A license to 07/10/2019

            Once in a while, the state of Texas needs money, so they send some of their residents a letter saying, “It’s time to renew your license”. What that means is you are required to drive to one of their locations, fill out some forms, let them take a photo, and pay them $33.00. The form you fill out asks you to donate to several different agencies, if you do, that means more money.

            I am going to drive to Gatesville this morning (35.2 miles one way) to renew my license, as there will probably be less people in line, and I will not need to drive through all the highway work in Waco on I-35.

            I listened to others and I should not have. I went to Gatesville to avoid the crowds. I was told by a couple people that they went there and there was no one in line, they were in and out in a few minutes.

            I arrived and after asking several people where the Driver’s license office was, I found it. It is a dirty looking building, shared by a hearing aid company. There was a sign stating something to the effect, if the chairs are all full, do not wait in the hallway, wait outside the building. There were people waiting in the hallway. I took a number 37. The number they were working with was 19, 18 people ahead of me.

            I did not follow the rule and wait outside, I waited in the hall way. #19 finished, they called #20. I waited almost an hour and they never called #21. The fellow standing next to me, although he seemed like a nice person, smelled like a nasty ashtray. Finally, I handed my number to the fellow next to me and said I am leaving.

            70 miles driven, stood in a dark smelly hall way, I never seen the inside of the office, a total waste of my time. I will try the Waco DPS tomorrow, at least they have chairs to sit in while you wait.

 

Different subject:

            There is a satellite radio company that I receive signals from. Each time my subscription needs to be renewed, I call and tell them to cancel as the price is too high. Then they go through the song and dance and cut the price and I usually accept the new price. I then put the renew dates in my computer and phone. When the date comes due again I call them again.

            To renew my service it will cost me $130.00 and that is only for the vehicle radio.

            When I go to their web site they have an offer for new service to the vehicle radio, and to the computer and phone combined, all for $99.00. I click on the offer and enter my info and it pops up saying you already have service. That means to me, we got you and we don’t what you to have this service at this price!

            I will call them in a couple days and tell them to cancel my service. In truth, if they don’t offer me the $99.00 service they will lose me as a customer!

Back to driver’s license:

            On Wednesday I went to the Waco DPS to renew my license. I left home at 7:30 and arrived at the DPS at 8:00. There were plenty of people ahead of me. They gave me a number and asked if I had a notarized birth certificate or a pass port. Luckily I took the Birth record.

            The entire process took about 40 minutes, I did see them turn several people away for not having the birth certificate or pass port. The person that help me was nice, the trip back home took another half hour. The total time today, and I renewed the driver’s license, was less than half the time I wasted yesterday. 

 

            The grandees are here and tomorrow my spouse of 50 years is going out to lunch with some friends, celebrating her 36^th, 35^th birthday. Think about that, and you might be able to come up with the number of 70! (The 35^th birthday, which equals one, plus 35 more birthdays, equals 36, 35^th birthdays.) If you can’t understand that don’t worry, I know it is correct.

            Gabi is going out to lunch with Donna and friends tomorrow, and Alex is going out to lunch with me. Alex and I haven’t determined where we will go yet.

 

May your day be filled with Family and friends!

 

Senior friendly person; Don Ford

 

 

Virus-free. www.avg.com

The price is wrong 07/07/2019

            I wanted to purchase some of that round-about weed killer, we had an advertisement where one of the local big stores had it for $23.98, with a free refill. This version of the round-about weed killer has the longer wand and the cover to use around plants you don’t want to kill. I decided to jump in the Ford’s ole Chevy and head for the big store to get some weed killer.

            Being very frugal, I decided to check the local wall store web site to see what they had. They seem to have the same item but no free refill for the price of $17.16. $7.00 less but no refill, heck I guess I don’t need a refill, I headed out to the wall store.

            I was surprised to find that the price on the web site was about $5.00 less than that in the store. I found an employee who could not explain why, she said that is the price. I thanked her and walked out without purchasing anything.

            I then headed for the big store (not the one with home in its name) and purchased the weed killer and received the free refill bottle. What am I going to do with all this weed killer?

Saturday: nothing special today. This morning I could hear several of the neighbors mowing. I had thought about mowing today, but I did not really want to. I mowed the back yard this morning and prior to mowing I picked up all the dog poo. I then got on the Ford’s ole mower and made a couple passes when, I observed Tres leaving a deposit where I had not mowed. I stopped and picked up another pile of poo.

            Later in the afternoon I manicured the front yard and again we have the best looking lawn!

            I sat outside for a while with a cold drink this afternoon, but it was too hot so I returned to the office.

California has again had some bad earth quakes, I do feel sorry for those people.

“For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows” (KJV Mark 13:8).

Sunday: I sit here in front of the Ford’s very old computer with nothing to do but wait. What am I waiting on, it is my spouse of 5 decades. She is in the process, I hope, of getting ready to go to brunch. I had taken a photo of a fungus and uploaded to the computer. I was messing around and somehow made a very short video, which I will attempt to upload to the posting.

                                                 

          This morning I had hoped to sleep in to about 6:00am since it is Sunday, noticed I stated Hoped! Charlie the Cat decided to begin meowing at 5:00 am. His incessant noise caused the Tres to come to my side of the bed and poke me with his nose. Tres was telling me to get up, because Charlie needs to go outside.

          I bounced out of bed at 5:00am. Charlie must have really needed to go outside as he did not stop to eat, instead he went directly to the door. I was somewhat surprised that Molly was ready to go out also.

          I understand that the above two paragraphs are not interesting to you, but since they are somewhat irritating to me, I put them in this posting.

          People use to keep diaries or log books of their daily actions. Personally, I look at these postings as my journal.

          The neighborhood, at least on our block, looks good. It seems as if everyone mowed their yards at about the same time. Nice job neighbors! Finally a little unity. Let’s be honest, there is no unity as to the upkeep of the yards, it was a total but nice coincidence.

May your week be filled with much kindness!

Senior kindness guru and nondiscriminatory neighbor:  Don Ford 

Virus-free. www.avg.com

The day after 07/05/2019

            Today is the day after, now that I think of it, every day is the day after. Heck, I shouldn’t start thinking about things, because my mind can’t handle a lot of extra thoughts, but since I am already thinking, “Every day is not only the day after but every day is also the day before!” Who knew my mind could conceive all that.

            Today is Friday, the day after the Fourth. Now we all know holidays are for resting and having fun. I was resting on the Ford’s ole recliner when I realized I was tired of resting, what could I do to help me not be so bored. I didn’t want to do anything that was too challenging, so I looked outside. It appeared that the sun was behind the clouds so I decided to get the spreader and some fire ant killer and cover the front yard. That wasn’t too difficult, I just had to walk fast so the spreader would spread the granules properly.

            Completing the spreading, I went to the back yard and spread the remaining granules. I did drop some of the product on some ant mounds that or outside but close to the fence. I washed the spreader and put it away.

            I decided I should cut some small limbs off a couple trees, you know the ones they are about 3 to 4 feet long and growing on places where you don’t want them. Using my pole saw, I began to cut these branches. That part of the job took about 20 minutes. These small branches are now laying around, and I now have to pick them all up and put them on the trailer. Senior retired people should not have to bend over and pick up branches.

            Now I had told you the sun was behind the clouds, well the clouds had left and the sun was warming up everything. There was a dead limb in a tree in the front yard and I had wanted to cut it for some time. I took the ole pole saw out front and extended it as far as it would go. The pole saw is 14 feet when extended and I was able to reach the dead limb. This limb was about 4 inches at the base and more than 20 feet long.

            I was hoping it would fall without hitting anything of value. Dead wood is harder to cut than live wood, this took several minutes and a couple short breaks. Usually a limb will drop slightly before falling, this one did not. Finally and suddenly without warning, it fell. Luckily it did not hit anything of value.

            I then pulled it to the drive way. I walked over to the other dead limb on a different tree but the pole saw would not reach the limb. I walked to the shed and procured the 8 foot step ladder and brought it to the front. Properly placing the ladder, I could then reach the dead limb. A neighbor came over and asked if he could help. We both looked at the limb and tried to decide where it would fall. There were flowers, vases, along with solar lights and sprinkler heads in the area. Darrel was in his pickup and he said he needed to take the groceries home and he would be right back.

            I decided to start on the cut assuming it would take some time. I was about half way up the ladder which gave me the correct cutting height. This limb came down very quickly. It fell exactly where Darrel said it would. When he got back I was standing there looking at what I needed to clean up.

            It was nice that he would offer to help a senior person. I believe he did not want to see a senior person who will be 72 next month, climb a ladder. We have good neighbors!

            With the limbs cut, I then needed to return the tools to the shed, then I pulled all the limbs to the back yard near the trailer. I cut the limbs into pieces and put them on the trailer, then I returned to the front and picked up all the small broken parts of the limb.

            Finished with all the work I took a 10 minute break, then I asked my spouse of 50 years to help me wash the dog. That is a chore in its self, the dog is now clean.

            My present spouse made us a light supper.

            I told you all this just so you know how nice it is to relax on a holiday.

 

I am always thankful that I have been blessed in many ways. Some of those blessings allow me to continue doing all the things I do!

 

Be thankful for everything you are able to do!

 

Blessed senior person: Don Ford

Virus-free. www.avg.com

Exciting Holiday 07/04/2019

            Hay, it is the fourth day of July, and as some of you know, that is a holiday known as Independence Day!

            This holiday has everyone here at the Ford homestead all excited. We are celebrating even though our neighbors all seem to be still in their houses sleeping.

            I came out early this morning and put the American Flag up. I did notice a couple other homes had the flag flying.

            As I was enjoying an exciting cup of coffee this morning, I noticed that Molly, Charlie and Tres was as excited about the holiday as I am.              Photos to follow.   

           

            Yep, we here at the Ford’s homestead are full of energy and excited about the holiday!

            What? Yes that is mosquito spray next to Molly. We do have mosquitos and I like to reject them with some spray.

Hope you have a safe and enjoyable Holiday!

Senior energetic holiday participant: Don Ford

Virus-free. www.avg.com

Still waiting 07/03/2019

            Back on 6/25/2019 part of the post was about a purchase we made at a local farm type store. The swing seemed nice, and since they were willing to give us a discount we bought the swing. There was a piece that was not as it should be, and we called the manufacture to get a replacement item. They said 7 to 10 days for delivery.

            We received the part 9 days later and I took it to the garage and opened the item. It was the wrong item. I again called the lady and she said they were sorry, they must have sent the wrong part. She said she would see to it herself, that they send the correct part this time. Again, it will take 7 to 10 days to get here (the holiday will add to the delivery time).

            Summer may be over before we get to use the swing, if we get to use it.

 

We would like to be swingers!

                     Can you say duel meanings!

 

Non swinger but I want to be; Don Ford

 

You got to admit, that was kind of funny.

                                               

Clouds are interesting to me, so I take photos, you will not be forced to click for a better view!

Virus-free. www.avg.com

Nonviolent force 07/03/2019

            It wasn’t time, but the neighbors all decided to get a head start.

            As I am sure everyone knows, most home owners try to clean up a little in the yards around their homes prior to any holiday. I don’t know why they do this, possibly they think someone might come to visit, and they want their home to look a little better than usual. Whatever the reason, all the neighbors began mowing their yards. Yep, even that one person who only mows occasionally, he mowed his yard.

            Now you can see I was forced, in a nonviolent way, to manicure our yard, just so I can stay up with the neighbors. You know when the neighborhood ostracizes a home owner, and they will do that, it is a sad time. All the other home owners looking down at you, is too hurtful for any of us to have to endure. Now you can see how one can be forced in a nonviolent manner.

            I am sitting here at the Ford’s ole computer with sweat all over my body. I want to cool down some prior to getting in the shower. I guess I should explain, in addition to having to manicure the Ford’s front yard, I was also allowed to dig up three rose bushes, two of which were dead. The one that was alive has been reinstalled into the ground (in layman’s terms, replanted). I say was alive, as I do not know if it will survive the transplant as roots were cut in the process.

            As you can see I have worked more this morning than most of you will work all day. Did I just say that out loud?

            I have had my cup of coffee so I think I will stop writing and go get a shower.

 

Be safe tomorrow, enjoy the holiday!

 

Senior worker and artists; Don Ford

Virus-free. www.avg.com

Friday, Saturday and Sunday 07/01/2019

            Did you even look at the title line? I am hoping that this posting will cover the three days listed in the title line, if it don’t then I say, “It’s not a big deal”.

            Friday I went to the doctor’s office to allow them to remove some of my blood. I had thought I would go to the coffee place and get a cup of coffee and a breakfast sandwich after leaving the office. There was a small problem, I didn’t have my phone with me, so felling somewhat lost, I decided to go home and make my own cup of coffee.

            Can’t go anywhere and be comfortable without the phone.

            I later jumped in the Ford’s ole Chevy and went to the big store. I purchased some wood that I needed to make the shelf, and I also purchased some blocks for the re-working of the rose bed. I have built the shelf and have painted it but it needs another coat before I bring it into the ole office. In a few minutes I need to go out and unload the blocks for the rose bed but it is so hot I might get sweaty.

            My new cell phone still will only receive from one email address. Maybe I will get it figured out over the weekend.

Saturday morning; it was 6:00 am when I went out to do some work in the back40. I was trying to beat the heat. The rose bush bed needed some additional blocks placed in the border, in an effort to make the bed round rather than oblong. I worked for about 40 minutes and the sweat was almost over whelming.

            Finished with that part of the project, I went to the Ford’s ole garage and put a coat of paint on the shelf. I am hoping to get the shelf painted and installed today.

            While I have been here at the Ford’s ole computer checking emails, I have also tried to get the new phone to receive both of my email address. Not too sure what I did, but I now have both emails working! I must be a genius, or a genuine ass! Let’s see how the rest of the day goes.

            As usual we ventured into Waco for lunch. As I approached the restaurant I realized that my wallet and pocket money was at home. We did not stop at the restaurant, we did drive back home and I then got my wallet. Yep, we then drove back to the restaurant for lunch. The food was good, the server was not.

            Returning home I took a well-deserved nap. Following the nap I jumped from my recliner and dashed out to the back 40 where I retrieved the weed eater and began cutting the weeds. I should tell you it was hot out there cutting the weeds, 95 degrees in the shade, will cause a senior person the sweat a lot.

            When I completed that task, I took a short gator aid break. Refreshed, I jumped out of my chair and ran to the Ford’s ole riding mower, and after checking the oil and adding gas, I began the tedious process of mowing the back 40. After what seemed like hours (actually about 30 minutes) I had completed the mowing. I then put the mower away and staggered to the shed where I secured the building and decided to take a photo (actually two photos). Click to understand part of my daily endeavors!

                       

            In the first photo we see Tres resting, he seem to be as tired as I am. In the second photo we see the revised rose bush bed. I took the photo from a distance as I did not want to get back out in the hot sun.

            I was then instructed to water the flowers, those flowers that were not in the direct sun light, I followed my orders and will go out when the sun goes down and water the remaining plants.

            I did get the new shelf painted and installed today. The shelf already has items placed on it.

            I am eating a sandwich and some chips as I attempt to enter these few words. Saturday is almost over and we have been blessed with a very nice, but hot, day!

It is Sunday, so I guess I will start with a comment about last night. It rained! Yes I heard the thunder as I lay in bed, and I knew it was raining, but I had no idea how much it would rain. Let’s recall that I watered the plants in the back 40 yesterday afternoon. All that time when I was in the extreme heat was squandered, since it rained last evening watering everything I had already watered. We only received 1.5 inches of rain. Can you say, “Wow, that is a lot of rain”?

          When we were getting ready to go out to brunch today I noticed that the Tres had positioned himself on our bed, and seemed to be sleeping. Photo to follow, click to enjoy.

                               

          It is now afternoon and nothing special or out of the ordinary has occurred today. I have decided to finish this brilliant article, then I will make myself an adult beverage and proceed outside. I am going to take a Cuban cigar with me, although I will not smoke the entire cigar, I will light it and take a few puffs off it. What a way to end a day.

Have a safe, productive and cooperative week!

Senior happy hour enthusiast; Sir Donald the Ford

Virus-free. www.avg.com

Is new good? 06/28/2019

            What a wonderful title line, “Is new good?” Now if I were you I might say, “New is always good”, but since I am not you, I will say, “New is often good, but also often there is, a buyer’s remorse”! If you do not know about buyer’s remorse you can Google it.

            I have recently purchased a new cell phone. No I did not have the funding to have a nice phone like you have, but it seems to be a nice phone. The vendor I purchased it from has instructional videos about getting started with the phone, and how to make it work the way you want it to. I watched them before the phone arrived.

            I will be right back I need to get a cup of coffee.

            Ok I am back, as with anything new, one needs to get use to the operation and differences between new and old items. I really like the way my ole phone had the on and off button on the back, and not on the side. I could hold the ole phone by its sides or top and bottom and not hit the on off button. I can’t do that on this phone. I must now learn to not touch the side of the phone with the on off button. L       That button in itself gives me buyer’s remorse!

            I started the phone and was able to make and receive phone calls. I tried to set up my emails on the phone yesterday with no luck. This morning, I was able to get one of the emails working but not both. L          Ones better than none! Again buyer’s remorse!

            I am exploring various settings and I found one I like. I have an alarm set to remind me to use my eye drops at 8:00pm. When I set it up there was an option to say the time along with the alarm. I did turn that feature on. When 8:00 pm came the phone began to alarm, and it said, “It is 8:00pm”. J          That reduced some of the buyer’s remorse.

            I feel reasonably sure that I will get everything set up as I want it in a few days.

 

Thursday, I waited until the front yard had shade, and I then pulled out the Ford’s ole weed eater and walk behind mower. After walking the yard looking for sticks, I then began trimming around everything. With the trimming completed I then set out with the walk behind mower mowing east and west. I knew the grass was tall but I was surprised how tall it was. The wheels on the mower are 8 inches and the grass was often taller than the wheels.

            Having completed the east to west walk, I then started the north to south mowing, the yard does look as if it was manicured.

            An additional component to manicuring your yard is, cleaning up the grass from the side walk, drive way, and yes, the street. When all is mowed and all is cleaned only then can one say, “It is manicured properly”!

 

            I will go to the doctor’s office for a blood test this morning, I can’t eat or drink anything until the test has been executed. My annual physical is next week and they like to have the blood test prior to the visit with the doctor. 

            I have a couple projects that I need to address later today, a shelf that was suggested by my first wife, and a reworking of a bed of roses. There is no rest for the retired.

 

Have a good day and a safe weekend!

 

Senior Fellow at the Ford Homestead; Mr. Don Ford

Virus-free. www.avg.com