Sunday, January 27, 2019
Clean Clothes in the Laundry Basket
Taki and Haiku enjoy climbing into a laundry basket that contains warm clothes out of the dryer. Today, early afternoon, I brought a basket of warm clothes into the house, and Haiku claimed the basket. I ran errands, and when I arrived home, Taki was in the basket. That makes sense, because if Haiku left the basket, the clothing would be warm where she had been lying. A while later, Haiku was back in the basket. This has happened before, and sometimes, the cat in the basket stays there until late in the evening. Mostly what is in this basket is bed linens, but there are other items in there also. It would not be the first time that I have slept on the sofa because the cats slept on the bed linens in the laundry basket and it was too late to make the bed.
Mowing the Lawn in Jamuary
I grew up in the Northeast, and the idea of mowing the lawn in January is totally foreign to me. But this week, my neighbor did just this. And, I understand it. Although our primary grasses, Bermuda and Fescue, are dormant now, the tap root weeds, and winter rye grow actively in the winter. And, the weeds get rather high. Indeed, I had my lawn service come out and mow the weeds in my alley when they raked leaves earlier this month.
It was really interesting when my neighbor was mowing the lawn, because you could smell the green plants, but they were not the sweet smell of new mown grass, but the bitter smell that occurs when the weeds are crushed when they are being pulled or broken in the hand. I had not really thought about the difference before. But it is true and real.
It was really interesting when my neighbor was mowing the lawn, because you could smell the green plants, but they were not the sweet smell of new mown grass, but the bitter smell that occurs when the weeds are crushed when they are being pulled or broken in the hand. I had not really thought about the difference before. But it is true and real.
Asleep at the Keyboard
Some times, I spend too long sitting at the computer, too late at night. I think I must fall asleep at the keyboard, because all of a sudden, I am not really sure what I was doing, and I was sitting at the keyboard. This does not happen too often, but it does happen when I am very tired.
Do I fall asleep at the keyboard? I don't know. Do I plan to do that? No. Just like does anyone ever plan to fall asleep at the wheel? No. It just seems to happen sometimes.
Do I fall asleep at the keyboard? I don't know. Do I plan to do that? No. Just like does anyone ever plan to fall asleep at the wheel? No. It just seems to happen sometimes.
Taki and the Key Board
Taki has taken to jumping on the computer desk recently. Sometimes, she gets on the computer key board. I am not sure what this about. She has done this on rare occasion in the past, when I had something interesting to eat, and she wanted to check it out. But this recent set of behaviors has no pattern. I am not ignoring her when she sits at my feet, I am not eating anything, she has food. It bewilders me. But, Taki bewilders me, anyway. Sometimes, her behaviors are just different. But she is a sweety and I do love her.
The Brutal Wind
It was cold earlier last week, but not that cold. What made it feel so bad, was the wind. It was strong, and it was cold. When the wind blows in, it makes to "feels like" temperature very, very cold.
This is not unusual in West Texas at this time of year. It happens often. The wind is brutal, and it makes the "feels like" temperature brutal.
This is not unusual in West Texas at this time of year. It happens often. The wind is brutal, and it makes the "feels like" temperature brutal.
Sunday, January 20, 2019
A Wonderful Recliner
I went to see a movie today at Premiere Cinema. This is one of those cinemas that has "reserved" seating, although when I bought my ticket about 10 minutes before showtime, there were only 3 other seats reserved. I made a mistake and took a seat in row B, which was a little too close to the screen. I could have moved, there were very few people in the theater, and I considered it, but I did not. Part of the reason I did not move was because this theater also had adjustable recliners. It took me a while, but I was able to get the recliner adjusted "just right." It was amazing!. I have some back problems, and some days, when my back is bothering me, I sit in my recliner for 20-30 minutes, and that seems to relax my back. Today, I could feel myself relaxing as I sat there. It was really wonderful.
The other thing that happened that I did not notice until I left the theater was that the swelling in my feet and ankles went down. I have to wonder about this. The position I was in felt "just right." I do not get this relief when I am in my recliner at home, so I have to think maybe I am not getting the right position. The recliner in the theater was adjusted electrically, so the positions were infinite. My recliner is not so sophisticated. The other possibility is that I was in that recliner for over 2 hours, non-stop. I can tell you that it is rare for me to sit in my recliner for 20-30 minutes without getting up for various reasons: to attend to my needs, or to attend to one of the demands of my cats, usually, but not exclusively. I'll need to try staying in the recliner for an extended period of time and see what happens.
The other thing that happened that I did not notice until I left the theater was that the swelling in my feet and ankles went down. I have to wonder about this. The position I was in felt "just right." I do not get this relief when I am in my recliner at home, so I have to think maybe I am not getting the right position. The recliner in the theater was adjusted electrically, so the positions were infinite. My recliner is not so sophisticated. The other possibility is that I was in that recliner for over 2 hours, non-stop. I can tell you that it is rare for me to sit in my recliner for 20-30 minutes without getting up for various reasons: to attend to my needs, or to attend to one of the demands of my cats, usually, but not exclusively. I'll need to try staying in the recliner for an extended period of time and see what happens.
On The Basis of Sex
I went to see the movie On The Basis of Sex today. If you are not familiar with it, it is the story of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in her early years, and her legal fight, with others, to eliminate the legal discrimination by sex (gender) allowed in the United States. It is a good story, a good movie, well worth seeing if you have not. I never did appreciate Justice Ginsburg as much as I should have. It is sad that she has been treated for cancer recently, and unable to attend Supreme Court sessions, although she has kept up with the hearings by reports, and able to render her opinions. She has made a profound impact on this country, one that I am grateful she made.
My Early Morning
Because of the power outage today, I arose much earlier than I had planned to. This was really good. I have been on vacation, and sleeping in till mid-morning had become my routine. Friday, I had to get up early to be ready to take Haiku to the vet. Saturday, I had to get up early because I was expecting a delivery. So, it was good for me to get up early today, since I will be returning to work Tuesday, and need to be able to get up early in the morning. Monday, I am expecting a repairman, so again will have to get up early. Just a good way to prepare to return to work.
This morning, I took care of my needs, fed the cats, and then snuggled on the recliner to read until it was time to get ready to go out. It was a really relaxing morning.
This morning, I took care of my needs, fed the cats, and then snuggled on the recliner to read until it was time to get ready to go out. It was a really relaxing morning.
Cathcing Up: Heater vs. Air Conditioner
So, when I got up when the power went out this morning, the house was already noticeably cooler than I would have expected if the heater was working. I do recall that it was a warmer night, and I had kicked off the two heavier covers that I use, and had just the sheet and comforter covering me.
I decided that I would stay in bed, covered up and snuggling under all my covers, until the house warmed up some. I was surprised. The heater came on but did not stay on for very long. However, this happened multiple times over the next hour or so.
In the summer time, if the air conditioner was shut off, or the power went out, the air conditioner would run, and run, and run until it could catch up with the thermostat. And, if the temperature outside was really, really hot, the air conditioner would run and stay running as needed.
As I thought about, it makes sense that the heater would turn on and off. I believe that is a safety factor so the parts do not overheat and ignite. I may be wrong, but it makes sense to me.
Anyway, after a while, my house warmed up.
I decided that I would stay in bed, covered up and snuggling under all my covers, until the house warmed up some. I was surprised. The heater came on but did not stay on for very long. However, this happened multiple times over the next hour or so.
In the summer time, if the air conditioner was shut off, or the power went out, the air conditioner would run, and run, and run until it could catch up with the thermostat. And, if the temperature outside was really, really hot, the air conditioner would run and stay running as needed.
As I thought about, it makes sense that the heater would turn on and off. I believe that is a safety factor so the parts do not overheat and ignite. I may be wrong, but it makes sense to me.
Anyway, after a while, my house warmed up.
Power Outage
At about 520 this morning, I was wide awake. I was surprised by this, because last night, although I had planned to go to bed fairly early, I was still wide awake, reading, after 1 PM. Some short time after that, as I was sitting in the recliner, I decided I needed to rest my eyes, and cover up snugly. I went to bed after 2 AM.
So, the surprise. When I woke up, I was not sure why I woke up. I needed to use the bathroom, and Haiku was asking for something to eat. But, I realized that there was moonlight outside, but no lights inside. So, I wondered if I really woke up because there was no ambient noise from the electronics and electrical appliances in my house. I'll never know.
The other surprise was that I had my phone on the nightstand. I usually leave the phone in the living room, being charged, on the computer desk, on the dining table or on my dresser, across the room from the night table. I remember thinking, when I went to bed last night, that I really needed to start keeping my phone on the nightstand. Well, it was fortuitous last night. I was able to check the Lubbock Power and Light website for power outages. There were 4, but from the website, I could not tell if my house was in one of those areas, or not. So, I called the automated power outage report site, and was told that indeed, my home was in the reported power outage area. The projected repair time was 530, but by the time I made the call, it was a little after 530. So, I left my number to receive a call back when the repairs were completed. I did receive the call back about 559.
Power outages used to be more common in Lubbock, but that was years ago, when I received services from Southwest Public Service, which, I believe, now is Xcel. Some time ago, the City of Lubbock decided they could provide the citizens of Lubbock electric power at a better rate and more reliably than Xcel. I think this amounts to a monopoly, but who wants to know what I think. The one thing I will say is that since I have used Lubbock Power and Light, I have had fewer power outages and better service.
So, the surprise. When I woke up, I was not sure why I woke up. I needed to use the bathroom, and Haiku was asking for something to eat. But, I realized that there was moonlight outside, but no lights inside. So, I wondered if I really woke up because there was no ambient noise from the electronics and electrical appliances in my house. I'll never know.
The other surprise was that I had my phone on the nightstand. I usually leave the phone in the living room, being charged, on the computer desk, on the dining table or on my dresser, across the room from the night table. I remember thinking, when I went to bed last night, that I really needed to start keeping my phone on the nightstand. Well, it was fortuitous last night. I was able to check the Lubbock Power and Light website for power outages. There were 4, but from the website, I could not tell if my house was in one of those areas, or not. So, I called the automated power outage report site, and was told that indeed, my home was in the reported power outage area. The projected repair time was 530, but by the time I made the call, it was a little after 530. So, I left my number to receive a call back when the repairs were completed. I did receive the call back about 559.
Power outages used to be more common in Lubbock, but that was years ago, when I received services from Southwest Public Service, which, I believe, now is Xcel. Some time ago, the City of Lubbock decided they could provide the citizens of Lubbock electric power at a better rate and more reliably than Xcel. I think this amounts to a monopoly, but who wants to know what I think. The one thing I will say is that since I have used Lubbock Power and Light, I have had fewer power outages and better service.
Friday, January 18, 2019
A Wind Storm Today
I ran a few errands this morning, and although it was cold, it was calm. I knew a windstorm and front was due in this afternoon, but I did not finish running errands this morning. I actually did not feel well, and took the chance to sleep for awhile before I went out. When I did, the wind was up, the dust was blowing, and the clouds were moving around, looking like a storm front was blowing in. I can still feel the grit on my skin. Listening to he weathercast tonight, evidently we had some rain blow through, and to the north, a dusting of snow. We may get some overnight or in the morning, but not much is expected. The wind has died down, but it is still windy.
The TCU Basketball Court
Watching the Texas Tech and TCU women's basketball game, I noticed the weird paint scheme of the basketball court. I could not figure out the design, and it looked white like ice. It was very disconcerting to me to watch, and I wondered if it disconcerted the Lady Raiders, and any opposing basketball team. If you check the link, the design is hand painted to look like "lizard skin" which is appropriate, since the TCU teams or the horned frogs.
Conflicting Basketball Games
Once again, the Texas Tech basketball teams both played on the same day, last Wednesday. At least the times did not conflict but they did over lap. The women played at TCU and lost. I was able to watch that game on TV. The men played Iowa State at home, and surprisingly, lost, too. I watched that game on the laptop.
And, surprise, surprise, The Boston Celtics played Wednesday night. I did not get to watch that game, and they won! Yeah!
Why can't these games be spread out over several days, instead of all at once!
And, surprise, surprise, The Boston Celtics played Wednesday night. I did not get to watch that game, and they won! Yeah!
Why can't these games be spread out over several days, instead of all at once!
Cat Snuggling Places
Haiku and Taki like to curl up on the bed propped up against pillows or mounds of blankets. I often do not make the bed, but push the covers in a mound so Haiku can curl up against it and against the pillow. I have been off work this week, and one morning, I pulled the covers up on the bed, and straightened them out. No mound to snuggle against. Haiku was funny. She sat on the bed, quite regally, blinking her eyes and looking around, crying. There was no snuggle place. I moved the covers and made a mound, and she was very happy to snuggle against the mound and take a nap.
Appliance Shopping
Before I went appliance shopping in brick and mortar stores, I did some comparison shopping on line. I check two major stores, Lowe's Home Improvement and Home Depot, and also a local store, Radio Lab. The prices in the local store were much higher than the national stores. Their prices were comparable.
Lowe's Home Improvement is not near my house, but it is across the street from the Godeke Library, so I started there, as I had a book to drop off. When I got to appliances at Lowe's, there was a couple being waited on, and another lady who was waiting for help. There was a gentleman wandering around with a tape measure, checking washers and dryers. A second salesman came up and started helping the woman who was waiting. The couple finished their transaction, and the saleswoman who was helping them disappeared before the couple left the service desk. Another lady came up with a shopping basket and said she was supposed to pick up a part. The man disappeared. The woman and I tried to hail a passing clerk for help, but to no avail. I decided to leave.
I went to Home Depot, the one just a few blocks from my house,and walked up to the appliance department. I was looking at the options, many of which were available for take home the same day, if that option was one the buyer wanted. A saleswoman contacted me immediately, I told her what I wanted, and we transacted the deal, including making arrangements for delivery and hauling away my old washing machine. I was out of the store in almost the same amount of time that I spent at Lowe's, and bought the same washing machine that I would have purchased at Lowe's. It gets delivered tomorrow. Not bad, considering I purchased it on Wednesday.
Lowe's Home Improvement is not near my house, but it is across the street from the Godeke Library, so I started there, as I had a book to drop off. When I got to appliances at Lowe's, there was a couple being waited on, and another lady who was waiting for help. There was a gentleman wandering around with a tape measure, checking washers and dryers. A second salesman came up and started helping the woman who was waiting. The couple finished their transaction, and the saleswoman who was helping them disappeared before the couple left the service desk. Another lady came up with a shopping basket and said she was supposed to pick up a part. The man disappeared. The woman and I tried to hail a passing clerk for help, but to no avail. I decided to leave.
I went to Home Depot, the one just a few blocks from my house,and walked up to the appliance department. I was looking at the options, many of which were available for take home the same day, if that option was one the buyer wanted. A saleswoman contacted me immediately, I told her what I wanted, and we transacted the deal, including making arrangements for delivery and hauling away my old washing machine. I was out of the store in almost the same amount of time that I spent at Lowe's, and bought the same washing machine that I would have purchased at Lowe's. It gets delivered tomorrow. Not bad, considering I purchased it on Wednesday.
Appliance Repair
I was in need of appliance repairs, namely on a 15 year old washer and dryer. I used Angie's List this time to find some suggestions. I did find one I liked, and, they called me shortly after I did my search. I made an appointment, and the technician called before he arrived, and I received a text with his information and picture before he arrived. I really liked that!
The technician told me the washing machine was shot, but he could fix the dryer. So, after the dryer was fixed, I went shopping for a new washing machine!
I was really pleased with the service I received from Earl's Plumbing and Appliance Repair.
I will keep them in mind for additional service calls in the future.
The technician told me the washing machine was shot, but he could fix the dryer. So, after the dryer was fixed, I went shopping for a new washing machine!
I was really pleased with the service I received from Earl's Plumbing and Appliance Repair.
I will keep them in mind for additional service calls in the future.
Saturday, January 12, 2019
Basketball Bonus
So, today, Texas Tech Sports included the men's basketball team playing the University of Texas Longhorns in Austin. The Red Raiders had not won in Austin since 1996, but they won today! The game was televised on the Longhorn Network. It is difficult to watch a game with the opposing announcers commenting, but watching the game is better than listening to the radio. Years ago, I would have listened to the radio, but with the changes in technology, sometimes listening to the radio and watching TV is not well synchronized.
So, after the men's game, the Lady Raiders played against the Oklahoma State University Cowgirls in Stillwater, Ok. I was surprised to learn that the game was televised on Fox Sports Southwest, which is part of the Oklahoma State University network, and the Big 12 network.
So, I was able to watch 2 Texas Tech basketball games on TV today. Yeah!
So, after the men's game, the Lady Raiders played against the Oklahoma State University Cowgirls in Stillwater, Ok. I was surprised to learn that the game was televised on Fox Sports Southwest, which is part of the Oklahoma State University network, and the Big 12 network.
So, I was able to watch 2 Texas Tech basketball games on TV today. Yeah!
Wednesday, January 9, 2019
Basketball Tonight
Tonight, the Big 12 Women's Basketball conference games included a game in Lubbock, Texas between the Lady Raiders, and the Kansas Jayhawks. it was a good game, even for much of the game, with 9 points being the highest point advantage by the Lady Raiders. It was closer than that during much of the game, but the Lady Raiders won by 3 points. It was an exciting game, and a Big 12 win for the Lady Raiders, and the first for Coach Marlene Stollings. Yeah, Lady Raiders!
Politics vs. Basketbal
On January 8, 2019, President Trump was addressing the country live regarding the need for a border wall with Mexico to curtail/limit illegal immigration from Mexico and Central America. He and Congress have shut down part of the government in their disagreement about this issue, and it appears no one will budge. He started by saying he would own the shut down, but in true Trump fashion, he has been blaming the Democrats. He has started making a case that this is a national security emergency, which lays the groundwork for him to order the military to build a wall, if Congress does not agree to otherwise fund it. Where are we? Germany during the Cold War? Berlin? Check Point Charlie?
So many of Trump's "policies" have been or bordered on inhumane. The travel bans from various countries that eventually were enacted. Separating immigrant children from their families without regard for the welfare of the children or their families that were not upheld. The holding of immigrant children in conditions that lead to their deaths. He even threatened to withhold emergency aid from California after some wildfires, because California has defied him.
So, anyway, on January 8, 2019, President Trump addressed the country. But, you know what, the No. 8 ranked Texas Tech Red Raiders were playing the No. 23 ranked Oklahoma Sooners at home. The game was televised but on channels I do not get, so I listened on the radio. It is a lively, close game.
Basketball was more important than politics.
So many of Trump's "policies" have been or bordered on inhumane. The travel bans from various countries that eventually were enacted. Separating immigrant children from their families without regard for the welfare of the children or their families that were not upheld. The holding of immigrant children in conditions that lead to their deaths. He even threatened to withhold emergency aid from California after some wildfires, because California has defied him.
So, anyway, on January 8, 2019, President Trump addressed the country. But, you know what, the No. 8 ranked Texas Tech Red Raiders were playing the No. 23 ranked Oklahoma Sooners at home. The game was televised but on channels I do not get, so I listened on the radio. It is a lively, close game.
Basketball was more important than politics.
Wednesday, January 2, 2019
Conflicting Basketball GamesI
I get frustrated with Texas Tech Athletics when they schedule conflicting sporting events, especially in the same sport. Tonight, the men's basketball team played against West Virginia in Morgantown, and won by 3. That game started at 6 PM. The women's team played against Oklahoma at Norman, starting at 6:30 and lost by 5, finishing just a few minutes after the men's team.
It was really frustrating to me also that the men's game was advertised as carried by ESPN2/ESPNU/TTSN, and not one of the cable channels I get carried the game, ESPN2 carried some other game. I could have watched the game on my laptop or phone, but decided not to. I listened to the first hour of the men's game on the radio.
Then, Tech lost me. Two NBA teams were playing on a channel I did get: The Minnesota Timberwolves at the Boston Celtics, starting 7 PM. This was a no brainer to watch, and the Celtics won, 115 to 102.
It was really frustrating to me also that the men's game was advertised as carried by ESPN2/ESPNU/TTSN, and not one of the cable channels I get carried the game, ESPN2 carried some other game. I could have watched the game on my laptop or phone, but decided not to. I listened to the first hour of the men's game on the radio.
Then, Tech lost me. Two NBA teams were playing on a channel I did get: The Minnesota Timberwolves at the Boston Celtics, starting 7 PM. This was a no brainer to watch, and the Celtics won, 115 to 102.
Tuesday, January 1, 2019
News
I am on the last day of two four day weekends in a row, due to the holidays. My schedule is very disorganized, and one thing that I have been out of routine is watching the news. I just have not been inclined to follow the news much the last couple of weeks. I will return to a routine as I return to work this week, and into next week.
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