*[15:21 UTC-5]*[+35*F/+27*F(w/windchill)/+21*F(overnight low)_partly cloudy_winds from the west@12 mph_humidity: 65%_barometer:30.23"/\_Friday's hi/lo:+37*F/+31*F_mostly cloudy_winds from the e/s/e@5 mph_humidity:72%_snow to begin around 19:00 Friday evening and continue thru 01:00 changing to rain thru 08:00 Saturday morning and then back to snow until 12:00 noon]*[This Evening on MadTrollie;[a Sherlock Holmes episode:""The Six Napoleons"];]*

   Except for a brief trip up to the lobby mid-afternoon for a toffee coffee I have spent the day in my "fortress of Solitude"(aka:my rooms)..and have spent the day online..my /usual Sim&Solitaire games..some online poker on "Pokerist".. fulfilling my duties as a moderator on the FB group "The Farthest Side" and tending to my blogs..and of course wandering around "Youtube & Google Images"..I've been playing "Pokerist" under my aka: MadTrollie and changing my avatar on a daily basis so have been prowling "Google Images" for some odd-ball pics..from fantasy figures to odd animal crosses..my fav so far is a half german shepherd/half squirrel..(have placed a pic of the beastie in the footer)..just having a spot of fun with it...../....Played one of my longer sessions on "Pokerist" so-far just a fad over 2&1/2 hours..was going to leave after two hours but found myself in a very entertaining four handed game..so extended.. despite having to change my preferred style of play due to the prevalent style played on this site..I've enjoyed my play greatly..../....I have absolutely nothing played for tonight..certainly not any of the traditional New Years Eve festivities..and intend barring the onset of the "Zombie Apocalypse" to be in my comfortable bed long before the clock struck mid-night ushering in the New Year..and nothing for tomorrow..save for the usual my /usual online agendum.. nothing on TV with my time and I'm not "into" the parades and college bowl games that are a New Year's Day staple..just not my thing...../....still a thing or three to deal with before I take my rest and maybe another session of poker..and of course there's a snack in my future..ergo.."nite all" & a "Happier New Year than this one"....[16:35 UTC-5]..../....

 *[17:28 UTC-5]*[+37*F/+28*(w/windchill)/+30*F(overnight low)_light rain_wind from the s/s/w@17 mph_humidity:75% _barometer:29.89"\/_rain continuing thru 01:00 changing thru snow thru 03:00_Thursday's hi/lo:+32*F/+22*F_AM:clouds /PM:sun_winds from the west@12 mph_humidity:73%]*[This Evening on MadTrollie;[Hec Ramsey(pilot)];]*

   It's been an interesting day..although not my best night's sleep I did sleep better than the night before..and rolled out of bed just after 04:00 a fairly typical wake-up time for me of late..I've tried over the years of my retirement different sleep/awake time patterns but recently up onside or the other of 04:00 & to bed around 20:00 seams to work the best for me..../....Today being a Wednesday..I've watched a couple of episodes of NCIS on the USA Network throughout the day..between my /usual online game play and modding on the FB group the "Farthest Side"..and also as planned took a walk over to Aldi..nothing special..just the /usual fare..and yes a hand of the every elusive banana were part of my take..was looking some cold-cuts but didn't see anything that struck my fancy except for a package of speck..i prefer the Black Forest variety but what they had was the italian variety..which is very nice as well..../....Other then that have spent the day in my rooms and except for the aforementioned episodes have spent the day online..and spent sometime wandering around Youtube and found this video parody of a Star Wars Jedi battle..Jedi Chipmunks..which I found hilarious..been then I do have a kind of off-beat sense of humor..../....Had one of my better days of late on "Pokerist" ..the free online poker game I started to play after "Super Happy Fun Time" Poker disappeared into the ether that online games go to to die..although I've had to modify my preferred style of play..small ball/slow play/trapping to adapt to the new site style of play..had to pick my spots..good pocket cards..and then play them aggressively..It's worked out pretty good so far..so will continue with it and not look for another site..../....Still a couple of things still need my attention before I take my rest  & maybe a little more TV as well..ergo..nite all....[18:09 UTC-5]..../....

 *[17:38 UTC-5]*[+18*F/+15*F(overnight low)_clear_winds from the west@3 mph_humidity:67%_barometer:30:52"/\ _Wednesday'e hi/lo:+38*F/+31*F_cloudy_winds from the southwest@18 mph_ humidity:66%_snow predicted to beginning about 14:00 changing to a rain/snow mix and then just rain thru 03:00 Thursday morning]*

*[This Evening on MadTrollie;[Celtic Music];]*

   Didn't sleep as well last night as I have been of late..not sure what exactly woke me up just after 01:00 but the first thing I thought about was that I had failed to collect my recyclables and put both those and my garbage bag in the hallway in anticipation of the weekly visit of housekeeping every Tuesday..I usually take care of that before retiring on Monday evening..had thought about it earlier in the day but had plum forgotten about it before heading for bed..gave it one quick thought about doing it than..which was just as quickly rejected..and back to sleep..awoke again just before 03:00..rolled over and the next time I saw the clock it was about 04:20..so along with the /usual morning routine got my recyclables and trash out and another late start to my online day...but somehow had the greater bulk of my activities either done or well in hand by 12:00..had a quick meal and headed off to Ollie's & Dollar General..was looking for a plate but didn't find the style I wanted but did get a bottle of evoo & a squeeze bottle of lemon juice at Ollie's..If they don't come in squeeze bottles I transfer all my cooking liquids into squeeze bottles..because of my essential tremors I find it difficult at best to pour the desired amount of liquid from a bottle..usual get way more than I wanted..It's much easier with a squeeze bottle to control the amount..then off to Dollar general..a jug of tomato juice..a 6-pack of 7.5 oz. cans of Diet Coke..and a bag of peanut filled pretzel bites..and back to my rooms..../....Have penciled in a trip to Aldi for tomorrow and after looking at the weather will try to do that mid morning.../....Have no plans for either New Year's Eve or Day..the last time I deliberately stayed up to see the new year in was in 2000..and wanted to see if there really was any effects from the much ballyhooed Y2K bug..../....May play a bit more "Pokerist" before I take my rest..but a snack is definitely in my future..ergo.."nite all"....[18:13 UTC-4]..../....

 *[16:43 UTC-5]*[+36*F/+16*F(w/windchill)/+19*F(overnight low)_cloudy_winds from the w/s/w@9 mph_humidity:79% _barometer:30.30"/\_Tuesday's hi/lo:+22*F/+17*F_mostly sunny_winds from the northwest@11 mph_humidity:62%]*

*[Tonight on MadTrollie;[Chant];]*

   Although I did get to bed a little later than/usual..I had played a late session of poker on "Pokerist" and had posted my results to "Trollie's Game Room" I wasn't overly tired..but basically slept through the night with only one brief interruption ..and by the time I surfaced and look at the clock it was already past 04:30..about the clock..technically it's an alarm clock but IIRC the last time I used it for  that purpose was probably 10+ years ago..that's not because on rare occasions I need to make sure I'm up before a certain time but one of the perks of living in a hotel is that I can arrange for a "Wake-up Call"..and despite the late start have got most everything done about the /usual time although I did cut short my morning poker session..only played 90+ minutes rather than the /usual 2 hours+..probably won't play a second session of poker because with the return to their regular programming now that Christmas has past the Lifetime network is again showing old episodes of "Rizzoli & Isles" and I planned my second meal around one of my favorite episodes.. with the Boston Marathon as it's "backdrop"..many years ago in 1970 I ran in that event..in what was the largest field in the race up to that time..about 1,500 runners..not the 30K+ fields of late..but that was before the "jogging craze" and the greater interesting in running..not that 1 was ever was technically a jogger..jogging is running at a pace greater than 7 minutes/mile..and My workout pace was sub-6 minute miles and My race pace for the 20Ks I ran was just a tad over 5 minutes/mile..but that was many years ago..now I walk with a cane and I glad to get to where I'm going with out losing my balance and busting my tuckus...../....But still a couple of things need to be finished before I take my rest..I see a snack and more "Rizzoli & Isles" in my immediate future as well..ergo.."nite all".....[17:16 UTC-5]..../....

 *[]*[+28*F/21*F(w/windchill)/+28(overnight low)_cloudy_wind from the southeast@7 mph_humidity:73%_barometer :30.18"\/_Monday's hi/lo:+38*F/+18*F_winds from the southwest@20 mph_humidity:82%_rain/show & winds in excess of 20 mph from 06:00 thru 18:00 Monday]*[This Evening on MadTrollie;[Celtic Music];]*

   I hadn't checked tomorrows weather when I decided that there were a few things I needed to get at Ollie's & Dollar General..and truth be told I was trying to "nod off" as I was playing the last of my Sims & Solitaire games for the day and decided the fresh air would do me some good and although I could have waited a couple of days decided to go then..well as it turns out after checking tomorrow forecast the weather during the daylight hours tomorrow won't be fit for man nor beast and am glad I walked today..because of the snowfall the last couple of days my traditional short-cut out the back door and down the hill to the plaza was unusable..ergo..out the front door and the long way around..but except for a couple of dicey spots the sidewalks & parking lots were reasonably clear..so had no difficulty getting there and back..just some shampoo at Ollie's..used the last I had in the old bottle the other night and then off to Dollar General..nothing out of the ordinary fare except a package of leads for my mechanical pencils..and then back to my rooms..../....It was with great joy that I checked tomorrow's TV listings and discovered that at least a couple of the networks/channels have gone back to a more regular schedule and there are actually a couple of the offerings that I would actually watch for a change..the last couple of months have been dreadful..if it wasn't the Halloween/Horror flicks of October than if was the Holiday themed offerings of November & December..oy vey...../....Have spent the rest of the day as I usually do with online gaming..fulfilling my duties as a mod on the FB group "The Farthest Side"..I for one will be glad when we see the end of the "holiday themed" cartoons and get back to the off beat/twisted humor that a site dedicated to the work of Gary Larson should be..but then when it comes to cartoon panels I am an avowed purest..and proud of it..in a humble sort of way..(hehe)..../....One or three things still on the docket for the day that must be dealt with so that I can take my well deserved rest..ergo..I say onto You.."nite all"....[17:36 UTC-5]..../....

 *[16:45 UTC-5]*[28*F/17*F(w/windchill)/+20*F(overnight low)_snow_winds from the w/s/w@14_humidity:90% _barometer:29.77"/\_Sunday's hi/lo:+33*F/+24*F_cloudy_winds south@8_humidity:76%..snow to continue thru 20:00  this evening..snow is also predicted for Sunday between the hours of 10:00 & 11:00..we are still under a "Lake Effect Snow Warning" until 10:00 AM Sunday morning]*[The Evening of MadTrollie;[Jazz/Big Bands];]*

   Now I've never claimed to be the brightest bulb in the marquee but there are times I even surprise myself..I had been in my rooms save for a few trips to the lobby in the hotel I live in since mid-day Tuesday..and I was starting to fell the onset of "cabin fever"..so I looked outside..the snow had abated and the visibility was acceptable and I convinced myself that we really hadn't got that much snow..maybe 3 or 4 inches..and besides I needed bananas..or was it that I was bananas..not sure..so off I go to Aldi..none of the sidewalks were cleared..[by local law you have 24 hrs to clear your sidewalks after the snow has fallen..which it hadn't..sop off into the shoulder of the street I went..which was pretty nasty going..well anyways got there and back with out any real problems or damage to my person..got back to my rooms and my key-card wouldn't work..so back up to the lobby and a new set of key-cards..the usual fare at Aldi save for the fact that I bought a pound of bacon..used to have some in the frig all the time but haven't for several months..and decided I was in need of some..got back from my foolish adventure and added some to a rustic egg-white frittata and enjoyed it greatly..../....Have spent the bulk of the day online as there has been nothing on the old boob tube that was worth my time..I did check the schedules for next week and I appears that some of the channels/networks are returning to a more "normal" schedule..and from my POV not a moment too soon..../....Have enough food stuffs on had for the next several days so have no plans or needs to walk before peeps get this mess of snow cleaned up..but there again..like I've said many times my mom never called me "sunny"..../....a couple of things I still need to attend to before I take my rest..ergo....[17:16 UTC-5]..../....

 *[16:42 UTC-5]*[+32*F/+23*F(w/windchill)/+25*F(overnight low)_cloudy_winds out of the southwest@13 mph_humidity :87%_barometer:29.45"/\_Saturday's hi/lo:+30*F/+22*F_snow_winds from the w/s/w@16 mph_humidity:77%_snow is predicted to begin about 22:00 tonight and continue thru 20:00 tomorrow..we are under a "Lake Effect Snow Warning" .."Merry Christmas" Northcountry Style]*[Playing this evening on MadTrollie;[Lully];]*

   It's been an interesting day despite the fact that I haven't been out of my rooms all day and save for a hand full of trips to the lobby have been out of my rooms since Tuesday afternoon..and if the weather predictions hold true will not venture out into the outdoors until sometime Sunday..it's kind of a unusual  way to spend the "Christmas Holidays"..for most of my life Christmas has been a family oriented holiday..but it's also at times been quite stressful and I have to admit at this juncture in my life I have come to prefer the quiet calm of my rooms to the hubbub of a large gathering of people..even if they are family....Speaking of family my sister found a photograph of the two of us at my mom's parents house on a visit around Christmas..best guess we were 4 and two at the time..(will place the photo in the footer).... /....Have spent most of the day as I often do online..there has been nothing on the old boob tube worth my time and from a check of tomorrow's offerings there may be even less tomorrow..if that's even possible..../....Played a full slate of Sims & Solitaire and made two trips to play some poker on "Pokerist"..the site I've been playing since the one I was playing disappeared as online games are know to do..both games are or were free sites..no real money changes hands..just faux game money..there are somethings about the new site I like better than the other..and somethings I don't..but I am an experience game player and will figure it out..../....One of the nice things about Facebook is that over the last few years have re-connected with some of the kids that I went through high school with..among them is the "Moose"..was both a classmate..a band-mate in the high school band..and an all around good dude..[ah the "Moose" ..lets just say he's not small]..../....still a few details to tie-off before I sleep..ergo.."nite all"....[17:13 UTC-5]..../....

 *[16:30 UTC-5}[+50*F/+42*F(overnight lo)_rain_winds from the  s/s/e@16 mph_humidity:85%_barometer:29.74"\/_Friday's hi/lo:+47*F/+26*F_winds from the southwest@14 mph_humidity:55% _rain to continue thru 12:00 tomorrow & then change to snow thru 07:00 Sunday morning..We are under a "Winter Weather Watch" from 19:00 Friday thru 07:00 Sunday (I've posted the text in the footer)]*

*This Evening on MadTrollie;[Handel's Messiah];]*

   Except for two trips up to the lobby..once for my breakfast items..and the other for a holiday goodie bag left for me by my sis-in-law I've not been out of my rooms all day..and with the advanced forecast thru Sunday morning I don't anticipate leaving the safety of the hotel I live in before Sunday afternoon if then..../....when I went out this morning for my breakfast items..the desk guy handed me a card..a holiday greeting..and when I got back to the room that as well as a card there was a pre-paid credit card with 20$ on it..ergo..immediately call the desk and thanked him on behalf of the hotel..I though it was a very nice gesture and totally unexpected..have no idea what I'll use it on but I'll thing of something..and later the gift bag from sis-in-law..a bottle of her home made chili sauce which I really enjoy..a bag of Christmas cookies & a bag of nuts..and..when I was at my bro's & sis-in-law's place last Sunday the topic of mayonnaise came up and I mention that the grocery store I shop in was no longer stocking a particular brand of mayo made with olive oil which I liked..don't know where she found it but in the bag was a bottle of the aforementioned mayo..I thought a very thoughtful gift..and sat right down and PM'd her my thanx..[yes I always spell or rather misspell the word that way]..../....Have spent the rest of the day online and probably will spend the bulk of the weekend just that way as well..there is nothing on the old boob tube today or tomorrow that's worth my time..I had nothing else planned and the inclement weather in the forecast has only made that decision the correct one..../....Still a couple of things still to deal with before I take my rest..ergo.."nite all"....[17:02 UTC-5]...../.....

 *[15:56 UTC-5]*[+36*F/+31*F(w/windchill)/+37*F(overnight lo)_winds from the s/s/e@7 mph_humidity:60%_ barometer:30.16"\/_Thursday hi/lo:+49*F/+36*F_winds from the s/s/e@22 mph_humidity 82%_rain to begin 

about 09:00 and continue thru noon Christmas day..then changing to snow thru Sunday AM]*

*[Tonight on MadTrollie;[Bach:"The Christmas Oratorio];]*

   I had already planned not to walk either Thursday or Christmas Day..so the advanced forecast only confirmed that decision as valid..although the weather was reasonable today neither had the need nor even more importantly the desire ti venture out of my "fortress of solitude" and have spent the day as I usually do..except very little TV was on the agendum..I though the delude of Halloween movies in October was bad but to solid months of "Christmas" movies..oy vey..I can't wait until after the first of the year when the network/channels go back to a more normal schedule..now by-enlarge I can'f stand most of their "normal programming" but occasionally I do find something worth my time..if it wasn't for Youtube I'd probably go stark raving mad..of course there are those who think I already have...../....Was watching TV last night and there was an ad for a "Big & Tall Man's" shop..that reminded me of an event in my 4th year in college..biblical studies majors were required to wear shirt & tie to class..now..I am extra long waisted..ergo..extra long sleeves & tails..I had a 35" chest & from  wresting a 19" neck..needless to say I was having a difficult time finding any that fit me properly..so  was in a mall outside Scranton Pa..and saw a "Big & Tall Man's" shop..and went in..it should be noted that I was just under 5'8" tall and weight about 145 lbs..except for me and the clerk..who was at least 6'6" and weighed 275 lbs or more..the store was empty..he chuckled and said.."What are you doing here..shopping for your big brother?"..so I explained my problem..he got his tape measure out..measured me..and then very sheepishly said "their over there"..so I got my shirts and had an enjoyable chat with the man..who had played Div. II American Football in college...../...Still a couple of tasks that require my attention before I take my rest..ergo.."nite all"....[16:31 UTC-5]..../....

 *[16:57 UTC-5]*[+32*F/+22*F[w/windchill)/+18*F(overnight lo)_mostly cloudy_winds from the west @4 mph_ humidity:70%_barometer:29.96"/\_Wednesday's hi/lo:+37*F/+36*_cloudy_winds from the north west@13_humidity :54%_forecast for the next five days..decent tomorrow..rain Thursday..rain/snow on Christmas & snow both Saturday and Sunday]*{Playing  this evening on MadTrollie;[Doo Wop];]*

   It had been my original intention to walk tomorrow..which was confirmed originally when I checked the extended forecast thru Sunday..besides tomorrow would have been the /usual timing to visit the ATM for my "10 day  walking around money"..but..got a tad annoyed while playing one of my sims this morning and just needed to take break..so took the short walk up the hill and hit the ATM..and back..and then after housekeeping left and I had most every thing done for the day..basically on a whim decided to take the walk I'd planned for tomorrow today and was glad I did..First to Price Chopper..garlic..shallots,,a red bell pepper..some sliced beef and a stick of pepperoni..up to T J Maxx and as I was talking to the checkout clerk another one walked by and said "I recognize that voice"..and I recognized hers' as well..she used to work at the Sunoco station/mini-mart I used to stop into from time to time and under the old management worked a few years back behind the desk in the hotel I stay at..decent kid and was glad I'd "run into" her..then over to the convenience store and back to my rooms..had a rustic egg-white frittata with some of the diced pepperoni which "hit the spot"..finished up the few solitaire games and then decided to play a second session of "Pokerist"..played about 25 minutes..won a couple of pots and finished ahead..../....My current plans for the rest of the week is to stay in my rooms..at least thru Saturday..no plans to battle thru the last mad rush of Christmas shoppers and of course on Christmas Day almost everything will be closed anyways..just hope there is something good on TV the next four days..but probably will be watching YouTube..../....still a few things to do before I take my rest..ergo.."nite all"....[17:23 UTC-5]..../....

 *[16:24 UTC-4]*[+37*F/+30*F(overnight lo)_cloudy_winds from the s/s/w@4 mph_humidity:90%_barometer:29.78"\/ _Tuesday's hi/lo:+34*F/+17*F_cloudy_winds from  the w/s/w@3 mph_humidity:85%_light snow forecast to begin about 23:00 tonight and continue thru 04:00 Tuesday]*[This Evening on MadTrollie;[Telemann;]*[[note]: I discovered today that unlike many games that you access thru "Facebook" and the avatar you use is your one from "Facebook" ..on "Pokerist" you have the option to either use the "Facebook" one..a "stock" avatar..or use any of your choosing  ..so have been wandering around "Goggle Images" part of the day looking for interesting ones..and intend to switch avatars daily..I've found some funny ones I intend to use..no particular reason other then I can]*

   Got a pretty good night's rest and got a good jump on today's online activities..to the point that I had the greater majority of my gaming done by 13:00 despite taking a walk to Big Lots & Aldi about 09:00..just a couple of bottles of black cherry sparkling water at Big Lots..a tad more expensive than at Aldi but a flavor Aldi doesn't carry and then just the usual fare at Aldi..and decided to have a meal and watch an episode of "Treehouse Masters" on The Animal Planet..and dove in to the "doggie bag" of goodies that my brother's wife sent home with me after yesterday's anticipated "Christmas Dinner"..had a ham sandwich and finish off the last of the Brussels sprouts..../...Have basically just "kicked around" the rest of the day..finished up a few of the games I usual play..the mentioned above wanderings on "Google Images" and a couple of episodes of "Pawn Stars" on the "History Channel"..have nothing planned for the rest of the week but I'm quite sure a walk to the west and Price Chopper..T J Maxx & the convenience store will be on the docket before Friday..but it is my firm intention to spend "Christmas" in my rooms..I choose to celebrate that holiday alone..and if last year is any indication I will probably be the only moderator on duty on the FB group "The Farthest Side" the rest of the mods/admins have family gathering and I don't mind..../....Still a few things to accomplish be for I take my rest..a a piece of fruit cake may very well be in my immediate future..ergo.."nite all"....[16:67 UTC-5]..../....

 *[18:27 UTC-5]*[+34*F/+24*F(w/windchill)_cloudy_winds from the south@11_humidity:87%_barometer:29.90"\/]*

*[Monday's hi/lo:+38*F/+30*F_mostly cloudy_winds from the s/s/2@8 mph_humidity:85%]*

*{Playing this evening on MadTrollie;[J P Lully];]*

   It was a busy morning but thanks to the fact that I had started today's posting to "Trollie's Game Room" last night rather than wait until this morning as/usual I was able to get the greater bulk of my normal online game play done well before I left for an anticipated "Christmas Dinner" with my brother and his wife..My brother picked me me up about 11:30 and I returned just after 17:30 this evening but six hours+ well spent..very nice tradition Christmas meal..ham..parsley buttered potatoes..Brussels sprouts..a mince pie..and fruit cake..okay..okay..I've heard all the jokes and jibs but I enjoy a good fruit cake and this one was excellent..she got it from a Mennonite bakery..done in traditional fashion and very good..my brother's wife is an excellent cook and enjoyed the meal greatly....

  But even more I enjoyed the friendly conversation afterwards..both my brother and his wife are former public school teachers..both are retired..he a band director/instrumental music teacher & for many tears refereed high soccer games..she was duel certified to teach  both French & Spanish..but for most of her career taught Spanish..both are very intelligent and knowledgeable in many and varied subjects..and both have slightly different points of view..different perspectives than I..and I greatly enjoy the discussions..an arena of thought where it can be agreed upon to occasional agree to disagree..and than more on to another subject..found a worthy cause to donate the "gift card" I was given and posted about below..and will consider donating to that cause again....

   Although I greatly enjoyed the day I find myself quite tired and although there are a couple of things I could do I think I may just chill-out for a bit and that make my way to my bed..ergo.."nite all"....[19:00 UTC-5]..../....

 *[17:57 UTC-5]*[+28*F/+24*F(w/windchill)?+25*F(overnight lo)..mostly cloudy_winds from the e/e/e@4 mph_humidity:63%_barometer:30.23"\/_Sunday's hi/lo:+35*F/+32*F_winds from the south@11 mph_ humidity:85%_snow showers forecast to begin about 07:00 and continue thru 18:00 that evening]*

*[This Evening Playing on MadTrollie;[Celtic Music];]*

   Been an interesting day to say the least..was online just after 04:00..checked in on the admin/mod message board..check for other messages..none..handled some alerts for hew member requests..of to start the draft for today's postings to "Trollie's Game Room"..then of to "Pokerist" for my morning session of "Texas Hold 'Um"..and back to "TGR" to post the results..and off to play my usual sims & solitaire games..was pretty well  done just before noon..and decided I needed a walk..usual check messenger but didn't..and off to Ollie's & Dollar General..got nothing at Ollie's..well there's a first time for everything..& just some assorted items for my winter pantry at Dollar General..when I got back to my rooms..put away my purchases..checked my messages and alerts..a pm from my brother..his wife..and he had commented on my timeline..timeline first.."check your messages..his wife.."check your brothers pm"..his pm.."Sunday dinner tomorrow..??.."..his wife is a very excellent cook..me: yup..what time..he: 11:25 AM..and there begins the rest of a hectic day..had a few games to finish and to make time for everything to get done and spend probably 4 hours+ away from my rooms tomorrow..rather than wait to start my draft for tomorrow's post to "Trollie's Game Room" tomorrow morning as/usual..had all my games completed so did that this afternoon and into early evening rather than watching a little TV or wandering around Youtube..will probably play my session of poker earlier than/usual and get done what games I can before I leave..and don't sweat the details or what doesn't get done..not like it's a life or death situation..close but not (hehe)..if I have time when I return will probably post here as well..but am looking forward to a good "home cooked meal" & the lively conversation that always abounds at their place..../....one or three things that require my attention..a shower and my daily meds come to mind & then off to bed..ergo.."nite all"....[18:27 UTC-5]..../....

 *[17:20 UTC-5]*[+20*F/+15*F(w/windchill)/overnight lo:+10*F_clear_winds from the northeast@3 mph_humidity: 56%_barometer:30.41"/\_Saturday's hi/lo:+33*F/+27*F_mostly cloudy_ winds from the south@7 mph_humidity: 66%_Saturday's Sunrise:[07:33 UTC-5]:&Sunset:[04:27 UTC-5]:]*

*[This Evening Playing on Madtrollie:[Celtic Music];]*[[note]: I have mentioned before that I picked up the habit of listening to music while in college when I was studying or writing one of the many papers that a student in biblical studies/philosophy was required to write to help drown out the hubbub of dorm or off-campus "house" life..and it's carried through to my postings on my blogs..and of late I've gotten quite fond of the Celtic style of music for that purpose..hence tonight's music]*

   When I took my morning walk up to the lobby to pickup a few items from the breakfast buffet on the way back pasted by one of the side-doors and saw "H" (one of the other residents here) sitting out side smoking..(not allowed within the hotel proper)..and usually I'll open the and wish her good day..but this morning with the windchill at the time of +4*F..I just knock on the glass door..got her attention and just waved my morning greeting..there being polite and then there not freezing your tuckus..the only other time I ventured out of my "fortress of solitude" was for my afternoon coffee..../....I will  need to take a walk over the next three days to Aldi,,probably Sunday or Monday..snow is in the forecast for Sunday afternoon but less than an inch expected but will keep and eye on the forecast and walk accordingly..../....

   Have had a decent days' play on my online gaming..have had better days and worse..had some usual highs & lows but that is to be expected..just an average daily work load modding on the FB groups "The Farthest Side"..and have had time to wander around both Youtube and Google Images and done some postings on my FB timeline..one of the pics will most probably find its' way into the footer here..../....still a thing or three to do before I take my rest..ergo.."nite all"....[17:55 UTC-5]..../....

 *[17:10 UTC-5]*[+17*F/+4*F(windchill)_overnight:+9*F_winds from the northeast@11 mph_humidity:68% _barometer:30.18"/\_Friday's hi/lo:+24*F/+11*F_sunny_winds from the northeast@6 mph_humidity:61%]*

*[This evening on MadTrollie;[a Hornblower episode;[The Examination for Lieutenant]];]*

   Been another interesting and enjoyable day here is the frozen Northcountry  of old New York State..had a decent nights sleep and over slept just a little and have had a good day all round except for the fact that I had apparently inhaled some dust or other debris and had one of my classic and world famous bouts of sneezing..I am a little susceptible to inhale an irritant that will set off a volley of sneezes..and we ain't talking a polite little sneezes..mine register on the Richter scale..decided that despite the fact that we had had a dusting of snow last night & with windchill the temperature was a brisk +4*F that what I needed was a brisk walk and some fresh air..and anyways needed to walk to Aldi either today or tomorrow so off I went..Carhart..lined sweatpants..woolen hat and my winter shoes..speaking of my winter shoes a couple of years ago bought a pair of Duluth Wild Boer Mocs..nice waterproof Suede uppers and tread that looks like it came off a set of off-road tires..and low cut..some 54 years ago on the last Saturday in October I had the misfortune of catching my left foot on a very rough soccer field while playing center-mid for my college team and sprained my left Achilles' tendon and since that point am unable to tolerate any high cut shoe or boot on that foot..less that dang tendon reminds me of that day quite forcefully..except for my wrestling boots..but they were skintight..on the bright side it gives me a built in excuse to not walk through heavy snow..just the usual fare at Aldi and a brisk walk back..and except for a brief spat later in the day when I got some pepper dust up my nose the sneezes have abated...../....just a normal day online..an episode of NCIS and another of "Bones"..and some wandering around on Youtube and the FB group "The Farthest Side"..../...A few more things to attend to and then to sleep..ergo.."nite all"....[17:54 UTC-5]..../....

 *[16:57 UTC-5]*[+14*F/-1*F(w/windchill)_cloudy_winds from the northeast@14 mph_humidity:29%_barometer: 30.21"\/_overnight lo:+14*F_light snow forecast from 16:00 thru 21:00 this evening & overnight between 02:00 & 04:00_Thursday's hi/lo:+23*F/+12*F_AM: cloudy/PM: sunny_winds from the northeast@9 mph_humidity:60%]*

*[This Evening on MadTrollie;[Celtic Christmas Music];]*

   Been an interesting day despite the fact that except for the short walk to the lobby this morning for some items from the breakfast buffet I have not been our of my "Fortress of Solitude" all day..but it's been an enjoyable day nonetheless..have watch a couple of the NCIS episodes on the USA network..they've been airing some of the Christmas episodes from past seasons..some of which would be way up the list of my favs..Had a pretty decent day all round on my online games..maybe not quite as good a day as some on "Pokerist" but did figure out a tactic that may allow me to be a tad more aggressive at times..the style of play is wildly aggressive...what I would describe as "loose play"..and certainly wouldn't work well for you if you were playing with the "rent money" instead of faux game money..but I'm learning some "tricks" that will help me deal with the chaos..had a good day on both the sim & solitaire games I play & it's been a pretty quiet day on the FB group "The Farthest Side" where I'm a moderator..../....I'm kind of a mix-bag of moods..at times I can be a very social person..I like nothing better than a lively conversation on many and varied subjects..and there again at times I can be quite a hermit..I'm one of those people who can be alone but rarely lonely..../....I've pretty well have decided to ignore the hubbub over the last presidential election here in the USA..frankly neither of the candidates IMNSHO..were worthy of running for dog-catcher..ergo..I voted for president first in "68 & in all those elections I have yet to cast a positive vote..I never have voted for a candidate..but always voted against the other..so have gotten fed up with the whole deal and taken the last two presidential elections off..[climbs off his soapbox]..../....Still one or two things to spend sometime on before I take my rest..ergo.."nite all"....[17:32 UTC-5]

 *[16:31 UTC-5]*[+18*F/+10*F(w/windchill)/+6*F(overnight)_sunny_winds out of the n/n/w@6 mph_humidity:54%_barometer:30.43"/\_Wednesday's hi/lo:+23*F/+15*F_cloudy_winds from the northeast@10 mph_humidity:41%]*[This Evening on MadTrollie;[Tyrol/Folk];]*

   A decent nights sleep last night sans the weird dreams of the night before..just the /usual..I play several card games online..solitaire..sims..& a free live poker game..and lately most of my dreams are card game related..now when I was working years ago most were work related or until some physical problems caused me to give up playing golf I would occasional have dreams of playing golf..and I swear that some of the "courses" were design by an avant-garde artist or Rube Goldberg..(wiki)..(see cartoon at bottom of the page)..../....Except for a quick trip up to the lobby just before I sat down to write this post I hadn't been out of my rooms all day..except if you count when I stick my head out the door to see if housekeeping was on the way for my weekly cleaning of my rooms and fresh linen..it's one of the perks for living in a hotel and something if I had an apartment or studio I'd have to hire someone to do for me and here it's included in my monthly rent..../....Have spent the rest of my day as I usually do..online save fore a little TV..NCIS with 1st meal & some Paw Patrol with 2nd meal....didn't have quite as good a day at poker as yesterday but came out ahead and quite frankly that's all I really expect..../....Although when I was younger and played sports I was known as a very aggressive player when I played soccer in college I routinely lead the team in numbers of sliding tackles..and when needed was called upon to play "stopper"..but in gaming I've always been more prone to the defensive style..avoid loose play and pick my spots..whether it be poker or years back when I played miniature war-games..mostly Napoleonic & American Civil War..also was a defensive Chess player..../....Still a few details to put to bed for the night before I put myself there as well..ergo.."nite all"

 *[17:21 UTC-5]*[*33*F/+25*F(w/windchill)/+19*F(overnight lo)_winds from the west@11 mph_humidity:78%_ barometer:29.87"/\_Tuesday's hi/lo:+23*F/+6*F_sunny_ winds from the northwest@9 mph_humidity:44%]*

*[This Evening on MadTrollie;[Telemann;]*

   Well the snow that was predicted was a no-show & the prediction of rain that took it's place amounted to nothing more than periodic light rain & drizzle..so about 13:00 decided rather then wait until tomorrow when although it's to be sunny all day with the ambient temperature and the predicted northwest winds it wouldn't surprise me if the windchills were in the single digits..so off I went to Aldi..but with the "threat" of rain wore my light rain jacket over my lined flannel shirt..and was quite comfortable..there was the hint of mist in the air but I enjoyed the walk..just the usual fare save for a week or so I had bought a wedge of an artisan cheese that was a mix of sheep & goat's milk and had opened it a couple of days ago and enjoyed it greatly..ergo..was hoping their had another wedge which they did so dropped that in the cloth bag I carry there when shopping there..here awhile back the replaced the old standard size shopping carts for larger ones..and since I never get enough to fill even the small "compact" carts they have at available Price Chopper..decide rather that use the larger carts which I find some what clumsy for me to maneuver ..the bag  works out fine and after paying the tab I transfer my purchases to my sling-bag for the trip home..which I sling to center in the small of my back..because of my balance issues..and the cane..carrying at typical bag in my other hand is both uncomfortable for me and "throws" my center of gravity off..../....Had one of my best days so far on "Pokerist" the free live site I started playing at when SHFT-Poker took that trip into internet oblivion..with in a couple hands during the hour+ session I made both Quad Twos & a Queen high straight flush..was a enjoyable day at the tables..../....Still just a few loose ends to tie off and a shower and snack are in my future..ergo.."nite all"..../....

 *[15:58 UTC-5]*[+33*F/+24*F(w/windchill)_cloudy_winds from the west@12 mph_humidity:74%_barometer :30.02/\_overnight lo:+27*F_Monday's hi/lo:+36*F/+18*F_cloudy_winds out of the southwest@14 mph_humidity :77%_light snow forecast to begin about 11:00 and continue thru 18:00]*

*[Playing this evening on MadTrollie;[Lt Ellis of Shado];]*

   I hadn't intended to walk today but was done with the majority of my online tasks and decided to take the short walk down the hill to Ollie's & Dollar General..just some protein bars & a bag of dark chocolate covered cherries at Ollie's & a jug of tomato juice..a bottle of Gatorade Zero & a 6-pack of 7.5 oz. cans of diet Coke..but..when thinking last night of what I needed at Dollar General had thought about getting a can of black olives..and did I remember today when I went there..of course not..dummkopf..when I checked the weather before I left the wind was from the west@17 mph..and I decided to walk anyways..I try to avoid winds in excess of 20 mph because of my balance issues..but failed to consider the probability that with at wind speed of 17 mph that there may be the occasional gust in  excess of 20 mph..well I didn't and should have..no I didn't get knocked down and bust my tuckus but it did twist me around a little..but thanks to the cane survived my neglect in not assume the presence of gusts..[shrugs] ..../....I don't know whether It was a good thing or a bad thing on balance..I slept a lot better last night than the night before but did I have the granddaddy of a weird dreams..not scary or a nightmare..just a very weird juxtaposition of seeming random and unrelated incidents..and the usual random selection of faces..this time one of the "players" in this melodrama had the face of one of my fav actress..??..occasionally it will be the face of a friend..but when I approach..the face is the same but an entirely different person..guess it's just the old brain box cleaning out its' proverbial trash can..[shrugs] ..and if there is a hidden meaning to any of it..quite frankly I'd rather not know..../....Still a few things yet to do and a meal and maybe some boob tube to watch..ergo.."nite all"....[16:30 UTC-5]..../....

 *[16:50 UTC-5]*{+46*F_overnight lo:+41*F_cloudy_winds from the s/s/e@9 mph_humidity:74%_barometer :29.81"\/_rain intermittently between 18:00 & 03:00 tomorrow_tomorrow's hi/lo:+44*F/+29*F_cloudy_winds 

from the w/s/w@18 mph_humidity:77%]*[This Evening on MadTrollie;[Away All Boats];]*

   It's been an interesting day and as we would have said back in the day "I've been busier than a three legged tomcat trying to bury do-do on a tin roof"..I had trouble last night falling to sleep..a few minor issues and the result was I overslept and never got online until 04:50..now being today is my birthday my timeline on Facebook has been cramped full of birthday wishes..and I like to acknowledge all of them individually..and to top that I got a call from a friend that also was born on this day.."M" used to be the general manager of the hotel I live in under the old management..he still works in the area and the Hilton Garden Inn..and we developed a friendship over the years I lived here and he worked here..and I haven't seen or talked to him for over a year..but we talk for quite awhile..and with the everything that's normal takes up my time I've been struggling all day to get things done..but except for this post and checking back in on FB..both my timeline and the FB group "The Farthest Side" and my duties as a moderator..../....Had not originally intended to walk today but just after 09:00 was getting a little frustrated with one of the games I played and decided to "get some fresh air"..so went up the hill to the ATM and got my "10-day walking around money"..a day earlier than /usual but was out..so that's one thing I don't have to deal with tomorrow..the only other times I been out of my rooms was this morning from the breakfast buffet and this afternoon for a cup of coffee which I didn't get because there was a birthday card from my sis & a package of dried fruit which she sends me every year during the Christmas season..just not enough hands to carry everything ..../....Have nothing except the daily routine planned for tomorrow unless I need some "fresh air" again and take a walk to the plaza just down the hill..../....just a couple more tasks to preform and than off to bed..ergo.."nite all"....[17:20 UTC-5]..../....

 *[16:34 UTC-4]*[+44*F_partly cloudy_winds from the s/s/w@2 mph_humidity:68%_barometer:30.01"/\_overnight lo:+33*F_Saturday's hi/lo:+43*F/+42*F_winds from the e/n/e@7 mph_humidity:86%_rain predicted to begin around 18:00 and continue thru 11:00 Sunday]*[This Evening on MadTrollie;[Sink The Bismarck];]*

   Although I din't take some time away from by online activities this morning at 08:00 to watch an NCIS episode and eat my first meal I was done with all my major concerns by just before 12:00 so took my walk to Price Chopper..fresh garlic..shallots..a couple italian peppers..a boule & some sliced beef..then up to T J Maxx and got the last bottle of the piquante peppers that I have very much enjoyed..over to the convenience store for a tube of my chew..could have wait a couple days but decided that because I was in the vicinity I'd might as well "save steps" and get that today..and then Dollar General..just the usual fare except had wanted to get a 6-pack of soda..7.5 oz cans..but had run out of space in my sling bag and since I still have a couple of cans decided to wait another day..had every thing else on line wrapped up by 15:00 except a couple more "look-ins" on the FB group "The Farthest Side" and of course posting here..I may also spend some time doing so re-arrange of a couple of my Youtube play lists..../....so at 15:00 watched an episode of "Bones" on TNT..and had a meal..showered and took my daily meds..and sat down to write here..../....Tomorrow is this gimpy..grump..old codger's birthday..and unless I decided to go to the plaza just down the hill or possible up to the ATM to get my "10-day walking around money" my intentions are to spend my day as I prefer to do..on-line and in my rooms..nothing on the old boob tube tomorrow worth my time so probably will find something to watch on Youtube..this being my 73rd birthday I've stopped making a big deal about it many years ago..it is after all just another day..just like the other 26,633 ones that have proceeded it..[shrugs]..../....but in my minds eye I'm seeing the images of a nice roast beef sandwich..ergo.."nite all"....[17:05 UTC-5]..../....

*[16:50 UTC-5]*[+34*F_cloudy_winds from the southwest@2 mph_humidity:84%_barometer:30.13"/\_overnight lo:31*F_tomorrow's hi/lo:+46*F/+35*F_mostly cloudy_winds from the s/s/w@8_humidity:75%]*

*[This Evening on MadTrollie;["Hec Ramsey(pilot)"];]*

   Been an interesting day..have some consideration decided that the priority walk was the trip to Aldi I prefer to take just after the open..but I had a problem..but also wanted to watch the NCIS episode at 08:00..and really didn't want to take a two hour block of time out of my online schedule that earlier in the day..lately when during the week there's an NCIS episode I want to watch..I shut down and watch it as I eat my 1st meal..so today..ate first meal and my computer and turned the TV and watched..ate..and played a "Spades" Sim at the same time..and despite the walked got finished with my online play about the same time I would have if I'd just walked..silly maybe to some..but I prefer to live an order life..a routine life..and would would prefer to live in an orderly universe..but with the problems of 2020 I see very little such order..ergo..I strive to keep at least those parts of my life under my control in a regulated manner..doesn't always work out that way..but on average..it does..I have never denied that I live my life in an unconventional way..and have always been and always will be a non-conformist..[can be see climbing off his soapbox]..../....Had one of my better days so for on the new to me poker site I've been playing on..and a decent day all round in the Sims & Solitaire..some of the games I play just for funny or because I enjoy them but many are also included for my practical reasons..to exercise my stiff..sore..damaged old heads and to keep my mind sharp..../....I've been considering starting a "sister page" to this blog on Facebook..but haven't decided whether or not I will but will add a link here if I do..../....still have a few things to deal with and I have a premonition that there maybe a sandwich in my near future..ergo.."nite all"....[17:20 UTC-5]..../....

*[16:39 UTC-5]*[+35*F/+28*F(w/windchill)_overnight lo:+31*F_light rain changing to snow ending around 18:00_ winds from the west@8 mph_humidity:94%_barometer:29.64"/\_tomorrow's hi/lo"+37*F/+31*F_partly cloudy_winds from the west@6 mph..humidity:80%]*[This Evening oh MadTrollie;[Bach];]*

   The weather really wasn't that bad today..we got maybe a couple of inches of snow..no big deal in these parts..where I've seen it snow a foot or more an hour..but the threat of even light rain which occurred during the daylight hours..and the possible slippery conditions keep this gimpy..grumpy..old codger with balance issues in my rooms..but the weather is forecast to be clear thru Saturday PM..so will pick my spots to go to Price Chopper..Ollie's & Dollar General..nothing I need urgently..and Aldi as well but because Aldi is in the opposite direction will walk twice....ergo....have been in my rooms all day..I only hit the breakfast buffet every other day and grab enough for two days..by agreement with the management..and have spent time on line to be sure but have taken more breaks than/usual to watch some episodes of NCIS..first one this AM was the first episode/first season and always one of my favs..as have been a couple more during the day..../....don't know if it will entail any amount of time but a friend has started an FB group and I've volunteered to leaned a "hand" if he needs help..he's a year or two older than my brother and met him when we moved to Watertown and the same neighborhood..some 54 years ago..../....I usually have a hard-boiled egg with my first meal..usually just quarter it..but this morning decided to devil it..salt..pepper..a dash of hot paprika flakes..a dash of white wine vinegar..a few capers..crushed dried shallot..chopped egg yolk..all mixed together with a little good olive oil mayonnaise..served along side..a banana..a square of coffee cake..a fruit and grain bar..some sliced dry italian salami..a hunk of good blue cheese..and a yogurt.."washed" down by a cold iced white tea..and a spiced up tomato juice(s/vodka)..a pretty typical first meal for me every morning..../....but just a thing or three to deal with before I take my rest..ergo.."nite all"....[17/10 UTC-5]..../....

 *[17:28 UTC-5]*{+22*F_overnight lo:+19*F_cloudy_winds from the southwest@2 mph_humidity:86%-barometer :29.82"/\_tomorrow's hi/lo:+38*F/+30*F_rain/snow_winds from the w/s/w@11 mph_humidity:90%_snow predicted to begin around midnight and continue thru noon than switching to rain mixed with snow until 17:00 Wednesday evening]*[This Evening on MadTrollie;[a Hornblower episode;[Duty];]:

   I had been considering taking a walk to the west of my lodgings tomorrow..stops at Price Chopper..Ollie's & Dollar Genera..well at least that is before I checked the weather for tomorrow as I always do as a prelude to writing my daily post to this blog..and the weather report effectively put the kibosh on any thoughts I had about the walk..[yup..kibosh..an odd word..that I heard in my youth..basically means emphatically putting a stop  to something..if you're interested you can find the etymology of the word {here}]..../....Not a bad night's sleep last night..had watched an episode of "Law & Order" on BBC-America ending at 20:00 and was trying not to doze-off while watching..fell right to sleep awoke my /usual couple of times during the night..the last time at 03:30..was going to "roll back over" but decided to just get up and get started on the day..just before 09:00 although the windchill was in the mid to lower teens at the time decided to walk to Aldi for the few things I needed and in retrospect after seeing the weather forecast for tomorrow I'm glad that I did..actually with my Carhart coat..woolen hat and lined sweatpants..it was a comfortable walk..basically just the usual fare but spent more then normal..but then remember I hadn't been out of the hotel I live in since mid-day Friday..so averaged out it was if anything less than /usual..had barely got back to my rooms and got stuff put away and back online when housekeeping arrived..on of the ladies had the misfortune of cutting her finger very slightly..and then MadTrollie to the recuse..a couple of years ago..I decided to buy a "home sized" first-aid kit..and a small band-aid did the trick..because of my shakes due to of my essential tremors I do from time to time slip and nick myself with a knife while preparing my meals..but then I've always been a bit of a klutz..../....Still one or two things to tie up before I take my rest..ergo.."nite all"....[18:07 UTC-5]..../.... 

 *[16:20 UTC-5]*{+24*F/+18*F(w/windchill)_overnight lo:+20*F_cloudy_winds from the north@5 mph_humidity :75%_barometer:29.84"~_Tuesday's hi/lo:+28*F/+23*F_partly cloudy_winds from the w/n/w@7 mph_ humidity:67%]*[This Evening on MadTrollie;[Bach];]*

   Had thought about taking a walk to Aldi today..in fact last night had pretty well decided to..needed to walk either today or Tuesday and was pretty sure today was the day..didn't sleep as well last night as I have been and my sense of balance was off especially earlier in the day today..one of the effects that my essential tremors have is I have balance issues..usually not that bad..if I'm careful..now if I'm out of my rooms either in the hotel I live in or outside I always care a cane..but not in my rooms..usually don't have a major problem..but today a;though nothing catastrophic did have a few minor incidents so decided to forego the walk..should be fine tomorrow but if not then there is always the option of delivery to consider...../....ergo..except for a couple of walks to the lobby have been warm..cozy & safe since Friday afternoon here in my "fortress of solitude"..and with few exceptions have spent the bulk of my time online..../...speaking of which I'm a member of an FB group for peeps 55 & older who grew up in the Buffalo NY area..I basically graduated from high school there and 2 days later started my first shift in the core-room of a foundry here in the Northcountry of NY (a summer job)..and have here remained in the area until now save for nine semesters of college..but a friend from back in the day invited me..replied to a post this morning.."If you suddenly received a large sum of money who would you spend it on first"..most of the responses were children..spouse or grand kids..my immediate response was..Me..I mean who deserves it more..and although I'm sure I'd spend some on myself..I'd probably anonymously..donate some to two local organizations..one the local ASPCA..all but one of the four legged pets I have had over the years were rescues..and my current situation precludes me from adopting a pet..but there is a need there..and the other unnamed here that gave me a hand up many years ago when I was as we would have said back in the day.."down on my luck"..and they do good work..../....speaking of work..still a few tasks to complete..ergo.."nite all"....[16:53 UTC-5]..../....

 *[17:08 UTC-5]*[+28*F/+23*F(w/windchill)_overnight lo:+19*F_mostly cloudy_winds from the northwest@4 mph_ humidity:68%_barometer:29.92"/\_tomorrow's hi/lo:+27*F/+20*F_mostly cloudy_winds from the north@6 mph_ humidity:64%]*[This Evening on MadTrollie;[Bach];]*

   Although the weather today wasn't bad atall..and actually relatively speaking mild for this time of year in the Northcountry of New York State..except for a brief walk up to the lobby to pickup some items from the breakfast buffet have not bee out of my rooms the entire day..did say a quick hello to "H"..she's one of the newer residents here in the hotel I live in..which reminds me..as/of yesterday I've lived in this hotel for ten years..it's comfortable.. quiet most of the time..&..withing a 12 to 15 minute radius walk of everything I normally need on a day to day basis..I pay my rent once a month..that's it..land line..wifi..TV are included..as/is 24 hr coffee..the breakfast buffet & housekeeping visits once a week..cleans my rooms and changes my linens..plus I don't have any responsibility for upkeep..snow removal et al..and at least for me is quite affordable..the perfect place for this gimpy..grumpy..old codger..to hang his hat..../....I got to watching episode VI of Star Wars last night only like the first 30 minutes or so but was dozing off so went to bed around 20:30 local time..a late bedtime for bonzo..only awoke twice and never rolled out of bed until 04:45..a late start but as I had intended to just stay in my rooms today had almost everything done by 12:30 and decided to watch BBC America's airing of the movie "Judge Dredd" beginning at 12:45..yup..I know..not exactly a cinema classic..basically pretty campy and mindless entertainment.. except..did I mention that Diana Lane was in the movie..we been through this many times..I may be a gimpy..grumpy..old codger but the day I stop appreciating an attractive lady is the day the nail the lid over my head..I maybe old..but the last time I check I'M still male..../....Nothing on the old boob tube this evening that I care to watch..maybe a little Youtube or a few more games online..??..but the day is winding down and soon I will take my rest..tomorrow is another day..ergo..nite all....[17:40 UTC-5]..../.... 

 *[16:41 UTC-5]+[+30*F/+21*F(w/windchill)_cloudy_winds:north@11 mph_humidity:89%_barometer:29.91"/\_ overnight lo:+23*F_Sunday's hi/lo:+30*F/+21*F_cloudy_winds northwest@9 mph..humidity:69%]*

*[This evening playing on MadTrollie:[Telemann];]*

   Had a weird experience today not the first time it's happened..just after 13:00 had all my online game play done for the day..now there were a few things that I needed from Aldi..rolls..fruit flavored sparkling water..and tea bags..I have four different types that I enjoy..three of which were down to their last couple of bags..but could have waited until tomorrow or even Monday..but  truth be told I wanted to get out of my rooms and get some exercise..so off to all..my Carhart..lined sweatpants..cane and my ancient sling bag..long hair..full beard..and of course my mask..got my items and only the skill of someone who worked/supervised a shipping department for 25 years and gets high marks in the cognitive skill.spatial relationships..allowed me to get it all in my bag..which was quite full but not that heavy but as/always I sling it and let it "ride" in the small of my back..so I get back to the hotel..and this young woman who I've never seen before..stops me as I was walking down the hall to my rooms..and hands me a $50 gift card for Aldi..with "Jesus Loves You" on the sleeve..and is gone before I can react..??..not the first time I've been either given something or asked if I'm homeless..now I have no idea what apriori-snap judgement or faulty application of profiling parameters people especially in their mid-20s to mid-30s use to come to the erroneous conclusion that I'm either..homeless..indigent..or in need of the assistance..I am by nature both unconventional and a non-conformist..who has never had any sense of or need to adhere to the last fad or fashion..well except for in college when I did some "two legged dear hunting"..I dress comfortably and really don't give a fart in a windstorm how I appear..anyways..I have no intention of using the card..except that circumstances may place me in the path of someone who could both need and use it..../....still a thing or three to do before I take my rest..ergo.."nite all"....[17:23 UTC-5]..../....

 *[15:48 UTC-5]*[+38*F_overnight:+32*F_winds our of the southwest@10_mph..humidity:90%_barometer :29.85"\/_rain except to continue thru midnight tonight tonight_ tomorrows hi/lo:36*F/+24*F._some light snow predicted between 10;00 & 12:10 tomorrow_the forecast for Sunday thru Tuesday is for daytime highs in the upper 20's F and overnight lows in the lower 20"s F..no  rain or show in the forecast but up here in the Northcountry..wait 15 minutes the forecast &/or the weather might change..usually for the worse]*

[This Afternoon playing of MadTrollie:[Bach]:]*

   Except for a couple of trips made by-way-of the halls first just before 07:00 for a couple of items from the breakfast buffet & once just before sitting down to prepare to write this post for an afternoon toffee coffee I haven't been out of my rooms for the rest of the day and have no intention of doing so..and may not venture out tomorrow either.. although the weather looks reasonable tomorrow a check of my pantry and frig(s) tells me that I really don't have a pressing need to walk until maybe Monday or Tuesday..but something may come up..or I might just decide to take a walk..dealing with the weekend shopper during the pre-Christmas season is not what I care to do..../....It hasn't rained that hard most of the day..more a light rain or what we called back in the day an intermittent drizzle.. now if necessary I do have appropriate rain gear to deal with it..but it better be a life or death crises..../....and maybe not even then..../...I'm far too old to take more than the slightest of risk or even less likely to play the "hero"...../.... Have spent a pretty normal day online and off-line as well..../....I'm not sure what the issue is but planned on watching the NCIS episode on the USA network@08:00..shutdown my desktop when the onboard clock said 07:58..turned on the old boob tube and the episode had already started..now a month or so ago I had re-set my computer clock to GMT but apparently I "lost" about 4 minutes since then..??..[the Mad One can be seen scratching his old grey head]..there again the machine is going on four years old and is no longer supported by Google..??.. guess it's time to look for a new 'puter..../....thinks to do..a shower to take..and a meal to eat..ergo.."nite all"....[16:24 UTC-5]..../....

 *[]*[17:38 UTC-4]*[+38*F/+32*F(w/windchill)_overnight lo:+35*F_partly cloudy_winds from the southwest@9 mph.. humidity:67%_barometer:29.98"\/_rain showers around 20:00..Fridays hi/lo:+40*F/+32*F_a combination of rain.. snow..rain mixed with snow starting around mid-night tonight thru mid-night Friday..some clear weather possible as well]*[Playing this evening on MadTrollie;[a Hornblower episode;[Duty];]*

   I had one of my better night's sleep last night then I've had in quite awhile..I only awoke once in the middle of the night rather than the /usual two or three times..but I was pretty well exhausted by bedtime last night and got a pretty normal start to the day..however..the other moderator on the FB group "The Farthest Side"..an aussie who is usual around to take part of the work load is having medical issues and apparently was unable to be online..so the number of tasks was greater than/usual..but despite that I was pretty well done by about 12:30..and after seeing the weather forecast for tomorrow decided that I'd better run my errands today..so just popped a heat & serve burrito in the microwave and off I went..first to T J Maxx..I was hoping that they had another bottle of the piquante peppers that I got there a couple of weeks ago and to my relief they actually three jars..but I only got one and a bottle of adobo spice..then to the convenience store for a tube of my chew..and then to Ollie's\..a container of garlic powder and a box of sandwich bags that I use for storage in my frig..and finally to Dollar General for 2 cherry & 2 apple pocket pies..I've been getting the cherry ones for the last few years but a couple of times ago they only had one left and if you buy two you get a price break so got an apple as well..and enjoyed the apple as well..ergo..../....With the weather forecast for tomorrow in mind..save for the quick trip up to the lobby to grab a couple of things off the daily breakfast this gimpy..grumpy..old codger intends to spend tomorrow in my warm..cozy rooms and stay warm and dry..../....Took a look at the advanced forecast for the month and the temperature is predicted to be quite mild for month..well for the Northcountry anyways..with daylight highs in the lower 30s to lower 40s..but January is generally the coldest month of the year and that's just around the proverbial corner..just a couple of things to do before I take my rest..ergo.."nite all"....[18:15 UTC-5]..../.... 

 *[16:44 UTC-5]*[+29*F/+18*F(w/windchill)_overnight lo:+29*F_winds from the west@14 mph_humidity:80%_barometer :29.97"/\_tomorrow's hi/lo:+42*F/+36*F_winds out of the south west@16]*[Playing Tonight on MadTrollie;[Telemann];[I've always been fond of the music from the Baroque both the choral..liturgical & instrumental..and with the tend now towards authentic instrumentation the recorder is an instrument you see quite often..and I notice quite often the featured soloist was a woman who was enjoyable to watch..a fantastic musician and very animated..so did some research..her name is Dorrethee Oberlinger [and I forgive spell check for the red line]..she's german..here are her Youtube Channel(link)&(bio) on wiki];]*

   Well we did get a tad more snow then was predicted..now less than an inch was predicted..we got maybe 2" tops..not enough to prevent my walks to Aldi and a stop at the ATM for my "10 day walking around money"..but enough to give me pause about using my short cuts..which entail some up & down..side-hill terrain..which showing greater judgement than is/usual for me..I avoided the short cuts..but with the the temperatures predicted for tomorrow the show should be gone by mid-afternoon..and since rain/snow are in the forecast for Saturday will probably walk tomorrow..but have decided whether to Price Chopper..T J Maxx & the  convenience store..or Ollie's & Dollar General..if I can use my short cuts probably both..if not then will chose one or the other..[the Mad One wanders off to find a coin he can flip]..Although it wasn't really that cold when I walked earlier..the windchill in the upper teens..I decided to drag the Carhart coat from when it has been hung since last winter..just to lazy to take the time to "layer"..but the lined sweat pants still are waiting for their first trip of the season..../....rest of the day has been spent as almost always..online and some TV while eating my meals..../....still a few things to attend to before I take my rest..ergo.."nite all"....[17:15 UTC-5]..../....

 *[16:21 UTC-5]*[+38*F/+30*F(w/windchill)_overnight lo:30*F_cloudy_winds out of the southwest@12 mph_humidity :93%_barometer:29.44"/\_snow expected to begin about 23:00 tonight thru 16:00 tomorrow_hi/lo:+34*F/+31*F _winds from the west@14 mph]*[[note]..I have added a map from the National Weather Service showing in the extent of tomorrows snowfall,,(I live in the area off the end of Lake Ontario..about 2" expected)]*

*[Playing this evening on MadTrollie:[a Hornblower episode:[Loyalty]:]*

   It's been a quite interesting day..I have not been out of my rooms..it was raining earlier in the day..and although it's just 16:26..the is setting as I write this..and except in extreme circumstances or someone is picking me up I never venture out at night..a combination of very poor night vision and balance issues cause by my essential tremors..the only interruption in my day was the /usual Tuesday visit from housekeeping to clean my bathroom..vacuum the floor and change my linens..took a couple of breaks from my online day..once around 08:00 for my 1st meal and an episode of "NCIS" on the USA network..and about 13:30 an episode of "Law & Order..SVU" also on the USA network..and except for a couple more looks in on the FB group "The Farthest Side" my online day is already at an end..or it will be when I post this post to Blogger..../....FX is showing "Now You See Me" in just a little under an hour and I see a shower and a sandwich in my immediate future before installing my tuckus into my recliner and enjoy the flick..../....Didn't have quite as good a nights sleep as I did the night before but decent except for the fact that I had a hard time getting to sleep..I had one of the nights that although I was physically quite tired..my mind refused to comply..nothing important..just random thoughts..it has happened from time to time most of my life..thankfully not as frequently now that I'm retired..../....Didn't have as good a day as some on Pokerist..just didn't catch as many hands as I would have liked..but ended the day with more chips than I started with so I am satisfied..but not as much as I might of been..ergo..nite all..../....[16:47 UTC-5]..../....