(11:35 UTC-4)
(+73*F..mostly cloudy)
( now playing: umpapa music (link))
  On my morning walk, needed some veg, and got a can of tiny shrimp....which is headed for a shrimp salad.....but happened down the aisle that has the cooking oils, and checked out the price for extra virgin olive oil, not "top shelf" but a brand known to me.....a couple of days ago I had bought another brand, also known to me...a 1.41 liter bottle for $8.99......now I've never bought such a large bottle but based on the small bottles I've bought in the past price looked very good, but today I found out just how good a price it was......same size bottle of extra virgin olive oil at Price Chopper..$17.99.....double the price + a penny.....oy vey.....which is the reason I "window shop" for my food stuffs......based on my observation it appears that Aldi should make the mid-September re-opening date after the renovations......It is my habit to shop for groceries at the 3 aforementioned stores, and Dollar General as well.....not based solely on price....but sometimes because I what a specific brand or item that only one of them carries....but I'd be lying if I said that price wasn't a factor....I'm retired and live on a fixed income.....besides I never buy more quality then I can actually use or appreciate......and yes I have the rep of pinching my pennies....but have yet to achieve the level my dad achieve....he could squeeze a penny hard enough that they had to call the EMT's for Lincoln.....(oops.....a bust of Abe Lincoln is featured on the penny in the US....for those of you who aren't familiar with US currency) 

(13:54 UTC-4)
(+64*F......cloudy)
(Now Playing "Sink the Bismarck"(link)
   The copy of "Sink the Bismarck" is a really good restoration of the movie from 1960.....
   Today is my kind of weather, mid 60s, low humidity, and a gentle breeze, but then Fall which is right around the corner is my favorite season, not sure why, but it just is.....Walked twice today.....a run up to Price Chopper, they have an in-house bakery, and I love good bread, also was basically out of fruit, some cantaloupe, a mango, and some bananas......a couple of frozen meals...and was going to stop at Dollar General...but as I walked close to it.....since I had walked just after 07:00 local time, and saw only the managers car, determined from about 100 yds.  away it probably not open yet, the 5 minute walk back to my rooms and the clock read 08:20.....oy vey...or as my Dad used to say "If you don't have it in your head then you have to have it in your feet" so basically am just back from my second (if unnecessary) walk, but then I'll take any excuse to walk, even if I have to make up an excuse from thin air.....
   I've been dealing with the yearly arrival of the fruit fly, I mentioned this before but yesterday decided to do something about it, found an article after a google search on how to make a fruit fly trap.....and although I didn't have quite the right plastic wrap, I cobbled two traps......haven't completely eliminated the problem, but has had a significant effect on the numbers, have been reduced greatly.....so I am pleased.....if interested here a link to the instructions, 

(14:05 UTC-4)
(+88*F....fair....heat index +97*F)
( a Youtube mix, mostly "Meat Loaf"(link)
   We are under a weather advisories, one for potential thunder storms, and the other is a heat advisory......walked early before it really got hot but it's me, the desktop, iced water, and my AC for the rest of the day
   Over the last month both on this blog (33 hits) and on "Trollie's Game Room (link on left, 5 hits) my stats tells me are from an "unknown region".....farmisht.....did a little digging on google and it's a IP that the location can't be determined....I would love to know where that is....unless it's aliens, the thought of "little green men" reading my blogs scares me, after they digest my writings they'll come to one of two conclusions, either that we're ripe for invasion. or that we are too silly to worry about (hehe)
   I'm a little bit finicky when it comes to food, and in particular to spices and condiments.....unsalted butter, fresh ground pepper, only sea salt or kosher salt, and only extra virgin olive oil.....on one of my trips to Ollie's they had 1.41 liter bottles of a brand I recognize.and today one of the bottles insisted that I take it home with me.....liquid in bottles and I have a checkered past....with my ET (essential tremors) the shakes sometimes come at the most awkward moments.....so all of my liquid condiments are in squeeze bottles....easier for me to get the amount I what.....technically my ET could be called familial tremors.....mom's side of the old family tree had a bunch of shaking limbs...(pun intended)

(14:45 UTC-4)
(+84*F....fair)
("Good Fellows" on AMC)
   Another hot humid day, now if you've read this blog before you known I liver in the lee of Lake Ontario.....so a calm day is rare it's got to be over 15 mph before we call it windy.....well today it was blowing hard enough that my pant legs were flapping.....right now it's blowing 17 mph and it's calmed down a little......just a short walk.....needed just a few things....but truth be told it was an excuse for a walk......
(18:20 UTC-4)
(+82*F...sunny)
(Beethoven: "Christ on the Mount of Olives"(link))
   We have thunder storms predicted for this evening......but as humid as it's been the last few days we are along over due.
   Today was Tuesday, which is the day housekeeping comes in......the lead housekeeper is a nice lady and very good at her job, and we always have a nice conversation when she cleans.....besides that the end of the month is soon upon us, so I took care of the bill for next month today.....living in a hotel, well this hotel anyways is actually quite affordable.....I mean we not talking luxury hotel here...only 2 stars....but the location can't be beat.....in the small city I live in......every thing I need is with in a 10 minute radius, by the ground speed of a gimpy, grumpy, 70 year old man who walks with a cane....who for multiple reasons doesn't drive anymore......anywhere else in town there would be the expense of cab or bus fare.....1 monthly payment......and all is included....no utility bills, TV, phone, WiFi included......housekeeping.....and a decent free breakfast spread.....no way in this burg could I live as well, as cheaply.....besides living alone I really don't need the space......and the staff looks out for me......I sometimes refer to this as semi-assisted living.....and it works for me.....  

(16:55 UTC-4)

(+80*F....fair)

(The Best of Aaron Copland (link))

   Despite what the Weather Channel (the source of the weather reports I use)......fair is the last word I'd use for today, dang humid and muggy would be more to the point, took just a normal walk for me about an hour ago, and actually broke a sweat......ended up feeling so sticky that I took a shower and a very cool one, I normal shower once a day, but late, right before bedtime....first time I've walked all summer and felt so uncomfortable.....

(begin rant)

   Have been a little frustrated today, I play two "live" games online, both by the same company, and both for the last few days have been near impossible to get access to.....you can get on....but you can't play.....no idea what the problem is, or when it will be fixed

   I've been online since 1996.....in fact my first connection to the net was "dial up"......long before "social media"....just Usenet.....an bulletin boards.....also played a multi-player game..but it was a text game.....the only reason I still even use G+ is a family site.....have a twitter account I never use, and FB.....except for having been able to re-connect with the kids I went to school with and haven't seen since....I'm not always sure it's worth digging through the garbage that is the current state of "social media"....( rant over) 

   Something I read today (yes on social media) got me thinking about visits to the principals's office and later the Dean of Students' office.....not that they ever were able to "pin the rap on me"...I had the rep of a prankster......and I might a well deserved rep.......but any prank got pulled I got called on the carpet....more often then not I hadn't done it, but they had the attitude that if I hadn't I knew who did.....and I usually did.....but the best one was in college....somebody...not me was dumping buckets of water of the 3rd floor roof of one of the dorms.....and got of all people the dorm resident.....aka: the dean of students...so I get called in next day....I didn't even live in the dorm...lived off campus.....basically it was "I know you didn't do it, but you know who did, (which I did know)....tell them not to do it again".......as I left I realized he had me followed.....so I asked a friend who I knew lived in the dorm.....put my arm around and told him what I was doing and he went along....sure enough he got called in....he told me later he said to the dean......do really think he didn't know you had him followed.....and later much later passed on the dean's message to those involved

(13:07 UTC-4)
(+79*F..sunny..)
( now playing: "Casino" on AMC)
   Was prefect weather this morning for my walk, Madtrollie prefect weather, mid-60s, nice breeze, and mostly sunny....if I could find a place where it was mid-50s to mid-60s, 24/7/365.25 .....I'd be very happy....I know, I know, ain't such a place but I can dream.....
   It's been a great TV day, for a change, a little "Dirty Harry", some "Casino", maybe the last season back to back of "Game of Thrones".....and then "Godfather 1&2" back to back......and there were 3 other movies I would have watched if the ones mention before weren't on......but it seems that's the way TV goes for me, either nothing to watch or many things I'd like to watch all over lapping.....nuts.....
   

(14:04 UTC-4)
(+78*F....sunny)
(now playing NCIS re-runs on USA, and later AMC is playing the Dirty Harry movie)
   Did take a brief walk this morning to the ATM to visit my money, and as per usual a few of my dollars were bored and insisted that I take them home to play.....
   There is an ongoing debate on Facebook that as to which fast food restaurant makes the best French fries.....and of course because peeps have different tastes, there will never be a clear winner, however they're debating the wrong question....does any of the fast food joints actually make a good old fashion fry, and the answer is know.....most if not all of them get pre-cut, pre-blanched potatoes, in an plastic bag and froze...the biggest problem is that the pre-blanch is in water, not oil, and even if they were blanched in oil, the freezing would destroy the proper crust that occurs when pre-blanched   which assures a fry that's crisp on the outside and soft and tasty on the insides.....I didn't google this, but I know from experience what I say is accurate.....during the summer of '67 between years of college, I worked as a grill man, and a fry cook for the old fast food restaurant Carrols....
(French Fries 101)
1) get a 100 pound sack of potatoes
2) peal said potatoes.....we had a devise that did that.....
3} use a manual fry cutter
4) put the cut raw potatoes in a sink of cold water
5) repeat step 4
6) dry
7) cook in 350*F oil for 3 and 1/2 minutes or until a slight crust can be felt on the surface
8) let stand in a cooler until needed, do not freeze
9) when needed cook for a second time until crisp in 375*F oil
10) salt immediately, and keep warm
   I don't unless peeps have ever eaten at a diner or restaurant that still hand cuts from the raw potato I doubt they've ever had a decent fry.....

(12:07 UTC-4)
(+72*F...sunny)
(William Byrd: Mass for Four Voices (link))
   I know quite a change from yesterday's "writing music" or considering the music playing "scripturam musica "..( more Latin added to spell check)
   Took a walk earlier, needed a few things but while wandering Ollie's saw a left hand wrist brace...which I thought I'd try.....quite useful, not to be confused with the proverbial left handed monkey wrench......or the left handed wench which is a different matter altogether, I have an idea that I may have irritated my wrist, which is much better.....with the way i use it while using my keyboard (desk top, not tablet, or laptop.....I tend to kill the latter.....and with my tremors the mouse pad,  and the touch screens give me fits) and I also use both hands to stabilize my mouse which puts my left hand in an awkward position......but the brace had  a thumb hole, now I don't know what size thumb it's design for but it's way too small for my extra large hands in general and my thumb in particular...so performed a bit of snipping and it fits now
(now playing Bach: Mass in B minor)
  I have been for the last few weeks have had a mild infestation of fruit flies....now I'm very careful with my fresh fruit and veg.......except for bananas all are stored in the frig....and I'm careful to dispose of them either by eating or throwing into a covered bin.....which i get rid of regularly.....the problem is of late....maybe it's the season...but after doing a little checking.....it's possible that there are fruit fly eggs present on the food that you bring home....what ever the cause.....they're a nuisance,  I looked I can't find a flyswatter small enough....but if the few I have now persist I found online instructions for the construction of a fruit fly trap (link)

(12:54 UTC-4)
(+72*F....cloudy)
(Meat Loaf: 3 Bats Live (link))
   Okay I get it, I'm not listening to Classical, Liturgical, Gospel, or an old TV show or Movie.....but there are a few rock groups I like....and while I was checking out YouTube last night......guess what popped up (pun intended) on my recommended.....it could have been ELO, or Alice Cooper, or Chicago.....or even Sha Na Na.....
   It was supposed to rain all day...now it's only predicted for late Afternoon or Early Evening......so I walked earlier, my kind of weather, mid-60s, and a nice breeze, where I live in the lee of Lake Ontario.....any wind under about 12 MPH is a breeze....I needed to pickup the meds I had ordered yesterday....which is a story in itself.....I live in a hotel and to use the telephone I have to dial 9 for any outside line...then the area code even for a local call.....in this case 1-315......now have a heredity condition called essential tremors, or because it runs on my mother's side of the family tree it could also be called familial tremors, besides effecting my Thoracic Diaphragm, and my vocal chords.....my hands shake....mine is a minor case, and I can normally control it, but from time to time I'll have a tremor at the most awkward moment.....that's right, dialed the 9 okay, when I tried to dial the 1 my hand shook and I got two ones......that right I dial 911.......fortunately the manager here caught it and the police and emts didn't show up.....oy vey.....you don't see it here because of spell check, but it from time to time occurs when I type.....3 "O" instead of 2, a letter next to a letter I want but ain't in the word......I love spell check.....most of the time.....but I wish they would add a Yiddish and Latin dictionary...rather then me having to do it one word at a time......
   Now where was I, What was I doing, and WHY?.....ah morning walk....pharmacy I use is in the grocery store, so picked up some bananas and radish while there and then over to Dollar General for mt required morning cup of ice cream...
   I bought a couple of days ago a new bottle of capers....I love to add them to some of my food.....and this morning for my first meal decided to make egg and olive spread for some crackers....and wanted to add a few capers....thus ensued the epic battle of the Madtrollie vs. the bottle cap.......and after what seemed like an eternity the cap gave way and the capers graced my egg and olive.....I ask you do those caps really have to be put on that tight......

(08:10 UTC-4)
(+69*F........partly cloudy)
( a YouTube mix)
   Although it's pleasant out right now, rain is predicted this afternoon, as well as tomorrow, wrist is better this morning, still a little stiff and sore....but I've resisted taking another Tylenol, I really don't like taking meds....although technically it's not Tylenol but a generic which is the same med but cheaper.....weather Thursday looks decent...plan to walk to the grocery, in store pharmacy, need a refill on my Lipitor but again a generic for the same reason as above.....
   The mix I'm listening to has a newer recording of Beethoven's "Egmont Overture" many years ago when I played French Horn in the High School band, we played a transcription of this piece for band......killer horn part....so in rehearsal one day.....we that is the 5 horns decided that we would go bells up.....and aim the bells forward....during the final part.....just for laughs and giggles....did I forget to mention the part was marked triple F (means LOUD).........well we were in the auditorium....on stage......and the principle had been listening as he often did.....walked in to the "well".....got the teacher's attention and pointed up.....the chandeliers in the auditorium were swinging..we were told very bluntly never to do that again.....    

(15:02 UTC-4)
(+79*F....partly cloudy)
(a "NCIS" re-run on USA network)
   Really didn't need to walk today......but was thinking about  it, planning on it as the forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday is that rain is predicted.....but my left hand/wrist has been giving me trouble since mid-day yesterday......and for the life of me I can't figure why.....well that is an immediate cause.....but many possibilities in my distant past...sport, work, and that fact that at times I was and truth be told still am a bit of a klutz......and can't put a finger on just what and when the damage was done......plus I played piano, French Horn, and recorders (aka beaked flute), all of which require the left had in fingering....maybe......computer keyboard.....falls in sport, and just an occasional unplanned fall.....but decided that rest and Tylenol would make more sense.....not that normally I have a lot of sense.....you know what the bad thing about common sense is.....it's not common.....although with many years of acting like I was indestructible....I've finally figured out that I'm not....and have stopped most of the activities that caused the damage I now must live with....on the other hand there is still the occasional appearance of the effects of the "klutz gene" 

(10:55 UTC-4)
(+74*F......cloudy)
(The Six Napoleons...a Sherlock Holmes episode (link))
   The video above is an episode from British TV that was aired years ago on PBS....you will see an appearance of Marina Sirtis, prior to her being part of the cast of "Star Trek: The Next Generation".
   The weather was my kind of weather earlier, +60*F, light breeze.....and I needed fresh fruit and veggies.....also got some fresh rolls from the in-store bakery...but when I was there walked past the meat cooler and notice that a brand of bacon was on the "Advantage Card".....discount.....and I was getting low....so into the cart....and while I was there.....a cup of ice cream...
   I use "Blogger" to publish this blog and at present the other two blogs I at the moment maintain....one of the features you may see is the "hit counter" which appears in the "footer".....but I have access to country of origin on the hits....visits if you wish.....Now recently, although I live in what the residents call "The Northcountry" of New York State, USA.....just look on a map off the east end of Lake Ontario....the gimpy, grumpy, old man in a snap brim hat with cane is me....most of my visitors are from the eastern hemisphere...most are European....but lately.....both here and over on "Trollie's Game Room"....I've gotten hits from what my stats tell me is an "unknown region"......do we still have "unknown regions".....farmisht......

(11:41 UTC-4)
(+66*F....cloudy)
(Best of Wagner: Overtures and Preludes (link))
   According to the weather forecast for today, which I check, today was supposed to be raining on and off through out the day......even watched the "future" radar.....a large front heading our way......checked earlier, the front is still there except  now it's about 80 miles to the south over central NYS......wind must have shifted.....or may the jet stream dropped a little.....but I could care less because despite what most would call, a cool, dismal day......I call it my kind of weather, little chance of rain, and temperatures in the mid-60s.....did I mention that Fall is my fav season.....can wait for it to get here,
   This time of year I start "stock-in up" for winter.....the most common extreme is heavy snow, and having some non-perishable foods in the pantry is a must....to that end a couple of days ago while at Ollie's I saw some packed. microwaveable mac & cheese, under the "Cracker Barrel" brand.....picked up a couple...tried one last night.....went back this AM....and bought a couple more...you need to do that at Ollie's because when what they have is gone....it's gone....ended up with another package of dried kiwi, and a tin of Danish style butter cookies....the later invokes many a fond childhood memory.......and on the walk back to my rooms...the obligatory morning cup of ice cream at Dollar General.......

(09:23 UTC-4)
(+71*F......partly cloudy)
( reruns of NCIS on USA)
   It has been raining, not now but from the look at the radar it will probably rain on and off all day....with the barometer failing, it seems likely....that it will rain on and off.....and with my knees singing their dreary tune and my right hip which rarely sings, making it a trio....any probability of walking today are very doubtful.....
   I did very little here but made multiple changes to my other blogs....I'm pretty satisfied with the layout of this one.....
   I had planned on a quiet day, and baring a major problem, with the chance of rain.....looks like the plan will work.....

(14:45 UTC-4)
(+81*F.....partly cloudy)
( a mix of light classical music w/scores (link))
   I love the clips on YouTube where they show the score of the music, the sheet music if you prefer, I took piano lessons from age 6 to age 12, then learned to play French Horn in Junior High, was in Senior Band for 5 years, started after spring concert, marched and played at graduation.....and left the band after spring concert senior year.....1st horn as a freshman, horn in 1st woodwind quintet for 4 years, school choirs, church youth choirs and Senior church choir at 13.....and have been in choirs, small vocal groups and instrumental groups most of my adult life......sometimes I think that English is my second language and reading music is my first language.....Latin, Koine Greek, and Hebrew are a distant 3rd thru 5th......
   Took a short walk this Am......I have been taking all may liquid condiments and putting them in squeeze bottles.....with the essential tremors I have pouring the amount I want at any given time is an issue ...I find the squeeze bottle easier, but since I now have six and some of the liquids are close in color, I got some stick on labels......now all I have to do is remember to use my reading glasses
   For the last few months I have been posting to a new blog, "Trollie's Game Room"  link over there on the left.....and I spent a block of time this afternoon......doing a major over hall of the layout and formatting.......even to the point of changing the widths of the columns and center section, had added so new column material and it was the only way I could make it presentable.......which reminds me I haven't messed with the layout, theme, and formatting here for awhile......Hmmmmm....
(oops...I decided I wanted to show a weeks worth of posts on the page so messed with the post width)

(14:18 UTC-4)
(+81*F....partly cloudy)
( a "Hornblower episode (link)
   In spite of what I said yesterday there were gaps in the rain, and I walked twice, the last one was because I went to eat a banana and discovered that the two I had left, were in a word way past prime, useful only for banana bread, and I'm no baker, so went out to get some fresh fruit, and a bottle of blue cheese salad dressing.....almost out, but I have tomatoes and radishes, you can find below why....and a road crew was ripping up Arsenal Street, from the entry to Aldi.....west to the bridge over I-81.....the route I was taking.....walking, but from 5 and some times 6 lanes, there were only 1 lane in each direction, and I had to cross it.....street is open now, but to a rather rough road bed, and from what the crew told me, they're not re-paving it to next week......
   Walked earlier this AM when the weather was not so hot and humid.....not much on TV that I haven't seen many times before so have spent what has become another day of online games and surfing the net, also so fiddling with layouts and theme on my blogs....and adding some items here and there.....nothing on this one.......well not yet....but you never know

(09:34 UTC-4)
(+71*F.....cloudy)
(Mozart: "Requiem in D minor K625"(link))
   This presentation of the Mozart is fun from my POV......never got to play or sing in this piece....but rather then seeing the performers or a slide show........the complete score is shown in sync with the music.....and I can as we used to say "pick my part"
   A dreary day, been raining and probably will rain again......barometric is falling......and every joint in my body is stiff and complaining.....with the way they are all moaning and groaning this morning I have decided not to walk even if the weather allows, and of course so of the moaning and groaning is me joining in with them...not really much pain other then the constant background level which is an old "friend".....more a weakness this AM then painful or soreness.....
   Don't remember when I found YouTube or how long I've been on it..but long enough to collect 272 subscriptions......but discovered a feature I didn't know until today was available, and found it by total accident......now one of my pet peeves has been sometimes I go off on a tangent and surf sites I won't normally go to off the "recommended" section.......found some neat stuff.....but sometimes stuff I have no real interest in, and find that that/those topic(s) now flood my recommended section....I discovered today, by accident there is the vertical 3 dots hiding to the right of the description, and you can select not interested......dummkopt  (dang when is spellcheck going to learn Yiddish)
(Please Take Note: have added at the bottom of the column on the left a short list of Yiddish words I may use from time to time)

(08:18 UTC-4)
(+69*F...partly cloudy)
(Classical Music Radio (LINK)
   Except for Thursday, rain and thunder storms are in the forecast from today thru Saturday.....if true....but being a skeptic....I'll believe it when I see it.....then looks like I'm in for some quiet days.....which I would gladly accept...
   Another nights sleep, another "Charley Horse".....right calf this time....guess the right leg didn't want the left leg to have all the fun......I once had a top orthopedic doctor tell me I had the knees of a 60 year old man......major problem was I was 20 years old at the time.....no guess what age that makes my knees now.....I'm 70.......and both feet and ankles aren't much better.....my plumbing is okay, or so says my doc....but as for the skeleton.....some times I'm glad  that my joints and their tendons don't have bar codes...I'm quite certain that a scan would read out.....past use by date......
   From my POV Monday's are usually the best programming on "Ye old boob tube" .....so will probably just veg today 
   I saw a recipe online for a Polish Summer Salad.....which brought back memories because when I was a kid, I grew up rural in an area with a lot of polish families, and had that salad.....cucumber, radishes, red onion, mayo, sour cream, salt, pepper, and dill weed......had everything but the sour cream....substituted a creamy blue cheese dressing, and left out the red onion.....brings back childhood.....and was dang good both then and very good now with my minor changes 

(10:01 UTC-4)
(+73*F....partly cloudy)
(Brahms: "A German Requiem" (link))
    A pretty good day weather wise so far......possibility of scattered  thunder storms in the early evening.....debating whether to walk or not, legs are a little tender this AM.....awoke last night with a "charley horse"....twice....sorry but that's what I grew up calling a leg cramp.....both times in the left calf.....first not so bad.....second one was a beaut.....only way I know to stop the pain is to stand flatfooted and put my weight on the leg......I pulled my Achilles tendon on the left leg some 50+ years ago and I assume that's the "root cause" of it.....
   Watched "Justice League" again, special effects are quite  good.....I remember claymation (link) and besides there are the "mina tres calidie" in it.....I maybe old, but I ain't dead yet.....is that the Latin "magistratus" I hear approaching......I'm out-a-here....

(14:46 UTC-4)
(+81*F....sunny)
(Holst: "The Planets" (LINK))
   I walked early today when the temperature was in the low 70s and a nice breeze,went to Ollie's basically just to check out if they had anything new, and ended up with a few items that i didn't know I needed until I saw them, and then to Dollar General for my summer's day cup of ice cream....
   I mentioned in yesterdays post that I was thinking of ordering Chinese delivery for the first time in months, and did .......this morning's first meal consisted of, eggs, a pork product and fruit....the fruit were red raspberries.....the eggs.....re-heated mushroom egg foo young, and a side of Chinese boneless spare ribs......maybe not a traditional farm breakfast....but yummy.....and if you've read this blog before at all....you know I'm a lot of things but traditional at least were my eating habits are concerned is not one of them.....
(Note: one of the things that is a tradition around  here is my post header, with the music or movie or old TV show I'm listening to as I write entries here.....I may not do it every time......but if I remember I'll add a link to the piece and or show on YouTube....)

(08:07 UTC-4)
(+65*F.........sunny)
(Beethoven: "Christ on the Mount of Olives")
   Last evening, well more like late afternoon,  I was doing an inventory of food on hand and realized I needed to defrost my refrigerators...I live in a hotel and actually have 2 small frigs.....in anticipation of shopping today....both of the small freezer units had more ice on the sides then space for food......after that was done.....I realized that I still had an hour or so of daylight.....beautiful evening.......low 70s.....nice breeze...so I grab my cane.....and my sling bag.....and off I went.....most of what I wanted was on the "Advantage Card".......so saved a few bucks to boot.....now I've been drinking a lot of Powerade....It's a summer thing with me..........been getting it at Dollar General......but they don't carry one of my fav flavors.....but found it at Price Chopper.......
   Knees were bothering me a little more then usual last night.....I always have a background level of pain there and the feet as well....too many sport and work related injuries to mention...and they that is the knees are a little tender this AM.....so am glad I walked last night.....probably will stay in the rooms today.....besides I have some space in my refrigerators.....and for the first time in months I hear deliver Chinese food calling my name......or maybe that Buffalo wings.......to be determined later........ 

(10:53 UTC-4)
(+75*F.....sunny)
("Hec Ramsey" pilot)
   Have always like the actor Richard Boone.....was a big fan of "Have Gun Will Travel" way back when......even got the game based on the show for Christmas one year.....as to the show "Hec Ramsey"....Harry Morgan is also in the cast.....and in the pilot Sharon Acker is in it as well.....did I mention that Sharon Acker was in the pilot.....definitely one of my "celebrity crush" .....there again she's now 83 ......but we were both a lot younger then......and of course she never knew about it...
   Although there is a slight chance of rain it was a great day for a walk, it does feel funny though with Aldi closed for about 6 weeks for renovations I don't need to check to see if I have a quarter in my pocket to release a shopping cart.....first Ollie's then Dollar General.....needed some personal items, but did some browsing and got some scrub towels, and a packet of dried Kiwi fruit....only had the fresh Kiwi fruit a couple of times a long way back.....didn't like it or dislike it for that matter, basically I could take it or leave it.....but never had seen it dried before, and the Old Trollie loves his dried fruit.....and I like 'em.....and I'd get 'em again......and again....ad infinitum......  

(11:00 UTC-4)
(+79*F..partly cloudy)
( a SHADO episode off YouTube)
   Weather is a tad too humid for my liking and we have a front coming in around mid-afternoon with scattered thunder storms.....checked the radar and it could get a little hairy.....so decided to take a quick walk earlier and get some Powerade and a cup of ice cream.......most of the year I usually keep a couple of jugs of juice on hand......a ruby red grapefruit and a generic veggie juice ( faux V8) which I actually like better.....and yes it is cheaper.....but in the hot weather we've been having as/of late the Powerade hits the spot...
   I finally have accepted that my eyesight isn't what it was before....I've always viewed my blogs at 150% zoom.....but because it's easier to edit I've set my dashboard and publishing pages to that level of zoom.....I know that I'm 70 years old.....but sometimes I act like I'm much younger.....

(07:18 UTC-4)
(+71*F......cloudy)
(a classical mix)
   The classical mix I'm listening to started off with "The Thunder and Lightning Polka" which seemed appropriate since I was awakened about 05:00 local time with just that, the forecast got that much right, but except for another storm possible about noon here, no rain is expected today and tomorrow which is totally different then what was reported yesterday......when back in high school in the 60s, the lowest passing grade was a 65/100.....but there was a rumor of the existence of the "circle 65".....the student actually failed but the teacher took pity on him......so I give the weather report of yesterday a "circle 65".......
   Since basted on the now changed weather report of yesterday not to plan any walks today.....and have everything I need.....save sitting out for awhile.....probably will just spend the day online......but as this is Tuesday......will get a visit from the ladies of housekeeping today to clean and change the linens.....( if your new here I'm a gimpy, grumpy, old man who lives in a hotel) 

(08:45 UTC-4)
(+79*F....partly cloudy.....neat index +84*F)
( Space Cowboy on HBO 2 )
   Another hot one, and as Monday is as usual the best day of programming on the "old boob tube".....WiFi is working fine......and so is the AC.....and I really don't have an excuse to walk......nothing I need that can't wait until Thursday.....according to the weather forecast on Tuesday and Wednesday we have scattered thunder storms in our future.....but there again with the track record the weather forecasters have had of late we'll probably get "lake effect snow" tomorrow.....but the first time I don't make plans based  on the forecast, they'll be right......and I'll be all wet, and not just behind the ears.....
  It's an established fact that I tend to have an obsessive personality.....my latest obsession has been an online free poker site (no real money involved)......and just added a free Blackjack site.....so last night after 20:00 local time I had a chance on both sites for free faux money....which I took......but that set up to more chances one just after 22:00, the other at 23:30.....now normally I would have stayed up and grabbed the faux money......but I was as we said in rural NYS where I grew up I was "plumb tuckered out" and "hit the sheets" just after 21:00......up just before 06:00 this morning, best night's sleep I've had in quite awhile......so there is obsession, and there is common sense.....but in this case being to dang tired won out....

(11:54 UTC-4)
(+83*F...sunny)
(jazz radio on YouTube)
   Another hot day.....some rain in the forecast for Tuesday & Wednesday.......Since Aldi is closing tomorrow for about 6 weeks for renovations decided to take one last trip, and decided to checkout Big Lots as well (they're in the same  direction) and glad I did......found some organic Turkish figs...."wild & raw:......or at least that's what the package declared.....now while I do like mission figs which are readily available...I prefer the Turkish figs.....which it seems that normal I can only find around Thanksgiving and Christmas so finding them was a treat....which I'm quickly devouring.....other then that will stay indoors for the rest of the day....maybe watch the NASCAR race at Watkins Glen....and some online gaming.....and some net surfing.....and most of all my AC......

(07:29 UTC-4)
(+69*F.....partly cloudy)
(a YouTube mix (mostly incidental music or short concert pieces))
   Well I'll be off in a couple of hours to a family gathering......( of course there are those who would claim that I've been " a little off" for many years..and those are the optimists )....one of my nieces who I haven't seen for a couple of years ( she lives in Europe ) and her husband ( wedding was just a few months ago) are the "quest of honor".....
   I woke up in the middle of the night, with my left knee cussing and swearing at me.....my first thoughts were "Why today of all days?"....."Why not on a day when I have no where to be?"......but then me thought " Perhaps I was sleeping on the knee in an uncomfortable position?" so I rolled over......apparently that did the trick....it's still is muttering the occasional complaint.....but then after 50+ years of dealing with problems with my knees.....I've learned to ignore their quite constant mild reminders of the fact that I played sport with little or no regard for their well-being ...and do what I need or want or must do.........I've often said that "The young man who had this body thought it indestructible, the old man who must now deal with it knows the young man was a total idiot"   but there again had I known then, what I know now, knowing me....I would have done what i did anyways.......In all probability will  add on to this later after my return.
(17:26 UTC-4)
(+83*F...sunny)
(Bach: "Mass in B minor (Proms 2012)) 
   Just back from the family and friends gathering, a tad long but had a nice talk with niece Abby....we both took a similar course of study in college, differnt college and 42 years apart....Biblical Studies.....and I can have discussions with her that I can't really have with anyone who has not had the same major.......don't always agree, but the discussion never devolves in to argument, or worse a flame war......we can say to each other, "you make a valid point, however I just can't agree.....and move on...... 

(17:19 UTC-4)
(+79*F.....partly cloudy)
(a "NCIS" re-run)
   Kinda of muggy day....walked early...since Aldi is closing early next week for about 6 or 7 weeks of renovation....there were a few things I get there that I decided to stock up on.....other then that a a quiet day.....had for one of my fav sandwiches for one of my meals today.....I have some nice brioche rolls, sliced radish, butter, pink sea salt, fresh grounded pepper, and a red pepper/garlic spice...loved them as a child....radishes fresh picked from the garden we had way back when.....but still love them until this day
   A niece of mine who lives in Europe and her hubby have been in the area the last couple of weeks and there is a family "get-together" at a state park up on the St. Lawrence River......although decades apart and different schools.we both studied bible/theology with a minor in biblical languages...at family gatherings they always put us at the end of the table so our conversation, wouldn't interrupt the flow of conversation at the rest of the table........

(16:52 UTC-4)
(+78*F...sunny)
(a "Lord Peter Wimsey" episode)
   Actually a nice day.....waked early....quite pleasant......but have been in the rest of the day.....have spent most of the rest of the day online
   have posted to my two other active blogs....links over there on the left......re-posted the poem I wrote for "Troll's Poetry Corner" to a poetry site I post to on G+.....which I wrote because of a rather disturbing post by the owner of the site, she had been selecting the best poem of the week and apparently 2 of the posters were giving her a hard time about the fact that one of their poems had never been selected.....I write poetry when the muse strikes me, which is not that often, and I write it for me, not for the praise of others......I only posted to the group because maybe it will help someone....not for praise......some people just have to win.....and if they don't.......somebody else is at fault.....and not just about poetry.....but at everything.....oy vey.....
   I've also fiddled with the layout and theme with one of the other blogs which reminds me it's been quite awhile since I've fiddle with this one.....?......I think that it maybe overdue...
   

(09:01 UTC-4)
(+74*F.......partly cloudy)
(a "Hornblower" episode)
   A gloomy day, high humidity, barometer is falling, just a damp dreary day and my knees are singing their favorite sad song......part of the lyrics are "You will not walk, You shall no walk, You must not walk today (set to tunes borrowed from Haydn's "Lord Nelson Mass" free translation of original title is "Mass in time of trouble").....and there is a line of thunder storms heading our way in the early evening...and I have the sniffles....so I intend to heed their sound advice.....
   Friendship is a funny thing, some long term, some develop over time....but some develop quickly even though you know that circumstance dictates they will be short term
   There is a mix ethnic group of construction workers who are building windmills up on Tug Hill......just south and east of where I live and staying in the hotel I live in.....many of the crew are Mexican.....Tomas is one of that group.....he's a kidder, loves to needle you, loves to stir the pot......in other words, a young Mexican me, the gimpy grumpy old man with some genetic semite roots........have spent many enjoyable  hours trading quips, insults, and verbal jabs......he'll be gone in a couple of weeks and I doubt I'll ever see him again......but that is sometimes the nature of friendship, of life........I'll even miss him trying to take my cane/walking stick......