(19:29 UTC-5)
(+38*F....rain)
(Now Playing: "MythBusters" on the Science Network)
   Had intended to stay in today....when I awoke this morning and stood....my knees started complaining....and after 55+ years of dealing with the problem....I listen....although a Monday and not the usual Tuesday visit from housekeeping....because of the holiday tomorrow....and the lady who usually cleans my rooms is off....and she had time today....my room got cleaned and linens changed....and I settled in for a quiet day....but around dusk....and before the rains came....and my knees were behaving....did take a short walk....and I the way home did something I usually only do in hot weather....and got a small cup of ice cream....just was in the mood....just not much else happened today....so have a fine New Year....

(19:14 UTC-5)
(+31*F....snow showers)
(Now Playing: "Mythbusters" on the Science Network)
   The initial plan was to walk tomorrow....when temperatures are predicted to be in the lower 40's degrees....but I got a bad class of "wanderlust"....and walked....first to the bank....for some "mad money"....then to  the convenience store....the plan was to go to Dollar General....but detoured and went to Ollie's first....got some spices, some dried pineapple, and a new glass dish for cooking....and some flavored sparkling water....and then back in for the rest of the day....that was the plan anyways....now friend Matt had given me some bottle green tea....about 1 2/3 cases....which is gone now....so I got thinking of making my own....coffee maker can also make tea....check....empty bottles save from the cases....check....green tea bags....oops....could of waited until tomorrow....but I had the idea....now....not tomorrow and Aldi is a short walk....so off I went....of course as/usual I ended up with more than just the green tea....but got a few things that I didn't know I needed....until I saw them....although I fight it....normally I tend to be very orderly but sometimes I fall victim to my whimsical side....okay so I'm weak....but it's fun....      

(20:25 UTC-5)
(+15*F....clear)
(Now Playing: "Game of Thrones" re-runs on HBO 2)
   Yesterday about this time it was about 50*F....and tonight it is about 15*F....that's a 35* temperature swing in 24 hrs....oy vey....when I walked this morning it was right around 30*F and just a little breeze....but in the short time I was in the market....the wind picked up....and it was snowing lightly....visibility was greatly reduce....and the wind was a bitter wind....but I has been said many times in this area....wait 15 minutes and it will probably change....and not always for the better....
   I've been using canned mushrooms for my egg dishes and have been less than satisfied....so I decided to try fresh....not sure how well they'll keep but if they're better that the canned....I can live with a short "shelf life"....had the last of the miniature potatoes to use up....bought a new bag today....so decided to use the mushrooms with them....but tried something different....usually I use a 4" square glass bowl for my dishes....but also have a 4x6"  one....a single layer of both the potato & the mushrooms with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking....some shallot....salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a dash of red pepper flake....some butter and pre-cooked for 1 1/2 minutes in the microwave....some grated cheddar....and unlike usual....just enough liquid egg white to cover....usually I use more of the egg whites.... but wanted more of the veggies and just a little egg to hold it together....came out very nice....(cook the dish after the egg was added for another 1 1/2 minutes)....will add it to the list of dishes to make....

(18:44 UTC-5)
(+50*F....cloudy)
(Now Playing: "Peter, Paul & Mary Holiday Concert (1988))
   I'm terrible at binge watching, both The Science Network, and HBO 2, are running multiple day marathons....respectively...."MythBusters"....&...."Game of Thrones".....and I must admit even with channel hopping between the two....I've had enough for this evening....while kicking around on YouTube earlier this morning....I saw in my recommended channels this special....which I had watched years ago....30 years ago as a matter of fact....and it's a relief from explosions and intrigue....
   It's been raining on and off and will continue through the night....but despite being in the low 50's today....it will be back to the low 30's and mid 20's temperature wise tomorrow....and some of the last of the rain may change to snow....this has been one of the stranger transitions between Autumn and Winter that I can remember....and this is the beginning of my 72nd Winter....obviously I have very little memory of the first 2 or 3....but moved from a "lake effect snow zone" to another....so I have endured so weird winters in my lifetime....
   Did take advantage of a pause in the rain to walk twice this evening....once to the ATM to visit my money....and as/usual a few of them insisted on leaving with me....and then a bit later to Dollar General....with the thaw my short cut is passable....but as it was already dark....made sure I took my torch (aka: flash light)..... 

(17:46 UTC-5)
(+24*F....clear)
(Now Playing: "MythBusters" re-runs on the Science Network)
   Been channel surfing must of the day between MythBusters and Game of Thrones....had originally planned to add some NCIS re-runs to the "waves" (air waves that is....) but all the ones that were programmed were "post-Ziva"....and in my not so humble opinion....they're not as we used to say....not up to speed....
   Not sure which forecast is correct....the Weather Channel is predicting rain starting later tonight and through most of Friday....but according to A National Weather Service warning from mid-night to 8 AM it's will be sleet/freezing rain...with some accumulation....but the Weather Channel does not mention and sleet or freezing rain....?....well I guess we'll have to wait and see....but in either case I'm not planning to walk outside anytime in the next 24 hours regardless of which one is right....( where's that telephone number for Chinese delivery)
   Another quiet day....just enough light snow overnight to make walking conditions slick....but had a "memory" from last year on my FB page....the forecast for tomorrow last year was wind chills in the -35*F range (+/-)....so that's another reason for staying indoors....

(16:37 UTC-5)
(+32*F....snow)
(Now Playing: "MythBusters" re-run on Science Network)
   Had an interesting walk to day....now as background....I live on one of the busier streets in a small city in the Northcountry of New  York State....and just to the south of where I live is a wooded/wetland area....with other wildlife a herd of white-tailed deer....apparently over last night or early this morning a white-tailed deer....apparently in an attempt to cross that busy street....because on the north side of the street there the deer lay....obviously killed by a collision with a motor vehicle....but deer vs. motor vehicles is not an uncommon occurrence in this area....and it's no fun crossing that street for a gimpy, grumpy, old codger like me....I only cross in a designated crosswalk....with the walk light....and almost once a week almost end up as a hood ornament on a car or SUV....most time the driver is on a cellphone....
   Other than the walk....another quiet day of MythBusters....and online games....and a bit of surfing the web....

(18:00 UTC-4)
(+16*F....clear)
(Now Playing:...."MythBusters" re-runs on Science Network)
   Been a very enjoyable, quiet day....had considered going over to the Chinese Buffet.... but then remembered the leftover haddock from the restaurant trip last night....so maybe tomorrow....or some delivery is also to be considered....just spent the day online and watching MythBusters....Matt the manager here gave me a piece of very nice locally made sharp cheddar....we both like good cheese....also had a phone call from my brother....do need to check my on hand supplies and walk either tomorrow or Thursday....as Friday is predicted to be rain with significant winds....

(21:12 UTC-5)
(+23"F....cloudy)
(Now Playing: "MythBusters" on the Science Network)
  Been a weird day in many....well maybe not exactly weird....but certainly not normal....but with me....on second thought....I tend to plan my days out before hand....a habit I formed from running a very busy shipping/receiving/warehousing department....with side jobs of inventory/inventory control....not to mention doing the material requirements planning not only for my department and for raw materials for a small factory....with that many "balls in the air at one time....a plan for the day was necessary....of course....it rarely went according to plan....but at least you had a plan to change...where was I, what was i doing, and WHY!....ah to day's events....normally the ladies of housekeeping come in every Tuesday to clean my rooms and change my bed linen....but for some reason their aren't working tomorrow....(pause)....ah....Christmas....so they came in today....but I had allowed for that....and had scheduled the day around it....but hadn't planned to get up just after 04:00 local time....just awoke....and realized that there was no point in trying to get back to sleep....my knees and left shoulder were softly sing a off key dirge....so got up....and started my online game play early....and the day got back on schedule....Sis and her hubby picked me up for a Christmas Eve meal....and to my shock....had figured that it would throw my schedule off....but because we went to a spot just down the street....it fit in like a glove....(ok if you haven't figured out yet that my writing style is stream of consciousness....sorry)....sometimes I can be such a dummkopf....I posted this to the wrong blog....but thanks to control "X" / control "V"....it's now where I intended it....oy vey....

(17:41 UTC-5)
(+28*F....cloudy)
(Now Playing: "MythBusters" reruns on the Science Network)
   When I was checking today's TV schedule last night noticed that the Science Network was airing "MythBusters" all day today....now one of my all time fav TV shows....what I didn't realize at the time they are not only were playing the re-runs all day today....but for the next 11 gays as well....so at least for that time period.....I won't be able to complain both nothing on the TV to watch....
   Walked briefly this morning....nothing I really had to get today....but didn't walk yesterday because of the rain....and just needed to get out of my rooms....will probably walk again tomorrow or may be Monday....because none of the stores I usually shop at for food will close early Monday evening and then not re-open until Wednesday morning....and there are a few fresh veggies and liquid egg whites that probably will run out before Wednesday....sure I could survive without them....I just don't want to....
   We did get a light dusting of snow overnight....and maybe another 2 or 3 inches snow over the next few days....so we probably have a white Christmas....not that I give a hoot one way or the other....but I have relatives that do....

(19:32 UTC-5)
(+44*F....cloudy)
(Now playing: "Gold" w/ Roger Moore (link))
  The high temperature for the day was in the low 50s F....but the temperature is falling and will hit the lower 30s and possibly the high 20s by morning....been raining on and off all day....and with the rain plus the warmer temperature all the ground snow is gone....with the exception of the piles from plowing and snow removal....but once the temperature drops sufficiently snow is predicted....the weather so far has been really almost random....and today is the official start of winter....
   Because of the rain....comings and goings....to walk was not a great idea so I didn't....do need to walk sometimes in the next 3 days....but will wait to see what the weather has in-store for us....
   Just a quiet day....

(17:57 UTC-5)
(+44*F....cloudy)
(Now Playing: "NCIS" re-runs oh the USA Network)
   It was colder this morning....temperatures still below freezing....but I prefer to walk early....so I did....just a few things across the street at Aldi....been a quiet day since then....got a call from my sis and the plan is to get together on Christmas Eve for a meal....and will stay in on Christmas....and just kick back....
   I've been checking my blog stats both on this blog and for "Trollie's Game Room" as well....the program not only records country of origin, but also in some cases the referring URLs....the great majority of my hits are from outside North America....but the thing that I a bit confused about is that some of the recent referring URLs, are from let's just say, websites that cater to men....and over 21 years old....if you catch my meaning....have no idea how or why....and have no intention of trying to figure it out....besides....a hit is a hit....

(18:34 UTC-5)
(+34*F....clear)
(Now Playing: Chant & Polyphony from Medieval England (link))
   According to the most recent forecast....will be in the 40's tomorrow....may reach 50*F on Friday with an 80% chance of rain....that snow both Saturday and Monday....with temperature below 32*F....I just wish that the weather would get its' act together....and quit the dang yo-yo effect....if it's to be cold then let it be....and if a mild winter is in our future....let it be so....but pick one....
   I use nothing but sea salt in my diet....both course sea salt and fine pink salt....both of which I can usually find at Ollie's....and needed to make a stop at Dollar General as well....but the same old thing happened to me at Ollie's....as I was walking back to the shelves were the sea salt is stored....I heard this sweet, quiet voice calling my name....and as I stopped to look a box of chocolate covered cashews in a caramel filling jumped into my basket....and I didn't have the heart to deny them....well it's my story and I'm sticking to it....
   Now up until now I've been buying the value package of bacon at Aldi....a pound at a time for a little less than 4$....I used to microwave strips with my first meal 3 or 4 times a week....but since I've been making the egg dish for second meal I've chopped up just a small amount for the taste....and it takes for every to use a pound....so rather than by the "run of the mill" bacon....this time I bought for about the same amount of money....give or take....12 oz of center cut bacon....a better grade....so this more the last of the old was gone....and opened the new package....decided to go simple....just a little fresh garlic, the bacon chopped fine....and the liquid egg white....and just a little salt and pepper (fresh ground) to taste....I'm sitting here trying to figure out why I hadn't made the switch earlier....sometimes I can be a such a dummkopf....

(17:04 UTC-5)
(+20*F....cloudy)
(Now Playing" "Sink the Bismarck" (link))
   Has just been a very quiet day....and a very lazy one as well....could of walk to day....but checked the weather for the rest of the week....tomorrow temperature is predicted for the mid-30's....and Thursday in the low 40's....with 50* temperatures on Friday....why walk in 20 degree weather when it's warmer tomorrow, and warmer the next....besides I really don't need anything  clear through the weekend....like I said....a quiet....lazy day....which actually started last night....started to watch "The Hunt for the Red October".....one of my top 5 fav flix....watch the first 45 minutes....and just stooped and went to bed....got about 9 hours sleep last night....needed it....today being Tuesday....had my weekly visit from the nice ladies of the housekeeping staff....freshly cleaned room and linens....and if they have time and  today they did....they do my laundry....I never have very much....and it saves me having to mess with it....normally I would spend most of the day on line....almost nothing ever on Tuesday to watch on the old boob tube....but like I said....a lazy day....and watched a re-run of an American football game from Sunday on the NFL network....and lust "kicked back" and took the it easy today....BBC America is showing "The Last Samurai" at 20:00 local time....one of only two Tom Cruise movies I like....the other is "Top Gun"....so will probably veg in front of the TV and watch it....but with my behavior of last night....no guarantee I'll watch the whole movie....   

(18:32 UTC-5)
(+30*F....snow shower)
(Now Playing: "Gold" w/ Roger Moore (link))
   But an interesting day....walked once earlier....about 08:30 local time....mid-30's....but actually quite pleasant for this time of year....just a light breeze....basically just to get a squeeze bottle to water my new plant (see post below)....I have essential tremors and pouring any liquid from a glass or bottle can be an interesting experience if I happen to have a tremor at the worst possible time....I put all my liquids in squeeze bottles, which I can control easier....but ended up with a new pair of sweat pants....that I didn't know I needed until I saw them in the store....and a couple hours later....another walk to Aldi when I realized I was almost out of bananas....I eat one per day....read where a banana a day will help reduce the frequency and severity of leg cramps....which as a former soccer player and distance runner I get from time to time....apparently bananas are rich in trace elements that the body needs but can't store....I guess I could take a supplement but I'd rather get it through the food I eat....I remember the bananas....but also ended up with a box of crackers, a box of cookies, a couple bottles of sparkling water (pink grapefruit favor)....a nice piece of cheese, and some egg rolls....which again I didn't realize I needed until I saw them there....I really love good cheese....not the pre-sliced....package cheese....I mean real cheese....a good cheddar, or blue, or any cheese from Italy....and not just cow's milk, but goat and sheep's milk cheese as well....and I don't mind paying for it....

(16:55 UTC-5)
(+34*F....cloudy)
(Now Playing: "Our Man Flint"(1966)(link))
   I needed to walk today....well actually....I wanted to walk....but with the combination of traffic on the street I live on....main route to the mall and the big box stores just to the west of my location....and my walk would take me to the west....and despite the thaw and rain of the last couple of days....I knew that for this gimpy, grumpy, cane carrying, old codger....there would be two spots where the sidewalk would  be impassible....requiring me to detour into the street...but figured if I walked before 10:00 local time I'd miss most of the traffic....so I did, and did....a quick trip to a convenience store and the Price Chopper....needed a few things but chief among them was some sausage....what I got I can't in good conscience call a "local delicacy" ....it's far to "rural" in nature for that....but it is only made locally in the area around Croghan  NY....hence the name....Croghan Baloney....not really a baloney but a fine sausage none the less....only problem is that it normally comes packaged in 1 lb. packages....which is too much for me....I just nibble on small pieces at a time, dipped in hot mustard....and I think a pound piece were dry out a little before I finished it....but I know the product....and the store....and I new if I "dug" to the bottom of the display....I'd find a smaller package....and found a piece just over 1/2 a pound....perfect....
   The recliner I recently received from my sis was my dad's chair....dad lived with my sis and her hubby for awhile before he past....and we always used to tease him about falling asleep in the chair....I can now understand why he did....very comfortable....have almost nodded off a few times myself....
   I now have a "Christmas Tree"....well sort of....a friend brought me a potted evergreen plant...maybe a whole 10" high....doubt however that I could find ornaments the right size....but I got a tree none the less.... 

(20:48 UTC-5)
(+33*F....clear)
   No music or shows off Youtube tonight or on the television....although it's still early....didn't sleep well last night....awoke just after 04:00 local time (about 2 or 3 hours earlier than usual)....but I know myself pretty well after 71 years of experiences, and knew it was a waste of time to try to get back to sleep....so didn't try....got up....and started the day....and at this point I'm what we used to call it when I was a kid....dog tired....but wanted to get my daily post in....I do miss a day from time to time but still had a little "steam left in the old boiler" so decided to post....except for a short walk to the bank and Aldi to pick up a few things have been in all day....on top of little sleep....I've got the sniffles today....which maybe the first signs of an impending head cold....the weather was much milder today than what's it's been....with temperatures in the mid 40's F....I always had a tendency towards colds when the temperature is like a yo-yo....up and down....especially when it's damp....once winter sets in I'll be fine....so for the most part a quiet day....now off to bed....   

(17:21 UTC-5)
(+42*F....rain)
(Now Playing: "My Mix" from Youtube (link))
   It's raining now but was mid 40's and clear this morning....after the weather and temperature of late....it actually felt "warm"....but Winter conditions can been frustrating....if there is no snow....drifts or plowed snow banks....and I want to go to the plaza that's almost literally out the back door of where I live....maybe 30 feet to the backdoor from my rooms....down the hill and I'm in the back of the plaza.....and a short walk and I'm in front of the first shop.....maybe 50 yds.....but because of the snow banks my "short cut" is impassable....I have to walk all the way to the front of the first building (my room are in the third....then down the side walk to the driveway of the plaza....and to the first shop....it's got to be the better part of a quarter of a mile....rats....now because I live in a hotel....(well technically I live in the residential/extended stay building....which for tax purposes is a separate entity)....there are vending machines available....2 12 oz. cans would cost me $2.50 for 24 oz....I can buy a 6 pack of 7.5 oz cans for just under $3.00 at the local dollar store, that's 45 oz....besides the smaller amount is just what I prefer....and yes I can pinch a penny with the best of them....
   I was up at the front desk....and the 2nd shift clerk stopped me and said I had mail....the checks I had ordered....and a cardboard box....got back to my rooms and discovered the box contained dry fruit....which I love....a nice assortment....but no card....but the label had my new room number on it....and so far only a few people/businesses know it....finally found on the label that it was from and sis and her hubby....that will teach me to try to read a label without putting on my reading glasses....so gave her a call and told her someone had sent me a bowl of fruit but it was all dried out....and we reminisced about my dad who loved dry fruit....also told her that the reclining chair she gave me was dangerous....I was watching TV and caught myself dozing off....but I and my sibs come from a long line of kidders....   

(20:12 UTC-5)
(+32*F....Mostly Cloudy)
(Now Playing: "Hec Ramsey" pilot (link))
   Weather for tomorrow is predicted to be a little bit warmer....in the high 30's....and some rain probable in the afternoon hours....but got what little shopping I needed to get done this morning....
   Spent a few hours this evening with my sibs and their respective plus ones....ate at a Greek restaurant....that is unfortunately closing soon....apparently the plaza that it's in wants to raise the price of the lease....and the owners of the place decided that it was time to close up shop....it's a pity....really great food....and the only Greek restaurant in the small city I live in....I really enjoyed the food....
   My recliner has arrived....so at least for the time being....the rooms are just like I like....didn't sleep well at all last night....one of those nights when the body was tired, but my  brain was full of thoughts, and would settle down....I'm running out of "gas" earlier than usual....

(14:58 UTC-5)
(+24*F....cloudy)
(Now Playing: "My Mix" off Youtube (link))
   This is a historic day.... well from my point of view anyways....on this day in 1947....at about 8:00 AM local time....in the city of Buffalo, New York....the world was changed forever....okay....okay....it's my birthday....am now 71 years old....
   One of the pieces that was just playing while I write this as an except from the 1812 Overture....and try as I might every time I hear one part of it all I can think of is the old Quaker Oats commercial....and start singing "This is the cereal that's shot from guns".....but when I heard one of the main themes of "The William Tell" overture.....I remember it was the theme song for the 50's Saturday morning TV show "The Lone Ranger"....and I want to shout "Hi-Ho Silver Away".....and yes I think they got my straitjacket to tight today (hehe)....
   What should have been a quiet day....no walk planned....no walk taken....and the celebration of my birth with my sibs is scheduled for the morrow....but my Facebook time line has been flooded with birthday wishes....after many years....last time I saw a former school mate of mine was in 1971....we moved from the area I grew up in right after I graduated from high school....but have re-connect with in the last few years with over 25 of them....(only a class of 126)....and as fate would have it....I am the oldest surviving member of the class....of course I always was the second oldest member of the class when I graduated....
   

(17:29 UTC-5)
(+28*F....snow shower)
(Now Playing: "My Mix" off Youtube (link))
   The weather says we got light snow today....but you couldn't prove it by me....having but outside at all today....didn't need anything....so wasn't planning on it....in fact have spent most of the day in my rooms or in the hotel I live in....had some conversations with some of the staff....but that's just about it....today....being Tuesday....housekeeping was in for the weekly cleaning and changing of linens....but other than that....just a couple of trips up to the lobby....
   The manager has been attempting to eat a bit more healthy....we actually share a birthday....tomorrow....he's 40 something....but he read some reviews and order 2 cases of a very high rated green tea....from Japan....bottled to  be drunk cold....but he's not a tea drinker....and basically couldn't stand the stuff....so now I am the recipient of a case and a half of green iced tea....it's a little "funky"....but not bad at all....
   Other than just hanging out and spending time on the internet....spent so time re-arranging the room....when my sibs and their mates pick me up on Thursday to celebrate my birthday....they are bring the recliner my sis had left over from downsizing....preparing for their move to Florida....not sure how big it is....but have left what I think should be more than enough space to move it in and get it placed....
   Now my birthday is tomorrow....but because of scheduling....we will celebrate on Thursday the 13....I kidding told her I wasn't to sure about that....and that I really hated when Friday the 13th....fell on a Thursday....but after 70+ years she should be used to my weird sense of humor....    

(16:27 UTC-5)
(+21*F....sunny)
(Now Playing: "NCIS"....om USA Network)
   A nice day....well a nice day as compared to a one of our all to common typical Winter's day....certainly not a nice day compared to a warm Spring day....but I've lived in lake effect snow zones most of my life....and the last 50+ not only in the aforementioned snow zone....but where in Winter....if the wind is right we can get our weather off Hudson Bay....in the mid-70's....we had a day with a temperature of -55*F with 55 mph winds....yielding a windchill reading of in-excess of -100*F....so compared to than....today was a nice day....was going to leave my shopping until Thursday....then I got a call from my sister....she promised me a reclining chair for  my new digs....and has arranged to bring it over on Thursday....and that an early dinner out to celebrate my 71st birthday on Wednesday....the 3 of us....my sister....and baby brother ( & their mates) usual celebrate birthdays going out for a meal....(ah he'll always be my baby brother....he'll be 61 in January....)....
   Although better than the last time I walked....sidewalks are in better shape....but still a little trick in spots....
   If you look in older posts you know about my egg dishes....most are complicated with many ingredients....but took a very simple approach to today's dish....just bacon & liquid egg....and just salt and pepper....much simpler that my usual dishes....but very enjoyable as well.... 

(14:11 UTC-5)
(+29*F....cloudy)
(Now Playing: "Contact" on BBC America)
   Not that I really needed to but I had planned to walk today....hadn't walked yesterday because of the snow....or rather was afraid that the walks would not be properly cared for....and we did get a fresh dusting of snow over night....but that's not the reason I didn't walk today....didn't get a a decent night sleep last night, and just felt a little off today....or as we would have said back in the day...."My get-up-and-go....got-up and went"....so I have spent the kind of day that I really enjoy....a quiet day....a little TV....a little surfing the web....okay....maybe a lot more than a little....some online gaming and some modding on a group....

(14:25 UTC-5)
(+23*F....cloudy)
(Now Playing: "NCIS" on the USA Network)
   We picked up a little more snow overnight....and may still get some more today....at least a foot of snow on the ground and maybe a little more....but need to walk sometime in the next couple of days....but am concerned about the condition of of the sidewalk....and the necessity of walking in the street to avoid impassable spots on the sidewalks....but both places I need to stop at are open 24/7....and the one day during the week when the traffic is light on Arsenal Street during daylight hours....is Sunday before 10 AM local time....so weather permitting will plan to walk tomorrow....
   Got looking as to what I had on-hand for my 2nd meal traditional egg dish....haven't decided what to call it because I use liquid egg white, mix all the ingredients together....and cook it in a microwave....best I can come up with is a rustic frittata....sounds better than a "nuked egg dish"....I sliced and diced some fresh shallot, garlic and potato....2 pats of butter (Irish Butter)....pink sea salt....fresh ground black pepper....and microwave for 90 seconds....some nice smoked salmon....and a dash of dry dill weed....added some liquid egg whites....90 more seconds in the microwave....and a couple of twists of fresh cracked pepper on top....definitely will have to be added to the list of....must make again....
    Already has been an enjoyable quiet day of a little....NCIS re-runs....some on-line gaming....a little surfing the web....and some modding on the Facebook group...."The Farthest Side"....and some surfing on Google Images....and if you take a look at the footer....have found a few new memes....

(14:03 UTC-5)
(+18*F....mostly cloudy)
(Now Playing: "My Mix" off Youtube (link))
   From the look of things we got a total of about 12" of snow between yesterday and over night....I went to bed a little before 22:00 local time last night and never surfaced to just be for 08:00 this morning....a couple of hours later than usual....so I have been forced to alter my normal routine....I am nothing if I not a creature of habit....but decided that I needed to walk....ergo....against my better judgement I walked....about half way to Aldi....a section of sidewalk that had not been cleared of snow....oy vey....and trying to trudge through it was no option....turn around and go home or walk on thee side of the street....I needed somethings....so out into the street....and playing matador with the SUVs....I survived again....obviously....I'm not sure if it's the best or worst of the deal....but the section of the sidewalk that was un-passable was the section in front of the bank....where resides my money....but the hazards of the trip not withstanding.....now I like very much cured salmon....both smoked and salted....no much a fan of it fresh....unless we're talking sushi or sashimi....but my fav is gravlox....salmon cured in salt, sugar, dill, and sometimes beets....but hard to find....been buying nova or lox....but the thin sliced variety....but had seen the last time I was at Aldi....a 4 oz. piece....a bit more than I usually pay....but decided to try it....simple preparation....just broke up a small piece....some dried dill and parsley....and some liquid egg white....and a minute in the microwave....will be added not only to the list of items I keep on hand....but also the dish will find it's way into the rota of my meals....

(15:36 UTC-5)
(+32*F....snow shower)
(Now Playing: "Beat Bobby Flay" on the Food Network)
   Looks like we've already got around 6" of snow and the alert is through 1 AM local time Friday....so it's possible we could pickup some more....the forecast was for 5 to 10 inches of but I've check the radar and the predicted storm track....and unless the wind shifts....it seems that any heavy snow is going to go below us....I'm estimating the amount of snow....because I'm very comfortable and warm in my rooms and since I don't need to go out today....I really don't care just what the exact amount is....probably in to Saturday anyways....by the the sidewalks should be cleared and I'll be fine....only problem is because of the banks of snow from plowing....my "off sidewalk" short cuts will be impassable....long ways around....but it's Winter in the Northcountry of old New York State and I'm used too it....
   A couple months ago I setup a second debit card with the intent of using it for something I've never done before....and that's order online....I mean I've only been online for a little over 24 years....so maybe I'm a little overdue to do that....but I wanted to shop with an account that was isolated from the card I use on a regular basis....slide so money into that account yesterday so will start looking around for what I want but can't find locally....and by locally I mean within a walking radius of 10 minutes one way....but you notice I said "want"....because within that radius is everything I "need"....including my doctor's office....
   I have mentioned many times that I live in the Northcountry....so I decided to add a map down in the footer.... 

(19:48 UTC-5)
(+28*F....mostly cloudy)
(Now Playing: "Shooter" on TNT)
   When I opened my e-mail this morning found a winter weather warning for lake effect snow....starting at mid-night tonight through 1 AM Friday morning....with 5 to 10 inches of snow forecast....I decided to take care of some errands I had intended to do tomorrow or Friday....as I'm a walker....it usually takes a couple of days before the sidewalks are sufficiently cleared so it's safe for me to walk....I'm a gimpy, old codger and need reasonable walking conditions....so I won't fall down and bust my butt....
   Not that much happening today....the usual quiet day....and at my age I love a nice quiet day....  

(15:32 UTC-5)
(+26*F....partly cloudy)
(Now Playing: "Gregorian Chant....Voices of Tranquility " (link))
   I've had a very busy day so far....have walked 3 separate times....the first to Aldi in search of the elusive banana....I eat one with my first meal everyday....folk medicine says it works to prevent leg cramps....commonly referred to as "Charley Horses"....as a former soccer player and distance runner I'm prone to them....seems to help....but ended up with some other things I didn't know I needed until I saw them available....then later a walk up to my bank....needed to move some funds around between accounts....under normal conditions I have no reason to touch my savings account....but New York State law allows the state to claim the funds from any account take has show no activity for a period of 2 years....ergo....every year around my birthday (which is next Wednesday) I always make a small deposit....a pain in the butt but necessary....and then decided I really should pickup my meds refills....wasn't quite out yet....but as winter approaches.....I can't count on having a day that I can walk....as the pharmacy I use is in a grocery store I took the opportunity to pickup a few items for my winter pantry....which at this point is in pretty good shape....during the winter between my gimpy joints and the weather I sometimes am not able to walk out for several days in a row....ergo....the winter pantry....and between walks have keep busy reviewing new member request on the Facebook group that I'm a moderator for....because of our strictly enforced policy of no politics allowed. we screen new member request very carefully....under premise that it's better to decline a potential problem....then have to deal with it later....after all the sole purpose of the group is to enjoy the cartoons of Larsen and those of a similar type....no place for politics or "flame wars"....

(15:31 UTC-5)
(+31*F....cloudy)
(Now Playing: "Hornblower....Duty" (link))
   Being that this is a Monday....normally when 1 sit down to write my daily postings to my blog....you would find that I'm listening/watching re-runs on the USA network....however when I hit the clicker to start the binge....all I got was a black screen and an icon on which was written "No Signal"....that was at 09:00 local time and the same remains until now....but it's just part of what has been a generally wacky day....
   Rained earlier, but had been in the mid-40's temperature wise, and dropped like a stone....when I decided to walk....very light snow....but in the half an hour or so....big flakes....stopped now....just a dusting....
   I play a free Poker game online....no actually money changes hands....just game money....I  start my day by longing on and playing a minimum of 16 hands....which gains me a completed mission....which speeds up the clock for free money drops....for the last several weeks....I get the notice that the mission was complete....but when I checked the hands played counter it had only given me credit for as few as 12 hands played....a glitch apparently....but it's been shorting me in the total hands played.....this morning I caught a good table for my style....and played about 35 minutes....after I left the table at first glance....I thought it had credited me with 33 hands played....maybe a little low but close....but when I took a closer look....I had been given credit for playing 833 hands....not possible in 35 minutes....like I said prior....a generally wacky day....

(18:17 UTC-5)
(+48*F....mostly cloudy)
(Now Playing: "Gaudy Night" (link))
   Now because of the weather forecast for a rainy day....and then changing to snow tomorrow....and ran all my necessary errands on Friday and Saturday....so I had everything so I would have to walk....so this afternoon the weather broke for awhile....and I did manage to find a very good reason to walk....I just needed to walk....flex the old joints and muscles if you will....took the short walk to Dollar General....not because I really needed anything....other than a destination....but found several things I desperately needed....all the second I saw the said items....I realized I had to have them....well this is my blog and my story and I'm sticking to it....and my purchases have been added to my winter stores....
   Other than my need to briefly escape my rooms and get so fresh air....I've been a bit lazy today....the usual online routine....last night however one of your group members decided to add a big chunk of his friends list to the group....normally there are only less than a dozen to be reviewed at give time....last night there were about 6....6 dozen....oy vey....and for most of the time only two of us hacking away at the pile....but we did get through it all, but it did take time....     

(18:25 UTC-5)
(+32*F....fair)
(Now Playing: "Hellfighters" (link))
   Although it's not raining yet, it will start later this evening....and  rain on and off until sometime Monday....and at some point it will turn to snow....lovely....decided to walk a second time last night...so was in all day and probably will be until Tuesday....
   I was checking the TV schedule for today earlier and saw the BBC American was airing some of the old episodes of Star Trek....and then I looked closer and realized that except for the episode airing a bit later....all the others were those I really didn't care whether I saw them again or not....so I didn't....
   Have spent most of the day online....the usual online gaming and a big chunk of time reviewing requests for membership in the group I'm a moderator for....it's  were the members can post or see their favorite Larsen cartoons, and others of a similar style....but we check be for approving because we endeavor to keep the group free of political comments....so we review their timelines before accepting them....it's time consuming but a lot of groups have been ruined because due diligence was not paid to who was allowed to post....also all posts must be approved before they are posted....but comments....replies....can only be deleted after the fact....it takes time but we've got many good people on the job....

(11:23 UTC-5)
(+34*F....cloudy)
(Now Playing: The Best of Tallis (link))
   Tallis was a 16th century composer of liturgical music....and I just in the mood for it today....If you've read this blog before then you know that my musically tastes are quite eclectic....
   Actually the weather today was conducive for a walk....well an early Winter walk anyways....but had no intention of walking today....point of fact wasn't planning to walk before Sunday....but looked at the forecast and rain is predicted for Sunday....and a quick decision....as snow is predicted for this afternoon....take a short walk....the convenience store and Aldi.....but after the stop at the convenience store....standing at the place where I'd cross the street to go to Aldi....talked myself out of that plan....and decided to stop at Ollie's, then the Thrift Store, Dollar General, and back to my rooms....didn't see anything at Ollie's or at The Thrift Store for that matter....but as I was walking to the Dollar General....a car pulled up, parked, and out popped Sharon P.....and her classic big hug.....now way back.....she had just started a few months before as a receptionist at the plant that I was starting work as a shipping clerk....and when I left some 35 years later was the Materials Supervisor and she the executive secretary....and left just after I did....one of the nicest people I've ever known....except that she gets a kick out of reminding me that she is older than I am....by about 8 months....haven't seen her in probably 5 or 6 years....had a nice conversation....but after I got to thinking....if I hadn't walked....changed my route....and had been precisely where I was at the time she parked the car....I won't have seen her at all....coincidence....?....now I'm not a huge believer in the concept of fate....but there are things that have occurred to me in my life that sometimes makes me wonder if somethings were meant to happen or not happen....?....      

(15:04 UTC-5)
(+34*F....cloudy)
(Now Playing: "NCIS" re-run on the USA Network)
   It's been a really quiet day....and didn't even try to find an excuse to walk....not as bad as they have been before but my knees are singing to me today....damp weather....gets me every time....so have just been kicking back....a little TV....probably will watch the Saints vs. Cowboys Thursday night game on the NFL network....should be a good game....but only enjoyable if the Cowboys lose....obviously not my favorite American football team....in fact if the Cowboys are playing....I want the  other team to win....similar thing with baseball....I don't care who beats them as long as the New York Yankees....lose....
   Probably will spend tomorrow in as well and then shop for the weekend on Saturday....but if something comes up....I'll walk....but then if I cannot get out to walk....just walking the halls of the hotel where my rooms are can give me the exercise I need....and there is a stationary bike it can use as well....

(16:45 UTC-5)
(+33*F....cloudy)
(Now Playing: Faure "Requiem" (link))
   I had the opportunity to sing this piece several years ago with the local choral society....not a particularly difficult tenor part....but a fun piece to sing....but what made it special for me was my daughter the French Horn player was in the small orchestra that accompanied the performance....
   Had not intended to walk today....we got another 3 or 4 inches of snow overnight and I had everything I needed really until Friday and probably until the weekend....that is before I looked into the frig to get some raw veg that I usually eat with my first meal of the day....and discovered they had seen their better days....could have skipped them....but....Aldi is just across the street....so out I went....most of the walkways had been shoveled and/or blown....so footing was decent....and I had my raw veg....
   I list watchable shows on TV usually the night before....but very few are ever must watches....half the time I make a list and end up watching very little of it....but tonight at 20:00 local time BBC American is showing "The Hunt for Red October"....although not my number 1 favorite flick....it's solidly in the 10 ten....and they're showing it back to back....so will definitely watch that.... 

(16:50 UTC-5)
(+32*F....snowing)
(Now Playing: "Lady Hawk" (link))
   It's a snowy day....just light snow but snowy none the less....there was a break this morning in the weather and since I only needed to go to the plaza that's just out the backdoor and down the hill I walked....by the time I got back....it was snowing again but very lightly....stopped at Ollie's and got a tin of danish butter cookies, and a new paring knife for food prep....and then to Dollar General....for a bottle of Powerade, a bottle of Dr. Pepper....and some writing pads....Today was the day that the ladies from housekeeping come in to clean my rooms....sometimes I stay but today decided to time my walk on there arrival and by the time I got back they were finished....if the weather forecast is correct it will be a bit warmer and no snow Thursday and I need to go to the pharmacy at Price Chopper to pickup my re-fills on my meds....so will call tomorrow so I don't have to wait....maybe pickup a few more things there and if the weather holds....down to Aldi as well....just have to see what the weather actually is....and the one med that's most important, my blood pressure med I still have a couple of weeks supply....the other a cholesterol med isn't that important as my numbers have been good, and doc said he probably will take me off them at my next appointment....    

(18:29 UTC-5)
(+40"F....cloudy)
(Now Playing: William Byrd "Mass for 4 & 5 voices (link))
   It's been raining on and off all day here....but sometime in the overnight hours it's forecast to change to snow and snow until Thursday....supposedly light snow but up here you can never tell....had a friend years ago that used to describe expect snow fall as....we will get a trace to 3 feet of snow....I'm not sure if it's the damp weather today or just approaching my 71st birthday in a couple of weeks but woke of feeling just a bit off today....didn't feel sick....but on the other hand didn't feel particularly well either....just a tad off....a little stiff in the joints....or rather a little stiffer in the joints than usual....so around 15:30 local time decided to take a nap....don't normally take naps and if I do take a nap....usually between maybe 20 and 40 minutes....laid down....rolled over and I had been down for about 20 minutes....decided to rest awhile longer....next time I surfaced and looked at the clock....my nap had lasted almost 2 hours....but I now feel pretty normal....not normal for when I was in my late teens and 20's....but the new normal for my 70+ years....
   If you are unfamiliar with the English composer William Byrd he lived in the 16th & 17th centuries....considered a Renaissance composer....his works are by enlarge acappella....and liturgical in nature....not everyone's taste in music....but two of my favorite musical  forms.....both to listen to and to sing are acappella and liturgical....put them together....and I'm in my "element"....although age has eroded my singing voice to prelude me from sing anymore.....I still enjoy listening....    

(17:41 UTC-5)
(+41*F....cloudy)
(Now Playing: a classical mix off Youtube (link))
   Today has been a busy shopping day for me, not to the mall or big box stores but rather to grocery stores....walked twice....before the brief rain we got and then after....two different directions and between the two walks too much to carry in one trip....next 3 days rain and/or snow....then 3 decent days....and then rain and/or snow predicted for the 8 days there after....not saying that I may not be able to get out on the snow days if it's little....and at this point it's only predicted to "snow showers"....aka light snow....but one must eat and it won't be the first time between the weather and my feet or knees giving me a hard time, which frequently happens this time of year.....that I've been unable to walk for several days in a row....so it's my practice to stock up on non-perishable foods this time of year....and then there is always delivery....don't order most of the year but in the winter I will....besides haven't had good Chinese food in awhile and there's a good source for that in town....not to mention pizza or wings....not franchises....but locally owned businesses....and at this point although there are a few more things I'd like to add to my "storm pantry" I'm pretty well set....besides I can always take more advantage of the daily free breakfast that comes with me living in a hotel....besides I've lived my whole life (except for 9 semesters in college) in heavy snow and bitter cold areas....this will be my 72nd winter....and by now I know how to cope with the extremes....and maybe more importantly how to prepare before the worst of it....but also made a run as part of the second walk to the ATM....doesn't hurt this time of year to have a little extra cash on hand....I do have a debit card....but prefer to pay cash....and don't have a credit card....I have sound reasons for that....but won't get into that at this time....but I strive to live within my means....
   

(17:41 UTC-4)
(+41*F....rain)
(Now Playing: a mix off Youtube (link))
   As I was crawling into bed last night, I suddenly remembered I hadn't post to this slag heap yesterday....had posted to another of my blogs....but not this one....and just rolled into bed and had the best night sleep I've had in weeks....but except for a trip to a convenience store and Aldi....was a  very quiet day....and except for three trips to the lobby....for a bagel this morning....because it was raining and I needed to stretch my legs just walked the entire length of the first floor of the hotel I live in....and later the same but to get a cup of coffee....won't have walked out even if it had been nice....all the big pre-Christmas sales are in full swing and there's noway I'd go any of the mall or big box stores this weekend....
   Have basically spent the entire day on line....last time there has been anything on the "old boob tube" I wanted to watch was Monday....and as there is next to nothing on tomorrow....looks like maybe Monday again....I may even watch a some of the NFL games tomorrow....have to check to see who's playing....
   It's raining now and is predicted to rain on and off through Wednesday....so probably won't get out until then....but the snow will be gone and I can use my short cuts which makes it easier....pretty well stocked so that's not a problem.....besides it's been awhile since I've gotten delivery....maybe some Chinese....

(09:05 UTC-5)
(+6*F....fair....feels like -3*F)
(Now Playing" "WKRP" Turkeys Away (link))
   The episode above is one of the funniest sitcom episode of all time....and appropriate for Thanksgiving....in a twisted sort of way.....going to be gone most of the day for a Thanksgiving dinner with my brother and his wife....so I thought I'd post before I left....although I might tack something on when I get back....
   It's a cold one this morning....I think it's about time to take the Carhart winter coat out for a spin....now temperatures colder than this are common in this area....but usually not this early....I've worked outside in weather that was as cold as -40*F....but I was a lot younger then....and maybe a lot more tolerant....of the weather....never been too tolerant of some other things....the thing I've never been able to tolerant is intolerance....
     

(14:18 UTC-5)
(+26*F....partly cloudy....wind speed 20 mph)
(Now Playing "Birth of S.H.A.D.O. (link))
   The predicted low temperature for over night to night is predicted at +6*F....and fairly brisk winds....so definitely not the night for a late night walk....
   Don't know how much if at all all post tomorrow....be gone most of the day celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday....with my brother and his wife....and some of her family....so my internet time will be affected....one of my favorite days....the main part of the celebration is the meal....the cook stuffs a turkey....and then we, those at the table, stuff ourselves....(Thanksgiving Holiday)
   Have found my time as a moderator on a Facebook group very interesting....hoe some people use or in some cases over use, even miss-use Facebook is sometimes a crazy ride....I generally keep the groups I follow below 10....it's had to keep up with that many....but there are apparently some who take pride in being in as many as they can....saw a request yesterday for membership in our group with 1,750 groups....(The MadTrollie can be seen shaking his head)....I have trouble just keeping up with a hand full....obviously this person isn't trying to, just collecting "trophies"....but not our group....declined....
   Except for Thanksgiving....I'm not looking forward to the next few days....the major shopping season for Christmas kicks off tomorrow evening and continues through the weekend....know as Black Friday....and the hotel I live in will probably be full to the max....with crazy shoppers....probably will just stay in my rooms after returning from my brothers tomorrow evening....however....may go over to Aldi for a few things....I never go grocery shopping the day before Thanksgiving as the late minute shopper is there buying for the meal the next day....but Friday through the weekend....all the shoppers are at the local mall and retail stores and the grocery stores are nearly empty of customers....only difficult will  be surviving crossing Arsenal Street....traffic there is bad enough normally....but should be crazy for the next few days....
    

(17:28 UTC-5)
(+26*F....cloudy)
(Now Playing: "Have His Carcase" (link))
   We got a little light snow today, but I needed a few things....had planned to walk tomorrow but when I checked my e-mail this morning the was a winter weather warning in my unread mail....we are under another lake effect snow warning from 4 AM local time tomorrow until 4 PM in the afternoon with another 3 to 6 inches of snow predicted....and as Thursday is Thanksgiving and I probably be out most of the day at my brothers, and besides it usually takes a day or so, depending on how much snow we get for the sidewalks to be cleared....
   Except for the walk it was a very typical Tuesday....the ladies of housekeeping come in every Tuesday to clean my rooms and change my linens....( a brief pause )....while writing this post I remember that I hadn't picked up my laundry which the ladies do for me once a week....no a big deal....nothing I need right away....besides sometimes they don't get it done the same day....have to check on it tomorrow....

(20:53 UTC-5)
(+33*F....partly cloudy)
(Now Playing: "Have His Carcase" (link))
   Been an easy day on the whole....did take a short walk over to Aldi to pickup a few things as it maybe the last chance I get before Friday....the dreaded "Black Friday"....the busiest shopping day of the year....so the hotel should be full and I avoid the retail stores, but Aldi shouldn't be to busy....but Aldi is closed Thursday for Thanksgiving....and the weather is predicted to be unsettled....a either snow or rain or a mix of both....depending on the temperature at any given time....and since I walk everywhere....or all most everywhere....I try to avoid walking in the rain....I'll walk in little snow....but not the rain....I do have rain gear but I avoid the rain unless ti's unavoidable....
   Besides my duties as a moderator on the FB group...."The Farthest Side"....I've really cut down my activities on FB....not that I'm on very many groups....but may give up a couple I'm on right now....
   Looking forward to my dinner on Thanksgiving with my brother and his Mrs....I usually have Thanksgiving with my sister and her Mr....but they will be away until next week....they are in the process of moving to a retirement community in Florida....but will keep a presents up here....at least for the foreseeable future.... 

(18:03 UTC-5)
(+31*F....cloudy)
(Now Playing: "Hunt for Red October" on BBC America)
   When I did what I do every....usually in the evening....I run through the schedule of programs to be aired the next day on the channels I usually watch....BBC listed another program starting at 6 PM local time so I changed channels to watch the program I intended to watch and found "The Hunt for Red October"....no disappointed....one of my favorite flix....TBS was showing Star Wars episodes I.II.&III....watched the first 2, but don't like the 3rd....and "lucked in to" one of my favs....
   With my new location in the hotel I'm about as far from the lobby as I could be....went out to get my sweet bagel this morning from the breakfast offerings....no sweet bagel....got a plain one and decided to have it with either the cherry preserves I have or the orange marmalade....got back to my rooms....and then the thought hit me....I still had some smoked salmon left....but no cream cheese....back up to the lobby to get a container of "Philly" (brand name)....which reminded me of what my dad always said; "If you don't have it in your head, you  have to have it in your feet".....a bagel with a schmear ( oops another Yiddish word for spell check)....some sliced shallot, capers, and a little caviar....and of course the smoked salmon....very nice....juice and some black raspberries....don't do that very often but once in awhile I feel like "pushing the boat out a little"
   Was going to stay into day but decided to take a short walk and visit my money at the ATM....which is right next store to the hotel....I almost never go into the bank unless I have business to  deal with....and with a debit card I have access to my funds through the ATM....and since it's at a branch of the bank where my funds are I don't pay a fee to use the ATM....and I can access my money even on a Sunday afternoon....besides it was a good excuse for a walk.... 

(22:06 UTC-5)
   It's late and I was on my way to bed and realized I had never got around to posting today here....had intended to a couple of times earlier in the day and got distracted by one thing or another....so I've dispensed with the usual header and just will dive into the post....
  As I thought with the rain overnight most of the snow we got....probably 6" or so has vanished....except for some banks where plowing was done to clear sidewalks, driveways and parking lots....I hate the snow banks because it blocks the short cuts I usually use....but we do have more snow, although predicted to be light over the next few days....although Winter the season doesn't technically start until December 21st at 5:23 PM local time ( the Winter solstice), because of the latitude I live at it most years starts early....or perhaps this in Winter's pre-season practice period awaiting opening day as it were....
   Did walk late to get a few things at Aldi....could have waited but I had been stuck in my rooms because of the weather for over 48 hours and was having a middle case of "cabin fever" (link)....well not really but I just needed to get out and get a little exercise....as I re-enter the lobby after my walk....(I live in a hotel)....the girl behind the desk told me my brother had called....problem number one is I had forgotten his telephone number....give me a break....I'm near 71 years old and my memory on certain things ain't what it used to be....besides I rarely call him....fortunately google has a longer memory than I do....and found it right off....an invite to Thanksgiving dinner....his wife is an excellent cook so no way I turn that done....
   It's interesting how someone like me who grew up when even a basic computer would fill a large room and ran on punch cards....has evolved to some one who is quite comfortable in the new computer driven age....besides if I get stuck I can always email one of my nephews who works for Google....but then even with libraries and card catalogs I was always pretty go at finding what information I needed....and the computer and WiFi let me find what I what in my rooms without going to the library....but I have evolved completely....I hate cellphones....      

(16:32 UTC-5)
(+35*F....rain)
(Now Playing: "Have His Carcase (link))
   When I retired last night about 10 PM local time it hadn't snowed yet....but when I awoke around 5 AM local time, we had about 6" of snow on the ground....and as it's raining as I write this, my guess is that by morning the snow will be all but gone, save the banks were plowing was done to clear driveways and parking lots....weather looks to be clear for the next few days with maybe little snow on Monday....but in anticipation of the overnight snow I stocked up yesterday....and probably will wait until Sunday to pickup a few things for the week....so it's been a very quiet day....have spent most of the day playing games and checking my groups on Facebook....I'm a moderator on a group and have spent some time approving and/or disapproving posts and requests for membership....we have a very strict policy about the posting of non-relevant posts....
   Is there such a thing as less than nothing....well if there is that would describe the offerings of the TV channels that I get today....now tomorrow....there are several shows which I would like to watch....but as/usual several of them overlap....oy vey....  

(18:15 UTC-5)
(+30*F....mostly cloudy....feels like +25*F)
(Now Playing: "My Mix" (link))
   I guess I'm starting to get my "winter legs".....actually today was a pleasant day for walk....and 3 stops to make and I'm starting to adjust back into my winter in the northcountry mode....except for the years I was in college, I've spent my whole life in lake effect snow zones....first in the lee of Lake Erie....and now in the lee of Lake Ontario....plus up here if the wind is out of the north or north west we get our weather off Hudson Bay.....sometimes temperature can drop to -25*F and even cold....and a wind chill of -40*F is not uncommon....but it takes a few cold days for my body to remember how to deal with it....we're predicted to have snow overnight, maybe 3 to 5 inches....but changing to rain tomorrow so it won't stay very long....
   Actually sat down an watched a movie this afternoon....normally I just half watch, half listen while surfing the net or playing games online....but the film "Contact" is one of my favorites....I don't agree with the premise but it's well done, and does give one pause.... 

(16:51 UTC-5)
(+25*F....sunny....feels like: 15*F)
(Now Playing: "My Mix" off Youtube (link))
   "My Mix" ls literally just that, a mix selected by Youtube from the various styles of music that I listen to on Youtube....
   I did walk again today....but today it was all the weather and of course the fact that I really didn't need any thing right then and there....besides it's the warmest right now that it has been all day....most of the day it's been in the mid-teens with a feels like temperature in the single digits Fahrenheit....with winds between 15 and 20 mph....now if I needed something right then....I would have walked....I not only know how to dress for the cold and much colder than it was, but I also have the proper clothing for those extremes....besides tomorrow the temperature in the afternoon will be in the low to mid-30's F.....and the feels like in the high 20's....and just a gentile breeze....
   I wrote yesterday about the fact that AMC was airing the movie "Contact" tonight late....isn't going to be over until after 02:00 local time....way past my bedtime....but in checking the TV listings for tomorrow.....it's on again at 14:00 local time....perfect....

(17:08 UTC-5)
(+30*F....cloudy)
(Now Playing:"Hellfighters"(link))
   I hadn't been out all day and hadn't opened the drapes in my rooms today, and didn't realize until I checked the weather for temperature and conditions outside to post as I always do that it had snowed....just a dusting....but snow none the less....awoke this morning a tad groggily and have felt a little out of sorts all day....and hadn't planned to walk today anyways so really  hadn't checked the weather earlier as I usually do....only interruption in what has been a very quiet day, came this morning....it's Tuesday....that means that housekeeping comes in to change linen and clean....fist time they've been into the new rooms....
  I'm caught between a rock and a hard place, or in this case my normal bedtime and one of my favorite movies....about this time at night I always check the TV listings for the next day....I have all the channels I usually watch bookmarked and placed in a folder so all I have to do is right click and select all, and there they are....but after 10 PM tomorrow local time AMC is showing "Contact" and it runs until just after 2 AM....rats....haven't decided what I'll do yet....but an afternoon nap is a real possibility....just depends and how I feel tomorrow....  

(16:53 UTC-5)
(+41*F....cloudy)
(Now Playing: "NCIS" re-runs on USA network)
   Been a mostly quiet day until I realized I had forgotten to pickup one of the items on my shopping list....which I actually took shopping with me yesterday, usually I leave it on my desk, of course it really doesn't do you any good if you take the list, put in your pocket, and never look at it....anyways would have waited until tomorrow....but once I looked at tomorrows weather....rain all day so I took the short walk to Aldi to pick up that and the rest of the things I was going to by tomorrow....
   Have gotten pretty well settled down in my new rooms....still one or two things I might add....my sis said she had a recliner I could have but the problem is getting it here....and since she's away until after Thanksgiving....that will have to wait....but thinking of getting a personal ice maker....but other than that....I'm pretty well set....but just in general although my desktop is running fine, I been thinking about getting another laptop....just to have a backup....but we'll have to see....

(14:38 UTC-5)
(+35*F.....cloudy)
(Now Playing: "Bills vs. Jets" on CBS)
   I don't believe what I'm seeing....Bills are up 31 to 3 at the half....
   When I walked this morning the temperature was in the mid-20's with a "feels like" of +17*F....but was a very comfortable walk....just a little breeze unlike yesterday when it was real quite windy....despite the forecast all we got here in the city was a dusting of snow....however one of the housekeepers here lives in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains to thee east of here, and they got about 6" of snow....but that is the nature of lake effect snow....very narrow bands of snow....
   With the addition of the second small frig....I have more freezer space....so on my list today I had "frozen food"....on the list....basically just wanted what ever struck my fancy....ended up with some fully cooked wings, a calzone, a pint of ice cream, and some pulled pork....made a sandwich with the pulled pork....very nice....  

(20:46 UTC-5)
(+30*F....mostly cloudy....feels like +20*F)
(Now Playing: "The Hunt for Red October" on BBC America)
   Well the 3 to 5 inches of snow predicted in the Lake Effect Snow warning amount to barely a dusting where I live....but given the nature of the narrow bands of lake effect snow....there are some areas that did get some more snow then we did here....I would be surprised if a little east and south of where I'm at....up on the Tug Hill Plateau.... that they got more then we did....
   But it was cold and quite windy here but I walked twice....needed to go in two different directions and decided to do it in two trips....one to the plaza and one to the ATM, the convenience store and Aldi....but the wind gusts were over 30 mph....and I decided to cut the walk short and just went to ATM....the other two stops....could wait until tomorrow or even the Monday for that matter....I bought a flashlight and some spare batteries for it....and another surge protector....I'm thinking of getting a laptop and intend to use it in my sitting area....on the other side of the rooms....  

(11:50 UTC-5)
(+38*F....rain shower)
(Now Playing: "Lt Ellis of Shado" (link))
   We got light rain falling as I write this....and according to the predictions sometime over night or early tomorrow morning we will experience some lake effect snow according to a weather warning from the National Weather Service....predicted snowfall 3 to 5 inches....which for this area is just a tad more than a dusting....I've seen it snow a foot an hour for 4 or 5 hours....but the lake and air temperatures are still too high for a real heavy snow fall.....but up here it's not the predictions that count....it's measuring it after the fact....but the lake effect snow comes in very tight "bands" of snow....I've seen it snow a foot of snow on one side of the small city I live in....and just a trace on the other side....you can never tell....

(19:26 UTC-5)
(+40*F....cloudy)
(Now Playing: a mix off Youtube (link))
   According to the forecast it will start raining right after noon tomorrow and at some point overnight it will turn to snow....maybe only and inch or so....but with winds that may be as high as 40 mph....even a little snowfall can make a mess....particularly if you're driving in it....visibility could be pretty bad....
   So accordingly and walked today to pickup a few things....was not a bad day....mid-40s when I walked but not as windy as it has been....
   I got the third mini-frig for my rooms....and turned the small of the 3 all the way to as cold as it can be....the one issue I've had not enough room for frozen foods....which has become and issue....especially with Winter right around the corner....also the extra frig gives me more room to stock up on fresh veggies, which over the last several months has become a more important part of my diet....and my health is the best it's been in many years....still need to hit a good canned goods sale....during the Winter months there are times when I really can't get out....with walking everywhere and my reduced mobility....and my balance issues....ice and snow are not my friends....but I've always lived in areas where Winter, and some years rough Winters are a fact of life....and I've become used to them....

(14:04 UTC-5)
(+48*F....cloudy.....wind 19 mph)
(Now Playing: "My Mix" off Youtube (link)
(Just a note: Youtube gives me 5 different mixes each time I log on....4 of them are usually  composed of a particular style of music I listen to....but the "My Mix" is a a very eclectic mix of the varying styles I enjoy....from Gregorian chant....to "Meatloaf".....with several stops in between....and don't forget the bagpipes) 
   A cool very blustery day here in the Northcountry....but had some errands to run so decided to walk twice....First walk to the Doc's....bill for last months checkup had arrived over the weekend and with the weather Monday, and the move yesterday....today was the first chance I had to take care of it....why write a check and mail it....when his office is maybe a 5 minute walk from my lodgings....made a stop on the way back to pickup some veggies and cheese at Aldi....okay so you were looking.... and a 4 pack of apple fritters....
   Kicked around the rooms for awhile....had a egg white scramble....w/ potatoes, chorizo, the greens from green onions, a nice sharp cheddar....and some salt, pepper, adobo, and of course liquid egg whites....on of my fav combinations....and kicked around online for awhile....but....
   In my old rooms I had my desktop plugged in to a power strip with a surge protector....but with the layout of the new rooms....the only reasonable place to put the computer desk had an outlet without a surge protector....and I had to leave the power strip....so took a walk to Ollie's....different direction from my earlier walk....they didn't have what I wanted but had a 3 outlet plug-in with a surge protector....but as always happens with me ended up getting another kitchen knife that I didn't known until I saw it that I needed it....on the way back stopped at the thrift store and found some drink coasters and a pepper shake....again I didn't know I needed them....and a stop at Dollar General to say hi to the manager, and dang if a bag of cheddar popcorn and some pecan candies didn't demand that they accompany me  back  to my rooms....This happens to me all the time, but at least this time I did get what I had walked out to get....or at least a reasonable facsimile....

(11:25 UTC-5)
(+52*F....rain)
(Now Playing: "Hec Ramsey" pilot (link))
   I has been a very wild, weird, exhausting day so far and it's not yet noon....I was dog tired last night and turned in a little before 21:00 local time....got to sleep okay....but awoke at 03:00....and knew with the impending move to my new rooms scheduled for the day, there was no chance that I would stop thinking about it long enough to get back to sleep so started packing....when the maintenance man came in we got right on it and by just after 09:00 I was all moved in in my new rooms....Had my choice of rooms....all but one have tub/showers....which with my stiff knees and balance issues are a problem....this was the one available with a large walk-in shower....so I chose this one....although a tad large....basic layout is the same....except the windows are where the door was in my old digs....and the bath room is by the door....I can see me in the middle  of the night in need of the bathroom and ending up trying to climb out the window....but I haven't expended that much energy in a long while....so there is probably an afternoon nap in my immediate future....
   A sure sign that it's November in the Northcountry....I was looking at the 10 day forecast and on Saturday snow showers are predicted....and then several of the following days are predicted to be either snow or rain....depending on the temperature....in most years Winter comes early to the Northcountry....   

(18:19 UTC-5)
(+48*F....mostly cloudy)
(Now Playing: "WCNY-FM (link))
   The station I'm listen to tonight is based in Syracuse, NY....about 70 miles south of where I live....and they have a local translator, but also they are streaming online....the link is to that site....
   Been in all day....I mentioned in a previous post that I was moving....same facility....just another building....and I plan to move the bulk of my stuff tomorrow.....and probably will be involved in that process for a part of the day....will cut into my online game time....but it's bigger rooms....and I've been in rooms with a shower/tub....and with my problems with my knees getting in and out can prove difficult....and actually using the tub is basically a non-starter....these rooms only have a large walk-in shower....with built in seats....make things a lot easier....
   I'm not 100% sure what I've gotten myself into but I have become a moderator for a Facebook group..."The Farthest Side:...postings of the works of the cartoonist Larsen, and others of a similar style....reviewing both proposed posts and membership requests as well....they needed help....so I "threw my hat into the ring"....so we shall see....  

(19:37 UTC-5)
(+35*F....clear)
(Now Playing: another of my eclectic mixes off Youtube(link))
   It's been an interesting day....did a little shopping Aldi....needed a few food items....but the had a over clothes rack....I had got one a few weeks back and had an idea for a new one in my new rooms....unfortunately they had none left....which will cause me to go to plan B....which I still need to figure out....That my sis and her hubby came to give me a ride to lunch at my bro's and his mates place....I say lunch....but with the trip there and back and lunch and coffee and a whole lot of conversation....it ended up most of the afternoon and into the early evening....but great meal and good conversation....although we live close by at present we rarely get the chance to just sit down and talk....and with my sis's move to Florida on the horizon....and my bro's wintering in Florida will be even less common than now....and with the above not much time to surf the net today....
   

(16:08 UTC-4)
(+41*F....cloudy....wind speed 18 mph out of the west)
(Now Playing: My Mix off Youtube (link)
   The mix I'm playing as I write this post is very eclectic....some classical, some liturgical, some bagpipes and a side of "Meatloaf"....( feel free if you use the link to scroll and pick and choose....I do)
   The rain has abated but the winds are a whistling through the trees and what leaves were still on the trees will be on the ground by morning....but weather tomorrow morning should be in the 40's and only a little breeze....so will probably do a little shopping....probably only Aldi....before my sis and her hubby pick me up for lunch at my bro's and his wife's place....they had a minor kitchen fire a few weeks back....and had the kitchen re-done....so it's kind of the "grand opining" of the new kitchen....and that lady can cook so I never would pass up an invite to their place for a meal....
   Talked to sis when she called to give me the pickup time for tomorrow....and there are a few things I need to pickup for my move to the 3rd building....things that I couldn't get into my sling bag....and with the cane it's hard for me to carry any thing large....or awkward....so that will be a big help....the plan at this point is to be in the new rooms by the end of the coming week....just the basics but will probably trick it out for the next few weeks....

(18:24 UTC-4)
(+44*F....cloudy)
(Now Playing: "Shooter" on AMC...later "Hunter for Red October" on BBC America)
   Really didn't rain much today but was a very damp, dreary, and chilly day....but with rain tomorrow and the lunch with my sibs and their mates on Sunday....there were things that needed to be dealt with....shopping to do....but according to  the new forecast....Monday should be clear of rain as well so I can probably wait until then to do the rest....formally it was predicted rain for Monday....but we are talking the Northcountry of New York State....and where I sit right now I'm approximately 20 miles as the crow flies from the east end of Lake Ontario....there is a saying the locals will recite when talking about the weather up here, "If you don't like the weather....wait 15 minutes....it probably will change"....also according to the natives of these parts we only have 3 seasons....."Just was Winter","Soon will be Winter" & "Winter"....although just a dusting we've already had own first snowfall for the season....and I've seen it snow has late as the first couple of weeks in May....
   The latest upgrade of Chrome OS....is driving me to distraction....the button for the Chrome browser has always been on the lower left of the shelf....and they for what ever reason moved it to the middle....right below some "buttons" for some of the games I play....so because I can't change the position of the button in the shelf....I can change where the shelf is....so I moved it to the right sidebar were I won't hit it by accident....but even with that I prefer Chrome OS over Microsoft OS....when I was running MS the updates could take hours to load....with The Chrome OS they take a minute or less....

(16:14 UTC-4)
(+47*F....rain)
(Now Playing: "NCIS" re-runs on USA network)
   I had planned to do my shopping on Sunday, as the original forecast predicted rain through Saturday....no rain Sunday....and then rain Monday though Sunday....but a call from my brother, and an invite for Sunday lunch at my brother's, and my sis and her hubby are also invited and will pick me up....can't refuse that....bro's wife is a great cook....but it presented a conundrum....but thought I might be able to get most of what I needed done in the morning....then checked the weather and there's a hole in the rain tomorrow afternoon....so between that and Sunday morning it will work out just fine....
   Talked to maintenance this morning concerning my up coming move into the 3 building....and they removed the one bed (was a double room) which I wanted....had been thinking of getting a shower chair, but a closer look at the shower stall revealed the presence of a built-in seat....so that settles that....probably will start the move next week....don't really need or for that matter what to do it all at the same time....
   Have spent sometime today making some changes to the layout, theme and format on one of my two other blogs...."Trollie's Game Room".....some editing....things added and removed....beside I'm never satisfied with any of my blogs and am constantly making small adjustments....and may go unnoticed to most....but some of the changes I've made today to that blog will be obvious....I may have mentioned before that many of the people who know me claim that I have OCD....but that is totally untrue....I have CDO....it's just like OCD.....but I insist on having the letters in alphabetical order....  

(16:17 UTC-4)
(+53*F....rain)
(Now Playing: "Sink the Bismarck" (link))
   It's been raining most of the day, it's predicted to be clear over night but beginning again tomorrow morning, and then rain through Saturday....ergo....I'll be in my rooms for the next couple of days....dry and warm....and very glad that tonight is Halloween....not that i pay any attention to it....haven'f for years....but I'm glad because many of the channels I watch on television have been airing nothing for the last few weeks but horror movies, and assorted monster films....dang even the Food Network has been airing Halloween related programming....and since for the next few days I will be forced indoors by the weather....the change comes in the nick-o-time....
   Although I'm in the process of moving....it's all under the same roof....literally....just from one building to another....and I have a month plus help too accomplish it....however on Sunday and until Spring you may notice that instead of "UTC-4".....on the time line I always post....it will be replace by "UTC-5"....the USA uses what is called "Daylight Savings Time".....we Spring forward....set the clocks an hour ahead....and then Fall back....and turn them back an hour....giving long daylight hours in the evening in summer....so I haven't moved but maybe 80 feet....not to a new time zone....I did some research before deciding to use that method....but it was easier then posting my time as EST (Eastern Standard Time) normally....and then EDST (Eastern Daylight Savings Time) when the clocks were set ahead for Summer....besides most of my readers don't reside in North America....and so UTC is more recognizable....

(19:02 UTC-4)
(+38*F....clear)
(Now Playing: "King Arthur" (link)
   It's been a wild, crazy and very busy day....according to the weather forecast this was the only day with out rain for a week....rained Sunday and Monday....and will do so as well from tomorrow through until Saturday....so today was a day for making sure I had supplies and a full pantry and frig for the next few days....
   Awoke around 6 AM local time, and got busy checking and making lists....and of course a little internet....around 9 AM housekeeping came in to do the weekly cleaning and change of linens....I had a few things to take care of on two of the games I play and made the first of my shopping trips around 10:30 AM....local time....got back....a little more internet....about 1 PM it finally dawned on me that I hadn't eaten anything all day....had a meal and went out again to another market....opposite direction of the first walk....and have been in the rest of the day....with the early wake up time....and the busy day I shall do my best to turn in early tonight....  

(16:48 UTC-4)
(+42*F....rain)
(Now Playing: WCNY-FM (link)
   Although WCNY-FM is out of Syracuse NY....which is about 80 miles below where I live, and they also have a translator....WJNY-FM....here in Watertown....they also have a online presence....and that's the source I'm listening to as I write here this afternoon....
   Been raining on and off the whole day, it's predicted to end just about 6 PM local time...but by then it will already be dark and although I will walk after dark....probably won't tonight as the forecast for tomorrow is no rain....but rain the three days following....so probably take advantage of that....so have spent the day in my rooms....a little TV but a whole lot of the internet....a little surfing the net but mostly games and posting and replying on Facebook....
    

(17:01 UTC-4)
(+40*F....cloudy)
(Now Playing: "Hornblower" "The Frogs and the Lobsters"(link))
   It's rain most of the day, and is predicted to start again very soon and rain through 20:00 tomorrow local time....so I took a quick walk to Aldi to pick up a few things....when I looked out this morning it was indeed raining....but there was evidence on the ground that we had had a dusting of snow over night....it's not uncommon for us to see the first snowfall in late October....but....I remember one Halloween when my daughter was a kid....(she'll be 41 this December)....they had to trudge through a foot of snow "Trick or Treating".....as I said not uncommon but....still an event I don't look forward to....
   Although I am a Christian....family has been back 3 or 4 generations....in fact my college education was in part in the field of biblical studies....from a very conservative Baptist college....but being that my roots are in Europe, primarily the Rhineland and East Prussia....if you look back beyond the 3 and 4 generation many of the names of my forebears are Ashkenazim.....and in fact the religion was not passed down....but certain Yiddish words were and were quite commonly used in family conversation....In fact my forbears on my dad's side came from what was then the East Prussian city of Danzig...it's now the Polish city of Gdansk....so my genetic origins are mixed at best....but I don't seem to have what might be called a western mind set....I don't think in either/or....but in both/and....and most times find my answers to something in the middle of the two opposing points of view....when liberals call my point of view too conservative....and conservatives on the same issue think I'm too liberal....I figure I got it just about right....

(18:03 UTC-4)
(+36*F....rain)
(Now Playing: "NCIS" re-run USA network)
   It was a dreary, rainy day and if the forecast is correct it will continue raining through Monday morning....but I was aware of the forecast and stocked up Thursday and Friday so there is no need for me to venture out until Monday afternoon or even could wait to Tuesday....
   ergo....it's been a very quiet day....got a late start to the day....never surfaced from sleep until just before 8 AM local time....normally I get up between 6 and 7 AM, old habits die hard, but although I I went to bed around 10 PM which is my usual time....just couldn't fall to sleep....and once sleep came slept fitfully with some very  strange dreams....not what I'd call nightmares....just very weird....
   My usual quiet day routine....a little TV....a major bunch of internet time....posting on 2 of my blogs, some time on Facebook, and of course time playing many and sundry online games....and finding a few new ones....for someone who grew up before the "information age"....I am an internet junkie....I've been online for 22+ years at this point....and on the 29th of this month this blog will be 16 years "old"....there was a 5 year period that I didn't post anything....just an assortment of reasons....but I'm back now....and being retired have the time to spend as I chose and I chose to do it online...besides I always was a "Library Rat".....and the vast information, avenues for research....I'm like a kid in a candy store....and some times the proverbial "bull in a china shop".....