Looking north towards the Village of Brewster, NY Feb 21st, 2009.

I'll be in the Harlem Valley for a short while. My younger brother is celebrating 50 years of life next weekend and I'm seriously considering a run over to Garrison on March 11th now; in conjuction with the small show at tyhe Garrison Depot Theatre.

Cheers.
Q

St. Paddies Day and Garrison Landing.

On March 11th there will be a small show at the Garrison Depot Theatre, down at Garrison Landing in Putnam County, NY. Its to Honor the memory of Jim Guinan's small store and will be a night of Irish music by many of the people who've played there over the years. I'll try to be there. But as life isn't garranteed I shan't make one either. But Jim's store was a place I enjoyed going to and hold fondly in my memories.

A thank you to Wendy Bounds for her blog which yeilded the information.

Cheers!
Q

Valentines Day update, 14 Feb 09

Sunday, Nov 8th, 2009.

Well I'm ready to head south again. I've come to like the artificial peace and quietude of living without a permanent home. I am frustrated by having to wait upon the VA for my upcoming medical appointments. I've completed one week of waiting and am starting week number two now and its not comfortable. Not that I can't wait, I can, it is the psychological environment that I find myself in while waiting.

I don't have an apartment to call my own since departing from Highland falls and while I'm on the road camping it isn't an issue. But staying at my brother's home I find unsettling. No it isn't critical but it isn't good either. I'm attempting to help out doing the minor chores, laundry, washing dishes, letting the old dog in and out at zero dark thirty when she needs to relieve herself. But I can't help but feel like an interloper.

Well I've reach a few serious decisions about the course of my life from this point onwards. My furniture in my other brother's barn shall find its way either to a church's thift store, donated to a good cause or failing that just destroyed, and I'd prefer not to destroy it. But I've no need for it anymore. The same goes for much of the excess clothing I've dragged arpound over the years. My old dress greens can be donated to a clothing bag as well as all my old work clothes and uniforms. I only need a couple of pairs of dungarees, tee shirts underwear, socks and shoes. I don't need all i'm dragging around.

Even the motorcycles and sailboat can go. my material possesions just aren't needed. No I'm not giving up on life, I've been abile to realize I don't need all the stuff I've acquired over the years and the emotional burden that comes with being concerned about it. Realisticly I was much happier at 18 years of age with just the clothes upon my back and being able to live out of a dufflebag. So my goal for 2009 and beyond is to down size my life's baggage. Yes, I'll keep a few toys and effects; but I don't need to fill a house and call it home.

A small travel trailer and wardrobe, a laptop computer and a radio, my old bicycle and I can be content. I've discovered this minor thing while camping out on Key West. It isn't a revelation of biblical proportions; Its just a reality of my life.

So come late February when I'm done with the VA and Dentist appointments I shall hit the highway again and reorder my life. Do some charity fundraising as I did for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society but not to that degree of effort, Keep up my exercise regimen and try to make a positive change in my life.

Thursday, Nov 12th, 2009.
So how has the week progressed? Thats a loaded question if ever one has been posed. Good, Bad and Ugly may apply.

Bad: A person Who've I've known and worked with in a Volunteer Fire department passed away this past Saturday, He was only 46 years old.

Good; I've started running material possessions I haven't used in a year or more to the Salvation Army for their reuse. They were surprised with the very good condition of the materials I've donated. Also with the 1980's vintage component sterio system. Now I've need to go through various other items and reduce them as well. I've decided to sell both motorcycles and my sailboat. If I get another boat it shall be small enough to put atop the cargo racks on my van.

Ugly; Ice, snow and mud. Enough said there I supposed as everyone knows how ugly it can get dealing with those aspects of nature.

But not all is doom and gloom. I've been helping out my youngest brother and getting a few domestic isues under control for him. But for the work i've done he now needs to get his kids, Teenagers, to start building upon the effort. Well thats another issue and a passing one as I'll be running amuk in a couple of weeks and on the road again.

My younger brother turns 50 this year and my broothers and I will be throwing a Birthday party for him at a Fraternal Lodge. He ain't getting too much but he'll be getting it regardless.

My older brother will turn 52 tomorrow, I'll see to it he gets his.....

Well believe it or not I did the paperwork for the means test for my VA care today. in 2008 my gross income was just over 46,000 down from about 70,000 for 07 and my projected income for 09 is for 27,000 so next year I do the paperwork for yet another means test in order to reduce my costs for the VA health care system yet again.

I guess there is a upside to having a severly reduced income.

Well thats all for this update and I'll post this to my blog in the near future.

Saturday, Nov 14th, 2009

Well today I wasted the day, not completely but pretty much so by spending most of the day on the computer. Although I did run 5 miles this morning and clean up some of my current domicile.

I'm adding some more music to my MP3 player today. Grateful Dead 'The Best of' Skeletons from the Closet' and Jefferson Starship 'Jefferson's Tree of Liberty'.

The Grateful dead music is pretty well know & played; The Golden Road (to unlimited devotion),Truckin, Rosemary, Sugar Magnolia, St. Stephen, Uncle John's Band, Casey Jones, Mexicali Blues, Turn On Your Love Light, One More Saturday Night and Friend of the Devil.

The Jefferson Starship numbers are a mix of known and unknow covers. Wasn't that a time, Follow the drinking gourd, Santy Anno, Cowboy on the run, I ain't marching anymore, Chimes of freedom, Genisis hall, Kisses sweeter than wine, Royal canal, Risin' of the moon, Frenario, In a crisis, Maybe for you, Comandante Carlos Fonseca, Pastures of plenty, Imagine redemption, On the threshold of fire, The quiet joys of brotherhood,

pretty much a mixed bag of music, but as I use the MP3 player when I'm running the random mixing of music when I run can be interesting to say the least. Most of the music is lively and upbeat with a good rythym to run and jog by.

Well I'll see what tomorrow brings, I'll do some grocery shopping and wait for the new week to unfold. Hopefully the Dentist gives me a clean bill of health and I can schedule my next dental check up for October when my next set of VA visits will occur. I'm shifting my schedule to accomodate my ability to deal with the winter cold which has progressively gotten worse over the years. Its a loss of sensation and general numbness which occurs in the hands. With that being the case, I think a complete relocation to a southern clime will be in order for winters. and a return north in the springtime.

Have a safe and easy week everyone.

The the february madness begins.

Kat said...
Hi Q! Welcome back to the "real" weather!!

February 6, 2009 3:48 PM

Ah yes, the real weather; Its real alright, real cold. Four degrees farenheit this morning as I took one nephew off to the bus for Wrestling. Divisionals are being held I believe. But for a person who has had cold weather related injuries in the past, 4 degrees can be brutal.

So as time goes on I'm doing different things to keep occupied while waiting for my Appointments at the VA hospital. Doing web research a local Volunteer Fire Department on courses available through the Department of Environmental Conservation and US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, for the upcoming brush fire season.
Small engine services and brake repair on my brothers' various bits of equipment.

I'm also allowing time for myself to practice with my bagpipes but the low humidity can play hell with the connections for the wood. Any wooden instrument will change tonal quality when exposed to large variations in temperature and humidity. Violins, Guitars, Pianos, Drums and many others to some degree or another are affected. Thats why when President Obama's inauguration was televised although you saw the musicians playing their instruments what you heard was recorded earlier for later broadcast.

Even the world's best musicians can be undone by bad weather's effects upon their tools.

So today, 7 Feb, 09 started early enough at 4:30 am. Thats just when I woke up. at 5:30 I woke my one nephew for his trip to the Divisionals for wrestling and was back at my brother's home by 6:30 am. this morning I'll take care of some simple chores and hopefully it'll warm into the 20's atleast as I do want to get a run in outdoors today if I can.

Other than that I'm acting domesticated; assisting with getting my nephews off to sports practices, doing laundry, moving snow. And staying occupied to some degree or another.

As for St. Patricks Day in March, hmmm maybe I'll be some where green but not where the green beers flow.

Have a good weekend all.

Q

Early February and I'm ready for summer.

OK I've been back in NY state since the end of January and the weather has been less than nice. Too cold to go outside and run and the roads too screwed up to do so safely; Both physically and health wise with the ice and salt along with the speeding drivers.

I'm awaiting for the days I've my medical and dental appointments completed so I can hopefully get back on the highways and byways. I'm not happy being locked into someone else's schedule.

Still I've a simple enough arrangement for shelter and living conditions and things aren't too bad.

Just keeping a low profile, doing some errands for my brothers and other odds & ends.

Stay safe & warm everyone.

Q

More photos

Just some more pictures.

Winter Blunder Land & points north.

Alrighty then, I'm back in NYS and the weather could be worse but it ain't too bad overall. Yeah its cold, and icey and snowy and dreary and such but like a person once said 'Hey it could be worse'. That and I've been in worse, riding the open jump seats of the Fire Engine at Stewart Army Subpost in the dead of winter to the Marine Barracks for a sprinkler activation; Cold enough to pop the head in an upper floor room that night. Sleeping or trying to at least in a old Army issue sleeping bag in Hoenfelds Germany in January; Working on gasoline operated equipment while at Ft. Drum outdoors at night in January. So I ain't complaining as I've a roof over my head at night and by the end of february I should be running back south.

The run up the coast was easy enough on Monday, Overnighted near the 106 mile marker in North carolina and started early Tuesday morning for NY state. At the northbound junction of 295/95 in Virginia just north of Richmond traffic came to a crawl due to the usual ignorant southern driving technique of driving fast in poor conditions Took about an hour and a half to reach King's Dominion Exit and what seemed almost as long to get to Rt 207/ Ft. A.P. Hill exit. There I decided to top off my fuel tank before heading north again.

As for running north on I-95 that was ruled out when I heard sirens and watched two fire engines head north on I-95. I wasn't about to try my luck not knowing if they were responding to an incident in the N or S bound lanes. So i headed east on 207 til I reached U.S. 301 and took that N through what was left of Virginia, Maryland and Delaware to the NJ turnpike. The delays on Virginia were enough to cause me to catch the evening rush hour in jersey which means you get off the interstate and take the secondary roads to get by traffic of you take a 60 mile loop around on 287 to pick up Rt 17 to 32 to 107 and 9W to catch the Beacon/Newburgh bridge. Either way ends up taking about the same amount of time depending upon traffic conditions.

So as I said I'm back in NY for a little while and I've some work to keep me busy for now. Blood draw for my lab work up at the VA medical Center in Castle Point, Tax filings, Dental appointments and VA appointments in February. Along with doing some down & dirty Auto repairs on my brother's plow vehicle, and other brother's gasoline powered tools. So I won't be lacking for things to do between between now and my last medical appointment the end of february. I do need to consider changing the months of my annual visit to April and October; That way I can winter in the south and summer in the north.

OK some more photos from the deep south.

Thursday report before hitting the road.

So Life in Key West has been uneventful and the most practical mode of travel is really the Bicycle. The Van would be a nuisance to navigate through the crowds in some areas and the Motorcycle is OK but parking becomes problamatic for those items. The Bicycle can be chained to any convienent Bike Rack and boom you're within easy distance of any bar or tourist trap.

I'll be heading north on Friday back to NY and the winter. I'll probably talk to a fellow about selling my West Wright Potter and if he's got the cash he'll have the tittle the same day. For speed and easy of use a sailing dinghy may be more practical, I'll decide come summer.

Awaitning me in NY: Acouple of VA appointments; The need to see a state approved physician for a DOT physical; and study for the hazmat endorsement for my CDL drivers license; Little Brother's snow plow, it needs some repairs again, and the rest of Winter.

I doubt I'll stay there too long if i can't find a easy job but I'll see what I see.

Cheers & Prosit,
Q

Stupid Biker/Motorcyclist Tricks, Isle of Bones, Key West.

Well in a few more days I'll be heading back to NY state for My annual visitation of the Castle Point VA hospital but I've some time yet to spend here in the Florida Keys. I've also a pile of work waiting for me at my Brother's place too when I return there.

But Stupid Biker/Motorcyclist tricks. As I've both my motorcycle and bicycle here I've freedom of transit for large distances on the island. And I tend to employ each mode of transportation as I see fit. For the local tourist sites the bicycle for running to the commissary generally the motorcycle.

Well Yesterday I road my bicycle to the main PX and picked up some gatoraid Although I would prefer Poweraid from the Commisary as its much less expensive. Still I've gotten enough to sustain me on my morning runs. But as I was leaving the Navy Complex a fast moving gale came through and provided me with a bit of a free rinse cycle. Well needless to say I was well covered with road grime when I returned to my camp site and showered off to commence my afternoon rambles.

As for Today (20 January, 2009. Inauguration Day for Mr. Obama) I did my standard run of about 5 & 3/4 miles and followed that with a motorcycle circuit of Key West. Well on my last 1/4 mile or so of road before entering the navy base I'm camped on; A gale line rolled across the island. According to the police officer at the gate I had basicly ridden under a water spout that had not touched land. UMmmmm OK I dodged a small tornado essentially and rode through it's displayed ground effects. Just another good reason to wear a helmet and leather jacket while riding the motorcycle (not just here but anywhere I go it seems)

Another thing I'm doing is paying attention to my banking via the computer. Its surprizingly easy but I'm wary of over spending and do so way too easily. Still barring any unfortunate instances I should be able to return to NY without any unreasonable expenses.

This week I may inquire about the availability of jobs here on Key West. I would consider a maintenance position for the fleet of tour buses as a posibility although I could also get a permit and busk the tourists for spare change by performing down by the docks too. Bagpiper with a attitude, sun burn and vaguely NY accent?

Well as I sit here doing laundry I'm checking my computer accounts and charging up my cell phone and two portable VHF marine radios. The VHF radios come in hand just for the NOAA weather reports and alerts. I'm not talking to any vessels but by monitoring specific channels I can also follow some of the local sail boat races as well.

So I'll conclude this report for now, Wish everyone well and don't be too jealous. I'm camping under some modest conditions that could be called just a step up from primitive.

Cheers & Prosit Alles!
Q

Weekend Update, Isle of Bones,

January 16th, 2009 and I'm as far South as I can concievably get without leaving the Continental United Sates; Even though I'm on Key West, Florida.

So What has been going on so far; a lot and not too much.

Most impressive sounding achievement, but not really: I ran across the width of Florida, Twice! From the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean and back. Duval Street has been called the longest road in America due to its connecting tow major bodies of water but the average width of Key West is just one mile. So as I said impressive sounding but not really an impressive feat.

The cheapest way to see Key West, aside from being homeless here, is by RV and camping. For this trip I've redesignated my van as "The Tenament on Wheels" It is shelter from the winds blowing across the island and kitchen as well as Internet connection site and power source for the computer. I walk about a football field's distance to the showers and toilets. Camping on Sigsbee part of KW Naval Air Station is the cheapest way to do it at about 16 dollars a day. I'll be here till friday the 23rd when I start heading back north. I've a VA appointment on the 29th and generally see the Dr a week later and I've a dental appointment on the 19th of Feb.

The museums here are interesting and there is a lot of schlocky kitsch but its a different environment and I feel worth the visit so far. Pricey compared to the mainland but not overly so. Just look to keep within a strong budget.

I've found 2 irish Bars on the Island one in the old town/tourist district and one on the working side of the Island near the Airport on Flagler Ave. Neither are overly impressive although the expats from the UK seem to go to the working side. Black & Tans are $3.00 for a 16 oz glass and you can even get a 20oz Imperial Pint.

Well I've been running pretty much every morning. That and using the bicycle to get around is helping to keep my weight down. Blossom's Market near the gate for the USCG station has breakfast sandwiches for $2.50 and strong good cuban coffee. Unless you are directed to it you won't likely find it. Its a small establishment but pleasant.

I still find it disgusting when the locals call 60 degrees farenheit cold. Its not cold here but the breeze and wind has been a continuous factor. I'll put the pop up canopy up about mid-day as shelter from the sun, but come evening I bring it back down and secure the top canvas as the light weight thing wasn't designed with any wind loading in mind.

I won't even begin to estimate the miles I've run while on the island, but the highest elevation being only 16 feet, makes any run easy. Not anything at all like the trudgign jogs I've done up stoney Lonesome Road on West Point.

Well Not too much to add, The weather is pretty good overall, a wind breaker is about the worst I've needed. Unless I'm on the motorcycle, Then I want the leathers, two reasons; Wind protection and due to the way the locals drive I want some addition coverage for the skin if one decides they want my space on the road. They have an un-nerving tendency to swing wide on turns, and they aren't driving but sedans and pickup trucks.

Well that covers this week and I'll stay off line for a while.
Have a safe week everyone;

Q

Sleepless in Tarpon Springs, organizing my thoughts in the wee hours.

January 12, 2009, 02:50 AM, Sleep escapes me.

Yes, 02:50 AM and I'm awake now. I awoke at 02:00 after about 5 hours of sleep and couldn't drift back off. There is much I'll be doing over the next week and a half and its running through my head over and over about what I would like to accomplish.

Well what have I don in the past week? So litle and so much less. Sunday, January 4th I took my parents back to MS. and suffered my father well. Needless to say doing things his way as he insisted all I took with to MS, was a simple travel kit and the clothes upon my back. Oh I've could of brough a change of clothes and running shoes with me I'm certain but as he was going to load the car and do it his way there was limited room to carry much of any thing else.

How to describe it? Well for himself there was 1 large suit case and a garment bag, My mother had a small suitcase and the there were the winter coats and jackets on the left rear passenger seat of the small sedan. So I left my small duffle with a couple of changes of clothes in Fla and went with the clothes on my back. As he did want to force anything extra into the trunk, not that he would atempt to move anything to fit it into a tighter space. He sees only one way to do anything and that is the way it must be done.

Well I've had my fill of my father for the remainder of the year, I want to forget the past few weeks and it shall take me a while to do so. On thing I had considered was looking into either renting or purchasing a small home near my parents so that I could look in on them from time to time and check that they are OK. But I'm scrapping that plan; I don't need, want or desire the psychological abuse my father will place upon me. I refuse to do things his single bloody minded way. Where he'll break my back to achieve his goals in the cheapest possible way. It's just like when we went to purchase a TV set to replace an old one which failed. He wouldn't consider a 26 inch LCD flat screen HDTV weighing 17 pounds (8.5 kilos) as it was more money than he wanted to spend. So he purchased a 27 inch flat panel TV weighinh 88.2 pounds (44 Kilos) which he was no help with. He couldn't steady the shopping cart the Walmart Imbicles placed the TV in when I went to unload it into the back of my van while I unloaded it into my van; I asked for a warehouse flat truck to move the TV with because of it's dimensions and weight. Fuck Walmart and any fuck headed asshole who wants to be associated with the culture of ignorance.

Well the Old man has his 88.2 pound less expensive traditional screen TV and has seen the last of me for at least a year or more. I've had my fill of his ways. Anger issues? Um yes, why do you ask? Aside from using this to vent my frustrations its also a safer way of doing so.

So what else has occured over the past week? I was almost killed by a driver who blew through a redlight and made a left turn infront of me while I was on my motorcycle. I I thanked the stupid cow very nicely for trying to kill me. I can wait to get out of the greater Tampa area. This place is a bipedal recreation of a experiment done with rats some years ago. The rats where allowed all the food they wanted, the ability to breed without controls and no room for their populations to expand. Well the rats started to go insane. This palace is like a cage full of insane rats and no-one is considering that their behaviors aren't heling the situation.

I've purchased new running shoes, Had to as the old ones were worn heavily. I've worn the heels down to where the softer cushioned layer was exposed. May 24th will mark a year of running and I've covered 1184 miles thus far; with running 330 miles since the marathon in October.

Running with animals; no not dogs, just animals: Very often when i go running in the morning I'll startle animals along my route and they'll run trying to move away from me. Its funny inthat some times their chosen escape route parralels my direction of travel. So I'll have O'possums running in a drainage ditch alongside where I'm running they'll look back up at me and redouble their efforst to get away by trying to out run me in the same direction I'm running. That seems the most comical. I've had rabbits and skunks do the same as well. As for the deer that are about locally. Well they've keyed on me and have totally ignored the dogs being walked on leash closer to them. Again it amusing to watch them scramble to get away. As for comic relief the local farm & feral cats probably do it best. I've watched them dive into drainage culverts and then pop up and dart back in to the pipes till I pass.

Well putting my thoughts into words seems to have a tonic effect and I'm relaxing more now and may be able to drift off for some more sleep shortly. As for today though I'll be heading for Key West later this morning. I'll drag along my sailboat and hopefully use it for a few days out of the Ney West NAS, recreation area. While my parents where here in Fla, I just needed to escape the oppressive atmosphere that seemed to pervade where ever my father was and just spent hours at the beach or Starbucks. Ok I did have my bagpipes or practice chanters with me for other diversions but still it wasn't the way I'll spend my Christmas & New Years Holidays next year.

Final entry for this morning and then I'm done; I promise.

Sunday I helped my cousin and his neighbor hang some huge air plants into an old oak tree. We had to employ ropes and pullies arranged into a 5 to1 hoisting system to get the plants into the crooks of the tree limbs. Hard work but finished satifactorly none the less. So yes, I've accomplish some work I'm proud of and that helps the mind set.

Well good day all, have a safe and easy week.

Q.

Monday, January 5th, 2009, 21:45 EDT.

Well I am getting ready to retire for the night. Today has been a challenge just to keep a civil tongue with my father. He tries the patience od anyone. That and my mother stirs the pot slightly as well. Oh I'm no inocent but even I understand (usually) when its best to keep a still tongue.

As for recent events, Yesterday i drove my parents back to MS, from FL. As my father has to do everything in his own way regardless of who may be affected All I've brought with me on this trip was the computer, my toilet kit and the clothes upon my back. Needless to say I'm not in a great mood. But i'm departing on wednesday morning come hell or highwater.

My Father has said that I may come back to MS on my way back north to bring two canoes up to my brothers and he would have a bill of sale ready for me to bring up with them. I have not inquired nor have my brothers inquired about the canoes. We've been rebuffed upon the issue previously and have decided to forget about the items. As for myself I'd rather just load them on the roof rack on my van and be off with them with out need to back track over 500 North and West from Southern FL when I return to NY for my Veterans Administration Hospital Appointments. As it is my Father presumes too much.

Well tomorrow I am to help him dispose of his old TV which ceased working a few months ago. I wasn't allowed to dispose of it in Novemebr as he needs to mark the cables feeding into it as they are. All that feeds into it is the Cable TV coaxial and the power cable. He has never figured out how to use the DVD player with the TV set in the den. Even though I've shown him repeatedly and even written down step by step instructions. Then I am to transport the new TV back to the house. Why is this? Its because on the old S-10 pickup truck he has there is a tonneau cover which has shrunk with age and it takes two men a bog and a educated Rolden Retriever with the gift of gab to get the cover back on after its been removed.
Thusly my currently empty Cargo Van is the prefect vehicle to carry the old TV and new one. Arrrgh, as Charlie brown would of exclaimed.

Since I am without my running shoes and related items i went for a 4&1/2 mile walk this morning instead, Oh that was after my father insisted upon making pancakes for breakfast. Myself, when I awaken I'd rather exercise and accomplish the needed tasks for the day. That way I can loaf without guilt. Well breakfast was done at 9Am at 9:30 AM I went for my walk and retuned at 11AM intime enough to get out for Lunch at 11:30AM. God save me before I consume food too early again. Well atleast I could choose the food I had for lunch and the blackened Catfish wasn't half bad.

After lunch I went over to Keesler AFB's Post exchange. 1 pair of Under Armour briefs, 2 knee braces and a 15 foot adjustable bungee cord kit later I departed. Checked out the wares in a Music Store, had a Mocha Chip Frozen beverage and practice lightly with my wooden Pakistani Chanter down by the entrance to Biloxi Bay as the fog finally lifted towards sunset..

Well Dinner was nice, and I went for a easy walk after eating then rolled the garbage can out by the road before showering and retiring to the bed room & weiting this before going to sleep tonight.

I shall check my e-mail and post this in the morning. There is no critical need to post it today and tomorrow morning is soon enough.
As for sleep, Well I should sleep comfortable, I've got the windows open and the cieling fan circulating the air. My father would find the suggested fires of hell a comfortable temperature but 70+ Farenheit is too warm for me. The Old man would have a coniption if he knew I had the windows open; Its winter and cold outside. Its January on the Gulf Coast, The temperature varies but I doubt we'll see 32 degrees F tonight. But the fresh air is so much better than the indoor staleness and stagnant air. Well I've pissed & moaned enoughh. Time to call it a night and pass out. Tomorrow I walk again. I need to, I eat too much and i can not afford t be sedentary. Being lazy is one thing , being imobile will kill me too soon and I know theres more for me in the world than relgating myself to a mausoleum at age 51.

Well Good night All, have a safe week and I'll post again soon.

Q
*************************************************************************************************************************Tuesday, Jan 6, 2009, 08:20 EDT, The Epithany also the feast of the 3 Wise Men, Kings or Magi dependant upon interpetation of the Bible.

Still In MS, Started the day with a 4 & 1/2 mile walk starting about 05:30 EDT and finishing about 07:55 EDT. My only pair of trousers were sweated through in the January warmth of MS. Although a male parental unit dresses like its the depths of a main winter here. As it was i took my shirt off during the walk to maintain a small level of comfort.

All and all I must emphasis that those people who grow up in the South and never travel else where are IGNORANT (Fill in the Blank) when actually having to describe cold weather. If one more weather broadcaster describs 40 degrees farenheit as cold in the winter he should be banished to International Falls MN for December, January and February with out adequate protective clothing. Southern Weather Forecastersa are IGNORANT OXYGEN THIEVES AND BUTT PIRATES!

Well after reading Wendy's blog this morning I know I'm in better conditions than many other people and have been blessed in comparison. I should have no reason to rant and rail as I do at times, but when I'm frustrated by individuals, it is better to blow off steam in this fashion than to remove them from the gene pool.

January 3rd and a bit of a rambling missive.

Saturday; January 3rd, 2009.
Yesterday; Fri Jan 2nd. I started the day with a 2.18 mile run. Followed that up by going to my Cousin's place and burning the day with him. We had a late breakfast at 10:30 AM followed by an excursion to a Lowes Box store for some materials for a project he is working upon at his business. Then the afternoon was spent with 2 hours of pulling Spanish Moss from a Myrtle (sic) Tree before heading to a Tap Room and Buffett for a early dinner. As for last evening, a good shower to wash the Spanish Moss Spores from my face arms and neck and a load of laundry whilst I played upon the computer. All in all a not too unusual day.

As for today Sat: Jan 3rd. I'm thinking I'll go down to Largo to the Armed forces Military Museum. It opens at noon, so I've time for a run this morning if I so choose.

As for recreational persuits, there is an advertisment filled free paper called Creative Loafing which can help provide ideas for places to go and things to do, experience and see. In a way I've become a bit of something for other winter vacationers to see as well. Not that I'm an exhibitionist, but I've been going down to the beach front locally for when I practice my bagpiping. So for a few other folks its been a different experience too.

In regards to future plans; Tomorrow I'm bringing my parents back to Mississippi and may spend a few days there. Upon my return to Florida I'm looking to head down to Key West NAS for at least a week. I'll use the campgrounds there for a base of operations while I explore the local color.

Well for now, I'll just live each day as it unfolds, be thankful for what I have and try to take things easy; regardless of how much some things or people will tend to annoy me. Well time to mellow out and start the day. Have a safe one everyone.

18:10 PM, 3 Jan,09. So what did I do today?
Well I didn't run; Time to give my feet and ankles a well earned rest after running every morning for the previous 36 days.

On the other hand I did do some recreational activities; Went to the American Armed Forces Museum in Largo. Its a nice little place with some very unique items. A Ford XM151 Jeep and a WWII GMC Duck along with Stewart Tanks and Sherman medium and a Chaffee Tank, Gama Goats, M35A2 and numerous other artifacts. The WWI Trench simulation is nice as is the St. Mere Inglese Display of WWII. The display on Pearl Harbor is staggering. The only drawback to the modest museum is that it isn't easy to find being tucked into anout of the way industrial park. The City of Largo and their Chamber of Commerce should advertise it and have its location better marked. It has potential to be a modest tourist draw.

I did purchase a new pair of jeans, I'm never thrilled with the aspect of going to WalMart but sorte in to one I did. In and out reasonably quick grabbed a pair from a common manufacturer (Wranglers made in Mexico) paid for em and left. I had purchased a pair of jeans at the AAFES on West Point last year made in South Africa. Oh the fit but they just never feel right. So I'm now up to two pair of relaxed fit Wrangler jeans.

So this afternoon I sat about and channel surfed for about two hours for the first time in months. The News of whats happening in Isreal and the Gaza Strip had had me slighly enthalled if thats the correct wording. Regardless of how the Islamic world responds, I do feel that Isreal has taken the correct response to the terrorist activities of Hamas.

In other things, My motorcycle is now fueled and locked up for a few days storage as I'll be driving my parents back to MS starting Sunday Morning. I'll be spending a couple of days there probably before returning to FL. I do want to get down to Key West and visit the area.

Another thing I did today was set up an on-line banking account with the Credit Union I am a member of. I do need to check on my account status from time to time so that I don't overspend. My money market account is a weak safety net but its all I've got if anything happens. Now I need to really restrict my spending habits. Prices will go up and my income is pretty much frozen. Whats even worse is that numerous states are looking for increased revenues by raising gas taxes. Yet I've never seen a politician support a pay freeze for himself as a cost savings measure for tax payers. Ah well some day I'll have the opprotunity to not assist a politician because I can't afford to assist them.

Well, 19:30 and the day is about done. I'll pull out my electronic bagpipes shortly and practice with that for a while. Then call it a night.

Have a safe night and upcoming week everyone.

Q

Happy New Year.

Happy New Year
1 January, 2009

Well today is Thursday, January 1st 2009. The first day of a new year. Resolutions? I've none; Not that I couldn't make a few. Its just easier not to make any and then I don't disappoint myself by breaking them.

So how did I start the New Year? by sleeping out the old and sleeping in the new. I woke about 5:00 AM and got dressed for a run. Long Sleeve Cotton Tshirt, wicking drawers and supplex shorts, knee braces, socks and worn out running shoes which need replacing. Lets not forget a MP3 player, small traffic wand, reflective belt and headband. Then off I waddled into the morning darkness; obstenably to run 4.5 miles, but ran 8.05 miles instead followed by a quick dip in the pool all before sunrise.

Breakfast after such a work out consisted of half a grapefruit, medium banana, small orange juice and left over lasgna. While I may not be an overweight sarcastic furball of a cartoon cat the lasagna probably didn't help with the mental imagery.

So how did I end the year yesterday? Started with a shorter morning run of just 5.6 miles making my recorded total for 2008; 1145.66 miles, for the month of December 164.48 miles. It would be interesting to see what sort of mileage I would of recorded had I been doing so since the first of last year. But thats neither here or there. Last year I ran in three 5K races, one 10K race, two Half Marathons, and one Full Marathon. While I never won a race, I did finish every one I entered. I also raise a bit of money for charity too over the course of last year as part of my preparation for the Marine Corps Marathon. So all in all it wasn't a bad year.

It was an even better year for many of my friends and cousin who all returned from Iraq.

It wasn't a great year for Team Guinan, John Guinan passed on back in June from a brain cancer, Jim Guinan closed his family store last january and another patron Mike Mihalic passed as well. But for all the losses Team Guinan persevered and raised funds for Braking the Cycle, John's charity effort and rode in the 275 mile Gettysburg to Manhattan cross country ride. On a note inline with that I was fortunate to support Team Guinan for that effort. I was even more fortunate to recover a lost member of Team Eagle who strayed onto another cross country bicycle ride course similarly marked as Braking the Cycle's route.

So alot of good things happend last year even with a few bad occurances. Yes, the economy isn't as good as it should be. The price of gasoline has gone up and down like a manic depressive bouncing between exstacy and depression and I needed a new transmission for my van. But overall I've had life pretty good and stand no reason to complain about my lot in life. I've been blessed with a comfortable life, good friends and a healthy extended family as much as my Aunt and Father drive me up the wall.

As for what the new year shall bring, I shan't hazard a guess, no predictions, no estimates, no conjectures.
Life shall go on and I shall muddle through as I am wont to do. But for now I'd like to wish everyone a happy, healthy, safe and rewarding 2009.

As part of a Holiday Running Challenge I participated in here are my miles for 27 Nov to 31 Dec 2008 and 1 Jan 2009.

Team East.
1 Jan, 8.05 /
31 Dec, 5.6 / 30 Dec, 5.6 / 29 Dec, 5.6 / 28 Dec, 4.5 / 27 Dec, 8.05 /
26 Dec, 4.5 / 25 Dec, 5.6 / 24 Dec, 6.7 / 23 Dec, 6.7 / 22 Dec, 4.5 /
21 Dec, 4.5 / 20 Dec, 4.5 / 19 Dec, 5.6 / 18 Dec, 5.6 / 17 Dec, 4.5 /
16 Dec, 4.5 / 15 Dec, 2.68 / 14 Dec, 13.1 / 13 Dec, 2.68 / 12 Dec, 4.5 /
11 Dec, 4.5 / 10 Dec, 4.6 / 9 Dec, 6.55 / 8 Dec, 4.5 / 7 Dec, 4.5 /
6 Dec, 6.55 / 5 Dec, 4.5 / 4 Dec, 6.93 / 3 Dec, 4.5 / 2 Dec, 4.5 /
1 Dec, 4.5 /
30 Nov, 4.5 / 29 Nov, 13.1 / 28 Nov, 4.5 / 27 Nov, 4.4
Nov = 26.5 miles
Dec = 164.48 miles
Jan = 8.05 miles

Holiday E/W challenge for myself 199.03 as of 1 Jan. Tomorrow Jan 2nd, I don't plan to run for a change. My legs, knees, ankles and feet can use a rest.

And thus concludes a year of running and starts a new year of running.

Have a safe year everyone.
Q

Its the end of the year as we know it; And I feel fine.

Well 2008 is drawing to a close and a new year begins just micro seconds after the stroke of midnight. I suppose reflections on the waning year are in order. If I were a serious blogger I'd have my thoughs laid out and ordered by the months, weeks, days, hours and minutes; But I'm not and my thought won't be. I'm a man, who's train of though will be switched onto different tracks and occasionally derail. So if you can deal with a circuitous route of though, enjoy the ride.

January:
Freedom, Freedom, Freedom from work but not NY as I originally planned. Foiled by my own self. I dislocated the patella on my right knee and spent some time undergoing physical therapy and rehab.

Jim Guinan's Store in Garrison, NY closed officially for the last time. Those of us who felt as comfortable there as in our own homes lost a part of our selves that day.

February:
Mike Mihalic passed away and was buried next to his son; A man never to act cross or bitter athough he would of had reason if he chose to. A gentle soul who is not forgotten.

March:
Ran in my first 10K race in many a year on the 16th and did comfortably at just under an hour. Knee braces were very much needed. Then played the bagpipe in the Southgate tavern on St. Paddy's day proper.

April:
Taxes of course, but also paid a visit to Congressman Hall's Office as it had been over 100 days since I retired from the Fire Department at the U.S. Military Academy and not seen a retirement check. I was living off my savings and it was seriously depleted by that point. When the Dod fouls something up it is beyond comprehension as to how screwed up the flunkies can get it. Hopefully the actions I took prevented any bonuses from being provided to the work force at the Army Benefits Center. I even as the Inspector General's Office to look into why the paperwork sat untouched for 56 days.

May:
Signed up with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, to do a fund raiser and run in the Team in Training program. I choose the Marine Corps Marathon asmy goal to run in. two reasons; My older brother is a Leukemia Survivor, and I felt that as I now had the time being retired i could commit myself to the training and fund raising.
Saturday, May 24th became my official first day of training with an easy paced 7.5 mile run on Rt 293 in West Point, NY.

June; the statrt of Summer:
Lots of running and fundraising work in June. Spent about $100 in fund raising mailings alone. Ran 143.77 miles for the month.

I don't remember clearly but I'd need to look at Wendy Bounds' Blog to recall the month and day I learned John Guinan passed on. His brain cancer caused his family so much grief and suffering, yet John took it nobly and presented a strong face for his friends. His strenght made it easier for everyone. Yes, we railed and mourned in our own ways. God Bless you John, you like Mike live on in our hearts.

July:
Hot and humid days. Still doing a great many mailings for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Running early in the morning and hiding from the Sun at mid-day. Having had a few bouts with skin cancer over the years I now try to avoid excess exposure to strong sun light.

Ran 187.69 miles for the month with 17.8 miles being my longest run.

August:
Still hot and humid many days spent starting my running at 04:00 to avoid the high heat of the day. Continued my fund raising efforts.

Ran 160.59 miles for the month. Longest run was 20 miles in 4 hours. Dehydration was an issue and I learned a strong lesson on that day.
Also ran two 5K races on back to back days, Sat & Sun with a time of 25:47 for both races.

September:
Still running and fund raising. 164.03 miles for the month. Also took part in helping Team Guinan raise funds to support the war on AIDS. John Guinan rode for years in Braking the Cycle and his daughter and friends have worked hard to support his memory by riding the 275 miles from Gettysburg PA to Manhattan NY. It was an honor to support all the members; Kelly, Ed, Christine, Dean, Chris, Wendy & Lisa. I'm more than ready to support them again next year.

October:
Ah the fruition of my training for the Marine Corps Marathon.
Ran 154.09 miles for the month and completed the MCM in 5:23:56 from the starting gun and 5:15:00 from crossing the starting line. I achieved my fund raising goal of 2,800 dollars and went over that as well thans to Team Guinan and ABATE of Pennsylvania's Pike County Chapter. Thanks for everyone's support on my behalf.



Novemeber:
Freedom!
I'm out of the Apartment and on the road freeloading at my brother's and parent's homes. No not really; I was out of the Apartment by mid Novemeber and was glad to be free of it. Read the full blog for the year especially the summer season and you'll understand why.

Spent a week at my youngest brother's place getting some things in order and helping out there. Took his sons to Karate practice and Swim team practice in addition to minor chores around the home while I was there. Then it was on to my Parent's home in Mississippi for Thanksgiving.

In regards to running. Yes, I'm still running I ran a Half Marathon on the 29th of Novemebr down in Orange Beach Alabama 2:26:49 and completed just 90.45 miles for the month. 7 days I didn't run and most days were very short on mileage at about 3 miles a day on average.

December:
Went from MS to FL to MS to FL and will be returning to MS for a couple of days in January but I'm in FL for now.

I'm at my Aunt's home for the Christmas & New Years Holidays and after the New Year, I'll drive my Parents back to MS before returning to FL and heading to Key West for a few weeks.

As for Running. Um yeah I've been doing that alot. Helps to maintain my sanity over the excess food intake of the holidays. Dis another half marathon on the 14th of December, just two days after I turned 51. Finished in 2:18:22. A strong finish and excellent time for me.

Also for December including today the 31st. I've run ever day of the month and completed 164.48 miles. Since keeping a record of distances run since the end of May I've accumlated 1145.66 miles. Tomorrow Morning I will run my last consecutive day and complete out running since Thanksgiving Morning. Tomorrow will make 36 days of running. How far I go I don't know I'm just going out to run.

OK not a very exciting or inciteful blog. I haven't thank everyone enough for the support they've given me over the past year. Especially those who've helped with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society effort in various ways; Jerry & Benny.

But in and case, my regards to Everyone even if I haven't mentioned you directly.
and Consider the words to Auld Lang Syne. Peace and safety is my wish for everyone in the upcoming year.

May you be sorrounded by friends where every you may go and enjoy each day you recieve as we are not certain of tomorrow.

Q

22 Dec, 2008. Almost Christmas.

Well lets see I last posted on December 14th and what have I done since then?

Well I've been running still, practicing my bagpiping, sight seeing, eating, drinking, road tripping and wasting time; but not essentially in that order.

While the weather here is much nicer than the NE currently, I do sort of miss the snow and Christmas season in the NE. A Green Christmas just seems different, especially when you seen the decorations under palm trees. Don't get me wrong, I don't miss moving and piling snow; my former land lady might miss me doing that but hey, I don't ( nor do I miss some other things.) hehehehee.

This past Saturday and Sunday I did a 1080 mile road trip. Drove my van back up to ocean Springs, MS on Saturday and Sunday drove my parents in their car back to Tarpon Springs, FL. Still even with all the driving I've done I haven't missed a day's running this week either. With all the distance I've recorded since begining my marathon training back in may; I'm well on my way to attaining 1,150 miles for the year. Not a record by some measures; but for myself, I'm astounded.

Well the good news for the year is one of my Cousins (in the Army) is away from Iraq and should be home within a couple of more days if not home already. All my brothers are healthy and their families are doing OK. My Parents are here in FL with my Aunt another Cousin and myself. My other Cousins are all doing well and living is easy.

So what is next? Maybe a little Christmas Shopping, but not too much otherwise. Somehow even though I hear the music on the radio, see the decorations on the yards and in the stores I feel very disassociated from the Christmas season this year. Maybe its because I'm more accustomed to working either Christmas day or eve and not having it free to do as I will.

Well to all my friends from Team Guinan and from Jim's Store as well as the guys whom I worked with at the West Point, NY. Fire Department; Have a safe, secure and enjoyable Christmas and Holiday Season. May God Bless you all and watch over you, Keep the reason for the season in your hearts and observe it as you deem fit. But no matter where you go, or what you do. You've all have had a memorial impact upon my life and I can't thank you all enough for the time I've spent with you.

So unless I post Christmas Greetings, please accept this from me for now:

Merry Christmas and a Joyous New Year to You and Yours.
Everyone in every way makes a difference in everyones' lives no matter how great or minor. I've been enriched by knowing so many people over the years and have been made more aware of society beyond my own small social circles. I can not thank you all for the greatest gifts; Of your selves and your friendship.

Thank you all.

Q

December 14th, Florida.

Well I've been in florida for a few days now and things are much calmer here. I arrived in Tarpon Springs the evening of Wednesday the 11th and got a fair night's sleep.

There have been a few problems enroute though and I'll know more Mondaym morning; One issue is I melted down the wheel bearings on the right side of my boat trailer. I suspect I've done the worst and may need a new axle as I fear I've gouged the spindle. Still once the trailer is repaired I shall attempt to get my little boat in the the waters of Lake Tarpon for a few days before Christmas.

Also next weekend I'll do a two day fast turnaround trip back to MS. God save me, but I'll drive my parents over to Fla to my Aunt's home for a small Christmas gathering.

Some good news this week as well; My Cousin is due to be wheels up from Iraq next week. It shall be good to have him back in country.

As for my escapades, well...
I've been running still and did a half marathon today. The 7th annual Gulf Beaches Holiday Halfathon aka a half marathon. The course was flat except for two overpasses and a drawbridge. The weather was warm but the cloud cover made things much more bearable. the Pinellas County Sheriffs' office provided road coverage on the courseand kept us safe from our selves as well. The temperature touched the 75* mark but again the cloud cover helped it to feel cooler. Yet still it was a fast course and I finished in 2hours, 18 minutes, 22 seconds. which is 8:47 faster than two weeks ago.

For everyone still in NY, take things easy & stay safe.

Regards,

Q

Tuesday 9 Dec and running around.

Well while I've been on my road trip I been running every day. The runs in December so far have been in the local areas of Ocean Springs and Biloxi, Mississippi. Tomorrow will be my last run here as I will be departing for Florida.

As for days and distances its pretty straight forward. December 1st, 4.5 miles; 2nd, 4.5 miles; 3rd, 4.5 miles; 4th, 6.93 miles; 5th, 4.5 miles; 6th, 6.55 miles;
7th, 4.5 miles; 8th, 4.5 miles; 9th, 6.55 miles.

The weather however has been anything but stabile. Breezy & cool in the lower 30s F for the 1st, 2nd & 3rd. Warm and humid in the 60's on the 4th. back to 32 degrees on the 5th, 6th, 7th & 8th. and back to the 60's this morning.

Well that covers the physical exercise aspects of my time so far here. Also I've been running around doing other things as well. Between doing basic repairs around my parent's home to cutting down and removing a tree from their front yard.

Well that covers the running around Mississippi for the first part of this week; And later this week I should be running around Florida.

Have a good week all.
Q

Friday update. Ocean Springs, MS

Ah the weather is in flux, the temperature drops and rebounds and drops again. The winds do blow both high and low and its off again in me kilt I'll go. No not really too blustery for the kilt when the winds do blow.

Yesterday I got off for my morning run, this time I ran the new bridge connecting Ocean Springs with Biloxi and a few miles more before a weather front came through. Crossing the bridge is nice and as I started before sun up I was looking onto the lighted towers of the Casinos and Hotels. On my way back across the bay, the sun illuminating the tops of the clouds from below the horizon and while on the bridge the sun shone fore as an elongated orange lozgene between the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the storm clouds gathering. I ran just shy of 7 miles and felt good about it even with the humidity accompaning the 60 degree temperature. As I got back to my parent's home the rains started and that pretty much controled the morning.

Later in the Afternoon I drove about to see the area abit more and recieved a call from a local shop that the chain saw, chain I had dropped off for sharpening was done. So now my chainsaw is back in service after taking down an ornamental tree that was alowed to grow wild without ever being properly pruned. Now there is a very small stump with a deep pit cut out of it waiting to be ground into saw dust and dirt.

Well yesterday evening the local city had it's Christmas Tree lighting and visit from St. Nick. The children's chior performed nicely in prep for the fat man and it was nice enough weather wise in the late evening. Still blustery but the rains had ceased hours beforehand so the ground was dry. The PD did a good job of directing traffic to safe parking areas and keeping the lane infront of the park open and just before 19:00/7PM the Fire Department delivered the Big Man himself with a rear mounted Aerial Truck. The St. Nick that came did not need additional padding or a false beard as he was well endowed with his own. Even his red suit appeared of higher quality than the average prepackaged Santa Suit. So I shall say even for a small burg it was an impressive display.

After the tree lighting and arrival of St. Nick, I went over to the beach front. There I sat upon the guide rail and watched the clouds moving from North to South across the sky reflecting the lights of the Biloxi Casinos into a combined light show of Mother Nature and Man. The lights don't really change much but the fast moving and changing clouds made the display nice to watch for a while.

After watching the clouds and having walked along Washington Ave (primary N/S road) in ocean Springs I decided it was time to head back towards my parents home for the night. I got there about a hour & a half or so later from what should usually be a 20minute drive. Nope I didn't have a motor vehicle accident but I came across one moments before the local police agency arrived. Well thankfully I didn't need to play good samaritan but since the roadway was blocked by the two cars infront of the the Bar/Restaurant. The LEO was on one side with his car blocking the road and I was on the other with my van blocking the road and diverting traffic around the block so the accident scene could be safely cleared. There was a reason I put the amber warning flashers in the back of the van after I purchased it 6 years ago.

In regards to the driving skills and abilities of the locals and transients, I'm less than impressed.

Well that pretty much sums up the worst of Thursday.

This morning, Friday the 5th of December dawn clear and blustery. I started out on my daily run about 05:30/5:30AM with low 30 degree (F) temps and a stiff breeze. Quite a change from the 60 of yesterday morning. Yet I got my 4&1/2 miles done before the local speed racers started going to the highschool. Its safer by far to run in the wee hours of the morning than near sun rise. Between 5 & 6 than after 6 as then the roads start filling with speeding zombies.

Well, that pretty much covers things for now and I'll be headed to the beach with my bagpipes shortly.

Everyone have a safe day,
Q

Anger management, venting and issues.

Well, I been getting out to run each morning. Aside from the half marathon my normal morning run is 4 & 1/2 miles. I start my run in the dark about 5AM and finish befor 6Am. It helps moderate my mood.

My father has managed to piss me off. Micro managing control freak who does things at his time and speed.eaning unless it is critical to him it will never get done or a job has got to do it to his standards no matter how wrong it may be. case in point, the penny wise, pound foolish methodology of fence repair; After hurricane Katrina the fence around his yard was in tatters. A smart person would not of attempted to salvage the fence. He wanted to save the fence in order to save money. Well now a few years after Katrina the fence needes reapair again. The posts supporting the repaired section where never set properly and only a single nail was used to support the stringers holding the vetical planks.

I'm not fixing the fence. Especially if thats the standard to persue. Doing things on the cheap costs four times as much in the long run.

Well next week I'm on the road again from this layover and won't deal with him face to face again for a while to come. I don't need that level of supressed anger in my life.Its one thing to be opinionated. Its another to have todeal with another person who has to always be catered and defered to as his always right and won't admit when he's wrong or made a mistake.

Yes, I can be stubborn and mule headed. Still even I know when to say Thank you, Please, and ask for assistance. It is rare that I've ever recieved a compliment from my father and more often he's made demands upon me and my brothers that have driven us from him.

Well, he can stew in his own juices for another year after this visit.

Well if nothing else the weather down here has been easier than in NY, and I've gotten my bagpipes out several time to practice down by the beach front. That seems to help calm me down.

OK I apologize for venting like that. But I'm human and have my moments too.

Regardless, everyone have a safe and easy holiday season. I'll be off and on randomly.

Q