I Panicked !!!

Last Wednesday AM, I was on my way to a garage sale, the grocery stores for boxes and the local thrift stores.  I stopped at the Main Stop for my daily cup of gas station coffee. You may or many not know that I play the gas pump slot with my credit card instead of going to a casino to play their slots.   Gas was 3.65.  There was a tanker delivering more gas.  Crude has creeped up to $96 the past few days.  Since I’m probably gonna be drivin quite a  few miles Thursday, I decided to top off the tank. I squeezed an even 3 gallons into my tank. Later that AM, I passed by the Circle K.  They had dropped their gas to 3.61.  That meant I lost  . . .   I panicked, filled my tank and lost 12 cents. Sometimes ya win . . . sometimes ya lose . . .

At the garage sale, I bought what I thought was a nice and sturdy camera tripod for a dollar.  Halfway back to the truck I noticed that the quick release platform was missing.  A replacement is gonna cost around $10 before shipping.  Maybe I'll come across a beat up tripod that has a platform that will fit. it.  It is a Velbon CX 570, Getting a fair amount of money on eBay & Amazon. Later that day, I moved the canvas bag that my present tripod came in.  A quick release platform fell out.  I never knew I had an extra platform.  I thought it might fit, but it was a very sloppy fit.  I'm thinkin of keepin the garage sale tripod and getting the correct platform and eBay my tripod.  At least there weren't many of those disgusting little blue haired ladies driving their big white and silver cars who go out of their way to get in my way out yet.

Picked up 3 boxes at the grocery stores. I’m lookin for specific sizes for specific things to ship in. Found a couple pieces of Corning Ware at the thrift shops.  I’m hopin I didn’t overpay.  They didn't cleanin up as well as I had hoped. 

The potato display is growing at the local grocery.  It started with the big potato a few weeks ago and now there are little potatoes. 

Thursday was busy.  Busy is something I haven't experienced lately.  I went to a garage sale and found a couple of very clean Corning Ware casseroles.  That made up for the questionable ones from yesterday.  If nothing else, I got some decent lids yesterday.  I'm always looking for lids.  Corning Ware sells better with lids.  

A little later I headed out for Angola IN.  There is a little lumber yard over there that sells hardwood.  I bought some hickory, cherry, soft maple, ash and soft maple. Gonna use it for some wood turning projects I'm planning.  

 

This is the traffic circle in Angola.  Not many traffic circles around here.  There is one in Lorain County and a couple in Medina County. I used to live in Lorain County.  This is an interesting photo.  Some of the objects are nearly vertical as they should be and some are not. 

On the way back to Bryan I decided to take a scenic route.  I found this gravel road in Indiana. 

This one lane (I'm being generous saying "one lane) gravel road was in Ohio.  There was a sign saying that it would not be plowed during the snow season.

I saw a sign on this rock, so I backed up to investigate.  It is one nice chunk of granite!  Wonder if it is from this area.  The sign says "Sells School District 4."  Obviously the site of  a school from many years ago.

Every so often I come upon an interesting road name.  Old Rd. is in Ohio.  There is a No Name St. in Millersburg Oh. 

Thursday evening I went to Defiance for NWS weather spotter training.  A full day of runnin around.

 

 

Yesterday I notice that my crocuses are beginning to bloom.

These don't look like the "traditional" type of crocuses.  I planted them, but I don't remember what they are.

A "Blah" Saturday . . .

There was an indoor auction in Napoleon this morning.  Wasn't really in the auction mood, but I went anyway.  There was absolutely nothing there that interested me.  I sort of knew that from the online auction bill.  Oh well, I tried.  

On the way to the auction I spotted a small herd of 10-11 deer having breakfast of bean stubble.  I haven't been seeing as many deer the last couple years as I used to.  Either the population is being thinned out or I'm not looking in the right direction or at the right time of day.  

Walking back to my truck, I spotted this on the bumper of a jeep.  I like it!

I stopped at the Napoleon Goodwill store on the way home.  I did find a rectangular Pyrex glass lid.  Not many rectangular lids in these parts.  It will sit on my shelves till I find a piece that fits it.  Pyrex and Corning Ware are usually easier to sell if they have lids.  

"Big" snowstorm headed this way.  I'm in the 4-6" band.  Last time I was in the 4-6" band I didn't get enough snow to get the broom out and sweep the drive and sidewalk. 

Was This Da Je Vue Or Something Like That ???

Earlier this week I took a box of stuff that I couldn't sell to one of the local thrift stores.  This morning I visited this store looking for something I could sell on eBay.  I saw some new stuff on the shelves.  It has been a while since there has been anything new in any of the local stores.  My excitement was short lived when I noticed that most of the new stuff was the stuff I brought in.  

There was a casserole that caught my eye.  I was thinkin that I had sold one like it at one time or another.  At the same time I wasn't sure about it . . . maybe this was one of my donations.  It was in good shape, not a super popular pattern, but I thought  could sell it.  On the other hand, was it a piece that I had donated.  I stood there for a bit wondering whether to buy it, buy it back or leave it there.  I finally decided to leave it.  

When I got home I checked out my photos.  I have a pic of that pattern with a lid.  The one in the store didn't have a lid.  I checked my shelves for the lid and didn't find one.  I never donate lids unless they are chipped, etc.  So I'm thinkin that I sold one like the one in the store, but I'm still not convinced it wasn't one I donated.  I haven't gone back to the store to see if it is still there.  

Sometimes sellin of eBay is hard work . . .

Catchin Up . . .

On my third day of antibiotics.  I'm coughin less and enjoyin it more.  Not quite ready to go to the Y just yet, but I should be ready by the first of the week.


I spotted this crocus tryin to bloom on the way to the mailbox this morning.  Didn't seem real anxious to make an appearance just yet.


I took this one morning last week on the way to the mailbox.  Fortunately they were just starlings and not vultures waiting for me to collapse in the middle of the street.  I was feeling that was a definite possibility that day. 


I don't know how much expertise it takes to break a pole that high up, but someone did.  The newspaper said some people got into an argument in their car and ran into the pole.  

 
I don't know any of the details of this mishap.  Those are pretty steep ditch banks.  Wouldn't surprise me if that car has a bent frame.  Wonder if a cellphone was involved or maybe a deer . . . 

 
This is a close as I have been to BIG tires they make here.  They are for mining trucks.  They are 13-1/2 feet in diameter and fit on a 63 inch hub.  They retail at $10,000 each . . . unless you can find them on sale somewhere . . . I've heard they use around 60 different rubber compounds in each tire.  I don't think I ever thought about how many different types of rubber are used in tires of any size of type.  

If you go back to my March 2012 posts, you will see what an early and great spring we had then.  Not hearin any global warmin this year . . . 

Not A Pleasant Week . . .

The past week hasn't been real pleasant.  I think I was actually sick.  Maybe even a touch of the flu . . . depending on how 'flu' is defined.  I pretty much lost my appetite for a couple days.  When I don't eat, I'm definitely sick.  Not often do I not want to eat.  I had a night where I couldn't get warm.  Even the hot shower I tried seemed cold.  That was a long disgusting night.  Then there were a couple nights of sweating.  I didn't try a cold shower to cool off.  Maybe the chills and hot flashes are the change of life I have heard about.  Don't know why I need the change of life.  Bein retired and tryin not to revert to my former workalholic ways seems like it should be change enough . . . . I'm still coughin pretty regularly.  I had a similar cough a couple years ago.  It didn't go away till I went to the doctor.  I'll probably do that this coming week. 

Hackin Away . . .

I developed a disgusting cough a couple days ago. During the last two or three years I have become very adept at developing this coughin.  I used to be pretty good at getting head colds, but not any more.  Today I feel achy, etc.  I keep thinking about Sheldon on my favorite tv program, The Big Bang Theroy.'  It's the one where Sheldon gets a cold and he shouts to Leonard, "Leonard, I'm sick" and Leonard is running out to the apartment in his underwear.  The cold get worse and they go to "Code Milky Green" to deal with it.  Don't think mine is gonna be that bad . . . and I'm pretty sure Penny isn't gonna come over and sing "Warm Kitty, Soft Kitty" to me.  Oh well, I will hafta suffer by myself . . . 


As "yukkie" as I felt, I went to the garage and started getting a couple pens ready to turn in the near future.  Then for some reason, decided to finish this one.  It is called Coffee & Cream.  Those are real coffee beans . .  . very aromatic when turning the blank to size.  Very difficult, too !!  The cream or white part is very soft.  I have ruined a couple before getting a good one. It is probably the last one I'm going attempt for a long, long time.  

I think I'm go get some cough drops to slow down my hackin spells . . .

Travel Day . . .

When I was teachin at the "J," I was always happy have one of those snow days the superintendent rationed out.  Bein retired, I sometimes take it upon myself to take a travel day.  Today was one of those days.  

I began the day by going to 'Pelier.  There is a small flea market there every Thursday.  About a month or six weeks ago I bought some Corning Ware that was priced low enough for me to make some money on eBay.  That was the first time I think I've ever bought anything like that at a flea market.  I struck out there today.  Maybe next time.

Next stop was an indoor garage sale.  I think every one of the little (and a couple not so little) blue-haired ladies living in 'Pelier were there with their big white and silver cars doin their best to get in my way.  Didn't think I was ever gonna get into the place and once I was in, I didn't think I would ever get out.  Nothing there to buy either.  

Next stop was the Woodcraft store in Frogtown (that would be Toledo for all you non-native NW Ohio people).  I'm in the process of making a "candy cane" pen.  The local candy company makes an awful lot of candy canes every day.  I'm sure there are a few people working there that will hafta have one.  I found the shades of red and white that I think will work out very good.  Won't know for sure till I start cutting on the lathe.  

Next stop was the south end Goodwill store.  I walked down the housewares aisle and spotted a nice piece of Corning Ware.  Made a couple more passes to make sure I didn't overlook anything and spotted another nice piece of Corning Ware and a Pyrex bowl.  Next stop was sporting goods.  Spotted a ball glove right away.  After rooting around that shelf, I found a couple more.  I collect ball gloves all year and start sellin them in February.  I will be listing those three in the AM.  I think I did well!

My niece works at the nearby Cracker Barrel and it was gettin to be lunch time, so I stopped by to see if she was working.  The hostess wasn't sure if she was or not, but thought she saw her in the back.  Another hostess said she wasn't working today and seated me.  So while I was bein seated, my niece appeared.  Since I had already ordered, she didn't get to wait on me.  Then I had everyone apologizing to me for not knowing if she was working today.  Uncle Mike caused quite stir . . . . sort of made up for all the aggravation those little blue-haired ladies with their big white and silver cars cause me.  They always get in my way at the garage sales and I'm never sure what they are planning with their big cars.  

On the way back home, I stopped at the Napoleon Goodwill and found a couple Pyrex bowls.  It was a pretty good travel day.

Sunny March Morning . . .

It was a bright, sunny morning . . . and I happened to almost stumble on Simon.  He was very intent on lounging in the sun. 

I visited my friendly, neighborhood barber this morning.  I sold this pen 'out of my pocket.'  It is a bolt action replica 30 caliber bullet pen with a Brazilian rosewood body.  Guess I'll hafta make another soon. 


I finished this one a couple days ago.  I think it is the 'coolest' of the rifle inlays. This one is a 30:06 rifle & scope.  Laser cut inlay kits are a bit on the pricey side and very tedious to assemble . . . and they are very delicate to turn.  One sort of 'exploded' while I was turning it.  I was able to find all the pieces and glue them back together with no visible glue joints.  I'm not telling which one it was . . .

Ya'll better to my Etsy store and get one before they make these illegal to own . . .

A Gray Day In March . . .

This is what the town geese do on a cold, gray Saturday afternoon. . . . I don't know how they keep from freezing when swimming in that cold water or standing on the ice.  


This was the scene in front of me when I went back to the truck. 

It's March . . .

March has arrived.  Everything seems a lot like yesterday . . . which was February . . .  I don't think March '13 is gonna anywhere close to March '12.  Last year was a fluke.  


Nothing much has happened since my last blog post . . . except my budding amaryllis.  A couple of them have budded this past week and will be blooming soon.  I have them on a high shelf in the bathroom.  In the past I've had them on a window shelf in the living room.  I moved them because I'm thinkin my orange tabby cat, Simon would knock them off the shelf. 

Winnin Big !!!

My 'insider information' was better than expected.  The manager of this Circle K told me that the price was gonna drop to 3.71 late yesterday afternoon . . . and she was kinda expectin another nickle in the next day or two.  This morning it dropped to 3.71 plus TWO nickles !!!  I topped off my tank.  If you are a regular follow of my bloggins, you know that I like to play the gas pump slots with my credit card instead of patronizing the casinos.  Hopefully the price will be the same or better when the salty slush on the streets are gone and I can top off the MINI Cooper.  I don't drive it in the salt unless I hafta.

Good Grief . . . Part 2 . . .

I've been sufferin from a near severe case of cabin fever lately.  So I decided to go shopping.  There is a book that I was thinkin I might like to buy, but I wanted to see it in person before makin the purchase.  So off to Toledo I went.  I browsed two bookstores and decided not to purchase the book.  I also made the rounds of the thrift stores.  I hit the Napoleon and the south end Toledo Goodwill.  Then I swung south to Bowling Green to check out the Goodwill there.  


Comin out of the Goodwill in BG, I noticed this Circle K sign across the street.  Not something one sees very often.  I thought it was interesting that the numbers in green instead of the usual red.  I didn't try to get across the busy four lane to investigate further because I was pretty sure they were workin on the sign, not givin gas away.  

When I got back to Bryan, I stopped at the Circle K to show the manager the photo and see what explanation she could come up with.  She wanted to know which Circle K it was.  I think BG has maybe three.  She was gonna call the manager there and give him a hard time.  She told me that her price was gonna drop to 3.71 later this PM and was fairly certain there would be another nickle drop in a day or two.  That was probably the best I could expect.  I really didn't think Circle K was gonna give their gas away . . .

New Pens On Etsy . . .

I spent some time this afternoon listing some new pens on Etsy.  Here are some of them.


This one is sold.  It is an inlayed shot gun with gun metal finish Mesa hardware.  The woods used are curly maple, cocobolo and black dyed spalted maple.  The pieces are laser cut and on the tiny side.  Takes a steady hand to put an inlay together.  


This is another laser cut inlay.  The inlay is maple and black dyed maple with gun metal finish Mesa hardware.  


This is a laser cut Breast Cancer Awareness Ribbon.  It is maple with pink acrylic for the ribbon. I used a gold plated Mesa pen kit.  I have a twist pen and click pen for sale.  

I will be donating $5.00 from the sale of these pens to the American Cancer Society Hicksville, Ohio Relay For Life fundraiser.



This pen has a cocobolo wood barrel.  The hardware consists of a replica 30 Caliber Bolt Action Bullet Cartridge Pen Kit.  The neat thing about this kit is the sliding bolt.  It extends and retracts the pen refill.  I also have a deer antler bolt action pen listed.  

If you are interested in any of these pens, I have them and more listed on ETSY.  They make great gifts.

Good Grief !!!!

I'm sure I read or heard a recent new report sayin that $4.00 gallon gasoline wasn't gonna happen this year.  A couple weeks ago it was $3.54 around here.  About a week ago it went up to $3.72.  Today it is $3.85.  I think I got some of the last 3.72 gas in town this morning.  I went by Main Stop where it was 3.72 on the way to Wal Mart and Chief for boxes.  Still lookin for a couple of a specific size.  Circle K was advertising 3.85.  I said heck with the boxes and went back to Main Stop.  I got my credit card swiped as Melissa came out of the store with the dreaded 'clicker' to change the price to 3.85.  I won big this morning playin the slots on the gas pumps.  Why go to the casinos to play the slots when ya can  do it here . . . 

Unlike yesterday, my head seemed to be clear and my hands steady, so I went to the garage and started up my wood lathe.  Turned three inlay pens with no problems.  Decided not to push my luck and do more.  It was a  case of gettin more done by doing nothing. 

While I was out there I noticed the black canvas bag hanging on the door going into the house.  It occurred to me that my camera tripod might be inside it.  I checked and it was.  I've been lookin for that thing all winter.  I figgered I had been lookin at it but not seein it. Now I'm hopin I don't forget where I saw it last  . . . again . . .

Woe Is Me . . .

I had big plans for today . . . A list of stuff I wanted to work on . . . I think I knew when I woke up this AM, that I should stay in bed in order to keep myself out of trouble.  I got up anyway.  I got to Main Stop for my coffee without problems.  It wasn't like that Saturday mornin a couple years ago when I put the creamer in my cup and paid for it.  When I was on my way to my truck, I noticed that my cup was pretty light when I started to take my first sip.  Yep, you guessed it, I forgot the actual coffee.  Guess I should've had a cup or two before I went for coffee that day . . .  I don't tell many people about that day . . .

Next stop was the ATM machine.  I punched in my pin number and the nice machine said to try again cause it was the wrong number.  So I did what it told me to do.  I finally figgered out that I was usin my PIN number from another place and time . . . a time in another century and a place about 3 hours from here.  I couldn't think of the PIN I have been usin for the last almost 9 years.  All sorts of number combinations came to mind.  I decided that it might not be a good idea to try any of them because the ATM might decide to keep my card.  It takes a few days to get it back when that happens.  No card means that I might hafta dig up a mason jar or two of cash.  Not a lot of fun this time of year, with the ground bein frozen and everything.  

I aborted all the drive around plans I had for the mornin.  When I returned home, I was thinkin that I had my PIN embedded in one of my many passwords.  I went through my list thinkin I'd recognize it when I got to it.  No such thing.  Then it occurred to me that the bank sent it to me when I opened the account.  With some more thinkin and diggin around  I found it.  It is like my brain is plugged up today . . . is there such a thing as brain constipation??? 

So since some of the things on the list were of the 'mental' types, I decided it would be best to do them another time.  I had planned to do some wood turnin this afternoon.  Since my concentration abilities are down today, I'm stayin out of the garage.  I'm afraid to 'proof' what I been typin . . . Probably won't understand what I was tryin to say, so I'm not goin to do it.

Maybe I need a real vacation or something

Ramblin Mike Goes To The Auction . . .

Saturday morning, I got myself up and movin in good time for a change.  I ended up at the auction in Ayersville.  I like goin there this time of year because it is indoors.  Wasn't sure if they would have anything I'd be very interested in.  I found a few boxes to my likin and took them home.  Spent less than $20.  I did buy an old meat grinder that I kinda wish that that didn't.  Oh well, I usually do that at every auction.  Maybe I'll surprise myself and sell it without losin money.  

I spotted a couple badly faded photos in a wooden box that went for something like $30.  I think they were after the box and not the photos.  


This photo caught my eye.  My dad's aunt was a Kneese.  She and her husband are probably in the photo somewhere.  There are no names listed, other than the photographer's.  She and her husband started the Ayersville Telephone Company.  The house they lived in is still there.  


This photo got my attention, because it is similar to a photo that has my grandfather in.  He did a fair amount of carpenter work in his younger days.  I compared this photo with the one that he is in. The barns are different, but I still wonder if he is in this one.  

One the way home I stopped to check out a pawn shop.  I had never been in this one.  They recently changed their sign.

I'm sure it is an 'attention getter.'  The previous sign was a small one seat airplane, nose first in the ground.  I always thought that sign was a better 'attention getter' than the Volkswagens.  

Yesterday, one of the few things I did was take newspapers to the recycling center.  Would you believe I found a box in the magazine bin that was exactly what I've been lookin for???  Now if I could find 3 or 4 more like it, I'd be set for a while. 

Cat's Meow . . .

This is my cat, Simon, who occasionally is a picture of devotion and innocence.  Recently he has found a new place to take a warm catnap.  


Last evening I spotted him napping on top of the kitchen cabinets.  When he realized that I had found him, he cunningly decided to blend in with my Cat's Meow collection I have up there. He was probably thinkin he was the cat's meow up there too.  I chased him down with the squirt bottle.  It's been along time since I've had to use the squirt bottle.  The last time, he stopped runnin and let me squirt him till I got tired squirting and yellin at him.  

I'm still lookin for a certain size box for eBay.  My 'box run' to the local groceries didn't find that size, but I came home with some other sizes.  

 
I came upon this display in the potato section, a Mr. Potato Head.  Not something one sees very often in the grocery.  

Across the aisle were the greenest bananas I think I've ever seen.  I've seen St. Patrick displays and decorations less green.  

 
I bought the 'ripest' bunch I could find. 

Nothin Like Makin Yourself At Home . . .

My big orange cat, Simon, has never been on the shy side.  Doorbell rings and he goes to the door with me.  When he wants to play, he pesters me till I play with him.  When he is cold and tired, he get under the blanket and takes a nap.

Verified By Simon . . .

Yesterday afternoon, I was searching for something to list on eBay.  I have plenty of stuff, but I don't always have the right size box to ship it in.  Finding something that would fit in a box that I have was the objective.

 
I found a Hasbro Tente Building Blocks 101 set underneath some stuff.  I have no idea how long I've had it or where I got it.  I buy very few toys, because I don't know a whole lot about them. I do know that anything 'Leggo-Like" sells well.  


The box said something about it containing 95 blocks.  I decided to count them to see how many were missin.  Unless the box is factory sealed the odds of having all the parts are on the slim side.  I counted 88 total pieces.  A number verified by my helper cat, Simon.  

I sold it to a lady in Quebec last evening.  The USPS raised rates this week.  The international rates went up big time!!  She paid $10.99  for the blocks and around $15 for postage.  The set was made in the late '70's.  I sell a lot of nostalgia.  

I sold a Pyrex baking dish to someone in Australia earlier this past week.  Postage on that was $35.  She asked about combining postage that purchase with a casserole. Postage on the two pieces would have been something like $68.  She declined the casserole.  If one wants something bad enough, they will pay the price.  

Back to the building blocks . . . the box wasn't gonna fit in my mailbox, so that meant a trip to the post office.  Two or three inches of snow fell last night and this morning.  


Street conditions were on the messy side.  I saw this gator with a snow blade at an intersection.  This guy probably does parking lots, with cars in them.  A nice size for that kind of situation.  A couple winters ago, I saw a gator with a blade and a salt spreader in the back.  Nice set up.  


A few minutes later I spotted this Bobcat and snowblade.  He had just finished touchin up a parking lot.  

Since I was already out and about, I decided that I needed a blueberry Belgium waffle.  And since I sent this video around this week, I knew I was gonna flub tellin the waitress that I would like a 'blueberry Belgium waffle," which I did.  Can you say that three times fast??  Or even one time slow????

Compliants . . .

Yeah, that's what it says, 'Complaints.'  I have a few, so here goes.

Seems like everyone complains about the weather, so I'm gonna complain too.  Yesterday it was 60 degrees around here.  Not completely unheard of, but it isn't supposed to be that warm around here in January.  Today, the temperature made it to the mid-20's, with 20- 30 mph winds.  The wind chill was in or close to single digits most of the day.  This isn't the only time this month that there have been temperature extremes.  It is supposed to be cold in January, not this up and down stuff.  What can ya do around here when the temps are in the 50's.  It is just a waste of heat.  

Then there the misplaced lists.  I am a list maker.  Works pretty good for me . . . if I don't lose or forget my lists.  I was makin a list of complaints for this blog . . . and now I can't find my list.  

I don't need a list for this one.  Every try to type when you don't get your fingers on the home keys.  I'm very good at gettin one hand or the other one key off.  The I don't notice till I have half a sentence typed.  I hate that.  

Then there the sandwich names.  Wendy's sent me a sheet of coupons to be used during January.  I decided to use my free Son of a Baconator sandwich coupon today.  It was going to be my first Son of a Baconator sandwich.  When the nice lady asked me for my order, I said 'I would like a Son of a Biiii . . . aconator sandwich'.  Then without missin a beat, I said 'you know, they really need a better name for that sandwich.'  The order takin lady seemed embarrassed, but the manager had a heck of a good laugh.  I wonder how they got that one through the focus groups.  Baconator is a catchy name, but son of a baconator can be pretty difficult to say . . . if you know what I mean . . . 

While I'm on fast food restaurants, someone has finally come up with a way to dispense lids without them stickin together or without them explodin everywhere.  I was somewhere out of town and in a fast food place, that I don't remember the name of this winter.  I had a heck of a time findin the lids.  Then I spotted them.  They were in this neat lookin, stainless steel box with little doors on the front.  If ya pull the door open, a single lid comes out.  It is held vertically, not flat.  Very easy to pick up and put on your cup.  The guy who invented that device should be named 'Inventor of the Year!'  How long is it gonna take for every place to get these dispensers??

I could go on and on . . . if I could find that list of complaints I was makin . . .  

The Great White Way . . .

I was out and about earlier this morning.  I noticed how 'white' the streets and highways are.  We had a light dusting of snow a couple nights ago and this is what is left on the roads . . . road salt, not snow.  The 'Great White Way' of New York City has nothing on the 'Great White Highways' of winter time NW Ohio.

I saw a bottled water delivery truck.  The temperature was in the teens.  I wonder how many of those 5 gallon jugs are frozen by the end of the day . . . and if burst jugs are common . . .

A Bit Chilly Up There . . .

Yep, your eyes aren't playing tricks on you.  That is a roofing crew at work.  It was 14 degrees in my backyard when I returned home from taking this shot. The wind has died down, so without a windchill, it probably wasn't that bad . . . Yeah . . . Right!!

 Probably not many roofing crews working today in the tri-state area.

That Is One Cold . . .

That is one cold January sunset.  It has been a couple years since it has been this cold around here.  At the moment it is 11 degrees with a wind chill of 4.  I've seen the wind chill in the minuses during last half hour or so.  

Yesterday, my niece was in the area and stopped in so I could meet my newest grand-nephew, Camdyn.  Camdyn is about 8 months old.  Simon, my big red tabby cat, didn't know what to make of all this.  He was just about always within an arm's length of Camdyn during the two hour visit.  He kept a very close eye on him.  I was impressed.  Every try to keep a cat's attention for a couple hours?  When they left, Simon reminded me that it was time for his supper, then he retired to my bed for a nap.  He was still there when I went to bed.  Just goes to show you that keepin a close eye on little ones can tire out the cat too.

I had a major problem with the new computer over the weekend.  My email quit receiving emails early Saturday morning. I didn't think much of it on Saturday.  Saturdays are usually pretty light when it comes to emails.  Still had problems Sunday.  It turned out to be a simple removal of a check mark in the properties box of my email provider.  I obviously tried every combination but that one.  That check mark kept me from downloading my mail.  The help desk guy said that for some unknown reason that a check in that box is the default.  I had filled my mailbox.  He made my mailbox larger, so I shouldn't have that problem till I set up a new computer and forget about that check mark.  One of the aggravating parts of all this is that I lost all the mail on the server.  And of course, since I couldn't download email, I started selling cookie cutter sets like crazy.  Would you believe an even dozen from the middle of Sunday afternon to this morning.  Probably a record . . . if I kept records.  Since I had to 'go through the backdoor' to print address labels, it took me around an hour and a half to get them ready for the post office people.  If I start with the email from eBay, I can process labels in half the time.  

When people say they are working out computer/software glitches on new systems, they are tellin the truth.  Things will smooth out eventually.  

This is what is goin out tomorrow . . . so far.  No way is it gonna fit into my mailbox at the street. 

A Productive Friday . . .

Today turned out to be very productive.  I've been havin a lot of days lately where I would have gotten more done if I had stayed in bed, not matter how hard I tried otherwise. 

I've not been happy with the photos of my pens listed on Etsy.  Too much glare.  I read an article last evenin where the author uses a lamp shade to filter the light.  Sooo, this mornin I decided to go lookin for a lampshade.  I also needed some boxes.  As usual, I have every size on hand but what I need.  Went to Walmart, knowing that Friday mornin isn't a good time to find boxes.  I wasn't disappointed. While there, I decided to check out lampshades, knowin that they are expensive.  Did you know that the local Walmart does not have lampshades or table lamps?  I thought they had everything . . . I bought some bananas just because I was there.  

Next stop was the Chief Supermarket.  I came out of there with a couple boxes I can use.  Friday mornings aren't a good time to go 'boxing' there either.  I lucked out. I bought some apples while I was there.  Next stop was the Goodwill store.  Haven't been there in a long while.  Left there with nothin.  

Bryan has two church run thrift stores.  I hit pay dirt at the first one I visited.  Got myself the perfect size lampshade for for a buck and a half.  When I got home with it, I tried it out.  I think it is gonna work fine with some minor adjustments.  Very little glare on the shots I took.  I'm pretty fussy about my pen shots. Close-up details of the hardware, wood grain, etc.  may sell my pen instead of someone else's.  When I get things set up, it isn't difficult at all . . . It's the settin up part that is difficult and time-consuming.  

The second thrift store was very busy.  They are open only a couple days of the week.  I found a really clean casserole and some sewing type patterns.  Two of the patterns have been goin for pretty good money on eBay.  I listed one at $19.99 and that was quite a bit cheaper than the others that were listed.  If you find the right type, they go for good money and sell quickly.  This is the store that has at least 4 women taking money, etc.  Today they had six.  The sixth woman just sort of stood there watchin the others work and keepin an eye on the customers in line.  

I haven't blogged much about all those little blue-haired ladies who drive their big white cars where ever they and get in everyone's way, especially mine.  A while back a couple of them blocked the aisle I was tryin to get through (what else is new") and gave me a petition demandin that I cease and desist bloggin about them.  I was kinda surprised . . . I really didn't think anyone read my blog more than a couple times.  So I've kinda laid off them lately.  What has been gettin my attention lately are those little old men with canes, wearin their pants up to their armpits.  These guys are way older than even me . . . There were a couple in the supermarket this mornin that I swear were pushin their cart sideways, blockin up the aisle.  Foot traffic was backed for yards.  

So far the new computer is processin my photos quickly and efficiently.  I'll probably have more pics on the blog in the future.  For some unknown reason, the old computer got tired of processin pics.  I even re-formatted the hard drive without and improvement.  That is a lot of time consuming work.  Transferring data and settin up another computer is no picnic, but it went better and easier than I thought it would.

Fixed !!

A couple weeks ago, my dryer decided that it's door was not gonna stay closed . . . running or not.  It has been a good dryer.  It came with the house, so I'm not sure how old it is.  It has had some break downs.  I've replaced the belt and a year or so ago, I had to replace a spring on the idler pulley.  The idler pulley keeps enough tension on the belt to keep the barrel turning.  

The last couple times I've used it, I propped a chair against the door to keep it closed.  Last week, I did an internet search for a replacement latch.  I figger that if it can be fixed, why replace the whole dryer.  I don't think dryer technology has improved all that much anyway.  Years ago I did replace my  washin machine.  Can't believe how much cleaner the clothes were with the new washer.  

Anyway the replacement catch was something like $5.95.  Couldn't believe the S & H , which was something like $7.95. 


It arrived Monday.  The catch is circled on the left side of the photo . . . Two tiny pieces . . . They spent probably close to a buck for the box.  I don't know what air bags cost.  If it had been me I would have put the latch and an invoice in a poly mailing bag and been done with it.  They cost me around 12 cents when I order them by the hundreds.  I use them all the time for mailing cookie cutters.  They aren't gonna listen to any of my ideas, anyway.  

The actual fix took less than a half hour. My dryer is fixed once again and I guess that is the important thing here. 

YUK !!!

Went out to the mailbox first thing this mornin. Saw this stuff growin all over my mailbox.  It seems to be a fast growin whatever it is.  There wasn't anything but a film of dust on it yesterday.  Any ideas??

Takin A Break . . .

Been doin computer stuff most of the day.  The hard drive on my old computer has been flashin the blue screen of death more and more lately.  Since it has some other issues, I decided to replace the box.  I've had this one since shortly after I moved here.  

So after a few days of tryin to familiarize myself with Windows 8, I decided it was time to start moving stuff to the new computer.  I've been usin Carbonite to back up my data for the last couple/three years.  I started restoring data around 1 PM Saturday.  I let it go almost continuously till it finished this morning around 9AM.  I'm not gonna tell ya how many GB of data I have, but there were a lot more than a couple to download.  Mostly photos and eBay/Etsy records.  Never know when ya need to find some 'paperwork' on a specific item  . . . And I do a few times each year.  

I've spent the rest of the day, tryin to figger out how to transfer my bookmarks and email adresses.  Once I figgered out how to do the bookmarks, it took only a couple minutes.  I have my addresses backed up but I haven't restored them on the new computer yet. Carbonite doesn't do bookmarks and email addresses.  It doesn't transfer programs either.  So I've been loading programs and trying to link up the data with the program.  Sometimes it went easy and sometimes it hasn't.  I have a few more hours of fiddlin around before I get things straightened out.  This isn't something I would want to do very often.  But then if I did do it more often, maybe it would go faster because I would be familiar with how to do it. 

A Normal Week ???

Finally, a normal week . . . whatever a normal week is.  I say normal because there were no holidays this week.  I was havin serious problems figgerin out what day it was.  Seemed like a Saturday or a Sunday all the time.  

There won't be any scarcity of holidays in the next few weeks.  January 23 is 'Measure Your Feet Day.'  February 13 is 'Get A Different Name Day.'  I guess this is a good time to change your name if you hate the one you have.  March 14 is 'Pi Day.'  That is always a big one for Math teachers.  April has a couple of big ones.  The 25th is 'World Penguin Day' and the 30th is 'National Honesty Day.'  June 6 is 'National Yo-Yo Day.'  July 19 is 'Stick Out Your Tongue Day.'  That one could get you in trouble if you go overboard celebrating it.  Then in August on the 20th it is 'World Mosquito Day.'  'National Cheese Day' is celebrated on September 20.  October has a couple good one.  'Homemade Cookies Day on the 1st and 'National Grouch Day' is on the 15th.  'Take A Hike Day' is on November 17 and 'National Cocoa Day' is on December 13.  Just a few reasons to celebrate and party if you need an excuse.  

Read an article on the Consumer Electronics show goin on in Las Vegas this week.  Someone has come up with an iPotty.  It is a potty chair that allows parents to attach in iPad to it.  Makes sense to me.  Not many little kids that age can read . . . and anything that starts with the letter 'i' is bound to sell . . .  

Then there is the 'Hapifork.'  It is a fork with a motion sensor in the handle that will vibrate when you are eating too fast.  I bet Mayor Bloomberg will require everyone in New York City to use one.  I mean, why expect anyone to think or take responsibility for themselves???

I'm pretty sure that the good Mayor will outlaw this one.  It is an eye sensing tv.  An on-screen cursor is supposed to appear where viewer looks.  Blinkin while controlling the cursor is supposed to result in a click that changes the channel.  I guess it would have some value.  Gives those thumbs a break from clickin the remote, so they can spend more time texting . . .  

I'm just reporting about what I read in the newspaper this week. 

30 Caliber Bolt Action Bullet Cartridge Pen

This is my first 30 Caliber Bolt Action Bullet Cartridge pen.  The bolt action handle advances and retracts the refill.  The clip is a replica of a bolt action rifle.  The tip of the pen is a rose gold color with the rest of the hardware being gun metal.   The body is Cocobolo, a tropical hardwood from Central America.

I'll be listing it and some other pens on Etsy in the next few days. 

Simon . . .

The Fedex guy brought my order of cookie cutters to the door this mornin.  I unpacked them and was re-listing a couple sets that I had sold out.  I heard a bit of paper rustling, turned and saw Simon sitting on some of the packing paper.  He usually dives in it and has a grand time, but not today.  He did hop in and out of the box for a quick inspection, then left the room.  

After this task was completed, I went on to complete a couple of what I thought would be quick and simple jobs.  One of the license plate bulbs on my truck needed to be replaced.  That was simple enough and completed in five minutes or so.  I then attempted to put my 2013 sticker on the license plate.  What can go wrong, right?  Well . . . . for whatever reason, sticker decided that it wasn't comin off the registration without a fight.  I ended up scrapin it off with a razor blade.  I got it on the plate ok, if three separate pieces is considered ok.  I got it lined up pretty good so that everything is legible.  The sticker for the MINI came off and went on the plate with no problems.  One of those days, I guess . . .

World's Most Difficult Jigsaw Puzzle . . .

I was searching the local thrift stores a few days ago.   I usually buy only certain puzzles.  This one intrigued me.  I had never heard of the World's Most Difficult Jigsaw Puzzles.  This one was still in shrink wrap so I purchased it.  Set me back 54 cents.  All jigsaw puzzles are 50 cents and tax at this shop.  Hard to go wrong.  Hafta admit I have a few times and I've donated them back to the store.  Oh well, I'm not gonna sell everything.

Turns out there are a lot of World's Most Difficult Jigsaw Puzzles, fish, M&M's, tennis balls, etc.  Go to eBay.com and type 'World's Most Difficult Jigsaw Puzzles' in the search box.  If you think you hafta have a penguin one, you can get mine by clickin HERE.

These puzzles usually have 529 pieces.  Have no idea why the number '529.'  The picture is printed on both side.  It is cut so that there are no indentations on either side of the piece.  Then to make it interesting, the artwork is 90 degrees to each other.  Not my idea of fun, but to each his own.  Did you know that there are jigsaw puzzle assembly contests?  Many years ago, one of my neighbors and her sister qualified for the national jigsaw puzzle contests.  Don't recall how they did.  There must be contests for everything. 

Tragedy In Bryan . . .

Fire destroyed this house over night.  Two died, three survived.

First Snowman . . .

This is the first snowman I've seen this winter.  I was on my way to the post office with a couple boxes.  Pretty good job, but he has very skinny twig-like arms.  

I started the new year out feelin pretty good in the morning, then feelin poorer and poorer as the day went on.  I wasn't really sick, just didn't feel right or good.  I'm better today, but still not over whatever got me.  

Glad the holiday season is over.  Since I've been retired and not workin during the winter, it gets very confusin.  For example, yesterday was a holiday, but it also seemed like a Sunday, but it was only a Tuesday.  Today is Wednesday, but it seems like a Monday.  Last week was the same way.  Seems like there have been an awful lot of weekends and Mondays lately.  Am I the only one that gets confused this time of year???

Last Monday ( the real Monday of this week) I was very restless.  So I went to Defiance to wander around the big box stores.   I started out at the mall.  I don't go there very often.  Usually it is an in and out trip to Sears.  I wandered the hallway.  I found an internet cafe.  I'm not sure what an internet cafe is all about, but I was surprised there was one in Defiance.  I didn't go in.  Not curious enough to see what it is all about.  Sometime I'm gonna go through the Elder Berman store.  Another place I can't recall bein in.  

Next stop was the Walmart.  This store seems larger than the local Walmart.  I spotted a lady around my age with those stars tatooed on the side of her face.  Since I've never been a fan of tatoos, just mentally shrugged my shoulders, shook my head and wandered on.  Walmart has their Valentine Cards and candies out and ready to be purchased.  Not 100% positive, but I think they waited till Christmas was over.  Back in the camera area, I spotted a display of photo film.  It caught me off guard.  I didn't think anyone used film anymore.  Everything was in green boxes.  I think green is Fuji.  No yellow Kodak to be seen.  They fooled around and put themselves pretty much out of the camera business.  Kind of ironic, because I think they invented the digital camera.  

My wanderins through the Meijer store, Lowe's and Menards were pretty ordinary.  Sometime I'm gonna go wanderin through Kohl's.  Never been in the Defiance store.  I think I have been in a Kohl's store somewhere.