I hate the fact that I need to buy a new computer. My present machine still runs but because it’s about 9 or 10 years old, is running the ME ops software and older browsers I’m being locked out of many online pages. I live by the adage that if it ain’t broke don’t fix it, however in this case it ain’t broke but unfortunately technology has pasted it by.

It’s been hot and humid for about a week now. Now that statement is relative. I’m sure that some would scoff at high 80*F to low 90*F and over 85% humidity as being hot and humid, but in an area were –40*F wind chills in winter are not uncommon, you do the math. (Note: I remember one day many years ago when it was –54*F with over 50 mph winds and a wind chill one side or another of –100*F). The body tends to accommodate itself to the greater extreme. And in this region we are capable of see snow from October to late May.
Am in the process of getting over a reoccurring problem with my left foot. Not as bad as some of the time, but still swelling and some pain. All the cause of youth, When I was younger I played sport like one who thought I was indestructible. And with out going into any detail, did loads of damage to my left foot, among other areas of the body not mentioned here. As I said before, was a youth I saw myself as indestructible, at 62 I realize I was gravely mistaken.
But have had a good day. First day where my foot allowed me to take the long walk to the local Big Lots, Great prices on preserved Kalamata Olives, Artichokes, and Capers. Which gives rise to the possibility of a recipe or two in the near future? My latest desire is to make Capers and Anchovies common ingredients in the cooking in the good old USA.

I’ve been having a problem the last few days with a reoccurring problem in my left foot, which I have damages several times in my 62+ years, but was feeling not right but at least acceptable this AM. Awoke about 6AM as per usual, need to sit on the porcelain chair, dropped two ibuprofens and back to bed, normally I get up at 8AM +/-, but awoke, wandered to the a said porcelain chair, as I walked pasted a clock it was 10:40 AM. Got dressed and took a walk. To the local grocery store, need a few items, and on the way back realized it was Tuesday. As I was approaching Public Square, remembered that the Crystal’s special on Tuesday was corned beef and cabbage. Now probably only eat out once a week. And only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, but never twice in the same week. The specials at Sandy’s in the arcade, and Fridays either the Crystal or Sandy’s. The Crystal has creamed salt cod on Friday, and Sandy’s does a great fish or scrimp fry, with a to die for mac and cheese. But there again, Cam’s right on American corner, makes a sausage roll to die for. Will be tuned with great interest to the USA vs. Algeria world cup game tomorrow. I will not dwell on the fact that the USA should have 4 points right now rather then the 2 they have but, win and get into the knock out round.

I watched the 2^nd round coverage of the current PGA tour event on the Golf Channel, and Tiger implode. And listened to all the commentary, was I watching a total different turn of events, was I the only one who saw what I saw, or were others reluctant to say what they thought.

Sure Tiger’s game showed a bit of “rust”, sure he sprayed the ball around the course, but he always has. The key to Tiger’s game has always been his will, his ability to focus, and his ego that is he in his mind always knew he was the best.

I have no idea exactly what rehab he has gone through but I assume that part of it was to see his own faults. And I’m, guessing that’s something, which never crossed his mind. As I watched the last few holes of his round I saw him “give up”. Seeing over many years that was shocking. What made Tiger what he was that supreme confidence, that supreme ego, and also one of the best athletic bodies on this earth.

Is he a little rusty, yes, is he not in the best shape of his life, probably, but I believe the real problem is he’s lost his mental edge.

I woke up a little after 8am this morning and looked out the window, I needed to take a walk, a few things I needed to pick up, and it was snowing. Okay, it wasn’t sticking to the ground, it’s been too warm, too long, and it wasn’t snowing hard enough to stick, but it’s almost May. Welcome to the northcountry. Again!

I’m sorry, there was only one James Bond, and that was SC, and everyone else was just a bad copy.

There is a local church that is looking for intermediate and advanced teachers in their adult bible study program. Something that I have done for years, except for the last 2years. But I am very conflicted, I attended a service at the church this morning (for the first time), and I’m not sure it’s a good “fit”. It maybe a little too emotion based for my conservative up bringing, I’m not ready to व्रिते it off quite yet, but…

My congrats to PM for winning his 3^rd green jacket, but as most who probably watched, both diehard golf fans, and simply the curious, the real interest was the return of TW. I’m not sure how many stayed around for his interview at the end of the tournament, I did, and frankly saw what I knew I would see but hoped I won’t. That’s the same egotistical, self entitled child he’s always been, and probably always will be. Don’t get me wrong; I think he is probably the best player to ever play the game. I will not however give him the title of the greatest player ever, until he approaches or passes the records of Jack or Sammy. But if you think he won’t get caught again, then I have a 25% ownership in the Brooklyn Bridge I’ll give you a great deal on, (trollie hangs his head sadly).

I did something today I rarely ever do. I have always lived by the old adage “screw me once shame on you, screw me twice shame on me”. But today I gave someone a second chance. I hope it works itself out.

Beware the following is a rant.

(Rant alarms have been activated)

The word is that the college basketball championship may be expanded to 96 teams from the current 65 teams. This is a straight money based decision. Since going to 64/65 teams a 16^th seed has never won a game. Why extend the tournament to another week when there is only a minuscule chance of any of the 31 lower rated teams to win a game. Money is the only reason when competitive games should be the only reason. If we must sit by and watch the NCAA force this upon us, then at least give the top 32 a bye in the first round and let the last 64 play what is essentially a play in game to the tournament. Frankly I think 32 teams are more then enough to establish a nation champion.

(/rant)

Temperature was only 40*F today, but for this time of year that really isn’t that bad, with very little wind. Now I rarely eat a salad that is a lettuce based salad in the winter. But once it starts turning warm I have a hankering for them. Now I realize that 40*F may not be your definition of turning warm but with the subzero temperatures we can get here in the old northcountry in winter, it feels warm.

I had picked up a small piece of flat iron steak yesterday, and decided to get some salad fixings for lunch today. Now for me lunch is usually the main meal of the day, retired as I am.

I usually buy one of the pre-packaged lettuce mixes, and really don’t care what the mix is, the one I got today was a European mix, what ever the heck that means, but I always buy the one with the longest freshness date.

An English cucumber, a plum tomato, this time of year obviously hothouse but… oh well, and a sliced hardboiled egg. Got some sliced button mushrooms, a slow sauté, with a couple of cloves of garlic, and once fully cooked a dash of sea salt and a couple of grinds of pepper. Also salt and peppered the veg. Then grilled the flat iron steak to a medium. Salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, okay so I had to walk to the kitchen and get the bottle so I spelled it right, sue me.

When done, several very thin slices, on the salad with the mushrooms, some crumbed feta cheese, and a store bought balsamic vinaigrette.

Some iced tea and a couple of pieces of crusty bread, lovely.

Actually I debated whether to use feta or blue cheese, but since I still have a bit left of the steak, maybe blue will get in the mix tomorrow.

Life is weird; there is a theory that we are connected to everyone else by six degrees of separation. But some times the connection is much less then six degrees.

Talked to my sis today, she and her husband are in the market for a new home. They currently live in a huge 3 story Victorian place, and as their have an empty nest are looking for a small place.

One of the houses they’ve looked at is just outside the city limits. In their talk with the owner they discovered that he grew up in the Alden area outside of Buffalo New York. Which is where we grew up. But moved away to the Northcountry of New York after my senior year.

My sis asked what family and he said, “My dad is KL”.

Dang, while not my best friend KL and I as in the same class at school for 13 years, and was a good friend. Dang it is a small, small world.

This has been the winter that wasn’t here in the old North Country. No severe cold, no monster snow storms, basically a ho hum winter.

I’m not much of one for drama shows, normally I only watch reality, or educational series, but I must admit being hooked on two drama series on cable.

I like “Burn Notice” on USA, and “Leverage” on TNT. Or is it that I am in love or at least in lust with the roles of Fiona (Burn notice) and Parker (Leverage), I will admit that strong, athletic, insane woman have always been my lady of choice.