Think I'll sit this one out

I have plenty of cold and am not sorry to see that we'll be missing the storm that's going by us to the south. So far this winter just a few snowstorms in the 4 to 6 inch range, plenty easy to clean up compared to a year ago when after a point felt like it would never end. Last couple of weeks we've dipped into some pretty cold but seasonable temperatures, forecast indicate it will get milder for a few days. As much as possible I must be enjoying this though I will not let my guard down, the snowblower is gassed up and pointed at the garage door.

Trash eve

Wednesday is trash night, gather up the contents of various bins around the house, maybe a stop at the litter box, a quick check on the recycling bin then drag it all out to the roadside for morning pickup. The payoff for the winter routine is stargazing at the top of the driveway with a cold stiff breeze and a clear a night sky as can be. The stars are as bright as possible and the occasional meteorite or my favorite prize, picking out a satellite. Unfortunately this wasn't one of those nights, milky clouds had moved it though with a half moon up high it the sky it made an interesting sight itself. Perhaps next week will be the charm, there's always more trash to put out.

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...

Carol and I went to the movies to see "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" today. Combined it with lunch at Smitty's Cinema where we could get a meal and watch the movie at the same time. The meal was good, sandwiches and fries, being the middle of the day and facing a long movie I just had water to drink. It was Star Wars alright, its been almost 40 years since the first movie, this one had much of the same feel and a lot of the same elements of action, desperation with a quick place. Early on I found myself tense over my concern for some of the characters. All in all a good start to this stage of the story, looking forward to the next one.

2015, it's a wrap

Yes 2015 had a lot going for it mostly for Ian and Ali's wedding, followed by some terrific camping weekends, family gatherings, splendid spring, summer, fall and early winter weather. I don't need to be reminded of the early 2015 winter weather, best forgotten though we did get through it safely. The past weekend was a good transition between the years. The Wine Wise Walk was a very good time. The Pinot Noirs were delicious as were the appetizers servers at the four restaurants we visited. Two of the places I didn't know existed - Crooners & Cocktails in the style of the Rat Pack era, the decor, music and overall ambiance ready takes you back 50 to 60 years. There were two flat screen TVs over the bar both set at black & white showing the live hockey game. The other was Timber Steakhouse & Rotisserie, a high end steak and BBQ establishment with a lot of style not to be confused with this Timber. Saturday was my side of the family Christmas get together held at my sister Doreen's house. No surprise we had a lot of food, beverages, talk and a good yankee swap as the gift exchange between the adults in attendance. Sunday it was time for Ian, Ali and Ajax to return to San Francisco. Carol and I drove them to Logan Airport. We'd had a wonderful time having them here for a week and are looking forward to their return to New England this summer to pursue further their academic goals.

By the way

Happy New Year and

all the best for an amazing

2016!

Holidays vacation week continues

Tuesday night's hockey game was good, UNH won much to Ian, Ali's and Carol's pleasure, almost went to overtime. Maine had several bad penalties. I was between loyalties, UNH as it's Ian and Ali's college and UMaine as the state team I root for. That at the end of a day of snow that though it provided thorough coverage of about 4 inches, enough to slow traffic and slog though sidewalks.

Wednesday was workout day (when isn't it) so I headed for Planet Fitness got my work done then drove up to my mother's with my tech support hat on. Problems with her internet modem. That took a little time with a real tech support person on the phone. Updating her free anti-virus, operating system, the non-printing printer and her TV's DVD player didn't go so well - another trip at another time.

Yesterday after picking Carol up from work we went to see the Body Worlds exhibit at the Portland Science Center. Many of the exhibits were encased and easily navigated completely around. Cost about $18 per adult. Took us about an hour to tour the exhibit. A couple of days before
Ian and Ali were there at least an hour and a half.

Today's New Years Day plans are to go to PF for a workout this morning and later in the afternoon our second Wine Wise Walk in Portland​. This one is "The Many Styles of Pinot Noir". Looking forward to it.