Author: mikeljohnston1 (Page 61 of 269)
It’s a retirement Saturday, so really no different than any other day of the week. We’re meeting a former work colleague for lunch to rekindle memories of our time at WISH-TV together. It wasn’t until I was promoted to the Lafayette station when my wife and I were finally married. Up until that point, we all worked together in Indianapolis. Now, the Florida weather unites us all, as our friend enjoys some vacation time.
We will meet in Nokomis, just north of Venice, at a waterfront restaurant. Most of the discussion will probably center around Broadway, although it has now been years since my wife and I have been there for a show. Our friend is a singer/performer, mostly local theater, and we’ve been to see her many times dating back over 22 years when she was in “City of Angels,” and “Sideshow” two years later. In 2005, it was “Listen to My Heart,” a Footlight musical. In 2006, we all met in New York to see “Putnam County Spelling Bee.” I can’t remember the last time we got together, but I’m sure we’ll figure it out through the course of friendly discussion. I do have a note in my diary about a lunch at Acapulco Joe’s in Indy six years ago, but I may not have been there to join her and my wife.
I’m watching “Alone” on the History Channel, a series that is about as far from my comfort zone as possible. I couldn’t imagine surviving in the wild by myself since I have no hunting or construction skills. I’m amazed at the creativity of the participants battling the weather conditions, loneliness, predictors, and starvation. Mother Nature and I do not make good companions. I’m glad to be reuniting with old friends and living in a comfortable resort community – thankfully I’m not in the woods – All Alone.
First of all, let me note that today marks the 22nd anniversary of when I proposed to my wife. We don’t have anything special planned to celebrate it, but we did have an interesting day yesterday planned around picking up my son and granddaughter at the airport. It was definitely a routine breaker in many ways:
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No TV for 24 hours
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Driving a different car -my son’s
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Tally was at a sitter – so no walks
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Tried a Monster sugar-free
- Perfect Caper dining experience with a server named Spartacus whose uncle played for the undefeated 1968 National Champion Ohio State Buckeyes.
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Tour of Punta Gorda, Florida, including Fisherman’s Wharf
We thought we had a smooth day scheduled with some sightseeing, shopping, a car service appointment, and dinner, followed by the airport pick-up, but storms changed circumstances quickly. The flight was delayed to the point where I was forced to drive my wife back home to take care of Tally, so one trip to the airport turned into two and a late night.
The flight did not arrive until well after 10:30p, so I ended up staying up well past midnight for the first time since we moved to Florida. I couldn’t even do it New Year’s Eve. We then had to wait for luggage, get out of the parking lot, drop my granddaughter off at her mother’s house, and get me back to my car so I could head home. This resulted in several other deviations from routine:
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Slept until 9:30a when I normally get up around 7
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Missed the morning dog outing
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Shortened my run to just over a mile with the temperatures in the mid-80s
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Took a different running route for variety
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Stayed in the pool another hour after my swim instead of blogging
Although these we relatively small deviations from a normal day’s activities, I felt like I had broken up a rather boring routine that has been going on for months. Hopefully, it will lead to a change in attitude, as I at least now feel that I’m no longer in the movie, Groundhog Day.
Sometimes persistence is really just ignorance. This struck me as I watched the movie, “Phantom of the Open,” where an English crane operator that has never played golf enters the British Open. My wife was struck with his persistent attitude of never giving up. However, I found it unbelievable that he would insist on playing with professionals, thinking that he was one himself. He shot a 121, not bad considering that television cameras and spectators watched him make a fool of himself. Well, ignorance is bliss, so he persistently entered again and again under a false name.
It is a heartwarming, true story about a game that tends to be a bit stuffy. It’s a skill that I could certainly never master and have great admiration for those who play it well. I’ve been there – playing with others who are much more talented and feeling embarrassed to the point of wanting to quit. However, what others thought never fazed him simply because of his ignorance. His name, Maurice Flitcroft, became synonymous with bad golf. In fact, a Grand Rapids fundraising tournament was founded in his honor with the highest score proclaimed the winner. It was when they paid for him and his family to attend where we see the bliss that resulted from his ignorance.
The rules for entry have undoubtedly become stricter since Maurice Flitcroft made a mockery of British Open officials. However, using the term “Open” rather than “Invitational” certainly left the door ajar for this situation to unfold. In theory, it is “open” to all, i.e. professional and amateur golfers, but certainly not intended for first-time players. Most everyone is aware of this, apparently except for Maurice Flitcroft who proved in this movie that ignorance is bliss.
As I referred back to posts a year ago, I realized how much cooler the conditions in my garage are during this hot summer month. The insulation that we had installed on our garage door is definitely helping in conjunction with the attic hatch cover that was finally put in place. The garage is still hot but no longer a sauna. Last year it was unbearable to be in that space, so I’m pleased with the improvement. However, our garage is slowly filling up with “stuff” like garden tools, beach chairs, empty wine boxes, plastic storage containers, pool inflatables, and now all the appliances/venting for our outdoor kitchen. My son’s SUV also takes up a lot more room than my Solara, but that’s only a temporary situation. I don’t feel as much heat as claustrophobia when I step into the garage these days.
Yesterday, we got the new gold butterfly mirror hung. The decorative piece arrived the day before in a bundle of bubble wrap and cardboard. It practically filled up the neighborhood dumpster once I finally got it unwrapped. My wife had spotted a similar design when we were at the butterfly conservatory in Key West and just had to have it! We tried to hang it immediately but it was heavy and awkward to handle, so we gave up in frustration. After sleeping on it, I made some very careful measurements and removed some of the obstacles that allowed us to get it in place without too much in the way of an argument. It is a stunning but unbudgeted addition to our entryway.
Last evening, we were watching the very end of Jumanji 3 when actor Danny DeVito made what I thought was a very profound observation. I’ve often joked about how getting old “sucks” and is “not for sissies”. His comment was that “growing old is a gift.” Think about it – not all of us gets to experience the full range of life, thinking back to high school classmates that died in Viet Nam, children shot while attending school, and peers that have passed unexpectedly or after years of health struggles. I am truly fortunate to be around after 71-years and need to adopt this attitude that despite the aches and pains, I’m lucky to be alive. Enjoy old age – it’s a gift!
While many people start their day with coffee or tea, my first drink is usually now Gatorade. It seems to quench my thirst in this hot Florida sun. It’s become a new habit that didn’t exist in cool, rainy Portland or even dusty Texas. (See Post #1709) I drink in some water before I attack the asphalt each morning but head straight to the refrigerator when I get back for a cold bottle of G2. It is the only way to satisfy my thirst, having tried everything including beer throughout the day.
According to Wikipedia, the beverage was first developed in 1965 by a team of researchers led by Dr. Robert Cade (It could have been called Caderade). The drink was originally made for the Gators at the University of Florida to replenish the carbohydrates that the school’s student-athletes burned and the combination of water and electrolytes that they lost in sweat during rigorous sports activities.
The product goes off the shelf quickly here in Florida, particular the sugar-free varieties, so it’s difficult to stock a favorite. You simply grab what’s left, regardless of the flavor, even though I do prefer either grape or orange. By afternoon, I’m ready for some caffeine, so I drink a single Diet Coke. When I was working, I developed a Diet Coke addiction, often consuming four or more a day, starting with breakfast. With the cooler Portland temperatures, I would even stop at Starbucks for a hot caramel latte to get me going. When I’m really in the mood for a boost, I’ll grab a Monster. This happened just a few days ago when I spotted one in the cooler next to the Lowe’s check-out.
Sometimes, just a sip from a leftover, warm Diet Coke in the morning will settle my stomach. I no longer crave the flavor except at McDonald’s and other locations where it’s dispensed at the fountain. I should drink more water and will refill my empty Gatorade bottles with cold water from the refrigerator. However, I prefer the flavored drinks and right now Gatorade is my favorite.
After Stormy Sunday comes Blue Sky Monday, at least for now. We’re all caught up on movies, with the exception of Jurassic Park that neither of us wants to see, so the theatre is not an option this week. There are also no grandfather duties this week with the kids all in Fort Wayne, and maybe even driving to Niagara Falls. My wife and I now exactly one month away from our long summer drive, as the year is now nearly half over with lots of adventures to come.
Travel would be so easy with a portal like in the TV series Night Sky. Just push a button and you’re immediately transported into space or any other desired destination. Challenges like seeing all 50 states would be a cinch. We just heard from another friend that caught Covid on a recent cruise and was forced to spend the trip in their room, with the exception of two hours a day on an isolated deck. After all this money spent on the trip, they were treated like prisoners with the plague. It’s a nightmarish thought that this could happen to us somewhere in Alaska.
Our friends down the street have tested positive with symptoms no worse than the flu. It’s been years since I’ve been sick and there’s simply no way to avoid exposure. Many people have just decided to stay home, but that is not in my nature – take it from The Animals. Regardless of the risks, from time to time, “we’ve gotta get out of this place!”
“In this dirty old part of the city
Where the sun refused to shine
People tell me there ain’t no use in tryin’
Now my girl, you’re so young and pretty
And one thing I know is true
You’ll be dead before your time is due, I know
Watch my daddy in bed a-dyin’
Watched his hair been turnin’ grey
He’s been workin’ and slavin’ his life away, oh yes I know it
And I’ve been workin’ too, baby (yeah!)
Every night and day (yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah!)
We gotta get out of this place
If it’s the last thing we ever do
We gotta get out of this place
‘Cause girl, there’s a better life for me and you
Now my girl you’re so young and pretty
And one thing I know is true, yeah
You’ll be dead before your time is due, I know it
Watch my daddy in bed a-dyin’
Watched his hair been turnin’ grey, yeah
He’s been workin’ and slavin’ his life away
I know he’s been workin’ so hard
Every day baby (yeah!)
Whoa!
(Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah!)
We gotta get out of this place
If it’s the last thing we ever do
We gotta get out of this place
Girl, there’s a better life for me and you
Somewhere baby
Somehow I know it, baby
We gotta get out of this place
If it’s the last thing we ever do
We gotta get out of this place
Girl, there’s a better life for me and you
Believe me baby
I know it baby
You know it too”
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Barry Mann / Cynthia Weil
We Gotta Get out of This Place lyrics © EMI Music Publishing
Another sweaty, grimy morning with eventual relief in the swimming pool. I haven’t worked this hard in the yard for years especially since condos and apartments were our living choice. We even drove to Lowe’s yesterday afternoon for a trellis and some mulch that I used to finish up our tree project this morning. I was already drained from my run, but once sweaty why not stay that way. I used my new blood pressure monitor again this morning with a 120 over 76 reading. After sitting all day it seems to escalate, with yesterday afternoon registering 165 over 91. I’m supposed to keep a log for my next appointment with the cardiologist.
Our “Meet the Neighbors” event last night went well, despite some thunder showers. About 30 people attended – about half the normal crowd. It was actually a better environment for conversation with so many neighbors away for the summer. Due to heat and travel schedules, we won’t schedule another one until September. I’m sure the rest of 2022 is now going to fly by. Storms are headed our way this afternoon.
The week ahead is looking quite sedate, leading into the Fourth of July. We’ll probably head to the beach for fireworks like we did last year. This Thursday we’ll drive my son’s car down to Punta Gorda for some service work and have dinner before we pick him up at the airport. Sadly, there’s little else to write about on this – Another Stormy Sunday (See Post #1922)!
Another hot and steamy morning of running and landscaping. Our new crepe myrtle tree should arrive sometime today, so I made final preparations. The bush that I took out a few days ago has been replanted. To do it I had to use our recycling bin like a wheelbarrow to move it to the side of the house. It was far too heavy for me to drag on my own, but with a little improvisation it’s “in the hole.” That poor bush has been the victim of a massive bee hive and harsh chemicals to kill them. It’s also been severely cut back and sat in the hot sun with bare roots for a few days during the transplanting process. Nothing would kill it so I had no choice but to give it a second chance.
Once the new tree is in place I will need more mulch, but haven’t seen any bags sitting around the neighborhood. My wife wants to go to Lowe’s today for a trellis to support her Bougainvillea vines, so I might have to actually buy a few bags, if the right color is available. We also have my son’s car to haul bulky items like this. However, we’re already over budget for the week, month, and year – as seems to be the norm these days.
We went to “Matinee Monday” on Friday, finally finding the time this week to see the movie “Elvis.” It was good, but there was better news when the phone rang as we were leaving the theater. My good friend who lost his wife last year has found true love again. He rekindled a relationship from 38-years ago with a visit to an old friend in Mexico. I haven’t heard him so happy for some time now after their week together. I met her all those years ago, but circumstances led them going in separate directions, and suddenly “they’re an item,” going to his 50th high school reunion in a few weeks. How cool is that!
It feels good to sit down after a sauna-like run, swim, and some landscaping work. I look over at Tally sprawled out in my office chair and feel like doing the same. They still continue to work on her dog park, so she’s sadly stuck at home without companionship and resists going outside in the mid-day heat. It will be a long lonely day for her. On the other hand, my wife and I have some time to catch a movie this afternoon. From what I understand, even the Presley family was impressed with the new Elvis film.
We finished the Hacks series last night and started on the first episode of Sissy Spacek’s Night Sky. I also restarted Stranger Things, so I have something in common with my grandkids. I had started watching years ago after we attended an Outstanding in the Field dining event in Vancouver, B.C., our first international experience with this culinary group. The people sitting nearest us were all associated with the production of this show, The Man in the High Castle, and Teletubbies. I then watched them all out of curiosity only to find out that my grandchildren all want to portray Stranger Things characters for Halloween this year and want me to dress up as Papa. At least they seem to have grown beyond their Harry Potter fascination that has dominated their costume planning for the past three or four years.
I just sent out a few invitations for our get together when we pass through Indianapolis on August 2nd. We’re hoping to see all our friends at the Mousetrap starting at 3 p.m. It was the only way to see everyone in the day or two that we will be in town. It should turn out to be a great reunion of all our media friends throughout the years and one of the highlights of our long summer drive. Panama City, Tuscaloosa, Huntsville, Nashville, Indianapolis, Ludington, Petoskey, Mackinac, Cleveland, Canton, Ashville, and Hilton Head are all scheduled stops so far on this 3,000 mile tour. We’ll then fly to Portland a few weeks later for the second part of the journey. See You All Soon.