Day 183 – Jim’s Trek – 20.5 Miles – Good Morning Alberta!

Good Day,

This morning I crossed the Provincial line from Saskatchewan to Alberta on my Schwinn 150. After my 20.5 miles, I am located on The Trans-Canada Highway, aka The Buffalo Trail, 11.7 miles into Alberta. I am now about 282 miles from my next Interlake address goal and another 538 miles from my final Seattle destination.

The Google roadside has not changed much from Saskatchewan… except there does appear to be some rolling hills in the distance.

We’re supposed to get a lot of rain, according to the weather people in the next couple of days. There’s a rain storm west and south of Tampa, in the Gulf of Mexico . People, we are now into Day 5 of our rainy season. It rains in Florida in the summer. We have thunder storms. It gets wet. My only words of advice – Don’t drive through what looks like a big puddle, and keep a change of clothes in your vehicle. Motorcyclists and bikers, well, be prepared to get wet. And how apropos that I just mailed in our flood insurance renewal…

And coincidently today is Environment Day. The effort is to raise awareness of the importance of respecting the environment. Well it is wet, and green, and wet… And did I say wet?

Supper last night, something very different, sort-of, for me – Hot dog stroganoff. Wanted to try something unique but ordinary. Hot dogs, onion, butter, green pepper, sour cream, chicken broth, and pasta. And it worked… sort-of, but I used Omaha Steak dogs, not just any ball-park frank.


Last night’s movie was the 1976 film The Last Tycoon. A few of the actors included Robert De Niro, Robert Mitchum, Tony Curtis, Jeanne Moreau, Jack Nicholson, et al. This film is based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s last unfinished work. How coincidental that that The Great Gatsby is currently the theatre fare 37 years later.

The last part of my morning Trek movie, Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince, revealed the new word Horcrux. This becomes the theme of the plots for Harry and Company in the remaining films, obviously. I’m obviously reasoning that J.K. Rowling created the word, but I wonder? Also I was wondering in the filming of the underground lake if there may be some derivation of similarities of Dumbledore to Moses and the Red Sea, and the Gollum-like creatures that come out of the lake.

The interior top of Double Entendre afghan has been completed. It now measures approximate 48”wide and 60” long. The first border has been attached and the hdcs have begun. Work continues on the border for our Astro-Physics quilt and wall hanging. We are currently designing a new take on the corners. Follow our progress on Quilts SB.

Be healthy and enjoy. Time to take The Pack out before the sky opens up.

Jim

Day 182 – Jim’s Trek – 20.5 Miles – Success in Saskatchewan on My Schwinn 150

Good Day,

I cycled 20.5 miles today on my Schwinn 150 in Saskatchewan. I am still, once again on the Trans-Canada Highway headed west, which of course makes sense as I do think that, in a roundabout way this is the direction to Seattle. I believe I can see the Provincial border. Methinks I will be crossing it tomorrow on my Schwinn 150 Trek.

As I have been able to reduce, due to my Trek and diet, my diabetes medication down by 75%, I have been tracking my blood sugar count versus the number of calories I burn each day. Since May 19, the day of the reduction of Metformin, my daily averages are 103.4 mg/dL, or since I am above the Border, 5.74 mmol/L, and 612 calories burned. On June 19 if I am consistently maintaining these averages I should be able to start to eliminate all my diabetes medication. Know that I am doing this with my Doctor’s consent.

The local news is reporting that “If you can’t remember what you had for supper the night before, you need to examine your lifestyle.” Their reported prescription – “Exercise, healthy meals, and do not smoke.” I do all that… but what was I writing about?

Oh yeah, I do all that. I don’t smoke. Exercise – My Trek. And healthy meals… Well duh? I still, from time-to-time, forget what I had for supper the night before. My solution… I write it down on a document in a folder in my PC, part of my journal and preparation for my writing the next day. And last night for supper I made my version of Yum Nua. The recipe is a Thai Beef Salad. Extremely easy to concoct and rather refreshing and good. Ground beef, Jasmine rice, green peas, red onions, garlic, carrots, cucumber, Bird chilies, cilantro, Fish Sauce, Tamarind paste, Palm sugar, lemon juice… served at room temperature on a bed of lettuce.


Pasco County, just up-under of the county I live in Florida, has just sent out an electronic request to residents to submit ideas for the creation of the forthcoming annual County budget. May I make a suggestion? I propose an additional line-item budgeted for the Humane Collection of Kangaroos.


Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince continued today. Obviously, a much longer film than its predecessors. Harry is trying to discover the wherefores and whys the reasons that Tom Riddle became Lord Voldemort. And of course Draco Malfoy is up to no good, that’s the mystery.

Be healthy and enjoy,

Jim

Day 181 – Jim’s Trek – 20.1 Miles – My Schwinn 150 Trek Continues

Good Day,

And today I completed 20.1 miles on my Schwinn 150. My Trek to Seattle is getting shorter and shorter. Again I am still located in the Province of Saskatchewan somewhere headed west on the Trans-Canada Highway and I am just about at the intersection of Range Road 3253.

I am now about 323 miles from my next Interlake address destination. I am also somewhere in the vicinity of 862 miles from my final Seattle destination. My total miles on this 181st day of my Trek equals 3,336.3. If I continue at my rate of 20 miles per day I should be rolling into Interlake Avenue in Seattle on Tuesday, July 16, 2013. Guess I have got to start thinking about what goal(s) I need to set when I do complete my final destination.

Viewing pleasure on this morning’s Trek was the beginning part of the sixth Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince. Two new characters enter: Narcissa Malfoy and Professor Horace Slughorn. I am still wondering when and if there will be another, excluding the Twilight series, similar type Harry Potter series of films in the short future.

Watched a movie the other night that I truly did not understand. The Big Year. This 2011 film is stacked with primo actors and unless I really am in the dark I was confused. Not confused about the theme or the plot of the movie. I wasn’t lost about the storyline. I am just trying to understand the reasoning for the film. It only recouped back about 18% of what it cost to make. Why did someone decide to make it? And then there is my question about are there really people that do this? Why?  And then I have to ask is my Trek anything different than the essence of The Big Year?

Last night’s supper increased my blood sugar count this morning… but I still kept it in the normal range. It was just too good to stop eating. I made a Chicken and Chinese Broccoli stir fry and served it with Jasmine rice. I should not have eaten as much.

The inner top of Double Entendre afghan is just about complete. The border for our Astro-Physics quilt is progressing well. I should be taking a quick image and publishing it to Quilts SB shortly.

Be healthy and enjoy,

Jim

Day 180 – Jim’s Trek – 21.0 Miles – I Have Done It! 3,301 Miles – My Original Schwinn 150 Goal

Good Day,

Today I have done what I originally set out to do, complete 3,301.0 miles on my Schwinn 150. Hurrah!

The “A” label on the Trans-Canada Highway in Saskatchewan is my 3,301 mile marker. Today I completed 21.0 miles. I burned 682 calories as I also increased the resistance on my Schwinn 150 to 9.

My direct mileage goal from my house on Interlake Drive in Tampa, Florida to the same number on Interlake Avenue in Seattle, Washington is 3,301.0 miles. Obviously I have not, as yet on my Schwinn 150 Trek made it to Seattle due to the addition of approximately 25 Interlake address locations on my way. Currently I still have two more, I think, before I actually reach my Seattle destination. Every mile over the 3,301.0 miles is an extra bonus to my complete Trek.

My stats on my target goal day…

Total Direct Miles to Seattle	To Date	TD Miles Remaining	% TD Miles Completed	Interlake Miles to Seattle	Weight (lbs)
3,301.0	3,316.2	849.7	79.6%	4,165.9	162.0

Well the Hurricane and Rainy Season began with our street flooding. Flotsam and jetsam were cleaned from the tarmac and road and washed up on the shoreline of the easement. The Yellow Bamboo is weighted down with the downpour and pour little Tinker screeched bloody murder on her walk late last night when a bamboo tendril reached down and brushed her head. And from NOAA there is a slow moving disturbed weather event making its way north-northwest in the Gulf of Mexico. There is a 10% chance of it becoming a tropical cyclone in the next two days.

Today is Bubba Day. And today is the 60th Anniversary of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, Her Diamond Jubilee. God Save the Queen.

Second half of Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix completed. The second major battle with Lord Voldemort is a main theme of this darker version of the series. Next film, number six.

Well, supper last night was a messy success… Samgyeopsal gui, pronounced, in Korean I think, "sam-jup-sayee-tchu-you-aw-eee". Grilled pork belly, Shitaki mushrooms, zucchini, hot peppers and onions. Green onion salad with sesame oil and soya sauce dressing. All these items placed on a lettuce wrap topped with homemade Ssamjang, "sam-zchan", sauce. I would definitely make this meal again, and use a lot of serviettes.

The cluster of seven planets and stars for Astro-Physics has now been added to the overall construction of the background. All 15 have been attached and sewn. Just wait until you see it. Our border for our Astro-Physics has been designed. Double-Entendre afghan is now 53” long. Check Quilts SB for updates and progress reports. Watch out for the construction of our new Afghans SB blog…

Be healthy and enjoy,

Jim

Day 179 – Jim’s Trek – 20.7 Miles – Saskatchewan Has a Giant Sand Dune

Good Day,

Today is the culmination of my every day celebration… Go Barefoot Day. I think I can count on my fingers and toes how many days, in the past 13 years I have actually worn shoes.

Today is June 1st. And it is the first day of Hurricane Season. And already this morning there is a highlighted area of tropical cyclone formation in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico. Only a 10% chance but we begin the Hurricane Season with a quiet bang.

I just calculated the total mileage that I have clocked on my Schwinn 150. Today my total is now 3,295.5 miles. I am shy 5.5 miles of my original set goal of 3,301.0, the mileage of a direct route between Tampa and Seattle. Beginning tomorrow all mileage, until I reach my original target of Interlake Avenue in Seattle, are miles that are over and above my first and primary goal.

Today I am on the Trans-Canada Highway, still in Saskatchewan, just a wee bit southwest of the Town of Gull Lake. The population of Gull Lake is about 990.

And one of the regional attractions, about two hours north of Gull Lake, is the Great Sandhills Museum and Interpretive Center. Okay… a museum about a big sand dune… It, the museum, is in the Village of Sceptre. Sceptre is on the north of the Great Sand Hills and Gull Lake is on the south.

Today’s movie fare is the first part of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, the fifth film in the HP series. And introductions include Dolores Umbridge. I definitely know that I can most undoubtedly match Professor Dolores Umbridge with at least one teacher in every school I attended in each school system in every country I lived. Funny how that type of teacher always sticks out in my mind. Oh and for the Cat Lady, check out the plates on her pink office wall… All types of cats!

The eight singular planets and stars of Astro-Physics have been incorporated to the background. Andy is doing one fantastic job. I am working on a border design. The inner part Double Entendre afghan is now 46” wide and 48” long. Learning about weaving the extra, that is stray pieces, yarn back into the afghan.

And for supper tonight I try something new… Samgyeopsal gui. We’ll see tomorrow if we survive.

Be healthy and enjoy,

Jim

Day 178 – Jim’s Trek – 21.2 Miles – Spending My Cycling Time in Saskatchewan

Good Day,

This morning on my Trek I cycled on my Schwinn 150 21.2 miles. I burned 605 calories. Since April 6 I have been averaging daily, 604 calories. Today I cycled along the Trans-Canada Highway to a location just north of a family of Lakes: Gander, Goose and Gosling. I am actually due north of the kid, Gosling Lake. All-things-being-equal, at this meridian of Saskatchewan, it does not appear that the scenery changes all too much.

Today I have now completed my sixth month of my Trek on my Schwinn 150. Yes I am a wee be amazed that I have cycled every day excepting one. I have noticed some drastic as well as some subtle changes to this 61 ½ year old body and mind. And I am definitely better for the wear… My next appointment with my Cardiologist will most undeniably realize some positive reactions.

I am amazed this morning. Google News listed only one, yes that is correct, only one sports headline on their summary page of local news for Tampa, Florida. Typically it is up to and well over 50% of the number of headlines are sports related. Today only 1 out of 20. I am flabbergasted.

An article by Eric Black caught my eye on the MinnPost site – “With Bachmann not running, Jim Graves pulls out of the 6th District race.” Accordingly Mr. Graves states, as reported, “Basically, after all that’s gone on, and with Michele Bachmann now stepping down, I’ve been talking to my friends and family and frankly, the feeling is, ‘Mission Accomplished.’ She wasn’t representing the people of the 6th District appropriately, and now she won’t be representing them. There’s no way anyone could run and win who would be worse than Michele Bachmann. So we accomplished that task… I’m not a politician; I’m a business guy,” he said. “Now there are zero things on my agenda that I feel a need to do in public life.” I salute Mr. Jim Graves. A politician with a goal set… A goal accomplished!!!

Part two of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire included the second two challenges of the Triwizard Tournament… Mermaids, funky half-human octopus type things in the water, and an attacking hedge in the maze corridors.

Our work is progressing astoundingly well in the incorporation of the planets and stars with the background fabric of our Astro-Physics quilt and wall hanging. Thirteen more inches on Double Entendre afghan to go. Yesterday I spent some time working on the scheduling of our efforts, quilts and afghans. Follow our progress and updates at Quilts SB.

Be healthy and enjoy,

Jim

Day 177 – Jim’s Trek – 21.5 Miles - Chocolate Delight Chocolate-Dipped and my Schwinn 150 - And Max

Good Day,

I am still in Saskatchewan on my 177th day on my Schwinn 150 Trek. Today I completed another 21.5 miles and I have now clocked a total of 3,253.3 miles.

I am on the Trans-Canada Highway just north east of the City of Swift Current, Saskatchewan. The population approximates 15,500 and it is about 2,450 miles from my home in Tampa, as a crow flies.

Ate supper last night at I ai Sushi. It is a dive but a relatively fair sushi and Japanese restaurant in Tampa. It is a hole in the wall decorated in the ultimate of Dollar Store “tackiness” and post-its with today’s specials all over the walls… It is the only place in town that I know of to get freshly made Okonomiyaki. Would I get the sushi or sashimi there again? Probably not… but there are many other interesting items I would probably try, especially with labels that I really do not have an inkling of what they are. And all the tables were taken. But it was the Chocolate Delight stuffed in a chocolate-dipped waffle cone at Cold Stone afterwards that definitely increased my sugar blood count this morning. And this morning I can say that I have dropped 8.8 pounds due to my daily Trek on my Schwinn 150.

Harry Potter again this morning. The first part of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. This is the fourth of the eight films. Introductions to Bartemius Crouch, Cedric Diggory (late of Twilight fame), Mad-Eye Moody, and students of two other European schools of magic. I am amazed at the creative mind of J.K. Rowling as bit by bit the story continues to unfold. The Triwizard Tournament most definitely is facsimile of a typical school competition, but one can see certain similarities in theme and plot followed up in the Hunger Games.

We just forwarded this picture to Max's foster parent from whom we adopted this tiny, but overweight at the time, scrappy puppy. This was the response that we just received...

"You all have been in my mind so much lately. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the pic. That little dog was always so special to me...all he needed was the right family and I never doubted for a second you two weren't the right family for Max. He is a very lucky little dog, coming from a crack house in Miami to the loving arms of you two. His little buddy wasn't so lucky. They abused that little dog so much until they broke his back, and he had to be put down. He couldn't be saved but we did try.

I talk about Max all the time about what a lucky little dog he is and what a wonderful home he got. I'll always love both of you for loving him and making him a part of your family."

Be healthy and enjoy,

Jim

Day 176 – Jim’s Trek – 21.0 Miles - More Saskatchewan

Good Day,

This morning three of The Pack are seated with me in my chair at my PC. The brouhaha of the early morning wake-up and guzzling down of the Kibble is over. Everyone except yours truly is quiet and settling in for their morning siestas.

This morning’s Trek cycling takes me 21.0 miles further in my journey. I am on the Trans-Canada Highway in Saskatchewan just south of the Town of Herbert. The population is about 750. It is also the home to the Herbert Stampede.

In the far distance I can see the provincial border.

And now for my soapbox - His extreme and unctuous potentate, the current Governor of Florida has now signed the wimpiest and most ineffective law, as created by the current sitting Legislators. It is Florida's "No texting and driving" law. Our Florida officials cannot present citations specifically for texting while driving, but have to stop a driver for some other reason in order to cite the secondary charge of texting. Guess this State will NEVER get out of the Dark Ages.

It was not until about the year 2000 that the open container law became effective for operators and passengers of motor vehicles (FS 316.1936). Do not expect Florida Legislature to be at any point up-to-date and comprehensive of any real issues of any thing... especially something as dangerous as texting and driving.

Supper last night – Cheese Ravioli with Sausage, Onion and Peppers; Salad – Watermelon, Spinach, and Feta. The thing is the food is really good, especially the Watermelon Salad. Previously I was not a fan of watermelon… and now I am trying to discover and explore ways to make it be the primary ingredient in a dish. So far, two for two.

Part two of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was in-cycle entertainment this morning. Peter Pettigrew is introduced. Time travel and changing into animals is a wee bit confusing

The work on the cluster for Astro-Physics has been completed. Now the placement of the remaining planets and stars on the background is next on the bill-of-fare. Double Entendre is now 40” long. Only 20” to crochet on the inner top.  Check out progress at Quilts SB.

Be healthy and enjoy.

Jim

Day 175 – Jim’s Trek – 21.5 Miles – Less Than 1,000 Miles Left, Maybe…

Good Day,

Today’s Trek cycling on my Schwinn 150 was briefly interrupted by an electric power company blackout. Damn TECO! One would think that after living in this house for 29 years Tampa Electric would get it right. So far these past two weeks, there has been a power surge almost every single day. But if I digress into the benefits, or lack thereof, of TECO my blood pressure will begin to escalate.

Adding the two pieces together, before and after the power surge, I cycled on my Schwinn 150 21.5 miles. I burned 621 calories. Today I am still in Saskatchewan, and on the Trans-Canada Highway.

My stats –

Total Direct Miles to Seattle	To Date	TD Miles Remaining	% TD Miles Completed	Interlake Miles to Seattle	Weight (lbs)
3,301.0	3,210.8	955.1	77.1%	4,165.9	162.6

Last night’s supper was grilled Italian sausage; corn on the cob; and a Tremendous, with a capital "T", kidney and pinto, watermelon, and onion salad; and apple pie with cheddar cheese. I would definitely make the salad a second time. After 10 days of reduced diabetes medication, my blood sugar levels average 103.1 mg/dL.

And today is not necessarily a special day for those who have a great hunger … It is Hamburger Day. I did that on Monday; grilled, and I had two. They tasted so good, with cheese and tomato and onion and lettuce and pickle and mayo and potato sticks… And I like hamburgers. But I have to keep saying to myself 44 down to 34-and-a-half.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, number three in the Harry Potter series for this morning's, with interruption, viewing pleasure.  And this morning I am introduced to Dementors, Professors Lupin and Trelawney, Buckbeak, and Sirius Black, to name a few. This film, of the eight Harry Potter films, grossed the lowest…

Working on some new quilt proposals/commissions. You’ll have to tune into Quilts SB to discover and read the forthcoming updates. And we still have our critics... to the Max.

Be healthy and enjoy,

Jim

Day 174 – Jim’s Trek – 21.5 Miles – In Saskatchewan on This Memorial Day

Good Day and remember on this Memorial Day,

Today I cycled 21.5 miles on my Schwinn 150 on my Trek from Tampa to Seattle. I am somewhere in Saskatchewan on the Trans-Canada Highway at a point almost halfway between Pelican and Chaplin Lakes. The landscape has changed a wee bit, sort of like low-lying rolling hills. And I am about 469 miles from my next Interlake address goal.

I have now lost 9.2 pounds and I seem to be maintaining my reasonable ranges of blood sugar numbers, even with the reduction in my diabetes medications.

The above map is an approximate and direct route map of my Trek on this 174th day.  It does not include all my Interlake address goal points.  "A" is Tampa, "C" is Seattle, and "B" is where I have made it today. To date I have completed 3,189.3 miles.

And today is also Cellophane Tape Day. I just learned that there are Scotch Tape Sculpture contests. Contestants are judged on: Execution; Creativity; and Presentation. Grand prize $5,000.00. Only in America… Go for it! And yes the bike was one of the 2012 winners.

The second half of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets was my viewing companion this morning on my Trek. And according to Albus Dumbledore “It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”

Be healthy and enjoy,

Jim

Day 173 – Jim’s Trek – 21.4 Miles – My Schwinn Trek Continues in Saskatchewan

Good Day,

This morning’s Trek on my Schwinn 150 resulted in 21.4 miles. I am now about 15 miles west of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and travelling on the Trans-Canada Highway once again. I am also just northwest of the Village of Caronport. It has an approximate population of about 1,070.

And as I continue on my Trek, I believe the start has just happened at the Indianapolis 500. I’m sure that my Schwinn 150 would get a definite workout.

Housecleaning and today is a beautiful day in Tampa… Sun is shining and the humidity is almost non-existent. I just got out of the pool.

Today’s on-bike entertainment is the second film in the Harry Potter series – Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. And I have to make sure that I note that the first Harry Potter film does have two names: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, and Harry Potter and the Soccer’s Stone. Same film different titles. Today’s film introduces Dobby, the House Elf, and Moaning Myrtle, and Professors Gilderoy Lockhart and Pomona Sprout.

Last night’s movie fare was Life of Pi, 2012. An interesting adaptation of a story, possibly within a story, about the account of a young man and a tiger who survive 227 days in a lifeboat in the Pacific Ocean. There are a number of themes running through the tale and it definitely is something to think about.

Work on the cluster for Astro-Physics, the inner top of Double Entendre, and the quilting for The Amulet continues. Check out updates on Quilts SB and stay tuned for my new, soon-to-come site, Afghans SB.

Be healthy and enjoy.

Jim

Day 172 – Jim’s Trek – 20.5 Miles – Still in Saskatchewan on My Schwinn 150

Good Day,

I’ve been a wee bit tardy on posting of Jim's Trek on my Schwinn 150 today. Just back in from my SAQA meeting. BUT, I did complete my cycling this morning of 20.5 miles, and I burned 609 calories. I am still in Saskatchewan and the landscape is still somewhat boring… unless you like flat land.

I am headed south on Highway 2 and just about five miles north of Moose Jaw. At Moose Jaw, tomorrow, I will turn toward the west, once again in the direction of my final goal of Seattle, Washington. I have now completed 3,146.4 miles on my Schwinn 150 Trek.

Very interesting movie last night, Cloud Atlas. This 2012 film with Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Jim Broadbent, Hugo Weaving, Susan Sarandon, Hugh Grant, to name a few, is a trip through time with six stories through seven time periods. The stories begin in 1849 and continue through 2321. All the tales and human histories are interrelated and interwoven. It is that type of film presentation that I know I will have to watch again, and again.

This morning’s viewing pleasure on my Trek was the 3rd part of the first Harry Potter film. It is amazing, when one takes some time to think about how the Harry Potter films will not necessarily ever get old… that is unless the films of the near future will be of a holographic genre. I remember seeing my first holographic presentation, of a ballerina, in a museum in Fredericton, New Brunswick. I was thoroughly amazed and intrigued.

The top, without borders, of our new Double Entendre Afghan is now half done. All-things-being-equal I should be able to finish the second half in a couple of days. Work progresses on the design of the quilting pattern for our new quilt The Amulet. Design continues on Tampa Kaleidoscope.  Follow our progress on Quilts SB.

Be healthy and enjoy,

Jim

Day 171 – Jim’s Trek – 20.7 Miles – Tiaras and Morse

Good Day,

Today I once again completed another 20.7 miles on my Schwinn 150. I am headed in a southerly direction on Highway 2. I then took a quick turn west on Highway 733, and then south on 2. I have crossed over the Louis Riel Trail. (Image of Louis Riel, circa 1873 (courtesy Provincial Archives of Manitoba/N-5733). The Canadian Encyclopedia © 2012 Historica-Dominion)

After today, I now have 1,070.3 miles remaining in my Trek to my final destination of Seattle. Based on my calculations at my average rate of 18.5 miles a day I should make it to my Seattle endpoint in about 58 days. That should be somewhere around Sunday, July 21. We’ll see… I do have two more Interlake address goals before the final one.

It is near to impossible to type with my keyboard when there are three of five of The Pack sharing my chair, and one is at my feet. It’s so nice to be as wanted… but I know there is just the anticipation of circular bowls filled with breakfast chow that are dancing through their wee little heads.

Today is International Tiara Day! And boy do I have to hold myself back from the thoughts and comments that are just racing around in my head.

It is also |_ _ |_ _ _ |. _ . |. . . |. |_ . _ . |_ _ _| _ . . |. |_ . . |. _ |_ . _ _|

Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone introduces 9 3/4s, Hogwarth, Mountain Trolls, Quiditch, and Fluffy… It looks like the first film of the series will take three days of cycling to complete. I am also amazed at those parts and gems that I may have missed the first time around.


Be healthy and enjoy,

Jim