Commentary
A laptop death in the family
My laptop died 4 days ago. It was working fine, with about half the battery time remaining. I closed the top and put it on the charger. An hour later I took it off the charger and tried to start it. Nothing. Put it back on the charger but the light indicating that it was … Continue reading
I am not a loser!
That sounds like a mantra and I should probably say that to myself every day while I shave. I believe that am not a loser and two recent events reinforce that belief. First, the 2024 senior softball season ended with my team having a 9-9 record. Not a winning record, but not a losing record … Continue reading
Topsy-turvy weather
This past summer – “wet season” in Florida – it was very hot and very dry. I heard many people say they had never seen such a hot, dry summer. Ft Myers was officially in a moderate drought. So there was some concern as winter – “dry season” approached. Not to worry. December and, so … Continue reading
2023 in review
Last day of the year. Time to reflect on what was good and bad. Highlights: Marlene. We made it through an entire calendar year, which made this relationship considerably more durable than the preceding one with Ooma. It wasn’t all sweetness and light, but it was a lot of fun and a lot of adventure. … Continue reading
Carnival Vista wrapup
I haven’t, in the past, done wrapups of cruises, except the long ones. This cruise, on the Carnival Vista, was just 6 days. But it was remarkable in some ways, so I will do a quick wrapup. Highlights: Casino winnings. I left the ship up $2,400 and Marlene was about $900 to the good. So … Continue reading
My beard at 4 weeks
The beard continues to grow, as beards are wont to do. The difference between 3 and 3 weeks is not dramatic (and the early-morning 4-weeks photo isn’t very flattering), but I can tell that it is getting thicker. I can’t say that I am liking it much, but my kind friends say it looks good.
Suicide knob
When I drive the golf cart for my weekly volunteer gig at the regional cancer center, I like to use the knob that attaches to the steering wheel. It makes turning easier. But recently, when starting my shift, I was asked if I wanted the “suicide knob.” Huh? I had no clue why this helpful … Continue reading
RIP Rusty
Rusty, my sweet companion for the past 11 years and my only RV companion since Jett’s passing, crossed that “rainbow bridge” on May 30. He had been slowly declining for years. He was unable to hop onto the bed and exhibited little interest in the stuffed toys that he would have ripped apart in 5 … Continue reading
Cease and desist
Two days before returning to the US from Spain, I received the following email (names redacted to maintain anonymity): RE: Cease and Desist from Contact/Communication/Harrassment Dear [Sparky]: Please be advised that I represent [Ooma]. [Ooma] has informed me that you continue to harass her even though she has ended her dating relationship with you. [Ooma] … Continue reading
The $900 (mis)adventure
Marlene and I have booked a 25-night cruise from Tampa FL to Anchorage AK in Aprill 2025. This will be the most expensive cruise we have ever taken together – over $2,500 each. This is because it is on the Norwegian Jade rather than a Carnival ship where we both get major discounts. But we … Continue reading »