Journal

2022 - Week 32 Cooking Results

This week has been a bit of a challenge. The construction on the stormwater drain pipe, seemed to have increased in activity, often making it very challenge to get in or out. Generally we’d wait until after they stopped for the day or before they starting in the morning. It was planned for this past Friday that they would have 8 hours to change some water main items. Thursday morning I started with a small hole in my yard, and then by the middle of the day, the entire part of our property that touches Franklin, ended up being hole.

At some point around 7 or 8 PM or so, they apparently broke something they were not, and they had to stay very late to to get the water main fixed. I sat outside for a while watching them work in the night, their precision with the construction equipment was kind of amazing. I ended up going to bed and when I got up around 1 AM, the street was quiet and the water was back on.

With that work, we didn’t loose water on the Friday, which was nice.

While sitting outside, I apparently obtained a skin infection (diagnosed Saturday). I await the pleasure of my local grocery chain pharmacy of filling the antibiotics prescription, which, as I write, has been 18 hours since prescribed (nice job). All being said, it feels odd, the skin seems tight on my leg, that segment is clearly warm to the touch, and it’s got a patchy red look to it. It’s mildly uncomfortable when I move it, but as one who has been dealing with bone spurs, it’s not anywhere near that annoying. Hopefully the antibiotics will smack it upside the head and kick it out of my body.

Brats

Once again, jalapeño and cheddar, good things.

Taco Salad

Good as always.

Teriyaki Chicken Burger with Chili Crunch White Sauce

Made the Teriyaki sauce, then he Chili Crunch White sauce. I skipped the cabbage, cause I didn’t feel up to it, and didn’t feel like hearing the smoke alarm, so cooked it at a slower pace. Still came out good tasting with a mildly caramelized crust on the top and bottom. Good dinner.

Skillet Corn with Mexican Chorizo

So this would work better as part of a taco salad, or part of burrito or over rice or something. I ended up using it in the taco salads I was having for lunch.

Kung Pao Shrimp

A lot of bowls, and making rice, but over all pretty easy to make. I had the ingredients I needed or the listed alternatives I used the leftover sauce (Teriyaki) from the chicken burger in place of the hoisin sauce. I had to do some adjustments cause I had two 12 ounce packages of shrimp, so, that all worked out too. Good meal for a Saturday.

2022 - Week 32 Cooking

There are more holes in the road. It has made it hard to get in and get out while the work. Shannon has a bit of a time getting out in the mornings, because it seems they swap which side you can get out, randomly. Friday, I needed to drop off a package at UPS and I tried between the end of my 9:30 meeting and the start of my 10:30 meeting, with no luck. I got out later in the day, but ended up parking in the church lot down the street, since construction items or equipment cover both sides of the street, and walked back home. I went down later to get my car, seeing that it might be open, but had to wait, a not to bad 5 minutes, while the dump truck was loaded. I’m looking forward to this being done. They did add a metal plate over the intersection to the main street and the street where my driveway is, since it has gotten a bit lower as time has passed. Anyways…this to shall pass.

Waiting to get back home

Summer Trip 2022 Music

  1. Weather Systems, Andrew Bird: 7/15/22, 3:46 PM
  2. Bodyache, Purity Ring: 7/15/22, 3:49 PM
  3. Foc, Rodrigo y Gabriela: 7/15/22, 3:55 PM
  4. I'm Going Slightly Mad, Queen: 7/15/22, 3:59 PM
  5. Concert Fantasy On Carmen, Op. 25: Ia. Allegro Moderato, Sarah Chang: 7/15/22, 4:03 PM
  6. Riddle Me This, Parliament: 7/15/22, 4:07 PM
  7. Everybody's Talkin', Harry Nilsson: 7/15/22, 6:01 PM
  8. La Bamba, Los Lobos: 7/15/22, 6:03 PM
  9. Bad Idea, The Devil Makes Three: 7/15/22, 6:06 PM
  10. Gladiolus Rag (LP Version), Joshua Rifkin: 7/15/22, 6:11 PM
  11. Folsom Prison Blues, Johnny Cash: 7/15/22, 6:54 PM
  12. Better Now, Collective Soul: 7/15/22, 6:58 PM
  13. FEEL., Kendrick Lamar: 7/15/22, 7:01 PM
  14. Firework, Katy Perry: 7/16/22, 12:20 PM
  15. Crinan Wood, Alexi Murdoch: 7/16/22, 12:28 PM
  16. 21 Hungarian Dances: No. 1 in G minor, Sarah Chang & Jonathan Feldman: 7/16/22, 2:23 PM
  17. The Upwards War And The Down Turned Cycle, Less Than Jake: 7/16/22, 2:26 PM
  18. Something Good, alt-J: 7/16/22, 3:29 PM
  19. I Can, Nas: 7/17/22, 1:08 PM
  20. Twengerbibbytwo2, : 7/17/22, 1:11 PM
  21. Imitosis (Live), Andrew Bird: 7/18/22, 12:54 PM
  22. Polkarama!, Weird Al Yankovic: 7/18/22, 12:58 PM
  23. The Next Storm, Frank Turner: 7/18/22, 1:12 PM
  24. Don't Stop Me Now, Queen: 7/18/22, 1:16 PM
  25. Wouldn't It Be Nice (Stereo Mix), The Beach Boys: 7/18/22, 1:18 PM
  26. Ghost On The Dance Floor [Explicit], blink-182: 7/18/22, 1:23 PM
  27. Tree In The Valley, Jack Rose: 7/18/22, 1:29 PM
  28. St. Elmos Fire (Man In Motion), John Parr: 7/18/22, 1:33 PM
  29. My Best Friend's Girl, The Cars: 7/18/22, 1:37 PM
  30. New Slang (Album), The Shins: 7/18/22, 1:40 PM
  31. Like I Used To Be, Matt and Kim: 7/18/22, 1:46 PM
  32. You're A Animal, Jonathan Boulet: 7/18/22, 1:49 PM
  33. Plastic Cup Politics, Less Than Jake: 7/18/22, 1:51 PM
  34. Cigarettes on Patios, BabyJake: 7/18/22, 2:00 PM
  35. Around the World (Original Lead On Mix), Daft Punk: 7/18/22, 2:08 PM
  36. Bodhisattva Vow, Beastie Boys: 7/18/22, 2:11 PM
  37. Human Behaviour, Björk: 7/18/22, 3:48 PM
  38. The Getaway, Punchline: 7/18/22, 5:02 PM
  39. When I Get to Heaven, John Prine: 7/18/22, 5:06 PM
  40. Hey Kids (Bumaye) [feat. Danny Brown], Run The Jewels: 7/18/22, 5:58 PM
  41. Bales Of Cocaine, Reverend Horton Heat: 7/18/22, 6:00 PM
  42. Bad Idea (feat. Jason Mraz), Sara Bareilles: 7/18/22, 6:04 PM
  43. Theme From Shaft, Isaac Hayes: 7/18/22, 6:32 PM
  44. I'm a Goner (feat. Soulja Boy & Andrew W.K.), Matt and Kim: 7/18/22, 6:47 PM
  45. There Is, Box Car Racer: 7/18/22, 6:50 PM
  46. out of sight (feat. 2 Chainz), Run The Jewels: 7/18/22, 9:48 PM
  47. Sweet Home Chicago, Magic Sam: 7/18/22, 9:54 PM
  48. Keep You On My Side, CHVRCHES: 7/19/22, 9:14 AM
  49. Ain't Misbehavin', Louis Armstrong & His Orchestra: 7/19/22, 11:09 AM
  50. I Write Sins Not Tragedies, Panic! At The Disco: 7/19/22, 11:12 AM
  51. Suite No. 4 in E-flat Major, BWV 1010: VI. Gigue, Zuill Bailey: 7/19/22, 11:15 AM
  52. Safety Dance (Original Aussie Version), Men Without Hats: 7/19/22, 11:18 AM
  53. La Vie En Rose, Edith Piaf: 7/19/22, 1:47 PM
  54. WP, Matisyahu: 7/19/22, 2:54 PM
  55. Momentary Bliss (feat. slowthai and Slaves), Gorillaz: 7/19/22, 2:58 PM
  56. All U Can Eat, Ben Folds: 7/19/22, 3:01 PM
  57. Bored to Death (Acoustic), blink-182: 7/19/22, 8:19 PM
  58. Bad Mufucker Pt. II, Brother Ali: 7/19/22, 8:23 PM
  59. L, Andrew Bird: 7/19/22, 8:26 PM
  60. Pedigree, Brother Ali: 7/19/22, 8:30 PM
  61. When I Come Around, Green Day: 7/20/22, 8:02 AM
  62. What It Takes (feat. Lauren Daigle), Trombone Shorty: 7/20/22, 1:34 PM
  63. Headfirst For Halos, My Chemical Romance: 7/20/22, 1:38 PM
  64. Last Dance, The Raveonettes: 7/20/22, 2:47 PM
  65. Late Night In Zion, Matisyahu: 7/20/22, 2:50 PM
  66. Mr. Tambourine Man, Bob Dylan: 7/20/22, 2:56 PM
  67. Girl, The Beatles: 7/20/22, 3:05 PM
  68. Swallowed Whole, Pearl Jam: 7/20/22, 3:10 PM
  69. Annihilation (feat. Sims): Four Fists, P.O.S & Astronautalis: 7/20/22, 3:14 PM
  70. St. James Infirmary, Preservation Hall Jazz Band;Yim Yames: 7/20/22, 3:19 PM
  71. Animal Arithmetic, Jónsi: 7/20/22, 3:22 PM
  72. The Negative: Keala Settle, Kimiko Glenn & Jessie Mueller: 7/20/22, 3:25 PM
  73. Fish and Whistle, John Prine: 7/20/22, 3:28 PM
  74. The Rock Show, Blink-182: 7/20/22, 3:31 PM
  75. Freedom Of '76, Ween: 7/20/22, 3:34 PM
  76. Geminiani: Sonata op.4 No.1 in D major - Largo: Liana Mosca, Antonio Mosca, Luca Pianca, Giorgio Paronuzzi: 7/20/22, 5:31 PM
  77. Dr. Baker, The Beta Band: 7/20/22, 5:35 PM
  78. Sequels, Remakes, & Adaptations, Spanish Love Songs: 7/20/22, 6:07 PM
  79. Dis Generation, A Tribe Called Quest: 7/20/22, 6:11 PM
  80. Can You Feel the Love Tonight (feat. Tony Lovato), Punk Rock Factory: 7/20/22, 6:14 PM
  81. The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song (With All Your Power), The Flaming Lips: 7/20/22, 6:18 PM
  82. The Favorite, William Albright: 7/20/22, 6:21 PM
  83. Slow Down, Reel Big Fish: 7/20/22, 6:26 PM
  84. Maybe, Collective Soul: 7/20/22, 7:21 PM
  85. Ten Feet Tall, The Devil Makes Three: 7/20/22, 7:25 PM
  86. Under the Boardwalk, The Drifters: 7/20/22, 7:27 PM
  87. All Apologies, Nirvana: 7/20/22, 8:36 PM
  88. Opening Prayers [Live], Monks From Drepung Loseling Monastery And Nuns From The Tibetan Nuns Project: 7/20/22, 8:42 PM
  89. Furr, Blitzen Trapper: 7/20/22, 8:47 PM
  90. Generator, Doomtree: 7/20/22, 8:50 PM
  91. Old Mythologies, The Barr Brothers: 7/20/22, 8:54 PM
  92. I Feel It Coming (feat. Daft Punk), The Weeknd: 7/20/22, 9:03 PM
  93. Doin' It Right (feat. Panda Bear), Daft Punk: 7/20/22, 9:07 PM
  94. Wreck My Car, They Might Be Giants: 7/20/22, 9:08 PM
  95. Roar, Katy Perry: 7/21/22, 3:10 PM
  96. Daylight (Troublemaker Remix) [feat. De La Soul], Matt and Kim: 7/21/22, 3:14 PM
  97. Calling Out, Penguin Prison: 7/21/22, 3:18 PM
  98. Vegetable, Radiohead: 7/21/22, 3:21 PM
  99. Jokerman, Bob Dylan: 7/21/22, 3:46 PM
  100. Amuleto (Remastered), Rodrigo y Gabriela: 7/21/22, 3:50 PM
  101. Father's Daughter's Son (bonus track), Damon Albarn: 7/21/22, 3:53 PM
  102. Spare-Ohs, Andrew Bird: 7/21/22, 3:57 PM
  103. Tempo Di Minuetto (In the Style of Pugnani), Sarah Chang: 7/21/22, 4:01 PM
  104. Number 9, Moon Hooch: 7/21/22, 4:04 PM
  105. High Roller, The Crystal Method: 7/21/22, 4:10 PM
  106. Timebomb, Angels & Airwaves: 7/21/22, 4:14 PM
  107. Ruby, Charly Bliss: 7/21/22, 4:16 PM
  108. Freedom! '90, George Michael: 7/21/22, 4:22 PM
  109. All You Need Is Love, The Beatles: 7/21/22, 4:26 PM
  110. Rainbow Connection (feat. Hayley Williams), Weezer: 7/21/22, 4:31 PM
  111. 7 Weeks, Gym Class Heroes: 7/21/22, 4:36 PM
  112. Feel.Love.Thinking.Of., Faunts: 7/21/22, 4:39 PM
  113. Bang a Gong (Get It On), T. Rex: 7/21/22, 4:44 PM
  114. Home, AURORA: 7/21/22, 4:47 PM
  115. Temple Bar, Rodrigo y Gabriela: 7/21/22, 4:52 PM
  116. Do The Brown Nose, The Dead Milkmen: 7/21/22, 4:57 PM
  117. Over My Head, Judah & The Lion: 7/21/22, 5:06 PM
  118. Guns And Horses, Ellie Goulding: 7/21/22, 5:10 PM
  119. goosebumps, Matt and Kim & PG-14: 7/21/22, 5:12 PM
  120. Brown Eyed Girl, Van Morrison: 7/21/22, 5:34 PM
  121. Coconut Skins, Damien Rice: 7/22/22, 9:59 AM
  122. Calm / Sane, Shredders: 7/22/22, 10:02 AM
  123. Ch-Check It Out, The Beastie Boys: 7/22/22, 11:20 AM
  124. Green Water, Angel: 7/22/22, 11:56 AM
  125. Last Rites To Sleepless Nights, Less Than Jake: 7/22/22, 11:59 AM
  126. Where the Sidewalk Ends, Sidney Gish: 7/22/22, 12:02 PM
  127. Beastface, Doomtree: 7/22/22, 12:06 PM
  128. Quick Escape, Pearl Jam: 7/22/22, 12:10 PM
  129. A Still Life Franchise, Less Than Jake: 7/22/22, 12:14 PM
  130. All the Best, John Prine: 7/22/22, 12:17 PM
  131. Free, Whiskey Shivers: 7/22/22, 12:20 PM
  132. Hot & Heavy, Lucy Dacus: 7/22/22, 2:15 PM
  133. Classy Girls, The Lumineers: 7/22/22, 2:18 PM
  134. One More Time (Short Radio Edit), Daft Punk: 7/22/22, 2:22 PM
  135. Wearing a Bear, P.O.S: 7/22/22, 2:25 PM
  136. Diablo Rojo (Live), Rodrigo y Gabriela: 7/22/22, 2:57 PM
  137. Somebody To Love, Queen: 7/22/22, 3:02 PM
  138. Ego Trippin' (Part Two), De La Soul: 7/22/22, 3:06 PM
  139. Wrong Prayer, Jaydiohead: 7/22/22, 3:10 PM
  140. Just Getting Started, Punchline: 7/22/22, 3:15 PM
  141. Perfect Situation, Weezer: 7/22/22, 3:19 PM
  142. Hate to Say I Told You So, The Hives: 7/22/22, 3:22 PM
  143. California, blink-182: 7/22/22, 3:26 PM
  144. Rio, Duran Duran: 7/22/22, 3:31 PM
  145. Jenny Wore Black, Men Without Hats: 7/22/22, 4:38 PM
  146. Ticker Tape (feat. Carly Simon & Kali Uchis), Gorillaz: 7/22/22, 4:43 PM
  147. President Lemon - P O V, Various Artists: 7/22/22, 4:47 PM
  148. All In My Head, Matt and Kim: 7/22/22, 4:49 PM
  149. Bully (feat. Moncelas Boston & Rapper Hooks), P.O.S: 7/22/22, 4:53 PM
  150. Who Is That Standing At My Window?, They Might Be Giants: 7/22/22, 4:54 PM
  151. Enjoy The Silence, Depeche Mode: 7/23/22, 7:40 AM
  152. Wishlist, Pearl Jam: 7/23/22, 7:43 AM
  153. Excuse Me Mr., No Doubt: 7/23/22, 7:47 AM
  154. Across The Universe, The Beatles: 7/23/22, 7:52 AM
  155. She Blinded Me with Science, Thomas Dolby: 7/23/22, 7:55 AM
  156. Baby, Won't You Please Come Home, Preservation Hall Jazz Band; Amy Levere: 7/23/22, 7:59 AM
  157. Mozart's Magic Flute, Ruben Romero: 7/23/22, 8:06 AM
  158. Sleeping By Myself, Pearl Jam: 7/23/22, 8:09 AM
  159. The World's Gone Mad: Handsome Boy Modeling School Feat. Del The Funky Homosapien, Barrington Levy & Alex Kapranos: 7/23/22, 8:15 AM
  160. Imagine, John Lennon: 7/23/22, 8:19 AM
  161. Song #3, Reel Big Fish: 7/23/22, 8:22 AM
  162. Champion, Matisyahu: 7/23/22, 8:26 AM
  163. Next Homecoming, Collective Soul: 7/23/22, 8:29 AM
  164. GM, Ratboys: 7/23/22, 8:34 AM
  165. Air, Taimane: 7/23/22, 8:39 AM
  166. O'Lawd Oye, Nailah Blackman: 7/23/22, 8:41 AM
  167. Squeeze Box, The Who: 7/23/22, 8:44 AM
  168. Blame, Collective Soul: 7/23/22, 9:11 AM
  169. Go It Alone, Beck: 7/23/22, 9:15 AM
  170. Bad Blood, Taylor Swift: 7/23/22, 9:18 AM
  171. Maybe I’m Amazed (2011 Remaster), Paul McCartney: 7/23/22, 9:42 AM
  172. Dancing On My Own (Radio Version), Robyn: 7/23/22, 9:47 AM
  173. House Of Bees, B.Dolan: 7/23/22, 10:17 AM
  174. Why Are People Like That?, Junior Wells: 7/23/22, 10:21 AM
  175. The Party, Regina Spektor: 7/23/22, 10:24 AM
  176. Nielsen: Aladdin Suite - 4. Chinese Dance, Herbert Blomstedt: San Francisco Symphony Orchestra: 7/23/22, 10:27 AM
  177. I Am I Be, De La Soul: 7/23/22, 10:32 AM
  178. Muczinksy Diversion No.2, American_Pianist: 7/23/22, 10:33 AM
  179. No Children, The Mountain Goats: 7/23/22, 10:36 AM
  180. Adelaide, Ben Folds: 7/23/22, 10:39 AM
  181. Bye Bye Love, The Everly Brothers: 7/23/22, 10:41 AM
  182. Scarecrow, Beck: 7/23/22, 11:22 AM
  183. Easily, Grimes: 7/23/22, 11:25 AM
  184. If You Build It, Air Traffic Controller: 7/23/22, 11:29 AM
  185. Hey Mami, Sylvan Esso: 7/23/22, 11:32 AM
  186. habitat, melodium: 7/23/22, 11:37 AM
  187. Lonesome Friends of Science, John Prine: 7/23/22, 11:42 AM
  188. I'm Still In Love With You, Al Green: 7/23/22, 11:45 AM
  189. Sonz Of A Loop Da Loop Era - Far Out, Sonz Of A Loop Da Loop Era: 7/23/22, 11:50 AM
  190. One More [Explicit], Elliphant feat. MØ: 7/23/22, 11:53 AM
  191. Concert Fantasy On Carmen, Op. 25: IIIb. Allegro Moderato, Sarah Chang: 7/23/22, 11:56 AM
  192. At Your Door, Alexi Murdoch: 7/23/22, 11:59 AM
  193. Surroundings, Ross Ainslie: 7/23/22, 12:03 PM
  194. Gonna Leave You, Queens Of The Stone Age: 7/23/22, 12:06 PM
  195. Snitches And Talkers Get Stiches And Walkers, Fall Out Boy: 7/23/22, 12:08 PM
  196. Den sidste Laurdags Kvelden. Folkevise, Einar Steen-Nøkleberg: 7/23/22, 12:09 PM
  197. The Pretty One: Laura Stevenson and the Cans, Laura Stevenson & The Cans: 7/23/22, 12:12 PM
  198. Roll Up Your Sleeves, Meg Mac: 7/23/22, 12:15 PM
  199. Imitosis, Andrew Bird: 7/23/22, 12:19 PM
  200. Saba, Mephiskapheles: 7/23/22, 12:25 PM
  201. Games, Brother Ali: 7/23/22, 12:29 PM
  202. Canadian Idiot, Weird Al Yankovic: 7/23/22, 12:31 PM
  203. Fresh New Trash, Doomtree: 7/23/22, 12:35 PM
  204. Personal Jesus, Johnny Cash: 7/23/22, 12:39 PM
  205. Vivaldi: Violin Concerto In F, Op. 8/3, RV 293, The Four Seasons (Autumn) - 1. Allegro, José-Luis Garcia; Leonard Slatkin: English Chamber Orchestra: 7/23/22, 12:44 PM
  206. Quill's Big Retreat, Tyler Bates: 7/23/22, 12:46 PM
  207. First... And Then, Handsome Boy Modeling School: 7/23/22, 12:50 PM
  208. Girls, The 1975: 7/23/22, 12:55 PM
  209. Girl in Calico, Tow'rs: 7/23/22, 1:10 PM
  210. I'll Be Around feat. Phonte & Stokley Williams, Brother Ali: 7/23/22, 1:14 PM
  211. These Are My Twisted Words, Radiohead: 7/23/22, 2:23 PM
  212. Faded (feat. Lady Midnight), P.O.S: 7/23/22, 2:27 PM
  213. Track 08, Ant: 7/23/22, 2:33 PM
  214. Why Even Try (Feat. Sara Quin), Theophilus London: 7/23/22, 2:37 PM
  215. Changes (feat. Talent), 2Pac: 7/23/22, 2:42 PM
  216. Mr. Blue Sky, Electric Light Orchestra: 7/23/22, 2:48 PM
  217. Carnival of the Animals (Chamber Version)/Aviary, Gaby Casadesus;Philippe Entremont;Yo-Yo Ma: 7/23/22, 2:49 PM
  218. You Get What You Give, New Radicals: 7/23/22, 2:55 PM
  219. Stranger, The Devil Makes Three: 7/23/22, 2:59 PM
  220. Anchor Chain Blues, Glenn Jones: 7/23/22, 3:04 PM
  221. I Wouldn't Normally Do This Kind Of Thing, Pet Shop Boys: 7/23/22, 3:07 PM
  222. Rental Car, Beck: 7/23/22, 3:12 PM
  223. Get Better, Frank Turner: 7/23/22, 3:15 PM
  224. I Got You Babe, Sonny & Cher: 7/23/22, 3:18 PM
  225. Thursday in the Danger Room (feat. Kamasi Washington), Run The Jewels: 7/23/22, 3:23 PM
  226. Cheap Sunglasses [feat. Matthew Koma], RAC: 7/23/22, 3:27 PM
  227. 2100 (feat. BOOTS), Run The Jewels: 7/23/22, 3:33 PM
  228. Talk to Me, Run The Jewels: 7/23/22, 3:36 PM
  229. Cynical, blink-182: 7/23/22, 3:38 PM
  230. Getting There Is Getting By, Punchline: 7/23/22, 3:41 PM
  231. How We Land, P.O.S.: 7/23/22, 3:46 PM
  232. Automatic, Less Than Jake: 7/23/22, 3:50 PM
  233. Atman, Rodrigo y Gabriela: 7/23/22, 3:56 PM
  234. Hands Up, Prophets of Rage: 7/23/22, 3:58 PM
  235. Tick, They Might Be Giants: 7/23/22, 3:59 PM
  236. The Brightest Bulb Has Burned Out/Screws Fall Out, Less Than Jake: 7/23/22, 4:03 PM
  237. Work That Guitar (Bobby Told Me), Johnny Socko: 7/23/22, 4:07 PM
  238. Do I Do, Stevie Wonder: 7/23/22, 4:12 PM
  239. Boast, Collective Soul: 7/23/22, 4:16 PM
  240. That Night, Atmosphere: 7/23/22, 4:29 PM
  241. Shake, The Phenomenal Handclap Band: 7/23/22, 4:34 PM
  242. All Apologies, Nirvana: 7/23/22, 4:38 PM
  243. Xanthrax, Shredders: 7/23/22, 4:41 PM
  244. Blister In The Sun, Violent Femmes: 7/23/22, 4:44 PM
  245. Teenage Blues, Vistas: 7/23/22, 4:47 PM
  246. Wilson (Expensive Mistakes), Fall Out Boy: 7/23/22, 4:51 PM
  247. Devil In Jersey City, Coheed & Cambria: 7/23/22, 4:56 PM
  248. The Cool, Cool River, Paul Simon: 7/23/22, 5:01 PM
  249. Since U Been Gone, Kelly Clarkson: 7/23/22, 5:04 PM
  250. Everybody Wants to Be Famous, Superorganism: 7/23/22, 5:07 PM
  251. Hummer, Smashing Pumpkins: 7/23/22, 5:15 PM
  252. Kill Jill (feat. Killer Mike & Jeezy), Big Boi: 7/23/22, 5:19 PM
  253. I Think He Knows, Taylor Swift: 7/23/22, 5:22 PM
  254. Good Ole Church Girl (feat. The Deacons), Sir The Baptist: 7/23/22, 5:26 PM
  255. Last Night I Dreamed, Blues Traveler: 7/23/22, 5:30 PM
  256. Color In The Snow feat. deM atlaS, Joe Horton & Toki Wright, Atmosphere: 7/23/22, 5:35 PM
  257. Mach 5, The Presidents Of The United States Of America: 7/23/22, 5:39 PM
  258. Alexander Hamilton: Leslie Odom, Jr., Anthony Ramos, Daveed Diggs, Okieriete Onaodowan, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Phillipa Soo, Christopher Jackson & Original Broadway Cast of Hamilton: 7/23/22, 5:43 PM
  259. Spider, They Might Be Giants: 7/23/22, 5:44 PM
  260. Electric Soul, Rodrigo y Gabriela: 7/23/22, 5:48 PM
  261. Grand Theft Autumn, Fall Out Boy: 7/23/22, 5:52 PM
  262. Weird Friends, P.O.S: 7/23/22, 5:54 PM
  263. Black Irish (Live), The Devil Makes Three: 7/23/22, 5:58 PM
  264. Undertow, Passion Pit: 7/23/22, 6:03 PM
  265. Girl/Boy Song, Aphex Twin: 7/23/22, 6:08 PM
  266. Speed Of Light, Joe Satriani: 7/23/22, 6:14 PM
  267. Somebody to Love, Queen: 7/23/22, 6:20 PM
  268. Transgender Dysphoria Blues, Against Me!: 7/23/22, 6:24 PM
  269. Rainbow Connection, The Muppets: 7/23/22, 6:27 PM
  270. Hands In The Air, Girl Talk: 7/23/22, 6:32 PM
  271. Bush League Pysch-Out Stuff, P.O.S: 7/23/22, 6:37 PM
  272. Rock 'N' Roll High School, The Ramones: 7/23/22, 6:40 PM
  273. Thunderbird, They Might Be Giants: 7/23/22, 6:43 PM
  274. Get It, Run The Jewels: 7/23/22, 6:46 PM
  275. Ayeyayaya, Shredders: 7/23/22, 6:49 PM
  276. Sun Is Shining, Bob Marley & The Wailers: 7/23/22, 7:26 PM

Summer Trip 2022

We gave ourselves buffer days. On Thursday 7/14, we both took the day off to do the packing and finishing everything up. So I packed, she packed, we packed, we cleaned up some things that we wouldn’t want to leave around and continued cleaning. We got most things done, and we took naps, and had a nice leisurely evening.

Friday 7/15

We didn’t have to get up to early, as we were limited by the dropping off of the cats for boarding. So we had a relatively leisurely early morning, and got things ready to go and loaded the car to an extent (trunk items). A little before 10, we gathered the kids up, and let me state that it was challenging to get Mani and Iðunn, We arrived just a little before 10 and checked the kids in. We went back, at a quick early lunch, finished packing the car then decided to head out. Luckily for us, the Trash and recycling trucks came and so we were able to stow away empty bins.

We travelled a well travelled road for us, and when we got close to Iowa City, we sent a message to our further guest (one of my little brothers) that it was where we were headed. The construction in and around Iowa City compressed and compacted the traffic, and it took 50 or 60 miles to get everything to settle out again.

We usually add some little side trips along the way as I tend to get bored driving, or can’t sit for that long or etc, so we headed towards Ottawa, to visit a memorial to the Radium Girls. I read a book on them early in 2021, so it was there in my head. We had been there for a little bit and my lil brother caught up to us and then we headed to our next stop.

The next stop was in Joliet, IL. To a gas station. Why that? It has a replica of the Blues Mobile…so why not?

We found a place to eat (Smash Burgers, not bad), since we had only had an early lunch, and then continued on.

We hit a lot of traffic going form Joliet to Michigan. On top of that, the rain we had been chasing all day, and cough up with it. It ranged from downpours to just barely rain, and traffic and construction. It was a relief to get to the clear roads of Michigan.

As a side note, I do not want to register an account for the Illinois tollway. I don’t want to associate a plate number, I don’t want to associate a name or address, and I don’t think I should have to. At the toll road I we took there were two choices, IPass and camera scan. No pay at a booth or etc. In fact there was no notice what the toll would be…that either of us saw.

We got into Dowagiac pretty late, ran to the grocery store and tried to wind down. Nice little place. Common issues with many places, including hotels (outlets). I’ve learned to bring my own surge suppressor and charging devices, but with that, I still need a place to put them. That being said, we adapted quickly and got settle in.

States covered: Iowa, Illinois, a touch of Indiana, and Michigan,

Saturday 7/16

My brother wanted to go to the Ford Museum in Dearborn, we had bought tickets to see the Frank Lloyd Wright houses in the northern Detroit suburbs. We first stopped at the Affleck House (LTU).

Originally set in a wooded landscape, the Affleck house has this calming presence, even as you can hear the traffic go by. At one point in time the stream would trickle through led by some work done by the Affleck’s. it has many of the access you expect, but also has some items that are perhaps unexpected as the is a speaker unit, a natural air conditioning, and a covered by the house fully shaded area (which as it wasn’t that hot, but was humid, felt pretty nice). As with many of the houses it has become a bit of a money pit. This seems to be what happens. Enjoyable home in active use by the college, and occasionally by visiting professors (which seems like a good deal). There was quite a bit of discussion afterwards, but eventually we left and headed over to the Smith house. Docent was very good.

The Smith House (Cranbrook), is located a bit more off the path, thought still quite close to the Affleck. We got a bit early and started taking photos around the outside of the house. It was on a nice piece of land next to a pond. So a couple of things here that I learned there, that reminded me of the general disparity. First they were redlined, because they were Jewish, however, using their Americanized name of Smith they were able to make choices that wouldn’t normally be allowed to them. They fell in love with the FLW design, and scrimped and saved, as teachers, to get the money for the land, then the plans from FLW. As it stands, it’s a nice story about how they built it themselves, worked with other people, paid in installments for many things and eventually it became the house that it is. Docent was very good and there was a lot of art from Cranbrook that got into the house, purchased, gifted or etc.

Then, having some time, we filled out the day by visiting the Cranbrook Art Museum (fairly small) and then we were about to start wondering around the campus and taking pictures, when my brother showed up, we headed to another suburb to go to Union Woodshop. We got there just a bit before it opened and there was a line outside the door waiting to be let in, which, is usually a good sign.

Union Woodshed’s food was pretty good, I’m glad we picked it, after further limitations on where we would go. Decent meat, decent sauces, the sides that weren’t totally disappointing (as some BBQ places outsource their sides to food service companies). I really enjoyed the baked beans, the battered fried pickle spears, and pretty much everything else. Have I had better this, that and the other? Sure. But given the situation, no complaints.

We headed back to our place with the ~2.5-3 hour drive, which is a hike after a long day of waking up early, driving and driving back.

Sunday 7/17 - South Haven

This was a much more leisurely day. Lets skip past the part where there is some miscommunication between the sub group and etc, and just realize that we ended up at a sister restaurant of the place we went to and ate lunch there instead of a breakfast type of meal. We chatted and had a bit of conversation with this subset of the family, and after a visit to the blueberry store, cause how can you not go to the blueberry store, we headed to the place where the majority of people were staying, with fine woodworking, beautiful wood details through out, we spent the day around this house chatting and listening, and at one point welcoming a friend of the family for a visit.

Shannon and I headed down to the public part of the beach (srsly, fu if you think you own part of a giant lake), and I took more pictures, some of which I was actually not upset with, and dipped our toes in Lake Michigan.

We ate dinner, watched a slide show, I think Shannon woke me up at least once. The kids that were around started to get a wee bit rambunctious, so we abandoned the central house and escaped home.

Shortly after Shannon and I got back, my brother showed up, and we finished watching Catch Me if you can, drew up a vague plan for South Haven II: Electric Bugaloo, shot the shit for a bit longer after Shannon went to bed, and then I continued to write a bit longer while I got drunk of the first time on the trip (right now).

Monday 7/18 - South Haven II

Having missed out on the dining out, Shannon craved a breakfast, so we searched around a bit and made the wise decision to go to the Mason Jar Cafe in Benton Harbor. This was apparently located in the arts district, which has a mixture of odd shops and open spaces. It did have some nice features, some green space, cute places to sell art. We ended up even using the plastic egg machine and got a pice of art (hoping for a magnet, got a sticker). Breakfast was quite good, one could complain here and there (more rye in the marble rye toast, etc), but overall, good nice variety of food, done well and tasting good.

My brother left to join up in “beach day” and we wandered around Benton Harbor for a bit. While coming back towards our car, we got invited to a new, opening today, dispensary called “Nobody’s Home” which appears to be setup sort of like an apple store. The name tickled my funny bone a bit.

We headed down to St Joseph to go to the St Joseph Lighthouse. The light house has a red roof and a white building along with a center metal loading structure? that runs down the center of the pier. The concrete pier has metal support structures in the lake that appear to protect the concrete. This also makes it interesting as occasionally the waves of the lake will throw up water in a spurt. We wandered out closer and closer to the lighthouse and took pictures along the way. It creates an interesting perspective change of looking towards those on the beach, or the houses down the way, the boats, or just the lake.

Even further out on he pier, with some cautions of not using during inclement waves or weather, was a white walled and black topped second lighthouse. There was some damaged concrete here and there, and some uneven levels, but for the most part, everything was in not terrible shape. As we started to come back, we started to notice things like the seagulls , ducks and etc.

Afterwards we headed north to South Haven to visit the light house there. This lighthouse is red with a black top, while the opposite side is white green white. We have effectively did the same thing, by walking out to to the lighthouse, taking pictures along the way. While we were headed to the north beach side lighthouse, we ran into my father who was at the beach…welll walking near the beach, as papa does.

This day was getting a bit warmer and we had to park quite a bit away, since there were a lot of people at the beach, but we eventually got out there.

Unlike the St Joseph Lighthouse, I was able to get a few spurts of water thrown up in the air by the lake, at St Joseph, the lake was toying with me. We wandered back to the land and decided to go out to eat, rather than join the family (we did invite anyone that wanted to join us). We went to Clementines which was…ok. After a debate of future ice cream vs ice cream in the present on the family reunion chat, we went to Sherman’s and had a bit of ice cream (quite good), in the present.

Because of planning by Lovina, we were able to take a sunset cruise on the Friends Good Will 1810 style top sail sloop. This was quite interesting as the ropes went up, down, tightened, the sails swapped where they were, we toured part of the boat. Listened to stories and descriptions of the boat and just took a lot of pictures. Dad stayed home with the youngest and a handful of others skipped out, but for the most part the entire family was there.

After the sail returned home, we headed to Dowagiac, with the ~50 minute drive. On our way home we saw a hot air balloon be inflated.

Tuesday 7/19 - Grand Rapids for Us, Updated for the Family: Holland

Due to a “reservation” that had to be early(ish), most people adjusted their place and headed to Holland, instead of Grand Rapids as originally “planned” (please note, only individual people planned things, some for the whole family, there was no family plan). We however, had (free) tickets to visit the Meyer May House. So we headed there.

This house had fallen into major disrepair and I, personally, am grateful that the Steelcase CEO at the time decided to restore it. At both the Smith and Affleck houses the docents made jokes at how much money is spent (noting that the Smith house came with a supporting endowment, and the Affleck house can be problematic to the costs for the associated college), when I asked bout it, the docent stated that one does not tell people the price of a gift to the community, which is a fair point. You can tell in the film about the rebuilding of the house, including making custom fibers for custom rugs, that there was quite a bit of money spent. That being said, I get it.

Apparently Steelcase now uses it as a place to present to artists, and work with large buyers and etc. Which that is quite fantastic as well. I always like to know that hey are being used, even in a limited sense..

So parts of this house reminds me of other houses (some to the Dan Thomas House built 1902-4 vs 1908-9).

The house in and of itself is quite beautiful, and makes me feel that extra calm feeling that I feel in the FLW houses. I do like the art/stained glass, I liked the glass in the brick lines around the fireplaces. the carpet designs, and the furniture. The lines on the areas around the house, both the horizontal lines and the base where it makes it feel affixed to the ground. The private door, but the tiled pathway to it. There were the stories about the boiler sales were in the covered porch should be, and how it was broken into apartments, and added on to (for a growing family, without consultation). I’m glad we visited.

As a note, I missed the light to the entrance door, multiple times, and it makes me wonder how many other details I missed.

Afterwards we drove around the Heritage neighborhood a bit then headed to lunch. We ended up at Brewery Vivant. We had duck nachos and I had a few samplers. As a point of oddity, I loved their bathroom sinks. Loved them.

It would be entirely impractical as a sink used for things like shaving or etc, but as a place to wash hands? Yes please.

Anyways, food was pretty good, beer was also good. I picked up a number of things including a glass.

Knowing our time was short, headed over to Founders. We were going to sit down for a beer, but it felt crowded and loud, so I got a shirt (liked the design on the front, I’ve never had their hard seltzer) and a beer and we headed back to South Haven for the “reservation”. We got back bit early and explored the South Haven shops burning the rest of the time before dinner.

Heading over to the restaurant, we got there a bit before we were triggered and after asking the family reunion who made the reservation we said we were the first of the group to arrive. This is where things started to go askew. The hostess looked concerned and apparently after a series of information slips. At a bit before 5, they had over 100 people in line waiting to be seated, so sit they did. Did this delay our reservation a bit, I suppose, did I get a little angry about it cause I was hungry, I did.

So part of me went through the, “is there restaurant misleading” or is this a ploy by the reservation maker to get us there on time? the lake of knowledge made me annoyed to be sure and it was also an overreaction.

Dinner was fine, We sat at a separate table with Brent and my brother. Eventually as more people left we were joined by more family members so people can eat better.

We headed back to the big house (quite pretty), to have ice cream with the family.

Once again we headed back to Dowagiac. This time, in about the same place we saw the hot air ballon it appear they are having a fair? Perhaps a county fair? Rides and etc. Looks interesting.

Wednesday 7/20 - Holland

So my brother left this morning and started the long trek back home. Everyone else started their trek home as well, we, however are not quite done with Michigan.

As a family we had talked about how cute the Root Beer Barrel was in Douglas MI, so we figured it was worth a drive by, we stopped, took a couple of pictures before they opened up, then went kitty corner across the street to Outside Coffee and the Woosah outfitters. We got some pretty good coffee, and I liked a couple of shirts, though they didn’t have my size, and Shannon got one. Then we continued on to Holland, Michigan.

We both like flowers and gardens and ended up going to the Windmill Island Gardens and the DeZwaan Windmill contained within. We wandered our way over to the windmill, taking shots along the way, listened to a few stories by some guides and regular visitors. One of the regular visitors captured Shannons attention and told several stories including how a former governor may have broken the windmill, on accident, when he pulled on the break at the dedication. Anyways, I think that story was second or third hand when it made it to us. But it struck me as a bit funny.

We looked at the displays on the way up and after we got to the view deck, I tried to go out there and my anxiety acted up and I went back inside and sat down while Shannon took photos. My heart started to calm down, and we headed back downstairs took photos around the building, a few funny ones, then wandered around the village more. in the gift shop I saw cat salt and pepper shakers, and some owl ones that remind me of my grandma.

Afterwards we, appropriately, headed to the New Holland Brewery and had lunch. I noticed in here that some people, not me, were getting 5G, and other people (me) were not getting a phone signal.

We drove around after lunch and ended up stopping at a marina, while Shannon finished coating herself in sunscreen, I got my self re-oriented, and we headed to see the Big Red Lighthouse.

We tried to at least. Apparently this is now hidden by some rich people who don’t want to be bothered by the masses, Their actions make this publicly owned landmark unavailable to the public.

So we drove around the Macatawa Bay to the other side to take some photos, and due to strong winds and waves, we were unable to go out to the pierhead, to get photos from there. The wind was a nice relief from the humidity of the day and although it prevented us from doing something we wanted to do, its as still nice.

On our drive in, we saw a reference to OZ (as in the wizard of), so we figured out what that was and then went back to explore that park. The Centennial Park, which had the live plant that was dedicated to the author, who spent summers in Holland. There was a fish pond, fountain, gazebo. We went back around and walked on the boardwalk and next to the bay and went to dinner at Big Lake Brewing (can you sense a pattern here?)

We took the 1 hour and 20 minute drive back to our AirB&B and called it a day.

Thursday 7/21 - Kalamazoo, etc

We ended up going to the Gilmore Car Museum as part of our Kalamazoo day.

Look, I’m not a car guy, as I wore a shirt with a vague computer joke on there and most of the gentleman had car related t-shirts on. It was interesting to see the different types of cars, and also brands that I had never heard off (I think I consistently dragged on the Franklin brand for…not being a brand). Some cars where inherently interesting, some it was the story related to it, and you could generally see how designs changed over time. It was clearly dedicated to American made cars, and perhaps mostly Michigan related. We walked around parts of the campus, which focused on other brands, or motorbikes.

I think we spent the most time on the display about the Green Book (book not movie), including looking up what was “ok” in Iowa (a depressing little).

Because I am who I am, we headed to Bells Brewing for lunch. Food was ok, had some, I suspect, one offs (mead and cider) and then picked up a few things at the shop.

This really is the plan isn’t it?

We then headed over to the Confections with Convictions ( https://confectionswithconvictions.com/ ), as Shannon saw them somewhere in her search. Interesting history, great goals. I noticed a “parts” book which is what my therapist practices as well. We got 4 pieces each and enjoyed them a lot. We chatted about what we did and what we had done and the idea of me dragging Shannon to a couple more breweries and perhaps a distillery or two, didn’t seem like a great idea. So we decided to call it a bit earlier then we had been.

We drove by the small collection of FLW homes (private) in the Kalamazoo area and looked at them in their place.

We drove around a bit and made one more stop and headed the 50 or so minutes back to our AirB&B

Friday 7/22 - Re-visit? / Dowagiac / etc day

We woke up when we felt like, after a bit of planning the night before we started out our day, but going to the Dowagiac history museum.

For a fairly small museum, it was actually done pretty well, unlike many small museums. It had a fairly limited scope and focused on business and famous history and there were many things that we found out, for example that the founder of Tidy Cat lived in the County. We also found a olympic bronze medalist that went to Iowa State Fun, clean, nice flow and free!

We had a light lunch at Caruso Candy & Soda Shop. I got a blueberry malt, it was pretty good. We ate some other things that were ok. Service was a bit disorganized, but was a cute place to go and I did really enjoy that blueberry malt (probably because it’s the most sugar I’ve had in a long time).

We headed towards Niles, and, unlike other drives, this was quite short, as we made a stop at the Fernwood Botanical Garden. We came no where close to exploring the 105 acres, but did walk around a bit and took some shots, including setups with model trains, small and large ponds (including a shy turtle). Apparently I scared the turtle and they jumped off his log perch and to hide in the pond. But as we hiked one way then back, the turtle slowly made his way up the stick to warm in the sun again.

We explored a bit more, but a wedding was starting to arrive so some pictures became harder and harder to take, as they probably should have the right of way, so we headed out and hit the art display (very nice, but way out of our price range) and headed to Niles to explore it a bit.

Between the Dowagiac History Museum and Fernwood we got there shortly before the Fort St Joseph Museum closed. We did not need much time. This fell into the more disorganized side of museums where some things look like they are placed there seem to be an indication of “this person made a donation therefore, here’s the thing she wanted to display” with no real consistent topic or flow. It did not take us long (we did notice a glass fire (stopper) bomb, which was interesting but for the most part…not much to share.

We headed over to Sister Lakes Brewing, in Dowagiac to have dinner and call it an early night as we were traveling the next day. Beer ranged from ok to good, I bought some stuff to take home and we went home to pack up and get ready to leave. We got packed, prepped everything to load and take off in the morning.

Saturday 7/23 - Indiana Dunes National Park and Home

We took off around 7:30 AM Eastern and headed to the Indiana Dunes National Park. Let me note here, Shannon was right, I should’ve filled up in Dowagiac. It was a much easier drive crossing borders as we were not as challenging since we were not driving in and out of downpours.

The Dunes were nice, we paid our fee and headed in to visit this part took photos of the Century of Progress Historic District and then the various beaches. It was interesting to see the buildings of Chicago across the lake. We drove around the Indiana state park of the dunes to the more western part and took more photos there.

Certainly worth spot a nice part of nature where it changes dramatically based on the how things merge together.

Afterwards we did our best to not spend any money in Indiana, and get to Illinois to fill up the tank. As a note, going to the dunes makes it less reasonable to hit the Joliet pathway, so we had to drive through Chicago. We got to the Chicago suburbs before I felt we had to stop and get petrol. This was shortly after the tank went from 41 miles left to under that last gallon. We filled the tank, ate at a lack luster place that we hadn’t heard of (was a chain, we didn’t know). And headed the rest of the way home.

We got home around 7 central, which would have been to late to pick up our cats, as we expected, so we unloaded and figured out what happened while we were gone.

One of the ‘energy” beverages that I was gifted after I stopped drinking them sprung a leak as we let the house heat up, as we were gone. I spent quite a while cleaning up the shelf, wall, cupboard, all the things it leaked on, behind that stuff, the floor.

I was able to run two loads of dishes of these things and then…the sink drain clogged.

I was worried that this might be a whole house clog, but it wasn’t, it was just the kitchen line.

I knew it was a Sunday so I waited for the next day to call the experts to get it cleared up (now fixed).

So we’ve got the rest of Monday to adjust back to real life. I got on my air bike today and am catching up on all the bills and etc. Most auto-pay, but, you know, tracking and stuff.

Some stats:

  • Average miles per gallon: 41.2

  • Miles traveled: 2092.7

  • Books Listened to

    • I am Spock, Leonard Nimoy

    • Still Just a Geek: An Annotated memoir, Wil Wheaton

  • Music

    • Tracks listened to: 276

    • Time: 16 hours: 59 Minutes

2022 - Week 28 Cooking

So unlike last time around when they were playing with poles, at least this time it was MidAmerican directly, rather then a sub or sub-sub contractor. It is still a bit unnerving to see playing with the pole before the pole that provides power to your house. So this is the new challenge of getting out of our street that our driveway is on.

2022 - Week 23 Cooking

We both have been cleared to "go back to work” while for me, that means if there is a reason to go to the office I can do that, but for Shannon her surprise “vacation,” is over and she went back to work. I was freed on Wednesday but continued til Friday, where I got petrol for the mower (outside) and picked up my Food Coop order (masked, cause they require it). Saturday we masked up and went to Hamilton and out to eat. I’m looking forward to grocery shopping today.

2022 - Week 21 Cooking Results

The original plan was to head down to Cedar Rapids this weekend and watch my niece and niece* graduate from high school and go to the parties the next day. This is not how the week worked out.

Shannon tested negative on antigen test on Sunday and Monday, but when in on Monday to get a PCR test and tested positive. From discussions with her manager, she was not the only one who brought this Covid home. When Shannon asked me how I was feeling to try to get an impression of my level of sickness, I honestly had to say I almost always feel not great, so at this time I felt lest not great. I tested negative on a antigen test on this past Wednesday, and then got tested w/ a PCR that afternoon, and also tested positive.

My primary care provider noticed the test result pop up, my doc is the best, and reached out to ask if I wanted to do the antiviral course. Initially I refused cause I wasn’t feeling to bad, but after discussion w/ my cohorts, changed my mind and accepted it. As of now I just finished day three (twice a day, 2 pills each time, i started in the evening) of five of the round of Paxlovid. Reading about the why that it works combining a drug to help the liver fight HIV/AIDS and then another that blocks the replication of Covid related protein, is kind of interesting.

My only side effect, is a annoying taste in my mouth, which was described as possibly metallic, but to me is more a combination of a penny, fresh dirt, and a new insight this morning, hangover mouth after drinking really shitty beer (No I didn’t drink last night). On the positive side, this is easily distracted by chewing gum or eating. So the only time I’m not doing one or the other is as I go to sleep or wake up.

As it stands, we’re mostly feeling fine, We both cough here and there, but unlike earlier in the week, for Shannon, where the amount of coughing made her wake up early, which is not a thing that normally happens. I worked the entire time, not cause I had to, since I’m remote. On Thursday I was a bit tired so I called it a day a mere 30-45 minutes early, I had already taken Friday off.

The sign I was on the mend, was when the idea of going to bed at 9:30-10:30 seemed absurd, as I’m a normally a wind down at 10:30.

We are taking the appropriate precautions, and I have ordered groceries for pickup, and I’ll break out an N95 to go pick them up and have them put them in my trunk.

Brats

Good as always.

Pancakes

Again, due to the amount of syrup we have, this will happen on the regular. I swapped back to the Cooks Illustrated version.

Taco Salad

Good things.

Penne with Red Pepper Pesto

I added more red peppers, red pepper flakes, Parmesan, and ricotta. It led to a savory spicy clerkly can taste the red peppers dish. Apparently I didn’t read the directions well as I a salted all the peppers. Since it is not yet tomato season, I used a can oaf diced tomatoes. I forgot to add the vinegar so I added a splash of champagne vinegar and stirred it in. I really enjoyed this, though I guess I didn’t really make the recipe but it is close-ish.

Fun with wires

Of the things that have been going on, the storm water drainage is taking a lot of attention lately. I am amazed at how things are going at times. For example Friday Morning they had tons of giant pipes on the street, and by Friday night, they were all gone. Underground? Moved elsewhere? Probably underground, but still.

As a new element was they are moving some power poles, because the next ingress point will be pretty close to across the street. I thought they were going to start this past Thursday moving wires from the old poles to new poles, so I warned co-workers that I might lose power. They didn’t actually start moving wires until Friday. I have been taking Fridays off, so this would be annoying but less problematic, I guess. It ended up not being a problem until my wife got home and noticed they had dropped some wires in the transfer. They were hanging over the dead end that the driveways of my house and the two others on our dead end.

Come to find out, the wire(s) that were down probably led to the neighbor that lives behind me. She’s in her mid 90s. She gets her land line phone service and DSL from the only game in town. After getting in a phone queue, due to actual wires blocking the street. I got on the web and walked through opening a ticket for her. The first day that they could get her was Tuesday. Mid 90s, no cell phone, Tuesday (4 days later).

I logged into my account to check what else I could do, then about 20 minutes into being on hold, I noticed a different number to call, and called that one (having one on in the background and another on in the foreground) at 35 minutes, once I started talking to a rep, I hung up on the first call, since it was still on hold. I chatted with the rep for a bit expressing that there are wires on the road, neighbor in 90s has no phone service, 3 households perhaps trapped.

So you are thinking, why do I think they are phone wires. Because they look like the phone wires that are going into my house (not that we use them).

I dropped the “how are we supposed to leave with wires across the road, to the farm dinner that we paid a lot of money for” at some point, but Monday was the earliest we could get them out.

After that, My next door neighbor left back to her house, and I went downstairs to try to internet shame them into coming out earlier.

It seems like this went into a slow response time frame, to keep me feeling like there is progress.

So for the phone time, submitting forms, not including internet shaming, 1 hour 15 minutes or so.

I kicked that off, then called MidAmerican. 8 minutes later I was off the phone, I told them I was pretty sure it was phone wire, more then once, That it was a sub contractor associated with the power movement related to the construction of the storm water pipes.

Somewhere between around 7 and around 10:30 (when Shannon went to bed) someone had come (probably MidAmerican) to clean up that wire from hanging down into the street. It’s now piled up to the side of the road.

So my plan is that when / if I get a call Monday, I’ll tell them to work on my 90’s neighbor for the purpose of getting her back with a phone. But Who knows how this is going to work out. I have been honest w/ the rep on Twitter DMs that the wires are cleaned up (ish), but reminded them that my neighbor is without a phone.