It's raining again

Another day, another downpour.

It's been raining for the last few days, on and off. Some of those storms have been really nasty. Friday night there was a lightning storm that lasted a good 45 minutes. Some torrential downpours. There was another just a little bit ago.

At least they can't talk about drought here for a bit.

I said there was some things going on that I couldn't talk about yet last week. Well, I can now...but not here. That Singular place has the story.

I'm not comfortable posting it here in the all-access blog, sorry. Feel free to pop over there (as long as you've got permission) to see what's going on.

Otherwise...it's just another day.

What is this "weekend" everyone tells me about?

Since I've gone "off the clock", the concept of "the weekend" has become somewhat strange. When you're not working during the week, what's so special about the weekend?

To me, the weekend is a pain in the butt. There's more people out and about, in the stores and on the roads, getting in my way. During things "during the week" is much better. Quieter, more peaceful, more tranquil.

Oh, well.

I miss Julie. I really miss being with her. It's not easy on either of us, but...all I know is that when we are together, it's so worth it. I don't need to do anything when I'm with her, other than spending the time with her. I'm content to just sit and relax or walk the dog or go for a drive in the country with her.

I'll see her soon. It'll be good seeing her, waking up next to her in the morning, sharing quiet moments and little things. I smile a lot when I'm with her...smile a lot thinking about her...so it's all good.

A few things happened this week that I'm not ready to talk about publicly just yet. Depending on a few things, I hope to talk about them sometime next week.

Last night, one of the most impressive storm systems blew through here. It was a constant lightning show for, at the very least, 45 minutes. Power kicked off a few times only to come back on (but off long enough to screw up a couple clocks).

It was comfortable earlier this week, with the highs in the upper 70's, but before the storm hit town last night, temperatures went up and so did the humidity. I had the A/C off as long as I could before the house got intolerable. It's on now, and it's comfy in here.

My Dish Network receiver's on the fritz. The picture slides over to one side and it's constantly fuzzy. It's the HDMI port...same thing happened before...but when I tried to explain to customer service that I already diagnosed the problem and just needed a new receiver, they insisted on sending a tech out to the house.

Thankfully, the tech called me before coming out. I told him I did the legwork and diagnosed the problem. He concurred with my diagnosis and put in the RMA for a new receiver. Should be here Monday.

Other than that, there's not much going on. I'll wish you all a "happy weekend", but for me, it'll just be another day...

George Carlin, RIP

Woke up this morning to some very sad news.

George Carlin died yesterday.

He went to the UCLA Medical Center complaining of chest pain and died from a heart attack there.
He was 71.

I've a soft spot in my heart for comedians, and for those who make you think especially. He was one of those...going from counter-culture comedian to someone who actually said shit to make you think.

He will be missed.

The ironic thing was...XM Radio's uncensored comedy channel ran a special on him yesterday afternoon. It was a good listen, a good interview. It's well worth downloading, and can be found here as a podcast. (If you don't like or have iTunes, I recommend Juice.)

He taught me one thing. There are no bad words, just bad context.

193

Julie and I were talking earlier today, and she wondered why I hadn't blogged in the past few days. Apparently, she's been checking here daily, looking to see if I've said something (I have no idea why), and I haven't posted since Wednesday.

There are things I could write about, but I'm not ready to talk about publicly, either here or in that Singular spot. When the time's right, I'll reveal 'em here. Just not yet.

I am sitting here listening to Three Dog Night. When I was with Julie last, their song "Out in the Country" was going through my head (I have no idea why), and when I get a song stuck in my head like that, I cannot rest until I find the CD.

No, not a digital download. The CD. I've ranted about why CDs (or vinyl, for that matter) is far, far, far superior to shudder digital, and if you haven't seen it yet, or wonder why, here's one reason. I also did a podcast on The Loudness War, which is really ironic, since I'm talking about how I dislike compressed, crappy sounds...in a compressed, crappy podcast.

But right now, Three Dog Night, as I said, is blaring out my speakers as I watch storm clouds gather overhead. No, it's not a metaphor, it's the weather. There's been thunderstorms here in the afternoon and evening for the past few days.

Speaking of which, I just had to go upstairs and shut the windows. There was a drop in pressure, a cool and strong wind blowing through the house, and those things usually mean it's gonna pour any second. But I digress...

Earlier tonight, while dining at my favourite eating establishment, I was watching the traffic go by and just enjoying the moment. This is something that my ladylove doesn't understand about me, I think. I've eaten alone many times. Watched movies alone. Gone places, gone on vacation, alone.

I think it's a good thing that there are aspects about ourselves that the other doesn't "get" just yet. We're so alike in many ways, but in others, we're different, and I like that. I like trying, sometimes, to understand those differences and celebrate them.

I know Julie loves me, and she's beginning to understand me, at least I hope she is.
I do love her, and I do miss her terribly.

No rain yet. I think I'll shut up now, go get a drink, go into the living room, listen to some more Three Dog Night and wait for the rain...

Wednesday morning, 8:30AM CDT

I'm leaving DeKalb today.

Julie's at work as I type this. She's been working half-days since she got the clearance to go back to work a week and a half ago. I must say this has been a good week, even though she drove me so crazy the first day I was out here, I almost packed my stuff back up and went home the next day.

Like I said to her the other day, however, I'd rather be crazy with her than without her.

We had a good time. Went down to visit our friend, Kathy, in Joliet and saw Chicagoland Speedway. It was a cool place, and I swear my ladylove thought she'd died and gone to heaven. If we'd ran into Dale Earnhardt Jr., then she would've sworn it was Heaven and it'd be "Eric who"?

I'm only half-joking about that one.

I told you before we went to Chicago on Saturday, and Sunday was a nice day to relax. Monday and Tuesday, we went for a couple little drives, watched a movie (The Bucket List...excellent film, if you haven't already seen it) and putzed around this small and oh-so flat town.

In a few short hours, it'll be farewell hugs and kisses, moments of not wanting to let go but knowing we have to for now, and "see you soon". It's never goodbye, I told her after my first visit, but rather "see you soon".

I go back to Pittsburgh today, but my home is with her. My heart is with her.

Jeez...

I was only kidding about the gift thing, folks. LOL

While visiting The Journal of Onestar

I'm still in Dekalb with my ladylove for a couple more days.
I just wanted to make sure everyone noticed the cool things I have here on my page.

Make sure to check out the other blogs I have linked here. Most of you already know they're there (because you visit me from your own pages), but there are some excellent blogs that aren't friends, but are still worth checking out like Post Secret, or I Found Your Camera.

I've added a slideshow of my flickr photos. I've been posting to flickr a lot recently, so you'll find my latest shots there.

And, yes, my Amazon wish list is included there, in case you feel like giving me a gift.

There's also a link to my local weather (well, local when I'm in The Burgh), and a link to the podcast website (which I will be updating sometime soon.

Oh, and I'll be adding a link to my YouTube videos very soon (if not right after I finish this).

Yeah, it's one-stop shopping for all things me. What more could you ask for?

Chicago

Julie and I went to Chicago today.

Talk about a really good day.

We walked everywhere. Didn't go up Sears Tower (I didn't feel like waiting an hour to go to the top), went to Wrigley Field (didn't go in, much to my love's confusion, but I was happy to just see the place in person), went to get a real Chicago deep dish pizza at Gino's.

The best part of the day, I think, was at the Navy Pier. Cool place. We rode the ferris wheel, walked to the end of it, looked at stained glass in a stained glass museum...

Took a lot of pictures. Walked a lot. I'd tell you more, but it's late and I'm getting tired, as as my love will attest, I will be snoring soon.

More later, kids.

Early morning, Dekalb style

Okay, so 9:18AM isn't exactly "early morning", but it's still quiet here at Julie's house. The kids are still asleep in bed (ah, to be a teenager on Summer vacation again...well, okay, so I'm 40 and on a different sort of Summer Vacation), and it's just me, Kadie and Rico. Bob is somewhere around here, but I haven't seen him this morning.

Got in yesterday afternoon, and it was wonderful to be back here. My love is tired...going back to work after being off for so long, having to get up in the wee hours of the morning isn't helping...but I think she's happy to see me here. At least I hope she is.

The drive over wasn't too bad. Seemed there were more than a few state police cars on the interstate than usual, but that was all right. I obeyed the limits (for the most part) and got here in about 8 and a half hours. Not too shabby.

The night before, a friend of mine and I went out to the mall. The folks from Amber Forever Amber, my friends Don and Fran, were at one of the local malls, and my friend wanted to meet them.

For those of you who've seen my rings, you know they make the best. They do their own settings, cut their own stones, and their craftsmanship is top notch.

I was looking over their rings (as I am wont to do), and something new caught my eye...



I looked at it for a few seconds before realizing...it was a zero and a one! It was binary! BINARY!

The geek in me knew I must have it, and they were extremely pleased that I got it. Their son designed it, and they said he'd be pleased to know the person who got it understood the meaning.

So I've got my geek ring, I'm with my lady, and I'll likely be offline for a bit. Julie's got stuff for us to do...she wants us off our respective computers...and I have no problem with this. It'll be interesting doing things in a "real" world, but y'know what? These computers ain't all they're cracked up to be anyway...

See ya soon, kids.

P.S. There's a kid update over at that other place. You know the routine: If you can get it, you get it. If not, sorry.

Steak on a Hot Tin Plate

This was taken at Cousino's Steakhouse in Oregon, Ohio, just outside of Toledo.



That...is one hot plate.

Written Now for Tomorrow

The following is written for...tomorrow. For whomever. My family. My caregiver. Maybe my wife. I'm writing it today so I won't have to write it later.

Please note that I'm not going to hurt myself or die tomorrow or anything like that. It's just...read on and you'll understand.



To whomever finds this, understand that you have my deepest sympathies. You have the most unenviable task of going through my personal effects, my clothing, my memories...everything that made me, well, me.

By now I've have passed away, left the boundaries of this mortal world and my soul has begun it's journey to the final destination...or maybe it's first steps into a better world. It's not for me to say while I write this because, like you, I am among the living.

Neither weep nor fret for me. I've got it easy. It's you, gentle reader, who has the hard part. You're still alive and possibly smarting from my loss. Or maybe not. I don't know who'll find this missive as I write this at the tender age of 40.

See, I'm writing this today because you are doing what I have already done, and that's gone through the personal belongings of someone else.

I've spent part of this day going through my mother's belongings. Even though, as I type this, she still lives, she's not going to need these things again. She's been in a nursing home nearly two years, and when she's not there, she's in the hospital, getting weaker and weaker with each visit.

Even with her strength, I doubt she'll have too much left in her, so rather than wait, I'm at least going through her things, seeing what she has, what I should donate, what I should give, and what I should merely toss.

The pain I feel now is likely the same pain you're feeling, and for that, I am so, so very sorry. It is not easy, this process, of going through the things that belonged to someone we knew, someone we loved, and deciding...what do I do with it all?

They've no use for it where they're going. They don't need the scrapbook photos of Grace Kelly or the French magazine brought back to them as a souvenir years ago, or clothing so old and used that the buttons are held on with safety pins. (I cannot help but wonder if you know what half those words mean, reading this whenever you do. Of course, the point is moot. Those ideas are likely as dead as I am, now.)

I wonder if you'll feel the same things as I have, going through her clothes. I knew full well the pockets would be full of handkerchiefs...she always had one in the pocket of her skirts.

I wonder if you'll have the same pain when you try to decide what to do with old photos, or look at marvel at newspapers clippings, some older than you, or will you just shrug your shoulders and toss them into the garbage (or the laser recycler).

I wonder if you'll feel the same tears well up in the corner of your eyes as you find some memento, some little thing, that you gave me as I've found such things that I gave her years ago.

Little memories. Moments from a life. What meaning do they serve? They're just things, aren't they?

Or are these keepsakes, things that provoke an almost Pavlovian response in us, triggers that we cannot help but obey?

If you're feeling half the pain I feel this day, whomever you are, then know that I wish I could give you the hug I so badly need right now.

Unless you're just a stranger, someone with no ties to any of my shit, at which I say sell what you can and trash the rest.

A Singularity Update

If you've got the permission, head over to Singularity Point for an update.

If not...sucks to be you.

Reminiscing, Part Two

Sunday morning, we slept in. I won't go into details (it's nothing sexual, you pervs, get yer minds outta the gutter), but that morning was beautiful. Julie knows what I'm talking about, and that's all I have to say.

We decided early on to check out, go to the museum, and then head our separate ways. What she didn't know was that I intended to surprise her with flowers...I bought her a potted plant with daisies.

We asked the clerk at the hotel to watch the daisies and we'd get them later, since we left my car at the hotel anyway. The clerk said sure, but they might be gone when we get back 'cause she loved daisies too. ;)

Breakfast was at Bob Evans. Good food, sitting across from each other, enjoying each others company, and just being happy.

We headed back downtown to the Toledo Museum of Art. One of the things that we both wanted to see was their glass museum, since we both love cut glass.

Once again, Julie was amazed at how empty town was. Still didn't surprise me. ;)

Now, Julie will say that I give bad directions because I told her to turn left at the last second, but I was aware that there were no cars nearby, so it was perfectly fine. Don't believe her. It was fine. ;)

The museum was really cool. She wanted me to take pictures for her daughter, but I couldn't shoot some of the modern pieces. Copyright restrictions, which I understand totally. After working for years in a library enforcing copyright law, I can respect it.

Thankfully, it was only the modern pieces that I couldn't shoot. The older ones, PD pieces, were fine as long as I didn't use the flash. Took a bunch of pictures as we walked through the galleries, looking at masterpieces (no Napoleon though) and having a good time.

Of course,the first gallery we stopped in was the gift shop. ;) Julie saw a heart-shaped glass paperweight that she fell in love with, so I had to get that for her, while I got myself and her pins from the museum. I asked them to hold the package for her until later, and they not only did, they wrapped it in the cutest bow. It was nice.

We walked across the street to the glass museum and right into a glass blowing demonstration. Watching someone blow glass is so bloody cool...Julie was enthralled. We talked to the woman who was giving the demo afterwards, and Julie asked how they made cracked glass, and she said that was in the next presentation! Well, you knew we had to stay for the next show...

They pieces they make during the demonstrations, they put up for sale in their cafe, and I admit, one of them caught my eye. I think Julie would love to have had it for herself (she said she had a place already set aside for it), I brought it home with me...



The second show, they made a lovely red vase, and the presenter almost forgot to show how they made it cracked! She did, and to this lovely light red vase added a gold drizzle...especially for Julie. She's going to contact the museum to get it for herself, since they made it especially for her, and I can't wait to see her get it. The look in her eyes when they were making it...it's special.

We wandered around the museum a bit more before calling it a day and headed back. Stopped at a Big Boy (I didn't know they were still around!) for lunch, while I gave her a copy of all the photos I'd taken over the weekend. We sat there, talked a little more, looked into each others eyes on occasion, and just said how wonderful this weekend was.

Back at the hotel, we hugged, kissed, got her daisies, put my vase in my car, hugged and kissed a little more, and then took off on our separate ways.

We were texting and calling each other on occasion when the nursing home called me. Seems The Kid was having trouble eating and breathing during dinner, and because there's a DNR on file with her, they had to see what I wanted to do. I said to call the doctor, get her to the ER at least, and let them take a look at her.

Toledo to Greensburg, PA in three and a half hours. The speed limit might've been broken once or twice.

Got to the hospital and she was in the ER, with a machine that was literally forcing air into her lungs. They said it might force the "bad air" out of her, but it looked like something Darth Vader would wear, I swear.

Stayed with her until about midnight. Got home, talked to my cousin, then crashed.

It might've ended on a sad note, but this weekend was amazing. Julie and I both agree, it was wonderful. I miss her already...but I know we'll have more weekend like this in the years to come.

When I know more about The Kid, I'll pass it along.

Reminiscing

So now that I've been home for a day, I can sit back and write more about an amazing weekend.

Getting to Toledo (like I said the other day, who would've thought there's such a thing as a romantic getaway weekend in Toledo?) for me was no problem. Weather was nice, drive was good. 250 miles in 4 and a half hours, easy. At least the drive was easy.

After I got there, I had a scare. My cell phone fell and hit the floor of the bathroom, and it died. For all the drops it'd taken and not died, it had to die then and there. (Murphy was somewhere laughing his fool head off.) Thankfully, the very helpful clerk at the hotel found me an AT&T store, drove over there, and got my sleep RAZR replaced with a...phone. Leave it at that.

For Julie, it wasn't quite so much fun. She went through some really bad thunderstorms (saw the video and it was nasty), but she made it in one piece, thank goodness. Would've been an entirely different weekend if she hadn't.

She got in late, so we just grabbed a bite to eat at the Applebees near the hotel. Went back to the room to relax.

Saturday morning, we had breakfast at the hotel before we went to the Zoo. Now, this is where I have to give serious props to the Sleep Inn and Suites in Toledo. For a "free" continental breakfast, they put out quite a spread. They've got a waffle maker! No matter where you go in the hotel in the morning, all you smell are waffles. It was great! Got Julie her Orange Juice (the second trip...had mine on the first one) and bagel and we got ready to go to the Zoo.

Julie was excited to go to the zoo and I must admit, it's the first time I'd been to a zoo since I was 10, I swear. Despite the fact that Pittsburgh has a world-class zoo, I never go there.

The zoo was easy to find (she found it, I was along for the ride looking at everything), and we got there shortly before it opened. We walked through a little park, holding hands, looking at the mighty Maumee River while we waited. Talked to a few people while they fed the ducks. Nice and quiet.

When the zoo opened a few minute later, we were some of the first people in the place. Checked out their aquarium first, sharing kisses on occasion while we looked at the fishies.

The butterfly exhibit was next, and while it was an extra charge, it was worth it. Julie was hoping a butterfly would land on her and I kept taking her picture while we walked through there, careful not to step.

I should note that I took some 400+ pictures and videos this weekend. Might even share one or two of them. ;)

The rest of the zoo was cool. Polar Bears (her favourite), Cheetahs, Elephants and Rhinos. They had a lot of stuff, and we spent hours there. It was fun, and we just walked and looked and held hands and just loved being there and with each other.

After leaving, we cruised around Toledo for a bit (she was amazed that the streets were empty...didn't shock me too much, since most small towns are like that, empty on the weekends, as the folks just go into town for the workweek), and chilled at the hotel until dinner. Julie said a good steak dinner would be good, so I checked with the same incredibly helpful clerk and she recommended Cousinos, a nearby place.

Nice little restaurant, not formal (which works for both of us), and the food? INCREDIBLE!

We both had Filet Mignon, but they served them on metal plates...incredibly hot metal plates.

Julie's medium steak was still raw, so she sent it back. When the waitress returned it, they must've cooked the steak right there on the plate! It was done...and it was so hot, when I dropped an ice cube on the plate, it evaporated in a second, literally.

Yes, there's a video of it, and yes, it will be posted to Youtube later.

After dinner, we were full. After a quick trip back to the hotel, we decided to go to the lake. I didn't bring my laptop...I'll wait while you pick your collective jaws up off the floor...but Julie did, so we google'd directions and took off.

Got to the lake in time to watch a beautiful sunset, arm in arm, and kiss as the sun went down.

Cruised around Toledo and the outskirts in search of ice cream, checking out Pickle street's detour (private joke) and stopping at Deb's Soft Serve for some good ice cream before calling it a night.

That's Friday and Saturday, and that's enough for now. I'll save Sunday for another day. ;)

Just another Manic Monday

Monday morning. 10:35AM.

Back in the 'Burgh.

I left Friday afternoon for a wonderful weekend away with my ladylove. We decided only a few days before to take a weekend and meet (roughly) halfway between our respective home.

So, you're asking, what exotic destination is the halfway point? Toledo, Ohio.

Yes, we spent the weekend in Toledo, Ohio. I know, you're amazed. It ranks right up there with the best, most romantic vacation destination out there: Paris. Tahiti. Bora Bora.

Toledo.

The details of the weekend...some are public and I'll share them with you another time. Some are VERY personal and there's no way I'm going to tell you about them, here or anywhere.

Let's just say that we had a wonderful time. It was pretty much perfect (minus some interesting moments), but it didn't matter.

My love and I were together. We walked, we shared, we dined...we loved.

It was wonderful.

I'm now back home. The Kid's in the hospital again, aspirated again, and possible infection from pneumonia. They called me on the trip home, telling me she wasn't able to talk and gurgling. Got her to the emergency room, and I was there shortly thereafter.

Didn't get home until 1 in the morning, pretty much, but...the end of the weekend was a little rough, but it didn't take the smile from my face and the love in my heart that I had from spending it with Julie.

I love you, baby.

* She's the most beautiful woman on the planet in my opinion. You're not going to be able to change my mind, so don't try. And no, I don't think Angelina Jolie's more beautiful.