[21:10 UTC-4]
[+70*F....clear....winds s/s/w@4 mph....humidity: 73%....barometer: 30.05 /\ ]
[Now Playing: Al Hirt "Swingin' Dixie!"[link]]
   I think I've mentioned that since where I  live updated their WiFi they've gone to password protected....and an intervals during the day you get bumped off and have to re-enter the password....no big deal....except when I playing Poker, which is a "live" game....now I never shut down my desktop normally....just let it go on sleep mode....but I tend to play first thing in the morning and I kept "running into that dang password gremlin....tried something different this morning....shut the machine down....waited a minute....logged back on....and quickly the password was required....and it came again almost exactly 8 hours late....have to try again tomorrow but I may be on to something there....
   Walked this AM....it was beautiful all day....partly cloudy....high 70's and a nice breeze...."Dollar Tree"...."T J Maxx....and Price Chopper....just a few basics and as/usual a couple of things I had no idea I needed or wanted for that matter until I saw them on the self....than mid afternoon a quick hop to Aldi for again the usual which of course included bananas....now I walked right past the bank both coming and going....but didn't take a look at my budget book until I returned and found a small error...no big deal....but it was time to draw more cash from the bank account....and another short walk....and then just before dusk another walk just to walk....
   The weather looks good through Monday....don't have anything planned other than the usual....lots of walks....and lots of online time....got the best night sleep I've had in quite awhile last night and my old body is starting to feel like it might be another early bed time....

[21:17 UTC-4]
[+74*F....partly cloudy....winds s/s/w@7 mph....humidity: 82%....barometer: 29.94 /\ ]
[Now Playing: "Tudor & Renaissance Music" Vol: 2 [1450-1600][link]
   The predicted T-storms and rain never materialized....well that is quite true....they did come but apparently because of a shift in the wind they missed us....passing to the east of us....still a chance that we might catch the edge of the storm....but as of yet have not see any rain or heard any thunder....I've been checking the local radar periodically most of the day....according to the advanced forecast it should be dry with daytime highs in the high 70's or low 80's through Monday....so far it's been a very dry Summer in these parts....although not really overly hot and humid....my body is so used to the other extreme....that being sub-zero temperatures and wind chills that I have never really handle extreme heat  and humidity very well....and with age I handle both extremes with less aplomb then I used to....I'm fond of saying if I could find a climate that was 45* to 65*....24/7/365 & 1/4....I'd move there.....besides I  like sweaters, hoodies & sweatpants....I may not be the snappiest dresser, check that....I'm definitely not the snappiest dresser....but I am comfortable....I'm too old and for that matter too much of a non-conformist, to care if I don't wear the newest styles....I wear what I like....and comfort is the number one concern....check that....the only concern....
   Except for a brief walk in the early evening have spent  the day in my rooms....although did watch more TV than is /usual....USA Network showed 6 hours of NCIS re-runs....and for a change just sat and watch them in my recliner....usually I'll turn the flat screen so I can see it from my computer desk....but not today....besides with the barometric pressure falling earlier in the day as the storm passed us by....my knees and feet were singing their favorite low, off key dirge [aka: they were stiff and sore] as they always do on damp and dreary days....so any extend walking was counter indicated....although on the early side....I'm trying to nod off while writing this post....one last check of the "Farthest Side" and check of e-mail and off to bed....well that's the plan anyways....nite all....
   

[20:53 UTC-4]
[+81*F....partly cloudy....winds s/s/w@6 mph....humidity: 66%....barometer: 29.88" ~]
[scattered T-storms predicted between 13:00 tomorrow through 22:00 that evening]
[Now Playing "Hellfighters" [link]]
   I did take any  early walk this morning to pickup the few things I needed at Aldi....now I did get a few things not on my list....I got a small bag of Rainier Cherries....most of the bags are quite large and way too many for me to eat before that start to go bad....got a bag of the black cherries before....but only when I can get a small amount....living alone....I just don't eat them fast enough....but I do love me some cherries....hands down my favorite fruit....besides although I haven't had a problem with it for several years I have in  the past had attacks of gout and apparently cherries or cherry juice helps alleviate the the problem....whether it works or not....it seems to help me....on the other hand it's a good excuse to allow me to enjoy the fruit I love....
   Did take another walk in the early evening....when it was a lot cooler, a nice breeze and more cloud cover....sat out for a short while mid afternoon and the sun was just too intense for me to tolerate....
   Did spend the rest of the day quietly in my rooms....and today was the first day I've used the AC for an extended period of time this summer....mostly I've just use the fan....but today the combination of the heat and the humidity was just too much for me....ergo....the AC....  

[21:10 UTC-4]
[+75*F....fair....winds southwest@8 mph....humidity: 81%....barometer: 29.95 ~]
[Forecast for tomorrow is for a nice day....but rain and T-storms are predicted for Tuesday PM through Wednesday AM]
[Now Playing: today's "My Mix" off Youtube....an eclectic mix....but maybe a little heavy on the choral works....which I find to be no problem at all[link]]
   Well today's predicted isolated/scattered T-storms apparently were  isolated and scattered some where other than where I am....it was mostly cloudy for a decent part of the day....but no rain and I heard no thunder....????....
   Walked twice to day....once mid-morning for no other reason than I wanted to walk....I think that weather permitting I will try to walk every morning....certainly sometimes it will be with a purpose....a destination....but barring the need of something I think I'll try to walk anyways....and then in the late afternoon/early evening to Ollie's and a box of Special K protein bars....and then Dollar General for a bottle of Powerade Zero and of course a small cup of ice cream....
   It was my plan before I saw the forecast for Tuesday to plan to walk to Big Lots and Aldi on the same trip....may still do it than but will look at the forecast mid-day tomorrow....but as it stands right now with the storms predicted for after noon.....still should be possible....
   For the most part have spent the day in my rooms and online....there wasn't squat on the old boob tube today and from a few minutes checking the schedule for the 12 channels I usually watch there is even less on tomorrow....oy vey....If I had to pay directly for the TV service I would definitely try another provider or maybe no provider at all....but land line, TV and WiFi are all included in my monthly rent....besides I can find plenty to watch on Youtube....I have a "chip drop" coming on the online free poker site I play @21:37....the plan is to take the drop....finish mt post to "Trollie's Game Room"....check my 3 e-mail accounts....maybe a quick look at the "Farthest Side" and then off to bed....

[22:03 UTC-4]
[+74*F....partly cloudy....winds: south@3 mph....humidity: 74%....barometer: 30.28 ~]
[T-storms isolated/scattered predicted between 07:00 and 14:00 hours Sunday]
[Now Playing: Al Hirt....RCA Victor 45 RPM records [1961-1968][link]]
    I've always enjoyed the jazz trumpet of Al Hirt....and this particular set of recordings pretty closely parallels my time in Jr & Sr High School [1960-1966]....and I listened a lot to WBEN-FM....and at the time they played jazz in the evening hours....[back then the rock music was broadcast on the AM side of the dial]
   Walked this morning....just to walk....and then had a sit down on my folding chair out on the lawns for about 40 minutes a little after 19:00....the was a light breeze and was quite comfortable....but after my walk this morning I looked at the forecast for tomorrow and saw the predicted T-storm for the morning hours into early afternoon....and while making my second meal....finished off all my baby greens and most of my green onions....which are an integral part of my diet....had planned to shop at Aldi tomorrow AM....and rather then wait until the mid to late afternoon and fight the crowds....Sunday is Aldi's busiest day....but if you shop right after they open at 09:00 it's not bad....so decided to go today and beat the crowds which I did....
   Just like yesterday I had the chance for a late chip drop on the free poker game I play online....like yesterday the drop is just before mid-night....so last night....while still debating whether to stay up for it....was playing a game of Klondike[relaxed]double[turn 1] on World of Solitaire....and almost nodded off twice....gave up....and went to bed just after 22:00 hours....never rolled out of bed until after 06:00....usually regardless of when I go to bed I'm up between 05:15 and 05:45....too  many years of punching a clock for a day shift at the factory....guess my body needed it....and tonight after I finish this post I'm off to my nightly shower and then off to the "Land of Nod"[link].... 

[21:27 UTC-4]
[+71*F....clear....winds from the south@2 mph....humidity: 75%....barometer: 30.23" /\:
[Now Playing: "Sink the Bismarck[1960][link]]
   The copy of "Sink The Bismarck" is not the copy I've been watching recently....the old one was much sharper and clear than this one....but as often happens the better one is no longer available....but since I listen more than actually watch it, it actually makes little difference....besides I'm just old enough to remember listening to dramas and kid's show on the radio....I was nine before we even had a TV....and it only got 3 channels....
   Was up around my usual time and played some Poker on the free site I frequent....needed a few things at Aldi and except for that and a sit down outside and a brief walk in the early evening have spent the day in my rooms....there was zilch on TV....and pretty much the same tomorrow....except for Justice League....so spent some of the day watching a few "Hornblower" episodes on Youtube....my computer screen is actually a bit large than the screen on the first TV set we had when I was a kid....
     

[21:12 UTC-4]
[+70*F....clear....winds s/s/w@5 mph....humidity: 75%....barometer: 30.13" /\ ]
[Now Playing: just another of "My Mixes" off Youtube [link]]
   It's been a very comfortable summer's day here today....temperature is the mid-70's and a nice breeze....hot and humid for the next 3 days with possible scattered T-storms on Sunday....as to the scattered T-storms I really don't care....as long as they scatter them anywhere but where I  might  be at the time.....
   Walked twice today....mid-morning to  the convenience store....had a nice chat with the clerk and store manager....known the  manager for about 8 years....pretty much since I moved to this side of the city over 8 years ago....she was complaining about getting old....so I asked her the year of her birth....turns out she was born the year I graduated from high school....and mid-afternoon just a quick run [well not actually a run....if I'd tried to run I would probably trip over my cane and fall down and break my tuckus....]....just was looking at Ollie's to see if they had gotten anything in new....and they had....several flavors of Claeys Old Fashioned Hard Candies [link]....back in the rural area I grew up in there was always a pack of them in the pocket of the bib overalls of most of the farmers I knew....got four bags....different flavors.....
   I had some faux crab meat leftover from a crab cocktail I made last night and put it in with my egg white dish for 2nd meal, along with the usual root veg....but wasn't sure what spices to use so I "winged it"....turned out quite nicely....but remembered that Dollar general in there spice selection carried Old Bay Seasoning[link]....and decided to get some....as it is a special mix for sea food....and well  I was there....so also got the traditional small cup of ice cream....and a couple of snack size bags of white cheddar popcorn....which I like very much....And just before sundown had a sit-down outside....just a beautiful evening....

[21:27 UTC-4]
[+67*F....clear....winds s/s/w@4 mph....humidity: 72%....barometer: rising....]
[forecast is for nice weather through the weekend]
[Now Playing: The Faure Requiem [link]]
   I had the opportunity several years ago to sing the piece I'm listening to tonight while I write this post....although a later work than the works off the Baroque period which I enjoy greatly....this is a real nice piece....has a real nice tenor part....but has a special place in my heart....when we performed the piece in concert....we were accompanied not only by an pipe organ but also a small  orchestra....there were two French horn players....one of which was my daughter....while still in  high school....she went on to get here degree from the music school at Syracuse University....was a special experience....
   When I went to get my prescriptions filled last Friday they were out of the vitamin B-1 supplement....so I decided to try today....the pharmacy I use is in Price Chopper so bought some veg as well and stopped at Dollar Tree and T J Maxx as well....the 3 are in the same plaza.....but when I got back and was preparing my second meal....realized I was low on liquid egg whites and also sparkling water.....both I usually get at Aldi....but could have got them at Price Chopper....oh well....so a second trip but this time to Aldi....it's closer....and cheaper....and then late afternoon and early evening another walk....just to walk....and a sit down out on the lawns.....
   Have nothing planned for the next couple of days....but I'm sure that some walks and sit downs will somehow occur....  

[19:56 UTC-4]
[+73*F....sunny....winds w/s/w@4 mph....humidity 63%....barometer: rising]
[Now Playing: "The Hound of the Baskervilles" 1959 Hammer Film [link]]
   It was a very pleasant day today....temperatures in the mid-70's....not very humid....and a nice breeze....had not intended to walk...had decided to forego my usual trip to Big Lots....I go on Tuesday because that's the day seniors get a 10% discount....and although I rarely spend very much....since I like to shop there once a week....It might as well be the day I get 10% off....but the heat is going to return tomorrow.....and continue for the next few days....so....as I was making a meal this morning I realized I could probably get some more bananas....and a bottle of ketchup....so if I walked over to Aldi....Big Lots is just a short distance away....while in Big Lots....bought a bottle of fig jam....and a bottle of ketchup....that way I didn't need to fuss with a cart...just popped into Aldi....grabbed 3 bananas....paid and was gone....
   I had turned in about 1/2 of the rolled coins that I had accumulated over the last few years a couple of days ago....and decided to get all of the quarters, dimes & nickles rolled and did that this afternoon and turned them in today....I've got a second debit card to use on the internet and put the money in that account....
   Later a quick walk to Ollie's and Dollar General....just picked up a couple of bags of chips and of course a small cup of ice cream....and a short sit down outside just before I came in to write this post....
   Housekeeping was in while I was at the bank so my rooms are clean and I have fresh linens....not that the room ever gets that dirty....but the fresh linens are welcome....
   I was reminded today of one of the best put-downs I've ever heard....years ago a friends wife was celebrating her 40's birthday....and he jokingly told her that he was going to trade her in for 2-20's....with out skipping a beat she said " you're not wired for 2-20 anymore".....

[15:30 UTC-4]
[+73*F....cloudy....winds w/s/w@9 mph....humidity: 65%....barometer: steady]
   Didn't stay up last night to take the drop just after mid-night....so one was waiting for me @05:58 when I logged in to play some Poker....just a regular drop....no ad....so took a "chair" at a 1K/.5K table with my usual 125'K max-buy-in....but in the back of my mind I was thinking that I only had 21'K "house money"....and with the way tables have been 4 running "sat down" with the intent to play in ultra-tight mode....but to my great surprise and very greater joy....found myself at a table where small ball was the name of the game....very little pre-flop raises....and when there was a check of the raisers hand revealed a pocket pair or an Ace....if it went to the river....more often than not all the big raiser got was the blinds because the rest of the table folded.....table ranged from a few heads up hands to a table of 6 players....and until the last few hands before I left....other than the aforementioned pre-flop raises....there was only one very short raid by a kamikaze....and I was catching some decent hands....but most pots were blind/small pots....did make one decent pot....had a Nine/Six suited....there was a  min-pre-flop raise from a short visit from an any two carder....I called....flop gave me two pair when there was both a Nine and a Six....in the flop....raiser upped the raise to 2.5'K....but I had top two pair....smooth call....turned the 3rd 9....and the house....raise....call....on the river a blank he checked I min-raised and he called....but right before I left both a major pot pusher with big pre-flop raises and a kamikaze arrived....and the small increase in my stack started to melt away to the blinds and I left....ergo....43 minutes played....58 hands played....43.45 second hands....13 winners....1 out of every 4+ hands played....left with an extra 1,675$....but had a very lucky run at Slots....4 winners out of 5 tries....and won 9,300$.....one of the wins was for 7,500$....
[15:42 UTC-4]
[On Facebook]
"Fall Spades": four games played today....[1]....8 hands played...."we" 577 pts. + 7 bags + 1 made nil bid....vs...."they" 207 pts. + 7 bags + set once....[2]....10 hands played...."we" 525 pts. + 15 bags [-100 pts.] + 1 made nil bid....vs...."they" 263 pts. + 3 bags + set twice....[3]....7 hands played...."we" 525 pts. + 5 bags + 1 made nil bid....vs...."they" 525 pts. + 5 bags + 1 made nil bid....vs...."they" 274 pts. + 4 bags + set once....[4]....6 hands played...."we" 571 pts. + 1  bag + set once + 4 made nil bids....vs...."they" 351 pts. + 11 bags [-100 pts.]....

[09:15 UTC-4]
[+66*F....rain....winds e/s/e@6 mph....humidity 90%....barometer: rising....rain predicted to last through 20:00 tonight]
[Now Playing: "Rainy Day Music 004 [link]]
   Well shut my mouth....the  weatherman seems to have got one right....for a change....rain started just about when predicted....light so far....but it's been dry here and I'm sure the farmers are happy to see it....I'm off to play some solitaire online....[more later].....
[11:26 UTC-4]
   I guess today is proof positive that Murphy's Law is still active....in November when I moved to my new rooms I went to the bank....which is right next to my lodgings and changed my address information....and have been receiving my bank statements for months....until last month....????....anyways today I found out the reason was I had an invalid address....apparently somewhere along the line the street name was misspelled....not by me because I made the change in person....anyways....despite the rain....very light...took the few steps up the hill to the bank and hopefully corrected the problem [knock wood].....I have always liked one of the corollaries to Murphy's Law....that Murphy was an optimist....oy vey....
[21:50 UTC-4]
[+64*F....clear....winds e/n/e@4 mph....humidity 96%....barometer on the rise....]
[weather through the beginning of next week....clear....daytime highs in the mid-80's]
[Now Playing: Beethoven "Christ on the Mount of Olives" [link]]
   By the time I got done at the bank the rain had stopped....and the rest of the day was forecast to be clear....except the rains returned briefly in the late afternoon....
   Besides my dash to the bank to see if I could correct the address issue....has been a quiet day....did have a few issues to deal with on the group I mod on FB....nothing major....and did take a short walk in the early evening....and if nothing occurs on the group tonight it's at least my plan now to finish this post....check my e-mails.....and retire for the night....[knock wood]

[21:16 UTC-4]
[+73*F....mostly cloudy....winds s/s/w@5 mph....humidity 73%....barometer: rising]
[rain forecast for tomorrow from 08:00 through 18:00]
[Now Playing: Handel "12 Concerti Grossi Op 6"[link]]
[Ah tonight's "Now Playing" is a type of music common in the Baroque period....[link]....]
   Well the isolated/scattered T-storms predicted for this early morning through early afternoon....must have been scattered and isolated somewhere other than where I live....when I awoke and looked out the window there seemed to be no evidence of any rain....and none materialized during the day....now as to the forecast for tomorrow....I mean they have to get it right at least once in awhile....don't they....and if I choose to ignore the forecast and plan to run errands tomorrow morning than "sure as shootin' " i probably need a rubber dinghy or an ark....ergo....
  I was going to wait until tomorrow to make my needed run to Aldi....but after I saw the forecast I despite my cynicism decided to take the trip there today....but Sundays shopping at Aldi can be challenging....it's their busiest day of the week....but if you go early it's usually okay....would have liked to get there right on or after 09:00 when they open....but waited until after 10:00 and it was not busy at all....just the usual fare....and for once not only got everything on my list....which I actually took for a change....but got nothing that was not on the list....something which rarely happens....something I didn't know I needed until I saw it there always seems to find it's way into my cart....but not today....
   

[20:43 UTC-4]
[+80*F....partly cloudy....southwest winds@11 mph....humidity 82%....barometer: steady]
[isolated/scattered T-storms....predicted from 02:00 through 10:00 tomorrow]
[Now Playing: "Gaudy Night" episode 2 [link]]
   Every times I look at the forecast for the next 24 hours the pushing the start for the T-storms later in the day tomorrow....would like to fit in a trip to Aldi somewhere in the day tomorrow....but I suppose I could push it off until Tuesday if necessary....particularly for the winter months but I have canned and packages foods in the pantry for days that the weather intervenes for several days preventing me from walking....never figured I resort to that in the non-winter months....
   Walked a couple of times today....didn't buy anything....didn't even stop at a store....just walked....saw a group of Canada geese on my morning walk when it was cooler....a relative term....it was in the high 70's F with 85% humidity.....saw no a feather on my second walk....was mid 80's F....and the humidity was pushing 90%....and the breeze had dropped a bit.....
   Other than that just a typical lazy, quiet day....online and a bit of TV.....

[22:05 UTC-4]
[+77*F....cloudy....winds southwest@11 mph....humidity 84%....barometer: on the rise]
[isolated/scattered T-storms predicted to star about 17:00 tomorrow continuing through about 04:00]
[Now Playing: "Gaudy Night" episode 1 a Lord Peter Wimsey drama[link]]
   I had taken a run over to the bank last night because I wanted to get some cash from my account to pay for my meds....I use the pharmacy inside Price Chopper....left just before 09:00 so I could get there right after the pharmacy opened....still somebody was in front of me....I never order by phone....so I placed my order....and had planned to get some root veg....and a couple of bottle of the flavoring now in vogue for water....which I refer to as "21 century Kool Aid'....but decided to get some cold slaw from the deli....got the meds....and my groceries and decided to walk up to T J Maxx....same plaza....and found a bottle of evoo infused with white truffle oil....but on the way back along Western Blvd....I had another encounter with a family of Canada geese....and again to avoid me....out into the street again....but apparently the driver didn't see them....no contact....but they got back on the grass....very quickly....with some hissing at the car....and allowed me to pass....
   The usual afternoon walk....got a pair of shorts at "The Thrift Store" and an ice cream at Dollar  General....and a brief sit down outside just after 20:00....
   Needed a snack....and remembered coming into the club house after playing in an evening golf league....I never ate before I played because I had to rush out to the club right after work in order to make the "tee time".....and  always ordered a cold plate....cold potato salad, cold slaw and cold cuts....hadn't had it in mind when a bought the cold slaw....but after my sit down....needed a snack and had potato salad, and cold cuts already....so assembled a reasonable facsimile of a cold plate....which I enjoyed greatly....and will certainly do again....a perfect meal for a hot/humid summers eve....

[22:30 UTC-4]
[+72*F....clear....s/s/e winds@2 mph....humidity 92%....barometer: steady]
[possible isolated T-storm around 07:00 tomorrow with more predicted in the afternoon]
[Now Playing: "Hornblower....Loyalty"[link]]
   Had another spat of trouble with WiFi today....I got a pop-up requiring me to re-enter the password....now I was shown the procedure but not told....and I apparently missed a step....and the person who had helped me yesterday was busy....so lost another 4 hours....but I got it covered now....besides the signal is much stronger....and steadier....
   Sometimes the "new" technologies confuse me a little....you should know that I never saw a hand held calculator until I was in my late 20's....I took both chemistry and physics in high school and we used slide rules [link] for solving math equations....and computers still used punch cards [link]....I can use computers....usually....some times by trial & error....and the last two days have been far more error than trial....
   A trip to Aldi this morning and another short trip to the ATM....have  to get my meds re-filled over the next few days and needed to get the cash for them....
   Took a early evening walk and while walking down the side of Western Blvd. there were a group of geese feeding and blocking the sidewalk....figured they'd move....but rather that go away from the street they decided to cross it....at a very slow speed....and created quite a short lived traffic jam....of which they took no notice at all apparently.....the motorist appeared to  be highly annoyed....I on the other hand had a good laugh over it....   

[22:48 UTC-4]
[+68*F....clear....winds south@1 mph....humidity 97%....barometer: on the rise]
[Now Playing: "99 best Gregorian Chants" [link]]
   Yup I know I'm late in posting tonight but I do have a reasonable explanation....
   Was up early....had a great session of poker on the free site I play on....was a rainy, dismal day so planned to play maybe another session of poker, some solitaire [online] and attend to my modding duties on the FB group...."The Farthest Side"....and all things went according to the plan until about 12:30....I was writing a post to "Trollie's Game Room" and no WiFi....they were doing an upgrade to the system in the facility were I live....was supposed to take 4 to six hours....and took one side or the other of 9 hours....oy vey....put the kibosh on my plans....but on the bright side....my rooms are at the far end of the buildings....and the closest antenna was at the front of the building were my rooms are and I'm at the far end....now there is an antenna about 4 feet from my door and the strength of the signal is massively better....but still a frustrating day....
   Fortunately the weather cleared right about that time and I ran some errands that it had planned to put off until the end of the week....

[10:35 UTC-4]
   Norm my friend of years past....If you can hear me....you were right when you said "The weatherman is the only person you know who gets paid for being right 25% of the time".....the rain predicted for this morning never happened....rain now predicted to start just before midnight....and continue through Wednesday evening....possible T-storms as well....and Norm if you can hear me I think you were overly optimistic when you said 25%.....oy vey.....
[20:50 UTC-4]
[+77*F....cloudy....winds s/s/w@9 mph....humidity 67%....barometer: steady]
[rain ant possible T-storms predicted to start around 01:00 tomorrow and continue through 23:00]
[Now Playing: today's "My Mix" off Youtube [link]]
   So with the change in forecast for today I decided to take my weekly Tuesday walk to Big Lots....and was quite glad I did because I was looking in one of the aisle and someone tapped me on the shoulder....it was Sharon P and her hubby....I've known her for about 50 years....and we worked for the same company for probably 35+ years....real a nice lady....although we do have a running gag between us.....she always calls me "kid" and I her "madam".....she is a "lot" older than I....about 7 months or so....now although I did actually go looking for anything as is quite typical....I did find a few things I "needed".....well that's not quite true....a couple of weeks ago I found some chips made in part with flour from black beans....and  last week I looked and they didn't have any so looked again today and a bag now sits in my pantry....
   Did walk just after 17:00 and stopped at Dollar general....a bag of peanut butter filled pretzels....and of course a small cup of ice cream....an a small bag of White Cheddar popcorn....which I am happily chomping on as I write this post....also a sit-down just after 19:00 on the lawn just out side my back door....been another quiet day, stress free day....and I've enjoyed it greatly.....

[21:05 UTC]
[+71*F....sunny....winds s/s/w @ 4 mph....humidity 64%....barometer is steady]
[Now Playing: Handel's Messiah....the choruses[link]]
   Dang it but they've gone and changed the forecast....again....tomorrow was supposed to be a nice day with rains starting overnight into Wednesday through Friday morning....now they are predicting rain tomorrow morning from 08:00 to 12:00....at least they've dropped the T-storm warnings....and I had planned to walk tomorrow morning to at least Aldi....and possibly Big Lots [seniors get 10% discount on Tuesday]....so I'm quite glad that just after 09:00 this morning I decided to skip going to Big Lots this week....because I haven't even started to use what I bought  last week....still sits in the pantry....so decided to get the few things I needed at Aldi today....so let it rain tomorrow morning....
   I had just come back from getting my morning cup of yogurt from the morning breakfast spread....eating my usual first meal and playing "Fall Spades" online....when the power went off...only for less than a minute....but when it came back on it took a few minutes for the WiFi to come back on....and then I hand to re-set the blasted alarm clock....not that I ever use it for one of it's prime functions....that being making me jump out of a sound sleep....but I do use it to see what time it is....besides if I need to get up at a particular time I can always call the desk and arrange a "wake up call"....which I seldom do....I'm retired and except for my twice yearly checkup with the doctor....never schedule anything for early morning [ well except for my usual morning session of online poker]....the doctor's appointment is an exception as he wants fasting bloods for testing....
   BBC America is showing episodes from the original Star Trek series today....watch one of my favs this late morning "Balance of Terror"....but they are showing my absolute fav "City on the Edge of Forever" at 22:30....a tad past my desired bedtime....but one must do or rather watch what one must watch....besides I can take advantage of a chip drop scheduled for 22:39 on an online poker game I play....
   Was a beautiful evening tonight so dragged my folding chair out and had a sit-down....and almost fell asleep....twice....

[14:25 UTC-4]
   No weather report or music/movie this morning....just wanted to get this down while still fresh in my mind....decided to take an early walk this morning....need some things to added to my gorp [aka: trail mix]....but I decided to walk a loop I sometimes walk be for going to  Ollie's and Dollar General....stepped out the back door and there were 4 Canada Geese....chopping away at the grass....pretty sure it's one of the families I've been watching....boy the young ones are getting big....then down the hill and around the one pond in front of the plaza [where Dollar General and Ollie's are located] 14 more Canada Geese....2 adults and 12 teenagers....got to be another of the families I've been watching....12 in a hatch I've only seen once in the 8 summers I've lived here and these 12 are them....one of the "teenagers" was limping....could tell for sure because the grass they were in was about 4" high....but suspect he had a misshaped foot....I recall years ago one of my warehouse men used to feed the flying rats [aka:seagulls]....one day I arrived to see him feeding them and one of the seagulls an adult....was missing a foot....but seemed not to notice....just hopped around like nothing was wrong....only I do worry for the goose's survivability.....
[22:05 UTC-4]
[+66*F....clear....winds s/s/w@3 mph....humidity 87%....barometric pressure: on the rise]
[nice weather through Tuesday.....than T=storms/rain predicted through Friday AM]
[Now Playing: Haydn's "The Creation" [link]]
   Decided to walk the "loop" again in the early evening....and as I past the lawn behind a no  longer used bank branch there were well over 20 Canada Geese feeding....probably some if not all of the 3 families I've been watching since April....and when I got back to my rooms decided that it was such a nice evening that I grabbed my folding chair and sat out on the back lawn for awhile....was entertained by the antics of a very small rabbit....must be one of this years brood....cute little rascal....Although I technically live in a city....howbeit just barely....in 2 ways....population is around 27'K [and 25K' is the point where calling a place a city is appropriate]....& I live on the west edge not that far from the city line....but it's character is more that of a small town....that got bigger....in the late 1800's early 1900's was around 50K....or so I'm told....I'm not that old....but when moved here in the mid-1960's it was still about 30'K+....but most of the industry that drove the economy as long since departed....but it is the county seat....and the retail/service center for the county....located about 70 miles north of Syracuse....up I-81....in fact if I walk out the back door I can hear the traffic on I-81....

[19:40 UTC-4]
[+74*F....mostly cloudy....winds southwest@5 mph....relative humidity 70%.....barometric pressure: falling....scattered and isolated T-storms predicted from 22:00 tonight through 02:00 tomorrow]
[Now Playing: William Byrd's "Mass for Four Voices"[link]]
   Decided to take a walk this morning....had used the last of my baby greens this AM and decided that there were a few other things I need and have really enjoyed the addition of the greens in my egg white dishes....but ended up with a different mix....this one as radicchio....I have been looking for a head of radicchio and have not seen any....so I saw a mix of  baby greens with radicchio and  decided to give it a try....but on the way back decided I needed a small cup of ice cream and took a detour to Dollar General....late afternoon I did something  I  rarely do....I took a walk with no destination....just a walk to walk....and an early evening sit down....in my new folding chair....just to enjoy the cool evening breeze.....if I've learned anything in my 71+ years....it's that many times the best of pleasures are the simple one....I by choice live a very quiet, simple life, and try to avoid stressful situations....other then the walks just a very restful day....had to deal with a few problems on the group I mod on FB....but I chose to do that....and/if those duties every become a hassle I can't....make that don't want to handle....then I'll just step aside....but at this point it helps keep my mind sharp....and in vetting perspective members FB pages I have discovered several useful sites....not to mention occasionally "stealing" a meme or a video they've posted....

[21:00 UTC-4]
[+68*F....partly cloudy....winds south/west@8 mph....relative humidity 85%....barometric pressure on the rise]
[Now Playing: another Youtube mix[link]]
   The mix I'm listening to tonight as I write is post is a mixed bag of styles....a few of the pieces are scored for woodwind quintet....I played in one for four years in high school [I was the crazy French horn player] and really enjoyed it.....but even vocally I've always enjoyed playing/singing with small groups....was in a men's quartet for a few years....
   I walked this morning early....just to walk...later I have been wanting to get an outdoor folding chair....a "lawn chair" if you will....so off to Ollie's and Dollar General....and found just what I wanted at Dollar General....in fact I've just come in from a very enjoyable "sit-down" on the back lawn....there is only one bench that I can use....and without fail virtually every time I decide to take a "sit-down"....housekeeping is throwing garbage in the dumpster....which is in view of the bench....not that that act bothers me....but the attendance within minutes to that activity of a horde of flying rats [aka:seagulls] is a bit off putting....
   If you were to count my collection of spices and condiments....I tried but my best guess is the number is one side or another of 50....including 12 different hot sauces...no rack...set out on a table...and except for the front row all I can see is the tops....some are printed on the top but most aren't....decided to label the caps....so on the spur of the moment a dash by to Dollar General....didn't have the size of labels I wanted....but already had some that were too big for what I wanted....and with the help of  a pair scissors they became the perfect size....so order has been restored....well at least with my spices and condiments....    

[19:45 UTC-4]
[+75*F....T-storms....winds@9 mph....relative humidity 82%....barometric pressure: falling]
[T-storms continuing for the next couple of hours....then clearing....rain beginning around 6 AM tomorrow and continuing through early afternoon]
   So far the the predicted rain and T-storms have been fairly tame....have heard a little thunder but nothing close.....and some rain....
   Except for a quick trip to Aldi this morning, and a brief sit down outside in the early evening have spent the day quietly in my rooms.....
   Actually was in bed by just after 22:00....which was more than an hour earlier than of late....but was up near the usual 05:30....and is my custom first thing in the morning to log on and play some online Poker....[free site....just faux money]....ended up playing for just over 2 hours.....and had a enjoyable session.....[aka: 1 won more than I lost]....
   Did spend some time re-range my spices, oils, and assorted condiments....I'm a bit of a pack-rat when it comes to my supplies for my cooking....
   Made an interesting dish for my 2nd meal....mushrooms, shallots, black garlic, sun dried tomatoes, mixed baby greens...some truffle infused evoo....some cheese....some liquid egg whites....and several spices from my supply....very nice....will have to make it again....
   Just the typical quiet day....

[19:12 UTC-4]
[+84*F....sunny....winds west@5 mph....relative humidity 58%....barometer falling....]
[rain and T-storms to start overnight tonight and continue through Friday morning]
[Now Playing:"2001" soundtrack[link]]
   I'm on a kick lately on movie sound tracks....another hot day here in the Northcountry of New York State....but not humid....so it's quite pleasant....
   Hand intend to make an early night of it last night....and then got involved in a problem in  the FB group where I'm a moderator and never got to bed until 23:30....and then overslept....duh....
   Decided to take a mid morning walk before it got too hot....didn't have anything planned....didn't even take my sling bag but on the way back to my rooms decided that since the forecast is for rain starting over night through Friday morning....and I needed to visit my money at the ATM....so re-routed my direction and went to the ATM....
   I use caraway seeds both in my daily cooking and also when I make refrigerator pickles....pickles as a  general term....sometimes pickles....or radishes....or garlic...et cetera....but was nearly out of caraway seeds....had bought a small jar awhile back at Ollie's and had checked earlier this week and they didn't have anymore....no a big surprise....also T J Maxx....knew I could get them at Price Chopper but knew they as a old saying goes "charge me an arm and a leg"[link]].....now the small jar I had bought at Ollie's was $1.99....but there is a health food store called the Mustard Seed which sells spices and the like in bulk....a fairly long walk on a hot day.....but off I went....and indeed they had the seeds I wanted....bought some in a small plastic bag....about 3 times more than what was in the bottle....for 66 cents....well worth the walk....
   Part of the reason I'm posting earlier than usual tonight is that I have a chip drop on a Poker game I play in a few minutes....and then intend to either walk or just sit out and relax until posting to my other blog[s]....

[21:45 UTC-4]
[+69*F....clear....winds from the south@1 mph....relative humidity 70%]
[Now Playing: Hornblower "The Examination for Lieutenant" [link]]
   Today being a Tuesday I was expecting housekeeping to make an appearance to clean and change the linens....and being Tuesday it was my regular day to go to Big Lots....and needed a few things from Aldi and since they are in the same area decided to "kill to birds with one stone" and go to both in the same walk....didn't pickup anything of any real import at either store....just the normal run of  the mill items for my pantry....which of course included bananas.....
   While washing up some of my kitchen kit I realized I was almost out of dish washing detergent....so took the short walk to Ollie's to get some....after I returned a couple of old friends stopped by....and then later another knock on the door and there stood my nephew Nate....and I knew he had been in the general area but I didn't expect to see him....been a couple of years....he lives in the San Francisco area....works for Google....and he asked if his wife and their 3 little ones could visit....which of course I agreed....the last time I saw them there were just my nephew, his wife and one daughter....who now has been joined by a son and daughter number 2....had a nice visit but before they left wanted a picture of me holding the newest addition....Lydia who's maybe six months [+/-]....while I was holding her and pictures were being taken she discovered my beard....and true to form for kids that age latched on to it and gave it a few yanks....so I maybe a few hairs short of what I had this morning....and enjoyed every yank....although it was unexpected I enjoyed the visit very much....but I do expect that at some point my sister [Nate's mom] will probably post said pictures on FB....
   I had planned to walk this evening but with the visit and trying to get caught back up with my modding and things....was to late to walk....as I prefer not to walk at night because my night vision is not what it used to be....but I give it up gladly....family comes first....and my hairs will grow back [hehe]....I hope [knock wood].... 

[21:30 UTC-4]
[+69*F....clear....winds south@1 mph....relative humidity 65%]
[Now Playing: "The American President" soundtrack [link]]
   HBO showed the movie "The American President" this morning early....starting at 06:55....probably because of all those years of getting up early to go to work....I'm usually up and at 'um sometime between 05:00 and 06:00....and had already played my regular morning session of Poker....so decided to watch it....not my usual kind of movie but this is probably the 4th or 5th time I've seen it....plus I really live the music....hence tonight's "Now Playing"....hadn't actually ever looked for it before tonight....but have book marked it....and it probably will take it's place with many other pieces of music that I listen to over and over again....I have very eclectic tastes in not only music, but also in movies and TV....and I really have a blast rummaging through what's available on Youtube....beats having a big stack of records, tapes, CD's, et al....but by some "digging" I have found albums that I once had on vinyl....and even 8-track tapes....dang I'm dating myself there....
   Decided to walk this morning over to Dollar Tree, T J Maxx, and Price Chopper....but was going to wedge it into a 2 hour window....and got distracted....so decided that I was only going to browse at Dollar Tree and T J Maxx....so just made the Price Chopper stop....sweet potatoes, celery root, parsnips, shallots, a red pepper, and a couple of bottles liquid water enhancer....I think the name is a little to fancy for what is basically 21st century "Kool Aid"
   But early evening decided to walk  again and ended up at both Dollar Tree and T J Maxx....a package of interesting looking sausages at Dollar Tree....and a different spice mix at T J Maxx....
   Besides that the day followed my usual pattern of online gaming and a little surfing the net.... 

[
[+64*F....clear....s/s/e winds @ 3 mph....relative humidity 66%]
[Forecast for Monday through Wednesday daytime highs in the 80's with relative humidity around 50%....possible T-storms on Thursday and Friday....]
[Now Playing: "Hornblower~The Frogs and the Lobsters"~[link]]
   It was a hot but comfortable day today....decided to walk....just walk....no destination in mind....so just after 08:30 this morning....decided to walk a loop I've been taking....but as I neared my lodgings decided to talk a quick detour to the ATM at the bank that's right next door to where I live....I have what is now know as a debit card.....which allows me to draw money from my checking account....I've had bad experiences with credit cards in the past and neither now have one or desire to have one....[sorry....no details]....but every time I visit my money some of  it insists on coming home with me....
   I had planned my day around watching the Women's World Cup Final between the USA and Netherlands....which the USA won 2:0.....must said I had my doubts about this match as Netherlands had been on quite a roll....and the USA side was nicked up a bit with injuries....but things worked out well in the end....well  at least from my POV.....
   Decided to walk in the late afternoon....same loop as this morning and decided although I really didn't need to stop at the convenience store I would....really could have waited but....got to where I would make a quick detour and decided rather than the convenience store....I go back to my lodgings by way of Jreck Subs and get a sub....as I preceded on my way....realized that to get to the most convenient crosswalk I'd pass right past Aldi and I had planned to walk over there tomorrow and pickup a few things I needed....never did get that sub....but did get everything I needed for the next few days at Aldi....
   Have spent the rest of the day as is my custom online....Poker....Solitaire....attending to my blogs....and spending some time modding a FB group I'm a member of.....I chose to live what many would consider a simple....even boring life....but the truth is....at my age....and for several reasons [again no detail] I chose to live as stress free life as possible.....

[21:15 UTC-4]
[+75*F....clear....winds north@5 mph....relative humidity 74%]
[forecast through Wednesday is for nice weather with daytime highs in the high 70's and low 80's]
[Now Playing:"Hornblower~Loyalty" [link]]
   Except for a late Afternoon walk and an evening sit down on the bench outside had been in my rooms all day....mostly on line but I did watch the movie "Zoom" on HBO....yup I know it's a kids movie but it's mindless entertainment....and did I mention that Kate Mara is in it....
   I never did watch the 3rd place game in the Woman's World Cup....[pause]....just checked Sweden beat England 2 to 1....but rest assured I will be watching the USA/Netherlands final....
   And have not only watched/listened to the Hornblower Loyalty....but Duty as well....very little to watch on the old boob tube
    

[20:55 UTC-4]
[+82*F....clear....winds s/s/w@7 mph....relative humidity]
[rain and t-storms predicted from 2 am tomorrow through early evening]
[Now Playing:"Hornblower....Duty"[link]]
   Well the rain and T-storms forecast for today never materialized....just a hot....slightly muggy day....but it gave me a chance to go to Aldi just after 09:00 and pickup just a few things to get me through the weekend....a few things but basically I went on the hunt for the elusive bananas....
  Most of my clothes are long sleeved and fit for Winter weather....but my short sleeve shirts are older and a little ragged....so early this week I got a collar knit at Thrift Store....but wanted just a tee shirt....got two Champion brand tees tonight at Ollie's....have always liked the brand and they were at a great price....and as the Summer is hot already....I think I will need some light clothes....and a package of dried pineapple....I had cut up the last of what I had and added it to my homespun gorp [aka: trail mix]....and then of course I had to pass by Dollar General and heard a small cup of ice cream calling my name....I really don't have the room in my frig for a large container....and rarely eat ice cream except in the heat of Summer....and besides Dollar General is a short walk out the backdoor of my lodgings....
   Did watch some of episode IV of Star Wars....but just wasn't into it....I'll probably watch some of the 3rd place game between England & Sweden tomorrow.....

[21:10 UTC-4]
[+83*F....sunny....winds northeast@6 mph....relative humidity 59%]
[T-storms forecast for overnight and then scattered T-storms through Saturday  night]
[Now playing: a "Hornblower Episode: Duty"[link]]
   I had planned to stay in all day and run the AC at high blast....though mid-day temperatures were in the low 90's....the relative humidity was only 40%....and never turned the AC on....there is a HVAC unit in my rooms....and I just ran the fan on low all day....and the rooms were quite comfortable....
   I awoke even earlier than normal and started my day as I usually do with a session of online poker [free site]....but even for me a 05:15 log on is early....maybe a bit to early....spent the morning online until 8:40....HBO was showing Justice League....which I just sat down and watched....did I mention that Gal Gadot, Amy Adams & Diana Lane were in it....and then at 10:50 Star Wars episode I which again I sat and watched....and the bits and pieces of episodes II & III....
   But then decided to walk in early evening....was still 89*F and bright sun but the relative humidity was only 40% so was quite comfortable....now there are some evergreen trees and there were several geese there....a few were feeding but the rest were just resting under the shade of trees....had intend just to walk but on my way back to may rooms....did stop and get a small cup of ice cream....
   Hadn't checked the extended forecast before I walked if I had I might have walked over to Aldi....but after checking decided that Sunday will be fine....and besides the last time the forecast was for scattered T-storms....we got squat....heat them....but at a distance....so if I decided I near something I'll probably be able to find a "window" in the storms to talk that short walk....  

[10:35 UTC-4]
[+80*F....sunny....winds w/n/w @ 3 mph....relative humidity 63%]
[weather for tomorrow: July 4th....Independence day here in the USA....high 92*F/low 72*F....partly cloudy....winds e/s/e @ 6 mph....relative humidity 53%]
[Now Playing: just another mix off Youtube[link]]
   I don't know where my head was at last night but I thought today was July 4....Independence Day here in the USA....I guess I could claim old age....but truth be told I do from time to time lose track of what day of the week it is....I'm retired and rarely have anything I have to do on a specific day....or even time for that matter....anyways tomorrow is July fourth....sometimes I can be a real dummkopf....anyways when I got up this morning....realized my error[s] and deleted yesterdays post....come to thing of it I probably just should have re-dated it....oy vey....
   Walked three times today....I have no intention of going anywhere tomorrow....I live on one of the busiest streets in the small city I live in....and several of the places I shop at are on the other side of the street....and even with crosswalks and walk lights....have had several close calls while crossing....and besides with temperatures in the 90's....even with a relatively low humidity....not my cup of tea....so the plan for tomorrow is stay in my rooms with the AC on....besides TNT is showing Star Wars episodes I, II, & III back to back starting at 10:30 local time....
   Watched the second semi-final game in The Women's World Cup....and looking forward to the finals on Sunday morning....local time....USA vs Netherlands.....

[19:50 UTC-4]
[+71*F....sunny....winds southwest@9 mph....relative humidity@62%]
[rain forecast for the overnight hours tomorrow]
[Now Playing:"Have His Carcase" episode 2 [link]]
   Had a very enjoyable day....walked briefly this morning....just a few things at Aldi....I've been buying a mix or organic arugula & baby spinach....it cost more for less that just a bag of baby spinach....but I pay the price for  a couple of reasons....first I like the mix of the two greens....and the larger and less expensive package doesn't make much sense for someone who lives alone....I sure that probably half of the bag would wilt before I got to use it....it's not the first time I've paid more for less....because A; I prefer the high price product for taste and quality B; I cook and eat for one....and buying in bulk is not wise....especially if it's something that will spoil over time before I  get to use it....
   Had opened my last bottle of Powerade Zero....and wanted to get another package of protein bars I had seen at Ollie's....my first meal....always eaten after my morning session of online Poker [a free site]....is always the same....a cold bottle of green tea [which I brew myself]....a banana....one sort or another of granola/protein/nut & seed/fruit & grain bar....and a small  cup of yogurt....all of those elements are there for reasons of health....and besides I enjoy them all....except for the banana....but I need the potassium....I have a problem with leg cramps....charley horses....in my youth I played what we in the USA call soccer....also ran cross-country....track....and 20K road races and a couple of marathons....but I do salt [usually black sea salt] and assorted spices which makes them palatable....went to Dollar General for the Powerade and couldn't find it....asked a clerk and we discovered the problem....they had changed the packaging....and of course my small cup of ice cream....
   My plans for tomorrow will be arranged around USA vs. England match in the Women's World Cup....