Category: OLD SPORT SHORTS (Page 49 of 68)

An old guy’s perspective on all sports

Retirement is not without Hassles: Computer Problems #679

September 29, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

I’ve spent much of my writing time this morning rebooting Google Chrome. Sometimes, I think my Microsoft computer is intentionally creating problems to force me to switch to Microsoft Edge as my search engine. As a result of this switch hassle, I am now back in business, with very little to say of importance today.

We’ve had lots of company these past few days. Both of our guest rooms were filled for the first time ever in the four years we’ve owned this house. My wife’s youngest daughter, celebrating a birthday, and her niece came to town for different reasons. The niece is also staying with friends, while the birthday girl and her boyfriend are attending a wedding. We met his parents for dinner last night, as the relationship gets more serious. It is his cousins that are getting married here in Portland, so I don’t have to go. My wife and I will probably go to a movie, and there is no apparent reason for me to wear anything but my retirement uniform today.

I got to shop at the Columbia Employee Store yesterday thanks to an invitation from my wife’s company. By the way, I had to use the Men’s Room just after I entered the store. (See Post #677). After the slight delay, I then added a couple of new pairs of Prana (not Prada) jeans to my retirement uniform collection, along with a Columbia rain jacket. My last such water-proof jacket was ripped by the strong winds aboard the Viking Star to Athens. In thinking back to six months ago, I was running on the promenade deck of the boat and the pocket caught on a protruding stairway railing. My forward momentum caused me to twist completely around in the same strong winds that prevented us from docking in Olympia Greece. With the rainy season ahead here in Portland, I was able to replace the badly damaged coat at a reasonable cost.

I bought new shoes and socks at the convenient Chicago O’Hare Airport Johnston & Murphy store two days ago, once I used the nearby Men’s Room. However, since we had an hour or more to kill at the airport, it really didn’t seem like shopping. I also fulfilled a boxer shortage by ordering online at Tommy John, so the retirement uniform has been completely replenished and upgraded. No additional shopping will need to take place for some time. My wife is especially satisfied with the new blue-suede-shoes that present me with a dressier retirement look.

The Friday “Leadership Meeting” put my routine back on track. It had been two weeks since we had added points to our holiday party fund. The Beaverton Buffalo Wild Wings is our traditional meeting location, and they’ve lowered their prices on beer from $5 a mug to $5 for a pitcher of 3 mugs. This incentive alone will keep us there for the rest of the year, cashing in all our reward points for free food to celebrate the New Year.

This morning’s “Schnauzerthon” was another indication that my “homebody” harmony is back in tune. I.U. Football is on the tube, with Cubs baseball to follow. I’m in my favorite chair behind my home office desk, and I woke up in my own bed. Even better, I loaned my car to my step-daughter, so they’re out of the house, while I have no chance of doing anything or going anywhere. Instead, I’m enjoying some “my time.” If it weren’t for the computer hassles this morning, I would be in undisputed “Hometown Heaven.”

Old Sport Shorts: 18 in 2018 #678

September 27, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

Tonight was the 18th victory of the season for Cub’s pitcher, Jon Lester, tying him with Max Scherzer of the Nationals for the National League leader in wins for the year. The Nats will definitely not be headed to the playoffs, but Lester and the Cubs may be able to get a few more. The Cubs also lead the league in shut-outs in 2018 with eighteen, surpassing the Cleveland Indians. These two achievements of “18 in 2018” are the sole reasons why they are still in the race. Clearly, it has not been a year of dominance, but rather a year of fingernail-biting comebacks (43 so far).

The Magic Number for the Cubs is now down to three, just to claim the National League Central. The three best records in the National League happen to be in the same division, and all three can still make the postseason. The Cubs and Brewers have already claimed two of these spots, but the regular season comes down to a three-game series against the Cardinals at Wrigley Field. The math is simple: if the Cubs win all three, they’ll claim their 3rd straight division title. So, where “eighteen” was the lucky number tonight, tomorrow it’s down to “three.” The Brewers play a final three-game home-stand against the lowly Detroit Tigers, so a Brew Crew sweep could put them in the driver’s seat, if the Cubs stumble. I guess it’s what most fans want going into the final weekend of the season? Personally, I was hoping that it would be wrapped up by now. I hate the idea of the evil Cardinals having even a chance of ruining the Cubs’ final drive; especially, after the Red Birds were absolutely no help against the Brewers, losing all three on their St. Louis home field.

Admittedly, the Brewers have had another great season. They made some fruitful trades this year that have made them a worthy contender. They deservedly clinched their first playoff berth in 7 years. It’s only their fifth in franchise history, so I’m excited that they are a fresh addition to the stale line-up of traditional playoff regulars. I would hate to see them win the division, but beyond that I will support them should the Cubs falter. It would be a shame if the Cubs have to play them again, since they’ve met so many times already this year. By right, the Cubs have already proved their dominance, but unfortunately most of that was determined early in the season. In all honesty, the Brewers have been the better team since the All-Star break, and I would be very concerned about the outcome of a final battle.

I give the Cubs credit for fighting back to square the final series against the Pirates. I also give them credit for a 14-11 record down the September stretch run, despite a tough road schedule. I’m glad I got to see them win against the White Sox in Chicago, and I’m proud that they’ve somehow so-far prevented the hot Brewers from catching them in the standings. They hold a slim one-game lead and maintain the best record in the National League with 93 wins. 96 would be ideal, but 95 probably more realistic, so I’m hoping for a Tiger upset in at least one game.

What I’ve gotten to know as the “Comeback Cubbies,” as they have in too many of their games this year, it seems only appropriate that they once-again fall behind in the race before the finish. Perhaps they tie-it-up in the last game, and have to go to the extra game tie-breaker to win the division at Wrigley? Let’s hope they can get it done without that level of drama. Go Cubs and Tigers! Better luck next year White Sox!

Old Sport Shorts: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly #673

September 25, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

It was impossible for all my teams to win yesterday, since the Cubs and White Sox were playing each other. The White Sox season was essentially over Saturday night when the Cubs claimed the Crosstown Cup in addition to gaining even greater odds for post-season play. It was good to get back to the ball park – regardless of the name. As I looked down over the parking lot from the top of Guaranteed Rate Field, I could see the outline of the original Comiskey Park home plate that my baseball hero Sherm Lollar crouched behind for many years. (See Post #5). I also got to see “The Monster” spew fireworks after a White Sox home run, although I had to leave the concession line to watch it. By the way, the lines for food were a big hassle compared to other parks I have visited – it’s too bad that Bill Veeck isn’t still around to fix that problem. He would have been outraged at the lack of efficiency. (See Post #257). It was a flood of memories, and a much needed “W” for the visiting Cubs. The Magic Number is now down to just 5. On the NFL front, my other Chicago favorite, The Mack-revitalized Bears, pulled off a come-from-behind victory over the Arizona Cardinals to somehow lead the NFC North, while the bottom-dwelling Lions upset the evil Patriots. Oh, and the Cleveland Browns finally won a football game. All “Good.”

The “Bad” of weekend sports included the Colts loss to the Eagles and the I.U. defeat by the Michigan State Spartans. In both cases, the “L”was predictable, but I was hoping for the upset. It was a “welcome to the BIG” message to the undefeated Hoosiers, and no-Luck in the Red Zone for the visiting Colts against the defending Super Bowl Champs.

On the “Ugly” side, I should include the 10-4 loss by the Cubs, as White Sox bats prevailed in the Crosstown series opener. I was glad the Sox got one victory, so it was a good ugly. Maybe next year? – as we say good-bye to legendary Chicago broadcaster Hawk Harrelson. Meanwhile, back home in Oregon, the Ducks displayed the crowning jewel of college football ugliness. They managed to blow a comfortable 24-7 half-time lead over favored Stanford. They had the game firmly in hand in the waning seconds, until those hands failed them. A costly fumble allowed the Cardinal to win against the ugly ducklings, a thing of swan-like beauty for the visiting fans in red. I admit to “seeing red” myself as the ball popped loose. OMG!

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly is a Clint Eastwood classic. It also best describes my sports-related emotions over the past four or five days. The week ahead is critical, as the MLB Playoff stretch-drive unfolds. I’m worried! The Cubs could raise their ugly heads by squandering a narrow Division lead to the Brewers and then losing the Wildcard spot to the Cardinals. Let’s hope not, but that could be the Ultimate Ugly!

Retirement is not without Hassles: Junk Food for Thought #672

September 23, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

No Key Lime pie waiting for me in the fridge this morning, following my run down Michigan Avenue to the Lake. The sun was just coming up as I chugged along the shoreline. Other runners seemed to bounce, float, and dash effortlessly. Even though my legs felt like concrete, I somehow managed to get in a 5k for the 85th straight day. In looking back, it was the altitude at Crater Lake that last caused me to drop back to the minimum mile required to maintain my Streak. I currently stand at 3,556 consecutive days after checking the www.runeveryday.com website.

Last night at Guaranteed Rate Field, I violated almost every rule of the “white food” diet we’ve been diligently following. I’ve lost over 25 pounds in the last three months, so a little celebratory calories were justifiably deserved. Accordingly, I deviously devoured a plastic White Sox helmet full of nachos, a premium hot dog w/bun, and a near-carton of soft-serve ice cream in a waffle cone. After a martini nightcap, I continued my evil white ways with an Egg McMuffin and Hash Browns at McDonald’s on our way out of town this morning. There will definitely be more dietary rule infractions before we leave Indiana.

Tonight we’re lodging at the Quality Inn in Rochester, my wife’s Hoosier home town. It was a two-hour drive from Downtown Chicago, including two restroom stops between large Diet Cokes. I’m not sure that the $1 drinks are enough to pay for my frequent McRestroom visits . It’s my away-from-home McToilet stop. We’ll escort my wife’s 97-year old mother to Indianapolis for some medical appointments over the next two days, staying with family.

Speaking of family – I now lay claim to two. I will be meeting with the Banister side tomorrow evening. The Johnston members are not on our travel route this time. The Jerry Lee Banister Family Tree includes both branches, with many mysteries yet to be uncovered following my adoption by the Johnston’s 67 years ago. My 85 year-old birthmother remains adamant that I am not her’s. “Don’t you think I’d remember something like that?” has been the only feedback I’ve gotten. As a result, I have only my DNA relatives around her to discuss all the evidence that has me convinced it is her. They are about to personally hear my side of the story face-to-face.

Tomorrow is another day in the quest for the truth. I’m betting it starts with a 5k run on the Monon Trail followed by a Diet Coke. If my wife continues to recover from her ear infection, cough, and congestion, she’ll join me at a walking pace, as she did this morning. Just as my day will predictably start, it will finish with more questions than answers about the Banister lineage. But first, some KFC, cookies, and chocolate – junk food for thought.

Retirement is not without Hassles: Key Lime #671

September 22, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

It is not a typical day that starts with a slice of key lime pie. I saved it from Friday night’s dinner at Joe’s Stone Crab, after chocolate cake from Shaw’s Crab House last night. I had indicated that it was our anniversary when I made the reservation on Open Table because we celebrate birthday anniversaries each month, a monthly 8th anniversary, various wedding anniversaries, and other special occasions. As a result, it’s always an anniversary for us and certainly worthy of free dessert if the waiter is in a giving mood. It is a rare occasion when I have key lime pie anymore after once committing to only ordering it while in Florida. Since Joe’s was founded in Miami, I decided to make an exception, and because it too was offered “on the house.”

We’ve certainly eaten our way through downtown Chicago. Fannie Mae Chocolate, Macaroons, Garrett’s Popcorn, cookies from the Marriott concierge lounge, Shake Shack, and even Dim Sum at Imperial Lamian. We even bought a six-pack of Diet Coke for the room, outsmarting the Marriott beverage exclusive with Pepsi. Tomorrow I’ll walk down the street and pick-up our Hertz rental car for the trip into Indiana and the transition into fast food. We’ll be back in Chicago at the O’Hare Renaissance after two risky nights away from Marriott pampering. Between meals, my wife ended up at Walgreen’s seeking medical advice for her cough and cold. The doctor suggested that she “feed a cold.” Just kidding!

A hot dog and nachos are a must at tonight’s baseball game, despite any dietary restrictions. I’ve done a pretty good job in Chicago of violating the “no white foods, low-carb diet” that we’ve been successfully following, so why stop tonight? It will be chilly in the cheap seats tonight, but I hope to see “The Monster” shoot off some fireworks in honor of a White Sox home run. With the Playoffs on the line, I also hope that the Cubs hit more. Regardless of who wins, I have another pair of socks just like these to wear tomorrow, but no more key lime pie to eat:

Retirement is not without Hassles: End of the Road #670

September 22, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

It’s interesting that today’s post number 670 is at the start of my 67th year, after making Route 66 the theme of my 66th. If you go back to Post #235, I first started writing about historic Route 66 on or about my birthday, and posed in front of the start/finish sign at the Santa Monica Pier several months later (See Post #302). Today I took similar pictures of the start/finish signs in Chicago, marking the end of a memorable year of travel. A few months ago we even stopped at the Route 66 museum in Litchfield, Illinois, just outside of St. Louis. There are apparently 10 such sights along the long and winding road:

I will probably never get to all of them, or travel what’s left of the entire route, but I’ve enjoyed some of the highlights, and will continue the journey, despite my age. I would probably put these stops on my “Pail List,” rather than the Bucket List. (See Post #279) The question remains – is Chicago the beginning or the end of the road!

Now that I’ve stood at both ends and/or ends, I have a lot to look back on, as well as year 67 that continues ahead. Last night, we had dinner at Shaw’s Crab House, while tonight it will hot dogs at the ballpark. While my wife did some shopping yesterday evening, I went to the Chicago Sports Museum, but found myself in the middle of a private wedding reception (oops). Instead, I went to Harry Caray’s and had a martini. We’ve also enjoyed the artwork up and down the Magnificent Mile, including the 25th anniversary display of Chicago Wolves hockey masks, and what my wife fondly refers to as the “Puparazzi.” These are decorated dogs reminiscent of the cow art that once dominated Chicago sidewalks. These dog statues, K9s for Cops,” “stalk” you like photographers as you walk up and down Michigan Avenue.

We have one more night in Chicago before we drive to Indiana for some family time. We’ll spend some time at Millennium Park, despite today’s cooler temperatures before we head to the ballpark. I’ll wear one Cubs sock and one Sox sock to split my allegiance, but will be cheering for the Cubs, since the White Sox season is essentially over. The Brewers are bearing down on Cubs Playoff hopes, so the North Sider’s need a victory tonight coupled with a Brewers loss (their 67th).

Old Sport Shorts: Crunch Time #668

September 20, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

I got started on my run about five miles minutes earlier this morning, nearly beating the school bus up the hill to its pick-up spot near the two-mile mark. Thoughts were on getting packed and driving to the airport for our 11:10 a.m. flight to Chicago’s O’Hare. We would be there in time for dinner at Joe’s Stone Crab, one of my wife’s favorites. She has business meetings tomorrow while I do my retirement thing.

It’s Crunch Time, with only ten games left in the season! The Cubs are off today prior to the start of the Crosstown Showdown at White Sox Park on Friday. It’s hard to refer to it as Guaranteed Rate Field, since that doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue. I was just getting used to calling it Cellular One, despite so many childhood memories of Comiskey Park. I understand the value of sponsorship in today’s world of sports, so I tolerate the unromantic, commercial names we call our venues. I will just be glad to be there, whatever it’s called?, on Saturday night as the Cubs hope to once again reduce their Playoff Magic Number (currently at 8) and hold-off the hungry Milwaukee Brewers. Crunch!

It was a rare night on Monday when both the Cubs and Bears won their respective games. The White Sox did not play, so none of my Chicago teams were losers- a miracle! Watching the masterful defense “Bear Down” was particularly emotional, reminiscent of the glory years of the mid 1980’s. Equally satisfying is the Cub’s quest for their historic fourth consecutive playoff appearance. They’ve managed a winning September record, but the offense is sputtering and the pitching painfully-patched in piece-meal. I have reduced expectations for the post-season, with comparably much less hope for the Bears. College basketball will start in less than a month, as both of these Windy City favorites slowly fade into typical, late-season obscurity, and much-improved I.U basketball begins to take preference. It’s the sports cycle that I seem to be stuck in every year thanks to my Northern Indiana upbringings.

The good thing about sports is that for every loss somebody else wins. While we’re flying the “W,” hoisting the hardware, and hugging total strangers, the opponent is disheartened, disappointed, and ultimately disgusted by our poor sportsmanship. To make matters even more miserable, they, may have even lost a “friendly” wager, personal credibility, or a major bet. Regardless, it’s a difficult moment that may reverse itself in the future – or even next year. Remember to win graciously and lose with visions of that next win. Better yet – never bet. As a fan, I can’t control the outcome, just the ugly emotions that often come out. I just hope that the very last game I watch is a big victory that I can enjoy throughout eternity. That would be the way to go!

I won’t be disappointed if the Cubs win the World Series, the Bears win the Super Bowl, and the Hoosiers win the NCAA Tournament. Each has now happened in my lifetime, as well as a White Sox World Championship. I’ve even gotten two out of three in the same year. I’ve been blessed with several good years, and cursed with many more bad ones. What will the end of this year bring? It’s Crunch Time!

Crunch Time

It’s that time,
The last chance.
Your final move,
To make the dance.

It’s everything,
You’ve waited for.
You couldn’t ask,
For anything more.

You’ve Fantasized,
And dreamed it.
How much more real,
Can it possibly get?

Within your reach,
In front of you.
What to do?
It’s up to you.

Grab the ring,
And hold on tight.
Keep it close,
With all your might.

Enjoy the spotlight,
It’s your day.
Don’t let anything,
Get in your way.

Miracle maker,
Beating all odds.
Defying defeat,
Gift of the Gods

Hitting the Walk-off,
Or Last second shot.
Giving everything,
That you’ve got.

Heisman recipient,
And The MVP.
Impact each moment
With all you can be.

What makes a winner?
Refusing to lose.
Highlight heroics,
Front page news.

Everyone’s All-Star,
Here’s the latest.
In lifetime achievement,
One of the Greatest.

Hall of Fame moment,
Tell Cooperstown.
You’re Ranked #1,
Put on the Crown.

It’s Crunch Time,
So go for it all.
When it’s on the line,
You’ll get the ball.

Retirement is not without Hassles: Jazz #662

September 14, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

I went to the library and picked-up my copy of the Ken Burns documentary, Jazz. I had been on the waiting list for several months. Like many of his recent works, this is a time commitment, approximately 19 hours on 10 DVD’s. I was reluctant to get started, knowing that I will not be able to stop watching. As indicated in Post #430, I made it a retirement goal to watch all of his productions. They are each very educational and help balance all the frivolous video that I watch. I particularly enjoyed Central Park Five since I was not familiar with that story, and was intrigued with the engineering of the Brooklyn Bridge. Maybe I’ll run across it the next time I visit NYC? I struggled through Not For Ourselves Alone, the “trials, tribulations, and triumphs” of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony. Burns burnout was beginning to effect my judgement, as the voices of the narrators and background music made several of his works seem redundant. I guess this is bound to happen after watching more than 25 of his productions. However, Jazz, has quickly resuscitated my interest.

I was pleased to find out that Xfinity/Comcast has apparently not yet dropped the Big Ten Network from its lineup here in Portland. It had been temporarily removed for some reason, and caused me to search-out other options, with I.U. basketball about to start. Believe it or not, this channel was one of the reasons that I selected Comcast in the first place. You can’t take the Hoosier out of me, even if I live several thousand miles away! I will also soon be able to get Amazon Prime, so I’ll wait to watch Goliath on the big screen, rather than on my lap-top. Honestly, if it weren’t for sports, I would drop cable and go to OTT, as many consumers are doing to save money. With internet, home security, phone, and premium channels including sports, my monthly bill approaches $300 or $10 a day. When we’re traveling, those are wasted dollars. However, when I’m home, the computer and TV are on all the time, and I’m often in a multi-tasking mode.

Learning about Louie Armstrong, Bessie Smith, and the history of “Jass” or “Jazz” will keep me entertained over the next few weeks, but I’ll probably have to wait to finish it when we get back from Indiana. The Wynton Marsalis segments are outstanding. Yesterday, I watched it on one computer, while using my lap-top for genealogy and memorabilia searches. The TV was on the Cubs game, and I used my phone to stream the Cardinals game against the Pirates. I think I got my $10’s worth out of Comcast for the day! Plus, the Cubs won and the Cards lost. I also bought a 1970 Fillmore West handbill through Ebay promoting a Led Zeppelin concert that I saw at the Oakland Coliseum. My traveling companion and I saw a similar poster on the door of the legendary Bill Graham establishment in Haight-Ashbury and were able to watch them play “Blueberry Hill” as an encore to their unforgettable performance. (See Post #295). As yet, I have been unable to find a ticket stub for my collection. I never got to see Louie Armstrong, or Bessie Smith, but I have seen Wynton Marsalis perform live. I’m also looking forward to the Ken Burns documentary on Country Music that will debut next year. Rock, Jazz, or Country – “I’ve got the Music in Me.”

Retirement is not without Hassles: Darkness #661

September 13, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

The Portland days are getting shorter, and my morning runs will soon be shrouded in darkness. There’s just a hint of light as my 6 a.m. alarm goes off each morning, and I have to carefully maneuver my way around sleeping dogs to get out of the bedroom, giving my wife a few extra minutes of sleep before she has to face the work day. This morning clouds filled the sky, adding to the feeling of gloom, and a light mist was falling. The drop-cloth of winter is being spread over the city, and it may be time to get out the happy lamp. I now know why bears hibernate.

Speaking of darkness, I was irritated last night after another Cubs loss, as they just can’t seem to close out the Brewers and Cardinals. I know that not everyone cares about baseball like I do. Sports has always been an outlet to express my anger and frustration. I rarely get mad at anyone or raise my voice, but put me in a room alone with a game and I can scream with the best of them. I pound my fists, yell obscenities, and imagine the worst. After the game is over and I’ve released all that steam, I can walk out of that room like nothing happened. I don’t have this same experience when I go to a game or there’s other people in the room watching with me, so the darkness stays bottled-up inside me. Between the Cubs, Sox, Bears, Colts, and I.U. sports, I have plenty to be upset about each week. Fortunately, being silly about sports is essentially the only anger I feel, so it seems harmless in perspective to everything else going on in the world.

I just finished up our reservations for Chicago next week, including a rental car and our Indiana stays. I also hope to visit with a Banister relative while I’m in Indianapolis. Part of the trip, of course, is a Cubs vs. White Sox baseball game at Guaranteed Rate Field, formerly Comiskey Park. My wife has some business in Chicago and then needs to get her 97-year old mother to the doctor’s appointment in Indianapolis, so the trip will involve a lot of driving and various hotel stays along the way. We try to make this trip back to the homeland four times a year, but there’s little time to get-together with friends as we dash from place to place. We’ll return again over the Holidays, with no business obligations, but icy weather can easily interrupt our plans. There are a lot of “buts” involved in each of these “Planes, Trains, and Automobile” adventures to the Hoosier state.

I’m faced with several projects before we leave home for 7 days. There are some pictures to hang, bed repairs for guests that will arrive the day after we get back, cleaning projects to schedule, interior painting preparations, grill service, laundry, packing, and garage reorganization. We now have plenty of hot water thanks to our new tank-less system, and I no longer have the hassle of checking and re-lighting the pilot every other day. It will probably pay for itself in the next 10 years, but chances are we won’t stay in Oregon that long. The other investment that we’ll make soon is refinishing the garage floor since removal of the hot water tanks damaged some of the tile. A song from the new wave rock band The Fixx includes the words, “One Thing Leads to Another.” Retirement indeed is not without Hassles!

Retirement is not without Hassles: Hobbies revisited #659

September 11, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

I returned to childhood today, spending a couple of hours trading baseball cards with a friend. He lured me to his home with the promise of a unique item involving my baseball hero, Sherman Lollar of the Chicago White Sox. I dropped our two dogs off for grooming and spent time with him, looking through cards and websites for missing pieces of my collection. Baseball cards have become an unexpected retirement hobby, as is also the case with genealogy. In fact, just three years ago, I was worried about finding interesting things to do after I turned 65 and could afford to retire. In retrospect, hiring a therapist was probably unnecessary, but she helped me focus on looking ahead, as I began to “practice for retirement.” (See Poetic Post #8).

Today, I didn’t even think about having lunch. I ran my usual 5k, did some shopping errands, stopped at McDonald’s for a Diet Coke boost, got gas then a haircut, organized the baseball cards that I bought, and before I knew it the doggy spa was calling for pick-up. Two trips downtown were without much hassle and even the drive to Gladstone went quickly. Once I got the dogs home, it was time to put the pre-cooked Austin brisket that we bought in the oven for an hour-and-a-half. Tomorrow, George Morlan Plumbing is coming to install our new tank-less water heater. While they are working in the garage, I’ll do some vacuuming and dusting. “Date Night” is preempted by an American Heart Association Board Meeting that my wife is required to attend. It will give me more time to catch-up on my writing. I have put all my volunteer commitments on hold until I get tired of “my time.” (See Poetic Post #30). The subjects of “retirement practice,” “alone time,” and “redefining days of the week” were key topics when I first started writing this blog. It feels good to reflect back on those early days of retirement, knowing that I can easily keep busy. As the sign on my home office desk emphasizes, “IT’S NOT EASY – pretending to work this hard all day long.” It’s the gift that keeps on giving!

I just watched the Cubs get the “W” and continue to replay episodes of Ozark, searching for a few missing details that I must have overlooked the first time through. I didn’t even have time today to get to the library to pick-up the Ken Burns documentary I have on hold. That will be next week’s project before we head to Chicago. I also got a reminder from our travel agent about a flight change for next year’s 10-day trip to Thailand. Travel planning has obviously been a big part of my retirement gig with 70 nights away from home already this year, and another 20 scheduled before the new year. This will exceed my original 80/20 plan (See Post #323).

I’ve completed 5 items on my list of “67 Things to Do Before I’m 68” with more than 11 months to go. (See Post #642). Plus, I’m still excited to go to the mailbox each day, searching for hidden treasure. Today, it was nothing but junk mail, but yesterday there were 401k updates, travel guides, and packages of baseball cards that I ordered. Each package takes me back to the delivery of my Little Orphan Annie decoder ring, footlocker of army soldiers, and other over-hyped childish premiums that took forever to get here and were often disappointing once they arrived. I ordered a few more coveted items today for my Sherm Lollar memorabilia notebook, and may have found a fellow collector through an on-line trading post. My “card dealer” friend this morning presented me with a 1963 White Sox ticket stub from Sherm Lollar’s last game. It was every bit as exciting to me as a decoder ring delivered by the postman, or the model Edsel that I never got for Christmas, but bought for myself just a few years ago. To each their own, when it comes to collecting and other retirement projects!