April 2019

April 2019 

Monday 01- a hazy day but nice. I did my stretches, core trainer, exercised on the weight bench, hit the heavybag, and took Cassie for a long walk. 

Kjtel came by in the afternoon for a cup of tea and a chat.

Tuesday 02- cloudy day. I did my stretches and took Cassie for a long walk.

I worked on the shower putting in the plumbing so it’ll drain outside. Took most of the day and still haven’t completed the job. I’ll have to work on this another day. So many projects, so little day to complete them all.

Wednesday 03- a very nice day. I did my stretches, core trainer, exercised on the weight bench, hit the heavybag, and took Cassie for a long walk.

I drove to Yucca Valley and my guest Kelly went along for the ride. We stopped at the pharmacy to pick up her prescriptions. I then dropped her off at WalMart to shop while I went to Home Depot to get materials for my new patio. Afterwards we both went to Stake & Shake for a hamburger and fries. 

Thursday 04- windy. I did my stretches, exercised with the 10 and 20 pound weights, and went on a mile jog with Cassie.

I worked on the new patio.

I went to movie night at the community center to watch “Mojave” (2015) written and directed by William Monahan, and starring Oscar Isaac, Garrett Hedlund, Mark Wahlberg, Louise Bourgoin, and Walton Goggins. I kinda liked the movie with its unexpected twists and turns. I'll give it a 4.5 for succeeding in fooling me a few times :)

Friday 05- cloudy with wind building up in the evening. I did my stretches, yoga, and took Cassie for a mile run.

I worked on the new patio all day.

Saturday 06- a windy but a nice day where the dark blue expanse of the sky opened up and drew me in and all I wanted to do is kickback and squander time by writing poetry. I did my stretches and went on a bike/run with Cassie.

I did my studies, practiced my guitar, and read aloud from the biology book.

Sunday 07- a very nice day. I did my stretches, core trainer, exercised on the weight bench, hit the heavybag, and took Cassie for a mile jog. Later we went for a bike/run and an evening walk.

I worked on the new patio again for most of the day putting up another cross beam. Slowly it’s all coming together.

I did my studies, practiced my guitar, and read aloud from the biology book.

Monday 08- overcast with a light breeze and temps into the high 80s. I did my stretches and took Cassie for a mile jog. 

I drove to the post office in Twentynine Palms to pick up some packages. I then went shopping at the supermarket there.

Kjtel came by with Bodie and we walked over to her house to have dinner and a movie: “The Highwaymen” (2019) Directed by John Lee Hancock. Starring Kevin Costner, Woody Harrelson, and Kathy Bates. About two Texas Rangers who went after Bonnie and Clyde in the 1930s. A very highly memorable movie that will come back to haunt you. The filming and directing was superb along with the stars who fit and acted their characters to a tee. It was nice to see the story told from the perspective of law enforcement exposing the wicked side to Bonnie and Clyde, and how the newspapers and radio romanticized them as heroes instead of the vicious violent psychopathic killers they were.

Tuesday 09- a very windy day. I did my stretches and stayed inside messing around with my antique computers.

Wednesday 10- still very windy! I did my stretches, yoga, and took Cassie for a bike/run. 

I worked on putting in the shower stall and hooking up the rest of the plumbing. What a big hassle it was. The whole shower is made of this hard to work with flimsy plastic sides that has to fit into these grooves. It took me all day to get them in placed, and once together had to remove it twice when the sides came undone. I felt like throwing the whole monstrosity outside in the dumpster.

Thursday 11- not quite as windy but cloudy and cold. I did my stretches and jogged a mile with Cassie.

I think I finished putting up the cross beams of the patio. I may have to put a few more on to make it a little more stable or maybe not.

I finished up working on the patio putting everything away and drove to the community center for movie night to watch, “Silence” (2019) Directed by John R. Leonetti. Starring Stanley Tucci, Kiernan Shipka, and Miranda Otto. The movie kept me entertained despite the errors. Everyone here kept asking why did they do this or not do that; leaving home without food was one, simple stuff like that. Oh, and coming to a highly secure fence surrounding a cabin and able to gain easy access by crawling through an oversized drain.  I’ll give it a C+

I remembered to do my nightly exercises... finally.

Friday 12- nice sunny but windy day. I did my stretches and took Cassie for a walk.

I drove to WalMart to pick up a few items and then shopped at Home Depot getting some caulking for the shower and a drain pipe hookup. 

Made a Doctor’s appointment in Yucca Valley for tingling in my right hand little finger and my pointing finger that’s been bugging me for the past two months. I thought it would get better, but I was mistaken.

Saturday 13- a wonderful day. I did my stretches, exercised with the 10 and 20 pound dumbbells, and took Cassie for a mile jog and later for a bike/run and an evening walk.

I did everything I had on my to do list for today: fixed leaky sink, caulked the whole shower, poop patrol, laundry and hung it out to dry, and did all of my studies, practiced guitar, and read aloud from the biology book.

Sunday 14- I did my stretches, core trainer, exercised on the weight bench, hit the heavybag, and took Cassie for a mile jog and later for a bike/run and an evening walk.

I drove on down to JT for the poetry reading at Space Cowboy Books. I took lots of pictures to share and even read one of my poems.

I got back just in time for me and Cassie to go over to Kjtel’s house and watch The Game Of Thrones.

I came back to do my studies, guitar, and read aloud from the biology textbook.

Monday 15- a bit windy with clouds. I did my stretches, yoga, went for a jog with my doggie. Later we went for a bike/run and an evening walk. 

I did my studies, guitar, and read aloud from the biology textbook.

I went to movie night but only stayed there for a little bit because the movie they were showing kinda sucked.

Tuesday 16- rain, cloudy, and windy. I did my stretches and took Cassie for a walk.

My guest Kelly came over and cooked us up some yummy corned beef sandwiches. 

I wanted for a delivery of my Latin study books I bought from Amazon but they never came. 

I did my studies, guitar, and read aloud from the biology textbook.

Wednesday 17- breezy but still a fine spring day. I did my stretches, exercised with the 10 and 20 pound dumbbells, and took Cassie for a mile jog. Later we went for an evening walk and a night jog.

I checked OnTrac online and their website said my Latin books were delivered. I called and spoke to the service rep. She said she would have the driver come by or call me today... they never came by or called.

I cleaned around the house straightening up the place and sweeping the dust bunnies from under the bed and in the corners.

I did my studies, guitar, and read aloud from the biology textbook.

Thursday 18- a very nice spring day. I did my stretches, core trainer, exercised on the weight bench, hit the heavybag, and took Cassie for a mile jog and later for a bike/run and an evening walk.

I called Amazon about my missing Latin books. The Rep was very nice and said she would have my books reordered and sent to me on Friday and if my lost order from OnTrac magically shows up to just send them back if I can.

I did my studies, guitar, and read aloud from the biology textbook.

Friday 19- a fair spring day. I did my stretches and took Cassie for a short walk. 

I kinda got bored and drove to do some shopping in Yucca Valley. I went to Staters Bros, and WalMart. I got hungry and got a quick meaty cheesy burrito at Taco Bell... it had something hard I bit down on and it turned out to be Fritos corn chips! It was mighty good!  

Saturday 20- a windy day! I did my stretches. I wasn’t feeling all that great and spent the time in bed writing.

Sunday 21-  another windy day. I did my stretches, core trainer, exercised on the weight bench, hit the heavybag, and took Cassie for a mile jog and later for a bike/run and an evening walk. 

I worked on the new patio a bit, but because of the high winds had to quit.

Monday 22- 

I did my stretches and exercised with the 10 and 20 pound dumbbells.

Tuesday 23- yoga 

I went to Joshua Tree to the Beatnik Cafe to listen to a few speakers talk about climate change, stopping the trapping of Bobcats, and someone yammered on and on about owning a Tesla. I talked with the lady who spoke on Climate Change and found out she was promoting the Green New Deal; didn’t sound promising of passing through Congress to me, but then again I didn’t think Trump would get elected President. I asked the speaker who owned the Tesla how much he paid a month; $600! That puts it way out of my reach!

Wednesday 24- very windy. I dropped my guest Kelly off at WalMart so she can do her shopping and then went to my Doctor’s appointment in Yucca Valley for tingling in my right little finger and my pointing finger... he believes it’s carpal tunnel and gave me prescriptions to fill.

Thursday 25- windy. I went to have my blood tested at LabCorp in Yucca. Shopped at Staters Bros, and then stopped off at Star Pharmacy to get my prescriptions filled. 

Went to Thursday movie night but they had changed it to Fridays from now on and didn’t tell me. I wonder what that’s all about? :)

Friday 26- sunny and hotter. I did my stretches.

I worked on a few things around the house. 

I missed Friday movie night because I didn’t feel well.

Saturday 27- cloudy and windy. I did my stretches and took Cassie for a walk. 

I cooked up some rice and headed on down to our community center. It took me awhile to notice (with all the yummy food around) that the theme for this month’s potluck was Easter with bunnies and colored egg candies decorating the fancy tablecloths. Dyan Carroll brought bunny treats of carrot cake, apple salad, and a biscuit and gravy casserole. Chris VanNortrick made us thump the ground and twitch our noses with a vegetable chili and veggie rice. Yvonne Francis proudly presented her four bean salad and scrumptious bunny lemon squares. Cal and Tina Myers hopped in with their mouth watering fruit tray fit for every bunny. Mary Rider hid her chicken enchiladas we had to hunt down. Pretty Patti Hughes came with her Easter basket filled with lemon breads and desserts. Charles Lange Bruce Kroeze, Gil Aiken, Mack Dodd, John Jacobsen, and Bruce Chronister, hopped on over telling bunny tales and donating large amounts of kindness and friendship. All in all it was a mighty fantastic Potluck.

Sunday 28- cloudy. I did my stretches and jogged a mile with Cassie. Hangnail on my foot is much better now.

I went right to work on the patio putting up reinforcement knee braces connecting on all the beams and posts; it doesn’t sway now, very sturdy.

Monday 29- windy and rainy. I did my stretches and took Cassie for a mile jog.

I went right to work painting and doing a wash of clothes. Then right in the middle of this large dark thunder clouds came whipping up my way. I continued to paint but I decided to leave my wash soak overnight. I had most of the patio painted before it just got too dang windy and cold.

Tuesday 30- very windy. I did my stretches. 

I hung my laundry out to dry that had been soaking all night.

I finished the first coat of paint on the patio, the wind was so hard it blew my ladder down twice before I had to call it quits.

FedEx delivered my two new 136 watt flexible Uni-Solar panels.

****************** Poems April 2019  *****************

Yup it's true... some people who borrow money have a lapse in memory when it comes to paying me back. I am not a bank I tells them. I really don’t expect to be paid back, I just gives them a bit of money and that is that. But when they comes back later asking me for more I says to them "What did ya do with the money I already gave to you?" I never had a one of them ask me again :)

~RD

***************************

March 2019

March 2019

Friday 01- nice and sunny in the mid morning and then lots of lenticular clouds came over the mountains and the winds started piping up around 2:30pm. I did my stretches, core trainer, exercised on the weight bench, punched on the heavybag for a spell, and took Cassie for a mile jog. Later her and me went for a bike/run.

I did my laundry and hung it out to dry. Did the poop patrol. Washed the mud from the last storm off all the cars. Filled the batteries with water.

I went over to Katherine Tate’s home to setup her printer she asked me to do last Tuesday at Dhamma Dena center; I was out of there in less than 20 minutes.

Saturday 02- very windy! I did my stretches, yoga, and took Cassie for a mile jog. Later we went for a bike/run.

I did all my studies, practiced guitar, and read aloud from the molecular biology book.

I listened to Astronomy Cast lectures Ep: 501: Water Worlds Revisited, and Ep. 502: No Touching: Determining Composition of Worlds Remotely

I remembered to do my “nightly exercises” tonight.

Stayed up late to watch SpaceX Dragon Crew spaceship dock with the ISS.

Sunday 03- nice sunny day. I did my stretches, core trainer, exercised with the 10 & 20 pound dumbbells, and took Cassie for a mile jog. Later we went for a bike/run.

I did another load of laundry and hung it out to dry. I started working on the south patio where I’ll install most all my solar panels.

I listened to Astronomy Cast lectures Ep: 20, and Ep: 21 about Transients in astronomy. 

Kjtel and I took our doggies for an evening.

Went back to work on the two driveways clearing them out getting them ready to move Kelly and her trailer over to her property.

I did all my studies, practiced my guitar, and read aloud from the molecular biology book.

I remembered to do my “nightly exercises” 

Monday 04- a little overcast but mostly sunny. I did my stretches, yoga, and jogged a mile with Cassie.

I drove to Star Pharmacy in JT to get a prescription refilled. There was an angry woman who came in the store yelling and complaining about having to wait and how an older lady at the counter was asking too many questions of Rocky the pharmacist. I left no wanting to listen to her bitchiness. I went to explore the area of the little mall that has a liquor store, a rock store, an Indian restaurant, a radio station, and a few other stores. I didn’t go into the rock store because I would be the only customer and would feel pressured to purchase something, so I went exploring inside the tobacco shop and chatted with the sales girl. I went back to the pharmacy and the angry woman wasn’t there. I started jarring with one of the customers (Mark) telling him about that woman when in she comes complaining again; she had only went to the restroom. The staff handed her prescriptions and was happy to be rid of her, but to run after her finding she had walked off with the restroom key.  

Worked on the two driveways again getting them nearly drivable.

I did all my studies, practiced my guitar, and read aloud from the molecular biology book. 

I remembered to do my nightly exercises. 

Tuesday 05- partly cloudy and then wind and a bit of rain in the evening. I did my stretches, core trainer, exercised on the weight bench, punched on the heavybag for a spell, and took Cassie for a mile jog. Later her and me went for a bike/run.

I did all my studies, practiced my guitar, and read aloud from the molecular biology book. 

Cassie and I was invited over to visit Kjtel and Bodie. We had blueberry pie and tea while we watched a sci-fi movie that wasn’t all that good. It started to rain as I was getting ready to leave and waited until it stopped.

I remembered to do my nightly exercises; just have to get it down into a routine and it’ll become automatic. 

I did all my studies, practiced my songs on the guitar, and read aloud.

Wednesday 06- cloudy, rain, and windy. I did my stretches and went for a mile jog with Cassie. We went for a bike/run later in the afternoon.

I did my studies. Practiced my guitar. Did my nighty stretches.

Thursday 07- I did my stretches, core trainer, exercised on the weight bench, hit the heavybag for a spell, and took Cassie on a mile run. A little later we went for a bike/run before I left for the post office to pick up a used laptop I purchased on Ebay.

I went to Movie Night at our community center and watched, “Thunderbolt and Lightfoot” (1974) Clint Eastwood and Jeff Bridges.

Friday 08- windy and cold. I did my stretches, core trainer, exercised on the weight bench, punched the heavybag, and took Cassie for a 1.5 mile jog. A little later we went for a bike/run and an evening walk.

I setup the used Lenovo X220 Tablet, i5, 4GB, 320GB, Win 10 Pro. I like it for its smaller screen size of 12.5” and the nice keyboard.

Saturday 09- sunny but a bit cold. I did my stretches, yoga, and took Cassie for a mile and a half jog, later a bike/run, and an evening walk.

Played around on my computers.

I did my studies, practiced my guitar, read aloud, and did my nightly stretches.

Sunday 10- a cold damp day. I did my stretches, exercised with the 10 and 20 pound dumbbells, and took Cassie for a mile jog. Later we went for a bike/run and an evening walk.

A funny thing happened on my way to the poetry reading today and ended not going (3rd month in a row). After I heard a loud noise I felt the car become kinda wavy. I made it as far as the paved road when I discover the flat. I had to put the donut on and then drive back the way I came to see if I could find whatever I hit, so no one else would run over it.

Monday 11- cloudy and a bit windy with rain starting in the evening. I did my stretches, core trainer, exercised on the weight bench, punched the heavybag for a spell, and took Cassie for a Jog and later for a bike/run.

Went to the community center’s movie night and watched, “Law Abiding Citizen” (2009) starring Jamie Foxx and F. Gary Gray.

Tuesday 12- rained most of the day. I was able to take Cassie for a jog in the evening and then the wind picked up.

I spent most of the day messing around inside the house doing this and that. 

Wednesday 13- cloudy, cold, and windy. I did my stretches, jogged a mile and a half with Cassie and took her for a bike/run later in the evening.

I listened to Astronomy Cast lectures Ep: 

Started copying all my CD albums over into my old Mac Laptop.

Thursday 14- sunny and cool. I did my stretches, exercised with the 10 & 30 pound dumbbells and took Cassie for a mile jog. Later we went for a bike/run.

I finished copying all my CD albums onto the Mac Laptop.

I went to movie night at the community center but played Scrabble with Kjtel, Sara, and Jeff instead of watching the movie “Bad Ass 2: Bad Asses” (2014) starring Danny Trejo and Danny Glover. On leaving I found that my donut spare tire went flat. Had to call AAA to have it towed. Wade the driver showed up about forty minutes later, hooked me up and towed me home; very nice man. 

Friday 15- sunny and windy but warmer. 

Celebrated St. Patrick’s Day at the community center. 

Saturday 16- warmer, nice and sunny. I did my stretches, yoga, core trainer, exercised on the weight bench, punched the heavybag, and took Cassie for a mile jog.

My guest cat escaped during the night a few months ago and we had spent hours looking but never found the poor kitty. Well someone called saying they found a cat that matches the description. I drove my guest to Yucca Valley to get her cat, but it wasn’t her’s. She decided to give the cat a home and we brought it back to her trailer. 

Sunday 17- sunny and warm. I did my stretches and took Cassie for a bike/run.

Monday 18- cloudy with lots of wind... I did my stretches and stayed inside with Cassie. Worked on some of my projects I have and writing poems. 

Tuesday 19- a wonderful day. I did my stretches and hopped into my truck and headed down with the both the new rim for the flat, and the piece of crap donut tire. I stopped off at Big O Tire and was helped by Diago who fixed the donut but was unable to use the tire from the dented rim. He has to order a new tire for me and it should be in tomorrow he said. Then I went to get the truck smogged at Smoggy’s, it passed and I paid him $65. I stopped off at Stater Bros to get a few supplies. Got home and went online to the DMV and register the truck.

Cassie and I went to visit Kjtel and Bodie. We ate tacos and watched “Ocean’s 8” Starring Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling; Kjtel and I gave it a B- because the music was too loud and drowned out what the actors were saying.

Wednesday 20- cloudy and windy, but warm. I did my stretches and took Cassie for a mile jog.

I went to collect some packages from the post office in Twentynine, then I went to get my tire at Big O Tire. After I stopped off at McDonald’s for a chicken sandwich I drove to Home Depot to pick up a park bench.

Thursday 21- we had a surprise rain lasting into the evening; started right after I hung my laundry out to dry. I did my stretches, core trainer, worked out on the weight bench, punched the heavybag, and took Cassie for a mile and a half run.

I put the park bench together while I did my laundry.

Stayed mostly inside because of the rain.

At 8pm Kjtel picked me up and we went to Smith Ranch drive-in in Twentynine to see “Alita: Battle Angel” (2019) Directed by Robert Rodriguez. Starring Rosa Salazar, Christoph Waltz, and Jennifer Connelly.

Friday 22- very nice sunny day. I did my stretches and went for a mile jog with Cassie. Later we both went for a bike/run.

I put the inversion table together and tested it out. It was my first time on one and I got stuck. I wasn’t even quarter of the way, just on the easy setting. Kjtel said she has one in LA and will show me some tips on using one.

Saturday 23- nice day but a bit windy; I ain’t complaining. I did my stretches, core trainer, weight bench, hit the heavybag, and went on a mile jog with Cassie.

Worked repotting some of my aloe vera plants, and then did some work on the new patio measuring things out.

Last night I placed a bid for an old 1983 Kaypro 2 computer and won! My first time winning anything on Ebay! I guess you know by now I am a collector of old computers... kinda a hobby. I enjoy fixing them and running old programs on them.

Sunday 24- a very nice day to kick back. I did my stretches. 

Monday 25- a nice sunny day. I did my stretches, lifted weights, went for a good mile jog with Cassie, core trainer, and sit-ups punched the heavybag. 

Went to Movie Night and watched “Heat” (1995) Directed by Michael Mann. Starring Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, and Val Kilmer. Intense movie but way too long; 2h and 50m. I believe the film could be edited down to an hour and thirty minutes without losing any meaningful content.

Tuesday 26- hazy day but warm. I did my stretches, yoga, and went for a mile jog with Cassie. Spent a good amount of time hunting down my level to align the base of the patio.

Wednesday 27- another nice hazy day. I did my stretches, exercised with the 10 and 20 pound dumbbells, and took Cassie for a mile jog. Later we went for a bike/run and an evening walk.

I worked on the new patio putting upright the 3 main posts on their piers.

FedEx delivered my new ladder I bought at Home Depot.

I remembered to do my nightly stretches.

Thursday 28- a very windy day. I did my stretches, lifted weights, went for a good mile jog with Cassie, core trainer, and sit-ups punched the heavybag. 

I worked on the new patio putting up the cross beams and alining everything up with my level.

Went to movie night and saw, “Triple Frontier” (2019) Directed by J.C. Chandor. With Ben Affleck, Oscar Isaac, Charlie Hunnam, Garrett Hedlund; a real thriller.

Friday 29- windy with sun. I did my stretches and went right to work on the new patio. I worked into the evening until I ran out of screws and nails. I’ll have to go down next week and pick up more building supplies.

Saturday 30- very nice sunny day. I did my stretches, core trainer, exercised on the weight bench, hit the heavybag for a spell, and took Cassie for a mile jog.

I got all dressed up and drove to potluck trying to avoid the Painted Lady butterflies migrating through our area carrying out Kamikaze attacks on our windshields. There were about 20 denizens of the desert attending. Dyan Carroll, John Jacobsen, Cal Mayers, and Elizabeth West collectively dominated potluck with their fried chicken, broccoli salad, baked beans, roasted potatoes, buttered carrots, hi rollers, and a face stuffing banana pudding trifle. Jeff Dongvillo waltz in with his stick to your ribs corned beef and cabbage. Pretty Patti Hughes carefully ladled out her scrumptious turkey soup to our eagerly awaiting bowls, a side of steaming buttered dinner rolls, peanut butter pie, and dinner mints. Chris VanNortrick presented her earth shattering vegetable chili and rice cupcakes.Yvonne Francis delighted us with two large pizzas and her chocolate brownies. Gil and Bruce hurded up a bunch of animal crackers. Charles Lange brought a donation and a big smile that lit up the room. I can imagine we were all mighty stuffed when we left for home; I know I sure was.

I took Cassie for a bike/run for being a good dog and waiting for me to come home from potluck.

Sunday 31- another nice sunny day. I did my stretches and took Cassie for a bike/run.

********************* January’s Potluck **************

Here’s January’s Potluck.. It was cut off at the end of my January Journal along with about 10 days worth of journaling:

Well I blew it. I am entrusted with the potluck list of delicious food that everyone brings. I take this list to write a report, which Annelies adds to her column and sends it away to the Hi-Desert Star to be read on Saturday. This list I lost somewheres between here and there, my backpack to bedroom it just disappeared. All the names and specialty items have gone up in smoke, only sweet memories of eating and the stories we spoke. Spending hours I did rummaging through my desk, and the trash of smelly garbage I do dearly detest. Hoping and searching but I could not find, so I’ll just say Potluck was wonderful, like it is all the time... but I only do wish I had found that dang potluck list.

****************** Poems February 2019  *****************

As I grow older I find it easier to forgive people and learned to avoid those I may have to forgive. 

~RD

Sometimes I forget my roots and need to revisit an era when the songs of my youth can drag my soul back down to earth... gently
~RD

Just being yourself, being original is what really matters. Pretenders and their followers suck you in and hold you down. Be crazy, be happy, and happy crazy people will join you in the happiness of being unbounded.

~RD

The older I get the better I feel about getting older 🤗

~RD

*************************

February 2019

February 2019

Friday 01- a very nice day. I did my stretches and took Cassie for a mile jog. 

I went into Yucca Valley to get gas, food at Staters Bros, and lumber at Home Depot to build an extension to my south facing patio and move my solar panels there.

I got home and put all the groceries away and then took Cassie for a bike run. Later in the evening we went for a mile jog.

I continued to edit my book the rest of the night.

Saturday 02- dark and gloomy and rained most of the day starting around 2pm. I did my stretches, yoga, and took Cassie for a mile and a half jog. 

I took all the wood I bought off the truck and put them where I’m going to build: 10 2x4x16’ and 10 4x4x8’ I was pretty tired when I got down moving all of this.

I continued to edit my book the rest of the night.

Sunday 03- sunny but with a cold breeze. I did my stretches, exercised with the 10&20 lbs dumbbells, and took Cassie for a mile jog.

I went to our community’s Super Bowl Sunday Game.

I got home around 8pm kinda disappointed the Rams didn’t win.

I continued to edit my book the rest of the night.

Monday 04- it rained and drizzled most of the day. I did my stretches, yoga, and took Cassie for a walk.

I went to our Monday Movie Game Night.

I continued to edit my book the rest of the night.

Tuesday 05- very windy all day. I did my stretches and took Cassie for a walk.

I received the shipment from OnTrack that was supposed to be delivered yesterday. It contained the battery for my new laptop. 

I droved to Twentynine Palms to pick up a package for an extender and 4GB of Memory at the post office.

I took Cassie for a walk when I got home.

I continued to edit my book the rest of the night.

Wednesday 06- again it was very windy. I did my stretches and exercised with the 20 pound weights.

I drove into Yucca to get my 3 propane bottles filled and went to Home Depot to get a few things I need to build my new porch in the back.

I continued to edit my book the rest of the night.

Thursday 07- nice day cold night. I did my stretches, worked out on the weight bench, took Cassie for a mile jog.

I went to Tractor Supply to purchase a 300 gallon Rubbermaid heavy duty plastic tub that I am going to use as during the summer as a tub. I brought it home, unloaded it, got back in the truck and went to Home Depot to get roll roofing supplies (very heavy) and stopped off at WalMart to pick up a 4 burner barbecue. Took that all home and unloaded it.

Cassie wanted to go for a bike run, so we went for a mile, and later in the evening we went for a walk.

I went to Movie Night at the community center and saw, “The Cloverfield Paradox” I don’t think anyone understood and starring folks I never heard of.

I continued to edit my book the rest of the night.

Friday 08- I did my stretches, yoga, and took Cassie for a mile jog. A little later we went for a bike ride run. I dismantled the old flunky pool I bought last summer and tossed it in the garbage.

I took Cassie for a walk. 

I continued to edit my book the rest of the night and finally finished it! There might be some little tweeks I need to make on the poems I planted at the beginning of each chapter but it looks mighty good to me. 114000 words written! Longest dang book I ever wrote.

Saturday 09- a little cloudy with some clouds with a high of 50 degrees. I did my stretches, core trainer, worked out on the weight bench, and jogged a mile with Cassie. I later took her for a bike run.

In the evening we journeyed over to visit Kjtel for a spell and had tea. Her Mac laptop was broken. I took it home and fixed it.

Sunday 10- really cold and windy starting around noon and lasting all night. I did my stretches and Cassie and me went on a 1.5 mile jog. I was getting ready for the Poetry reading but decided it was too cold and windy to sit in the outside theater. I called and talked to my Brother on Skype for almost an hour. My good friend Jimmy then called on his way to Tucson and we spent about 2 hrs yammer on phone getting up-to-date with our lives. I found out later from Kjtel that they had moved the poetry reading inside. 

Monday 11- nice sunny day but kinda cold. I did my stretches, yoga, and went for a mile jog with Cassie. Later I took her for a long bike run she likes so much. She yelps and jumps with joy when I start bringing the bike out and it’s a joy for me to watch her enthusiasm. 

I been digging out Kelly’s driveway on her property so I can get her trailer moved off my property and onto her’s.

Had a nice talk with my sister Lynn.

I went to the Movie Night and we watched something about cars “Death Race” starring Jason Statham; very intense.

Tuesday 12- overcast most of the afternoon. I did my stretches and took Cassie for a bike run.

I drove to Home Depot to pick up some more lumber and roofing material. Stopped off at WalMart to purchase a cover for my new barbecue.

Arrived home, unloaded everything, took Cassie for a walk.

Wednesday 13- cloudy with sprinkles all dang day long. I did my stretches, core trainer, weight bench, exercised with the 10 and 20 pound dumbbells, jogged a mile with Cassie. I decided I better do as much exercises today because it looks like heavy rain tomorrow.

I needed to screw down the windows of the guest trailer; still waiting for my guest to leave.

Now that my book is almost complete I can get back to my studies: pre-algebra, anatomy coloring book, Python programing. I read aloud from the molecular biology book. The reason I am reading aloud is in the hopes this can make me a better speaker at the poetry readings.

Cassie and I went for an evening jog.

Watched some educational videos as I do this all the time; I just haven’t mentioned them here in my journal.

Wrote a poem about getting old.

Thursday 14- rained all day and into the night. Lake Lucille formed at the bottom of my hill. I ain't going anywheres today or maybe for the next couple of days until it dries up some. It might not look deep but it's 2 to 3 feet with mud underneath. Cars get stuck there all the time when it's flooded. Me and Cassie just stayed inside and kept each other company.

Friday 15- clouds but some sunshine here and there to charge up my batteries. I did my stretches, yoga, and took Cassie for a mile jog. Later we went for a bike run and an evening mile jog. I did the poop patrol. 

I started digging out a driveway on Kelly’s property so I can get her moved out and over there. I have to dig out another driveway on my property so I can move her trailer off.

I remembered to do my “nightly exercises” tonight.

I did all my studies and practiced playing my guitar.

Saturday 16- sunny but breezy. I did my stretches, exercised with the 10 and 20 pound dumbbells, took Cassie for a mile jog. Later we went for a bike run, and then an evening mile jog.

I did all my studies and practiced guitar. I read aloud from the molecular biology book.

Sunday 17- very windy and cold; it rained in the evening around 8pm. I did my stretches, core trainer, exercised on the weight bench, punched the heavy bag, and took Cassie for a mile jog. Later we went for a evening mile jog.

I remembered to do my “nightly exercises” tonight.

I did all my studies, practiced guitar, and read aloud,

Monday 18- sunny with a cold breeze. I did my stretches, yoga, and took Cassie for a mile jog.

I went to Home Depot in Yucca to pick up 12 15/32 in. x 4 ft. x 8 ft. Oriented Strand Board, some nails, and 10 1-1/2 in. x 1-1/2 in. x 10 ft. Galvanized Steel Drip Edge Flashing.

I got home and took Cassie for a bike run. Kjtel dropped by on her way home from LA to say hi. She helped me unload the the plywood.

I stopped by her house before going to Movie Night (Wheelman) to visit for a short spell. I got back home at 9:30pm and was mighty tired, didn’t want to do much but read a few educational and self help stuff on YouTube, and surf the web. 

Tuesday 19- a very sunny but cold day. I did my stretches, exercised with the 10 and 2- pound dumbbells, and jogged a mile with Cassie.

I went again to Yucca Valley to WalMart and Home Depot to purchase fencing material two rolls of 5 ft. x 100 ft. 14-Gauge Welded Wire, twenty-one  1-3/4 in. x 3-1/2 in. x 5 ft. Green Steel Fence T-Post, and twelve 2 in. x 4 in. x 104-1/4 in. Prime Green Douglas Fir Stud.

I arrived home and got it all unloaded and took Cassie for a bike/run, and later we went for an evening mile jog. 

I did all my studies and played my guitar.

Wednesday 20- very cold with high winds. I did my stretches, core trainer, weight bench, hit at the heavybag for a short spell, and jogged a mile with Cassie. Later we went on a bike/run for a mile and did an evening run. I wanted to get as much exercise in because it might snow tomorrow says the weather forecast.

I did my studies. Practiced my guitar.

Thursday 21- snow! It's officially snowing here in the high desert! It's Cassie's first snowfall and she doesn't know what to do but blends in very well with her black and white fur. Cassie woke me up to let her outside at around 7-7:30AM I usually don't get up this early except when she want out. I think it might have been earlier because I was so awestruck by all the snow when I let Cassie out to pee I didn't think to check the time. Cassie didn’t want to go out into it until I walked out and then she romped around in the snow trying to catch the snowflakes.

Friday 22- cold high winds blowing hard enough to chill your bones to the marrow. I did my stretches.

Saturday 23- I did my stretches, yoga, and took Cassie for a mile run. Later we went for a bike/run.

It’s been one hell of a month being drenched in rain and finally by lots of snow. Over twenty denizens of desert braved our bumpy potholed infested washed out unpaved rural roads, crossing deep rutted large pools of standing muddy water to reach our community potluck. Chris VanNortrick stirred up a veg bean stew with cornbread. Jeff Dongvillo simmered a pot of apples and beans. Mack Dodd brought a tasty tuna salad. Elizabeth West stuffed us all with her stuffing, mashed potatoes, and blueberry cobbler cranberry jelly. Kjtel Byers tossed us an apple blueberry ginger salad. Kip Fjeld brought his famous guacamole and chips. Patti with an i, whipped us up a scrumptious cranberry salad and sweet potato pie. Yvonne Francis inspired us with her asparagus alfredo. Dyan Carroll basted two fat turkeys and brought steamy gravy drippings from the pan, a broccoli salad, and a mouthwatering lemon trifle, yikes! We were all content to sit around yammering on about this and that and other things of great importance while stuffing our faces with the most yummy grub you’ll ever find on planet earth.

Sunday 24- nice sunny day but a little cold still. I did my stretches, core trainer, exercised on the weight bench, punched the heavybag, and took Cassie for a mile run. Later we went for a bike/run.

I messed around with the Lenovo X131e laptop trying to get another OS onto it.

Monday 25- nice sunny and warmer day. I did my stretches, yoga, and took Cassie for a mile jog.

I drove to Home Depot to purchase 2” by 10” PVC pipe and 16 pavers.

I was asked by a friend to check on my neighbor Roger and found him to be okay. I stopped off at Kjtel’s for tea and we took our doggies for a walk.

I went to movie night. We watched “Logan’s Run” (1976) Jenny Agutter and Michael York.

Tuesday 26- overcast all day and into the evening; colder. I did my stretches and Cassie and I went for a mile jog. Later I took her for a bike/run. 

I drove to the post office to pick up another Lenovo X131e but this one comes with an AMD processor. 

Canceled my Boost Mobile service I wasn’t using the service much.

At 7:30pm I attended Ruth Denison's anniversary of her passing at the Dhamma Dena center.

Wednesday 27- nice, sunny and warmer. I did my stretches, worked out with the 10 & 20 pound dumbbells, and took Cassie for a mile run.

I went again to Home Depot to purchase more lumber; ten 2x4x8 and four 4x4x8.

Cassie and I were invited over to Kjtel’s for a sandwich and a movie, “Black Sea” (2014) director Kevin Macdonald... starring Jude Law. Kept me and Kjtel on the edge of our seats. Very intense and emotional movie. Sometimes we couldn't make out what the actors were saying because of their thick accents, but we figured it out by the way the Director worked the scenes. Very well done.

Thursday 28- a very nice sunny day. I did my stretches, yoga, and took Cassie for a mile and a half job. Later we went for a bike/run.

I messed around with my computers loading up Linux Mint on one.

I went to Movie and Game night at the community center and saw, “The Prince” (2014) directed by Brian A. Miller, starring Jason Patric, Bruce Willis, John Cusack, and Rain. We all had to laugh that none of the bad guys could shot and hit anything but the walls and floors.

****************** Poems February 2019  *****************

You might believe I'm old, dirt poor and crazy for wearing old tattered jeans.
My clothes are so threadbare but ya knows they be clean.
You might think I'm lazy cause I sleep until noon.
Never been a morning person I write into night's gloom.
You might see me ponder lost in thoughts so deep.
You may learn of my weakness as I talk in my sleep.
Never concerned about wealth, you might think I have failed.
It's just I don’t give a damn as I wander through life's dark clouds of hail.
But it really doesn’t matter what you think or believe.
You’ll be old and crazy too if you live as long as me.
~RD

While journeying through life’s little mysteries and missteps remember to treat everything as an adventure no matter how mundane and always greet your dog with enthusiasm.

~RD

*************************

January 2019

January 2019

Cassie New Year’s Day the morning after our midnight run into 2019

Tuesday 01- A cold morning and no clouds when I did my stretches, core trainer, weight bench, hit at the heavybag for a short spell, and jogged a 1.5 miles with Cassie.

I called and talked to Family and Friends, and some called and talked to me.

I did my studies.

I did my nightly stretches, practiced my guitar and went to bed.

Wednesday 02- I did my stretches, yoga, core trainer, punched the heavybag, and took Cassie for a 1.5 mile jog.

I cut a bunch of wood for the wood stove... been getting kinda cold lately.

I took Cassie for a mile evening jog.

I did my studies.

I did my nightly stretches, practiced my guitar and went to bed.

Thursday 03- I did my stretches, core trainer, hit the heavybag, exercised with the 10&20 pound dumbbells, and went for a 1,5 mile jog with Cassie.

Worked around in the yard.

Did my studies.

Cassie and I went to Kjtel’s house for dinner and a movie.

Friday 04- I did my stretches and jogged a mile with Cassie.

I was in a writing mood today.

Saturday 05- It rained most of the day mostly sprinkles.  

I did my stretches and jogged a mile with Cassie.

I did my studies.

I took Cassie for a mile evening jog.

I did my nightly stretches, practiced my guitar and went to bed.

Sunday 06- I did my stretches and jogged a mile with Cassie.

I did my studies.

I took Cassie over to Kjtel and Bodie’s house to watch the rest “The Kominsky Method.”

Monday 07- I got up early, fed the dog, threw on my clothes, jumped in the car, stopped for gas, drove to my doctor’s appointment in Yucca Valley, shopped at WalMart, picked up my mail, and drove home.

I went to Movie Night at our community center. 

Tuesday 08- I did my stretches, exercised with the 10&20 pound dumbbells, and jogged a mile with Cassie.

I did my studies.
I took Cassie for an evening mile jog.

Wednesday 09- I did my stretches, yoga, core trainer, punched the heavybag, and jogged a mile with Cassie.

I did my laundry.

I rode the scooter to my mailbox on Lear Ave.

I took Cassie for an evening mile jog.

I did my studies.

I did my nightly stretches, practiced my guitar and went to bed.

Thursday 10- a nice sunny day. I did my stretches, core trainer, worked out on the weight bench, punched the heavybag, and jogged 1.5 miles with Cassie.

I did my studies.

I took Cassie for a bike ride. First time since she pulled me down hard to the ground a few months ago. I found a better place to tie her leash so this may not happen again.

I went to movie night at our community center and watched “Left Behind” starring Nicolas Cage; we all had a good laugh.

Friday 11- A bit cloudy. I did my stretches and jogged a mile with Cassie.

Looks to be raining for the next couple of days so I gathered up some firewood, I did the poop patrol, and put things away I don’t want to get wet. 

I took Cassie for a mile evening jog.

I wrote Abrir Cerrado's title "Coefficient" While it might not be what you may have thought I'd write... it also needs lots of editing 847 words long.

Saturday 12- Rainy all day long. I did my stretches and exercised with the 10&20 pound dumbbells.

I wrote Charlene Ricks's title "Freedom" While it might not be what you may have thought I'd write... it also needs lots of editing 1222 words long.

Sunday 13- I did my stretches, core trainer, worked out on the weight bench, punched the heavybag, and jogged 1.5 miles with Cassie.

I didn’t feel well later in the day and missed going to the poetry reading.

I did my studies.

Monday 14- rained all day. I did my stretches.

Tuesday 15- still raining with thick fog in the morning. 

I did my studies.

I did my nightly stretches, practiced my guitar and went to bed.

Wednesday 16- party cloudy. I did my stretches, core trainer, worked out on the weight bench, punched the heavybag, and jogged 1.5 miles with Cassie.

I did my studies.

Took Cassie out for a bike ride. She loves it.

I did my nightly stretches, practiced my guitar and went to bed.

Thursday 17- I did my stretches.

Went to movie night at the community center and saw the “Wild Bunch” a 1969 western.

Friday 18- didn’t feel well and spent most of the day in bed.

Saturday 19- Sunny day. I did my stretches, yoga, and took Cassie for a mile jog.

Took Cassie for an evening run with the bicycle.

My good friend Michael’s Mom Beverly passed away. She was a good friend to me too. I will miss talking to her.

Sunday 20- Somewhat overcast. I did my stretches, core trainer, weight bench, hit at the heavybag for a short spell, and jogged 1.5 miles with Cassie.

I took Cassie for a bike ride around the neighborhood... later we went for an evening jog.

December 2018

December 2018 

Saturday 01- I did my stretches, core trainer, weight bench, hit at the heavybag for a short spell, and jogged a 1.5 miles with Cassie.

FedEx delivered what was supposed to be an old Lenovo X131E Chromebook, but instead the package contained an iPad Mini. I emailed the ebay merchant to send me what I ordered.

Sunday 02- I did my stretches, core trainer, weight bench, hit at the heavybag for a short spell, and jogged 1.5 miles with Cassie.
I went to a book release: Lots of good folks showed up for Space Cowboy's first science fiction paperback anthology "Simultaneous Times" featuring stories by: Jakes Bayley, Jon Christopher, Robert Deloyd, Jean-Paul L. Garnier, Gabriel Hart, Brent A. Harris, and Zara Kand.

Monday 03- I did my stretches, yoga, and took Cassie for a 1.5 mile jog.

I went to the post office in Twentynine Palms to pick up my TRS 80 Model 100. I bought this broken one because I needed the keyboard for another Model 100 I had since the ‘80s. A surprise was the Microsoft MultiPlan chip inside that I popped into my Model 102 to find out what it contained; a spreadsheet program.
Kjtel and Bodie came over and we went for a nice walk.

I went to Monday Night Football at the community center.

I installed the the keyboard from the broken model 100 I just bought into my old model 100; now it works fine.

Tuesday 04- I did my stretches and went for a mile jog with Cassie.

After getting no response from the ebay merchant I called and they said they’d send it out with a return label for the iPad Mini and should arrive this Friday.

I went to my 3:30 Doctor’s appointment in Yucca Valley. I dropped friend Kelly off at WalMart so she could do her shopping and picked her up when I was done with my appointment. 

Wednesday 05- Rain most of the day

I did my stretches. 

Thursday 06- Rain all day.

I did my stretches, yoga, and when there was a break in the rain went for a mile jog with Cassie.

I went to Thursday Game Night 

Friday 07- I did my stretches, core trainer, weight bench, hit at the heavybag for a short spell, and jogged 1.5 miles with Cassie.
Cassie and I went over to Kjtel and Bodie’s house for dinner and a movie. Watched two episodes of “The Kominsky Method” starring Michael Douglas, Alan Arkin, and Susan Sullivan... very funny show. We will only watch an episode when we’re together.

Saturday 08- I did my stretches, jogged a mile with Cassie, and yoga.

Sunday 09- I did my stretches and jogged a mile with Cassie.

I went to Space Cowboy Books poetry reading and read a poem of mine.

Monday 10- I did my stretches, exercised with the 10 & 20 pound dumbbells, and jogged 1.5 miles with Cassie.
I went to the post office to pick up another TRS 10 Model 100.

Monday Night football 

Tuesday 11- I did my stretches, core trainer, weight bench, hit at the heavybag for a short spell, and jogged 1.5 miles with Cassie.

Wednesday 12- I did my stretches, core trainer, weight bench, hit at the heavybag for a short spell, and jogged 1.5 miles with Cassie.

I took Cassie out for an evening mile run.

Thursday 13- I did my stretches, core trainer, worked out with the 10 & 20 pound dumbbells, and jogged 1.5 miles with Cassie.

I went to the post office to pick up a package.

I did my stretches, core trainer, weight bench, hit at the heavybag for a short spell, and took Cassie for a 1.5 mile jog.

I went to Thursday Family Game Night at our community center.

Friday 14- I did my stretches, core trainer, weight bench, hit at the heavybag for a short spell, and jogged 1.5 miles with Cassie.

I went to the post office to pick up and a non working TRS 80 Model 100 I bought for cheap I’m using for parts.

Saturday 15- I did my stretches, core trainer, worked out with the 10 & 20 pound dumbbells, and jogged 1.5 miles with Cassie.

I worked on another TRS 80 Model 100 and got it working with parts salvaged from another I bought and received last Friday.

Sunday 16- I was sick all night with stomach pains and didn’t get to sleep until 8am and slept till 3pm.

I did my stretches, core trainer, punched the heavybag, and jogged a mile with Cassie.
I worked on putting together the composter but the night fell upon me and I had to call it quits.

I just got back inside after finding the Comet Wirtanen as it passed by the Earth in the skies near Taurus...it's very diffused and hard to see. It was easier to spot if I took off my glasses. In my SkyMaster 20X80 binoculars it still appeared as a smudge but I did see a bit of color; mostly gray. So first try looking for the comet without your glasses if you are nearsighted, and if you are farsighted try blurring your vision... it's about the size of the Moon :)

Gave notice on FaceBook: “I'll be taking some time off to work on a book I need to get publish. I have a whole bunch of titles for short stories submitted by you my FaceBook friends to write... I've completed 15 short stories so far and 1 poem :)
I be checking in on you here from time to time... Love you all... best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season <3 bob="" deloyd="" span="">

Monday 17- I did my stretches, yoga, core trainer, hit the heavybag, jogged a mile with Cassie, and worked out on the weight bench.

I worked on putting together the composter and I finally had it all together. I had to take the top off again because I didn’t follow the dang instructions, so I got pretty good at fitting the parts back and screwing them down. 

I took Cassie for her evening mile jog.

I went to our CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) Christmas Party at the Sizzler tonight and had a lot of fun with some dedicated folks. We had members of the new board sworn in by Battalion Chief Scott Tuttle. We had a gift exchange. Somehow towards the end when everyone was leaving it was announced I was the new webmaster of the CERT website; I didn't volunteer, they just made it so.

I stopped off at WalMart to pick up some doggie treats because I was running low on them and Cassie would have a fit...

I did my nightly stretches (I just started these), practiced my guitar and went to bed.

Tuesday 18- I did my stretches, yoga, core trainer, punched the heavybag, and went on a 1.5 mile jog with Cassie.

I filled the tires on the Truck and the Mini Cooper.

I went on poop patrol.

I took Cassie for an evening mile jog.

I went to Burger King with my trailer guest for dinner.

I did my nightly stretches, practiced my guitar and went to bed.

Wednesday 19- I did my stretches, core trainer, exercised with the 10 and 20 pound dumbbells, punched the heavybag, and went on a 1.5 mile jog with Cassie.

I worked on the 2 cycle generator and got it running, but the idle drifts like it has an air leak. Not really sure what the first problem was, but at least it started. 

I put air in my Chevy Spark tires, now the computer will stop hounding me to do it.

I took Cassie on an evening mile jog.

I did my studies.

I did my nightly stretches, practiced my guitar and went to bed.

Thursday 20- I did my stretches, core trainer, exercised with the weight bench, punched the heavybag, and went on a a mile jog with Cassie.

I did my studies.

I went to our Thursday Family Game Night. I was asked to make up a flyer for the events for January. I had it done as soon as I got home and sent it to them for review.

I did my nightly stretches, practiced my guitar and went to bed.

Friday 21- I did my stretches and then drove down the hill to Palm Desert for a doctor’s appointment. Left at 12:45 got there at 2:30 and left there at 4PM Got home at around 6PM. I’ll just call it a day.

Saturday 22- I did my stretches, yoga, jogged with Cassie 1.5 miles.

Worked in the yard, did some composting and watering of plants.

Took Cassie for an evening jog of a mile.

I wrote a short story for Lizzy Lang's title "The Sand Timer" While it might not be what you may have thought I'd write... it also needs lots of editing 526 words long.  

I did my nightly stretches, practiced my guitar and went to bed.

Sunday 23- I did my stretches, core trainer, exercised with the weight bench, punched the heavybag, and went on a a mile jog with Cassie.

I went to visit my neighbor Kjtel and her dog Bodie for a short spell and brought her a Christmas present.

I did my studies.

I did my nightly stretches, practiced my guitar and went to bed.

Monday 24- I did my stretches, exercised with the 10&20 pound dumbbells, core trainer, punched the heavybag, and took Cassie for a 1.5 mile jog.

Scattered compost I had curing for almost a year all over the yard.

At 4:30 Cassie and I went over to Kjtel’s for Christmas Eve dinner with Charles Lang and Jeff my neighbor down the road. Kjtel made stuffed cheese chillies and mashed potatoes.

Tuesday and Wednesday stayed home and did nothing :)

Thursday 27- I did my stretches, core trainer, exercised with the weight bench, punched the heavybag, and went on a 1.5 mile jog with Cassie.

I worked in the yard. I started all my vehicles. The Harley was the hardest to start because it’s been sitting so long, my bad.

I went for an evening mile jog with Cassie.

I did my studies.

I wrote Linda Hudson-Vandenburgh's title "Just a short walk" While it might not be what you may have thought I'd write... it also needs lots of editing 409 words long.

Friday 28- I did my stretches, yoga, core trainer, punched the heavybag, and took Cassie on a 1.5 mile jog.

I found my cement pond had iced up meaning it’s the official start of winter here in the high desert.

I did my studies.

I remembered to do my nightly stretches, practiced my guitar and went to bed.

Saturday 29- I did my stretches, exercised with the 10&20 pound dumbbells, jogged 1.5 miles with Cassie, and punched the heavybag for a spell.

I cooked up some rice and headed down to our community potluck. With Christmas music in the air, tree all decked out with blinking lights, and the new year just around the corner we were in a very festive mood. We started with a New Year’s toast to each other and then pigged out on Dyan Carroll’s ham and cheese rollups, sweet potato casserole, a trifle, and cookies. Mack Dodd warmed our inners with his hot soup. Elizabeth West stuffed us with her chicken spinach Alfredo and peach dump cake. Chris VanNortrick stewed us a chili veg casserole and a side of onion rice. Bruce delivered a chocolate cake. Kip Fjeld brought his famous guacamole and chips. Jeff Dongvillo simmered us a chicken and veg casserole. Kjtel Byers tempted us with her candy nut spinach salad. And lastly Yvonne Francis enticed us with her cabbage stew and cakes she brought. We came, we saw, we devoured it all and were a mighty happy bunch with all hugs at the end. Happy New Year!

Sunday 30- Very windy, cold, damp and dreary outside. I did my stretches, core trainer, exercised with the weight bench, punched the heavybag, and went on a 1.5 mile jog with Cassie.

I worked in the yard for a spell.

I took Cassie for an evening jog of a mile.

I did my studies.

I remembered to do my nightly stretches, practiced my guitar and went to bed.

Monday 31- Another windy day as I did the core trainer, hit on the heavybag, and went for a 1.5 mile jog with Cassie.

I spent over an hour on the phone with Sandy Ball talking about the website for CERT I am taking over from her.

******************** December 2018 Poems *****************

What makes life worth living is having good friends, good books to read, and a friendly dog by your side :)
~RD

We never run out of stories... just out of time to write them all down...
~RD

**************************************

November 2018

November 2018

Thursday 01- I did my stretches and jogged a mile with Cassie.
Finished Chapter 49 in the history book about- Imperialism.
I went to our community’s Thursday Family Game Night… not many folks showing up but still fun yapping with those there.
I wrote a short story for Linn Rudenauer title "While the Wind Sings" it came out to 2080 words.

Friday 02- I did my stretches and jogged a mile with Cassie.

Finished Chapter 50 in the history book about- industrial society and the working class.

I wrote a short story for Kathleen Gault-Anderson here's your title "A Hard Road" 2183 words long.

Saturday 03- I did my stretches and took Cassie for a walk.

Kjtel came by for coffee and a chat.

Finished Chapter 51 in the history book about- science and the challenge to Christianity, and Chapter 52 about- culture in the age of nationalism and industrialism.

I’ve been having troubles with my main laptop I use for writing ever since the recent Mac OS 14.0 update called Mojave. It was so bad I was losing words I had typed into MS Word documents. I figured there must be an update to fix this problem and tried to update it last week, but there wasn’t an update until I tried tonight and OS 14.1 has been downloading for the past three hours putting a hindrance to my completing the 50,000 words I wanted to write this month. So while waiting for the update to end I read another chapter in the history book. If I don’t make the 50,000 words it ain’t no big deal because I’ve done it for several years now, once under 14 days. I have other things in my life now I feel more important, like getting out in the world and socializing with friends and making new ones... it doesn’t mean I’m going to stop writing, it just means I need to set a balance between the what I want and what I need.

I wrote a short story for Rich Soos title "Sand Ocean" 554 words long.

Sunday 04- I did my stretches, core trainer, weight bench, punched at the heavybag for a spell, and jogged a mile with Cassie.

Finished Chapter 53 in the history book about- World War One 1914 to 1918.

I worked in the yard for a while, did poop patrol.

I finally continued writing: Carolyn Keyes Shaffer here's your title "Remember the Future" 1291 words long...

Monday 05- I did my stretches, yoga, punched the heavybag, rode my bike, and jogged a mile with Cassie.

Finished Chapter 54 in the history book about- revolution and communism in Russia/ and Finished Chapter 55 in the history book about- the rise of fascism and authoritarianism/ and Finished Chapter 56 in the history book about- paralysis of the democratic West.

I went to our community’s Monday Night Football.

Tuesday 06- I did my stretches, exercised with the 10 and 20 pound dumbbells, punched the heavybag, and jogged a mile and a half with Cassie.
Finished Chapter 57 in the history book about- World War 2, 1939-1945/ and Finished Chapter 58 in the history book about- The recovery of Europe and the superpowers, 1945 to present/ and Finished Chapter 59 in the history book about- decolonization and the non-western world, 1945 to present/ and Finished the last of the book Chapter 60 in the history book about- contemporary society and culture. 

Took Cassie for a evening mile jog.

Wednesday 07- I did my stretches, jogged a mile and a half with Cassie, and rode my bike.

I played with my old computers for a while, and watered the plants outside.

Took Cassie for a evening mile jog.

Thursday 08- I did my stretches, core trainer, weight bench, punched at the heavybag for a spell, rode my bike, and jogged a mile with Cassie.

I went to our Community Game Night. Kjtel brought her sister who is visiting from Montana. It’s the first time she played pool and ping pong! She didn’t want to try the darts, but we had her toss a few times.

I wrote a short story for Joan Fitzpatrick Freeman title "Behind the Wall of Flowers" While it might not be what you may have thought I'd write... it also needs editing 1172 words long... I might add a few more chapter sometime later in the future. I think it might turn out to be a kid's story...

Friday 09- I did my stretches.

I went to Yucca Valley for my physical and did some shopping for parts to fix my leaky kitchen drain.

Saturday 10- I did my stretches and jogged a mile and a half with Cassie.

I went to our community’s board meeting at noon to sit in and listen to them discuss for ten minutes about who is supposed to lead the members in the Pledge of Allegiance. Then they got down to other business until 1:30 when the meeting was adjourned. We had lunch. There was plenty of cookies and sandwiches to eat; I snuck some of it home with me. When all were stuffed and sedated we assemble together for our general meeting where we elect our new board members. There wasn’t anyone new wanting to run and those board members up for re-election decided  to keep their seats, so there wasn’t a need for the membership to vote. The board members for 2019 are: President: Kip Fjeld, Vice President: Stephanie Smith, 2nd Vice President: Mack Dodd, Treasurer: Mary Helen Tuttle, Secretary:  Sara Lee, Director at Large: Stephen Tuttle, Director at Large: Michel Cicero, Director at Large: Crystal Wysong.

Sunday 11- I did my stretches, exercised with the 10 and 20 pound dumbbells, and ran a mile with Cassie.

Monday 12- I did my stretches, yoga,  core trainer, weight bench, punched at the heavybag for a spell, rode my bike, and jogged a mile and a half with Cassie.

I worked on the short stories some more; there’s something like 40 of them that folks submitted?

Tuesday 13- I did my stretches and jogged a mile with Cassie.

I wrote a short story for Charles Lange title "Swan diving in Quicksand" While it might not be what you may have thought I'd write... it also needs editing 1247 words long.

Wednesday 14- I did my stretches.

I went to Twentynine Palms to get some plumbers putty and did some shopping.

I mailed off my property taxes.

I installed the sink which took about an hour once I found all the parts I misplaced.

I worked on the short stories.

Thursday 15- I did my stretches and jogged a mile and a half with Cassie.

Sink still drips but not as before. I tried to fix it and believe I cut one part too short and will pick up a new one next time I go to town.

Worked on a few things and replied to some emails that needed replying to.
I jogged a mile with Cassie, core trainer, weight bench, punched the heavybag for a short spell, and rode my bike two miles.

I went to Game Night at the community center.

Friday 16- I did my stretches, yoga, and jogged a mile and a half with my favorite jogging partner Cassie.

Me and Cassie walked over to Kjtel’s and Bodie’s house for dinner and a movie, “Outlaw King” I felt was an excellent movie.

I wrote a short story for Theresa Irene Salmon-Butler's title "A Banquet for the Dead" While it might not be what you may have thought I'd write... it also needs editing 1177 words long... Maybe another Copper Mountain Mesa book? :)
I have 36 titles to go

Saturday 17- I did my stretches, exercised with the dumbbells, and jogged a mile and a half with Cassie.

I wrote a short story for Marguerite Brunel's title "The Monopolist's Quandary" While it might not be what you may have thought I'd write... it also needs lots of editing 1604 words long.

I took Cassie for a mile evening jog.

Kjtel test me asking if me and Cassie wanna go for a walk with her and Bodie; I said yes.

Sunday 18- I did my stretches, core trainer, weight bench, punched at the heavybag for a spell, and jogged a mile and a half with Cassie.

I wrote a short story for Gale Obler here's your title "Solar flare on a Dog Day Afternoon" While it might not be what you may have thought I'd write... it also needs lots of editing 1030 words long :)

I took Cassie for a mile evening jog.

Monday 19- I did my stretches, yoga, and took Cassie with me on a mile and a half.

Messed around the house some tossing away junk.

I took Cassie on a mile jog before I went off to Yucca Valley.

I went to Home Depot and Staters Bros to get some supplies., and then the CERT Meeting at 6pm to 8pm at the Sizzler where I received my County of San Bernardino fire badge for CERT.

Tuesday 20- I did my stretches and jogged a mile with Cassie.

Mack came by for a short spell.

I did my laundry.

I took Cassie for an evening jog of mile and a half.

I wrote a short story for Jill Albrecht here's your title "Starburst" While it might not be what you may have thought I'd write... it also needs lots of editing 1134 words long.

Wednesday 21- I did my stretches, exercised with the dumbbells, and went for a mile and a half jog with my Cassie.

I wrote a short story for Kevin Foreman’s title "Truthful lies" While it might not be what you may have thought I'd write... it also needs lots of editing 1227 words long.

I went for an evening jog of a mile with Cassie.

Thursday 22- I did my stretches, yoga, and jogged a mile and a half with Cassie.

I finished Robin Close Hazelton's title "A whisper out at sea " While it might not be what you may have thought I'd write: a short poem that took my mind to other places.

I went to Bodie and Kjtel’s house with Cassie for Thanksgiving dinner and a movie... it was a mighty nice time.

Friday 23- I did my stretches, core trainer, weight bench, hit at the heavybag for a short spell, and jogged a 1.5 miles with Cassie.

I finished Shanna Dyott's title "Lost love" While it might not be what you may have thought I'd write... it also needs lots of editing 691 words long.
I took Cassie for and evening jog of a mile.

I finished Steve Gardner's title "Wolf Meadow" While it might not be what you may have thought I'd write... it also needs lots of editing 679 words long

Saturday 24- I did my stretches, yoga, and went for a 1.5 mile jog with my Cassie.

I went for a mile evening jog with Cassie.

I went to potluck with a pot of rice. Just two days after eating Thanksgiving dinners the denizens of the desert gathered yet again to stuff themselves full at our community potluck; yes we do some serious eating out here where the pavement ends and life begins. Chris VanNortrick brought cookies and sliced ham. Jeff Dongvillo whipped up an apple-bean crockpot. Mack Dodd presented us with a sausage pasta. Dyan Carroll worked her butt off cooking up stir-fry, a banana split trifle, sweet potatoes, and them yummy scalloped potatoes I like so much. Elizabeth West set the table with chicken cheese enchiladas and an apple dump cake. And Yvonne Francis scooted in at the last moment with her vegetarian bean casserole and fruit salad. These folks are like family to me, some coming to our potluck for 20 years now. We will be having our potluck on the last Saturday of December at 4pm and everyone is welcome to participate. 

Sunday 25- I did my stretches and went for a 1.5 mile jog with my Cassie.

I was assembling the 80-Gallon Lifetime 60058 Compost Tumbler when I noticed that an important part was missing. Will call company up tomorrow to have them send me one out.

Monday 26- I did my stretches, exercised with the 10 and 20 pound dumbbells, and jogged 1.5 miles with Cassie.

Called the composter company to send me out the missing part. No problem said Darlene we’ll send you the part and you’ll have it in three days.

I took Cassie for an evening jog of one mile.

Went to Monday Night Football at the community center.

Tuesday 27- I did my stretches, core trainer, weight bench, hit at the heavybag for a short spell, and jogged a 1.5 miles with Cassie.

Worked around the house fixing this and that which was broken and needed fixing.

Took Cassie for a mile evening jog.

Cassie and I walked over to Kjtel and Bodie’s home to have dinner and a movie... a science fiction movie called “Titan” which had so many holes in it you could drain spaghetti in.

Wednesday 28- I did my stretches.... My body told me I needed a break from all the exercising.

At around 10:35 my dog Cassie (a Dalmatian) was barking loudly and I came outside to see this fire! By the time the fire department got there is was mostly burnt down. I rode my scooter over there an hour later and took some pics... it looks like it's a total loss. I knew the family well. Juanita Young and her daughter Sharon both passed away and Juanita’s grandsons, Sharon’s sons, inherited the property I believe.

I sent the photos to the Hi-Desert Star newspaper and they wrote up a story using my photo! Link: http://www.hidesertstar.com/news/article_85797934-f370-11e8-8c9a-ef1ebe3062c2.html?fbclid=IwAR0ocbjr25tqnFErCRXnV1xlAidLRXrCeo4A-mZ4-LwPwb12cBAZO8q1yoc

Thursday 29- I did my stretches. Too windy and cold to do my exercises and jog outside.

FEDEX came with the the missing part to the composter.

I finished Nancy Schow's title "The Desert’s Whisper" While it might not be what you may have thought I'd write... it also needs lots of editing 709 words long.

Friday 30- I did my stretches and jogged a mile with Cassie.

I messed around with computers today... loaded Win XP on an old Dell Mini 9.

Kjtel and Bodie came over for some tea and then a walk.

******************** November 2018 Poems *****************

It's the mice who like to linger and guest who overstay, when you want your peace and quiet you wish they’d go away...
~RD

So deep the sea, so lost was he, drowned out among humanity’s bellowing banter. Be done with the land, he sets sail, to find the peace he seeks so far from shore. With foods and water to continue his quest, a journey to put a thousand souls to rest. The allure of land shall be no more, forever roaming, forever searching, to set his spirit free, he has now become what he always wanted, a whisper out at sea.
~RD

Sometimes I forget how blessed I really am until someone reminds me...
~RD

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