A little Depressing

My miss Fortune Cookie

No not really depressed, just a little bummed out about a few things. One of the other things to add to the list is, this is the second attempt to do a blog post. The first one the blog page went full derp on me. And when I tried to correct it, three para-     graphs disappeared along with 2 photos. Anyway on to my original post. It now gets dark at 5 o'clock, besides working 48 to 50 hours a week for the past two months. I guess I didn't have a post at all for October, when I get off work all I really want to do is veg out. It doesn't let me get out and meet someone new. I've been working on trying to establish new friendships. But nothing in the way of relationship material. One guy I can definitely cross off the the list. Is someone I met through a volunteer group  some 20 years ago. I thought maybe he was putting a vibe. I wasn't going to ask and go further if I wasn't sure. Could make for an uncomfortable scene if I was wrong. And again I could have sworn he was checking me out. Good thing I didn't go further turns he is seeing someone.

                                  Never Turns Out Well                             Its just as well, we don't travel in the same circles and only run into him at the gas station or grocery store. This is a photo of the guy, Tom is his name.

Add caption

Tom G

I would still like to be friends can't have too many. Just not sure how he would feel about it. Just as well like I said we don't cross path all that often.                                                           I need to tell all (well maybe not all) about my trip to Spo-ville aka Arizona this past Spring. I had a jolly good time visiting Spo and Someone in Phoenix. And I used the trip to visit other relatives in LA, and do a little sight seeing in Palm Springs,CA. I guess if you wish to be trendy one could say "The Springs" as it were. Also spent the first few days in June down in Tucson. Had more relatives and friends that lived there too. I took about 175 pictures so no shortage of photos to post. lol. I just hope I wasn't too much of a trying house guest. I would love to be a host for guests. But I really do not have the proper facilities at my house, ie guest bedroom with it's own bath-     room. And besides lets face it no one wants to stop for any reason in Nebraska!

Just A Shameless Plug For My State.

Good-Bye Jay In VA

Silent Key

I believe that we don't meet anybody by accident. And everyone crosses our path of a reason. I met Jay online through Ron's blog retired in Delaware. After reading Jay in VA for awhile, blog post subjects would be about Amateur (HAM) radio. And I ask him if he was a ham, he said that he was. That got me corresponding more with Jay because I'm a ham as well. Before I go any further I should explain. In ham radio circles a silent key is any ham radio operator who has past on. Whether said person know Morse code or not. It's a carry over from amateur radio from 100 years ago, I hope that clears that up.                                             Early last year Ron organizing Bloggerpalooza 2, I was going to go. Jay ask me if I wanted to tag a long. Save me the trouble of renting a car and driving unfamiliar streets and highways. I told him I've driven the big city before, I've been to Chicago, LA and Toronto. But hey then I wouldn't have a engaging tour guide. I received the royal treatment as soon as I got off  the plane at Richmond. Saw some sights and met another blogger, Kelly at the Continental for an early supper and a few adult beverages. The next day Thursday (3-13-14) We drove to Lewes, DE, and on the way up stopped a place he wanted to try out. The Burley Oak Brewery in Berlin, MD.  Jay wanted to get a photo of himself from out front so he gave me his camera and I took this picture.

Jay in VA in front of Burley Oak Brewery Berlin,MD March 13 2014

I think we all had a grand time in Delaware, and I told everyone that I've never been to Delaware before. But all too soon we all had to part ways. Jay had to be back at work Monday. We got back to Richmond after dark the Sunday. Jay asked if I wanted to try Legends Brew Pub. If I remember it's in Shockoe area of town.

Good food and good friends out of a bite and adult drinks

I could not believe how quickly that week went by, I just got there and already time to head back to Nebraska. But Monday morning an ice storm had moved into the area. The roads were becoming difficult to drive to say the least. Jay still had to head to work though be it 2 hours later. I had planned to spend a night in a motel near the airport and fly out Tuesday. I got a cheaper flight that way. Even with a extra night's stay in Richmond. And it was just as well because of the storm Monday most flights out of Richmond were cancelled. Even on Tuesday I was delayed getting out and back home to Omaha.   

You don't know what fun is until you have to clean the ice off windows of your car!

This was the last picture I took of our friend Jay. After we got going Jay and I were headed to prospective destinations. He was going to drop me off at the airport Marriott then Jay was going to work which as luck would have it was less than a mile from the airport. Jay let me out at the front doors of my hotel. Before we parted ways he gave me a big ol' man hug! Today was the celebration and memorial of our friend Jay or some knew him as Trey's life. It saddens me that I couldn't make it. He had a lot of ham buddies there I'm sure, when we get together stories of past QSO's ( ham radio  Q-code, communications via radio or in person) start flying. Our friend Jay aka N4PAT will be very much missed. ;-( 

Stirring Back To Life

                                Gene Leahy Mall, Omaha,NE                            I guess I've been out of the online loop as it were for a while. I guess I've got too many distractions, again life, work and family have taken up much of my time. And that leaves little of my time for online pursuits. Just one more thing to divide up my time is Facebook. I found it great to keep in touch with family and friends. But I don't want to share all my demons on Facebook. I'm more free to do so here on blogger because a tighter circle of followers. So just wanted to say Randy in NEB is still around, just basically lazy to post. One of my personal flaws that I have. I have read all the comments on my blog. And want to take the time to thank everyone who was nice enough to bother to leave a comment for me to read. Now I just need to be more proactive in blogging and visit my other blogger buddies, I love you all a lot.                           Saturday August 22 I'm leaving for the big city of Omaha,NE. I'm giving younger brother a ride to Omaha/Eppley airport. Daryl is flying to LAX to visit the same Aunt and cousins I did when I was in Arizona last late May/early June. And that's one other thing I haven't gotten around to, blogging about my trip to Phoenix and Casa de Harper. Again Spo and Someone are the perfect hosts! Anyway, when I go to Omaha Tomorrow I should bring my camera and take some pictures. There is lots to see there, or since I'll be close to the Old Market go to a couple of  gay bars, who knows. ;-)

Bored in Nebraska and trips taken in the past

Greetings, Yes, Randy is around and kicking.

  Just in case anybody was wondering I am still alive. Just not around the bloggosphere. Pretty much from my return from the valley of the sun (Arizona). I've been in a blue funk of sorts and out of sorts. I seems like yesterday I was visiting UrSpo and Someone with their pretty pup Harper. And now back in reality of the old routine. Also after the July 4 holiday weekend and having to return to work, things have been going down hill from there. All the rest of the month of July, I wake up with a different ache or pain. And with the start of this first week of August I've gotten very much worse. I can live in silence or make an appointment with the doctor. I need to go and see him anyway. Some physical needed for       our insurance at work type of thing. Making sure we're taking care of ourselves, aren't they nice to be thinking about us like that!                               Nothing new on the finding a partner department, still looking but not finding anyone. Maybe I just need to put myself out there more than I am. Small town life some people are not too happy about guys like me, gee I wonder why?   Something else is a milestone this week. Thirty years ago today is the day I got on a military charter aircraft to take me overseas to Osan AB ROK! ROK means the country of South Korea, just in case you didn't know. I remembered getting on a plane at the MAC terminal in Oakland,CA. And I left the states for one year. As I recall take off was about 1:00am PDT. Well I got to see Anchorage,AK though be it for 45 minutes. And I even had a stop in Yakota, Japan of an hour. Just long enough to grab some lunch. If I recall it was an AAFES burger and fries. Typical military snack bar fare. But my final destination was for air base in South Korea. Then later headed to my assignment with an Air Force unit (detachment) way up north but south of the famous north/south DMZ.

Osan AB,ROK from the air. With two F16s and two A10s 

Now that I've made a post this month. I endeavor to post more than once a month! 

Nice Long Weekend!

I really didn't do much drinking and blowing stuff up like a lot of people might have done this Forth of July weekend, I just had a nice quite 4 days off. Summer here in Nebraska is in full swing, just not as hot as in years past. But anyway I'm over buying fireworks and shooting them off. I prefer to let someone else spend money on things like that. One of the guys in our ham radio club, at our twice monthly breakfasts said he and his Dad shelled over $1500.00 for the bang boom pow. So there was no shortage of free shows to watch. Anyway some of my time off from work I enjoyed the nice weather outside. Like tonight I decided to go for an evening bike ride. Stop and visit with some friends. I got back a little while ago, I must say I worked up quite a sweat, it's not real hot night but very muggy. I took a post ride photo when I got in the house.

                     Not exactly proper bike clothes                           It was a spur of the moment bike ride, just to go out a mile or two. And ended up being about 8 miles.                                                                                     Now I think after the last 4 days off I might be ready to go back to work! I'me still looking for my ideal job, but haven't found it yet.

First Blog Post For June

Fez Restaurant & Bar, Phoenix,AZ

Hi! Yes I know June is almost over, but this is a 1st post in June. I've been sandbagging it something badly ever since I returned from visiting Spo and Someone in Arizona. I think it stems from my mild post vacation repression. And returning to work, going back to working ten hour+ days. I didn't feel much like blogging or much of anything else. I'm still here just not so much online.                                                             I wanted to say a lot of things this last 20 days, and never quite got around to doing it. I'd put off blogging and the longer I'd put it off the easier it got to do so. Summer is already here and this weekend it's gotten up 85f ! Not quite the 107f that it was in Phoenix. When I was down there a month ago. I really enjoyed my time with Michael & David my gracious and handsome hosts. I want to thank them for letting me stay with them for a few days I was in town. I do hope I wasn't too much of a trying house guest. I know it can be a lot of work having people over, even if it's just for a few days.

     My Two Hosts With The Most Michael & David  Thank You!            My First night in town we stopped at nice little bar - restaurant called Fez it's on Portland just off N. Central Ave. And was treated to dinner because it was my birthday the day before. I was informed that a cool front pasted thru Phoenix and the highs have only been in the mid nineties. That's why we had the chance to dine Al fresco also little to no wind.

Second Day in AZ- Day Trip Up To Sedona.                                                           Well this next week coming up is thankfully going to be a short week. With the July 4th holiday next weekend, my work gives us 2 & 3 July off. So still a four day weekend but there is still Monday looming some where out there to deal with. I wanted to take the whole week off but my boss said no dice, I'm needed at work. Oh well it's nice to be needed I guess.

Randy in NEB visit to Spo-land

Well a lot of things are happening at once this weekend. One it's my birthday Saturday, and tomorrow I leave to visit UrSpo in Arizona. Last month when I put in for vacation, the powers that be wanted even more hours From me at work. I guess to catch up for when I'm gone this next week. It happens before any holidays, work harder in order to get that extra day off. So most of my time was spent just eat, work, sleep, repeat. Not much time that I was ever online, maybe just to get travel info etc. I haven't been blogging much anyway so I kinda think nobody would really know that I was away. This last Saturday I took an out-of-town road trip to Omaha with someone I met a few years back we got to talking and found we had some things and likes in common. His name is Roy and he's about 5 years older than me, a nice enough guy but I don't think we will ever be BFFs.We had lunch at a Korean restaurant and did a little running around town. Checked out the mil. surplus places. I bought another old 50s GE TV off of Ebay the Thursday before. And since it was just North up I-29 I drove up to Sioux City,IA(120 miles) to pick it up. That Saturday I put about 325 miles on my 2003 Suzuki Aerio round trip and all. I had fun, but I think in some places my friend Roy was some what bored. And Sunday I'm going to Arizona, with all my travels I never got to Arizona or New Mexico, and I'll save NM for another trip. One more load of clothes needs to come out of the dryer and I can finish packing. Big travel day tomorrow. Some time ago I sent Spo this cartoon I came across I thought it was funny and I'm sure he did too. When I get back lots of material for blogging to do!

Arizona, it's the heat!

Bat(s) In The Belfry

 For those of you who may have suspected that I have bats in my belfry, you may be right. I don't know how he/she got in. But I found a bat flying around the ceiling light fixture in the spare room. That's the room where my computer is. I had just got done sending an email to UrSpo. When I noticed a shadow move across the wall. Luckily I was able to isolate the creature by closing the doors and hold it inside without flying through out the whole house. But some how my bat problem got in. After that I called the local cops, they weren't much help. I was informed that unless I had a pet, old person or child they wouldn't send out animal control. The dispatcher suggested I call a bat expert, but they're not on call 24/7 just during the week. I did eventual trap it, about 10 minutes later after getting off the phone with the police and Mr. bat guy's voice mail. I ventured back in the room with a kitchen broom that held said trapped bat. As luck would have it,  it landed on the side of a cabinet and I was able to swat it into a waiting cardboard box. I quickly hustled it outside, set the box on the ground. The bat still couldn't get out so I tipped the box on it's side. It crawled out did a few hops on the lawn and flew off some where into the night. Or should I say morning, this all happened about 2:45-3:00 am.  Now with any luck I won't see my bat or any of his friends again. I didn't get close to it so I doubt that I contacted hydrophobia.   

OMG I See Stupid People

This about says it, words fail me.

I saw this news story Wednesday, May 6 in the two biggest newspapers in the state. The Lincoln Journal-Star and the Omaha World Herald.          In the village of Auburn,Ne pop. 3460 in Nemaha county. Not that would mean anything to anyone who isn't from around here, just a little side info.

Auburn, S. of Omaha or S-E of Lincoln.

 This lady? is one of God's special followers has filed a special lawsuit in Omaha. So rather than me you tell it. I have a scan of the news article.        

                                      Her SEVEN page complaint is mostly bible verses and her own opinions.  Now I'm no lawyer, but the last I checked we don't live in a theocracy. Some of the attorneys I heard on TV discussing this lawsuit, could not find a legal precedent to bring a case. Nothing in case law or constitutional law, or even the merit of common sense. But then again even Nebraska has no shortage of morans (sic). And here is just another example of one of many. Maybe she'll get what Anita Bryant got, hit in the face with a creamie pie........Bwhahaha! I said creamie pie.                                                          As Dwayne the Cajun would say: so it goes.

The Earth Germs got Me

The Earth germs got me!

Just like the on NBC TV show that was on in the 80s. The character Alf catches a cold from the human family he is living with. Only Alf doesn't get better. He says the Earth germs got me. Just like I saw on the movie The War of the Worlds. I've had to deal with an invasion of the Earth germs. Ten days ago it started out as a Strep  throat and now is a sinus infection. So Tuesday I went to the doctor and received a prescription for ten days worth of antibiotics. And all the side effects that goes with taking them.   Through all of this I'm still working 50 hours plus overtime at work. Which leave little or no time to have any kind of social life. Maybe I'll meet a partner some day. They'll have to be a night owl just like me. Now I'm of to buy groceries, wish me luck in meeting some good looking hottie. ;-)  

Procrastination Me

This Pretty much sums up the the beginning of  every week

                                                                                                          If there is one thing I'm very good at it's procrastinating. Why do today when you can put off until tomorrow. I'm taking care of my procrastination issues: just you wait and see! I really what to do a blog post at least once or better yet twice a week. But it just doesn't seem to work out that way. At work all this month it's been go, go, go. Ten to 12 hour days have pretty much been the norm. When I do have any time to my self it's spent doing things I have to do around the house or around town. Or just veg out on the couch, I don't mean to forget about my blogger buddies. I'm afraid if I get on the web, and several hours pass and I'm late getting to bed. In the end I'm glad for the overtime, it's helping a lot to pay down some bills. And I'm saving for another grand adventure. I received an invite to visit Ur Spo down in Spo-ville. The times and details I'm still working out to make it work for both of us. It should be properly HOT when the time comes, not for a few more weeks most likely. And if I'm still working the overtime then. I might even take two weeks off. Besides the customary three days of vacation I always take the week of  Independence   Day.                                                                        Well it's starting to warm up here in the Central Plains. I've been out walking several times this past month. I should get the trek bike out oil up the chain and get out riding. I've always have some animal trying to chase me down. I need to build up my speed. At least it's not as bad as this guy! Well I'm glad I got a March blog post in, My real life is taking up too much of my online life Arrrggg! 

...and that's how I beat my old speed record!

March Into Spring?

My Frog Pal Wants You To Know I'm Still Here.

 Well I didn't want February to end with out at least one more blog post. For being the shortest month, it sure seemed long. We haven't had a break with the cold temps since winter started. Working all the overtime since I went back to work after the first of the year. I was on vacation for the last two weeks in December. I was pretty much sick with something that was going around. The one major thing that happened 2 months ago I went to my doctor for a check-up, because I hadn't been for a while (18 months). And while I was in his office he told me I had some patches on my face that looked suspicious. Doc said they might be pre skin cancer. I spent a lot of time in my late teens and twenties out in the sun. Mostly in Texas and Hawai'i, I got sunburned a lot! So now I'm paying for it. I really didn't think much of it at the time, at 21yrs who does when your young, dumb and full of....... your know ;-). Any way the good doctor prescribed Fluorouracil  cream to put on my face twice a day for six weeks. He said by week two I was going to hate him. I'm now off the stuff and my face is healing nicely. But I do have photos before and during when I was putting this acid etch on my face.

Just starting treatment

Manage To Survive Winter So Far.

Well I guess it's been  awhile since another blog post. Mostly just trying to get though winter. Starting back at work after a two week break (trial run at being retired) from before Christmas to after New Years. I spent most of January being sick in one form or another. And now for the past several weeks on 10-12 hour days overtime. But one thing I can say about my job. It pays for the two habits I've come to enjoy, eating and sleeping indoors. LOL. Now it's just been cold and colder so not doing much of any thing. I been wanting to work out more maybe go to our town's indoor pool and swim some laps. More than a few of you saw me in my speedo at Bloggerpalooza in Delaware last March. I was going to wear that and give all the old ladies that signed up for water aerobics a thrill. haha. But my work schedule just seems to be eat, sleep, work, etc. I just need to work harder at finding time to take it easy. One good thing is Winter is 2/3s over and it's all down on the way to Spring.

My feeling of Winter so far.

 

Saturday Night Dance Party

Saturday night dance party! OK I'm doing my own Randy in NEB. Saturday night dance party. If it looks like a cheap and shameless rip-off of blogger buddy Anne Marie's, it's because it is. I've been going threw old cassette tapes in boxes. And found some music I've forgotten about for nearly 25 years. So I looked online and found this song, it's a Canadian group recorded in 1991 Candi and the Backbeat. Instantly loved the song, oh and the key board player is very hot too. ;) So apologizes to Anne Marie for the shameless rip-off of your idea. How I'm feeling tonight. Sing like no one's listening. Dance like on one's watching. And shake your groove thang!

Leavin' On Airplane

Hey everybody just a quick post today. In honor of my friend Ron of Retired In Delaware and his friend Pat. I have one of many videos for or relating to vacations or travel for fun. This song I was playing when flying to Delmarva last March. Traveling is fun, nice to get away. But it's sometime nicer so much nicer to come home as well.

Throwback Thursday 01/01/15 !

Just Me trying to be Ur Spo's Friend Fearsome Beard.

I had this photo in one of my other cameras all the way from January of '08, before blogging. I thought it might give a few of you a laugh or chuckle. From time to time over the Nebraska winters I'd grow my beard out. Starting after Labour Day (spelling there just for Ron's friend Pat). And would do a clear cut, mustache as well after Easter. My beard is quite red, or ash as my Grandmother called it. And I didn't even know it grew out red, that is until I had a PCS move to a new duty station when I was still in the Air Force. I was on leave (vacation) for 21 days so I decided not to shave that entire time. I never knew I had a red now grayish beard. Over the Christmas holidays I found an other theme cartoon for Dr. Spo. He sure seems to be a jolly good sport. It gave me small chuckle and even printed a few out to put on friends Christmas gifts. Friends or want to be friends mentioned in my older post

For My Dear Friend Dr. Spo.