The year's end

With this being the last day of the year it is fitting to look back and see where I have been. I find it very hard to remember any events of the year that have had any impact on my life. JM smashed his heels and that caused a bit of a disruption to our normal patterns. But for the most part life has remained about the same since 1/1/07.

• Health is still very good.
• My relationship with the Countess is still very good.
• My relationship with the boys is good.
• Work is still good.
• Finances are good, could be better but not worried.
• The motorcycle still runs good.

I don't find any use in the tradition of making resolutions. I usually will not change much anyway. I will simply continue to work towards making this next year as nice as I can for the Countess and myself, continue to work towards a comfortable retirement and hope to stay healthy. For better or worse, I think I do want to continue to maintain this blog. It will help remind me of what has happen to me in the following year. That seems like a pretty good idea to me. With my short term memory basically useless this will be a good thing. Happy New Year.

Ripped off at Magic Mountain

I did start the day in the usual way; coffee the funnies and off to work. About 10:30 I get a call from the Countess asking when I was to be home. She was under the impression that I was going to go with her and the boys for a little outing to Magic Mountain. When we had last discussed this, I was left with the impression that no one was sure what we were doing so I was still at work. So I told the boss that I had to go do some family thing and would be taking the rest of the day off. As far as I know it was OK and I still have a job

Well, it was decided that we will go have a whole bunch of fun at Magic Mountain. The Countess prints out the tickets on line. The first indication that things are not going to go well is that MM charges you a $3.00 fee to use your printer to print out the tickets. This is in place of standing in line and having one of their employees print out a ticket at the booth. Oh well, we'll still save time and hassle at the entrance. When we arrive they are charging $15.00 to park the car in their lot. The second indication that things are not going to be all that fun. The mouse in Anaheim only charges $11.00 to park and they have a lot more to offer in the way of an entertainment value. So we park the car feeling ripped off and we are not even inside yet. Once we get in we start to walk around to the favorite coaster rides and one after the other is closed. Now I am really pissed. $150 for tickets, drive 45 miles, $15 to park and 4 of the best rides that everyone comes to ride are closed. So now the entire park is in line for the remaining few rides so the lines are 1 to 1 1/2 hour waits. This is totally a rip off from the word go. No warning as to which rides were shut down for maintenance, exorbitant parking fees and charges to do nothing. All we wanted to do was get out of there and never go back, and try to let everyone we know not to go there - ever. What a rip off. Magic Mountain will never see another cent from the Count or his family, or friends if we have anything to do with it. Another thing I found interesting was the signs at the rides threatened park expulsion for leaving your place in line and returning to get back in. Cutting back in line was grounds for getting kicked out. But you can pay the park $20 bucks and get 4 passed to the front of the line. You can't go to the bathroom and return to your place during the hour and a half wait without fear of getting removed from the park, but you can pay to get cuts, for $5. So everyone who can't pay or feels that it is a rip off will have to wait that much longer as the "fast track" customers get to go to the front. Just pure greed from the park, first they create the long lines by using poorly trained staff and limiting the cars used and then they profit from them again by selling cuts in line. I guess it's OK since most of the people at the park did not speak English and were one time visitors (tourists) anyway.

We did get home, enjoyed some dinner and didn't mention Magic Mountain at all during conversation. Seems everyone was left with the same bad impression of the park. Hope they enjoy our couple of bucks, it will be the last they ever see from us.

The day after Christmas

The last few days have been anything but normal. Christmas eve brought all the family together for the first time in quite a while. JD came down on his motorcycle from Chico. JF and JP came earlier and JM has been here for awhile. The last couple of days have been spent eating, doing dishes, eating, doing dishes and eating. The opening of the presents went well and all were happy. We spent Christmas day cooking, eating and just enjoying all being together. The boys talking around the table and laughing, telling stories and cracking jokes - it was nice. The Countess and I just stayed in and enjoyed the day. She did cook another fantastic lasagne dinner.

Today we had to go back to work, but it felt like a vacation day. The work was no stress and everyone was relaxed. Today was a good day. Tomorrow I will put in a couple hours in the morning and then take the rest of the week off.

Catching up

It has been a few days since the last post. I have been out of town and away from a computer. Was up in the San Francisco area for a couple days. Crossed the Golden Gate Bridge a couple times and got a lot done.

Now it's the weekend and we are getting ready for Christmas. Three of the sons are here and the fourth is coming Monday. They are pretty much gone most of the time. JP came in on Wednesday and I didn't see him until Friday evening to say hi. That's OK. They all have lives that don't revolve around the parents any more and that is a good thing for sure.

The Countess is out shopping for the holiday food. This is quite an expense. I have spent $470 so far and we still do not have everything we want for the meals. But, I am sure it will be worth it.

Did my yard thing today and raked the leaves and cleaned up the area. I like this time of the year because the grass doesn't grow so I don't have to break out the mower. It is a nice time of the year with the cooler weather and a little rain to keep the grass green.

There are quite a few homes in the area going into foreclosure. The neighborhood parking is starting to ease up as people are parking in the driveways of the vacant homes. Always a silver lining somewhere.

Gee, go figure

I read in the paper this morning about a guy who wants his money back from the seller of a home he has purchased because it is being pelted with golf balls all the time. He claims he was never told that living on or next to a golf course may mean that he will have an errant ball head his way now and then. This just rubs me the wrong way. How stupid are people anyway. This guy is shown mowing his yard while dressed in every piece of safety equipment known to OSHA. He looks like a reincarnated Samurai. If I buy a home near a shopping center I would expect traffic, I don't need to be told. If I but a million dollar home close to a golf course I'd expect to see a golf ball came flying my way now and then. How does a person with this much common sense get to a position where he can afford a house like this? Dumb luck!

The rest of the day was very pleasant. The Countess is still sick and stayed home. The allergies are really hitting her hard this season. We did get rain today so maybe things will clear up for her tomorrow. I hope so as I will be gone for the next two days on business.

A lazy day

Today was just a plain lazy day. Got up around 8:30, made coffee and went out to get the paper. It wasn't there, I guess the paper boy was having a lazy day too. So I poured a cup and went to the computer to read the news. I don't kow why we spend any money on the printed paper. Everything is on line. Read the paper, finished my coffee, the paper came. I fixed breakfast for a sick Countess around noon and then we both decided to take a nap. I got up about 5:30 and fixed dinner for a still ailing Countess and now its time to get ready for the next week. It will be a busy one for me. I expect to be out of town for a couple days and be working in the field 4 out of 5 days. Trying to keep up with the office work as well will be interesting. JF, #2 son, is flying in on Friday so we look forward to that for sure. I will pick him up at LAX around 2 pm. One of the favorite things in our life here in Southern Calif. is the trips to LAX. This is usually an adventure that adds something different to the sameness of our daily lives.

I sure hope the Countess feels better soon. She doesn't want to be under the weather during the last week of the holiday season.

The home stretch

Here it is 10 days to go. Today we did our dash around the local shopping areas. The Countess got some gifts for some of her friends at work. That is nice that she is so thoughtful. I think that since I am out I should do the same. But I don't. There is not anyone at work that I feel that this display of thoughtfulness is warranted. I know this sounds crass or rather Schroogish but that is just the way it is. I am not going to feel any different if I get senseless gifts that I really don't care to give. Of course the advertising and propaganda of the season wants me to feel guilty. Sorry, I'm not going to. It simply doesn't matter and the week after Christmas all will be back to business as usual and I will still have the respect of my co-workers and I won't have to worry about how long it will take to pay off the debt. Christmas is so commercial that it has become a big rip off. Now that it starts before Thanksgiving, just after Halloween, the season is just too long and looses its luster or intensity. I just can't stay in the spirit for that long.

Went for a nice ride this afternoon. I thought about all those in the Midwest and North that are in the middle of a big storm and am thankful for being able to jump on the bike and ride any time I want during the year. It was a beautiful day to ride; 65 deg. and calm with plenty of sunshine. Just great.

A busy time

Last week everyone was planning on taking a few days off between Christmas and New Years since the calender practically dictates this. But, as luck would have it, we are now swamped with work that needs to be completed before the end of the year. There are at least two groups that have let things go until the last minute. They finally make up their minds and expect us to jump. I say to heck with them. They can wait until after the holidays. Unfortunately, my boss says we need to jump. It adds just that little extra pressure during this time of year to take all the enjoyment out of it. Now there will be less time to shop so I will need to know exactly what I am looking for and where to get it. So I probably won't go shopping. This makes me feel more pressure. Oh well, socks for everyone! Problem solved. Now I can get back to work. The next couple of weeks are looking pretty hectic.

My older brother turned 60 today. My dilemma, he's not that much older. Good grief.

Slowly getting in the Spirit

Came home from work today. The house was empty and I just couldn't turn on the TV and listen to mindless babble. Instead, I turned to one of the music channels that was playing the sounds of the season. I ended up listening to that for several hours. The Countess came home and joined me rather than turning on something else. We finished the day doing some shopping on line. Slowly getting into the spirit of this season.

A good day

I guess as so many other people who get up, go to work, come home day after day it can become rather mundane. But even though it did seem like a normal day, for some reason it felt like a good day. It was just a bit better than most. I was able to work for a few hours in the field with a good coworker and we did our job without complaint or complications. We finished, cleaned up and headed back to the office. The client was happy and the day was clear and crisp. All problems were addressed, calls were made and I was able to provide some services that were appreciated. Just a nice day.

The Countess came home from work with an uplifted spirit as well. JM was in a good sort. Seems the problems with the disability are worked out and he will soon see some financial relief.

It should make it a bit easier to fall asleep tonight.

Saturday

It was a nice day today. I was able to sleep in or should I say forced to sleep in. The Countess didn't get back from Disneyland until very late, she had a great time, so I stayed in bed so as not to wake her when I pillage the kitchen for breakfast and coffee. Once the sun got high enough in the sky to took the chill out of the air - I have to smile because to us this means the temp is now above 55. (Yes there is a very good reason to live here.) So it is now a good temperature to go out and do the yard. The lawn mowing didn't wake anyone, it just didn't allow them to go back to sleep, so when I finished the yard everyone was up. After I got finished we went out to the Rincon and had a little lunch we picked up from Weinerschnitzel. We watched the waves for a bit then came home. The ocean was a bit rough today with the storm still hanging around with the wind. There were a few wind surfers out. They have got to be cold.

I read in the paper today that there are a group of Catholics and other Christian groups all up in arms about the new picture out called "The Golden Compass". Since the author is a self proclaimed atheist, they insist the film is anti-religion and all the symbolism is a direct attack on the church. The picture, based on his books, which I guess are not fiction but a direct attack on religion as well, is about good vs. evil, bad vs. good. What do they think religion is? Of course they can read just about anything into the symbolism they want. Even if it is an attack on the church; it's a motion picture, it will run for several weeks, come out on DVD and be forgotten. If they find the film offensive, don't buy the DVD. I think the church will survive a g-rated animated adventure movie. What a waste of time and resources. I was once told that if it's not going to effect your life five years from now, don't worry about it. Seems to me the energy of these groups could be channeled in another direction that could be a lot more beneficial for the children they are trying so hard to protect. Thus ends my rant of the day. Have a great Sunday. If you do go to church beware of the evil animated creatures lurking out side in the parking lot waiting to devour the christian traditions of the last 2000 years.

TGIF

Had a nice rain here last night. It's always nice to have rain in Southern California. Has just enough to settle the dust and air. Not enough to cause water to run or idiots to hydroplane. I drove around for several hours delivering and picking up stuff for work. It was rather nice to get out of the office and only concentrate on one thing. It is relaxing to have that change now and then. Left work and came home to an empty castle. Seems the Countess and her court decided that today would be the perfect day to visit the mouse in Anaheim. So she and her friends are walking around Disneyland tonight. It's a bit cool, but she really likes going to the park. That could explain the yearly pass she gets. The park is supposed to be very festive this time of year. I just hope it is not one of those days when you can't even move along on Main Street, you shuffle along like cattle through a corral gate.

I did see JM walking around with out crutch or cane. So I guess he is feeling pretty well. He does still have the cast with a big boot on one foot and the boot cast on the other so he can't move too fast, but he is getting around.

Time to venture down to the kitchen and see what I can conjure up for the evening meal.

It's Thursday

The good news, JM's surgery went great. The good doctor, Dr. Nichol, didn't have to do as much damage as he had originally thought. Went in with minimal cutting, did what he needed, set the foot in the right direction, put on a cast and sent JM home. He will probably be able to put weight on it tomorrow and won't have to be in the wheelchair as expected. Very good news for all concerned.

Work was pretty much another day of the same. Since the Countess was the designated driver for JM today I got to spend all day at work. Things are a bit slow so I need to do something to stir things up. Must get creative.

I belong to a motorcycle riders club and tonight is our last meeting for the year. It is always pleasant to get together with all the other members. That's what these type of clubs are for. The only thing I don't look forward to is getting ready. I will need to put on several extra layers of clothes to make the trip to the meeting comfortable, but it does take some effort and time to get it all together. Oh, the things we put ourselves through to have fun. They always do have good pizza at the meeting so it's worth it. There is a bit of suspence in the air as well since a storm is moving this way and is supposed to hit tonight. Will it strike before the meeting ends? Will I be riding in the dark and rain tonight? We shall see.

The dentist

I went to the dentist today. Ever since I was a child I have pretty much dreaded the dentist. But today was actually a good day. The cleaning did not take three hours, there was little pain and everything was the same as the last visit. No new cavities, broken fillings or infected gums. It was a good visit.

Finished work and when I came home the Countess and I took the mutt for a nice walk around the neighborhood to look at the lights. I guess the holiday spirit is a bit lacking this year as only about 10% of the houses have any lights up. About 3% of the homes are vacant so what's up with the other 87%. The Countess says their just a bunch of Scrooge's.

Son #4, JM, goes in for surgery in the morning. They will work on one of his heels. The Achilles tendon needs some attention. It is supposed to be an out patient procedure so he will be back in the afternoon. This will put him back in the wheelchair for another few weeks. I'm sure he's not too happy about that, but he should have a good chance at being able to walk and work again. More on this later.

Tuesday

I did not make an entry yesterday. I decided that the movie on TV was much more entertaining than trying to rehash the day. The movie, Troy, with Brad Pitt was pretty good. This is a very personal critique. The Countess could not watch such a movie. So if you depend on any ones views about just about anything they are pretty much worthless. Yet so many people make a living letting their views be known to all. Today I limit my viewing to just one show on the Arc of the Covenant. Again, only unsubstanciated views and opinions, not worth a whole lot to anyone except those that made a buck making the movie, selling the advertising and broadcasting it. Sold to the public as a documentary but not one fact is presented, not one statement can be verified with concrete evidence. But it was interesting non the less. Sort of makes me wonder how many livings are made in our world that are based on nothing but someone else's opinions, ideas and untruths. All the religions, diets, parenting and get rich techniques; so many things that can mean so much in someones life and a year later mean absolutely nothing.

Enough rambling for now. I must save some for next time I have nothing to write.

Christmas Lights

Why do I dislike putting up lights? They are very pretty and invoke the holiday spirit. Seeing several homes all in a row all lite up is so festive. I don't like it because it is a lot of work. The Countess decided that we did need lights so last night we did purchase some. I think she may be watching me this year when it comes time to take them down. Anyway, it took a good hour to hang three very short lines of lights. Standing on a ladder to reach 15' that was designed to only allow access to 11'. I take relief in knowing that we both know where the closest emergency room is. So the lights are up. The house looks very nice and the Countess is pleased. I came inside, had a beer and watched some football. The day wasn't that bad after all. It is time to enjoy the sense of accomplishment for a short time and enjoy the good spirit that drifts throughout the house. For in 4 weeks it will be time to do battle with the lights again. Tis the season.

Happy B-day Countess

It was a nice day for the Countess and I. We traveled out together to gather decorations for the castle. We had a nice lunch. Came home and put up the earlier purchases. She did find out that last year after the wonderful Holiday Season when I was taking down the lights I tossed them all in the garbage, so we didn't have the strings and strings she had expected to see. It is much safer at my age to keep the decorations close to the ground. Later we went out for a nice dinner and now all is peaceful. I can't believe we ate $100's worth of food today. Brunch $25, dinner $75, a happy Countess - priceless.

I did get a cake for her but it did not have quite the effect I was shooting for. It seems that if you order a cake from the bakery department of the local grocery store and the counter person is about 18 years old you must be very explicit about the theme of the cake. I requested a birthday theme, but I didn't mention that it was for an adult. The cake looks like something from a Saturday morning cartoon. Bright blue frosting, a rainbow of colored blobs around the edges which I assume are supposed to be balloons and the writing looks like something from a 3rd grade paper. They don't teach handwriting anymore - what a shame. After the initial shock that I got a cake, after the shock of how the thing looked I did see a bit of a smile on her face. That was nice and made the day worth it.