November 2017

November 2017

Wednesday 01- 75 to 51

I did my stretches, lifted weights,went for a good mile jog, core trainer, sit-ups and punched the heavybag. 

I rode the scooter to my mailbox on Border Ave to send out some check and other mail. Finally, sitting in my box after many months and an unnecessary visit to the DMV was my scooter’s registration! 

I took the dogs for a nice evening mile jog... they were raring to go because it’s been a couple of day for them without a walk.

I wanted to watch game 7 of the World Series, but I have not a TV and couldn’t find anything free online to watch... just as well, my team the Dodgers lost to the Astros 5 to 1. A dang good gut wrenching World Series if I ever saw one! Both teams were evenly matched! I wanted my Dodgers to win... maybe next year.

I completed 2591 words on the new book 2...

Thursday 02- 76 to 49 degrees.

I did my stretches, sit-up, punched the heavybag and went for a good mile jog.

I took out the fuel filter of the truck. So, I placed a pan under the fuel filter and removed the connection to the pump. I then turned on the ignition and heard the hum of the fuel pump to prime, I checked the pan for how much gas came out; only a trickle. I tried this several time and believe it is now the fuel pump that is the suspect of my problems. I have now begun the task of removing the bed of the truck so I can get to the fuel pump from the top without dropping the tank. I have the bed liner removed so far, but need to find the right star shaped bit to remove the bed’s 6 bolts. 

Kelly brought her dogs over to stay for a while until she finds a better place to live... long story.

I took the dogs out for a jog and forgot to do my sit-ups and punch the heavybag... dang.

I wrote a bit over 2000 words tonight of book 2.

Friday 03- 70 to 50 

I did my stretches, lifted weights,went for a good mile jog, core trainer, and punched the heavybag.

I worked around the yard doing this and that. I can’t do much on the truck until I get to town to get the right Torx tip to take the 6 bolts out of the bed.

I took the dogs for a mile jog and I remembered to do my sit-ups and punch the heavybag.

Kelly came by to feed her dogs and also brought chicken for us and I made gravy and mashed potatoes for dinner. 

I wrote 2156 more words on book 2.

Saturday 04- 77 to 55

I did my stretches, core trainer, exercised with the 20lb dumbbells, sit-ups and heavybag, and went for a good mile jog.

Kelly came by to feed her dogs.

I wrote a bit over 2000 words for book 2.

Sunday 05- 76 to 56 degrees.

I did my stretches, yoga, sit-ups, punched the heavybag, went for a good mile jog, and rode my ebike a few miles.

I washed my laundry and hung it all out to dry.

Kelly came by to take care of her dogs. I cooked up some beans and rice to share for dinner. We sat outside and saw 13.5 satellites in 25 minutes! 

I wrote 2241 words on book 2... 

Monday 06- 75 to 55 cloudy

I did my stretches.

I rode the scooter to Yucca to get a shot. I also got a haircut at WalMart and the T-50 Torx socket I needed to take off the truck’s bed to have a look-see at the fuel pump.

I saw two new Sparks out front of the NAPA Auto Parts store in Yucca last week when I was getting a part for my truck and inquired within who they belonged to. They said the cars are theirs and use them to deliver parts. They liked them very much and was nice enough to give me a tour inside of one. When a parts store like NAPA says nice things about a car, you know it must be good. They also said the Ford Focus they used before they got the Sparks sucked :D

Kjtel came by for a visit.

Kelly came by to feed her dogs.

I wrote 2168 words on book 2... 

Tuesday 07- 76 to 52 cloudy 

I did my stretches, yoga, hit the heavybag, sit-ups, and jogged a good mile.

My neighbor Kjtel brought some trash from where some ass dump a truckload up the hill from me on the northeast corner of Winters and Bourland Pass. She found some receipts from AutoZone and WalMart. I called the local police department and they said they’d have an officer call me.

Kjtel invited me over for a nice vegetarian dinner which was mighty good!

Dogs escaped through the gate when I came home. I found them down at Chris and Patty’s homestead and brought them back.

The police finally called me at 9:30pm about the trash that was dumped.

I wrote 2163 words on book 2... 

Wednesday 08- Scattered Clouds 75° | 52°

I did my stretches, yoga, sit-ups, punched the heavybag, went for a good mile jog, and rode my ebike a few miles.

Kelly came by to feed her doggies.

I dropped by with metal shears for Kjtel to borrow. She has a new washer and asked if she could test it out on some clothes I need washing. I had told her about the rats eating the wires of my $500 washer and I had only done one load of wash.

I’ve been in negotiations with several Chevy Dealerships trying to get the best price for the Chevy Spark I can get and finally came to a decent price for one and will pick it up on Friday.

I wrote 2030 words on book 2... 

Thursday 09- 

I did my stretches, lifted weights, went for a good mile jog, core trainer, sit-ups and punched the heavybag. On my jog I met a man riding a bicycle named Tommy whose mother lives in a house down the road on Bourland Pass.

Kelly was nice enough to take me down to the bank to get a cashier's check for the new Chevy Spark I am buying tomorrow. We had hamburgers and fries at Steak n Shake, very yummy.

I wrote 2168 words on book 2... 2320

Friday 10- Clear 75° | 48°

I did my stretches, core trainer, sit-ups, jogged a mile, and punched at the heavybag for a spell.

I took my doggies for a short walk before Kjtel came to pick me up and hual my butt down to the car dealership in Palm Springs to purchase my new Chevy Spark.

I wrote 1557 words tonight...

Saturday 11- Scattered Clouds 73° | 48°

I did my stretches, core trainer, sit-ups, jogged a mile, and punched at the heavybag for a spell.

When over to show my neighbor Kjtel my new car. I also helped move her washer to a shed.

I went to the Copper Mountain Mesa General meeting where we elected our board members.

Sunday 12-  Partly Cloudy 71° | 50°

I did my stretches, lifted weights, went for a good mile jog, core trainer, sit-ups and punched the heavybag.

Monday 13- Scattered Clouds 75° | 50°

I did my stretches, went for a good mile jog, core trainer, and punched the heavybag.

Took the dogs for an evening mile jog.

Took Cassie for a night run up and down the hill.

Tuesday 14- Scattered Clouds 82° | 55°

I did my stretches, went for a good mile jog, core trainer, and punched the heavybag.

Kelly came by to feed her dogs.

I took the dogs for an evening walk with my neighbor Kjtel and her doggie Bodie.

I wrote over 4000 words for book 2.

Wednesday 15- Scattered Clouds 75° | 52°

I did my stretches. I thought it time to give my body a little rest

Kelly cam to feed her dog and we took all of our doggies for a walk.

I wrote over 4000 words for book 2 with a grand total of over 32,000 words so far.

Thursday 16- Partly Cloudy 75° | 53°

I did my stretches, yoga, situps and jogged a good mile. 

 Another 4000 some words written.

Friday 17- Partly Cloudy 75° | 57°

I did my stretches, went for a good mile jog, situps, and punched the heavybag.

Another 4000 some words written today. 40653 total words now written so far. Closing in on the 50,000 mark.

Saturday 18- Clear 66° | 46°

I did my stretches, went for a good mile jog, situps, and punched the heavybag.

Another 4000 some words written today. 

Sunday 19- Clear 66° | 37°

I did my stretches, went for a good mile jog, situps, and punched the heavybag.

Another 4000 some words written today. 

Monday 20- Clear 70° | 41°

I did my stretches, went for a good mile jog, situps, and punched the heavybag.

2000 some words written today. 49065 total words now written. Less than a thousand words to hit the 50,000 mark.

Tuesday 21- Clear 80° | 46°

I did my stretches.

I went to WalMart to do some shopping; Kelly rode along.

I completed the 50,000 words. Yay for me.

Wednesday 22- Clear 84° | 54°

I did my stretches, ran a good mile, situps and punched at the heavybag.

I worked on the truck and found a way of getting at the fuel pump by pulling, lifting, and sliding the bed onto the rear bumper, all by myself.

Thursday 23- Clear 84° | 51°

I did my stretches, lifted weights, went for a good mile jog, core trainer, sit-ups and punched the heavybag.

I replaced the fuel pump and the truck started right up. I put the bed back on and all is good. Took the whole dang day to do it.

Kelly came by to feed her dogs and we had dinner together.

Friday 24- Clear 86° | 54°

I did my stretches, yoga, went for a good mile jog, core trainer, sit-ups and punched the heavybag.

I was practising reading aloud from "Upon Ashen Roads" and found out that my publisher didn't put in our last edit that correct many errors!
Tomorrow I have to go out in front of people and read from a book I may have to pull. YIKES!

Saturday 25- Clear 81° | 53°

I did my stretches, went for a good mile jog, core trainer, sit-ups and punched the heavybag.

I canceled the reading.  Went to potluck.

Sunday 26- Clear 82° | 50°

I did my stretches, lifted weights, went for a good mile jog, core trainer, sit-ups and punched the heavybag.

Monday 27- really windy... less than a mile visibility at times.

I did my stretches, yoga, went for a good mile jog, sit-ups and punched the heavybag.

I had to go to Yucca Valley for a blood test.

Tuesday 28-  Scattered Clouds 66° | 45°

I did my stretches. I Ain’t feeling well...

I went to the post office in 29 Palms.

Wednesday 29- Clear 70° | 46°

I did my stretches, lifted weights, went for a good mile jog, core trainer, sit-ups and punched the heavybag.

I was on the phone to the Philippines today for 2 hours trying to get my new Boost Mobile phone activated; one helpful assistant hung up on me because she said she was never wrong... finally I managed to do it myself without their help.

Thursday 30- Scattered Clouds 66° | 45°

I did my stretches, yoga, went for a good mile jog, core trainer, sit-ups and punched the heavybag.

I finished all of my Christmas cards and getting them ready to send out. 

I did my stretches, lifted 20lb dumbbells, core trainer, situps, and went for a night run.

I did my studies: history, geology, astronomy, meteorology, played guitar and drew something: my neighbor’s dog Lilly.

**************** Stuff I wrote this month ****************

The Silent Room
Silent messages flow from each in the room, through electric conduits that sizzle hissing a code I can’t crack. They pass me by with a zip and a zap, those subtle messages I cannot catch, they drive me crazy as I stand all alone, is it me creating the silence that has befell the poor room? So silent this space, so active my mind, as this silence grows heavy their eyes avoid mine. When I do finally speak it is all out of sync, in a room full of scholars, I feel second rate. Am I the interloper invading their space? Am I the one who's so out of place? I know they're good people, it might be me who’s to blame, being all out of sorts on a different plane.
I do find it’s me as I sneak out the front door, now there's plenty of talking, jokes fly through the air, the party begins in earnest because I’m not there...
~RD

What does it all mean? What is it about life that we carry these images of fleeting mosaic shadows, a collage of meaningless yet mindful bits of curiosity into the realms of our inner self, to bring them forth upon the light of day to be scrutinised, examined, and then tossed into the warm backwaters of our soul...
~RD

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October 2017

October 2017

Sunday 01- 96 to 63 degrees.

I did my stretches, exercised with the 10lb dumbbells, yoga, jogged a good mile, sit-ups, and punched the heavybag.

I wrote up a short piece for Annelies about our Saturday’s potluck and sent it to her. I then finished my September online journal and posted it.
I worked on writing bits and pieces of “Upon Ashen Roads” book 2.

I tooked the dogs out for their evening walk and did sit-ups and punched the heavybag for a spell.

I did my studies: history, geology, astronomy, meteorology, drew something and practiced my songs on my guitar for a while.

I went for a night run up the hill and back home.

Monday 02- 88 to 57

I did my stretches and got ready to go to town to get some bloodwork done.

I first went to NAPA Auto parts in Yucca and picked up some spark plugs for the Harley, and then Labcorp.

When I was done with the vampires, I went up to Sky Harbor Care Center to visit with Mary Koval. We had a nice chat for over an hour and she got me up to date with her difficulties.

I got gas and went to Stater Bros and then to WalMart to pick up supplies.

I got home and shared 8 pieces of fried chicken with me dogs. I then took them for a walk and did my sit-ups and heavybag thingy.

Tuesday 03- 86 to 55 with a bit of wind...

I did my stretches, lifted weights,went for a good mile jog, core trainer, and punched the heavybag.

I worked on the roof for a spell.

We went for a nice little walk the dogs and I. Did the sit-ups and punched the heavybag.

Wednesday 04- 84 to 58

I did my stretches, yoga, lifted weights, went for a good mile jog, core trainer, and punched the heavybag. I rode the electric bike down to my mailbox on Lear Ave and back for a total of 6 miles; I think I over did it.

I cleaned up in the house putting away things I do not use anymore or very little.

I tooked the dogs out for their evening walk and did sit-ups and punched the heavybag.

I did my studies: history, geology, astronomy, meteorology, drew something, and practiced on my guitar for a while.

I went for a night run up the hill and back.

Thursday 05- 90 to 61 degrees.

I did my stretches. My whole body is hurting because I went for that 6 mile bike ride yesterday. I got the Ebike so I can get back into riding a regular bike. It is an electric bike with pedal assist... meaning ya gots to peddle or you’ll run out of electric on a long ride.

FedEx delivered my new/old refurbished iMac. I got it at a good price, but the keyboard don’t work right. I will call them tomorrow to see if they’ll replace it.

Took the dogs for an evening walk.

I fell asleep in front of my computer I was so burned out from yesterday’s bike ride; I won’t be going for any long rides for a while.

Friday 06- 89 to 62

I did my stretches, lifted weights, went for a good mile jog, core trainer, and punched the heavybag.

I worked on the roof and almost have it where it won’t collapse.

I took the doggies for an evening walk and did my sit-ups and heavybag when we got back.

I did my studies: history, geology, astronomy, meteorology, drew something, and practiced on my guitar for a while.

I went for a night run up and down the hill; I am feeling much better today.

Saturday 07- 92 to 60

I did my stretches, sit-ups, punched the heavybag, and ran a mile.

I stopped off at Little Caesars to get two pizzas and Staters in Yucca to get a few items I forgot the other day. I then drove over to Rich Soos home for potluck at 3pm and stayed until a little after 6pm.

I walked the dogs and did my sit-ups and punched the heavybag when I returned home.

Sunday 08- 95 to 62

Linda Seibo called at the ungodly hour of 7:45am asking for a jump... driving these always sandy roads to their home I almost gotten my truck stuck a few times. Blake was there and

I did my stretches.

Went to the poets reading at SpaceCowboy Books

Monday 09- 78 to 51 with wind

I did my stretches, sit-ups and heavybag, and jogged a good mile.

Called up AAA to see why my scooter’s registration is taking so long; DMV cashed the check Sept 15. They looked it up and said DMV had mailed it on Oct. 2nd and it should get to me soon.

I installed a new brighter LED light in the kitchen that really lights up the place. These kind didn’t exist when I first built the place and now I’ll take down the old ones and patch the holes they left in the ceiling.   

I started gathering the ideas I had written down for Book 2 and began writing in earnest.

I took the dogs out for a nice mile jog. They seemed to like this better than a walk.

Continued collecting my thoughts and writing Book 2.

Tuesday 10- 84 to 53

I did my stretches, lifted weights, went for a good mile jog, core trainer, and punched the heavybag. I went and took the electric bike out for a ride after getting the front tire lubed and tightened. Met a neighbor who lives down on Leads Road about a mile and a half away; her name is Maggie.

Wednesday 11- 87 to 56 a bit cloudy.

I did my stretches.

I worked on the Harley.

I was invited to dinner at my neighbor’s house.

Worked on book 2 when I arrived back home.

Thursday 12- 85 to 55 smokey

I did my stretches, jogged a mile, sit-ups, exercised with the 10lb dumbbells, and punched the hell out of the heavybag.

Spent the day talking to three of my sisters... they all seemed to call one after the other which is very phenomenal because I don’t get to talk to them for weeks and one for 6 months or more. I am very fortunate to have such wonderful caring sisters.

I took the dogs for an evening mile jog and did the sit-ups and punched the heavybag.

Friday 13- I should have stayed home :(

I did my stretches, sit ups and punched the heavybag.

Chris needed a ride to town to collect her mail. I said okay and we can see yer Mom at Sky Harbor resthome. We did some shopping at Staters and drove on up to see her mom. On the way back my truck died for lack of gas; I believe it has something to do with the fuel system. I had it towed home by AAA and Chris was supposed to get picked up with all her groceries by a friend.

The tow truck got me and my truck to my house and that’s when I saw the friend who was supposed to be picking up Chris in Yucca. I’m trying to gather the dogs into their pen while he’s yelling at me why I didn’t bring her with the tow truck. I told him that she told me that you were going to pick her up and she is waiting there in Yucca right now for you, so what are you doing here? I guess he was having a bad day so I am just going to let it slide.

I went online looking at Ford F150 DIY fixes for my problem and also read parts of the manual.

Saturday 14- 85 to 56

I did my stretches, went for a good mile jog, sit-ups and punched the heavybag.

I started looking at the truck and testing the obvious for problems. I can hear the fuel pump whirl when I turn the key to start. I checked all the fuses, all okay.

My neighbor Kjtel can by with sandwiches and we chatted for a spell and I went back to work on the truck.

Sunday 15- 86 to 56

I did my stretches, lifted weights, went for a mile jog, core trainer, sit-ups and punched the heavybag.

I dropped the spare tire to check the Fuel Driver module, but after careful inspection and not finding one where the DIY videos said it should be, I went back online only to discover my year truck didn’t have one.

Monday 16- 90 to 63

Did my stretches, yoga, sit-ups and punched heavybag, and went for a good mile jog.

I'm working on the truck and watching DIY videos on how to diagnose the problem. I think my problem with the truck not starting is a bad crank sensor, but there are so many variables leading from there.

I hopped on the scooter and went to collect my mail down on Border Ave.

I was ready to take the dogs for a walk, but Barney didn’t seem to want to go. He kept barking at me and going back and forth to where the Mini Cooper is parked as if he wanted me to follow. I lifted the hood of the Mini and found a rat inside and quickly grabbed a stick to poke it out of there; Barney is a good dog :)

Tuesday 17- 93 to 67 some clouds.

Did my stretches, yoga, sit-ups and punched heavybag, and went for a good mile jog.

I went to the post office and AutoZone in 29 on my little scooter, and then went to the DMV and waited over an hour just to hear they have to wait 30 days before they can do anything with the scooter's missing registration. I am pooped; the truck will have to wait until tomorrow :)

I walked the doggies when I got back home.

Wednesday 18- 90 to 61

I did my stretches, worked out with the 20lb dumbbells, went for a good mile jog, and punched the heavybag.

I worked on the truck. I jacked it up and removed the crank sensor.

I did the poop patrol.

I took the dogs for a jog and did my sit-ups and punched the heavybag.

I did my studies: history, geology, astronomy, meteorology, drew something, and practiced on my guitar for a while.

I went for a night run up the hill and back down.

Thursday 19- 88 to 58 some clouds.

I did my stretches, lifted weights, went for a good mile jog, core trainer, and punched the heavybag.

I worked in the yard cleaning it up. Lots more to do.

I took the dogs for a jog and did my sit-ups and punched the heavybag.

I did my studies: history, geology, astronomy, meteorology, drew something, and practiced on my guitar for a while.

I went for a night jog up the hill and around the area.

Friday 20- 80 to 54 really windy

I did my stretches, went for a good mile jog, sit-ups, and punched the heavybag.

I was going to go to the post office and Autozone  in 29 Palms, but it was way too windy.

Marie called from dhamma Dena women retreat just down the road asking me if I had a computer to spare in my vast collection of digital devices. Linda Harter had asked me the other day about this and I told her to have them call me. I told Marie that I did and I’d have one ready for them to pick up tomorrow. I have always helped out dhamma Dena center with computer problems and was Ruth Denison’s ‘computer wizard’ as she liked to call me.

I did do some work out in the yard in the evening when the wind calmed down a bit.

Saturday 21- 77 to 56

I did my stretches, but I think I pulled a muscle in my groin area yesterday and will say off it for the day.

I did some light work around the house.

I setup the Dell desktop computer for Marie from dhamma Dena and it was ready for pick up, but as the day wore on and after leaving a couple of messages she called and said 4:30... then nearing 5pm she called again to say it would be tomorrow.

Danny came by.

Sunday 22- 87 to 63 and clear

I did my stretches, went for a good mile jog, sit-ups, and punched the heavybag.

Marie came to collect the computer.

Kjtel my neighbor arriving from LA came by for a visit and we chatted for a spell. We decided to check out this weekend’s bi-annual High Desert Test Sites being held at our community center. Lots of interesting art projects there to be seen.

I took the doggies out for a mile jog.

Here’s what I done so far on my 1999 F-150 V6 that suddenly died coming down a hill and won't start. I can hear the pump humm when I turn the key to start. I checked all the fuses, sprayed starting fluid in the air intake and it starts for a bit, so I know it has spark. I searched the web and Youtube videos and most of what I see and read points to a bad crank position sensor. I'm going down tomorrow to get a replacement for CPS and putting it in and then we'll see if it’s the culprit. I'm also waiting for a code scanner I just purchased online just in case ;)

I did my studies: history, geology, astronomy, meteorology, and drew something.
I went for a night run up the hill.

Monday 23- 87 to 63 and clear

I did my stretches, sit-ups and punched the heavybag.

Kjtel picked me up and took me to the post office and to the auto parts store where I bought the crank position sensor. We went to Staters and I bought supplies just in case the truck won’t start when I replace the CPS. We stopped off at Two Sisters in JT to eat their beans and rice; mighty good and filling!

I took the dogs for a mile jog and did my sit-ups and punched the heavybag.

 

Tuesday 24- 93 to 66

I did my stretches, lifted weights, went for a good mile jog, core trainer, and punched the heavybag.

I crawled underneath the truck to put the new crank position sensor in. I tried to start the engine, but no joy. I'll have to dig a little deeper I guess.

I took the dogs on an evening jog and did my sit-ups and punched the heavybag, and then exercised with the 20lb dumbbells.

I went for a night jog up and down the hill and exercised with the 20lb dumbbells.

Wednesday 25- 90 to 59 degrees.

I did my stretches, yoga, lifted weights, went for a good mile jog, core trainer, and punched the heavybag.
I swept and mopped the floor of the whole house.

I took the dogs for a walk over to my neighbor’s house where we watched the Dodger lose to Houston 7 to 6 of the 2nd game of the World Series in overtime.

Thursday 26- 92 to 61 degrees

I did my stretches, went for a good mile jog, sit-ups, and punched the heavybag.

UPS came late in the evening to delivered my code scanner that I will use on my truck tomorrow.

Kelly brought her dogs over for me to babysit for a short spell; long story....

Friday 27- 90 to 61 nice day!

I did my stretches, went for a good mile jog, sit-ups, and punched the heavybag.

Kelly here to take care of her dogs.

I took my dogs on a little walk.

Saturday 28- 90 to 59

I did my stretches.

Kelly came by to take care of her dogs.

I cooked up some rice and headed over to the community center for potluck.

Sunday 29- 89 to 59

I did my stretches, sit-ups, punched the heavybag, and ran a good mile.

Kelly came by to care for her dogs.

My neighbor Kjtel called asking if I wanted to go to town for coffee; I sure did. And then we watched the Dodger lose to Houston 13 to 12 in overtime of game 5 of the World Series. These two teams are so evenly matched!

Monday 30- 84 to 58 a little overcast.

I did my stretches.

I rode my scooter to Yucca Valley to Bank of America cash a check and do some shopping.

Kelly came by to take care of her dogs.

Tuesday 31- 78 to 54

I did my stretches, sit-ups, punched the heavybag, and ran a good mile.

Kath came over with her new laptop for me to setup for her.

Kelly came over with pizza and candy. We watched “Night of the Living Dead” on my laptop outside. The bad dogs got ahold of three pieces of the pizza before we caught them.

**************** Stuff I wrote this month ****************

Defeat can extinguish the light within, dampening our spirits, sucking and feeding off our darkest fears.
~RD

She was one of six but I only saw the one...
~RD

Death Messenger
He hides in back alleys, in stairwells, in cars. He awaits his victims who gather at concerts and parks... in railway stations and jet planes about to debark. He may wear a vest or come heavily armed, to wreak havoc on us who mean no one no harm. We just want to live, but the Messenger is already dead. Not a thought for his victims runs through his vile head. He will kill your children, he will take your life, and finally when done he won’t blink an eye... as he puts a bullet through his own skull and falls down to die, leaving authorities and reporters and loved ones behind to ask the unanswered question that runs through their minds... WHY?
~RD

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