Bob's Stuff

Wednesday, August 07, 2019

June 2019

Saturday 01- warmer with a light breeze. I did my stretches, exercised with the 10 and 20 pound dumbbells, and took Cassie for a mile jog. We saw a tortoise on our jog; we stopped for a sec to say hi and then jogged on leaving the critter be.

It’s been awhile but I did the poop patrol because Cassie was running out of places to go.

I finished the wash I let soak overnight and hung it out to dry.

I edited April’s journal and posted it online.

When it cooled down enough we went for a bike/run; just don’t want Cassie to overheat.

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

Cassie and me had a bunch of leftover energy so we went for a night jog up the hill and back. I then did my nightly stretches.

Sunday 02- a little windy. I did my stretches, core trainer, exercised on the weight bench, and Cassie and I went for a mile jog.

I did my nightly stretches.

Monday 03- getting warmer. I did my stretches and took Cassie for a walk.

I went to Twentynine Palms to pick up a package containing an old Apple Clam shell and then did some shopping at Staters Bros.

I went to movie night at our community center and we decided to watch “Backdraft 2” (2019) Directed by Gonzalo López-Gallego. With Joe Anderson, Donald Sutherland, and William Baldwin, Alisha Bailey. It is the sequel to the 1991 movie with the same name starring Curt Russel. It was nice to see Sutherland again playing Ronald Bartel, and William Baldwin playing Brian McCaffrey as they did in the original Backdraft. My guess this is the longest, 28 years, for a sequel ever. Now I’ll have to go back and watch the first one to make a bit more sense out of this one. I’ll give it a B :)

I did my studies of biology.

I did my nightly stretches.

Tuesday 04- breezy and warmer. I did my stretches, yoga, and went for half a mile jog with Cassie. It would have been a mile but she seemed to be getting overheated and we walked back. We’ll have to go for evening jogs for now until cooler weather.

Cassie and I went for a night jog up the hill and back to make up for earlier’s failed attempt.

I did my nightly stretches.

Wednesday 05- hazy and 106 degrees. I did my stretches, exercised with the 10 and 20 pound dumbbells, and later in the evening took Cassie for an evening jog up the hill and back.

I messed around inside the house doing the little stuff that keeps things running efficiently.

I did my nightly stretches and jogged up and back down the hill with Cassie.

Thursday 06- hot at 102 with a stiff wind blowing. I did my stretches, core trainer, exercised on the weight bench, and jogged a mile with Cassie; I got up earlier when it was still cool.

Went right to work on the new patio before the wind comes, nailing the two plywood sides up. I got them up okay but had to stop at that point because I was getting overheated.

I did my studies

I did my nightly stretches and jogged up and back down the hill with Cassie.

Friday 07- 103 degrees with a bit of wind. I did my stretches, yoga, and took Cassie for a mile jog.

It got up to 103 degrees and I've been trying to get work done on my new patio I’m building. If it ain’t wind it’s heat that’s been hindering me. I should had got it all down by now. I did go out early and continued working on the wall of the patio.

I went to the community movie night and we all watched “Gravity” (2013) starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney; the only people in the movie. With megastars like these two we all thought the producers couldn’t afford anyone else to cast. This one had us all glued to our seats. There were a few squeaks I heard emitted from a couple of females in the crowd behind me as Sandra Bullock bounced around among all the debris of the space station as it was broken apart by bits and pieces of satellite wreckage. I’ll give this one an ‘A’ for astounding.

I did my nightly stretches and jogged up and back down the hill with Cassie.

Saturday 08- cooled down into the ‘90s. I did my stretches, exercised with the 10 and 20 pound dumbbells, and took Cassie for a mile jog. We saw another tortice on our jog, stopped to say hello, and continued on our way.

I did my studies and read aloud from the biology book. I practiced on my guitar “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” by the Beatles.

Cassie and I went on an evening jog up the hill and back. I did my nightly stretches.

Sunday 09- in the high nineties. I did my stretches, yoga, and took Cassie for a walk.

I did some of my studies.

I went to the poetry reading at Space Cowboy Books and read one of my poems. I asked Charles to read one of his own instead of one by Leonard Cohen. He said it was the first time he read one of his own poems in public... He did really good :)

Monday 10- 103 degrees. I did my stretches, core trainer, exercised on the weight bench, punched the heavybag for a bit, and took Cassie for a mile jog.

I worked on the new patio painting the first coat of white paint on the walls. I could only work 20-30 minutes at a time because of the heat.

Did a load of laundry too!

I went to movie night. The movie I thought was mighty gross so I left early.

Me and Cassie went for our nightly jog up the hill and back.

I did my studies.

Tuesday 11- 106 degrees. I did my stretches, yoga, and took Cassied for a fast walk.

I took Kelly, my guest, to her post office box in Twentynine Palms to collect her two 200 watt solar panels. We stopped at the county office so she could get some filing papers she needed. Shopped at Staters.

Cassie and I went for a night jog up the hill and back.

Wednesday 12- 108 degrees. I did my stretches and went for a mile jog, but it was too hot to take Cassie.

Kjtel came by with Bodie for a chat just before I left for the DMV.

I went to the DMV to get my driver’s licence renewed. It wasn’t all that bad as I imagined it would be.

I took Cassie for a bike/run when it was cooler; I kinda owed her for staying in the house most of the day.

Thursday 13- 107 degrees. I did my stretches and took Cassie for a mile jog. I sprained my left wrist somehow and it hurts when I move it in a certain way. I’ll have to give it a rest for awhile until figure out what weight lifting I can do without making it worse.

I did some of my studies.

I smelled the fire around 11pm

Friday 14- 106 degrees. I did my stretches and took Cassie for a walk.

I drove to WalMart to do a bit of shopping and get a haircut; my hair was getting way too long for summer. Stopped off at Home Depot to purchase a showerhead cutoff.

I went to movie night to watch “Gran Torino” (2008) starring Clint Eastwood.

Saturday 15- 104 degrees and breezy. I did my stretches

I worked on the patio.

Sunday 16- 101 degrees and breezy. I did my stretches and took Cassie for a mile jog.

Space Cowboy Books

Monday 17- 106 degrees. I did my stretches, core trainer, exercised on the weight bench, punched the heavybag for a bit, and took Cassie for a mile jog. Wrist still hurts so I will lay off it for the time being.

I went to Movie Night.

Tuesday 18- I got very sick

Wednesday 19- 108 degrees. I did my stretches. I went right to work moving some of the panels off the house and positioning them on the new patio roof. I would work for 20-30 minutes in the heat and then take the same off inside where it was much cooler.

Thursday 20- 103 degrees. Still not feeling very well, but had to get up early at 7AM to hook up the solar array to the new battery. Went back to sleep until 12:30.

UPS delivered my Radio Shack TRS 80 Model 200 computer. It was built in 1985 and it adds to my collection of TRS 80 Model 100 and 102 computers. I have many old computers I collected over the years, so I guess it’s kind of a hobby of mine which I never really intended it to be.

Friday 21- 105 degrees. I did my stretches and went for a mile jog with Cassie.

I went to the community BBQ. A few sat around jawing swapping stories, some started playing board games, and I kinda mingled here and there with everyone.

Saturday 22- 102 and windy. I did my stretches.

I sat around outside trying to figure out how I want to arrange the solar panels I’m putting on the patio roof.

I did part of my studies.

Sunday 23- temps in the high ‘90s. I did my stretches, core trainer, exercised with the dumbbells and on the weight bench, went for a mile jog without Cassie because it was too hot and I don’t think she wanted to go anyways.

I did part of my studies and practiced on my guitar.

Messed around with some electrical stuff around the house.

Took Cassie out for a night jog up the hill and back.

Monday 24- around 100 degrees. I did my stretches and went for a mile jog with Cassie.

I went to Home Depot to get me some wire for the solar panels I’m putting up.

I picked up my neighbor Jeff and arrived at our community center for movie night for a movie starring James Garner and Marlee Matlin called “Dead Silence” (1997)

Tuesday 25- a little cooler today. I did my stretches, core trainer, exercised with the dumbbells and on the weight bench, went for a mile jog Cassie.

I did all of my studies and more :)

Wednesday 26- temps in the high ‘90s. I did my stretches. I just decided that Sunday and Wednesday will be my easy days and won’t do any strenuous exercise.

Thursday 27- temps still in the ‘90s- I did my stretches, core trainer, weight bench, hit the heavybag, and jogged a mile and a half; too hot for Cassie to come along.

Cassie and I went to Kjtel and Bodie’s home to eat apple pie and watch the last three episodes of HBO’s “Chernobyl” one of the best shows I’ve seen in a longtime.

Friday 28- temps climbing back up to the hundreds. I did my stretches and took Cassie for a mile jog.

Saturday 29- into the hundreds again. I did my stretches, core trainer, weight bench, hit the heavybag, and jogged a mile with my faithful doggie.

I did the poop patrol and there was a lot of it.

I cooked up my pot of rice and headed on down to our community potluck. There was quite a crowd showing up and this was a good thing because we had enough food to feed a company of hungry Marines; I had to loosen up three notches on my belt! The theme this month was celebrating the 4th of July 1776 when 13 small colonies declared independence from Great Britain.

Dyan Carroll fired off the first salvo at the attacking British with a pot roast, stuffed peppers, and a strawberry trifle; that was two notches off my belt right there. Elizabeth West, along with Sarah and Andrew made a direct hit on the enemy with their ham mac and cheese. Pretty Patti Huges picked up her friend Kim as she landed in Texas on a flight from China, and then they drove nonstop all the way to our little community with her lip smacking lemon bread to feed our famished troops. Crystal and Ted bombarded our foe with strawberry pear crisps. Mary Koval and Chris VanNortrick poured vegetable chili and pea salad on the advancing British forces. Jeff Dongvillo, John Jacobsen, Charles Lange financed our cause as Gil and Bruce reloaded our canons with yellow cherry cake.

Finally our antagonists retreated and Cal Mayers and his daughter Tina planted our flag in their fruit salad plate.

We here at Copper Mountain Mesa wish y'all a very wonderful and reflective Independence Day.

Sunday 30- dang it I forgot to write down what I did today, but it must have been really important ;)

****************** Poems June 2019 *****************

If you rely only on actors for your political views and opinions you’re living in a bigger fantasy world than I.

~RD

Bullies come in groups of two, three, or more, but hardly ever alone and never on even ground.

~RD

Remember: Seek out that special reality fitting to your beautiful nature and go out and live it.

~RD

At this particular moment in my life when friends and lovers become distant memories and the future grows ever present. When violent discord rips through our great nation brought on by a biased news media infected with their own self-righteous indignation and complacency. When social media giants have become our censors banning those with opposing views. As our elected officials sit high on their moral asses promoting character assassination based upon vacuous unfounded claims. I find I have no need to impress anyone anymore but myself.

~RD

We should not be so selfish as to keep all life contained here on Earth. Instead, let the universe drink deeply upon our planet’s sweet biological nectar and share our most precious rare commodity out there among the stars...

~RD

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Friday, June 28, 2019

May 2019

Wednesday 01- very windy. Exercised on the weight bench jogged and took Cassie for a jog.

I finished the second coat of paint on the new patio.

Thursday 02- very windy still. I did my stretches and took Cassie for a mile jog.

Worked on the patio putting on a third coat of paint.

Friday 03- I called my doctor about the anti-inflammatory steroid pills Prednisone. I told him I’m only getting 2-3 hours of sleep a night, also it’s making me feel irritable and short-tempered. Oh, I got a whole lot of work on the patio and around the house because of the pills, but now I am feeling really burned out. He told me to stop taking them.

Saturday 04 and Sunday 05

Wow, coming down off the Prednisone is really bad. My body aches all over and has retained a whole lot of water which I’m expelling quite rapidly.

Monday 06- cloudy, windy, with evening showers. I did my stretches, jogged a mile with Cassie, worked out on the weight bench and punched the heavybag.

Tuesday 07- windy day. I did my stretches and took Cassie for a bike/run.

FedEx delivered 2 lithium batteries... one had 13.9 volts, but the other had .69 volts. I’ll have to call MightyMax tomorrow and ask them what’s up.

UPS delivered my GenZe E-Bike, but it didn’t have a battery! I called and got a hold of John at the company and he is going to ship me out a battery right away and also a lock for the bike for my troubles.

I put another coat of paint on the patio.

Took Cassie out for an evening walk.

Wednesday 08- still windy. I did my stretches.

Me and Cassie went for a walk with Kjtel and Bodie and ended up at her house watching two episodes of GOT.

I received two ML100-12LI - 12V 100AH Deep Cycle Lithium Batteries I ordered. One had a charge of 13.9 vdc, but the other had a charge of .69 vdc

I called customer service and was told to take the bad one to AutoZone and have it checked out, which I did. The store manager tried to test it and said to me the device he was using cannot detect any charge at all. I took the photos and emailed them to MightyMax for their reference. They emailed me a return UPS label I printed and taped on the battery package getting it ready to ship back to them.

Thursday 09- cloudy with a bit of wind. I did my stretches and jogged a mile with Cassie.

I went to Yucca Valley to the UPS store there with the bad battery to return it. Then I went to Home Depot to collect some wood I need for various projects.

Me and Cassie went for a night jog.

Friday 10- windy, cloudy with some rain. I did my stretches and took Cassie for a mile jog.

UPS delivered the new battery that was missing for my new e-bike. I put it on charge right away and will test it out tomorrow.

I worked on building a frame for the fan vent for my little trailer. I didn’t saw through the roof to put it in because it might rain today.

I went to the Friday night movies at the community center. Mack, Pat, Steve, Melody, a girl who rides horses, Lana and her husband (I didn’t ask his name), and Kip showed up and we stood around yammer on and about this and that and other things. The movies were western horror film called “The Burrowers” (2008) , written and directed by J. T. Petty. Evil creatures live below the surface of the prairies in Dakota Territory around the 1870s and prey upon the living. I’ll give it an S- for kinda scary.

Saturday 11 and Sunday 12- not feeling well again... very tired and just stayed in the house. On Sunday I couldn’t get any sleep until 6am or so, and then slept until 4pm missing the poet reading at Space Cowboy Books.

Monday 13- nice warmer day. First day I really felt better since I stopped taking those anti-inflammatory Prednisone steroid pills on Friday the 3rd. I did my stretches, yoga, and jogged a mile with Cassie.

I went to movie night at our community center and watched “The Meg” (2018) directed by Jon Turteltaub and starring Jason Statham. It reminded me a lot of “Jaws” (1975) with those underwater shots with dangling swimmers’ legs. I could almost predict what was to happen next and most of the time I was right. I enjoyed the action and was nailed to my seat with anticipation a few times. Of course there were a few scenes that were over the top impossible.

Tuesday 14- warmer still but with a nice breeze. I did my stretches, exercised with the 10 and 20 pound dumbbells, and jogged a mile with my Cassie.

I did some writing in the book

Wednesday 15- a windy day outside. I did my stretches, exercised on the weight bench, and jogged a mile with Cassie.

I wrote a bit in my book.

Thursday 16- very windy. I did my stretches and jugged up the hill and back down with Cassie; too windy for our usual mile jog.

Friday 17- less windy but still very windy. Not feeling very well and couldn’t sleep last night; must be my allergies kicking in again. I did my stretches and that was about all.

Saturday 18- another windy but nice day. I did my stretches, yoga, and went for a mile jog with Cassie

I cleaned up around the house, and swept the floor of my utility trailer.

I stopped off at my neighbor’s house for a birthday party for Sophia; absconded with a few cupcakes.

I did my studies: the anatomy drawing book, pre algebra, Linux, practiced guitar, and read aloud from the biology textbook; trying to get back on point with my studies.

I did my nightly exercises (finally) and went for a night jog up the hill and back with Cassie.

Sunday 19- Windy! I did my stretches, core trainer, exercised on the weight bench, and went for a mile jog with Cassie.

I again cleaned around the house; swept out the bathroom and washed the small trash container in there.

I did my studies: the anatomy drawing book, pre algebra, Linux, practiced guitar, and read aloud from the biology textbook.

Cassie and me went over to Kjtel and Bodie’s house to have a long walk, dinner, and watched the last 3 episodes of Game of Thrones. It was mighty fine show and sad that it ended.

I did my nightly exercises.

Monday 20- still windy but not as windy as yesterday. I did my stretches, exercised with the 10 and 20 pound dumbbells, and jogged a mile with Cassie.

I went to the post office to pick up a part I ordered for my Honda Generator, went to Stater Bros (I ran out of butter) and picked up a few other items.

I took Cassie for an evening walk.

Kelly my Guest came over for dinner and a movie.

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

Again, I did my nightly exercises.

Tuesday 21- cold and windy. I did my stretches, yoga, and took Cassie for a mile jog.

I replaced the starter rope assembly of the Honda Generator with the new one I picked up yesterday. It was a bit of a challenge getting the nut off the rotor shaft but a little ingenuity and patience I got it all together, done, and working.

They looked a little thirsty so I watered them all the plants outside; they be happy now.

My sister Lynn called and we talked for over an hour about this and that and other things.

Kjtel came by with Bodie and we went for a walk all bundled in coats and scarves to keep warm in the cold wind.

I remembered to do my nightly exercises.

I did my part of my studies; mostly some online pre-algebra course, and the anatomy coloring book.

Wednesday 22- rained most of the day and was mighty cold. I did my stretches and took Cassie out for a short walk between the rain showers.

I did some of my studies...

Thursday 23- windy and cold. Took Cassie for a walk.

Drove truck back and forth on the driveway I’m creating to pack it down.

I did my studies.

Friday 24- a very nice day finally. I did my stretches and went on a mile jog with Cassie.

Saturday 25- another very nice day but with a tiny bit of wind. I did my stretches and went for a mile jog with Cassie.

I made my rice and headed on down to our community potluck. We were all happy and surprised to see Mary Kobal take up her usual seat at our dinner table after a two year respite. She arrived bearing peach and key lime pies along with a jolly old smile planted on her face being glad to be back home among her desert friends.

Chris VanNortrick stirred up her magical bean casserole. Cal Mayers and his daughter Tina brought a fruit plate full of fruity goodies. Elizabeth West with her Grandson in tow prepared biscuits and gravy for us to quickly devour. Yvonne Francis thrilled us with an Italian bean salad and her famous dump cake. Dyan Carroll loaded our plates with her amazing spicy but mild tamales, a tasty mac and cheese, along with a tossed green leafy salad. Charles Lange, Bruce Chronister, Gil Aiken, Mack Dodd, John Jacobsen, and Bruce Kroeze, donated huge amounts of kindness, friendship and support for our little community. We hope y’all had a wonderful Memorial Day as we did.

I did my nightly stretches.

Sunday 26- really really windy. I am lucky because just before the high winds hit I did my stretches, core trainer, exercised on the weight bench, punched the heavybag, and went for a jog with Cassie my sweet doggie. And then all hell broke out as 60 MPH gusts hit our area!

I did my nightly stretches.

Monday 27- windy again, even rained a bit here and there. I did my stretches.

Jimmy called and we talked for over an hour. I cooked breakfast while we talked. I was so into our discussions that I forgotten to turn off the gas to the pan I cooked the eggs in. I only noticed after filling the room with grease smoke, making me open all the windows to air my little cabin out.

Cassie and me were invited over to Kjtel and Bodie’s home to watch two episodes of HBO’s series “Chernobyl” wow! Can’t wait to see the rest!!! Very intense!

I did my nightly stretches.

Tuesday 28- a nice windy day. I did my stretches, yoga, and took Cassie for a mile jog.

Wednesday 29- a wild and windy day. I did my stretches.

Thursday 30- windy still. I did my stretches, core trainer, exercised on the weight bench, punched the heavybag, and went for a jog with Cassie.

I did my nightly stretches.

Friday 31- a bit breezy and warmer. I did my stretches, yoga, and jogged a mile. It was too hot for Cassie to go along but I’ll make it up to her tonight.

I drove to Yucca to pick up a port-a-potty like you see on construction sites. Paid Hamid (a very nice easy-going fellow) $250 for it.

I first stopped off at Bank of America to withdraw the money and found out they are shutting down this bank on September the 9th. The closest BofA is in Desert Hotsprings 40 or so miles away! I decided to close out my savings account and thinking of going to another bank or credit union with my checking and money market account too.

Cassie and I went for a bike/run. She was overjoyed because we haven’t done it for a while.

****************** Poems May 2019 *****************

Never give up! Never stop learning! Never stop asking questions! Never let others stand between you and your goals!

~RD

The writing of a book is never complete even after it is published. There’s always something nagging at the author’s mind of a bit of a thing to add or change. This is why the souls of writers haunt the halls of libraries, coffee shops, and old bookstores... they just can't seem to let it go.

~RD

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

Saturday, June 01, 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

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

Tuesday, April 30, 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

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

Saturday, March 16, 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.