Nice to see that Vikings running back Adrian Peterson and I have something in common after his night cap with Houston police early this morning. He and I have both been guests at Houston's Central Jail. I wonder if he enjoyed the experience as much as I did.
AUGUST 2014
Saturday, July 07, 2012
SIOUX FALLS TOPS THE LIST
I just read that Sioux Falls is listed, by Forbes.com as the best small city, in America, for business and careers.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT IN READERS DIGEST
TEACHER: What does the word "plummet" mean?
8 YEAR OLD STUDENT: A girl plummer.
8 YEAR OLD STUDENT: A girl plummer.
MEMORIES
Cousin Mary saw this picture which I also published on Facebook and said....
WOW! I love it.
And, Rita Commented.....
Sure Mary loves it - she's not the dork with the permanent, pigtails, and curled bangs in it!
Roger asked who some of the people were in the picture and remarked that all the Solbergs have high foreheads - I am the only one in the pic who doesn't. Never thought of that before.
ANOTHER AIRLINE NOTE
There's an interesting article in USA TODAY about another "perk" you might have to pay for soon. How about paying a fee to get off the aircraft, once it has landed, ahead of the others? It could happen! Read the story here in USA TODAY.
DONNIE COMMENTED:
This is one I might be happy to pay. I haven't been on a plane in a long time, but what I remember as a greatest irritation was the long wait to "de-plane," standing in the crowded aisle for endless minutes, for no apparent reason. Some aisle waits seemed as long as the airborne flights.
DONNIE COMMENTED:
This is one I might be happy to pay. I haven't been on a plane in a long time, but what I remember as a greatest irritation was the long wait to "de-plane," standing in the crowded aisle for endless minutes, for no apparent reason. Some aisle waits seemed as long as the airborne flights.
ON A PERSONAL NOTE
When I was working at the airport, in Houston, so many years ago, the late afternoon and early evening hours were my favorite (and most profitable) hours. We had a flight to London and a flight to Paris that, both, departed during that time and the club would be filled with so many interesting folks on their way to Europe.
With that in mind, I was sorry to read that, with the merger between Continental and United, the old Continental flight from Houston to Paris will be discontinued in September.
United will be cutting several other international flights as well as 1,300 jobs in the Houston area.
That's sad news, indeed. I can only say I'm thankful Willard and I were there during the good times. And, best of luck to those folks who will be out of a job during these times when a good job is hard to find.
Donnie commented:
We all were "there during the good times," and too often didn't realize it. Young people today may soon be recalling the present as their good times.
Donnie commented:
We all were "there during the good times," and too often didn't realize it. Young people today may soon be recalling the present as their good times.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY RINGO STARR
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TWO AREA DEATHS BLAMED ON THE HEAT
One death in La Crosse and one in Onalaska have been blamed on the heat. Other heat related deaths have also been reported in Wisconsin. Read the full story in the La Crosse Tribune.
Friday, July 06, 2012
ANOTHER RECORD BROKEN
We hit a high of 102 this afternoon. That breaks the record of 100 degrees set in 1989.
But relief is on the way. Tomorrow's high will be near 86, Sunday 84 and Monday 83. Does that sound better??
DID THE NEEDLES DO ANY GOOD?
Duane said the acupuncture person said it would take some time to notice the effects from the treatment. He says he's not sure but, he thinks, there may be some improvement already.
WILLARD IS GETTING WHAT I HAVE
"Haven't a clue what day it is. When I tuned in, this past Wednesday, to watch some of the Saturday TV shows on PBS, that was a signal that I had lost it.
Went upstairs, last night, and couldn't remember if I'd closed the patio door. I took my morning pills right after I had my orange juice. Went into the living room, sat down and couldn't remember if I had taken them or not."
Went upstairs, last night, and couldn't remember if I'd closed the patio door. I took my morning pills right after I had my orange juice. Went into the living room, sat down and couldn't remember if I had taken them or not."
HOW WOULD YOU ANSWER THIS QUESTON
WTMJ in Milwaukee is asking, what do you hate more a week of temperatures 100 or more or a week of temperatures at 0 or below. Check the right sidebar and let us know which you hate more.
DUANE GETS STUCK
Can't wait to hear how Duane made out with his new doctor yesterday. He went to see a licensed accupuncturist who studied with the first American Doctor who was trained in China.
Duane said, "Hope it works on my knees. My hamstrings ache big time".
WAS IT THE HEAT??
No one has confirmed a cause, yet, but a manhole, right in the middle of 3rd street, caved in yesterday afternoon leaving a big hole in the middle of the street.
Traffic is now being detoured to 2nd street which will, most likely, cause traffic backups during the busy part of the day. With the weekend coming up, I'm guessing it will be several days before things are back to normal.
I JUST HAD A THOUGHT
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The last day of Riverfest is tomorrow when it will finally be cool enough to go outside. I'll bet Riverside Park will be PACKED considering it's a weekend and it's "comfortable" weather. I may just take a trip down there myself.
ONE MORE DAY
An excessive heat warning remains in effect until 10 P.M. tonight. Heat Indices this afternoon and this evening will top off in the 100 to 115 degree range.
The record high for this day is 100 set in 1989. The forecast high for today is 102.
Tomorrow will be downright chilly with a forecast high of 85.
Tomorrow will be downright chilly with a forecast high of 85.
NOW THEY TELL ME
Time Magazine has an interesting article about how the rich got rich. I didn't have to read the article to know I did it wrong but it's interesting, all the same. READ IT HERE
HERE'S A BIT OF AIRLINE TRIVIA
The airport at Jackson Hole, Wyoming is the only airport located within a National Park.
Thursday, July 05, 2012
A PICTURE BY DONNIE FROM HIS DAYS IN LATIN AMERICA
Doesn't this look like a great way to beat the heat?
IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A GREAT WEEK FOR A FEST, BUT.......
I'm not surprised to read they're canceling some of the events at Riverfest. It's just too hot. What a shame.
WHAT'S THE FASTEST WAY TO CHILL YOUR BEER?
Forget the freezer. Fill a tub with ice and salted water. Why the salt? READ ON
MEDICAL UPDATE
I snagged my ear when I was pulling my T-shirt over my head, this morning.
Diagnosis: My ear is still extremely tender and sore!
Diagnosis: My ear is still extremely tender and sore!
FUNNY MONEY
I just read that Katie Holmes has a net worth of $25 million. I had to look it up to see what she did to make all that money. From what I can gather, not much. She'll, most likely, be worth a lot more after the split with Tom Cruise is official. Now, he'll REALLY have a good reason to jump up and down on the sofa.
Further proof that life just ain't fair.
RECORD HIGH YESTERDAY~WILL WE DO IT AGAIN TODAY?
The forecast calls for a high of 99 today and tomorrow before it starts to cool off over the weekend. The record high, for this date, was set in 1874 when it hit 101 degrees.
I've got to hit Walgreen's, Co-op and the library today but I'll do it all early and get back home before it gets too hot. It's already too hot. It didn't cool off much last night and it won't tonight either.
NATIIONAL WEATHER SERVICE STATEMENT
Excessive heat warning remains in effect until 10 PM CDT
Friday...
* expect the heat to continue today and again Friday as high temperatures approach or break records. Adding in the humidity... heat indices will top out between 100 and 115 during the afternoon and evening hours. Plan on little relief tonight with lows mainly in the 70s... though locations in the Mississippi River valley may not drop below 80.
* If proper precautions are not taken... this heat can result in an increased risk of heat related illnesses... such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Precautionary/preparedness actions...
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible... reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.
To reduce risk during outdoor work... the occupational safety and health administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency... dial 9 1 1.
* expect the heat to continue today and again Friday as high temperatures approach or break records. Adding in the humidity... heat indices will top out between 100 and 115 during the afternoon and evening hours. Plan on little relief tonight with lows mainly in the 70s... though locations in the Mississippi River valley may not drop below 80.
* If proper precautions are not taken... this heat can result in an increased risk of heat related illnesses... such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Precautionary/preparedness actions...
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible... reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.
To reduce risk during outdoor work... the occupational safety and health administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency... dial 9 1 1.
HATS OFF TO HOWARD SCHULTZ
Mr. Schultz is CEO of STARBUCKS . In case you haven't seen his open letter to the USA, yet, he tells the politicians to stop fighting each other and get to work on saving this nation. READ MORE HERE
THOUGHTS ON THE 4TH
So much for the 4th of July. I suppose a lot of stores will be busy today, moving things around, making room for the Christmas displays which will go up long before the first cold snap.
I mentioned, the other day, that my neighborhood fireworks fanatic had not been entertaining us, this year, with his late night, back yard, bombs. He made up for it early this morning. The first round of blasts woke me, and I'm sure the rest of the neighborhood, around 1:30 A.M. It was quite a show with bombs bursting in air. I have a feeling this is not a kid but some deranged adult. In any event, there was no going back to sleep.
Did anyone else watch the Capitol 4th celebration on PBS? Such a joy to see a real jewel amid the parade of junk you normally see, night after night, on TV. Such a big show with so many acts and it went off without a single glitch, as far as I could see. A great performance!
Wednesday, July 04, 2012
I WISH I WAS WITH CARL AND KATHY
At 2:00 PM it was 79 in Great Falls, Montana while it was 99 here. 20 degrees makes a big difference.
ANOTHER "DOUGIE" EATERY
Remember those "Hot Dougs" T-shirts Donnie sent me from the hot dog restaurant in Chicago? Here's a followup.
Rita brought me a Readers Digest she had finished reading and I was paging through it this afternoon. My eye caught an item about the dougieDog restaurant in Vancouver, Canada. This ain't just any old hot dog stand. In fact their featured item on the menu is the Dragon Dog. It's a cognac infused foot long hot dog that will set you back $100.00. Sounds like one classy dog! Just like me! No wonder they call it the dougieDog Restaurant.
POSSIBLE THUNDERSTORMS AHEAD
There's a pretty good chance for thunderstorms north of I-90 tomorrow and Friday and across the entire area Friday night through Sunday. Maybe that will cool us off.
DONNIE SENT A GREAT QUOTE FOR SUMMER
"Better to have loafed and lost than never to have loafed at all."
~James Thurber
~James Thurber
IT'S PROBABLY OLD AGE BUT I JUST DON'T GET IT
Donnie wrote to a friend who travels a lot, "Despite 30 years of international travel, it's clear that I am unfit for today's travel. I made a reservation on Expedia. Now, how do I get a boarding pass?"
His friend replied, "The airline will send you an email the day before you travel. You click, click, click and then print the boarding pass on your home printer. Make sure to click that you don't want all the additional "destination information" or your boarding pass will be 27 pages long. Or you can go to the airport and put a credit card into the kiosk check-in machine and it prints the boarding pass. (Expedia is just the travel agent)."
----------------------------------------------------
I just don't seem to understand the advantage of this involved procedure. Wasn't it just much more convenient to walk up to the desk, at the boarding gate, and have the gate agent hand you a boarding pass?? Could this kind of nonsense be the reason that more and more travelers are going back to their old travel agents to handle their travel plans?
I assume the next step will be that to fly somewhere, you'll have to have a valid pilots license and know how to pour and serve coffee.
RULES FOR THE CAT
I don't know where Rita and Roger found this but it hits the nail right on the head!
SATURDAY CAN'T COME TOO FAST
THESE ARE REAL TEMPERATURES..NOT HEAT INDICES.
HIGH TODAY
101
TOMORROW
104
FRIDAY
96
SATURDAY
85
THIS IS A STAGGERING STATISTIC
According to the National Weather Service, an estimated 150 million people or 1.2 million square miles have been covered by excessive heat warnings or heat advisories since last night. This is a 4th of July that will go down in the weather history books.
Tuesday, July 03, 2012
DONNIE GOT GOOD NEWS FROM THE EYE DOCTOR
Turns out I may not need a new prescription. What I did need was a capsulotomy,
performed on the spot, laser, 5 minutes, painless--removes a membrane over the
artificial lens. This was done about a year after my first cataract surgery,
too. Instant improvement. No bandages, no limitations on baths.
HOT HOT MILTON
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You mentioned Daniel and Jon the other day. Luckily, there were no storms where they live. They didn't even get the much needed rain. It was all south of them.
We are so in need of rain. Just can't water enough to keep the pots looking good. The flowers on the edge of the woods are doing great. Much more protection than on the hot patio. Wish a cooling would come but it looks like it's a long way off. We had 100 degrees yesterday.
Happy 4th of July! We will be with the kids.
THE EAR:: GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS
The doctor says my ear is healing beautifully and it looks real good. That was the good news.
The bad news is that he put another bandage on, a much smaller one, which I have to leave on for one more week I also have to stay out of the shower and I can't shampoo my hair for another week. I don't know if I can stand that or not.
Roger said I should put a plastic bag over my head and get in the shower but I think that's a bit extreme. Even if I should try it, there will not be a picture.
We went to Grizzley's for lunch. It was very good. As usual, Rita and Roger acted up. You just can't take those two out in public anymore. Second childhood, ya know.
I GIVE UP
Did you see the report that the U.S. Government owns some 14,000 vacant or nearly vacant buildings around the country and it's costing us $190 MILLION DOLLARS A YEAR to keep them up. Why am I not seeing that anywhere in the "budget cuts"???
I HOPE WE DON'T LOSE POWER
I feel so sorry for the people without power on the east coast today. There were also thousands without power, closer to home last night. The lights went out in Oshkosh as a vicious storm plowed through flooding streets and knocking down trees.
I was riding up, in the elevator, with one of the old ladies who has been here forever like me. I said, "With the drain on power, from the heat, and the bad storms I'm a bit afraid the power will go out while I'm on the elevator and I'll be stuck in here."
She, said, "Oh, No! I never thought of that! Now I have something else to worry about."
I felt like a true Solberg. Let's wring our hands and worry about all the horrible things that could happen to us today. Pass on your fear to as many folks as you can. One never wants to be too happy! (I think I just heard Rita sigh)
CARL CAME ACROSS THIS ITEM
This is something I've never even seen or heard of before. This Woman lives in a Hummingbird fly zone. As they migrated, about 20 of them were in her yard. She took the little red dish, filled it with sugar water and this is the result.
DONNIE ADDS:
Our hummingbirds, too, are pretty fearless. They will hover right in front of me, within reach. And wear a read hat, and they will try to drink out of it--they love red. Today I spotted one hovering over a lizard, flitting everywhere the lizard ran, and hovering right over it--probably considered it a threat to a nest.
Our hummingbirds, too, are pretty fearless. They will hover right in front of me, within reach. And wear a read hat, and they will try to drink out of it--they love red. Today I spotted one hovering over a lizard, flitting everywhere the lizard ran, and hovering right over it--probably considered it a threat to a nest.
THE GUEST WHO CAME TO DINNER AND DECIDED TO STAY
Linda is allergic to cats but that doesn't mean she doesn't love them. If you're allergic to cats you don't have to buy one but if they come to "visit" and decide to stay there's very little you can do about it.
Donnie said, "We've been adopted."
THIS IS DOCTOR DAY
Willard has to go to get an X-Ray. Donnie has to see the eye doctor to get a new prescription and I get to see the dermatologist for the "unveiling" of my new ear. Keep your fingers crossed that the skin graft worked (as planned). If not, I'll have a picture to show you of my new "goofy looking" ear.
SENIOR CITIZENS:
OUR LIFE IS ONE LONG
VISIT WITH THE DOCTOR
WILLARD SAYS:
The worst outbreak in years. West Nile Virus confirmed in three areas of Houston. My ankles and feet are covered with mosquito bites. Some on my arms."
IT'S A FULL MOON TONIGHT
It's a full moon tonight. One of the many names for the full moon, in July, is the FULL THUNDER MOON. Thunder would like to think they named it after him but, actually, thunderstorms are the most frequent this time of year and so it got that name.
An interesting fact from NASA. This will be the smallest full moon of 2012. The moon is now at apogee, as far away as it gets, so it will appear 12% smaller than the full moon of January 10.
C-130 TANKER CRASHES FIGHTING BLACK HILLS FIRES
The Air Force aircraft was fighting the wildfires, Duane has been talking about, when it went down, killing and injuring crew members over the weekend.
Once those wildfires get started it's a big and dangerous job to get them out. I know. I was in the middle of one...and one was enough.
THINKING ABOUT TAKING A VACATION IN WISCONSIN THIS YEAR?
RIVERSIDE FUN
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I usually take a stroll down to Riverside Park and check out the excitement at Riverfest, every year, but I don't know if I'll make it this year or not. These temperatures are just too hot to be outside very long. I might let the younger folk brave the heat.
TODAY'S BIRTHDAY
Pete Fountain, the New Orleans Jazz claranetist is celebrating his 82nd birthay today.
WHAT WILL THEY THINK OF NEXT?
Scientists have found a way to make your outdoor furniture clean itself of bacteria, and other crud, just by sitting out there in the sun. Is that neat or what? READ ALL ABOUT IT HERE.
STILL IN THE UPPER 80'S AT 1:00 AM
The high, this afternoon, will be near 96. That's too hot for an old person to be outside long. The National Weather Service says today will be nearly identical to yesterday with a few locations breaking the 100 mark. The moist air mass will produce heat indices between 100 and 105.
This has been the worst, possible, time for a heat wave. High's in the upper 90's, when you can't take a shower, is just not good. But, that should all end this afternoon.
Monday, July 02, 2012
I THINK IT'S A GOOD IDEA
Virgin America tweeted, this afternoon, that it has run tests, on selected flights, allowing passengers without carry-ons to board first.
YUP! IT'S HOT!!
Just made a quick trip to Co-op. Temperature is 98 and the heat index is 104. A couple of buildings down there's a roofing crew putting on a new roof in this heat. I was glad it was them and not me!
ART CLASS
A kindergarten teacher was observing her classroom of children while they were drawing. She would, occasionally, walk around to see each childs work.
As she got to one little girl who was working diligenty, she asked what she was drawing.
The little girl replied, "I'm drawing God."
The teacher paused and said, "But no one knows what God looks like."
As the little girl continued drawing, she said, "They will in a minute."
As she got to one little girl who was working diligenty, she asked what she was drawing.
The little girl replied, "I'm drawing God."
The teacher paused and said, "But no one knows what God looks like."
As the little girl continued drawing, she said, "They will in a minute."
DUANE REPORTS ON BLACK HILLS FOREST FIRES
"The sky is heavy with smoke and haze from the forest fires here. One fire has burned 3,600 acres."
SOMEBODY MUST HAVE READ MY POST ABOUT THE FIRECRACKERS YESTERDAY
Last night, about 11:30, the big booms began. Sounded like it was, probably, about a block away. That's OK. I didn't mind. I was up trying not to scratch my ear.
HEAT CASUALTY
RUDY'S DRIVE-IN has cancelled their Tuesday Cruise night in La Crosse and the Thursday Night Bike Night in Sparta. The high temperatures and heat indicies, this week, make it too miserable to be outside.
The only thing more miserable is having an itchy ear you can't scratch. I didn't sleep worth a damn last night. The itching is getting worse which, I hope, means the ear is healing faster. Tomorrow will tell the tale. That's when I get the bandages taken off.
When I get done with that, Rita and I are going shopping at Target.
YOU'RE GONNA LOVE THIS ONE
Want to play some word games? READ THIS TO FIND OUT HOW DRINKING CAN SOLVE ALL OF YOUR PROBLEMS.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY IMELDA
Imelda Marcos celebrates her 82nd birthday today. I'll bet she'll celebrate in a new pair of shoes!
Sunday, July 01, 2012
BAD STORMS IN THE WINDY CITY
Hope Daniel and Jon weren't affected by the terrible weather in Chicago this afternoon. High winds and hail left 206,000 without power, held up the baseball game between Chicago and Houston and, I'm sure, created traffic problems around the city.
THEY'VE BEEN GETTING A LOT OF RAIN IN SOUTH TEXAS
Willard said, "The rains brought an explosion of mosquitoes.
Some of the blood sucking critters got in when I opened the door for Buddy. I just got bit on the ankle.
Some of the blood sucking critters got in when I opened the door for Buddy. I just got bit on the ankle.
BRACE YOURSELVES - THE HEAT IS ON
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According to the National Weather Service, Dangerous heat can be expected every day through Friday.
Heat indices could hit 100 or more each afternoon and it won't cool of much at night either.
Riverfest will be a "Hotfest" this year.
NEVER THOUGHT I'D SEE STORIES LIKE THESE IN LA CROSSE
Three big stories involving heroin last week. 2 were overdoses and one involved a death. Police think some really potent heroin is being circulated in the area.
Leaving the big city, I thought I'd be leaving stories like that behind but "small town America" ain't what it used to be.
INTERESTING NOTE FROM DONNIE
Went to dinner last night at the home of an Austin artist and his wife. Their house was the highlight: built in 1921, of brick, it is like the houses of our own childhood, and they have kept it largely intact, with wonderful transom windows, original light fixtures, even the original kitchen sink, cabinets, and wooden ceilings and floors; a large usable attic and even a basement, rare in Texas. The place has SEVEN porches.
While walking in the neighborhood we spotted a house for sale, and I grabbed a promotional flyer from the box out front. This small 1938 "bungalow" has two small bedrooms and only one bath. Price: $820,000. That's what it takes to get any kind of place in the city's better center neighborhoods. And that is why we are 30 miles out of town.
ROGER TAKES GOOOOD PICTURES!
I was looking at some of the pictures that were on my camera from last week. Roger took this one after my ear surgery and I had to save it because it doesn't show my wrinkles. How did he do that?AN OMINUS TWEET FROM AFRICA
The drought in Africa, which gets virtually no coverage in the U.S. press, is getting worse by the minute. A tweet on TWITTER from South Sudan, this morning, says their situation is desperate. The water is running out and "when it's gone, that's it."
I REALLY NEED TO SCRATCH!
I may be totally insane by the time they take the bandages off on Tuesday. This ear is itching like crazy. Duane says that's good because it's healing. That part may be true but if you've ever had an itch you can't scratch you know that part ain't no good!
WISCONSINS FIRST NORWEGIAN
It was July first, 1838, that Ole Knutson Nattestad arrived in Wisconsin. He smelled the clean, fresh air and said, "This will never do. Let's cook up some lutefisk." Ole was the first Norwegian to settle in Wisconsin but he wouldn't be the last. Lena was hot on his heels.
NO BOOMS THIS YEAR?
STARBUCKS HAS A SECRET MENU?
Don't ask me. I'm not a Starbucks fan but Donnie is. Maybe he's heard of these concoctions. STARBUCKS SECRET MENU
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