Today is Friday the end of the week and the beginning of the long Memorial Day weekend. Actually when one is retired long weekends have no real meaning except that there are more people at places that usually are fairly quiet.
Today being the last business day before my trip I was pretty busy. I usually handle my money things on this day and today was no exception. I went to the bank to take money out for the trip. I also called my credit card companies to advise them that their card will be used outside the country. Meaning don't embarrass me by shutting down any of the cards because it is being used in a peculiar location.
It already happened and it was pretty inconvenient.
It was very interesting. One bank card went through very easily while the other bank asked so many questions that I almost hung up on them I was so frustrated.
Actually, as I noted at the beginning it is Friday night but against our habits we are in Queens. We will be going out to Manhattan Beach on Saturday and plan to stay until Monday morning. Then home to get ready.
I don't think I will have to much opportunity to write while I am away, therefore this will be my last entry until the middle of June when I return.
On that note I wish everybody a good start of Summer.
Saturday, May 23, 2015
Friday, May 22, 2015
Thursday
When I was a young boy at home my maternal grandfather was alive. Actually, I knew him pretty well and being his only grandson or grandchild I think he really loved me. He was retired and as far as I know he was retired from the time I was born. I seem to remember him almost always polishing his shoes.
This stayed with me so much that I was convinced that retired people always shine their shoes. So sometime last year I decided that since I was retired I might as well shine my shoes. I can't say it was much fun but I did it anyway. The problem was that after I finished the apartment smelled like a shoe polish factory.
As I said it was sometime last year and I figured that since I am going away I should get my shoes shined. But I decided they won't get done by me. So, I went to my shoemaker and asked if he would do it. He has the machine and he said he would. I gave him four pair of shoes and he fixed a few and also polished all of them. Now they all look very spiffy.
Right now my love is standing next to me and my hand is on Her gorgeous behind caressing it while I am kissing Her beautiful boobs! This is the beginning of our farewell process.
Understandingly I can't write anymore!
This stayed with me so much that I was convinced that retired people always shine their shoes. So sometime last year I decided that since I was retired I might as well shine my shoes. I can't say it was much fun but I did it anyway. The problem was that after I finished the apartment smelled like a shoe polish factory.
As I said it was sometime last year and I figured that since I am going away I should get my shoes shined. But I decided they won't get done by me. So, I went to my shoemaker and asked if he would do it. He has the machine and he said he would. I gave him four pair of shoes and he fixed a few and also polished all of them. Now they all look very spiffy.
Right now my love is standing next to me and my hand is on Her gorgeous behind caressing it while I am kissing Her beautiful boobs! This is the beginning of our farewell process.
Understandingly I can't write anymore!
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Wendnesday
It is very interesting how time changes everything as time goes by. Today I heard on the news that Fleet Week starts in New York this week, being Memorial Day weekend. This is an annual occurrence when military ships from many countries converge in New York, parade up and down the Hudson River then they dock.
I thought back that when I worked in the World Trade Center we saw these ships from our 91st floor windows. The last time I saw them was 2001 because after this date 9/11 happened. It just made me think how one's life changes in years time.
Something else.
Today we went to the circus. I bought tickets to the Big Apple Circus that plays out here by us in a very large park. It was very interesting because this is the way a circus should be. Under a gigantic tent, one ring. Not three like Barnum & Bailey and people don't know what to watch because there is action in every ring.
This was like a small town traveling circus but regardless it was cute. No spectacular acts but enough to awe the audience. There were trapeze artists, contortionists, a clown, animal acts where there was even a goat and a few other interesting numbers.
The show lasted about an hour and a half but we still had a good time. Abigail was totally surprised because this was the first time she ever been to a circus.
I'm such a nice guy for buying these surprise tickets.
I thought back that when I worked in the World Trade Center we saw these ships from our 91st floor windows. The last time I saw them was 2001 because after this date 9/11 happened. It just made me think how one's life changes in years time.
Something else.
Today we went to the circus. I bought tickets to the Big Apple Circus that plays out here by us in a very large park. It was very interesting because this is the way a circus should be. Under a gigantic tent, one ring. Not three like Barnum & Bailey and people don't know what to watch because there is action in every ring.
This was like a small town traveling circus but regardless it was cute. No spectacular acts but enough to awe the audience. There were trapeze artists, contortionists, a clown, animal acts where there was even a goat and a few other interesting numbers.
The show lasted about an hour and a half but we still had a good time. Abigail was totally surprised because this was the first time she ever been to a circus.
I'm such a nice guy for buying these surprise tickets.
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Tuesday
As I mentioned a few days ago a rapper was shot in my neighborhood. Today they put up posters in the area looking for information. The police is promising $2500 for leads.
I think this is a pretty chintzy offer. How can they offer such a small amount for information of a murder?
The place where this guy died is now filled with hundreds of candles, flowers and other memorabilia. Always there is a crowd gathering around the site. They are very quiet and other than playing his music there is no noise.
It is very interesting and sad to see such a sight. Before this occurrence I only saw such things on television.
Something else.
It is amazing how much food one can get in a diner. Tonight we didn't eat at home but went out to have dinner in our neighborhood diner. They gave us so much food the more than half of it was brought home. This way we all have stuff left over for tomorrow.
Low price and lots of food, not a bad deal. Maybe it is not a connoisseur's dream but it still is good enough to eat.
I think this is a pretty chintzy offer. How can they offer such a small amount for information of a murder?
The place where this guy died is now filled with hundreds of candles, flowers and other memorabilia. Always there is a crowd gathering around the site. They are very quiet and other than playing his music there is no noise.
It is very interesting and sad to see such a sight. Before this occurrence I only saw such things on television.
Something else.
It is amazing how much food one can get in a diner. Tonight we didn't eat at home but went out to have dinner in our neighborhood diner. They gave us so much food the more than half of it was brought home. This way we all have stuff left over for tomorrow.
Low price and lots of food, not a bad deal. Maybe it is not a connoisseur's dream but it still is good enough to eat.
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Monday.
Today is Monday and the time is approaching for my departure. Years ago when we traveled we had a very accurate schedule reaching back a few weeks about getting ready. This time that I am planning my trip I only beginning to take it seriously now.
This morning I took some stuff to the cleaners, during the week I still have to buy some toiletries. I have to get my electronics in order along with the proper chargers.
Some years ago I went to St. Maarten and just as I unpacked I realized I forgot my cell phone charger. Ran down like a maniac and fortunately there was a Radio Shack nearby who carried the necessary charger so I was saved.
Two other times I forgot to pack my pajamas. Once in a trip to Budapest once on a trip to St. Maarten. Budapest was easy but to find man's pajamas in St. Maarten was not an easy task.
So it is understandable that I am a little ancy about my packing.
Also the clothing. We are leaving from currently hot and humid New York to arctic Stockholm and then on to hot Budapest. Meaning that selecting the right type of clothing is not the easiest thing in the world.
But knowing me I will prevail. Beside my GF is here to help me out.
This morning I took some stuff to the cleaners, during the week I still have to buy some toiletries. I have to get my electronics in order along with the proper chargers.
Some years ago I went to St. Maarten and just as I unpacked I realized I forgot my cell phone charger. Ran down like a maniac and fortunately there was a Radio Shack nearby who carried the necessary charger so I was saved.
Two other times I forgot to pack my pajamas. Once in a trip to Budapest once on a trip to St. Maarten. Budapest was easy but to find man's pajamas in St. Maarten was not an easy task.
So it is understandable that I am a little ancy about my packing.
Also the clothing. We are leaving from currently hot and humid New York to arctic Stockholm and then on to hot Budapest. Meaning that selecting the right type of clothing is not the easiest thing in the world.
But knowing me I will prevail. Beside my GF is here to help me out.
Monday, May 18, 2015
Sunday
Today was Sunday and I mean was because the day is over when I am writing these lines. It was a very busy day that was almost non stop from the beginning to the end.
The morning we woke at Manhattan Beach. Late morning we drove back to Queens to change our clothing because we had brunch with my bro-in-law and his wife. We went to a nice Greek restaurant in the middle of the City. After circulating a few times we were lucky enough to find a parking spot on the street.
We met, we drank and we ate. The food was pretty good. It was brunch food with Greek overtones but still we enjoyed it. There was a small jazz band playing in the background not too loud but good enough to permit conversation without screaming.
After brunch we had to drive out to Manhattan Beach to pick up Abigail and some stuff then drive back to Queens. Driving to Brooklyn would have been fairly easy if that huge auto carrier truck wouldn't have broken down in the middle of the highway and create a long-long backup. But eventually we made it.
Sunday morning about 3:15am there was a shooting in my neighborhood. It seems a rap artist was shot to death while sitting in his Porsche. When we got home around noon the area was filled with police. By night they were all gone. But the place where he died was filled with candles, flowers and people. Also several TV trucks were in the location.
The only good thing about this is that this shooting does not make my neighborhood bad because it looks like he was targeted and it just happened here where we live.
The morning we woke at Manhattan Beach. Late morning we drove back to Queens to change our clothing because we had brunch with my bro-in-law and his wife. We went to a nice Greek restaurant in the middle of the City. After circulating a few times we were lucky enough to find a parking spot on the street.
We met, we drank and we ate. The food was pretty good. It was brunch food with Greek overtones but still we enjoyed it. There was a small jazz band playing in the background not too loud but good enough to permit conversation without screaming.
After brunch we had to drive out to Manhattan Beach to pick up Abigail and some stuff then drive back to Queens. Driving to Brooklyn would have been fairly easy if that huge auto carrier truck wouldn't have broken down in the middle of the highway and create a long-long backup. But eventually we made it.
Sunday morning about 3:15am there was a shooting in my neighborhood. It seems a rap artist was shot to death while sitting in his Porsche. When we got home around noon the area was filled with police. By night they were all gone. But the place where he died was filled with candles, flowers and people. Also several TV trucks were in the location.
The only good thing about this is that this shooting does not make my neighborhood bad because it looks like he was targeted and it just happened here where we live.
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Saturday
In the middle of this past week I called up my cable provider and asked them why was my monthly cable TV bill so high. Actually I took a copy of my friend's bill and compared the two services. That was when I saw the big differences in the detailed pricing.
Their explanation was that the two can not be compared. It is like apple and oranges. He might be receiving certain promotions while I was not. Anyway, they talked their way out of it.
However the lady I spoke to seemed nice and told me she might be able to do something about lowering my bill.
Bottom line was I received a new high speed modem and a new much better cable box, one can record shows. Also a whole bunch of pay stations like HBO and some more for no additional charge.
And, she said that at the same time my bill would be about $30 a month less. Sounds too good to be true but I went for it anyway.
Today the technician was here and installed the new stuff. It remains to be seen how good this thing is.
I learned a long time ago that one can not get anything for free. One way or another they will get me, I know. But right now I am bathing in the joy of how thrifty I am.
Their explanation was that the two can not be compared. It is like apple and oranges. He might be receiving certain promotions while I was not. Anyway, they talked their way out of it.
However the lady I spoke to seemed nice and told me she might be able to do something about lowering my bill.
Bottom line was I received a new high speed modem and a new much better cable box, one can record shows. Also a whole bunch of pay stations like HBO and some more for no additional charge.
And, she said that at the same time my bill would be about $30 a month less. Sounds too good to be true but I went for it anyway.
Today the technician was here and installed the new stuff. It remains to be seen how good this thing is.
I learned a long time ago that one can not get anything for free. One way or another they will get me, I know. But right now I am bathing in the joy of how thrifty I am.
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