11 May 2015

Notes - a good day / getting primed

         You awoke early and Carol soon after. While you were feeding the cats Carol snuck out to pick up and deliver the morning paper. – Amorella

         0622 hours. I awoke at about ten after five. Jadah came in the room about five-twenty. Carol was up fifteen minutes later. The man who takes the trash was here about five-fifteen. The man and machine are very quiet considering the time. New trucks are most of the reason. The recycle fellow usually shows up between noon and two – large special containers that the truck lifts to dump – much easier on the back to be sure. The fun part of the job in the old days was observing the actual trash because people just dropped the stuff in those old metal cans that were heavy enough and made a lot of racket besides – no hiding the intimate trash details of their lives. You knew what most everyone ate each week as well as what they drank. It always made the routes fun each day. (0631)

         You had Subway for lunch at home because Carol is getting the clothes done now so some can be packed to go. You watched “Blacklist” and Part VII of Mr. Selfridge on “Masterpiece Theatre”. – Amorella

         1540 hours. Carol worked in books and cosmetics at Woodies, Woodward & Lothrop. I just checked and found it closed in 1995. When Carol worked there in summers during college it was a bustling and dynamic clothing store. Carol’s mother, Jean, swore by the chocolate sodas in the dining area. I have to say, they were good, but nothing beats Graeter’s. We talked about this during the show – I had forgotten she had worked as such a department store (like Selfridges). She said it was nothing like the show. I didn’t expect that it was but Woodies at that time in the 1960’s certainly borrowed from Selfridges in London. I remember it as a pretty upscale place. Somewhere around here Carol still has a perky hat in a Woodies box. I think it was part of her attire for the party after our wedding – it was in Alexandria in late November 1967.

         More good memories, boy. Post. - Amorella


         1742 hours. I had a nap. I did get my hair cut late morning; Mary Ann was surprised to see me sooner than usual. I did not yet do my exercises. Carol has been working on clothes all this time. I should do more – but I did sweep the bedroom, hallway and downstairs. Plus, cleaned the sweeper. I love using our sweeper, much better than hauling out the big one with cord and all.

         Carol is catching up on some of her TV programs and you have been playing with Jadah for about a half hour, fun for both. You were packing before the playing and have most of your clothes ready to go. – Amorella

         Due to parental school conferences on Wednesday Kim is not coming down to help you pack, etc. You assured her you both will be fine and won’t lift too much or you will call Tim Wednesday afternoon if you do need help with something. You have a wonderfully good daughter, boy and you both love her and her family very much. – Amorella

         1917 hours. We are ever thankful. It is difficult to concentrate on other things when the trip is rolling in closer. We have been traveling to and from Florida for forty-three years straight. We were there in November and plan to return for a week or two this coming November by ourselves. Next summer we will go with the family once again, at least that is our plan. Then after that it will be summer, spring break or Christmas vacation as far as the boys are concerned. School takes precedence. We did get some things accomplished today. It has been a good day overall.

         Post. - Amorella  

         Evening. Almost time for bed and you are listening to Calm Radio Solo Piano and Classical Guitar on your Mini iPad. Carol is downstairs on her iMac. – Amorella

         2255 hours. I had closed down but saw it was time for my 10-day backup so here I am. I spent time reading reviews about the 2016 Ford Fusion Titanium Hybrid with most all the bells and whistles. I hope the 2016 Camry Hybrid has more levels for the front passenger so Carol can be more comfortable when we do get a new car. She doesn’t want anything smaller. I don’t mind. We have had our share of small cars, mostly the fun driving old generation Beetles. I was looking at the Ford Hybrid Plug-In and if it weren’t so expensive it would be a good car for around town because it can go 18 miles on a charge. Many days we don’t drive more than that and certainly less than fifty. We could save a good bit of fuel each time that way. I get these ideas in my head to consider the hybrids and plug-ins in case we actually do get a new one (whenever). The research is fun to keep up and keep pace on. Mostly cars are fun to think on and consider their efficiencies, engineering, driving features and now safety and comforts. I am looking forward to the drive on Thursday and Friday. I try to be mentally up and pumped for the drive like I was in a car rally. Focusing on the road, what’s behind me and what’s coming up as well as who is to the lane on either side and what is going on with this immediately up ahead and further up – watching mostly for brake lights. Driving to Tampa/St. Pete is a good test of my skills on the road. I-75 is never boring. I first have to drive defensively one hundred percent with eyes always on task just as if I were piloting a plane – anticipations on the on/off ramps. Driving can be fun. I put my mind to it. Use the brakes sparingly, drive in the engine/motors sweet spot, cruise between 75 and 80 – keep up with everyone in lane. Avoid distractions! Be considerate, polite and professional on the road. These are my rules. Actually, they are pretty much the same rules applied when driving a school bus. That’s where I did my real learning experience on the road – driving a Westerville school bus for a year (or maybe it was two) during college. I get primed for the trip to and from every time.

         This is the way you are, orndorff – getting primed. Post. - Amorella

No comments:

Post a Comment