life in the old lane

So what is this “right” decision? I decided to NOT get a new MacBook before going to Hawai’i. I am pretty sure I could get one delivered next Tuesday. That would give me 3 entire days to get it set up to my satisfaction. But, we all remember what great luck I had with my last technology buy – the bleeding screen Pixel. 

And, I would be taking the brand new MacBook to Kona. Travel is always a risk with electronics.  But, the old MacBook is OK as long as it is plugged in and not asked to render video. It will do fine in Kona. So, the grown-up thing to do is to pass on the new MacBook this afternoon. And get a new one in January. And January will need something to look forward too. 

As I said. I hate doing the “right” thing. Tomorrow Google springs the newest Phones. Yet another chance to make the “right” choice.

The mad decorator has stuck again.

We are also promised “some” new tables and new flatware. What we really need is new food. 

Finished up my left over Chinese food. I was going to pitch the rice but put in the freezer instead. I will be making soup when I return from Hawai’i. Or maybe before I go, so it will be in the freezer waiting for me. I don’t hold out much hope for improved food. 

But, they still make an acceptable simple breakfast. They can poach eggs. Toast bread. And even make waffles. Once upon a time, they made eggs Florentine and breakfast tacos. Glad that I am leaving soon. 

Yesterday was summer. Late this afternoon is changing to autumn. 

Feeling a little frayed around the edges today. So, I gave myself the day off. Only thing that I accomplished was figuring out how to get to the airport before dawn cracks on Halloween. I put myself into a hotel with a shuttle to the airport that starts at 0420. Easy for me to check in the afternoon or night before. And, I really like hotels. And, I am in control. If something happens to the shuttle, I can always hoof it to the airport. The distance is short. However, it is not pedestrian friendly. Still. It’s a plan b. You know me. Gotta have a plan b.

Another activity, earlier today, while it was still summer was to tidy up my garden box for the winter. A bee was still at work. 

We made our way through dinner at the cheap Chinese restaurant yesterday. With leftovers to bring home. The food is dreadful here at The Asylum. We need to eat out more often. 

Of course, after I spend 55 days in Kona – cooking for myself – I might think more kindly about the asylum food. Or the food might get better. That is what I hoped when I went to Alaska for 30 days. (My fortune: It is quality rather than quantity that matter. Do a good job.)

Mother Nature, who is usually a Total Bitch, gave us a lovely bonus summer day. And, I went out several times to show my appreciation. 

As I get closer to my end date, these lovely days are increasingly dear.

While I was pondering my mortality and doing this entry, I noticed a red tail hawk flying by. Quick:

1. 1. 1. Put computer down.
      2. Lumber out of comfy chair.
      3. Grab camera.
      4. Never mind that it was the camera with the macro lens attached.
      5. Turn on, remove lens cap, fire. The camera that I picked up hunts focus with the macro lens – so I only got one shot.
      6. Pretty happy with the result. Washington Monument, plane landing at National, Capital, red tail hawk, and if you look really close – Air Force Memorial. Click on the picture if you want to look for the AF Memorial.

And, that is why I chose this apartment. 

Back to celebrating summer.

Time to head out to dinner. Escaping the Asylum for our local cheap Chinese restaurant. 

If you have an orchid in bloom you always have a picture to take. 

Did very little nothing of any significance today. And that is OK. 

One of my technology-challenged neighbors asked me to make a “recording” of her playing the hammered dulcimer.

It’s only 30 seconds and is rather charming. Amazing what you can do with your telephone these days! 

Strange place, The Asylum.

This afternoon the wheelchair-bound residents were forced to listen to what might be the worst accordion performance ever. Go on play it. One minute and 14 seconds of agony.

Shortly after the accordion concert, the oenophiles retired to a private wine tasting.

I was invited to attend as a substitute. I behaved myself. And can report that one of the wines did have a faint smell of dirty ashtray. And another a whiff of acetone.

And, this evening Alexander Vindman is speaking to the residents.

It’s just weird. If you can get Col Vindman would it be too hard to get a better accordion player to entertain the elders? 

Did a lot of walking getting to/from work today. Heck, I was walking away from the hospital when I got a call to “come back”.  I don’t walk as fast as I once did, so I hadn’t gotten but a couple of blocks. Of course, I didn’t get back all that fast either. Anyhow, I figure I walked enough to get dessert tonight if I so desire. And, I am ½ to my weekly cardio goal for the week. 

Hopefully, the rest of the week will just be normal crazy. A level of crazy that can be processed from the comfort of the Old Bat’s Cave.

 

 

Today was filled with work. And not much else. I did get a 3rd Echo device running this afternoon. Now, that really is 2 too many for a studio apartment. 

Tomorrow promises to be worse. 

But, good news. My travel pants still fit. My bathing suit still fits. I got rid of a couple of suits because I had several stashed in Kona. Well, not anymore. But, I really only need one suit. And it doesn’t have to be fancy. Just cover up the important parts. 

More good news. Grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup for dinner. How much more smallkidtime can it get.

The best part of the day: visiting Tiger a  slightly neurotic, very orange cat.

I gave myself a leisure day. I finished up my work. Had a very fine unhealthy breakfast. And then I napped and read newspapers. Went for a small walk and ended up with some happy bee pictures.

I went back to the archive and found the original photo. It’s sharp enough. I remember taking that picture. 

The one that I had posted back in October 2009 was just smaller. 

Spent a long day wrangling data. And, another day tomorrow. That’s OK. But, I made it out for a fast walk around my one-mile circuit.  And made a little time for toad lily photos. 

All things considered, toad lilies are more fun than Covid Vaccination spreadsheets. 

 

Either my eyesight is going faster than I thought, or my glasses are dirty, or my standards for tack sharp were a little lower 12 years ago. Maybe I will drag out the original and check. Or maybe I will let it slide. I seem to be letting a lot slide this week. Tomorrow I will get my ass in gear and my brain in the game.  I need to be getting stuff ready for Kona. This year is NOT like other years. 

Last night, I did a “sensible” thing. I got a ticket all the way from Kona to DCA on December 24th arriving here on Dec 25. It is a changeable even refundable ticket. I am considering it my insurance policy.  

Just saying…

Just saying, if you looked like Mitch wouldn’t you be working 24/7 for a constitutional amendment requiring mask-wearing? Everywhere. All of the time.

The day started with the “crack of dawn”. I always love that. 

I did a bunch of work in my fuzzy bathrobe then suited up and went to the office. Spent 4 or 5 hours there just smoothing things out and seeing how things are being done nowadays. 

While all this was going on, Google returned all but a $37.10 “restocking” fee to my account. (For the defective phone.) They will be hearing from me about the $37.10 because they damn well shouldn’t “restock” that phone. But, all things considered, I am OK with Google on this deal.

Walked part way home. It was a lovely afternoon, and I had spent 4+ hours in a meeting. Exercise was called for. Along the way I found:

and

And that was my little old lady day.