Life continues

Retirement has been great, except when I am at home for extended lengths of time.  It is easy to see work that does not need to be done, but I do it anyway since, at some point, it will need to be done.  So, I do these tasks at my own pace, but traveling and wandering are much more enjoyable.

My next trip was planned for a few weeks, heading toward Colorado/Wyoming/Montana for 10 days.  I was most excited about attending the 59th Annual Buffalo Roundup at Custer State Park on September 27.  Well, my early fall plans have now changed.  Shelley fractured her ankle and will require surgery with plates/screws.  So, my first fall trip is canceled.   Oh well, my mate's health is more important! 

I did see something yesterday that really made me laugh.  A guy parked his hybrid car, got out, and walked into the store.  I was waiting for Shelley, who had an appointment.  Then I heard the car engine start as the AC must have been on.  I went to look to see if there was a dog, but nothing in sight.  When the man came out of the store, he asked what I was doing.  I informed him I heard the engine start, and he said, "Damb-it."  He explained that he drives a Tesla, and the hybrid was a loaner.  Since the Tesla key is his phone, he is accustomed to parking the Tesla and leaving, and it automatically is off and locks.  So he parked, left the keys in the car, and left it running out of habit!  Glad it was not stolen!

As I try to limit my political opinions on social media, when I saw the image below, I had to share it, as it expressed my thoughts very well! In addition, Margaret and Helen have a post that, to me, is spot on. It is unfortunate that for the third presidential election in a row, I dislike them all. Just vote with who I dislike less.

Carry on my friends, carry on!

September already!

 It is hard to believe that it is September already!  This past week, I've attended many amateur baseball games.  They've all been very competitive and fun.  Tomorrow is the final classy championship game.  It should be rather exciting!

Since I began enjoying Minnesota amateur baseball about a decade ago, this is the first year that it may result in my favorite two teams winning state championships.  Today, the Miesville Mudhens won the class B championship over Air Freight Unlimited 8-1.  Tomorrow, the Jordans Brewers play the Waconia Lakers in the Class C championship at the Mini Met, Jordan, Minnesota.

As stated, I can't believe it's September already!  It is only about seven weeks before I leave on my big trip in mid-Oxtober.  I am taking the trip alone because Shelley has yet to retire.  I aim to start at the southwest point of the Blue Ridge Mountains Parkway and slowly work my way northeast over the 400 miles to the endpoint.  I am trying to plan it when the fall colors are at their optimal levels.  I think I have a much of a deviation in potential times to assure I should get some wonderful photos. 

I wanted to start September with a good, solid workout, yet repairing concrete, painting, and moving two lawns resulted in Charlie horses in my hands and fatigue throughout my body.  In addition, Shelley became severely ill, slipped, and fell and needed significant attention.  Given the holiday weekend, she will go in on Tuesday to verify she has no broken bones or torn tendons.  If I were to guess, it is a severe high ankle sprain.  She can move it, and there is no discoloration.

My mother is also getting more dependent and appears unhappy.  I feel bad that her life was tough, and she looks well over her age of 81.  Below, she was at Pizza Ranch with my brother.  The image tells more than I can describe,

Until next time, Carry on, my friends, carry on!