Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Midweek Blues -- Looking At the Sky
Taken from the 27th floor of the St. Luke's Tower building in Houston.I had a nuclear stress test and a peripheral vascular scan (ultrasound) test and was waiting for the bad news from my cardiologist. It was nice they put windows in those little visiting areas, the ones with the little lay down table put there you can be poked and kneaded by the doc.
News wasn't real good, I will go in St. Lukes Hospital tomorrow for a heart catheterization again. I am prepared for a new stent or two and possibly a roto-rooter procedure in a few tight spots or to clean out a plugged up stent.
If nothing is done to me, I will go home tomorrow evening. If a stent and/or roto-rooter comes my way I will spend the night. I'm bringing my PJ's.
This pretty blue sky picture is what was over my house yesterday. Adi and I went for a little walk and each of us was really impressed with how great things were looking.
***(Click here for to see how excited Adi was!)***
If you want to post a MidWeek Blues picture, go get directions from Rebecca by clicking on the logo below. She has a Mr. Linky and good directions (considering it is for the second week). Just do what I did.
Or do less. All she requires is a BLUE PICTURE, you don't have to write.
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For more Looking at the Sky on Friday photos
click over to Crazy Working Mom…
Labels: Adi, Animals, Doctoring, Humor, Looking At the Sky, Midweek Blues, Places, Walk pictures
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Adi Can -- Ruby (Red) Tuesday -- Find a pretty place to sit
Adi and I went walking again today. Just like we did last Tuesday. Her late sickness (link) did age her some but she is still the same old nice, friendly, and loving beagle dog.
We have been inspecting the latest neighborhood being put here in our Bentwater, Montgomery, Texas, subdivision. It is the last golf course neighborhood and is located on our hole No.9. It is in a pretty setting; it looks over that fairway and on up to the club house.
If you are interested, 'if you want [one] come and get it because they're going fast, they will not last.' (Beatles) (Link to Bentwater Subdivision)
Seriously if any of you golfers are about ready to retire and your 401-K hasn't gone the way of General Motors, this will be a nice place to live. We can play golf on three courses all year long.
We have competition ready tennis courts, two swimming pools, a yacht basin, a fine exercise facility with trainers and exercise classes, and two club houses.
The people are fine here too. You can rub elbows with multi-millionaires (you might be one), professionals--working and retired, and educators--working and retired--like us who are at the lower end of Middle Class America.
If you do come, get in touch with us first and we will 'refer you.' There are niceties for both of us then and an entry in a drawing for a cruise.
Today they were working on the sewer service. The installation was just started last week, meaning that there were a lot of concrete sewer pipes dumped here and there and one bull dozier was working.
We did go visiting last week at the assisted living home in Conroe. She loved it and the residents loved her. In fact we stayed a half hour longer than our usual hour as a nurse had asked us to meet a friend of hers. We had a very nice visit, the lady was originally from Arkansas and moved here to be closer to her daughter.
After that long work day, Adi was ready for her treat and to go her home. She is already for visiting with the resident friends in a couple more weeks.
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[For those who don't know Adi, she is a therapy dog. Adi and I are a registered pet therapy team, registered with the Delta Society. You and your dog might like to be like us or other much needed activities. Contact the Delta Society or me.]
We did go visiting last week at the assisted living home in Conroe. She loved it and the residents loved her. In fact we stayed a half hour longer than our usual hour as a nurse had asked us to meet a friend of hers. We had a very nice visit, the lady was originally from Arkansas and moved here to be closer to her daughter.
After that long work day, Adi was ready for her treat and to go her home. She is already for visiting with the resident friends in a couple more weeks.
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[For those who don't know Adi, she is a therapy dog. Adi and I are a registered pet therapy team, registered with the Delta Society. You and your dog might like to be like us or other much needed activities. Contact the Delta Society or me.]
Click the Ruby Tuesday button for Mary's Ruby Tuesday post list.
Mary is in charge there, you can see more or post your own from there.
Labels: Adi, Adi Can, Animals, Houston, Jim Does, Places, Ruby Tuesday, Texas, Walk pictures
Monday, May 18, 2009
Our Spring 2009 Europe Holiday -- Albi and Caunes-Minervois, France -- Ruby (Red) Tuesday
This is my RED for Ruby (Red) Tuesday. Most all of the roofs in Albi, France are made of red tile. The older ones dim, the newer ones can be very bright red.
While taking this picture, I was standing beside the Musée Toulouse Lautrec (museum) waiting for it to open. All of these ancient buildings are across the river.
In Southern France the Spanish influence shows to quite an extent. One of the major items is the closing of all businesses and most public facilities two hours for lunch. They close at noon and reopen at two. I do not know if they take siestas or not.
Below me was a very pretty French type garden. I did not go down into it, son, Tim, did. He also climbed to the top of the wall in the left picture and walked to the end.
In the center picture, all the green is shrubbery and is manacured with hedge clippers. I don't think there will be any flowering plants in this garden even later in the year. I don't have a picture from down there, it's a wonder since I did walk around in there.
The right side picture is the type of streets that we would walk through to get back to our car.
It's hard to pass up an information center. This one was full of posters, I choose this one for a snapshot because it showed what we had seen taking the pictures above.
If it bothers you that there are no pictures from inside the museum, that is because picture taking inside is not allowed (link to 'about' the museum).
The picture on the right says we are headed back to our hotel. We must pass through Mazamet on the way.
Supper was ready at our hotel dining room when we got back. People really don't start on the evening meal until around eight but we Americans like it earlier. Our reservations were for seven-thirty.
We are just starting on the first course, we had been served but before we started eating our waiter, the hotel owner, Frederic, took our picture. Clockwise, Mrs. Jim, (son) Tim, and moi (Jim).
Back in town now and the next morning after our trip to Albi, we went for a little walk around our town.
Walking down now, but we drove up this narrow street to find out hotel. Further on down behind that little green bush we found the studio of an English artist. He has been painting in Caunes-Minervois for five years and considers the town his home.
One of his favorite subjects is his cat. We just woke him up from an early morning nap but he didn't seem to mind. The owner/artist told us his name but I can't remember it. I am not good at names.
Walking down now, but we drove up this narrow street to find out hotel. Further on down behind that little green bush we found the studio of an English artist. He has been painting in Caunes-Minervois for five years and considers the town his home.
One of his favorite subjects is his cat. We just woke him up from an early morning nap but he didn't seem to mind. The owner/artist told us his name but I can't remember it. I am not good at names.
This pretty work is just about finished and is for sale now I can't remember the price.
The last two pictures give an idea of what the inside of an artist's studio might be like. Except for the cat and the painting, it looks similar to my office, a little messy.
The last two pictures give an idea of what the inside of an artist's studio might be like. Except for the cat and the painting, it looks similar to my office, a little messy.
Click the Ruby Tuesday button for Mary's Ruby Tuesday post list.Mary is in charge there, you can see more or post your own from there.
Labels: Animals, Cats, France, Holiday Posts, Jim Bunch Eats, Our Spring 2009 Europe Holiday, Places, Ruby Tuesday, Store Windows, Travel
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Our Spring 2009 Europe Holiday -- Etretat, France -- Ruby (Red) Tuesday --
I received a prayer request for Jeffrey; "he is 58; and battling more than one potentially terminal disease." I am praying for him, will you please join me, thank you. (link for more information)
I call these the RED GIRLS. We were on our way to the beach at Etretat, France. They were stopped ahead of us at the traffic light. Of course we went around them after the light turned and the road was clear, they were extremely slow pedaling along enjoying being observed.
Our mission was to climb the trail up to the top of this ridge. These are the alabaster cliffs that the line the coast along the English Channel here.
Things below looked small when we got to the top. I was puffing a little and thanking my Cardiologist for my stents. At the center top is a nice golf course across the way
The RED GIRLS on the bicycles finally got up here in their own time (no picture).
While we were up there the fog came in off the English Channel. You can't see the golf course any more. The rental boats came scurrying in too.
I thought I had a shot of a nice painting by Claude Monet of the cliffs but I guess it didn't take. The original was under glass there on a stone on the beach. He visited here quite often for some of his sea scenes.
Traffic leaving town was fierce so we stopped at this little pizza place for supper. We might not have stopped there but for the cat's invitation.
After supper traffic had pretty well cleared out and we could head back to Honfleur (France) where we were staying.
In the morning we had driven over to Rouen where Joan of Arc had been burned at the stake. There was a neat shrine over there. That will be another post.
Things below looked small when we got to the top. I was puffing a little and thanking my Cardiologist for my stents. At the center top is a nice golf course across the way
The RED GIRLS on the bicycles finally got up here in their own time (no picture).
While we were up there the fog came in off the English Channel. You can't see the golf course any more. The rental boats came scurrying in too.
I thought I had a shot of a nice painting by Claude Monet of the cliffs but I guess it didn't take. The original was under glass there on a stone on the beach. He visited here quite often for some of his sea scenes.
Traffic leaving town was fierce so we stopped at this little pizza place for supper. We might not have stopped there but for the cat's invitation.
After supper traffic had pretty well cleared out and we could head back to Honfleur (France) where we were staying.
In the morning we had driven over to Rouen where Joan of Arc had been burned at the stake. There was a neat shrine over there. That will be another post.
Click the Ruby Tuesday button for Mary's Ruby Tuesday post list.
Mary is in charge there, you can see more or post your own from there.
Labels: France, Holiday Posts, Our Spring 2009 Europe Holiday, Places, Ruby Tuesday, Store Windows, Travel, Weather
Monday, February 16, 2009
Aboard the Queen Mary 2 -- What to do in January? Go to St. John in the Virgin Islands -- Our holiday, or vacation from retirement life, Part Five
[This is a part of a work in progress, more will follow (I hope). Click here to read what else I have posted about our Holiday at Sea.]
This was a nice thing to do. Our ship was to be in the port at St. Thomas for about six hours. Follow me:
First, turn the volume up and you can hear the little waves. What you see is 'Beach Bum Jim' of Jim1Jim1 walking the beach in front of the Westin Hotel. Then he picks up the camera and pans up and down the beach.
Not much excitement but you can see and hear the action at the Westin Hotel Beach. (link to Jim1Jim1 YouTube) .
St. John's Island is mainly a tourist place. For the geography buffs, more than half of the island is a park. (link) With an area of 19.61 sq mi, it is smaller than our Galveston Island here in Texas. The population is only 4,197 permanent residents.
This was a nice thing to do. Our ship was to be in the port at St. Thomas for about six hours. Follow me:
First, turn the volume up and you can hear the little waves. What you see is 'Beach Bum Jim' of Jim1Jim1 walking the beach in front of the Westin Hotel. Then he picks up the camera and pans up and down the beach.
Not much excitement but you can see and hear the action at the Westin Hotel Beach. (link to Jim1Jim1 YouTube) .
St. John's Island is mainly a tourist place. For the geography buffs, more than half of the island is a park. (link) With an area of 19.61 sq mi, it is smaller than our Galveston Island here in Texas. The population is only 4,197 permanent residents.
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(Click on any picture for larger size)
(Click on any picture for larger size)
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We took this taxi to the Red Island Ferry. The views were nice, it rained on us a little all the way so the pictures weren't so hot.
The Red Island Ferry ride was uneventful except that we got to ride free.
We took this taxi to the Red Island Ferry. The views were nice, it rained on us a little all the way so the pictures weren't so hot.
The Red Island Ferry ride was uneventful except that we got to ride free.
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We didn't know the beaches. Two other couples said they were going to the Westin Hotel Beach and that it was free. So we did that. On the left is the Westin stuff we had to walk through to get to the beach.
Their pool was very inviting but we were headed for the beach. Besides we didn't bring our bathing suits.
Where to sit, where to sit. "First walk around."
"No, lets get us our chairs first." As if they might run out.
The beach was nice, the water was warm, and we wished we had our swim suits.
Views are to the east on the left, to the west on the right.
We didn't have much time to look around before catching our ferry back. We rode one that got us to the port this time. Red Island Ferry which we took first was on the other side and end of the island. It was cheaper and somehow we rode for free.
We did ride the second one for half price at the senior rate. They only wanted to give that rate to the locals but we said we were U.S. citizens too. And that we sure didn't discriminate like that in Texas. The young lady got tired of fooling with us and the ferry was waiting for us, the last passengers. So she let us ride as seniors. Our fare was $five and change each.
This time since the ride was short, our 'taxi' fare was $2.00 each Here is a view down a side street.
We were happy to be at our ship almost an hour early. Three people were running late and the ship waited for them. Wasn't it nice that Queen Mary 2 would do that for them!
We decided to stop at the Internet cafe across the street to catch our e-mail and peek at my blog. This was all day for $4.00 or $1.50 an hour. We had used all of our package on the ship and were now paying 75¢ a minute.
We headed back to our cabin to change for our meal. The view is from our deck. Ladies don't miss much with their phones, Mrs. Jim discovered that our cell phone worked here at the St. Thomas port. She had missed a whole day of being on the phone except for this half hour or so.
We didn't know the beaches. Two other couples said they were going to the Westin Hotel Beach and that it was free. So we did that. On the left is the Westin stuff we had to walk through to get to the beach.
Their pool was very inviting but we were headed for the beach. Besides we didn't bring our bathing suits.
Where to sit, where to sit. "First walk around."
"No, lets get us our chairs first." As if they might run out.
The beach was nice, the water was warm, and we wished we had our swim suits.
Views are to the east on the left, to the west on the right.
We didn't have much time to look around before catching our ferry back. We rode one that got us to the port this time. Red Island Ferry which we took first was on the other side and end of the island. It was cheaper and somehow we rode for free.
We did ride the second one for half price at the senior rate. They only wanted to give that rate to the locals but we said we were U.S. citizens too. And that we sure didn't discriminate like that in Texas. The young lady got tired of fooling with us and the ferry was waiting for us, the last passengers. So she let us ride as seniors. Our fare was $five and change each.
This time since the ride was short, our 'taxi' fare was $2.00 each Here is a view down a side street.
We were happy to be at our ship almost an hour early. Three people were running late and the ship waited for them. Wasn't it nice that Queen Mary 2 would do that for them!
We decided to stop at the Internet cafe across the street to catch our e-mail and peek at my blog. This was all day for $4.00 or $1.50 an hour. We had used all of our package on the ship and were now paying 75¢ a minute.
We headed back to our cabin to change for our meal. The view is from our deck. Ladies don't miss much with their phones, Mrs. Jim discovered that our cell phone worked here at the St. Thomas port. She had missed a whole day of being on the phone except for this half hour or so.
Labels: Holiday Posts, Jim Does, Places, Queen Mary 2, Travel
Friday, January 23, 2009
Aboard the Queen Mary 2 -- Our holiday, or vacation from retirement life, Part Three
This is a part of a work in progress, more will follow (I hope). Click here to read what else I have posted about our Holiday at Sea.
Here are some pictures I took from the Queen Mary 2 of Port Everglades before we pulled the anchor up. I had them posted on my other blog, JIM'S LITTLE PHOTO AND POEM PLACE, and decided people here needed to see them also.
Finally we left and 'sailed' away towards the South Caribbean. Our first stop was Curacao. Click here to read about our trip. It is a work in progress, more will follow (I hope).
Eleven days later we returned to this port but the pretty skies weren't there in the morning.
Here are some pictures I took from the Queen Mary 2 of Port Everglades before we pulled the anchor up. I had them posted on my other blog, JIM'S LITTLE PHOTO AND POEM PLACE, and decided people here needed to see them also.
(click any picture for larger view)
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These pretty sky pictures are Fort Lauderdale pictures. We were on the Queen Mary 2 just hanging around until we left Port Everglades. Others were leaving, we were not.
These pretty sky pictures are Fort Lauderdale pictures. We were on the Queen Mary 2 just hanging around until we left Port Everglades. Others were leaving, we were not.
Finally we left and 'sailed' away towards the South Caribbean. Our first stop was Curacao. Click here to read about our trip. It is a work in progress, more will follow (I hope).
Eleven days later we returned to this port but the pretty skies weren't there in the morning.
Labels: Holiday Posts, Jim Does, Places, Queen Mary 2, Travel
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Ruby Tuesday -- Looks good enough to eat but ...
it almost isn't!
i.e. another MacDonalds Snafu
(link to other MacD's Sanfu's)
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Mine didn't look like this at all. This Snack Wrap Mac certainly was not worth the money ($1.49). The one served to me had nothing showing out of the top.
There were two small pieces of hamburger down in there, almost no lettuce, and whatever cheese they did put in there had all melted down into one bite.
I didn't have my camera (wonder of all wonders) or I would have taken a picture of what I got for $1.49. It was absolutely not worth getting.
I would advise you to get the MacDouble for 99¢ instead. That is a much better value, you get quite a meal for that 99¢
Notice the tag below, SCAM. I would call the sale of this thing advertised to be good as a good old fashioned SCAM.
Click the Ruby Tuesday button if you want to see more Ruby Tuesday posts. This week is MACRO PICTURE time (CLOSE-UPS)
Mary is in charge there, you can post your own if you wish.
Labels: Food, Jim Bunch Eats, Places, Review, Ruby Tuesday, Scams
