he can post it also.
Richard told us about a hilarious web site called "Mr. Deity." I look at it ever so often to see what is new there. Check it out at http://www.mrdeity.com/. I would recommend that you begin by watching episode 1 of season 1. In light of the recent earthquake in Haiti, this one is most apopropriate.
We spoke briefly about the unfairness of allowing churches to go tax free, while every other business operation is taxed.
We discussed the move to teach the Bible as literature in the public schools. While this idea may look innocuous on paper, in practice it can be a can of worms. Everything depends upon the individual teacher who has the responsibility of teaching the course. In the hands of the wrong teacher, it can be used to proselytize students. And what Christian teacher is willing to ignore Christ's command to go into all the world and spread the gospel? Teaching this course would be a golden opportunity to do just that.
Richard also mentioned a program on Nova called "Archaeology and the Bible." He said it would be good for all students to see this program.
Randy spoke about the great feeling of love we in HAT have for one another. We get together frequently and know a lot about each other's lives. He is right. I have never felt so loved by a group of people as I do by those in our chapter. We are not just a chapter of the AHA; we are a community of like-minded people who enjoy each other's company. We love being together.
Herb brought up the idea of having shirts with printing on them saying something like "Humanist Association of Tulsa." We could wear the shirts to various community events, thereby advertising our chapter. Dawn mentioned an organization which prints shirts for something like $6.50 each. She will look into it and let us know.
We had a visitor today. Her name is Judy, and she is a retired teacher. We hope our group can fill a need in her life and that she will become a part of our group and help us grow.
Toward the end of the meeting, I read a poem by Phillip Appleman titled "Noah." I was gratified that the group applauded when I finished reading the seven-page poem.
These are the highlights of the meeting as I recall them. Feel free to add anything you remember in the "Comments" area below.
In other news, today I received a package from The Teaching Company. I had ordered DVDs of the course "The Art of Reading" a few days ago. The course guidebook begins with "We all know how to read, but how many of us know how to read well? This course is designed to encourage the habit of artful reading."
There are 24 half-hour lectures. Once I have viewed them, I will be glad to loan the course to anyone interested in watching it.
Thanks for posting the pictures.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Poetry group met tonight
We began today by going to the TCC Fitness Center and walking three miles. That brings me up to 26.5 miles for the year on my walking.
At 11:00 am today we attended a memorial service for a lady from my church (Restoration) who died on December 20. The service was held at All Souls since it has a greater seating capacity. The lady was active in liberal causes (abortion rights, environment, etc.) in Tulsa, and the service was attended by about 200 people. She will be sorely missed.
Tonight was Poetry Group night at Border's Bookstore. There were six of us present. We read poetry by Tennyson. We read and discussed his poetry for two hours. Next month we will read and discuss poetry by Edgar Allan Poe.
At 11:00 am today we attended a memorial service for a lady from my church (Restoration) who died on December 20. The service was held at All Souls since it has a greater seating capacity. The lady was active in liberal causes (abortion rights, environment, etc.) in Tulsa, and the service was attended by about 200 people. She will be sorely missed.
Tonight was Poetry Group night at Border's Bookstore. There were six of us present. We read poetry by Tennyson. We read and discussed his poetry for two hours. Next month we will read and discuss poetry by Edgar Allan Poe.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
A movie and a meal
We started the day by going to the TCC Fitness Center and walking three miles. J took my camera and shot a picture of me while walking. Actually she took four pictures, but none of them were very good. After we had our exercise out of the way, we made plans to see a movie.
We went to Sapulpa and saw It's Complicated, starring Meryl Streep, Alex Baldwin, and Steve Martin. It was a movie J had been wanting to see for some time. I did not find it to be too memorable. I would not recommend it, but J would.
Following the movie, we went to the Crescent Cafe for dinner. The prices are good at the Crescent. We both ate for under $15.
In the mail today, I received a box of five books from Dover Publications. One will be a gift for our son Nick who has a birthday on the 20th. It is a book on origami construction. The other four books are piano literature, mostly for solo piano. A portion of one book contains duets.
The music books contain music by (1) Satie, (2) Respighi, (3) John Field, and (4) a collection of 83 piano classics. Erik Satie and Ottorino Respighi are two of my favorite composers.
We went to Sapulpa and saw It's Complicated, starring Meryl Streep, Alex Baldwin, and Steve Martin. It was a movie J had been wanting to see for some time. I did not find it to be too memorable. I would not recommend it, but J would.
Following the movie, we went to the Crescent Cafe for dinner. The prices are good at the Crescent. We both ate for under $15.
In the mail today, I received a box of five books from Dover Publications. One will be a gift for our son Nick who has a birthday on the 20th. It is a book on origami construction. The other four books are piano literature, mostly for solo piano. A portion of one book contains duets.
The music books contain music by (1) Satie, (2) Respighi, (3) John Field, and (4) a collection of 83 piano classics. Erik Satie and Ottorino Respighi are two of my favorite composers.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Where was God?
It is events such as the earthquake in Haiti that reconfirm in my mind that there is no God looking out for us in this universe.
Where was God when the earthquake struck Haiti killing thousands? Was it his day off? What sort of God would answer your minor request, while ignoring the tragedy taking place in Haiti?
No. Things like that just happen, as you would expect in a universe without a God. If there were a God, He would have most likely intervened. At least a Good God would have. Wouldn't you, if you had the ability of a God?
Where was God when the earthquake struck Haiti killing thousands? Was it his day off? What sort of God would answer your minor request, while ignoring the tragedy taking place in Haiti?
No. Things like that just happen, as you would expect in a universe without a God. If there were a God, He would have most likely intervened. At least a Good God would have. Wouldn't you, if you had the ability of a God?
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
The last couple of days
Yesterday began with Gail coming over and playing piano duets with me for two hours. We had another good practice session. We are going to record a piece and put it up on YouTube next Monday, assuming we are not in Springfield. The piece we are going to record is "Spanish Dance" by Moritz Moskowski. There are already several recordings of the piece on YouTube. After next Monday, I hope there will be one more.
Yesterday I fell on the ice. J and I were going somewhere. I was about to put the key in the door to unlock the car when suddenly the next thing I knew I was staring at sky. The fall was over before I knew it had begun. Fortunately, I landed on my fat ass, which absorbed the shock of the fall. I was not hurt. The sun was starting to melt the ice, making it become slick.
Later that afternoon, we went to the TCC Fitness Center and walked three miles.
Today we went grocery shopping. That took a couple of hours and 250 dollars.
I am presently reading George Eliot's Scenes from Clerical Life. The book is a set of three stories. The first story concerns the Rev. Amos Barton. I reached the end of that first story this morning. There are two more stories in the collection. You can, should you care, follow my progress in the book on GoodReads.com. You might have to register; I'm not sure. The website is not the most user-friendly of sites. Sometimes important information is to be found in small type. I would like to invite my readers to sign up on Good Reads so that I can follow your progress as you read. I'm always interested in seeing what my friends are reading.
Yesterday I fell on the ice. J and I were going somewhere. I was about to put the key in the door to unlock the car when suddenly the next thing I knew I was staring at sky. The fall was over before I knew it had begun. Fortunately, I landed on my fat ass, which absorbed the shock of the fall. I was not hurt. The sun was starting to melt the ice, making it become slick.
Later that afternoon, we went to the TCC Fitness Center and walked three miles.
Today we went grocery shopping. That took a couple of hours and 250 dollars.
I am presently reading George Eliot's Scenes from Clerical Life. The book is a set of three stories. The first story concerns the Rev. Amos Barton. I reached the end of that first story this morning. There are two more stories in the collection. You can, should you care, follow my progress in the book on GoodReads.com. You might have to register; I'm not sure. The website is not the most user-friendly of sites. Sometimes important information is to be found in small type. I would like to invite my readers to sign up on Good Reads so that I can follow your progress as you read. I'm always interested in seeing what my friends are reading.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Church and drumming
This morning I went to Church of the Restoration. There were eight people there. Rosemary was the lay leader for the service. Her talk was on Kwanzaa. It was supposed to be delivered earlier, but the snow came a couple of weeks ago, and church was cancelled.
Drumming has been rescheduled for Sunday afternoons, starting at 3:30 pm. There were four of us there today. Joe and Lou, and their son-in-law Joel and myself were the only ones present.
As I drove into my driveway after drumming, J was backing out to take the grandkids home. I got out of my car and in to her car, and we drove the kids to their home.
I hurt the middle finger of my right hand yesterday trying to move a bench in the living room. I did not realize it was hurt until I saw the blood. I tore some skin on the last joint. It is healing up but is still tender when touched. I probably did not help matters any by going to drumming today.
Drumming has been rescheduled for Sunday afternoons, starting at 3:30 pm. There were four of us there today. Joe and Lou, and their son-in-law Joel and myself were the only ones present.
As I drove into my driveway after drumming, J was backing out to take the grandkids home. I got out of my car and in to her car, and we drove the kids to their home.
I hurt the middle finger of my right hand yesterday trying to move a bench in the living room. I did not realize it was hurt until I saw the blood. I tore some skin on the last joint. It is healing up but is still tender when touched. I probably did not help matters any by going to drumming today.
Saturday, January 09, 2010
Secular Singers met today
Today was the day when Secular Singers get together for our singing. We met at Gail's house at 2:00 this afternoon. We began with six "new" songs, that is, new for us. From the Peter, Paul, and Mary Songbook, we sang "Blowin' in the Wind," and "Pretty Mary." Next, from the Hal leonard collection titled "Feel Good Fun" we sang "Daydream Believer" and "A Lover's Concerto." There were two more songs we sang: "The Slender Mountain Ash" and "The Story of the Coachman." These last two may be unfamiliar to you. They are from "A Russian Song Book."
I played piano while the other three sang, for the most part. After we sang these six "new" songs, we sang a few from my collection of songs in a large three-ring binder. Some of these songs include "Joe Hill," "Hard Times in the Mill," "Just Say "No" to Religion," "This Land Is Your Land," and "He Never Returns." This last song (with lyrics rewritten) is based on a song by The Kingston Trio which was popular fifty years ago -- a song titled "The MTA Song," about a guy named Charlie who gets on a subway but never gets off.
We, along with the Dobbs, went to Nick's house tonight for a dinner of turkey soup.
I also received a copy by e-mail of an article sent by my friend Galen from California. Thanks, Galen.
I played piano while the other three sang, for the most part. After we sang these six "new" songs, we sang a few from my collection of songs in a large three-ring binder. Some of these songs include "Joe Hill," "Hard Times in the Mill," "Just Say "No" to Religion," "This Land Is Your Land," and "He Never Returns." This last song (with lyrics rewritten) is based on a song by The Kingston Trio which was popular fifty years ago -- a song titled "The MTA Song," about a guy named Charlie who gets on a subway but never gets off.
We, along with the Dobbs, went to Nick's house tonight for a dinner of turkey soup.
I also received a copy by e-mail of an article sent by my friend Galen from California. Thanks, Galen.
Friday, January 08, 2010
Speaker and reunion
This morning we dressed warmly and made our way to downtown Tulsa to hear a Dutchman, Harm De Blij, speak as part of the Tulsa Town Hall series. The temperature was cold. As we drove to Tulsa, the reading on my dashboard was 9°.
To keep warm, I wore my new thermal underclothing given to my by cousin Vicki in Houston. I also wore the Tommy Hilfinger socks she gave me. The wind was light, so it wasn't too bad outside.
The speaker was first-rate. From the time he stepped out from behind the curtain, he spoke without using a note for close to a hour and a quarter. He was a geographer and knew his subject well. He kept the audience enthralled as he related his various experiences and talked about the importance of a knowledge of geography in understanding the world.
My attendance at the Town Hall was happenstance. My friend Bill had to be out of town, and he gave me his tickets. A half dozen speakers are selected each year for speak at Town Hall. Tickets are sold by subscription for something like a hundred dollars per season. Since Bill was going to be out of town, he gave me two tickets which Bill and his wife would have used had they been here.
On the way home, I noticed the temperature had risen to 15°. I left the house again, heading this time for Luby's Cafeteria, venue for the old retired railroader's monthly luncheon. This group gets together once a month to socialize with each other. Today was the first time I attended. There were 20 to 25 retired railroaders. I knew eveyone of them, since I had driven each of them about the train yard. Some of them had retired a number of years ago. Leroy was there, and I had not seen him in nine years.
The temperature is supposed to get down to 1° tonight. I hope our pipes do not freeze.
To keep warm, I wore my new thermal underclothing given to my by cousin Vicki in Houston. I also wore the Tommy Hilfinger socks she gave me. The wind was light, so it wasn't too bad outside.
The speaker was first-rate. From the time he stepped out from behind the curtain, he spoke without using a note for close to a hour and a quarter. He was a geographer and knew his subject well. He kept the audience enthralled as he related his various experiences and talked about the importance of a knowledge of geography in understanding the world.
My attendance at the Town Hall was happenstance. My friend Bill had to be out of town, and he gave me his tickets. A half dozen speakers are selected each year for speak at Town Hall. Tickets are sold by subscription for something like a hundred dollars per season. Since Bill was going to be out of town, he gave me two tickets which Bill and his wife would have used had they been here.
On the way home, I noticed the temperature had risen to 15°. I left the house again, heading this time for Luby's Cafeteria, venue for the old retired railroader's monthly luncheon. This group gets together once a month to socialize with each other. Today was the first time I attended. There were 20 to 25 retired railroaders. I knew eveyone of them, since I had driven each of them about the train yard. Some of them had retired a number of years ago. Leroy was there, and I had not seen him in nine years.
The temperature is supposed to get down to 1° tonight. I hope our pipes do not freeze.
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Roary cuts my hair
We are in the deep freeze in Oklahoma. The same can be said for much of the rest of the country. We are supposed to have two days of extremely cold weather and then some relief.
Could this be effects from global warming? Global warming does not mean a uniform increase in temperature throughout the world. Global warming shows its signs in erratic variations: hotter summers, colder winters, plus increases in floods, droughts, tornadoes, hurricanes, etc.
We stopped at Dollar General to look for a birthday card for a close relative of mine. We picked out the card and paid for it. As we were at the checkout, a man in a car parked outside the store blew his horn. The clerk asked if I knew who the man was. I said no, as I had never seen him before. We concluded that he must have mistaken me for someone he knew. When I walked out the store, he (still seated in his car) started talking to me. I found out that he was handicapped and wanted the clerk to make a purchase for him. I did not think the clerk could leave the store, so I asked what he needed, He asked for some paper towels and a can of Pledge furniture polish. I told him I would go back in the store and buy the items for him. He gave me a ten-dollar bill. I bought the items for him and gave him the items and his change. He was very grateful and thanked me profusely.
Next we went to Eyemart Express and ordered two new pairs of glasses for J. While she was ordering glasses, I went to Roary D's for a haircut. The haircutting business has fallen on hard times, as has so many other businesses in this Bush recession. It you are out of work, you are not likely to spend money on getting your hair professionally cut. I think a lot of people are getting by with home haircuts. Roary used to have several women working in her shop -- four or five others besides herself. When I was getting my hair cut, there were two other employees in the shop, but they were idle. The place used to hum with business; now it is pretty quiet. I hope she can hang on and weather the downturn in business.
After I left the haircutting shop, I drove to Eyemart Express to pick up my spouse. The distance between the two shops couldn't be more than a quarter mile, as the crow flies. As I drove up I saw my beloved sitting in a chair waiting on me. I called her on my cell phone, however the purse she carries is all but soundproof. I had to walk into the store to get her attention.
In the afternoon, we both went to the TCC Fitness Center and walked. I did three miles today.
Could this be effects from global warming? Global warming does not mean a uniform increase in temperature throughout the world. Global warming shows its signs in erratic variations: hotter summers, colder winters, plus increases in floods, droughts, tornadoes, hurricanes, etc.
We stopped at Dollar General to look for a birthday card for a close relative of mine. We picked out the card and paid for it. As we were at the checkout, a man in a car parked outside the store blew his horn. The clerk asked if I knew who the man was. I said no, as I had never seen him before. We concluded that he must have mistaken me for someone he knew. When I walked out the store, he (still seated in his car) started talking to me. I found out that he was handicapped and wanted the clerk to make a purchase for him. I did not think the clerk could leave the store, so I asked what he needed, He asked for some paper towels and a can of Pledge furniture polish. I told him I would go back in the store and buy the items for him. He gave me a ten-dollar bill. I bought the items for him and gave him the items and his change. He was very grateful and thanked me profusely.
Next we went to Eyemart Express and ordered two new pairs of glasses for J. While she was ordering glasses, I went to Roary D's for a haircut. The haircutting business has fallen on hard times, as has so many other businesses in this Bush recession. It you are out of work, you are not likely to spend money on getting your hair professionally cut. I think a lot of people are getting by with home haircuts. Roary used to have several women working in her shop -- four or five others besides herself. When I was getting my hair cut, there were two other employees in the shop, but they were idle. The place used to hum with business; now it is pretty quiet. I hope she can hang on and weather the downturn in business.
After I left the haircutting shop, I drove to Eyemart Express to pick up my spouse. The distance between the two shops couldn't be more than a quarter mile, as the crow flies. As I drove up I saw my beloved sitting in a chair waiting on me. I called her on my cell phone, however the purse she carries is all but soundproof. I had to walk into the store to get her attention.
In the afternoon, we both went to the TCC Fitness Center and walked. I did three miles today.
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
This day summarized
Well, today was another ho-hum day. We did manage to get to out to the Fitness Center and walk three miles. Then it was back home. We washed clothes and dishes today. We got caught up on household chores, thinking that a power outage this evening might be a possibility.
Water lines are breaking all over the place due to the low temperatures. If we lose water, we have some bottled water on hand.
The lows tonight are expected to be in the teens, and then the next day the forecast calls for zero to be the low. Wind chills tomorrow are supposed to be in the negative numbers.
Tomorrow I will see if I can find something to write about. There is not much going on right now.
Water lines are breaking all over the place due to the low temperatures. If we lose water, we have some bottled water on hand.
The lows tonight are expected to be in the teens, and then the next day the forecast calls for zero to be the low. Wind chills tomorrow are supposed to be in the negative numbers.
Tomorrow I will see if I can find something to write about. There is not much going on right now.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Out and about
It was another cold day today with temperatures in the twenties. J had an appointment at Roary D's to get her hair cut. We went there first, and I sat in the waiting area while J got her hair cut. After the haircut, we went to Tulsa to see Dr. Shirk about my hearing aids. She was having computer problems with her software. She called a tech who talked her through a certain procedure. We were there for almost two hours.
On the way home we stopped by the BNSF office to see if they had any 2010 calendars. The man who handles the calendars was not there at the time. Carol gave me a flip calendar. The kind I want to get has all twelve months on a large sheet of posterboard. Next we went to the HAT box at the West Tulsa post office, and I picked up the mail for HAT.
Then we returned home and haven't ventured out since.
I watched some TV tonight. First was the NBC Nightly News. Then I watched Wheel of Fortune, NOVA, and finally a program on Human Emotions. It was quite interesting. The next segment will be on OETA tomorrow night. I managed to read another chapter of Scenes From Clerical Life today.
One day sounds pretty much like the next, does it not? When it warms up some, I will get out and try to do something worth writing about.
On the way home we stopped by the BNSF office to see if they had any 2010 calendars. The man who handles the calendars was not there at the time. Carol gave me a flip calendar. The kind I want to get has all twelve months on a large sheet of posterboard. Next we went to the HAT box at the West Tulsa post office, and I picked up the mail for HAT.
Then we returned home and haven't ventured out since.
I watched some TV tonight. First was the NBC Nightly News. Then I watched Wheel of Fortune, NOVA, and finally a program on Human Emotions. It was quite interesting. The next segment will be on OETA tomorrow night. I managed to read another chapter of Scenes From Clerical Life today.
One day sounds pretty much like the next, does it not? When it warms up some, I will get out and try to do something worth writing about.
Monday, January 04, 2010
Going for a walk
My day began with Gail coming over to practice duets with me. She had sent me a e-mail on Sunday saying she had recovered from a cold, which she speculated she had picked up from her husband Glenn. We had another good practice session which lasted for two hours.
In the afternoon, I took a nap. When I got up, it seemed like a good time to go for a walk. We drove to the West Campus of TCC and paid the fee to use the fitness center for the spring semester. We were on our first lap of the walking track when J's phone began chiming. It was Jennifer wanting to know if we could keep Luke while she took Ayla to her piano lesson. So we headed back home. On the way out, I asked the person working there what time they closed that night. She said 8:30.
Shortly after we got back to the house, Luke arrived. He played games on J's lap top computer while Ayla took her lesson. We watched the news and had supper. After supper we headed back to the Fitness Center. Upon arriving, we noticed that the door was locked. It was shortly before seven. Someone came to the door and said that they close at seven.
We decided to drive over to the Case Center and walk there. As we walked in the door we saw a sign saying that the gym would be unavailable to use due to some organized basketball games. However, I noticed people up on the walking track. There were a dozen or more people there walking. J wanted to go home, but I wanted to get in some walking. We compromised and walked for thirty minutes. I had my MP3 player with me, but J was afraid I would get hit in the head with a basketball and asked that I not wear it. So I put it away.
It is supposed to be bitterly cold the next few days. I hope we return to mild weather soon.
In the afternoon, I took a nap. When I got up, it seemed like a good time to go for a walk. We drove to the West Campus of TCC and paid the fee to use the fitness center for the spring semester. We were on our first lap of the walking track when J's phone began chiming. It was Jennifer wanting to know if we could keep Luke while she took Ayla to her piano lesson. So we headed back home. On the way out, I asked the person working there what time they closed that night. She said 8:30.
Shortly after we got back to the house, Luke arrived. He played games on J's lap top computer while Ayla took her lesson. We watched the news and had supper. After supper we headed back to the Fitness Center. Upon arriving, we noticed that the door was locked. It was shortly before seven. Someone came to the door and said that they close at seven.
We decided to drive over to the Case Center and walk there. As we walked in the door we saw a sign saying that the gym would be unavailable to use due to some organized basketball games. However, I noticed people up on the walking track. There were a dozen or more people there walking. J wanted to go home, but I wanted to get in some walking. We compromised and walked for thirty minutes. I had my MP3 player with me, but J was afraid I would get hit in the head with a basketball and asked that I not wear it. So I put it away.
It is supposed to be bitterly cold the next few days. I hope we return to mild weather soon.
Saturday, January 02, 2010
This day's events
I began this day by driving to the Case Community Center where I walked three miles on an indoor track suspended above a basketball court. I sometimes walk at the CCC when the TCC track is closed. I also noticed that the Case is open on Sunday, whereas the TCC track is not. The Case track is a bit further to drive to get to as it is on the north side of the river. I live on the south side of the river.
Today there were about ten people walking on the track. The track is divided into two lanes. The track as TCC is divided into three lanes. There are fewer people using the track at TCC since a fee is required. The Case track is open to all.
On the way home, I got a call from Barbara who gave me an update on her son-in-law who suffered a stroke a few days ago. He is just 50 years old and is now paralyzed on his right side. Barbara asked for a ride to movie night tonight.
I stopped by the library on the way home and picked up a book by George Carlin, Last Words. As I got into my car I got a call from Gail. We had practiced on Wednesday and were ready to perform The Water is Wide as a piano duet at Movie Night tonight. Gail said it was her turn to be sick. We put our performance on hold.
We went by and picked up Barbara this evening and drove on to Movie Night at the Bradleys. I told the group that Gail was sick and unable to play. There were seven of us there. The film we viewed was The Complete Plays of Shakespeare performed by the Reduced Shakespearean Company. It was a 90-minute comedy routine. I found it pretty funny.
Today there were about ten people walking on the track. The track is divided into two lanes. The track as TCC is divided into three lanes. There are fewer people using the track at TCC since a fee is required. The Case track is open to all.
On the way home, I got a call from Barbara who gave me an update on her son-in-law who suffered a stroke a few days ago. He is just 50 years old and is now paralyzed on his right side. Barbara asked for a ride to movie night tonight.
I stopped by the library on the way home and picked up a book by George Carlin, Last Words. As I got into my car I got a call from Gail. We had practiced on Wednesday and were ready to perform The Water is Wide as a piano duet at Movie Night tonight. Gail said it was her turn to be sick. We put our performance on hold.
We went by and picked up Barbara this evening and drove on to Movie Night at the Bradleys. I told the group that Gail was sick and unable to play. There were seven of us there. The film we viewed was The Complete Plays of Shakespeare performed by the Reduced Shakespearean Company. It was a 90-minute comedy routine. I found it pretty funny.
Friday, January 01, 2010
January 2010 Calendar
January 2010
Activities of Interest to Freethinkers
Sat., Jan. 2, 7:00 pm
Movie Night at the Bradleys, 6705 E. 54th St.
Sat., Jan. 9, 2:00 pm
Secular Singers, Storey House, 4630 S. Victor Ave.
Sat., Jan 16, 2:00 pm
HAT chapter meeting
NOTE: New meeting location, date and time. Meetings during 2010 will be held at the Genealogy Center, 2901 S. Harvard (across from Fellowship Congregational Church). This is the same location where HAT met prior to the Hardesty Library.
Wed., Jan 20, 11:20 am
ALGAE luncheon Join us at White River Fish Market, 1708 N. Sheridan Rd., for a seafood lunch.
Sat., Jan. 23, 11:30 am
Food & Fellowship, Billy Sims Barbecue at Farm Shopping Center, Sheridan and 51st St.
Sun., Jan. 24, 1:00 pm
Tulsa Atheists Meetup, Agora Coffee House, Fontana Center, Memorial and 51st St.
--------------------------------
Questions? Contact Randy at 622-6975 or Dan at 798-3629.
Activities of Interest to Freethinkers
Sat., Jan. 2, 7:00 pm
Movie Night at the Bradleys, 6705 E. 54th St.
Sat., Jan. 9, 2:00 pm
Secular Singers, Storey House, 4630 S. Victor Ave.
Sat., Jan 16, 2:00 pm
HAT chapter meeting
NOTE: New meeting location, date and time. Meetings during 2010 will be held at the Genealogy Center, 2901 S. Harvard (across from Fellowship Congregational Church). This is the same location where HAT met prior to the Hardesty Library.
Wed., Jan 20, 11:20 am
ALGAE luncheon Join us at White River Fish Market, 1708 N. Sheridan Rd., for a seafood lunch.
Sat., Jan. 23, 11:30 am
Food & Fellowship, Billy Sims Barbecue at Farm Shopping Center, Sheridan and 51st St.
Sun., Jan. 24, 1:00 pm
Tulsa Atheists Meetup, Agora Coffee House, Fontana Center, Memorial and 51st St.
--------------------------------
Questions? Contact Randy at 622-6975 or Dan at 798-3629.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Dan reading his Kindle
What do the following words bring to mind: Great Expectations, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, The Pickwick Papers, A Tale of Two Cities? If you answered novels by Charles Dickens, you are correct. Yesterday I downloaded these novels to my Kindle along with every other novel by Charles Dickens which he published during his life. Even The Mystery of Edwin Drood, his unfinished novel, is among the fifty-one works which I downloaded.
Instead of the typical minute to a minute and a half, this download took five mintues or more. The charge for this download was just one dollar.
Tonight I downloaded a book (free) by George Eliot, "Scenes from Clerical Life." What to read next?
Nick and his family came over tonight. They left last Sunday and went to Branson. They arrived in Branson (via Springfield) Sunday afternoon and left Thursday. They stopped by to see my parents before coming back to Sand Springs.
I had another productive piano duet practice session this morning with Gail. We will be playing at Movie Night on Saturday. Our selection will be "Wade in the Water."
I went out to Lake Keystone today to collect the receipts and get the registration set up for 2010. Afterwards, we did our grocery shopping.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Today's activities
I went to my dentist today. The hygenist, Kelly, did a lot of probing and poking in my mouth. The dentist said that I have two fillings which are leaking. They are old fillings (silver), and over time they do not hold up well. I have to go back in about a month so that the fillings can be replaced. Also, the dentist said I have a tooth which needs to be crowned.
Today was the first time I went anywhere in five days. It was below freezing, and I did not know if the car would start up right away; but it did. After my visit to the dentist, I took some books back to the library amd picked up one waiting for me. Next I went to the Case Community Center, the TCC Fitness Center being closed until after the beginning of the new year. The Case Community Center is the community center for Sand Springs. The TCC Fitness Center is a nicer facility than the Case. The Case is open to everyone, but the TCC center requires users to pay a fee to use. There were a couple dozen adolescents on the basketball court playing a noisy game of basketball, and there were a half dozen walkers on the elevated walking track around the court. I walked three miles.
On the way back home, I stopped at Braum's for a gallon of milk. Coming back to my car, the '96 Saturn, some boys in another car said a woman in another car had backed into my car. I looked at the front of my car where they said the impact took place and noticed the plate holder was cracked and pieces of it were missing. The lady was most apologetic and offered to make it right. Then I recognized her. I said "I know you." She said, "Yes, you do." It was Linda from the walking club. I told her to forget about the damage to the plastic plate holder. I was glad I had driven the '96 Saturn instead of the '08 Saturn.
Today was the first time I went anywhere in five days. It was below freezing, and I did not know if the car would start up right away; but it did. After my visit to the dentist, I took some books back to the library amd picked up one waiting for me. Next I went to the Case Community Center, the TCC Fitness Center being closed until after the beginning of the new year. The Case Community Center is the community center for Sand Springs. The TCC Fitness Center is a nicer facility than the Case. The Case is open to everyone, but the TCC center requires users to pay a fee to use. There were a couple dozen adolescents on the basketball court playing a noisy game of basketball, and there were a half dozen walkers on the elevated walking track around the court. I walked three miles.
On the way back home, I stopped at Braum's for a gallon of milk. Coming back to my car, the '96 Saturn, some boys in another car said a woman in another car had backed into my car. I looked at the front of my car where they said the impact took place and noticed the plate holder was cracked and pieces of it were missing. The lady was most apologetic and offered to make it right. Then I recognized her. I said "I know you." She said, "Yes, you do." It was Linda from the walking club. I told her to forget about the damage to the plastic plate holder. I was glad I had driven the '96 Saturn instead of the '08 Saturn.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Cabin fever sets in
Tomorrow morning I go to the dentist for a six-month cleaning. It will give me a break from being cooped up in the house. Today is day number five since I have left the property, not that I have wanted to go anywhere especially. Today I stood on the porch for a while and watched the birds and cars go by. I'm down to the last story in the Sherlock Holmes collection I have been reading. I will take up Mark Twain next.
If it does not snow tomorrow, Gail and I plan to practice piano duets Wednesday morning. However, the forecast calls for snow, so we may be delayed once again.
I have finished my database of piano duet music. I have 45 books of piano duets and some 380 songs in my collection. I have even more pieces because I did not count the single sheets.
If it does not snow tomorrow, Gail and I plan to practice piano duets Wednesday morning. However, the forecast calls for snow, so we may be delayed once again.
I have finished my database of piano duet music. I have 45 books of piano duets and some 380 songs in my collection. I have even more pieces because I did not count the single sheets.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
More Sherlock Holmes
Since we are "snowed in," we worked on developing the art of lounging today. The only thing I did that could remotely be called work was taking the trash cart out to the curb. Our trash is picked up once a week on Monday. I cleared the gate of snow just enough to squeeze the cart through and then wheeled it to the curb. For our meals, we ate leftovers out of the refrigerator.
Normally, Gail comes over on Monday morning for duet practice. I gave her a call and we decided to delay our practice this week until Wednesday. By then, I hope the ice will be off the roadways. I had planned to attend a memorial service in Tulsa for Bill F., but due to the weather, I did not go.
I spent the day reading (more Sherlock Holmes stories) and playing piano. I also listened to some CDs and read the newspaper online.
It was not a very exciting day, but it was a day without stress. I'm getting this lounging down.
Normally, Gail comes over on Monday morning for duet practice. I gave her a call and we decided to delay our practice this week until Wednesday. By then, I hope the ice will be off the roadways. I had planned to attend a memorial service in Tulsa for Bill F., but due to the weather, I did not go.
I spent the day reading (more Sherlock Holmes stories) and playing piano. I also listened to some CDs and read the newspaper online.
It was not a very exciting day, but it was a day without stress. I'm getting this lounging down.
No church service today
We got a call from a member of the Methodist church yesterday saying that there would be no service today. Also, I noticed on the TV that there is no service at Restoration today. So we stayed in today. I went out and got the Sand Springs newspaper from the driveway a few moments ago. There was a long listing of churches scrolling across the bottom of the TV screen which called off services for today on account of the snow.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
'Twas the day after Christmas
Today is the day after Christmas. We received a heavy snow on Christmas Eve and have been inside the house ever since then. I walked to the mailbox and brought in the mail. Other than that brief sojourn, I have been inside.
I have been developing the art of lounging for the last two days. I have been playing the piano, working on my database of sheet music, reading, surfing the net, and staying inside. I have an appointment to see my dentist next Tuesday morning. That may be the next time I get out. One good thing about being retired is that your requirements to be at a certain place at a certain time is greatly reduced.
Today I fixed lunch. I pealed three potatoes and boiled a chicken breast, added some noodles, and called it lunch.
In the afternoon I read a Sherlock Holmes mystery on my Kindle: "The Man With the Twisted Lip." Yesterday, I downloaded another free book: The Complete Short Stories of Mark Twain.
Tonight we watched a movie I had checked out from the library: Rain Man. Part of the movie was shot in Guthrie, Oklahoma.
I suspect it will be a few days before we get a significant amount of melting, being we are so early in the winter. The forecast indicates highs in the 30s the next few days.
I have been developing the art of lounging for the last two days. I have been playing the piano, working on my database of sheet music, reading, surfing the net, and staying inside. I have an appointment to see my dentist next Tuesday morning. That may be the next time I get out. One good thing about being retired is that your requirements to be at a certain place at a certain time is greatly reduced.
Today I fixed lunch. I pealed three potatoes and boiled a chicken breast, added some noodles, and called it lunch.
In the afternoon I read a Sherlock Holmes mystery on my Kindle: "The Man With the Twisted Lip." Yesterday, I downloaded another free book: The Complete Short Stories of Mark Twain.
Tonight we watched a movie I had checked out from the library: Rain Man. Part of the movie was shot in Guthrie, Oklahoma.
I suspect it will be a few days before we get a significant amount of melting, being we are so early in the winter. The forecast indicates highs in the 30s the next few days.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Record snowfall hits OKC
Today was a big snow day in Oklahoma. OKC got, at last count, over 14 inches of snow. All interstate highways are now closed. I hope my friends from Tecumseh got to Springfield before this weather turned everything white. Several weather records were broken this day.
We had planned to go to Nick's tonight and open presents, but with the sleet and snow and cold, we decided to stay in. So the two of us had Christmas together and opened our presents here. After we opened our gifts, I went to the kitchen table and assembled a jigsaw puzzle from my cousin Vicki in Houston. Vicki, you are so good.
Three people were killed tonight in a car accident in Sand Springs. The accident happened at the intersection of Highway 97 and Highway 51, just on the south side of the bridge over the Arkansas River. A man, his wife, and a child were the victims. One moment they were fine; in the next instant, they were dead. This is the night before Christmas, and with people still out shopping, there have been many accidents this evening. I am glad I don't have to be out tonight.
We had planned to go to Nick's tonight and open presents, but with the sleet and snow and cold, we decided to stay in. So the two of us had Christmas together and opened our presents here. After we opened our gifts, I went to the kitchen table and assembled a jigsaw puzzle from my cousin Vicki in Houston. Vicki, you are so good.
Three people were killed tonight in a car accident in Sand Springs. The accident happened at the intersection of Highway 97 and Highway 51, just on the south side of the bridge over the Arkansas River. A man, his wife, and a child were the victims. One moment they were fine; in the next instant, they were dead. This is the night before Christmas, and with people still out shopping, there have been many accidents this evening. I am glad I don't have to be out tonight.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Christmas Eve Eve
Tomorrow will be our last chance to do Christmas shopping. We went out today and shopped for both groceries and gifts.
This evening I read a short story on my Kindle written by Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes. It is a story I read decades ago: "The Adventure of the Red-Headed League." It is from the collection The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. This book is just one of several hundred, maybe thousands, which are free to download on the Kindle. Most of the free books are older books, such as the Sherlock Holmes books. A lot of classics of English and American literature are available to download at no charge. The books come in to your Kindle by an electronic signal. It takes about a minute or a minute and a half to download a book.
Also this evening, I worked on building my database of piano duet sheet music. At this time I am working on just the sheet music in collections in books. I have entered song titles and composers for 30 books now (some 230 titles). I have 14 more books to enter into the database. I also have several single pieces, which I may later add to the database.
This evening I read a short story on my Kindle written by Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes. It is a story I read decades ago: "The Adventure of the Red-Headed League." It is from the collection The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. This book is just one of several hundred, maybe thousands, which are free to download on the Kindle. Most of the free books are older books, such as the Sherlock Holmes books. A lot of classics of English and American literature are available to download at no charge. The books come in to your Kindle by an electronic signal. It takes about a minute or a minute and a half to download a book.
Also this evening, I worked on building my database of piano duet sheet music. At this time I am working on just the sheet music in collections in books. I have entered song titles and composers for 30 books now (some 230 titles). I have 14 more books to enter into the database. I also have several single pieces, which I may later add to the database.
Monday, December 21, 2009
sheetmusicplus.com
Tonight I want to write about a source for sheet music which I use. I like to shop at Saied's in Tulsa. They have the best selection of sheet music locally. However, they don't have everything. Whenever I can't find sheet music I am looking for at Saied's, I like to shop online at sheetmusicplus.com. They have about everything.
They have a low shipping charge of just $2.99 on most shipments. Also, when your shipment arrives, so does a coupon for $1.50 off your next purchase.
So, if you have never shopped at www.sheetmusicplus.com, go there and have a look.
As for my health, I am doing better now. I hope to be back to 100% soon.
They have a low shipping charge of just $2.99 on most shipments. Also, when your shipment arrives, so does a coupon for $1.50 off your next purchase.
So, if you have never shopped at www.sheetmusicplus.com, go there and have a look.
As for my health, I am doing better now. I hope to be back to 100% soon.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Freerice.com
There is a web site called freerice.com. I have visited this site frequently. If you teach English, you might like to get familiar with this site.
It is an English vocabulary-building site. A word appears on the screen and four choices are available to choose from. The object is to select the correct synonym among the four. If you would like to hear the word pronounced, click on the speaker icon and hear the word pronounced. If you guess wrongly, the word will reappear after a few choices. The greater your success, the more difficult the words become.
Somehow, playing this vocabulary quiz is supposed to provide grains of rice to hungry people. I don't understand, but that is what the web site claims.
It is an English vocabulary-building site. A word appears on the screen and four choices are available to choose from. The object is to select the correct synonym among the four. If you would like to hear the word pronounced, click on the speaker icon and hear the word pronounced. If you guess wrongly, the word will reappear after a few choices. The greater your success, the more difficult the words become.
Somehow, playing this vocabulary quiz is supposed to provide grains of rice to hungry people. I don't understand, but that is what the web site claims.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Sickness cancels plans
Tonight I had planned to go to Randy's for our annual HumanLight Celebration, but when I got up this morning I could tell I did not feel right. I made three phone calls (Gail, Randy, and Barbara) to inform them I would not be going to the Celebration. Instead of reaching Gail, I got her voice mail. I spoke with Randy and told him I would not be there. Barbara was out, but I spoke with her daughter.
Throughout the day, I napped on and off. When I got up in the morning, I felt as if it were time to go back to bed. And after being up just a couple of hours, I would go back to bed for a while. So I was up and down all day today. I have been inside the house all day. J made a trip to Braum's for a gallon of OJ. Gail returned my phone call and said we might do a performance for HAT later on.
Yesterday, I went to TCC to walk. I made my goal of a mile a day for this year. I'm at 369 miles for the year. How many miles did you log this year? Depending upon the weather, I may yet do another volkswalk or two before the year's end. Volkswalking is a popular sport in Oklahoma. In other parts of the nation it is almost unheard of.
I sent off my index yesterday. I heard back from the editor I was working with. She said the editors of the volume were pleased with the revisions I made. I should be getting a check for this work shortly. The index was 14 pages long.
Throughout the day, I napped on and off. When I got up in the morning, I felt as if it were time to go back to bed. And after being up just a couple of hours, I would go back to bed for a while. So I was up and down all day today. I have been inside the house all day. J made a trip to Braum's for a gallon of OJ. Gail returned my phone call and said we might do a performance for HAT later on.
Yesterday, I went to TCC to walk. I made my goal of a mile a day for this year. I'm at 369 miles for the year. How many miles did you log this year? Depending upon the weather, I may yet do another volkswalk or two before the year's end. Volkswalking is a popular sport in Oklahoma. In other parts of the nation it is almost unheard of.
I sent off my index yesterday. I heard back from the editor I was working with. She said the editors of the volume were pleased with the revisions I made. I should be getting a check for this work shortly. The index was 14 pages long.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Revisions complete
Tonight I finished making revisions to my index. Tomorrow I will send it off, and then I should have time to do other things, such as get ready for the party at Randy's house on Saturday. I will be playing piano. We have a little group we call Secular Singers, who put on a small show for the group. Last year we had about 25 people at Randy's house. Secular Singers is made up of four, sometimes five, people.
I also would like to go walking. If the weather is good, I would like to do a volkswalk. If the weather is not great, then I will go to TCC and walk there.
I had an appointment with Dr. Shirk, my audiologist at noon today. I told her about a couple of problems with my hearing aids. She made some adjustments which helped. Specifically, when I play piano, the sound I get from the aids has a rattle to it. It sounds somewhat better now, but when the volume increases, I hear the rattle. She seemed impressed with the piano I have and with the fact that I play duets on a regular basis.
Yesterday was the day of our monthly luncheon at White River Fish Market. Besdies the two of us, there was Dave and Marilyn. So the four of us had a meal together.
I also would like to go walking. If the weather is good, I would like to do a volkswalk. If the weather is not great, then I will go to TCC and walk there.
I had an appointment with Dr. Shirk, my audiologist at noon today. I told her about a couple of problems with my hearing aids. She made some adjustments which helped. Specifically, when I play piano, the sound I get from the aids has a rattle to it. It sounds somewhat better now, but when the volume increases, I hear the rattle. She seemed impressed with the piano I have and with the fact that I play duets on a regular basis.
Yesterday was the day of our monthly luncheon at White River Fish Market. Besdies the two of us, there was Dave and Marilyn. So the four of us had a meal together.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
A message from Bob H.
Bob sent me a message to pass along to others in our group. The link to it is below:
http://countdowntohealthcare.com/
http://countdowntohealthcare.com/
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
A Bell Choir Concert
I did not post anything last night, so I have some catching up to do. The week began with my piano partner, Gail, coming over. She had to take her dog by the vet and was a few mintues late arriving. Her dog had an abscessed tooth. The vet gave her some medicine for the dog.
That evening, J and I went to a bell choir concert at St. Paul's Methodist Church in Tulsa. We heard the Tulsa Festival Ringers in the sanctuary of the old church. There were 16 bell ringers who gave a concert lasting about an hour. By observing the bell ringers, I learned that there are various ways to ring bells. The normal way is to pick up the bell by the handle and give it a short wave. I also saw ringers striking the bell on the table in front of them. Mallets were used to ring the bells sometimes. After bells were rung, sometimes they were waved behind the ringers. Sometimes they were immediately muted by pressing them into the ringer's shirt. The ringers also had bells that looked a lot like a short piece of tubing used to support traffic signs - metal that is about an inch square and about a foot and a half long, with a clanker on the end to create the sound. Clanker may not be the right word; maybe striker would be a better word.
The bells were in different sizes. The short small bells make the higher pitches, while the larger bells create the deeper tones. It was a cold night, and we hastened home after the concert.
Before the concert, I received an e-mail from a client I index for. If was feedback from my latest indexing job. The editors of the collection of essays had a few changes they would like to have made to the index. Actually, they had a lot of changes. I started revising the index once I got home last night. I got up early this morning and continued working on the revisions, breaking in the afternoon in order to go to my optomitrist for my annual checkup. She said everything looks good.
I returned home and resumed revising the index, omiting some entries, adding others. It's a good thing I have the book on disk as a PDF file. That makes searching for a word quick and easy. I am in the M's now. I will try to finish by tomorrow evening, but that may be a little optimistic. After a few hours of doing this kind of work, I have to stop. The fatigue builds up rather quickly. Your mind goes numb.
I never did tell you about the lady at All Souls who rebuked me for taking pictures of the gathering for Greg Epstein, who spoke at the church. I took a couple of flash pictures and moments later a lady approached me wanting to know if i had permission to take pictures and what I was planning to do with the pictures. She said that she might lose her job if the pictures were published. While I was sympathetic with her situation, I wondered if she had thought out the situation she was in. She comes to hear a person speak on "Good Without God," and then is surprized to see someone there taking pictures. I was just the first person to take pictures. Kenny was there with his camera, and I think two other people were taking pictures.
As it turns out, I used only one picture on my blog, and it was taken from the rear of the congregation and shows the congregants from the rear. I have no idea what became of the other photographers pictures. I though at the time (ironically) "What a profile in courage," but I did not say anything. I did hear that there were some people from ORU there. Epstein did speak at ORU while in Tulsa. She might have been from ORU. I guess I will never know. I later looked at the pictures and saw one woman holding a book over her face. I think that was her.
That evening, J and I went to a bell choir concert at St. Paul's Methodist Church in Tulsa. We heard the Tulsa Festival Ringers in the sanctuary of the old church. There were 16 bell ringers who gave a concert lasting about an hour. By observing the bell ringers, I learned that there are various ways to ring bells. The normal way is to pick up the bell by the handle and give it a short wave. I also saw ringers striking the bell on the table in front of them. Mallets were used to ring the bells sometimes. After bells were rung, sometimes they were waved behind the ringers. Sometimes they were immediately muted by pressing them into the ringer's shirt. The ringers also had bells that looked a lot like a short piece of tubing used to support traffic signs - metal that is about an inch square and about a foot and a half long, with a clanker on the end to create the sound. Clanker may not be the right word; maybe striker would be a better word.
The bells were in different sizes. The short small bells make the higher pitches, while the larger bells create the deeper tones. It was a cold night, and we hastened home after the concert.
Before the concert, I received an e-mail from a client I index for. If was feedback from my latest indexing job. The editors of the collection of essays had a few changes they would like to have made to the index. Actually, they had a lot of changes. I started revising the index once I got home last night. I got up early this morning and continued working on the revisions, breaking in the afternoon in order to go to my optomitrist for my annual checkup. She said everything looks good.
I returned home and resumed revising the index, omiting some entries, adding others. It's a good thing I have the book on disk as a PDF file. That makes searching for a word quick and easy. I am in the M's now. I will try to finish by tomorrow evening, but that may be a little optimistic. After a few hours of doing this kind of work, I have to stop. The fatigue builds up rather quickly. Your mind goes numb.
I never did tell you about the lady at All Souls who rebuked me for taking pictures of the gathering for Greg Epstein, who spoke at the church. I took a couple of flash pictures and moments later a lady approached me wanting to know if i had permission to take pictures and what I was planning to do with the pictures. She said that she might lose her job if the pictures were published. While I was sympathetic with her situation, I wondered if she had thought out the situation she was in. She comes to hear a person speak on "Good Without God," and then is surprized to see someone there taking pictures. I was just the first person to take pictures. Kenny was there with his camera, and I think two other people were taking pictures.
As it turns out, I used only one picture on my blog, and it was taken from the rear of the congregation and shows the congregants from the rear. I have no idea what became of the other photographers pictures. I though at the time (ironically) "What a profile in courage," but I did not say anything. I did hear that there were some people from ORU there. Epstein did speak at ORU while in Tulsa. She might have been from ORU. I guess I will never know. I later looked at the pictures and saw one woman holding a book over her face. I think that was her.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Daily events (WARNING: Contains spoilers)
Today I went to Church of the Restoration. This was Bill's last day to attend CoR, as he will be moving back to New England later this week. Cleon announced that he has set up a web site for CoR. The URL is www.churchoftherestoration.org. I haven't yet taken a look at the site but plan to do so as soon as I get this blog posting up. Cleon was today's lay leader. There were seven or eight in attendance this morning.. Next Sunday's service will be a singing of Christmas carols, but I will have to miss that service. Jan wants me to attend her church next week.
After church, I drove to Woodland Hills Mall to do some Christmas shopping. The first thing i did upon arriving was to get something to eat. There are several choices in the food court. I decided to eat at a place called "Big Easy Cajun." I got the Bourbon chicken with brown beans and rice. There were a lot of folks out shopping this afternoon. The dining area at the food court was crowded.
After eating, I went to Dillard's and bought a cologne set called "Beautiful" for J. The price was the same as it had been at Stage earlier this week. Stage had sold out of the product when I checked on it there last Friday.
I went downstairs and bought a calendar for Nick. It is the kind of calendar where you tear off a page each day. The theme of this calendar is origami. When a day has passed, you tear off the day and fold it into something according to the instructions on the page. I had both gifts wrapped. It was free at Dillard's, but to get Nick's gift wrapped, I had to pay two dollars.
I passed by something interesting on the way out of the mall. A merchant was selling toy helicopters which actually flew (price $20 to $50). You control the toys with a remote control device. I would have bought one for Luke, but it looked like it could get him into trouble at his house. I could just see him flying the toy into people. He already has a bad habit of throwing things. A remote controlled helicopter would be too much of a temptation for him.
This evening, I went to the Methodist church for a musical program. Various choirs sang (including Ayla). The Dobbs and Matt performed as a brass quartet. The bell choir (with about a dozen ringers) performed two selections. I took my camera and snapped a few pictures.
When we got home, I took a couple of pictures of the homemade Christmas tree i mentioned last posting. I was going to post one, but J said no. She fears theives would be enticed to break into our house and steal the ornaments.
After church, I drove to Woodland Hills Mall to do some Christmas shopping. The first thing i did upon arriving was to get something to eat. There are several choices in the food court. I decided to eat at a place called "Big Easy Cajun." I got the Bourbon chicken with brown beans and rice. There were a lot of folks out shopping this afternoon. The dining area at the food court was crowded.
After eating, I went to Dillard's and bought a cologne set called "Beautiful" for J. The price was the same as it had been at Stage earlier this week. Stage had sold out of the product when I checked on it there last Friday.
I went downstairs and bought a calendar for Nick. It is the kind of calendar where you tear off a page each day. The theme of this calendar is origami. When a day has passed, you tear off the day and fold it into something according to the instructions on the page. I had both gifts wrapped. It was free at Dillard's, but to get Nick's gift wrapped, I had to pay two dollars.
I passed by something interesting on the way out of the mall. A merchant was selling toy helicopters which actually flew (price $20 to $50). You control the toys with a remote control device. I would have bought one for Luke, but it looked like it could get him into trouble at his house. I could just see him flying the toy into people. He already has a bad habit of throwing things. A remote controlled helicopter would be too much of a temptation for him.
This evening, I went to the Methodist church for a musical program. Various choirs sang (including Ayla). The Dobbs and Matt performed as a brass quartet. The bell choir (with about a dozen ringers) performed two selections. I took my camera and snapped a few pictures.
When we got home, I took a couple of pictures of the homemade Christmas tree i mentioned last posting. I was going to post one, but J said no. She fears theives would be enticed to break into our house and steal the ornaments.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Our tree is up
Today we put up a Christmas tree. We have two trees and alternate between the two. One is a plastic tree in three sections which when assembled make one tree. The other tree is made from dowels. The trunk if made of a dowel about an inch and a quarter thick. It is this tree we erected this morning.
We had to get the stand out of the attic to hold the tree in place. The tree is made of five dowels. The inch and a quarter one for the trunk. Four other dowels about a quarter of an inch thick run through the trunk at various heights. It is homemade.
Each Christmas we buy a dated Hallmark ornament to add to our collection. It takes a while to unpack each ornament from its box and hang it on the tree. After Christmas, we will have the task of putting each ornament back in its box and packing it all away. The ornament we bought for this year is of a white horse on a wheeled base. A bear is riding on the back of horse. We now have 33 or 34 ornaments. We have bought one each Christmas since we have been married. I will try to take a picture of the tree tomorrow and post it tomorrow night. We have run out of space for ornaments. We had to place a few around the tree at the base. Since we are needing more space on the tree to hang ornaments, I will make another tree before next Christmas. I will buy a longer dowel for the trunk and add an additional quarter-inch dowel for another branch.
Ayla is spending the night with us tonight. She will go with J to church in the morning. I will go to my church in the morning, and afterwards I may do some shopping for Christmas.
We had to get the stand out of the attic to hold the tree in place. The tree is made of five dowels. The inch and a quarter one for the trunk. Four other dowels about a quarter of an inch thick run through the trunk at various heights. It is homemade.
Each Christmas we buy a dated Hallmark ornament to add to our collection. It takes a while to unpack each ornament from its box and hang it on the tree. After Christmas, we will have the task of putting each ornament back in its box and packing it all away. The ornament we bought for this year is of a white horse on a wheeled base. A bear is riding on the back of horse. We now have 33 or 34 ornaments. We have bought one each Christmas since we have been married. I will try to take a picture of the tree tomorrow and post it tomorrow night. We have run out of space for ornaments. We had to place a few around the tree at the base. Since we are needing more space on the tree to hang ornaments, I will make another tree before next Christmas. I will buy a longer dowel for the trunk and add an additional quarter-inch dowel for another branch.
Ayla is spending the night with us tonight. She will go with J to church in the morning. I will go to my church in the morning, and afterwards I may do some shopping for Christmas.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Book Signing
This morning after getting up (we slept late), we headed over to Barnes and Noble Bookstore on 71st Street for a book signing held by Greg Epstein, the Humanist Chaplain for Harvard University. Greg has written a book titled Good Without God and is on a book tour promoting his book by speaking to sympathetic audiences. He spoke last night at All Souls Unitarian Church.
The book signing was held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM today. Here is a picture I had taken with the author.
This evening J and I went to Border's Bookstore for the monthly meeting of the poetry group. Tonight we read and talked about poems written by Thomas Hardy and two minor English poets. Next month, we will read and discuss selected poems by Tennyson.
The book signing was held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM today. Here is a picture I had taken with the author.
This evening J and I went to Border's Bookstore for the monthly meeting of the poetry group. Tonight we read and talked about poems written by Thomas Hardy and two minor English poets. Next month, we will read and discuss selected poems by Tennyson.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
U. N. Declaration of Human Rights Anniversary
On December 10, 1948, the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Since 1948 was the year of my birth, that would make this year the 61st year the declaration has been in effect.
I was glad to hear Rick Warren come out and condemn the bill which would make homosexuality a capital crime in Uganda. My friend, Galen, from California send me a link to a YouTube message in which Warren condemns the proposed law and urges his fellow Christians in that country to oppose the bill. You can view the video here:
Today I took the '96 Saturn to the repair shop. The coolant light was flashing. I had added coolant to the reservoir, but the light kept flashing. We decided to take it in and put the system under pressure to see where the leak was originating. I also had a brake light that was out, which I did not know about until I was driving the car to the shop and J (following me in the other car) noticed the tail light being out.
A couple hours later the man from the shop called and told me the repair would be covered by a repair warranty from back in February when I had the radiator replaced. Once the car was fixed, the man at the shop called and said my car was ready. We went in and discovered there was no charge. They even replaced the tail light for free.
Tonight we went to All Souls Unitarian Church to hear Greg Epstein, the Humanist chaplain from Harvard, speak on the topic "Good Without God." There were a couple of hundred people there to hear Epstein speak. The visit was sponsored by the Tulsa Coalition of Reason, the Humanist Association of Tulsa, and the Interfaith Alliance.
I took my camera and shot a few pictures. Here is one:
This is not my best photo work, but it will give you an idea of the size of the crowd (I would estimate about 200). Some of the sanctuary is not visible in the photo.
The event was originally to be held in Emerson Hall, the fellowship hall for the church, but was moved to the main sanctuary to accommodate the large turnout.
A woman I had never met came up to me and rebuked me for taking photos. I will write about this incident tomorrow.
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Christmas shopping
Today we went Christmas shopping. We shopped at three stores in Sand Springs and one store in Sapulpa. We bought items today for my cousin Vicki who lives in Houston. I won't say what we bought, since Vicki sometimes reads this blog. Tonight my spouse wrapped the things she bought and I wrapped the things I bought, and J packaged them up in a box, ready to mail.
While we were out, we ate at Lin Cuisine, a Chinese restaurant. The music was so loud in the restaurant that I had to remove my hearing aids. Our last stop was in Sapulpa where we visited the Dollar Tree. Vicki and I have a tradition of getting each other ten items from the dollar store for Christmas.
Today a winter storm passed just to the north of us. It is supposed to get very cold tonight and not warm up a lot tomorrow. Winter has arrived. We finally got around to putting the storm door glass in the front door tonight.
Tonight I printed some poems which we will be reading this Friday evening at the poetry gathering at Border's.
While we were out, we ate at Lin Cuisine, a Chinese restaurant. The music was so loud in the restaurant that I had to remove my hearing aids. Our last stop was in Sapulpa where we visited the Dollar Tree. Vicki and I have a tradition of getting each other ten items from the dollar store for Christmas.
Today a winter storm passed just to the north of us. It is supposed to get very cold tonight and not warm up a lot tomorrow. Winter has arrived. We finally got around to putting the storm door glass in the front door tonight.
Tonight I printed some poems which we will be reading this Friday evening at the poetry gathering at Border's.
Monday, December 07, 2009
Recent events
I had another good practice session with Gail this morning. We had our first run through of "Give Thanks" -- a piece we are considering playing at the local Methodist church sometime in the future. We also played a couple of Christmas pieces we will be playing at Randy's later on this month.
Afterwards, we went to Dr. Shirk's office to get my hearing aids. Hearing aids have really gone high tech. In addition to getting the hearing aids, I got a device you wear around your neck (about an inch and a half square and a half inch thick) which you use for listening to an MP3. The signal is sent directly to the hearing aids. The aids even have a remote control. When I figure all this out, I may have more to say about it.
One thing I did yesterday is go to a program at the library where the Distinguished Author Award for 2009 was given to Geraldine Brooks. I took a few pictures and may post one here.
Afterwards, we went to Dr. Shirk's office to get my hearing aids. Hearing aids have really gone high tech. In addition to getting the hearing aids, I got a device you wear around your neck (about an inch and a half square and a half inch thick) which you use for listening to an MP3. The signal is sent directly to the hearing aids. The aids even have a remote control. When I figure all this out, I may have more to say about it.
One thing I did yesterday is go to a program at the library where the Distinguished Author Award for 2009 was given to Geraldine Brooks. I took a few pictures and may post one here.
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Saturday, December 05, 2009
Among friends
This picture was taken tonight at Movie Night at the Bradleys. Those in the picture are (going clockwise from my wife) Jan, myself, Gail Storey, Dawn Bradley, Randy Bradley, Bea McCartney,Barbara Frey, Shane McCurdy, Marilyn Clarke, Herb Van Fleet. We sat around and talked for a while and then Gail and I played "Yankee Doodle Variations." We moved to the Bradleys' movie viewing room and watched Labyrinth.
Prior to Movie Night the Secular Singers held a rehearsal using Randy's piano.
Barbara's son-in-law, Clinton, took this picture.
Thursday, December 03, 2009
I opt out of flu shot
I have spent most of this day indexing. We went up to TCC's Fitness Center this morning and walked three miles. While there we saw the Tulsa County Health Department setting up to give flu shots.
On the way home we stopped at Subway and got a 5$ footlong, Black Forest ham. We took it home and ate it.
In the afternoon, Mrs. Nerren went back to TCC and got the flu shot. The shot was for the H1N1 flu. I did get a seasonal flu shot about two months ago.
It's time to go to bed and get some rest and continue indexing in the morning.
On the way home we stopped at Subway and got a 5$ footlong, Black Forest ham. We took it home and ate it.
In the afternoon, Mrs. Nerren went back to TCC and got the flu shot. The shot was for the H1N1 flu. I did get a seasonal flu shot about two months ago.
It's time to go to bed and get some rest and continue indexing in the morning.
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Flu shot?
This morning I spoke with the managing editor at DO and told her I plan to send the index file next Monday. She said that would be fine. She sent me a list put together by the editors of the volume of terms they thought might be included in the index. She said to use it as I see fit. The index is now 11 pages long.
I have not had the time to do much with my new Kindle. I have not yet downloaded any books. I thought I might wait until the index is finished before doing that.
I saw Dr. Rapacki today. I asked when it would be OK to get a shot for the H1N1 virus. He said anytime, but warned me about studies which show that people who get consecutive flu shots (such as one shot five years in a row) have a higher susceptability of developing Alzheimer's disease. I have already had one flu shot this year - the seasonal flu shot. Should I get a shot for the H1N1, or just take my chances?
This evening while Nick was at choir practice, we had Luke and Ayla. We drove them around looking at Christmas house decorations for the hour he was away.
I have not had the time to do much with my new Kindle. I have not yet downloaded any books. I thought I might wait until the index is finished before doing that.
I saw Dr. Rapacki today. I asked when it would be OK to get a shot for the H1N1 virus. He said anytime, but warned me about studies which show that people who get consecutive flu shots (such as one shot five years in a row) have a higher susceptability of developing Alzheimer's disease. I have already had one flu shot this year - the seasonal flu shot. Should I get a shot for the H1N1, or just take my chances?
This evening while Nick was at choir practice, we had Luke and Ayla. We drove them around looking at Christmas house decorations for the hour he was away.
Appointment change
Yesterday, we went to Dr. Rapacki's office at 11:00. When we got there we learned that my appointment had been changed to the next day at 10:40. No one had called us to let us know. We went back home.
Work on the index is going slower than I had planned. Galen, I have received your questions, but it may be next week before I can respond to them. I had hoped to have the index finished by Friday, but it loooks now like it will be Monday before it is ready to send.
Work on the index is going slower than I had planned. Galen, I have received your questions, but it may be next week before I can respond to them. I had hoped to have the index finished by Friday, but it loooks now like it will be Monday before it is ready to send.
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