June 2017
Thursday 01- 91 to 68 degrees.
I did my stretches and worked out with the 20lb dumbbells, and took the dogs for an evening jog.
Friday 02- 95 to 66
I did my stretches and took the dogs for a walk.
I watered most of the plants and worked on my scooter finally figuring how to get the connections off the gas tank.
I have told everyone on FaceBook: I am taking a month or two off from FaceBook to get my new book "Upon Ashen Roads" edited and published. I also need to get a lot of other stuff done that I've been putting off and I need my head in a clear place to do all this. I will check for messages on the FB Messenger if you want to contact me. I will continue posting my monthly journal here.
I love you all and see you back sometime in July or August.
Saturday 03- 102 to 74
I did something but forgot to write it down.
Sunday 04- 103 to 75
I did my stretches and took the dogs for a mile jog.
I worked editing my book “Upon Ashen Roads”.
Monday 05- 104 to 73
I did my stretches and took the doggies for a nice evening walk.
I went to pick up a package and went to the shopping center in 29 to get a few supplies.
Tuesday 06- 103 to 70
I did my stretches and brought the dogs inside because of the heat.
I worked on the shower that needs fixing.
I got a call from my doctor making an appointment for Thursday at 2pm.
Wednesday 07- 102 to 69
I did my stretches and I went by myself for a mile run without the dogs because of the heat.
Thursday 08- 100 to 66 with clouds.
Doctors/blood in Palm Springs.
I got home I shared a whole roasted chicken I bought at WalMart with the dogs, and then took them for a walk.
Friday 09- 98 to 68 with winds. (Day One)
I did my stretches, lifted weights, took Cassie and Barney for a one mile jog, core trainer, and punched the heavybag for a spell.
I did some editing on my book late into the night and added another thousand words or so...
Saturday 10- 94 to 63 windy.
I did my stretches, yoga, took Cassie and Barney for a one mile jog, and punched the heavybag for a spell.
I installed the 30 watt solar panel on the roof for the fan inside the house. It might be a little too much power for the fan. I’ll have to check to see about getting some kind of power controller.
Sunday 11- 87 to 59
I did my stretches, lifted weights, took Cassie and Barney for a one mile jog, core trainer, and punched the heavybag for three minutes.
Took the doggies for a nice long walk.
Monday 12- 85 to 60
I did my stretches, lifted 20lb dumbbells, took Cassie and Barney for a one mile jog, and punched the heavybag for a spell.
I did the poop patrol
Tuesday 13- 91 to 54
I did my stretches and exercised with the 20lb dumbbells.
I went to the post office for the third time to ask for my mail. I haven’t had any sent to my box since the mailbox fiasco of May 12th. They had put in new boxes and I had to show proof. Well I live right on the border between 29 Palms and Joshua Tree and they said I didn’t live in Joshua Tree and wouldn't give me a key and would hold my mail in some postal purgatory until I get my new box in 29 Palms. Well I was able to finally prove to them I lived in Joshua Tree and got the keys to my old mailbox, but I wasn't getting any mail.
This time I urged (pleaded) them to go check again. They finally found a bunch of mail, car registration, requests to fill out medical forms, and the certified letter I was waiting to receive that was mailed on May 12th. I still don’t think they found all my mail.
WalMart to get the oil changed on my truck, got my haircut, and did some shopping. I brought a whole roasted chicken home to share with the dogs and then took them for a walk.
Wednesday 14- 100 to 71
I did my stretches and I went by myself for a mile run without the dogs because of the heat.
I took the dogs for an evening walk.
Thursday 15- 105 to 71
I did my stretches and went by myself for a mile run without the dogs because of the heat.
A guy came to my door asking for water. I was skeptical at first because he didn’t look quite right; he had deep cuts on his shaved head that were stapled together and bruises on his face. I got him some water and asked what was he doing out here. I got to talking to him. Told me his story: last night around 1AM he was driving when he was run off the road off the road by two vehicles; one a Blazer, and the other a really slick looking 4X4 he really didn’t know the kind or I didn’t understand him. Then two men, both over 50, got out and beat the hell out of him. He had walked all the way to the Marine Base where they stitched him up. He was out on his son’s motorcycle today trying to find his truck and was waiting for his wife and son to pick him up. I made sure he was well hydrated and made him run cold water over his head to prevent heat stroke. His wife drove up in a Uhaul truck and I help his son put the bike in the back of the truck and then they drove off thanking me. He said he made a police report.
I took the dogs for an evening walk.
I worked on my book...
Friday 16- 106 to 78
I went to bed at 3am and then Cassie woke me up at 5am for her and Barney’s biscuit and I couldn’t get back to sleep. I spent that time editing my book and finally falling to sleep at 10:30am.
I did my stretches and worked out with the 20lb dumbbells.
I took the doggies for an evening jog just around sunset.
Saturday 17- 110 to 80
I did my stretches, yoga, exercised with the 20lb dumbbells, and jogged a mile without the dogs; Oh they wanted to go alright, but the ground was way too hot for the pads on their paws.
I edited and posted my May Journal for all the world to see... I don’t think many do.
Sunday 18- 105 to 75 (record high)
Kept the dogs in the house during the hottest part of the day.
I worked on my book.
Monday 19- 116 to 84 degrees (record high)
Kept the dogs in the house all day long. It was already 104 when I went out to feed them.
I worked on my book.
Tuesday 20- 117 to 82 degrees (record high)
Thursday 01- 91 to 68 degrees.
I did my stretches and worked out with the 20lb dumbbells, and took the dogs for an evening jog.
Friday 02- 95 to 66
I did my stretches and took the dogs for a walk.
I watered most of the plants and worked on my scooter finally figuring how to get the connections off the gas tank.
I have told everyone on FaceBook: I am taking a month or two off from FaceBook to get my new book "Upon Ashen Roads" edited and published. I also need to get a lot of other stuff done that I've been putting off and I need my head in a clear place to do all this. I will check for messages on the FB Messenger if you want to contact me. I will continue posting my monthly journal here.
I love you all and see you back sometime in July or August.
Saturday 03- 102 to 74
I did something but forgot to write it down.
Sunday 04- 103 to 75
I did my stretches and took the dogs for a mile jog.
I worked editing my book “Upon Ashen Roads”.
Monday 05- 104 to 73
I did my stretches and took the doggies for a nice evening walk.
I went to pick up a package and went to the shopping center in 29 to get a few supplies.
Tuesday 06- 103 to 70
I did my stretches and brought the dogs inside because of the heat.
I worked on the shower that needs fixing.
I got a call from my doctor making an appointment for Thursday at 2pm.
Wednesday 07- 102 to 69
I did my stretches and I went by myself for a mile run without the dogs because of the heat.
Thursday 08- 100 to 66 with clouds.
Doctors/blood in Palm Springs.
I got home I shared a whole roasted chicken I bought at WalMart with the dogs, and then took them for a walk.
Friday 09- 98 to 68 with winds. (Day One)
I did my stretches, lifted weights, took Cassie and Barney for a one mile jog, core trainer, and punched the heavybag for a spell.
I did some editing on my book late into the night and added another thousand words or so...
Saturday 10- 94 to 63 windy.
I did my stretches, yoga, took Cassie and Barney for a one mile jog, and punched the heavybag for a spell.
I installed the 30 watt solar panel on the roof for the fan inside the house. It might be a little too much power for the fan. I’ll have to check to see about getting some kind of power controller.
Sunday 11- 87 to 59
I did my stretches, lifted weights, took Cassie and Barney for a one mile jog, core trainer, and punched the heavybag for three minutes.
Took the doggies for a nice long walk.
Monday 12- 85 to 60
I did my stretches, lifted 20lb dumbbells, took Cassie and Barney for a one mile jog, and punched the heavybag for a spell.
I did the poop patrol
Tuesday 13- 91 to 54
I did my stretches and exercised with the 20lb dumbbells.
I went to the post office for the third time to ask for my mail. I haven’t had any sent to my box since the mailbox fiasco of May 12th. They had put in new boxes and I had to show proof. Well I live right on the border between 29 Palms and Joshua Tree and they said I didn’t live in Joshua Tree and wouldn't give me a key and would hold my mail in some postal purgatory until I get my new box in 29 Palms. Well I was able to finally prove to them I lived in Joshua Tree and got the keys to my old mailbox, but I wasn't getting any mail.
This time I urged (pleaded) them to go check again. They finally found a bunch of mail, car registration, requests to fill out medical forms, and the certified letter I was waiting to receive that was mailed on May 12th. I still don’t think they found all my mail.
WalMart to get the oil changed on my truck, got my haircut, and did some shopping. I brought a whole roasted chicken home to share with the dogs and then took them for a walk.
Wednesday 14- 100 to 71
I did my stretches and I went by myself for a mile run without the dogs because of the heat.
I took the dogs for an evening walk.
Thursday 15- 105 to 71
I did my stretches and went by myself for a mile run without the dogs because of the heat.
A guy came to my door asking for water. I was skeptical at first because he didn’t look quite right; he had deep cuts on his shaved head that were stapled together and bruises on his face. I got him some water and asked what was he doing out here. I got to talking to him. Told me his story: last night around 1AM he was driving when he was run off the road off the road by two vehicles; one a Blazer, and the other a really slick looking 4X4 he really didn’t know the kind or I didn’t understand him. Then two men, both over 50, got out and beat the hell out of him. He had walked all the way to the Marine Base where they stitched him up. He was out on his son’s motorcycle today trying to find his truck and was waiting for his wife and son to pick him up. I made sure he was well hydrated and made him run cold water over his head to prevent heat stroke. His wife drove up in a Uhaul truck and I help his son put the bike in the back of the truck and then they drove off thanking me. He said he made a police report.
I took the dogs for an evening walk.
I worked on my book...
Friday 16- 106 to 78
I went to bed at 3am and then Cassie woke me up at 5am for her and Barney’s biscuit and I couldn’t get back to sleep. I spent that time editing my book and finally falling to sleep at 10:30am.
I did my stretches and worked out with the 20lb dumbbells.
I took the doggies for an evening jog just around sunset.
Saturday 17- 110 to 80
I did my stretches, yoga, exercised with the 20lb dumbbells, and jogged a mile without the dogs; Oh they wanted to go alright, but the ground was way too hot for the pads on their paws.
I edited and posted my May Journal for all the world to see... I don’t think many do.
Sunday 18- 105 to 75 (record high)
Kept the dogs in the house during the hottest part of the day.
I worked on my book.
Monday 19- 116 to 84 degrees (record high)
Kept the dogs in the house all day long. It was already 104 when I went out to feed them.
I worked on my book.
Tuesday 20- 117 to 82 degrees (record high)
I did my stretches.
I kept the dogs inside out of the heat all day only letting them out at night.
I went to my appointment in Yucca Valley to get a booster shot. I stopped by Starters to pick up some supplies.
I worked editing my book... sure be nice to be done with it and write another.
Wednesday 21- 116 to 76 (record high)
Wednesday 21- 116 to 76 (record high)
Again, I did my stretches and stayed in the house with the dogs, and editing my book.
Thursday 22- 116 to 83 (record high)
I did my stretches and stayed in the house with the dogs, and editing my book.
Friday 23- 115 to 85 (record high)
And again, I did my stretches and stayed in the house with the dogs, and editing my book.
Saturday 24- 116 to 84 with some evening clouds. (record high)
We had a mighty fantastic potluck last Saturday. About twelve of us braved the heat of the day to scarf down lots of yummy food leaving us much sedated in the end. It was nice to see two of our prestigious community board members attending our little group of denizens of the desert at the same time; President Kip Fjeld and Vice President David King. I had a nice discussion with Kip about his book group. The group has meetings at different residents every month and invites real authors (ones who make real money writing) who are willing to travel hundreds of miles to give readings and discuss their books in front of an audience. It was great to see Dyan Carol again. She was away for a spell on personal business and we all gave her hugs welcoming her back. I cannot even begin to tell you how good the grub was. There was enough leftover for seconds and take home for everyone. I especially loved the scalloped potatoes with sharp cheddar cheese baked right to perfection.
Sunday 25- 113 to 82 (record high)
And again, I did my stretches and stayed in the house with the dogs, and editing my book.
It's been especially hard on the animals. I have a young coyote hiding under my trailer outside the fence. I never feed them, but this time I felt really sorry for the little guy/gal I put out a 5 gallon bucket of water for it and a dog biscuit.
Monday 26- 110 to 77 degrees.
I did my stretches, lifted 20lb dumbbells and stayed in the house with the dogs, and editing my book and finished the first edit pass.
I reorder my medication and they’ll FedEx it to me
Tuesday 27- 108 to 82 (finally no record heat!)
I did my stretches.
Waited for Fedex to arrive with my package with my meds because I didn’t want them sitting outside in this heat; he came at 4pm.
Called Amazon and told them I never received the shipping label. I talked their ears off telling them how bad OnTrac delivery service is. They said they’d UPS me the label and hand it off to the UPS person.
Wednesday 28- 106 to 75
I did my stretches and went to WalMart to get some much needed supplies to last over the long holiday weekend.
Thursday 29- 108 to 77
I did my stretches, lifted weights, went for a one mile jog by myself; just way too hot for the doggies, core trainer, and punched the heavybag for a short spell.
Friday30- 103 to 76
I did my stretches, exercised with the 20lb dumbbell, and went for a one mile jog by myself.
*************** Stuff I wrote this Month **************
Darken shadows, traveled swiftly, away from full moonrise. Simple pleasures, friends and family, stolen for all time. Thriving slowly, drift through pastures, ample warnings made. Weaving tendrils, fast and growing, feast upon my brain. Gifts of pleasure, lust and glory, lazy I must be. To float upon a sea of treasures, blind to what be there to see.
My sweet and slender, faithful mistress, gently loving me. Always caring, never boring, whose soft and tender, ample bosom I rest... waiting.
~RD
My late night ramblings...
I am so blessed to have walked this earth at a time of great change, creative people, and wonderful music. As a child I watched the first satellite fly over my backyard. I’ve seen the surface of other worlds from unmanned spacecraft and humans walk on the face of the Moon. I’ve seen inhuman acts and their consequences, I’ve also seen acts of extraordinary kindness go unnoticed. I experienced technology, science, and manufacturing murge closer creating unimaginable smaller products that ubiquitously invade our lives, but we can’t do without. I’ve seen friends too young pass on, old folks too dang stubborn to go do the same (I hope to fall into this category), and some evil ones who I believe we as a world would be better off if they weren’t never born. I would not trade my life to have been born in some other era, but I’d sure like to stick around for a while longer to see what happens next.
~RD
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