One of the drawbacks of being a homebody is cleaning the house. The more you’re home the more you have to clean. You don’t have to dust, mop, or vacuum if you live outdoors all the time, or aren’t around to watch the dust settle. Indoor dogs and cats definitely add to the upkeep. I spent some time yesterday dusting and vacuuming, and this morning is all about mopping the floors. There is no rest for even the retired! I’m in the midst of a record 38-day home stretch, but my wife is pushing for a weekend at the coast for my upcoming birthday. All I really want are some casual Tommy Bahama short-sleeved shirts, a new pair of running shoes, and some comfortable deck shoes, all in an effort to get out of a “retirement uniform” rut that continues to disturb her. These past couple of days I should have been wearing a janitor’s or maintenance outfit. Oh, the Hassles of Retirement!

We had another good “Date Night” at a popular since 1946 Portland steak house, Sayler’s Old Country Kitchen. Speaking of institutions, tonight it’s Hall & Oates with Train. Daryl Hall was also born in 1946. John Oates is only 70, while Patrick Monahan, lead vocalist for Train, is a youthful 49. It’s all part of the “Old Timer’s Tour” that we seem to be part of this year that has included Paul Simon, Steeley Dan, The Doobie Brothers, James Taylor, Def Leppard, plus Tom Petty,Fleetwood Mac, & Journey cover bands, and concludes with Elton John in January 2019. The Head and the Heart, a band that is only 9-years old, will be shocking variation from all these “oldie-but-goodie” bands. We see them on Saturday at Polo Noir, another fundraiser on our busy summer schedule. 

With the thought of another trip to the Lake Oswego Polo fields, I’m not sure there’s another sport where I’m further removed from understanding, and what we don’t understand – we make fun of! I certainly had my share of fun in the anticipation of attending last year. (See Post #216). The attraction  a year ago was primarily Bruce Hornsby, but this year my “Head” or my “Heart” isn’t into going. I’ll certainly enjoy the company and the “Kentucky Derby-like atmosphere,” and maybe pick-up a tidbit of philosophy like last year’s: “the older you get the more technology you need.” I just hope that one of those powerful horses doesn’t knock me off my court-side seat, and that I don’t inadvertently step on a road-apple while helping to repair divots, as is the tradition between games.  At least, they don’t ask you to pick up the poop, and I won’t be home cleaning the house.