Think I had an entry yesterday, should have made it. Oh the twisted strange road I've been on. Ugh. Twisted? No not that word. Wow and I cannot think of anything.
Last 2 or 3 weeks have been filled with little to no sleep; nightmares; constant fighting. Culminating in a realization. I am going to loose everything, probably. I need to come up with a 3 month plan. Let's start at last night.
Sister and Brother in Law got me involved with his family and the Trust situation. I believe I've mentioned that I see his siblings point on a few issues. Most importantly where the Hell the $6000 went this past Fall.
I am now broke, I'm going under and that is that. They're under and have been under. Sister has sat on paper work for social security and disability since October. Excuse upon excuse as to why it wasn't done.
So I sat in on the 4 way call last night. I think the idea was that I would be person to make his brother and sister see his point. Couldn't be more wrong.
Firstly their tone was of that to a child. In regards to him. And he answered like one. They wanted to know what was being done about the paper work. He gave lame duck excuse after lame duck excuse. I got my say in.
Explaining the mess as best I could, saying this was why I got involved. He gave one answer that pretty much pissed his brother off. His brother is my brother in law's favorite. The quote was that if what my brother in law said than he was done. A lovely vague threat.
They tried to strong arm me about the lawyer situation and getting his name on the deed. I didn't say it, but there may be no point to it. I may just loose it all anyway.
I made assurances that items would be done. I expressed that we didn't have money to pay the bills this month and it would be sketchy for the next 3. I was cut off. No money until they have proof the paper work was filed.
On the one hand I can admire this. It is a very gangster thing I suppose. On the other hand it is purely cold blooded. I mean what the Hell is a trustee. I can see my brother in law is terrible with money. I even explained to them I saw their point. Even by saying that I'd offered to sit down with my brother in law to get an accounting of where that first batch went.
But can they actually just cut them off. And let's not forget that the reason they're doing this supposedly is to protect him. They are playing a very nasty game and we shall see what happens.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Stress?
It's about 2:30 Monday morning. I'll try to get back to sleep after this. A very stress filled weekend.
Wound up taking $20 more out of my savings and $50 out of the house for food. Didn't help to much. Brother in law is stressed beyond belief. Sister asked what happened between us. I said a small matter.
She wound up telling me he felt he wasn't contributing enough and that I was about to kick him out of the house. Oh that wouldn't do at all, I mean kick out the only other income? Really.
When I finally spoke to him it was the other way. He'd had a talk with my sister. She's been doing little to nothing. She's sat on her disability paper work since October. He's fed up. He's really considering just walking out. Part of me doesn't blame him. Part of me calls him a coward.
I spoke to my sister. She started some paper work. Then they found out that the social security paper work had passed. The deadline for information was Dec. 13. Hello February.
I don't have money to pay either my bills or the house bills this month. Shall be fun. Oh yes and the phone call. Never happened.
His brother and sister said they'd call Sunday. No time given or any such consideration. I made dinner. Everyone ate. Sister felt ill and could not continue paperwork. I knew that would happen but just didn't want to believe it.
Went to bed around 9, was tired. Was up by 11:30, it's 2:30 now. Been having some odd nightmares lately. Dog woke me up to go outside. Sort of. Can't really explain that one well. I was having a dream where I had to identify dogs. In my half wake state I kept seeing silhouettes in my doorway. Finally roused from my sleep it was the dog.
I did some cleaning up in the kitchen. Half cussing myself for letting so much go. There was a time where I'd been ready to just up and leave with all my possessions. No so now. I've spread out like them. And this house is atrocious. So I'm directing my energy to cleaning for the next 3 months. Think we may last just that long.
Tomorrow I'll probably just have some light post, seems how I go no? Oh well...
-later
Wound up taking $20 more out of my savings and $50 out of the house for food. Didn't help to much. Brother in law is stressed beyond belief. Sister asked what happened between us. I said a small matter.
She wound up telling me he felt he wasn't contributing enough and that I was about to kick him out of the house. Oh that wouldn't do at all, I mean kick out the only other income? Really.
When I finally spoke to him it was the other way. He'd had a talk with my sister. She's been doing little to nothing. She's sat on her disability paper work since October. He's fed up. He's really considering just walking out. Part of me doesn't blame him. Part of me calls him a coward.
I spoke to my sister. She started some paper work. Then they found out that the social security paper work had passed. The deadline for information was Dec. 13. Hello February.
I don't have money to pay either my bills or the house bills this month. Shall be fun. Oh yes and the phone call. Never happened.
His brother and sister said they'd call Sunday. No time given or any such consideration. I made dinner. Everyone ate. Sister felt ill and could not continue paperwork. I knew that would happen but just didn't want to believe it.
Went to bed around 9, was tired. Was up by 11:30, it's 2:30 now. Been having some odd nightmares lately. Dog woke me up to go outside. Sort of. Can't really explain that one well. I was having a dream where I had to identify dogs. In my half wake state I kept seeing silhouettes in my doorway. Finally roused from my sleep it was the dog.
I did some cleaning up in the kitchen. Half cussing myself for letting so much go. There was a time where I'd been ready to just up and leave with all my possessions. No so now. I've spread out like them. And this house is atrocious. So I'm directing my energy to cleaning for the next 3 months. Think we may last just that long.
Tomorrow I'll probably just have some light post, seems how I go no? Oh well...
-later
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Saturday's coffee
In the middle of my first cup of the day. Sun is shinning through the window and skylight. Ahh coffee....you tell me all is well with the world. At least for the moment.
I've no plans at all this weekend. Save that I spend as little as possible. Money is still extraordinarily tight. I've given thought about going to the local food bank. If it comes to that. I always say when I donate I'll be there to collect one day. Who knows, maybe the day is soon to pass.
No idea how to do food shopping tomorrow. I've nothing. Huge bills on my Credit Card from previous trips. They've nothing. I could take from the house but there is little in there even. Then there's tomorrow night.
The conference call with brother and sister. I simply cannot wait for that. I will admit this to you, I don't see much of a change for me. As I have stated I live within my means. If I had $200 bucks a weekend then I'd have $400 saved. But that's me not them.
I need to explain to them tomorrow what I'm willing to buy. Food. No soda, they like 2 mountain dew six packs. No $6 box of doughnuts. None of it. This needs to stop. They're going to think on the breakfast run. I've eggs, milk, bacon, and pancake mix in the house. I think they'd be able to think of something.
Last night was typical. Let's see my sister called me at work again. Anxiety attack, I offered to stay on the phone and talk her through it. The root cause came out. She was out of smokes could I leave early to pick them up for her? The answer was no.
See the idea is to get there before brother in law. This way he doesn't know. After I came home I warned her this was the last time. Long story short the topic of dinner came up. Of course they wanted take out. I had pasta that I made the previous night.
Sister wanted meatballs with a side of fettucini alfredo. I was like WTF! He in his maddening desire to appease her checked the bank account. Found that I'd taken $20 out. She said for mountain dew.
Well then it became a lesson in stupidity. He said okay 2 dews might be $5 where's the rest of the money. She claimed to have given it to me. Oh that won't do. He asked me. Wish he would have asked the obvious question. That would have been, where's the other $10. Oh well. She wound up having rice krispies for dinner. Think he heated up some of the left over pasta and had some. I mean I made a full pound damnit, it's going to be eaten.
That paragraph above is ugly and I'm sorry. The point is there was still $10 left unaccounted for and he couldn't put it together. Those are the moments I feel bad for him. Though I'm glad no one went out to buy food.
It's going to be tight. I really don't know if I have enough money to pay the house bills this month. Let alone mine. We'll see. Tomorrow night should be interesting. As for today.
Today is sunny out.
-later
I've no plans at all this weekend. Save that I spend as little as possible. Money is still extraordinarily tight. I've given thought about going to the local food bank. If it comes to that. I always say when I donate I'll be there to collect one day. Who knows, maybe the day is soon to pass.
No idea how to do food shopping tomorrow. I've nothing. Huge bills on my Credit Card from previous trips. They've nothing. I could take from the house but there is little in there even. Then there's tomorrow night.
The conference call with brother and sister. I simply cannot wait for that. I will admit this to you, I don't see much of a change for me. As I have stated I live within my means. If I had $200 bucks a weekend then I'd have $400 saved. But that's me not them.
I need to explain to them tomorrow what I'm willing to buy. Food. No soda, they like 2 mountain dew six packs. No $6 box of doughnuts. None of it. This needs to stop. They're going to think on the breakfast run. I've eggs, milk, bacon, and pancake mix in the house. I think they'd be able to think of something.
Last night was typical. Let's see my sister called me at work again. Anxiety attack, I offered to stay on the phone and talk her through it. The root cause came out. She was out of smokes could I leave early to pick them up for her? The answer was no.
See the idea is to get there before brother in law. This way he doesn't know. After I came home I warned her this was the last time. Long story short the topic of dinner came up. Of course they wanted take out. I had pasta that I made the previous night.
Sister wanted meatballs with a side of fettucini alfredo. I was like WTF! He in his maddening desire to appease her checked the bank account. Found that I'd taken $20 out. She said for mountain dew.
Well then it became a lesson in stupidity. He said okay 2 dews might be $5 where's the rest of the money. She claimed to have given it to me. Oh that won't do. He asked me. Wish he would have asked the obvious question. That would have been, where's the other $10. Oh well. She wound up having rice krispies for dinner. Think he heated up some of the left over pasta and had some. I mean I made a full pound damnit, it's going to be eaten.
That paragraph above is ugly and I'm sorry. The point is there was still $10 left unaccounted for and he couldn't put it together. Those are the moments I feel bad for him. Though I'm glad no one went out to buy food.
It's going to be tight. I really don't know if I have enough money to pay the house bills this month. Let alone mine. We'll see. Tomorrow night should be interesting. As for today.
Today is sunny out.
-later
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Thursday
Woke up dragged a comb across my head....wait.....no I didn't. Not the worst day I suppose. I missed the gym because I needed gas. Knew I'd have to go to price club for coffee after work. Was supposed to be the night that we spoke to his family about money.
Sister was in bad shape with chemo sickness. Felt bad leaving her but had little choice. At this point I don't get paid either for taking off. Sucks.
Work. What can I say. Part of it is that time of year. Review time. I can't stand it. I can't stand hearing stuff about me. Which is odd. Considering that this blog is all about me. Oh well. They're really giving over on my manager. We practically run the department. Higher ups ruling from up high.
Was busy at least. Made myself take a lunch break. Something I promised myself I would do. Just take some time and relax. Even if it's only 15 minutes. Left about 5. We're in the when will it go away stage of snow. It's funny that my manager considers it that too.
The 3 stages. Oh damn it looks wonderful. Then it's damn it looks dirty. And the final, when will it go away. I'm hoping we're done with it.
Hit price club, parking was an utter disaster. Really have no complaints. Starting with the time of my CHF I've had great luck parking after work. Not so tonight. All the snow piles. No one willing to walk to far. I saw cars parked almost sideways. I parked in the second lot and walked. Wasn't bad. What did I need? Coffee.
Got home about 6:30, they were both asleep. I put water on for pasta and let the dog out then in. I knew something was up as I emptied the dishwasher. At some point as I was talking to the dog, she was sticking unusually close to me, she barked. Not the I want out, or give me what you're cooking. This was a discernible aggravated bark. Then I realized what it was.
I woke the brother in law. Nope he hadn't fed her. I poured what little was left, by turning the food container upside down into her bowl. She gratefully inhaled it. I knew then I'd have to go back out and buy her food. More money just great.
Sister couldn't stomach the idea of pasta. Made a whole damned pound darn it. She's been having chemo sickness. If you don't know it then good for you. Gave her Rice Krispies for dinner. Think it stayed down. Back out the door for dog food.
I then spent my last $5 on some ice cream for myself. I shall have it after I post. Figured I deserved it. Back home at 8. That's all I wrote.
-later
Sister was in bad shape with chemo sickness. Felt bad leaving her but had little choice. At this point I don't get paid either for taking off. Sucks.
Work. What can I say. Part of it is that time of year. Review time. I can't stand it. I can't stand hearing stuff about me. Which is odd. Considering that this blog is all about me. Oh well. They're really giving over on my manager. We practically run the department. Higher ups ruling from up high.
Was busy at least. Made myself take a lunch break. Something I promised myself I would do. Just take some time and relax. Even if it's only 15 minutes. Left about 5. We're in the when will it go away stage of snow. It's funny that my manager considers it that too.
The 3 stages. Oh damn it looks wonderful. Then it's damn it looks dirty. And the final, when will it go away. I'm hoping we're done with it.
Hit price club, parking was an utter disaster. Really have no complaints. Starting with the time of my CHF I've had great luck parking after work. Not so tonight. All the snow piles. No one willing to walk to far. I saw cars parked almost sideways. I parked in the second lot and walked. Wasn't bad. What did I need? Coffee.
Got home about 6:30, they were both asleep. I put water on for pasta and let the dog out then in. I knew something was up as I emptied the dishwasher. At some point as I was talking to the dog, she was sticking unusually close to me, she barked. Not the I want out, or give me what you're cooking. This was a discernible aggravated bark. Then I realized what it was.
I woke the brother in law. Nope he hadn't fed her. I poured what little was left, by turning the food container upside down into her bowl. She gratefully inhaled it. I knew then I'd have to go back out and buy her food. More money just great.
Sister couldn't stomach the idea of pasta. Made a whole damned pound darn it. She's been having chemo sickness. If you don't know it then good for you. Gave her Rice Krispies for dinner. Think it stayed down. Back out the door for dog food.
I then spent my last $5 on some ice cream for myself. I shall have it after I post. Figured I deserved it. Back home at 8. That's all I wrote.
-later
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
It's almost 8:30 at night and I am pretty tired. This has been my life lately. Things are hectic and not that great. I accomplished nothing when I got home except making tuna.
From the snow; sisters chemo; to the fact that I am financially insolvent. Seriously. I don't even have money to buy groceries for next week. Oh I'll manage alright, just frustrating.
I'm scheduled to do a call with brother in laws sister and brother this week. The trustees. It won't be pretty, but I'll get the job done. There is just so much bull dung I have to deal with.
Let's see. My sister who went out on disability in October has yet to file the paper work. What? Yes you heard me. My brother in law hit me with the trustees demand that his name be placed on the deed or he'll get no more money. And then this past week. He, brother in law, hit me with no money for the house or food. So yeah it's been stressful.
And for once, there has been drama at work. So the one place I could actually escape has been turned a bit ugly.
Tomorrow. If I remember, I will write down everything I want to get done. Seems I'm full of the old p & v in the mornings. Then once I get home, do my duties and after 7:30 get some time to myself. My body just wants to turn off. Wish I could say I've been up to big and exciting things.
Just so much to do you know? It will get better tho. Hey I bought a powerball ticket, $2 and a dream right?
So that is where my head is right about now. Haven't even been organized enough to blog. It has cured my reminiscing a bit. I really did like the Al and Val post. Oh well.
-Think Spring
-later
From the snow; sisters chemo; to the fact that I am financially insolvent. Seriously. I don't even have money to buy groceries for next week. Oh I'll manage alright, just frustrating.
I'm scheduled to do a call with brother in laws sister and brother this week. The trustees. It won't be pretty, but I'll get the job done. There is just so much bull dung I have to deal with.
Let's see. My sister who went out on disability in October has yet to file the paper work. What? Yes you heard me. My brother in law hit me with the trustees demand that his name be placed on the deed or he'll get no more money. And then this past week. He, brother in law, hit me with no money for the house or food. So yeah it's been stressful.
And for once, there has been drama at work. So the one place I could actually escape has been turned a bit ugly.
Tomorrow. If I remember, I will write down everything I want to get done. Seems I'm full of the old p & v in the mornings. Then once I get home, do my duties and after 7:30 get some time to myself. My body just wants to turn off. Wish I could say I've been up to big and exciting things.
Just so much to do you know? It will get better tho. Hey I bought a powerball ticket, $2 and a dream right?
So that is where my head is right about now. Haven't even been organized enough to blog. It has cured my reminiscing a bit. I really did like the Al and Val post. Oh well.
-Think Spring
-later
LIttle update
Should have time and energy tonight for an update. Nothing really fantastical to say anyway.
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Al and Val
Dear Al and VAl,
I took a ride past your house today. It's been what almost 20 years. I wondered if you were still there. Regrets I've had a few. You count among them. You were definitely a light in some dark times in the late 80's.
Great dinners, plenty of St. Pauli's girl to go around. Oh the times we had. I'm not sure what happened. Funny how so much of the past can be muddled.
Was there an argument? Did I do something to offend you? Did you do something to offend me? I honestly don't know. I'd like to. It was so long ago. 27 years, somewhere around there.
I'm not even sure how old you both were. I suppose in your 60's, I really don't know. That would make you both, if you are still here, in your 90's. 80's if it was 50. Even if I could, I wouldn't ring the bell. Let sleeping dogs lie I suppose.
But thank you for friendship way back in some dark days. I hope you thought well of me. I'm sorry.
-a friend
I took a ride past your house today. It's been what almost 20 years. I wondered if you were still there. Regrets I've had a few. You count among them. You were definitely a light in some dark times in the late 80's.
Great dinners, plenty of St. Pauli's girl to go around. Oh the times we had. I'm not sure what happened. Funny how so much of the past can be muddled.
Was there an argument? Did I do something to offend you? Did you do something to offend me? I honestly don't know. I'd like to. It was so long ago. 27 years, somewhere around there.
I'm not even sure how old you both were. I suppose in your 60's, I really don't know. That would make you both, if you are still here, in your 90's. 80's if it was 50. Even if I could, I wouldn't ring the bell. Let sleeping dogs lie I suppose.
But thank you for friendship way back in some dark days. I hope you thought well of me. I'm sorry.
-a friend
Friday, February 14, 2014
What an interesting day.
Yesterday was fun. Almost as much fun as the last snowfall. Think that was on a Wednesday as well. For starters brother in law stayed home. Got diagnosed with an upper respiratory infection. I went out and shoveled about 5:30.
We had a good 5 inches on the ground already. Was pretty easy. Did the whole thing because I knew more would be coming. I was even nice enough to offer to go to the deli for them. Brother in law declined, so I was off. Already knew 1 co-worker wasn't coming in, the crazy one.
On a whole the roads were terrible. I stopped at another deli, where you can sit and eat. Said I wasn't crazy enough to tackle these roads and eat. Got a laugh from the young lady. Out here, even though we've been having snow with more frequency. People still panic.
They still cannot drive real well. Spin out, I've seen more 4x4 vehicles on the side of the road in the last few months. Come on, drive sensibly. It was dicey getting to work. Think my main impetus for going in was because it wouldn't be fun staying home. Sick? Yeah I know, but I get no rest here.
The building was empty as all Hell. Last time I want to say by lunch time we had 20-30 in the whole building. This time it'd be hard pressed to find 20.
The release they sent yesterday was a typical corporate release. Boiled down to, weather looks terrible; work from home if you can; if you can't make arrangements with manager; building is open. Generally if you stay home you must use a day of your time off. By the building being open, it means the people that do not come in don't have to be paid. Oh you get paid when the building closes.
As I made my rounds I enjoyed watching the heavy snow fall. I'd brought supplies if I had to crash here. Crazy? Yes. But it's a damned comfortable building. And they have t.v. It would be a night away from my house. And it would not come to pass.
Ran into one woman. He manager texted her at 9, while she was on her way into work. The text was that she could work from home. Ran into another. While her work could be done from home, she did the last storm. Her manager frowned upon that. To his credit, he did come in as well.
It was a day. Lunch was bought, actually this time for everyone in the building. The previous time I think was a little by surprise. Oh and they closed the building at 11, I stayed until 2. Well we had flank steak for lunch.
Since the snow was expected, the cafe came in quickly. Made zitti and some sandwhiches, salad, and left the soda machine on. Was decent, not flank steak awesome, but I wasn't complaining. It is a very nice gesture. Day went on without incident. I left at 1:30
Look driving is driving so forget about any descriptions. Except that the 4x4 drivers that were stuck, hopefully you learned a lesson and no one got hurt.
My road was barely plowed. I glanced at the foot or more of snow, the boulders at the bottom of the driveway were the only proof of a plow truck. It was beginning to do the freezing rain bit. I had to dig in. Texted family and manager, not in that order, that I'd arrived home.
As I walked up through all that snow to get the shovel, I was really glad I'd put in the effort of shoveling early that morning. It would have been close to 2 feet of snow then. Unfortunately I'd missed the part of the day where everyone was out doing driveways. Being sociable and helping each other. So my driveway had uncharacteristically been left untouched.
I shoveled and decided to make my car home base. I left it running, after arguing with myself. Basically that someone take it. There was no one freaking around. Cept for someone down the block doing their own driveway. As I worked the bottom a town plow came by twice.
It was actually nice. As I got cold, get in car, smoke. Finally got the car in. Stop and smoke. At some point brother in law came to the door. I gave a friendly wave. Later he'd come back to ask if I needed help. Told him no I was having fun and he should get back inside out of the cold.
Took me the better part of a cigar and about 1 and a half, but I got the job done. I was in by 4:30. And did I stop there? Come on...you know the answer...who'd cook dinner.
Plans were for the burgers, but they'd been bought Sunday and smelled horrilbe. So made bacon and eggs. And that is all that is fit to write as now it's shower time.
-later
We had a good 5 inches on the ground already. Was pretty easy. Did the whole thing because I knew more would be coming. I was even nice enough to offer to go to the deli for them. Brother in law declined, so I was off. Already knew 1 co-worker wasn't coming in, the crazy one.
On a whole the roads were terrible. I stopped at another deli, where you can sit and eat. Said I wasn't crazy enough to tackle these roads and eat. Got a laugh from the young lady. Out here, even though we've been having snow with more frequency. People still panic.
They still cannot drive real well. Spin out, I've seen more 4x4 vehicles on the side of the road in the last few months. Come on, drive sensibly. It was dicey getting to work. Think my main impetus for going in was because it wouldn't be fun staying home. Sick? Yeah I know, but I get no rest here.
The building was empty as all Hell. Last time I want to say by lunch time we had 20-30 in the whole building. This time it'd be hard pressed to find 20.
The release they sent yesterday was a typical corporate release. Boiled down to, weather looks terrible; work from home if you can; if you can't make arrangements with manager; building is open. Generally if you stay home you must use a day of your time off. By the building being open, it means the people that do not come in don't have to be paid. Oh you get paid when the building closes.
As I made my rounds I enjoyed watching the heavy snow fall. I'd brought supplies if I had to crash here. Crazy? Yes. But it's a damned comfortable building. And they have t.v. It would be a night away from my house. And it would not come to pass.
Ran into one woman. He manager texted her at 9, while she was on her way into work. The text was that she could work from home. Ran into another. While her work could be done from home, she did the last storm. Her manager frowned upon that. To his credit, he did come in as well.
It was a day. Lunch was bought, actually this time for everyone in the building. The previous time I think was a little by surprise. Oh and they closed the building at 11, I stayed until 2. Well we had flank steak for lunch.
Since the snow was expected, the cafe came in quickly. Made zitti and some sandwhiches, salad, and left the soda machine on. Was decent, not flank steak awesome, but I wasn't complaining. It is a very nice gesture. Day went on without incident. I left at 1:30
Look driving is driving so forget about any descriptions. Except that the 4x4 drivers that were stuck, hopefully you learned a lesson and no one got hurt.
My road was barely plowed. I glanced at the foot or more of snow, the boulders at the bottom of the driveway were the only proof of a plow truck. It was beginning to do the freezing rain bit. I had to dig in. Texted family and manager, not in that order, that I'd arrived home.
As I walked up through all that snow to get the shovel, I was really glad I'd put in the effort of shoveling early that morning. It would have been close to 2 feet of snow then. Unfortunately I'd missed the part of the day where everyone was out doing driveways. Being sociable and helping each other. So my driveway had uncharacteristically been left untouched.
I shoveled and decided to make my car home base. I left it running, after arguing with myself. Basically that someone take it. There was no one freaking around. Cept for someone down the block doing their own driveway. As I worked the bottom a town plow came by twice.
It was actually nice. As I got cold, get in car, smoke. Finally got the car in. Stop and smoke. At some point brother in law came to the door. I gave a friendly wave. Later he'd come back to ask if I needed help. Told him no I was having fun and he should get back inside out of the cold.
Took me the better part of a cigar and about 1 and a half, but I got the job done. I was in by 4:30. And did I stop there? Come on...you know the answer...who'd cook dinner.
Plans were for the burgers, but they'd been bought Sunday and smelled horrilbe. So made bacon and eggs. And that is all that is fit to write as now it's shower time.
-later
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Subscription vs. FTP
Cannot think of a clever quote to start this with. We all know that we need down time. This comes in many forms. I'll talk about my personal, which the world of games. If you've been here awhile you know my predilection and enjoyment of said activities. I'll begin with the brief definitions. Then hopefully it will stay coherent instead of dissolving into a free form sort of conjecture. So what are they?
The 2 most common ones are 'Subscrition" or FTP aka Free To Play. The subscription is exactly how it sounds. You pay month to month to have an account and play. This usually entails a support system by the network and such. Often very secure because they have your billing information. They can very often be in depth and quite a lot of fun. Mine was Ultima Online.
FTP is exactly as it sounds. There is no money needed to play these. These games can be found also on computers and phones. My general experience has been limited to the ones on phones so that is where we will stay. Although you could lump in the site POGO and those akin to them. I have no real idea about the security of these networks.
What is the draw? Well gamers like games. The subscription based usually entails a lot of planning and development. This takes programmers and an entire support team. With Ultima there were good story lines but there was a free flow. You didn't have to follow a plot.
The thing I enjoyed was just that freedom. It was an ideal game set up. I'm sure to anyone who does not know or want to care about gaming it sounds preposterous. I however, could enjoy things as simple as a boring task of mining for an hour or two. Then go out and do another craft. Usually I spent my time hunting dangerous monsters. Oh I lived for a long time in the 'Blood Dungeon' hunting Daemons. I'm actually smiling remembering it.
The FTP is an opposite to this sort of game. It is rather structured. Not to much freedom. There are limits as to what can be done. I imagine, no fact here, that there is no customer support. You simply unleash it and wait for the money to come in.
What's that you say? Money to come in? Yes. There in lays the rub. Money. The FTP game offers advancement or in game 'gems' to get to higher levels. Or better gear and such. There is a segment of people that do this willingly.
That is not to say that the subscription based doesn't have it's own offshoot of this. However, you can get just as far without having to spend actual real world money. I have not found this in the FTP games I have encountered. They always offer something for some low price. Here is where the water gets murky.
While the subscription bangs you monthly for the same amount. The FTP can have untold earnings if it is of good quality. The FTP I have currently offers these 'gems' items for in game purchases. No I don't ever intend on buying them.
For $1.99 you can get 200 gems. They go fast. And when you think about it what's $1.99? A cup of coffee? Then factor in the player base. Everyone has a phone and some sort of game. Not everyone can be playing candy crush.
Lets just say there are 100 people playing this game. And they all forego the cup of coffee and spend the $1.99. (yes that is the lowest price you can get more. We'll just stick with this example.) Now multiply that.
$200 on a spur of the moment purchase. And we all know that 100 people is a very small quotient. On my subscription based model that is just 3 people needed to make that money. What is the difference?
$200 for a game that requires little customer support, probably no webmaster, that's profit. What the company pays on the subscription model is probably outrageous. And just for the support and webmaster, and people I can't think of. That $200 isn't spit in the ocean.
The thing with the FTP games is that it is very regimented. You can only do so much. And many are geared so that if you wish to do more in the game you MUST buy gems. There are a lot of people willing to do this.
So yes the FTP is a cash cow. But I think I would prefer subscription based. Also I am only speaking of the free FTP in this segment. I've not ventured into the ones that cost real $ just to buy it then play.
I hope this was slightly informative and a good read.
-later
The 2 most common ones are 'Subscrition" or FTP aka Free To Play. The subscription is exactly how it sounds. You pay month to month to have an account and play. This usually entails a support system by the network and such. Often very secure because they have your billing information. They can very often be in depth and quite a lot of fun. Mine was Ultima Online.
FTP is exactly as it sounds. There is no money needed to play these. These games can be found also on computers and phones. My general experience has been limited to the ones on phones so that is where we will stay. Although you could lump in the site POGO and those akin to them. I have no real idea about the security of these networks.
What is the draw? Well gamers like games. The subscription based usually entails a lot of planning and development. This takes programmers and an entire support team. With Ultima there were good story lines but there was a free flow. You didn't have to follow a plot.
The thing I enjoyed was just that freedom. It was an ideal game set up. I'm sure to anyone who does not know or want to care about gaming it sounds preposterous. I however, could enjoy things as simple as a boring task of mining for an hour or two. Then go out and do another craft. Usually I spent my time hunting dangerous monsters. Oh I lived for a long time in the 'Blood Dungeon' hunting Daemons. I'm actually smiling remembering it.
The FTP is an opposite to this sort of game. It is rather structured. Not to much freedom. There are limits as to what can be done. I imagine, no fact here, that there is no customer support. You simply unleash it and wait for the money to come in.
What's that you say? Money to come in? Yes. There in lays the rub. Money. The FTP game offers advancement or in game 'gems' to get to higher levels. Or better gear and such. There is a segment of people that do this willingly.
That is not to say that the subscription based doesn't have it's own offshoot of this. However, you can get just as far without having to spend actual real world money. I have not found this in the FTP games I have encountered. They always offer something for some low price. Here is where the water gets murky.
While the subscription bangs you monthly for the same amount. The FTP can have untold earnings if it is of good quality. The FTP I have currently offers these 'gems' items for in game purchases. No I don't ever intend on buying them.
For $1.99 you can get 200 gems. They go fast. And when you think about it what's $1.99? A cup of coffee? Then factor in the player base. Everyone has a phone and some sort of game. Not everyone can be playing candy crush.
Lets just say there are 100 people playing this game. And they all forego the cup of coffee and spend the $1.99. (yes that is the lowest price you can get more. We'll just stick with this example.) Now multiply that.
$200 on a spur of the moment purchase. And we all know that 100 people is a very small quotient. On my subscription based model that is just 3 people needed to make that money. What is the difference?
$200 for a game that requires little customer support, probably no webmaster, that's profit. What the company pays on the subscription model is probably outrageous. And just for the support and webmaster, and people I can't think of. That $200 isn't spit in the ocean.
The thing with the FTP games is that it is very regimented. You can only do so much. And many are geared so that if you wish to do more in the game you MUST buy gems. There are a lot of people willing to do this.
So yes the FTP is a cash cow. But I think I would prefer subscription based. Also I am only speaking of the free FTP in this segment. I've not ventured into the ones that cost real $ just to buy it then play.
I hope this was slightly informative and a good read.
-later
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Just a quickie.
Run out of time, woke up with a hideous headache. Yesterday was rough.
There was a lot of work. I literally worked non-stop from 8-2. Just as lunch was looming my sister called. She'd fallen and twisted her knee. Could I come home to help her out. I had one more job to complete. Then found out it was completely a mess. My manager told me just to re-run it and he'd ship it out. He's a good guy/friend/manager.
Got home, got the ice pack. Then it was all could you go out and get this and that. Included cig and the valentine day card.
Just did up some eggplant parm for dinner. I buy it already breaded from my butcher. Pizza with jalapeno and some noodles I made for a side dish. Was awesome. I actually was in bed at a little after 9.
Exciting stuff no. Just wanted to drop a post.
-later
There was a lot of work. I literally worked non-stop from 8-2. Just as lunch was looming my sister called. She'd fallen and twisted her knee. Could I come home to help her out. I had one more job to complete. Then found out it was completely a mess. My manager told me just to re-run it and he'd ship it out. He's a good guy/friend/manager.
Got home, got the ice pack. Then it was all could you go out and get this and that. Included cig and the valentine day card.
Just did up some eggplant parm for dinner. I buy it already breaded from my butcher. Pizza with jalapeno and some noodles I made for a side dish. Was awesome. I actually was in bed at a little after 9.
Exciting stuff no. Just wanted to drop a post.
-later
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Tired and reminiscing.
I'm actually writing this on Monday night. It's near 9 and I'm ready for bed. Long day. Came home, emptied dishwasher and made a kick ass dinner. Rather enjoyed it actually. But it wears on me. Don't get out of the kitchen til about 7:30 and then what? An hour and a half til bedtime?
Supposed to be writing stuff. Cleaning. Cleaning that chicken carcass to make chicken burritos for lunch. I was saved there. Enough breast meat left over so I can just take it with some left over asparagus for lunch. Good stuff.
Have to get a blood test tomorrow, so time will be very limited. And I've suddenly become melancholy.
Supposed to be writing stuff. Cleaning. Cleaning that chicken carcass to make chicken burritos for lunch. I was saved there. Enough breast meat left over so I can just take it with some left over asparagus for lunch. Good stuff.
Have to get a blood test tomorrow, so time will be very limited. And I've suddenly become melancholy.
Monday, February 10, 2014
Applications.
I'm not going to delve to much into this. Since basically most everyone that can use a computer knows about these things. I on the other hand, a complete buffoon.
Okay. I'd had the phone for a few months. I'd called and got rid of a lot of stuff I didn't need. Like the apple device finder, helps you find your other devices. Dude on the phone says you don't have any, so he took it off immediately.
I'd visited what they call the app(lication) store a few times. My biggest issue seemed to be was the Apple ID and Password. Even tried through the ITunes account and failed. I still do not know what happened exactly but I got an id. The password would come eventually.
Now most people have multiple apps. Okay there I've used it once and will use it from now on, apps. My co-worker asked me how many I'd downloaded. I remember saying taking my time. Truth was I was so frustrated with the process of ID and password I'd given up.
Was around the time, it's in an entry somewhere, I wanted to buy a pedometer. Researched it. Found one that seemed good, but a little pricey. Wound up at my go to spot, Radio Shack. I seriously love that chain. Always helpful and never makes me feel overly stupid.
Well turned out they didn't have what I wanted. I said thank you and as I left the person asks if I had a smart phone. I said no it's an IPhone. We both look confused, I realize TOMATO TOMATOE, generic or brand. I said I'm an idiot and to just continue.
Down load a pedometer app.
I still cannot believe it was that simple. Of course I'd only get a free one. So I saved money. The process itself.
Opened the apps icon. First I scrolled through, then I did a search. Found one, for my price. Hit download and then it asked for my password. Yup. I forgot it.
I obviously found and changed it. The app worked and I was happy.
We'll cover games next probably.
-later
Okay. I'd had the phone for a few months. I'd called and got rid of a lot of stuff I didn't need. Like the apple device finder, helps you find your other devices. Dude on the phone says you don't have any, so he took it off immediately.
I'd visited what they call the app(lication) store a few times. My biggest issue seemed to be was the Apple ID and Password. Even tried through the ITunes account and failed. I still do not know what happened exactly but I got an id. The password would come eventually.
Now most people have multiple apps. Okay there I've used it once and will use it from now on, apps. My co-worker asked me how many I'd downloaded. I remember saying taking my time. Truth was I was so frustrated with the process of ID and password I'd given up.
Was around the time, it's in an entry somewhere, I wanted to buy a pedometer. Researched it. Found one that seemed good, but a little pricey. Wound up at my go to spot, Radio Shack. I seriously love that chain. Always helpful and never makes me feel overly stupid.
Well turned out they didn't have what I wanted. I said thank you and as I left the person asks if I had a smart phone. I said no it's an IPhone. We both look confused, I realize TOMATO TOMATOE, generic or brand. I said I'm an idiot and to just continue.
Down load a pedometer app.
I still cannot believe it was that simple. Of course I'd only get a free one. So I saved money. The process itself.
Opened the apps icon. First I scrolled through, then I did a search. Found one, for my price. Hit download and then it asked for my password. Yup. I forgot it.
I obviously found and changed it. The app worked and I was happy.
We'll cover games next probably.
-later
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Sloppy eggs and coffee.
How's that for a title. Just finished breakfast. I've been a fan of making eggs for myself on the weekends. I get very inventive. Omelets may not always be perfect. I then remind myself neither am I.
I've been incorporating jalapeno's into them as well. Didn't have any this morning. But had some asparagus and bell pepper. Just cut real small. No, uncooked. 2 eggs with milk, plenty of pepper, I mean plenty. A pan. I toss the ingredients into the eggs. I'd probably do more of a filling if they were room temperature or softened a bit. This way there's some crispness and they are the same temperature as the eggs.
Of course it wouldn't flip this time. So I made sloppy eggs. Whole wheat roll, last quarter of an avocado spread on top; and put it on the roll. Was simply gorgeous.
Looks to be a bright sunny and really cold day. Actually I delight in it a bit. I still remember just 2 years ago. I couldn't get any relief as my body was shutting down. These days killed me the most. But now, I'm chilly in a tolerable way.
Food shopping, because today is Sunday. Thinking of saving $12 and buying and frying up my own eggplant. Something my sister would say makes no sense. Buggers to that.
By the end of February I should be once again cash solvent. We shall see.
I think I'm joining up with a hiker club. We'll see. Okay coffee wants my attention as well as the pooch. See you on Monday. We should be speaking of 'applications' for the IPhone.
-later
I've been incorporating jalapeno's into them as well. Didn't have any this morning. But had some asparagus and bell pepper. Just cut real small. No, uncooked. 2 eggs with milk, plenty of pepper, I mean plenty. A pan. I toss the ingredients into the eggs. I'd probably do more of a filling if they were room temperature or softened a bit. This way there's some crispness and they are the same temperature as the eggs.
Of course it wouldn't flip this time. So I made sloppy eggs. Whole wheat roll, last quarter of an avocado spread on top; and put it on the roll. Was simply gorgeous.
Looks to be a bright sunny and really cold day. Actually I delight in it a bit. I still remember just 2 years ago. I couldn't get any relief as my body was shutting down. These days killed me the most. But now, I'm chilly in a tolerable way.
Food shopping, because today is Sunday. Thinking of saving $12 and buying and frying up my own eggplant. Something my sister would say makes no sense. Buggers to that.
By the end of February I should be once again cash solvent. We shall see.
I think I'm joining up with a hiker club. We'll see. Okay coffee wants my attention as well as the pooch. See you on Monday. We should be speaking of 'applications' for the IPhone.
-later
Saturday, February 8, 2014
General stuff.
Morning. Waiting for coffee to join us. Thought I'd start anyway. Ahh the siren calls. I'll be back.
Okay we're all together now. Let's continue with this mish mosh. Okay let's get the lord of the rings label out of the way. It's just funny when you log in you see, "One password. All of Google" Reminds me in an off handed way of the one ring of Sauron.
Nothing terribly extraordinary about this week. Hopefully the next IPhone installment will be started and finished. Not sure it is as well written as I'd intended. The next bit should be about 'applications' after that touch on downloads and such. In I shall further remove any doubt of my ineptness when it comes to these devices.
Couple more people left my job, things are going to get interesting. That is an actual quote from my manager. So we'll see what happens. Haven't been able to save a damned cent. Was late on bills and missed 3. Not a good thing.
Had another night of being called in the middle of the night. I was tired last night. Even had to bail on some people. So I came home, I'd stopped off to buy some pizza crusts I've been enjoying. Really, really enjoying. For $5 or $6 I buy about 3 meals worth.
When I got home, found instead of the original dinner plans for them, it changed. Now it's their money and such. But dammit stop complaining that you don't have any. Their lifestyles haven't changed. They asked me to pick up their stuff from the Kosher deli. $25 for 1 meal. Don't tell me how broke you are.
They will get breakfast from the deli tonight. Lunch from someplace. Dinner. I mean really? Okay sorry to much time on them. I should redeem and say the brother in law made and usually makes the morning coffee.
Not a lot of plans for the weekend. None actually. So we'll see what it brings. Maybe find a way just to relax. We'll see. Okay must be off.
-later
Okay we're all together now. Let's continue with this mish mosh. Okay let's get the lord of the rings label out of the way. It's just funny when you log in you see, "One password. All of Google" Reminds me in an off handed way of the one ring of Sauron.
Nothing terribly extraordinary about this week. Hopefully the next IPhone installment will be started and finished. Not sure it is as well written as I'd intended. The next bit should be about 'applications' after that touch on downloads and such. In I shall further remove any doubt of my ineptness when it comes to these devices.
Couple more people left my job, things are going to get interesting. That is an actual quote from my manager. So we'll see what happens. Haven't been able to save a damned cent. Was late on bills and missed 3. Not a good thing.
Had another night of being called in the middle of the night. I was tired last night. Even had to bail on some people. So I came home, I'd stopped off to buy some pizza crusts I've been enjoying. Really, really enjoying. For $5 or $6 I buy about 3 meals worth.
When I got home, found instead of the original dinner plans for them, it changed. Now it's their money and such. But dammit stop complaining that you don't have any. Their lifestyles haven't changed. They asked me to pick up their stuff from the Kosher deli. $25 for 1 meal. Don't tell me how broke you are.
They will get breakfast from the deli tonight. Lunch from someplace. Dinner. I mean really? Okay sorry to much time on them. I should redeem and say the brother in law made and usually makes the morning coffee.
Not a lot of plans for the weekend. None actually. So we'll see what it brings. Maybe find a way just to relax. We'll see. Okay must be off.
-later
Friday, February 7, 2014
Slice of Wednesday.
Sleeping Wednesday awoke to someone calling my
name. From the other side? The front door? My mind having now gone
mad? No, none of the above. Used to guess that one a lot in school. Anyway.
It was my sister, around 1 A.M. She's done this now for nigh on 10 years since I've been here. She'll cal my name in the night to see if I'll answer. The very first time was 8 years or so ago. She'd just gotten out of the hospital and I kept an ear open.
It has never been anything but, "Are you up?"
"Sort of" or "I'm in bed." I'd reply.
"Could you get me....." she'd generally drone on. It was all a ploy. Think I stopped responding one night around 3 when she called. After checking in on her she wanted to know what she could have to eat. I mean come on. She could walk easily then.
From the start they slept in 2 different rooms. Me in the middle. I remember training her by saying when I get a chance. Brother in law would storm out of his room and say I got it. Sort of giving me a half dirty look. And now look at him.
I cured this by stopping to respond. And going to bed early. She immediatley started sleeping in the other room the brother in law. Much to his chagrin. He'd spent the first 2 years or so trying to get her to come to bed. She was having no part of it. She had her computer, her dog, and of course the second born indentured servant.
To the present. She has been claiming to suffer from anxiety attacks lately. I don't mock those for those that do experience them. I am however doubtful in my sisters manipulative ways. But just in case I'm wrong there is a cure. A mountain dew and a chocolate doughnut. Yup, apparently that is the cure. For her.
So I awoke to my name being called. Not once but a lot of times. Trying to accidentally wake me and see if I was up. It took me a moment. Once I realized she was in her room with the Brother in law I just lay there. If there was a real problem help was even closer. I didn't say a word.
Harder than you think when your name is being called. I lay still as a bug in a rug. Then finally she woke the Brother in law. She was having an anxiety attack and needed a mountain dew and a doughnut and a smoke. Oh the smoke thing is new too. At least in waking me in the middle of the night to ask me to get her 1.
It really gets to be annoying. At night I don't put my light on. She then knows I'm awake and then asks me to get stuff. The IPhone has been nice. I can sit up in the dark, on mute of course, and play games or surf. All the while never being bothered by nightly needs.
As you might imagine he's less than cheery when woken up for such bullshit. Catch 22. He could just leave the wheel chair down in the kitchen for her to get her own stuff. Course he doesn't want to.
So that's about it. I stay still while he clomps nosily and annoyed into the kitchen and returns. And no 1 ever knows I'm up. Sad but true. The things we do sometimes.
-later.
It was my sister, around 1 A.M. She's done this now for nigh on 10 years since I've been here. She'll cal my name in the night to see if I'll answer. The very first time was 8 years or so ago. She'd just gotten out of the hospital and I kept an ear open.
It has never been anything but, "Are you up?"
"Sort of" or "I'm in bed." I'd reply.
"Could you get me....." she'd generally drone on. It was all a ploy. Think I stopped responding one night around 3 when she called. After checking in on her she wanted to know what she could have to eat. I mean come on. She could walk easily then.
From the start they slept in 2 different rooms. Me in the middle. I remember training her by saying when I get a chance. Brother in law would storm out of his room and say I got it. Sort of giving me a half dirty look. And now look at him.
I cured this by stopping to respond. And going to bed early. She immediatley started sleeping in the other room the brother in law. Much to his chagrin. He'd spent the first 2 years or so trying to get her to come to bed. She was having no part of it. She had her computer, her dog, and of course the second born indentured servant.
To the present. She has been claiming to suffer from anxiety attacks lately. I don't mock those for those that do experience them. I am however doubtful in my sisters manipulative ways. But just in case I'm wrong there is a cure. A mountain dew and a chocolate doughnut. Yup, apparently that is the cure. For her.
So I awoke to my name being called. Not once but a lot of times. Trying to accidentally wake me and see if I was up. It took me a moment. Once I realized she was in her room with the Brother in law I just lay there. If there was a real problem help was even closer. I didn't say a word.
Harder than you think when your name is being called. I lay still as a bug in a rug. Then finally she woke the Brother in law. She was having an anxiety attack and needed a mountain dew and a doughnut and a smoke. Oh the smoke thing is new too. At least in waking me in the middle of the night to ask me to get her 1.
It really gets to be annoying. At night I don't put my light on. She then knows I'm awake and then asks me to get stuff. The IPhone has been nice. I can sit up in the dark, on mute of course, and play games or surf. All the while never being bothered by nightly needs.
As you might imagine he's less than cheery when woken up for such bullshit. Catch 22. He could just leave the wheel chair down in the kitchen for her to get her own stuff. Course he doesn't want to.
So that's about it. I stay still while he clomps nosily and annoyed into the kitchen and returns. And no 1 ever knows I'm up. Sad but true. The things we do sometimes.
-later.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
It's going to happen.
No I've not abandoned the cell phone thing. In fact it will continue tomorrow. That is the nice part about having it finished. Except for the fact that I could have done a better job. You'll live. Just thought I'd talk about this week so far.
Sister was supposed to be released from the hospital Monday. So glad she wasn't. Got belted with a pretty nice snow storm. Got into work a little late so missed my gym time. Had about an inch in the parking lot, good to see they hadn't done any prep work. I mean the pick up we have with the plow, was sitting snow covered in the loading dock.
The crazy co-worker came in. There's a whole sub story there so we'll just say I encouraged her to go home. Got a phone call from my sister, they would be holding her until Tuesday. Good that was off my mind.
The building was still empty. By 10 most of the people, not many, who came in left. Few departments were still there. Ours and legal of course. The email went out about 11 that it was encouraged for us to stay and work from home if we could. Otherwise use our own discretion. We could go home, that would mean of course using a day off.
The word was that the legal department was dicing over the wording of the announcement. Ahh lawyers. And think about it. Sort of shows they care, well in a twisted way. They'd of course loose money if they closed the building. Just think of all the people they would have to pay. So by 12 when the announcement came, only the people remaining would be taken care of. The amount was less than 50.
Making rounds of course came across 1 typical person. Who'd apparently no clue it was going to snow. They needed gas.
I left about 1:10, manager was staying. By the parking lot I could tell we'd started the plowing. My car was now surrounded by at least a foot of snow rubble. Gee thanks. Cleaned off the car, let it warm. I was good to go. Oh I should mention I'd not thought to bring my work boots. So all this was done in my sneakers.
Couldn't make it forward. Checked my rear and backed out of the spot beautifully. Took forever to spell that last word of that sentence. I lit up a cigar I'd brought with me and drove home. Side roads were worrisome. The highway I did about 45 in the right hand lane. Must say we did the least braking there too.
I'd hoped as I got down the side streets that maybe one of my neighbors had plowed my driveway. Really hoped. Slightly disappointed I parked across the street and trudged up to the garage. Snow blower? Check. Gas, please? Check. I was good to go.
It was a heavy wet snow but the blower did what it was supposed to. 20 minutes later I was parked in my driveway. Good times. Called sister and manager to let them know I'd arrived.
Tuesday was gorgeous, in a February kind of way. Brother in law got sister home. Had a relaxing drive back here and made dinner. Course they were fighting last night. As I went to sleep that is.
Today the road is covered again. Supposed to be some sort of icy crap. Shall be a fun ride. Yes I'm going in. I really don't have any days off right now. Besides being stuck here with them doesn't sound the least bit appealing. And another storm is supposed to hit on Sunday into Monday again. Weeeee!
-later
Sister was supposed to be released from the hospital Monday. So glad she wasn't. Got belted with a pretty nice snow storm. Got into work a little late so missed my gym time. Had about an inch in the parking lot, good to see they hadn't done any prep work. I mean the pick up we have with the plow, was sitting snow covered in the loading dock.
The crazy co-worker came in. There's a whole sub story there so we'll just say I encouraged her to go home. Got a phone call from my sister, they would be holding her until Tuesday. Good that was off my mind.
The building was still empty. By 10 most of the people, not many, who came in left. Few departments were still there. Ours and legal of course. The email went out about 11 that it was encouraged for us to stay and work from home if we could. Otherwise use our own discretion. We could go home, that would mean of course using a day off.
The word was that the legal department was dicing over the wording of the announcement. Ahh lawyers. And think about it. Sort of shows they care, well in a twisted way. They'd of course loose money if they closed the building. Just think of all the people they would have to pay. So by 12 when the announcement came, only the people remaining would be taken care of. The amount was less than 50.
Making rounds of course came across 1 typical person. Who'd apparently no clue it was going to snow. They needed gas.
I left about 1:10, manager was staying. By the parking lot I could tell we'd started the plowing. My car was now surrounded by at least a foot of snow rubble. Gee thanks. Cleaned off the car, let it warm. I was good to go. Oh I should mention I'd not thought to bring my work boots. So all this was done in my sneakers.
Couldn't make it forward. Checked my rear and backed out of the spot beautifully. Took forever to spell that last word of that sentence. I lit up a cigar I'd brought with me and drove home. Side roads were worrisome. The highway I did about 45 in the right hand lane. Must say we did the least braking there too.
I'd hoped as I got down the side streets that maybe one of my neighbors had plowed my driveway. Really hoped. Slightly disappointed I parked across the street and trudged up to the garage. Snow blower? Check. Gas, please? Check. I was good to go.
It was a heavy wet snow but the blower did what it was supposed to. 20 minutes later I was parked in my driveway. Good times. Called sister and manager to let them know I'd arrived.
Tuesday was gorgeous, in a February kind of way. Brother in law got sister home. Had a relaxing drive back here and made dinner. Course they were fighting last night. As I went to sleep that is.
Today the road is covered again. Supposed to be some sort of icy crap. Shall be a fun ride. Yes I'm going in. I really don't have any days off right now. Besides being stuck here with them doesn't sound the least bit appealing. And another storm is supposed to hit on Sunday into Monday again. Weeeee!
-later
Monday, February 3, 2014
Neighbors cont'd
Well I've already started back loading a few entries. Have 2 in the wings about the IPhone. Thought I'd mention the weekend and touch a little more on my old neighbors.
Saturday passed well enough. Didn't actually accomplish anything at all. Well unless you count relaxing. Even hit the lounge in the early afternoon. Scrubbed down my bathroom real nice. Visited with my sister. Who it turns out has a touch of pneumonia. We expect her home today, Monday, of course snow is threatening. Okay enough about that stuff.
Lets go way back to my youth. When this neighborhood was full of my youth. The road was not blacktopped yet. It was a simpler times in the 70's. Now I've mentioned the neighbors that just moved. They were spotted today briefly, unsure if they were showing the house or not. We'll leave that house for the one next door.
The old man that lived there. For some reason I don't want to include names. I think more so I can keep them, I don't really know. It is getting on 4 in the morning and I've been up since 1.
He was a widower, a jovial nice man. He had a cocker spaniel. A great family friend. He was fun for young kids too. His front stoop was the best on the block. Just perfect for sitting. It was all brick. He was a good cook, a German by birth. Used to make the greatest Sauerbraten with dumplings. Damned spell check wanted me to say sauerkraut, apparently not a food aficionado.
He'd watch me from time to time, a whole lot of fun. His house was neat and orderly. Now he had to be in his 60's in the 70's, he's long passed. Had a friend, think it was Ollie. I know nothing of him other than.
He drove a large blue Chevy or Buick, I've no idea actually. But he was the worst driver. You'd hear the shout Ollie and clear off onto the lawns. He'd hit garbage cans, they were metal in those days, curbs. Really a bad driver.
We'd have our neighbor over for holidays and such. He didn't seem to have much family. That is until it was time for them to descend and take all they thought was theirs when he died. Anyway. He even made a great Santa Claus. And did enjoy drinking. Good times.
When ever we had a party he was invited. There are lots of photos. Just fun. Oh we had a place back then. All the neighbors would come over. Not quite like today. Sorry guess I'm slipping a bit. The next few entries I expect to be rather flowing. Ah, time to put the coffee on.
-later
Saturday passed well enough. Didn't actually accomplish anything at all. Well unless you count relaxing. Even hit the lounge in the early afternoon. Scrubbed down my bathroom real nice. Visited with my sister. Who it turns out has a touch of pneumonia. We expect her home today, Monday, of course snow is threatening. Okay enough about that stuff.
Lets go way back to my youth. When this neighborhood was full of my youth. The road was not blacktopped yet. It was a simpler times in the 70's. Now I've mentioned the neighbors that just moved. They were spotted today briefly, unsure if they were showing the house or not. We'll leave that house for the one next door.
The old man that lived there. For some reason I don't want to include names. I think more so I can keep them, I don't really know. It is getting on 4 in the morning and I've been up since 1.
He was a widower, a jovial nice man. He had a cocker spaniel. A great family friend. He was fun for young kids too. His front stoop was the best on the block. Just perfect for sitting. It was all brick. He was a good cook, a German by birth. Used to make the greatest Sauerbraten with dumplings. Damned spell check wanted me to say sauerkraut, apparently not a food aficionado.
He'd watch me from time to time, a whole lot of fun. His house was neat and orderly. Now he had to be in his 60's in the 70's, he's long passed. Had a friend, think it was Ollie. I know nothing of him other than.
He drove a large blue Chevy or Buick, I've no idea actually. But he was the worst driver. You'd hear the shout Ollie and clear off onto the lawns. He'd hit garbage cans, they were metal in those days, curbs. Really a bad driver.
We'd have our neighbor over for holidays and such. He didn't seem to have much family. That is until it was time for them to descend and take all they thought was theirs when he died. Anyway. He even made a great Santa Claus. And did enjoy drinking. Good times.
When ever we had a party he was invited. There are lots of photos. Just fun. Oh we had a place back then. All the neighbors would come over. Not quite like today. Sorry guess I'm slipping a bit. The next few entries I expect to be rather flowing. Ah, time to put the coffee on.
-later
Sunday, February 2, 2014
My review of the IPhone 4s cont'd.
...My previous phone was a tank in this world. A standard flip phone. One that had been dropped countless times without incident. It even had 2 baths in the dogs water bowl. And it still continued. I still think if it hadn't been discontinued I would have it still.
These smart phones are expensive to replace. I've seen a good majority of them with cracked screens and such. So I'm always concerned. But I have so far managed to drop mine at least twice.
Then comes the issues of cases. Oh the Otter box is the best I heard from people. Well in that same year of the blog, you'll find at the end an issue where I got a life proof case. It just seems to be something to expensive to be overly worried. So I just take extra care with it.
The other concern, that of it being stolen. That was a reality. It has happened in N.Y. as well as other places. You even hear stories of it being misplaced by owners and people rejoicing over finding and having one. I'm pleased to say that I know of one person that found one. He turned it into the police.
From my past, I don't have things that inspire....how to put it? Nice things. Mostly because I've lost some Nice things. I've had more Nice things taken from me than I've lost. So this was a concern. In fact a year later I am still loathe to expose it when in public. When I go to the city I put a lock code on it. Things I am not accustomed to. Having to protect a possession.
But I've had a lot of fun with it. Over the summer, late summer maybe even early fall, I got a texting plan. It is unlimited and I believe costs me $20 a month now. I have enjoyed it. Some people prefer it. Others use it as a tool.
Why text instead of talking? That is a question I have had for quite some time. I wish I had a more eloquent answer.
Mostly for me it is for a quick question to answer or be answered. I do not in general have lengthy conversations via text. I do prefer speaking to people on the phone. I am in fact more prone to look at my phone if it rings. If the text thing goes off I check it eventually.
Also I'm quite proud of myself. I don't walk looking at my phone constantly. When I'm having an actual conversation with someone, I don't interrupt it by looking at my phone. Yes these things I am proud of.
I still also maintain my standard of not checking my phone while driving. I'm actually quite pleased about that too. I'm to busy watching out for everyone else who is doing it while driving.
I have also been enjoying it as a computer. As I said I'm very new to this technological world. I really do love the ability to just answer a question almost immediately. It is fantastic. In fact I sort of just look at amazement at some. The people I know at work. They've had these forever. They have questions. I ponder why don't they just look it up. I've said this a few times. Just me I suppose. But it is a great tool.
I've searched for DIY videos for around the house and such. Asked about foods. Oh let's get to Suri for a moment.
She has been upgraded. After almost 13 months I triggered the new version of the operating system. They'd changed Suri. First and foremost she never answers my favorite question anymore.
"Suri, where do you hide a dead body."
She used to give locations of swamps, quarries and such. It was good fun. Guess they thought that was bad in this society.
The answers now are, "Very Funny." Or "I used to know the answer to that."
Which in a way makes me more prone to believe they are tracking us a bit. I know just saying. Now when I look at the slide down screen it tells me how long it would take me to drive to work. Or at least a town I go 5 days a week. Just a little disconcerting. Oh well.
Next we'll speak of the Apps. or as I call them applications. Apps just make me hungry for appetizers.
-t.b.c
These smart phones are expensive to replace. I've seen a good majority of them with cracked screens and such. So I'm always concerned. But I have so far managed to drop mine at least twice.
Then comes the issues of cases. Oh the Otter box is the best I heard from people. Well in that same year of the blog, you'll find at the end an issue where I got a life proof case. It just seems to be something to expensive to be overly worried. So I just take extra care with it.
The other concern, that of it being stolen. That was a reality. It has happened in N.Y. as well as other places. You even hear stories of it being misplaced by owners and people rejoicing over finding and having one. I'm pleased to say that I know of one person that found one. He turned it into the police.
From my past, I don't have things that inspire....how to put it? Nice things. Mostly because I've lost some Nice things. I've had more Nice things taken from me than I've lost. So this was a concern. In fact a year later I am still loathe to expose it when in public. When I go to the city I put a lock code on it. Things I am not accustomed to. Having to protect a possession.
But I've had a lot of fun with it. Over the summer, late summer maybe even early fall, I got a texting plan. It is unlimited and I believe costs me $20 a month now. I have enjoyed it. Some people prefer it. Others use it as a tool.
Why text instead of talking? That is a question I have had for quite some time. I wish I had a more eloquent answer.
Mostly for me it is for a quick question to answer or be answered. I do not in general have lengthy conversations via text. I do prefer speaking to people on the phone. I am in fact more prone to look at my phone if it rings. If the text thing goes off I check it eventually.
Also I'm quite proud of myself. I don't walk looking at my phone constantly. When I'm having an actual conversation with someone, I don't interrupt it by looking at my phone. Yes these things I am proud of.
I still also maintain my standard of not checking my phone while driving. I'm actually quite pleased about that too. I'm to busy watching out for everyone else who is doing it while driving.
I have also been enjoying it as a computer. As I said I'm very new to this technological world. I really do love the ability to just answer a question almost immediately. It is fantastic. In fact I sort of just look at amazement at some. The people I know at work. They've had these forever. They have questions. I ponder why don't they just look it up. I've said this a few times. Just me I suppose. But it is a great tool.
I've searched for DIY videos for around the house and such. Asked about foods. Oh let's get to Suri for a moment.
She has been upgraded. After almost 13 months I triggered the new version of the operating system. They'd changed Suri. First and foremost she never answers my favorite question anymore.
"Suri, where do you hide a dead body."
She used to give locations of swamps, quarries and such. It was good fun. Guess they thought that was bad in this society.
The answers now are, "Very Funny." Or "I used to know the answer to that."
Which in a way makes me more prone to believe they are tracking us a bit. I know just saying. Now when I look at the slide down screen it tells me how long it would take me to drive to work. Or at least a town I go 5 days a week. Just a little disconcerting. Oh well.
Next we'll speak of the Apps. or as I call them applications. Apps just make me hungry for appetizers.
-t.b.c
My review of the IPhone 4s
Just in the case you are new, I am to, to the world of smart phones. Point is last year my phone was discontinued and I had to get a new one. I shopped around a lot and chose the IPhone 4s.
I've come to terms with my phone now. As I said when I purchased it I was on the phone before the battery was even charged. And got refunded some money on items the store signed me up for. Which I didn't need.
It took a long time for me to warm up to it. Had some fun with the AI on it, Suri. The size was bulky. In fact it amazes me how cell phones are getting so much larger now. But that is because so much time is spent on them. Also they are mini computers.
I used to shut the phone off when I first got it. I didn't like it on all the time. I was the same way with the other phone. I goofed around on it for a long time. One of the biggest reasons I got it was because of my pod casts.
I listen to a lot of them. I knew that all my podcasts would transfer over to my phone quite easily. And I loved that fact. So for the first few months, I had a phone and a computer and my podcast player.
It was April when I called the call center again. I had been watching my bill. I was paying for a 5gb plan and not even using 1. The person on the other end seemed to agree. So I switched down to a 3gb. I had let it run a few months mostly because I wanted to see how much I used it. I feared the overage fees for going over data limits. Still haven't.
May was probably when I first used it for navigation. There is a 5 part entry somewhere. It primarily stars my first 5K walk. But it is a good read. Just checked, it is in the later of May 2013. Not sure how to do a link there.
After that I felt more at ease using the directional on it. It wasn't that terrifying. In fact I was using it daily now, to check sports scores. Read stuff on it at lunch. Even watched one of my favorite pod casts as I recall.
I have referred to it, the IPhone, as a bicycle with training wheels. In that every thing is done for you. You just pretty much touch a button. I do think it is an excellent start for someone new to the smart phone technology. As with all new things I used it with great trepidation.
Monitored my bill, watched my usage. I think it took me until the summer to enjoy it. It however brought something unexpected, concern over it.
That came in 2 parts distinctly. Physical damage and having it stolen. We will pause here to continue anon.
-t.b.c.
I've come to terms with my phone now. As I said when I purchased it I was on the phone before the battery was even charged. And got refunded some money on items the store signed me up for. Which I didn't need.
It took a long time for me to warm up to it. Had some fun with the AI on it, Suri. The size was bulky. In fact it amazes me how cell phones are getting so much larger now. But that is because so much time is spent on them. Also they are mini computers.
I used to shut the phone off when I first got it. I didn't like it on all the time. I was the same way with the other phone. I goofed around on it for a long time. One of the biggest reasons I got it was because of my pod casts.
I listen to a lot of them. I knew that all my podcasts would transfer over to my phone quite easily. And I loved that fact. So for the first few months, I had a phone and a computer and my podcast player.
It was April when I called the call center again. I had been watching my bill. I was paying for a 5gb plan and not even using 1. The person on the other end seemed to agree. So I switched down to a 3gb. I had let it run a few months mostly because I wanted to see how much I used it. I feared the overage fees for going over data limits. Still haven't.
May was probably when I first used it for navigation. There is a 5 part entry somewhere. It primarily stars my first 5K walk. But it is a good read. Just checked, it is in the later of May 2013. Not sure how to do a link there.
After that I felt more at ease using the directional on it. It wasn't that terrifying. In fact I was using it daily now, to check sports scores. Read stuff on it at lunch. Even watched one of my favorite pod casts as I recall.
I have referred to it, the IPhone, as a bicycle with training wheels. In that every thing is done for you. You just pretty much touch a button. I do think it is an excellent start for someone new to the smart phone technology. As with all new things I used it with great trepidation.
Monitored my bill, watched my usage. I think it took me until the summer to enjoy it. It however brought something unexpected, concern over it.
That came in 2 parts distinctly. Physical damage and having it stolen. We will pause here to continue anon.
-t.b.c.
Neighbors
The people across the street are gone. Simple as that. What does that mean? The sign from the realtor is gone. All it said was in contract. Don't they usually leave it up?
They were a young couple. Moved in, he was a teacher. Not sure what she did, but became a homemaker when she had her first kid. I know the house well enough.
In my some odd years of 40+ years I've known the owners. The ones I grew up with were a widow and her son. Never did ask or inquire about the father. The son was older than me and we never hung out. The house was pretty impeccable. They lived quietly.
She was a school teacher in fact. A very simple woman. She'd once told my mom that her students frightened her. She taught grammar school.
An odd duck. She was also our answer to the neighborhood watch. She seemed to see everything in the area. And of course was friends of the family. We'd invite her for holidays and such. I wouldn't know until much later in life that she wore a wig. I say that because one night I was called over and saw her without. My mom was there. I started to laugh. Covering myself beautify I began to tell the joke I was laughing at. Sadly I wasn't laughing at the joke, but it passed.
I remember in the early 80's we had a hurricane. Mom had sent me over with a radio for her and such. In the middle of the storm we got a call from her and she asked what was going on. To which my mom replied about the hurricane, tidings she hear it on the radio? No she said she didn't want to waste the batteries. We lost power for 2 weeks.
Reminds me of another neighbor. Down on the corner, considered my dad his best friend. One day during the power outage he came over. He said he just ruined some guys day. To answer my dad's question how, "...After he told me about the great deal he got on this chainsaw. I pointed out that it was electric and not gas. He just walked away."
Anyway. The mother and son would move later in life. Because of good circumstances. But it was done rather underhanded like. Didn't tell anyone really. And gave a very poor excuse to the for sale sign on the lawn. They were just testing the market. Well the house was sold. It was like new. They'd never had company to speak of. My mom was hurt. More so for the underhanded way than loss of the person. She was a very needy woman across the street. Very Odd.
The next couple. Can't remember their names. Odd people. Just a husband and wife. Plus 2 cockatoos? If those are the big birds then yes that is what I mean. They'd bring them out front and such. Apparently made trouble with the neighbor next to them.
An older gentleman had lived there. Oh I could and my do a post on him alone. After his death the family sold the house. Another couple, don't remember if they had kids. They messed the house up a bit and sold it. A single mom and her 2 kids moved in. Those were the ones these 2 were making trouble with.
Well the cockatoo people left. Sold it to the young teacher and wife. Young looking people. Full of life. I must say not the most neighborly with us. But full of life. Like I said when she got pregnant with their first child, she became a stay at home mom. They would stay long enough to have a second and expect a third.
He was very meticulous about his property care. Must of hated us. Didn't water my lawn at all this summer. Property looked a bit disheveled.
He'd be out every day with the leaf blower and mowing. Really a good homeowner.
They threw a lot of get together parties. No we weren't invited, actually none of the neighbors were I think. But they were good parties. To the extent that they were never overly loud. No trouble ever came of them. And I just always liked the fact that there was life on the block because of them.
Well the for sale sign had been up for awhile saying in contract. They had their New Years Eve party. I say Friday, when my sister went to the hospital, the white truck was noticed. Earlier in the week they had one of those POD containers out front. It was gone, now a white moving truck.
Without a word, they're gone. The house across the street is gone and empty. No idea if there will be new people or they just abandoned it. My point? I feel the loss and it strikes me odd.
Like I said we were not bosom buddies. More of the nodding to each other types, but I'm sad to see them gone. The house is now vacant and dark. It always had lights on in it before. Maybe it was to small for 3 children? Maybe it was us? I don't know.
I'll miss the life they seemed to bring with all the visitors and such. I'll miss their existence, if that makes sense. And I'll await what comes after.
-later
They were a young couple. Moved in, he was a teacher. Not sure what she did, but became a homemaker when she had her first kid. I know the house well enough.
In my some odd years of 40+ years I've known the owners. The ones I grew up with were a widow and her son. Never did ask or inquire about the father. The son was older than me and we never hung out. The house was pretty impeccable. They lived quietly.
She was a school teacher in fact. A very simple woman. She'd once told my mom that her students frightened her. She taught grammar school.
An odd duck. She was also our answer to the neighborhood watch. She seemed to see everything in the area. And of course was friends of the family. We'd invite her for holidays and such. I wouldn't know until much later in life that she wore a wig. I say that because one night I was called over and saw her without. My mom was there. I started to laugh. Covering myself beautify I began to tell the joke I was laughing at. Sadly I wasn't laughing at the joke, but it passed.
I remember in the early 80's we had a hurricane. Mom had sent me over with a radio for her and such. In the middle of the storm we got a call from her and she asked what was going on. To which my mom replied about the hurricane, tidings she hear it on the radio? No she said she didn't want to waste the batteries. We lost power for 2 weeks.
Reminds me of another neighbor. Down on the corner, considered my dad his best friend. One day during the power outage he came over. He said he just ruined some guys day. To answer my dad's question how, "...After he told me about the great deal he got on this chainsaw. I pointed out that it was electric and not gas. He just walked away."
Anyway. The mother and son would move later in life. Because of good circumstances. But it was done rather underhanded like. Didn't tell anyone really. And gave a very poor excuse to the for sale sign on the lawn. They were just testing the market. Well the house was sold. It was like new. They'd never had company to speak of. My mom was hurt. More so for the underhanded way than loss of the person. She was a very needy woman across the street. Very Odd.
The next couple. Can't remember their names. Odd people. Just a husband and wife. Plus 2 cockatoos? If those are the big birds then yes that is what I mean. They'd bring them out front and such. Apparently made trouble with the neighbor next to them.
An older gentleman had lived there. Oh I could and my do a post on him alone. After his death the family sold the house. Another couple, don't remember if they had kids. They messed the house up a bit and sold it. A single mom and her 2 kids moved in. Those were the ones these 2 were making trouble with.
Well the cockatoo people left. Sold it to the young teacher and wife. Young looking people. Full of life. I must say not the most neighborly with us. But full of life. Like I said when she got pregnant with their first child, she became a stay at home mom. They would stay long enough to have a second and expect a third.
He was very meticulous about his property care. Must of hated us. Didn't water my lawn at all this summer. Property looked a bit disheveled.
He'd be out every day with the leaf blower and mowing. Really a good homeowner.
They threw a lot of get together parties. No we weren't invited, actually none of the neighbors were I think. But they were good parties. To the extent that they were never overly loud. No trouble ever came of them. And I just always liked the fact that there was life on the block because of them.
Well the for sale sign had been up for awhile saying in contract. They had their New Years Eve party. I say Friday, when my sister went to the hospital, the white truck was noticed. Earlier in the week they had one of those POD containers out front. It was gone, now a white moving truck.
Without a word, they're gone. The house across the street is gone and empty. No idea if there will be new people or they just abandoned it. My point? I feel the loss and it strikes me odd.
Like I said we were not bosom buddies. More of the nodding to each other types, but I'm sad to see them gone. The house is now vacant and dark. It always had lights on in it before. Maybe it was to small for 3 children? Maybe it was us? I don't know.
I'll miss the life they seemed to bring with all the visitors and such. I'll miss their existence, if that makes sense. And I'll await what comes after.
-later
Saturday, February 1, 2014
So.....
Well this is February. Coldish. Really spell check? You don't want to question that word. Coldish. Okay then.
I want to have 28 days of blog entries so we will try it out. Oh sex...that was uh....just a pure grab at people that searched for it. No apologies.
The last day of January ushered me out with a call from home. Brother in law just called an ambulance for my sister. She'd not been doing well. She's fine. I figured with lack of movement and such it would be another case of pneumonia. Sure that word it corrected me on.
I knew she'd be getting a cat scan yesterday. Figured they'd see her and send her to hospital. Nope. No doctor involved with cat scan. Wham and you are on your way. Well at some point in the early eve, she needed help. Couldn't catch her breath and such.
So we were in the E.R. until about 9 last night. What a wondrous place. Speaking or writing facetiously here. Got home. Had a message from one of the neighbors who'd missed the spectacle. A wonderful family friend. Of course the neighborhood turned out for it. Wouldn't you?
They kept her over night, she's still in there. They don't like a certain crinkling they hear in the lungs. So she'll be there a few days.
Other than that I had lunch with one of my oldest friends yesterday. Promised to keep in better touch.
That really is all there is on this entry. The others should be much more involved.
-later
I want to have 28 days of blog entries so we will try it out. Oh sex...that was uh....just a pure grab at people that searched for it. No apologies.
The last day of January ushered me out with a call from home. Brother in law just called an ambulance for my sister. She'd not been doing well. She's fine. I figured with lack of movement and such it would be another case of pneumonia. Sure that word it corrected me on.
I knew she'd be getting a cat scan yesterday. Figured they'd see her and send her to hospital. Nope. No doctor involved with cat scan. Wham and you are on your way. Well at some point in the early eve, she needed help. Couldn't catch her breath and such.
So we were in the E.R. until about 9 last night. What a wondrous place. Speaking or writing facetiously here. Got home. Had a message from one of the neighbors who'd missed the spectacle. A wonderful family friend. Of course the neighborhood turned out for it. Wouldn't you?
They kept her over night, she's still in there. They don't like a certain crinkling they hear in the lungs. So she'll be there a few days.
Other than that I had lunch with one of my oldest friends yesterday. Promised to keep in better touch.
That really is all there is on this entry. The others should be much more involved.
-later
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