Day 40 – Jim’s Trek – 17.6 Miles Today - Seoul, South Korea

Good Day,

This morning I’m now on the Cochran Short Route, 11 miles south east of Macon, Georgia. The scenery this morning is a wee bit more pleasant. I have always liked trekking on back roads.

On Day 40 I increased my mileage to 17.6 miles. This means I only have 2,757.3 miles left to complete my original Tampa to Seattle Trek goal.

Total Direct Miles to Seattle	To Date	TD Miles Remaining	% TD Miles Completed	Interlake Miles Left to Seattle	Weight (lbs)
3,301.0	543.7	2,757.3	16.47%	5,455.6	173.8

And no, I am not celebrating National Step in a Puddle and Splash Your Friend Day. I have just dismounted off my Schwinn 150… and it is laundry day. Just a subtle hint to the two spammers who just attempted to entice me by offering more Russian brides. (Why do I keep flashing to a number of past Law and Order Episodes?)

Here’s a thought. If we move to Seoul, South Korea, right now, within four months the savings made from their superior telecommunications services, as compared to what one pays for the substandard equivalent in United States, would pay for the airline ticket. And their telecommunications services literally blow the US services out of the water. US services are now becoming a joke around the world… And here’s a question – Why are start-ups relocating to Kansas City? High-speed Google Fiber network!!!

Upstairs, Downstairs presents October 1929. Second to last episode; the producers must be looking for ways to go out graciously.

Enjoy,

Jim

Day 39 – Jim’s Trek – Appreciate Houseplants

Good Day,

And now the total miles clocks at 526.1; another 17.0 miles today. This morning I’m on my Schwinn 150 on the Golden Isles Highway headed northward toward Albert Jenkins Road and Macon, Georgia. Nice that the roads are free of a lot of vehicular traffic at this time in the morning…

Total Direct Miles to Seattle	To Date	TD Miles Remaining	% TD Miles Completed	Interlake Miles Left to Seattle	Weight (lbs)
3,301.0	526.1	2,774.9	15.94%	5,473.2	173.0

Okay this must be my day to celebrate… Today is Peculiar People Day. It is the day that honors uniquely different people. Un-ordinary, extraordinary, unusual, strange, odd, uncommon, intriguing, different, abnormal, and quirky… Not generalizing, but does not this white-wash the celebration to include every unique human being on the face of this planet?


And for those of you who speak to your houseplants, today is the day that you have to really cozy up to those green inhabitants of your domicile. The Holiday decorations have been taken down and your plants surely must feel lonely and plain. Today, Houseplant Appreciation Day, is the day to let your plants know just how special and important they are… And they are coming to take me away, ha-ha… just after I sit down for my tea celebration of Peculiar People Day.

Episode of Upstairs, Downstairs finds Lord Robert proposing and Lady Mummy definitely not approving… Meg leaves and then returns when she does not find that the grass is the same color on the other side. Two more episodes.

Enjoy,

Jim

Day 38 – Jim’s Trek – 500 Hundred Miles – Am I A Sucker?

Good Day,

Another of my Trek’s goals checked off. I have lasted 509.1 miles; another 17.0 today. Only about 85% of my total Tampa to Seattle Trek to go.


For those of you who are somewhat bored with my Trek I am now travelling north on the Eastman Cochran Highway toward Jack Spires Road. And just up a bit on the left side of the highway is Yawn Pond. How apropos? I never thought I would last this long and I am beginning to wonder if I just might be a wee bit off the mark.

Total Direct Miles to Seattle	To Date	TD Miles Remaining	% TD Miles Completed	Interlake Miles Left to Seattle	Weight (lbs)
3,301.0	509.1	2,791.9	15.42%	5,490.2	172.2

Okay, please explain to me. Do I have it tattooed on my forehead? Do I write to incite idiots to think that I want to get married? Why oh why am I being bombarded with spam mail inviting me to acquiesce to a bride? Whether from Russia or Central America? I don’t speak Russian. I do speak Spanish, though. I wouldn’t mind having someone cook and do my laundry, and clean house… but I am quite capable to do it, MYSELF. Would not these dense and thick spammers spend their time more constructively? Or are there that many desperate persons out there in Internetland who are that daft to try out electronic partnership solicitations? Why the recent increases in “search for a bride” spam marketing? I wish I could create a reverse spam to respond immediately – “Leave my email address alone!!!”

And for anyone with a carpet on the floor in their home, it is time to shimmy and shuffle your feet. Today, January 9th is National Static Electricity Day. Question is why? I can find this oral link by the US Census Bureau. There has to be some reason for a tribute to static electricity. But I suppose if one is bald one is out of luck.

And here is another one for any egocentric, narcissistic individual out in Internetland… today is Play God Day!!! And again I question, WHY?

This morning’s episode of Upstairs Downstairs plot line takes on the triple “D’s”; drink, drugs, and death. Judge, jury, and attention to class. Next…

Enjoy,

Jim

Day 37 – Allergies and 17.0 Miles – Jim’s Trek

Good Day,

Today’s, achoo, miles in my Trek, achoo, equaled, achoo, another 17.0 miles, achoo. I think my nose is running at a, achoo, quicker pace than I can, achoo, pedal on my Schwinn 150, achoo. The glorious Tampa weather has tricked, it seems, the oak trees to producing at least two months earlier than ever… achoo. Honk, excuse me.

I am located on the McRae Highway in Georgia, south east of Eastman. Eastman is a city in Dodge County and has a population of somewhere about 14 thousand. Eastman is known for the establishment of the first Stuckey’s store in 1937.

My total miles – 492.1

Total Direct Miles to Seattle	To Date	TD Miles Remaining	% TD Miles Completed	Interlake Miles Left to Seattle	Weight (lbs)
3,301.0	492.1	2,808.9	14.91%	5,507.2	174.2

January 8th is International Argyle Day. Wonder if the moths have made away with my old sweater. And you can get the pattern from Thingiverse.

This morning’s episode of Upstairs, Downstairs found the company of 165 Eaton Place on a vacation date in Scotland. Cold, wind, ghosts, and poachers are the bill de fare. My error this morning when I thought I had reached the final episode of Upstairs Downstairs. This morning’s episode “Will Ye No Come Back Again” just didn’t make sense as the end to a series. And I just found that I have one more DVD with four more episodes.

Enjoy,

Jim

Day 36 – Another 17.0 Miles – Orthodox Christmas January 7th in Central and Eastern Europe

Good Day,

Another 17.0 miles on my Trek on my Schwinn 150. An hour plus two minutes… Has this become a habit? 37 days and I’ve cycled 475.1 miles.

According to the Julian Calendar and in central and eastern Europe and other part Orthodox Christmas is celebrated. The day is a time of reflection, inner thoughts, and healing… and feasting.

Today my location, on route to my next Interlake address goal, is on the Golden Isles Highway at the Lancaster Farm Road. I’m just south east of McRae, Georgia and only 139.0 miles more to reach the next.

Total Direct Miles to Seattle	To Date	TD Miles Remaining	% TD Miles Completed	Interlake Miles Left to Seattle	Weight (lbs)
3,301.0	475.1	2,825.9	14.39%	5,524.2	172.8

Last night’s supper was a quick concoction of Pillsbury Crescent rolls, salami, garlic and artichoke sauce, and cheese. I made stuffed pockets… Not bad. Quick, easy, and filling. Tonight’s supper, something with ground pork.

On the next to last episode of the original Upstairs, Downstairs series, there’s a “Tom cat caterwauling on a wall in the moonlight”. Could be a part of the wind down?

Enjoy,

Jim

Day 35 – Jim’s Trek Continues – Enjoy Theophany

Good Day,

Enjoy Epiphany, Theophany. I certainly glad that I am in Tampa. Maybe on my next Trek I’ll head toward Bulgaria.  Wonder if the boys dive for a cross in the freezing waters of Kalofer as they do in Tarpon Srpings?

This morning my Trek of 17.0 miles takes me past Hazelhurst, Georgia. 


I’m on Lumber City Highway headed west-north-west toward my next Interlake address goal. I’ve just passed the Palms Memorial Gardens and tomorrow will be passing through Lumber City.

This area is famous for the long lasting world record of 1932 – the catch of a 22 pound 4 ounce Largemouth Bass. Guess I can hook up, (sorry bad pun), some fishing gear to my Schwinn 150?

Total mileage to date: 458.1 miles. I tell you I really didn’t want to get on my Schwinn this morning… but I figured I needed to push myself. My Physical Biorhythm is crossing the zero axes on a downward trend. Glad I got my 17 miles in before I checked my other Primary Rhythms. Prediction is that I keep my head down for the next week-and-a-half.

Total Direct Miles to Seattle	To Date	TD Miles Remaining	% TD Miles Completed	Interlake Miles Left to Seattle	Weight (lbs)
3,301.0	458.1	2,842.9	13.88%	5,541.2	173.8

And while I’m on my Trek, why is it that there seems to be an increase of offers in my email folder regarding Russian brides. Wonder who figured that I need a bride? Goes to prove, that spammers are not as discretionary or targeted as the media may put them to be.  Away to the Junk Folder...

Flash heart attack on this morning’s episode of Upstairs, Downstairs. Question is, who will replace who, or is a contract soon to be terminated?

Jim’s Trek continues tomorrow.

Enjoy,

Jim

Day 34 – 12th Day of Christmas – Jim’s Trek Daily Mileage Increased to 17.0 Miles

Good Day,

On this 12th Day of Christmas, we celebrate and feast. Twelfth Night is the night before Epiphany which is the day the three Wise Men, Three Kings, or Magi arrived in Bethlehem. And these 12 drummer dudes are providing a cadence as I increase my Trek on my Schwinn 150 to today’s mileage of 17.0 miles.

My location is somewhere in the boonies in Georgia southeast about 174 miles from Atlanta. I am headed northwest on GA-19 N/US-23 N, the Alma Highway, toward Stream Road. It is about halfway between Alma and Hazelhurst.

Yesterday morning it appeared that there was a fowl gathering across the street. Typically we do not see as many birds, of different varieties, in this area. Yes there are many birds, but not as many flocking and just watching together. And to top it all, it was a bit eerie cause we had just watched Hitchcock’s The Birds, the night before.

Upstairs, Downstairs episode content and theme this morning was the 1926 General Strike. A fair handling of the anticipated attitudes of the classes: upper, middle, servants, and workers. The inserted image is of Tyldesley miners outside the Miners Hall during the Strike.


Max no longer looks like a mini-float from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. He has reached a good 9.8 lbs; down from the 14.8 lbs on his day of adoption. He now is a very svelte looking and healthy little puppy.

And Jim’s Trek continues. Only 2,859.9 Tampa to Seattle miles to go.  Waist measures this morning down on more inch - 39".

Enjoy,

Jim

Day 33 – Overcast Tampa – Sunny on My Schwinn 150 – eMatch.com Via Letters

Good Day,

The screen over the pool cage has been completely replaced. Screen Solutions provided tremendous work and service. And now we’ll keep The Pack in and the squirrels and snakes out, another plus two years.


This morning my Trek on my Schwinn 150 completed an additional 16.5 miles. My location is GA-4 N/US-23 N/N Pierce Street. Only 191 miles to my next Interlake address location.

Total Direct Miles to Seattle	To Date	TD Miles Remaining	% TD Miles Completed	Interlake Miles Left to Seattle	Weight (lbs)
3,301.0	424.1	2,876.9	12.85%	5,575.2	173.2

It appears that winter is sort-of over in Tampa. I checked the Crepe Myrtle, which I trimmed in October, and I discovered that it is sprouting again. Three days of winter not bad, even though it is over cast, damp, and somewhat on the “damn, I need a sweater” type of cold.

Upstairs, Downstairs introduced the antiquated predecessor to eMatch.com and on-line dating; the Pen-Pal. Horrors! One had to write a decent and well-composed letter… But of course, he didn’t appear to look like Rudolph Valentino… as did his photograph. As this was filmed in early 1970s representing the 1920s, it is amazing that the words of caution are similar to those of the 2010s warning about “unknown” communication and liaisons via the Internet.

And wondering what one does with 11 Pipers piping... after a couple of minutes.  Was this true a true love an aural sadist?

Just discovered the CK's ggg-grandmother Marie Louise Pariza's maiden name was St. Thomas. Check out my search and research at A Genealogy Hunt.

Enjoy,

Jim

Getty Image

©Jim’s Trek 2012-2013

Day 32 - Jim's Trek Adds 16.1 Miles - 10th Day of Christmas

Good Day,

On this 10th Day of Christmas I am joined by 10 bewigged Lords A-Leaping. Another goal, on my Schwinn 150, of my Trek has been reached.  To date I have topped 400 miles; actually 407.6.  My question to the above cartoon - Why is there only one Lord on a Pogo stick? And are they happy?

According to a WebMD article by Annie Stuart, Robert Biswas-Diener MS, founder of Meridian Life Coaching LLC and co-author of Happiness: Unlocking the Mysteries of Psychological Wealth, agrees.

"Happiness isn't the emotional finish line in the race of life", he says. It's a process and a resource. Biswa-Diener says there's a mountain of data showing that when people are happier, they become healthier and more curious, sociable, helpful, creative, and willing to try new things."

Of course, the above is not necessarily the answer to my Pogo stick question  I wonder whether I could tempt myself to Pogo Stick jump all the way to Seattle.  The record for continous Pogo Stick jumping is held by Gary Stewart at Huntington Beach, California.  He jumped for 20 hours and 20 minutes in 1990, per The Guiness Book of World Records. for a total of 177,737 jumps.  I think I'll stick to my Schwinn 150.  And I am happy.

My location is a shade northwest of Waycross, Georgia.  I'm on State Street and there's a railroad track keeping me company.

My stats -

Total Direct Miles to Seattle	To Date	TD Miles Remaining	% TD Miles Completed	Interlake Miles Left to Seattle	Weight (lbs)
3,301.0	407.6	2,893.4	12.35%	5,591.7	172.4

I'm headed north out of Waycross to Henry, Georgia.  A wee bit of trivia has me pedaling quite fast... The most common first name and the most common last name in Waycross, Georgia among deceased individuals are James and Smith.  I be gone!!!

Today's episode of Upstairs, Downstairs presented the assumed and unspoken wishes of two individuals.  One presumed; the other was too polite not wanting to upset... and the whole of 165 Eaton Place is in a dither.

Enjoy,

Jim

Day 31 – Add Another 16.0 Miles To Jim’s Trek – Waycross State Forest

Good Day,

On the 9th Day of Christmas I joined nine Ladies dancing on my way to Waycross, Georgia… only 12.2 miles to the northwest. I’m just about at the southeast edge of the Waycross State Forest. My Schwinn 150 is at the Jacksonville Highway heading to my next Interlake address goal. Not much to see…

My total mileage this morning adds up to 391.5.

Now here’s what appears to be an almost immediate benefit on the 31st day my Trek. My waist, relaxed, has dropped four inches; 44” down to 40”. (And yes, I measured myself at exactly the same position.) On the other hand my overall weight has increased by four pounds; 170.8 up to 174.8 lbs. And I’m getting tremendous deep sleeps at night. Wonder what I’ll see at the end of two months.

Total Direct Miles to Seattle	To Date	TD Miles Remaining	% TD Miles Completed	Interlake Miles Left to Seattle	Weight (lbs)
3,301.0	391.5	2,909.5	11.86%	5,607.8	174.8

But of course this morning’s episode of Upstairs, Downstairs focuses my visual attention on more than the tarmac and coniferous edging of the roadside. The episode focuses on spousal cheating, both up and down, at 165 Eaton Place. On to the next episode.

Having the complete screen replaced over the pool enclosure today. Definitely needed it. Last number of wind storms did a number and ripped a number of panels. And on the other hand we did get 16 years out of the old screen which was supposed to have given up the ghost at about eight years. Nice return on investment.

Enjoy,

Jim

Day 30 – Jim’s Trek – Happy New Year – You Are Now Entering Georgia

Good Day,

Happy New Year… and our illustrious government has taken a step to teeter on the Fiscal Cliff… Yeah. Wonder who fell off the Milk Cliff? Will all eights Maids a-Milking keep their jobs in the 2013?

But then again I am only concerned in searching for my Interlake points on my Trek across this county of United States.

This morning I crossed the St. Marys River, (and yes there is no apostrophe in the name of Mary), from Florida into Georgia.

Georgia! Another of my small goals. Hurrah!!! I cycled on my Schwinn 150 16.0 miles. My total miles today 375.5 miles; only 88.6% left of my complete 3,301.0 Tampa to Seattle goal. I am currently at the intersection of GA-121 N/GA-15 N/GA-4 N/US-23 N aka the Jacksonville Highway; Newell Road; and Grace Chapel Road. The Google Map image is from 2007 when the State road was under construction. I have passed through Folkston, Georgia

Total Direct Miles to Seattle	To Date	TD Miles Remaining	% TD Miles Completed	Interlake Miles Left to Seattle	Weight (lbs)
3,301.0	375.5	2,925.5	11.38%	5,623.8	174.0

Jim’s Trek stats – Number of Pageviews, since November 28 start:

November – 157;
December – 2,797; and
Average Pageviews per day – 90.

Supper on New Year’s Eve was barbecued hamburgers and Hoppin’ John on rice. And I pigged out, and there is a lot left-over. Accordingly, in the southern United States, eating Hoppin’ John on New Year’s Day is thought to bring a prosperous year filled with luck… And eating leftover Hoppin’ John is called Skippin’ Jenny… can bring the hope for an even better chance of prosperity in the New Year. Guess what we’re having for supper?  I suggest a round for both Houses...

Upstairs, Downstairs – Public school, Thimble, and a sacking. I’m keeping up with the episodes.

2013 is another goal achieved… The answer 22 is greater than 17.

Enjoy,

Jim

Day 29 – New Year’s Eve On The 7th Day of Christmas – 15.5 Miles

Good Day,

Okay I had to draw the line… The Pack equals five. I cannot fathom seven Swans a-swimming, even if we are replacing the screen on the pool cage. And having to deal with five quadrupeds fearful of the blasting and booming of fireworks, it will be next to impossible to handle 14 more feet pattering around looking for a place to hide. Happy New Year’s Eve.

15.5 miles completed this morning. My location is on FL-15 N/US-23 N/US-301 N; a couple of rotations north of Swearingen Road. I’ve got 5.1 more miles to the Florida Georgia border. Looks like another goal will be reached on New Year’s Day.

Day 29 also means another goal… my first month on the Schwinn 150. And never thought I would cycle the 359.5 miles. Guess the secret is to set small goals; those that are easily attainable… with a wee bit of work. And my stats are as follows:

Total Direct Miles to Seattle	To Date	TD Miles Remaining	% TD Miles Completed	Interlake Miles Left to Seattle	Weight (lbs)
3,301.0	359.5	2,941.5	10.89%	5,639.8	172.2

Last night’s supper was grouper fillet in butter and garlic, roasted broccoli, potato salad, and homemade bread. My weight has maintained pretty much level thus far through the Holiday season.

James buys a used plane. Fog is a norm of the British Isles. James plus plane plus fog; you get the picture. Upstairs, Downstairs plot structure: exposition, rising action, climax… and then.

Check out Quilts SB for the update and current progress of our current quilting projects. Also take some time to explore A Genealogy Hunt. Methinks, I have received some information on a Smith Ancestral connection.

And now to ponder what resolutions to add to my plate for 2013.

Enjoy,

Jim

Day 28 – On The 6th Day of Christmas – 15.5 Miles – Jim’s Trek Headed To Georgia

Good Day,

This morning I increased my Schwinn 150 mileage to 15.5 miles. I now only have an odd 2,957.0 miles to go to reach my direct Tampa to Seattle goal. I have also now reached just over 10% of my total goal… Yeah!!!

My location is at Lem Turner Road (FL-115 N) toward Spring Lake Drive. And according to Google Maps I standing still in traffic waiting for the go ahead from a signal person ahead, as we are reduced to one-lane. I have about 21 miles left to the Florida Georgia State border.

And in the oven is a loaf of no-knead bread. It’s a start back into my bread-making past. Gonna try to make one batch every other day. I figured I can cycle the extra calories off.

Finished 15.5 miles; my total to date 344.0 and I reached my 10% goal.

Total Direct Miles to Seattle	To Date	TD Miles Remaining	% TD Miles Completed	Interlake Miles Left to Seattle	Weight (lbs)
3,301.0	344.0	2,957.0	10.42%	5,655.3	172.0

Today is house cleaning day. Done... Guess that’s a double dose of exercise.

It’s a party night at 165 Eaton Place… This episode of Upstairs, Downstairs was sort of hard to follow. My guess it is a lead in to some new story lines.

Enjoy,

Jim

Day 27 – Jim’s Trek – On the 5th Day of Christmas – 15.1 Miles

Good Day,

My location this morning, as accounted for by Google Maps for Jim’s Trek, is 667 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville, Florida.

 Thanks Bob for warning me about the ferry north of Mayport. I caught it early this morning. Didn’t need the pontoons.

After 328.5 miles on my Tampa to Seattle Trek I have now about 287 miles to reach my next Interlake address point goal. It looks like, all-things-being-equal; I shall arrive at my next goal point on Friday, January 18, 2013.

Total Direct Miles to Seattle	To Date	TD Miles Remaining	% TD Miles Completed	Interlake Miles Left to Seattle	Weight (lbs)
3,301.0	328.5	2,972.5	9.95%	5,670.8	170.0

Been wondering about Max, our new puppy… He’s still on track to get fit and trim. The wiener-schnitzel tube that arrived this house a couple of months ago seems to have gradually disappeared. And it is a wonder as he follows and mimics Radar in many of his mannerisms. Even when he has to pee, Max sneaks his way between Radar’s leg and a tree. He wants to target the exact location.

Here he’s trying to determine exactly what a legless mouse is.

And now that WWI is over, Upstairs, Downstairs turns to the local battles of politics.

Enjoy,

Jim

Day 26 – On the 4th Day of Christmas – Jim’s Trek Reaches Over 300 Miles

Good Day,

Two milestones, so-to-speak, in Jim’s Trek this morning. I reached just over the 300 mile mark and I passed by my 7th Interlake address goal.

The Interlake address goal is actually Interlake LLC in St. Augustine, Florida. I can't find the actual office location of the Interlake company. And nary a Schwinn 150 is located, but I am here.. I just keep cycling on by.

This morning I completed my 15.0 miles. I am now located on Florida State Road A1A travelling north toward Perimeter Road. There’s salt marsh on both my left and right sides. I’m at the southwest end of the Naval Station, Mayport.

Today I clocked 313.4 miles.

Total Direct Miles to Seattle	To Date	TD Miles Remaining	% TD Miles Completed	Interlake Miles Left to Seattle	Weight (lbs)
3,301.0	313.4	2,987.6	9.49%	5,685.9	170.0

And the Upstairs, Downstairs question this morning who will now be the Upstairs to the over-staffed Downstairs? Will Major James sell 165 Eaton Place? Will…?

Tomorrow I should be just north of Jacksonville headed for the Florida Georgia States border.

Enjoy,

Jim