With my shaky hands, I found it more and more difficult to shave with a blade. I kept cutting myself, but my wife solved that problem by buying me a
Braun electric shaver. I can still shave in the shower but without the concerns of drawing blood. The other good news was I’m now able to drop my Dollar Shave Club subscription and can stop buying shaving cream. My unsteady hands also wouldn’t cooperate with re-inserting a tiny eyeglass screw this morning or trying to crack crab legs for dinner last night. It’s almost humorous at times when I end up with more food on me than in me. Tally tends to hang out under my chair at the table. Typing in these blog posts get more and more difficult. Old age can be cruel, but there are at least some surgical and non-surgical options that I could try.
My wife is looking at a very busy afternoon schedule today including the dog park, aqua-fit, and bridge. We also have dinner plans with friends who will be attending the musical Xanadu with us this evening. She certainly arranges plenty for us to do, including the “suggestion” that I buy us tickets for Symphony under the Stars. We used to enjoy going to Conner Prairie for the Indianapolis Symphony, so this is our closest option. Fireworks will be a bonus, as we await a similar program at the ballpark for Memorial Weekend when we return from London.
She likes to pack a picnic, but we’re not sure if it is allowed at this particular event, so she also set-up a food & drink get-together with neighbors this Friday night for a concert at adjoining Wellen Park. Saturday we’ll drive to Bradenton to meet some Indy friends for lunch and Sunday morning the grandkids we’ll be over for brunch and an Easter Egg Hunt. Tuesday she hosts Book Club on our lanai. My active wife has had a hand in all of these plans. This week alone she’s added tap classes, an arts & crafts fair, shopping, rock painting, and a movie to her list of things to do and places to go. Not to mention, preparing dinner for me each night. I can’t keep up. Whew!
Next week my sister, niece, and grandnieces arrive to go to the beach. Naturally, my wife wants to do a picnic. She also invited the neighbors over for dinner next Sunday to reciprocate for the pizza party they had us attend at their house several months ago. Our “Meet The Neighbors” event that she organized is next Friday night, along with a Bridge Club dinner next Saturday evening. Where she gets all this energy is beyond me. All I have to do is show up with a smile and a clean shave.
I’ve been blogging now for well over 6 1/4-years, with an initial retirement goal of a post per day. I’ve remained true to this pledge for all this time but have struggled of late. It’s taken me 142 days to write the last 100 articles, a definite lack of motivation coupled with travel disruptions and computer problems. The computer problems were resolved months ago by replacing my troublesome Surface with a used model sporting a few blemishes. I’m also in a temporary travel hiatus with three more weeks before we head to Egypt. We just received our Viking luggage tags, indicating that all systems are GO. Hopefully, I can stay on track with this blog at least until we depart.
Egypt should give me plenty to write about as we cruise the Nile River. There will be lectures and tours that will certainly stir my interest in history. Deep in my soul, I feel there is a reason why the pyramids have always captured the imagination of my alter ego, Indiana Johnston. For me, this is a trip of a lifetime and a much-anticipated destination, dating back for many years. Our plans have been further delayed due to safety concerns and then Covid. The first stop will be Cairo and the newly remodeled Egyptian Museum. Among the masterpieces housed there are Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s treasure, including its iconic gold burial mask.
I’ll run the streets of Cairo before we board the Viking riverboat that will take us down the Nile to visit the Great Pyramid and Sphinx, the very top of my bucket list. We’ll then go to Jordan to see the archaeological city of Petra, Hollywoodized by the movie, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Jones and Johnston, two common names often confused. It’s known as the Treasury, the rose-colored centerpiece of Jordan’s ancient Nabataean city, referred to in the movie as the Temple of the Sun. We’ll walk the 1.2k path
Another day of doing nothing. The run is done as I prepare to take a seat for chair yoga, followed by a shower and “Theater Tuesday,” most likely ‘Dungeons and Dragons’. The new hallway light fixtures are finally in place, while the Tally-feared unicorn floats in the pool, a leftover from granddaughter Nora’s afternoon swim. My son was once again very patient installing the overhead lights, while I stood by trying not to get in the way.
The temperatures are heating up without much chance for rain over the next few weeks. A month after time change and I still haven’t adapted, although my run was finished by 9:30a. Three months ago, I was done by 9a, so hopefully I’ll get back to that schedule by the next time change. Further adjustments will be necessary after Cairo and London stays.
I only managed a little over 80 running miles throughout the month of March, meaning that I’m behind the 1,000-mile annual goal. Las Vegas and Disney World took me out of the routine with a couple of short runs, knowing that we’d be doing a lot of walking. In order to reach it I need to average about 85-miles monthly, thankfully January was 97, so I’m still on target, despite the March shortfall. The important thing is that “The Streak” continues at 5, 210 consecutive days after a 5k trot this morning. April will be better – No Foolin’
it’s not just any Monday – Championship Monday – but it’s been twenty-one years since it had personal meaning and thirty-six years since it ended on a good note. I thought of New Orleans yesterday as hometown favorite LSU claimed the women’s title over Iowa, in Houston where I attended my last men’s Final Four. Butler lost that one. I also viewed baseball and ‘Lost,’ so not a very constructive Sunday. I spend too much time playing Solitaire while watching, thinking that I’m multitasking.
I’m wondering if I was busier, would I be happier? Today, I hope to get the problem light fixture installed with a little help from my son, print some neighborhood party fliers, do laundry, and make my chiropractor appointment, who’s currently focused on auricular therapy. Talk about things to look forward to doing! I think the thrill of retirement is beginning to wear off, and the need to find something more fulfilling growing stronger. I just can’t seem to put my finger on what exactly that is?
Some of our neighbors are still working, some traveling, one is working on a TV pilot and publishing books. Writing like this doesn’t seem to be getting me anyplace and only of interest to tolerant friends, other than being a form of personal therapy. Plus, I don’t need to pay to post it. Go Daddy is the sole beneficiary – johnstonwrites.com may soon be a thing of the past. So, what’s the next chapter in my life?
I thought I was back to a regular writing schedule, but sleeping in later, doctor appointments, yard tasks, and laziness have gotten in the way. As a result, I once again find myself days from my last post. I’m simply not as motivated anymore, having written nearly 2,300 articles. I feel that I’m regurgitating the boring details of my day-to-day existence, with little to report. I struggle to find a subject of interest and realize that my blogging days are coming to an end. Maybe there’s a touch of depression?
My most recent hassle has been an overhead light fixture that I can’t properly install. Normally, I leave these projects to my son, but he’s been working every day. It’s a flush mount with two anchor bolts that need to be exactly aligned. I’ve tried several different approaches, but reading on-line reviews shows it to be a difficult fit. We’ve called for professional help. Part of the problem is my unsteady hands, coupled with a low DIY aptitude…”but I’m pretty good at drinking beer” (as the song goes by Troy Jones and recorded by Billy Currington.)
“I wasn’t born for diggin’ deep holes
I’m not made for pavin’ long roads
I ain’t cut out to climb high line poles
But I’m pretty good at drinkin’ beer”
“I’m not the type to work in a bank
I’m no good at slapping on paint
Don’t have a knack for making motors crank, no
But I’m pretty good at drinkin’ beer”
“I ain’t much for mowin’ thick grass
I’m too slow for workin’ too fast
I don’t do windows so honey don’t ask
But I’m pretty good at drinkin’ beer”
“A go-getter
Well, maybe I’m not
I’m not known for doin’ a lot
But I do my best work when the weather’s hot
But I’m pretty good at drinkin’ beer”
“So hand me one more
That’s what I’m here for
I’m built for having a ball
I love the nightlife
I love my Bud Light
I like ’em cold and tall”
“I wasn’t born for diggin’ deep holes
I’m not made for pavin’ long roads
I ain’t cut out to climb high line poles
But I’m pretty good at drinkin’ beer
I’m pretty good at drinkin’ beer”
“Oh, hand me one more boys
That’s what I’m here for”
Actually, I’m not even good at drinking beer, but the lyrics seemed appropriate for my DIY struggles. I did have four beers in the month of March, two at a ballgame and two more on the lanai talking with a friend. Lately, I’ve been into Moscow Mules made with vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice. I like the copper mugs that they’re served in when it’s time for a cold one.
It’s baseball opening day, so I’m glued to the T.V. and free games from MLB.com. Apparently, it was the earliest ever opener for the Cubs at Wrigley Field, celebrating their 148th season. I have a ticket stub from April 3, 1998, one of the memorable openers for me. The Cubs won 6-2 over the Montreal Expos with Steve Trachsel as the winning pitcher and hitter with two hits while Rod Beck got the save. There were no homers but Sammy Sosa had two errors and got caught stealing. I’m sure the famous ivy vines were just as dead-looking as today with the temperature at 42 windy degrees. I stuffed napkins in my shoes to keep my toes from freezing.
Vladimir Guerrero played right field for the Expos. He was 23-years old that year, while his son, Vladi just turned 24 and is a designated hitter for the Blue Jays. Like father like son, both Canadian stars. I’m watching him play against the Cardinals at Busch Stadium, another opening day experience in my life as a baseball fan. That was the inaugural opening of the downtown St. Louis stadium in 2006. However, as a White Sox fan, I can’t say I that I’ve ever started a season there. The Sox play the defending champion Astros this evening.
I drank the White Sox Kool-Aid last year, so I’m not falling into that trap again this year. Let’s just say I have limited expectations for the team, especially without Abreau. Plus, I have no idea how the Cubs will perform with a fully reconstructed lineup, but they did get off to a great start this afternoon by shutting out the Milwaukee Brewers 4-0. Dansby Swanson, former Atlanta Brave, ended the day with three hits in his debut and Marcus Stroman was impressive on the mound, while Michael Fulmer was credited with the save. Fly the “W.” I’m not yet used to no Kyle Hendricks on the opening day roster or Willson Contreras wearing rival red.
Aaron Judge was appropriately the first home run of the season in his very first at-bat, mimicking Roger Maris the season after his Ruth-besting power performance, with Judge ultimately topping both of them with the Yankee record 62-dingers. I have a few Judge cards in my collection along with Adley Rutschman of the Orioles who had a historic 5-5 opener, including a homer. Shohei Ohtani started perhaps his final Angels’ season with 10 K’s in six shutout innings. Another collection favorite, Kyle Schwarber of the Phillies, sadly went 0-5 against the Rangers.
The Brewers and Cubs rivalry dates back to June 13, 1997. As of today’s victory, the series is now tied at 209-209. Meanwhile, the Cardinals have taken the lead on a Paul Goldschmit single, in their opening day matchup. I’m simply not a fan of the Redbirds after being caught in the midst of obnoxious central Illinois fans for the years we lived in Decatur. They haven’t won a championship in 12-years (I was there), while both the Sox and Cubs can claim more recent greatness (I witnessed both), even though neither team will ever get to that impressive 11-title-mark.
All in all, it was an outstanding Opening Day with the Cubs, Sox, Braves, and Orioles all with wins, while the Cardinals and Brewers lost. My kind of baseball.
Two days in a row – I’m back on track after travel and visitor diversions from my daily writing pleasure. Along with it is the running, that was particularly difficult today. Both a very therapeutic routines to start my day, even though swimming was once part of the process. I guess I’m waiting for warmer weather, despite a good sweat this morning. My legs could also feel the strain of Chair Yoga, as I tried to work out a knot in my left calf. It feels good to relax in my office chair, hovered over the keyboard.
I have admittedly not been supportive of my wife’s passion for cooking. Eating for me seems to be more a disruption of my schedule than a pleasurable experience. Shaky hands and a lack of appetite make me cranky at the dinner table. Food falls off my fork and I have to grip a drink with both hands. Eating makes me more conscious of these annoying inconveniences. I took often take for granite the fact that she works hard to make these delicious meals for an ingrate like me. Dinner guests are always more enamored with her delicious dishes, obviously important feedback that she needs. I tend to wolf things down and am still not used to eating a sit-down lunch every day, preferring to snack instead. Sweets tend to be the only appealing part of my innutritious diet. Even pizza, once an absolute favorite, tastes bland – maybe I need to add M&Ms rather than pepper flakes.
I made the stupid mistake of complaining about being served two sandwiches instead of one yesterday for lunch, when I rarely raise a finger to help. “Just don’t eat it,” was her remark, when I hate to leave anything but a clean plate. I’m like a spoiled brat in retirement! Food is just not my thing while it’s her hobby – the more the merrier! Trying new dishes, shopping for groceries, collecting recipes, and even serving me somehow makes her happy. My only saving grace is that I will try and finish anything, regardless of her disappointment with how it turned out. I need to be more complimentary and appreciative of her phenomenal work, but I stumble once in a while. Don’t bite the hand that feeds you!
For the record, we have officially changed “Matinee Monday” to “Theater Tuesday” to accommodate our busy schedules. “Trash Sunday,” “Meatless Monday,” and “Sunset Thursdays” remain on the calendar, although beach picnics have been limited by red tide issues. We do plan to see the movie, “Champions” with Woody Harrelson this afternoon, after last week’s disruptions due to visitors. Everything is now back on a routine that should continue throughout April. This includes mornings at the dog park, daily 5k runs, Aqua-fit, tap classes, chair yoga, date night, and bridge. We were even back to watching Lost last night, having finally reached the last season. I’m anxious to watch new episodes of Ted Lasso, Succession, and the Reluctant Traveler, rather than being totally “lost in Lost,” trying to keep up with flashbacks and fast forwards. We’ve been tied up in this show for months that seems like forever.
Today is our “Limoges Anniversary,” dating back to a Bloomington, Indiana picnic when I presented my wife with her very first porcelain Limoges Box twenty-four years ago. Her collection has grown to well over 325 boxes throughout the years. I’m giving her Alice, from Alice in Wonderland, tying in with our recent trip to Disney World. The Disney characters are her favorite, but they are also the most expensive. This one I found on E-Bay, as I’ve tried to continue adding to the collection without breaking the retirement budget. She’ll be mildly disappointed that it’s manufactured by Dubarry rather than Artoria, but it will still be a pleasant surprise. It will contain the poem from Post #2290.
Baseball season officially begins on Thursday and the Final Four has been determined for both the men and women. It’s time to “Spring” from basketball to baseball. Egypt is also right around the corner, so I’m excited to finally see the pyramids. It’s been a trip long delayed by Covid and other factors. I’ve been watching some features on ancient Egypt on the History Channel in anticipation. Spring has sprung, with a lot to look forward to in the next few months. This afternoon, we’ll start with “Theater Tuesday.”
With an “Afternoon Delight” title like that, I know what you’re thinking. However, this is simply a free afternoon with nothing to do or no one to see. My wife is off playing drop-in bridge, and Tally is content in my chair. There is no one left to entertain, feed, or impress. My Indy friend is on the East Coast of Florida, and my wife’s family is driving to The Villages. No more overnight company is expected for two weeks, although a house full of women will be here on Thursday night.
My Lafayette friend was scheduled for some prostrate surgery this past week, so I sent him a note asking what was more painful – the surgery or the Purdue tourney loss? He admitted to chickening out on the procedure that was kind of like a Roter-Rooter cleanout. I was curious because I’m considering some options myself.
I once again failed to profit with any of my March Madness brackets. I also did not win the raffle at any of the Spring Training games, so it must be a sign to start looking for honest work. My son may take the pot with a coin-flip. It took that kind of luck to pick this year’s winners.
I was supposed be watching my granddaughter this afternoon, but her mother got off work early. This is the second week in a row that plans have changed at the last minute. I did get a hug and see the disappointment on her face when she had to leave preschool with her mom rather than me. Plus, I got to see the new ring that my son presented to my daughter-in-law at Disney last week, a recommitment to their fourteen-year marriage. I’m glad to see their family all back together again, after threats of separation due to career aspirations. Now, it’s time for me to enjoy some Afternoon Delight.
Blogging has once again been put on hold this past week, with this short post between visitors. My I.U. buddy from Indianapolis came to town and we kept him busy. We watched the Sweet 16, went boating, dined at several area restaurants, toured the neighborhood on the golf cart, played bocci ball, went to a baseball game, and escorted Tally to the groomer. My friend managed to go to the driving range, while I got my mileage in every morning. It was an easy five days of entertaining, before my wife’s brother and his wife take over the guest room. Tag you’re it.
I was able to reconnect with a childhood friend yesterday morning after responding to a post on the “I Grew Up in Elkhart, Indiana” Facebook page. He lived a block away in the same neighborhood, before we both ended up at different elementary schools, junior highs, and high schools. We were fast friends through the fifth grade, but lost track of each other. Thanks to Facebook, we’ve started to catch up. It’s exciting to find someone after sixty years of going our separate ways. I have several more questions to ask once my life settles down to normalcy, as it will next week.
Today was the 5,200th consecutive day of my Running Streak, a 5k jaunt through the neighborhood. Thanks to last week’s boat ride, I now know the identity of several more people that I cross paths with every morning on my standard route. There are still many bikers, walkers, and runners that I address every day that remain nameless. However, it is a friendly neighborhood, so a nod, wave, or word is commonplace. We’ve now lived here just short of two years, so in many cases familiar faces have become friends. Our week of company continues this afternoon, so expect more delays in my daily posts.
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