Saturday, December 14, 2013

Free Books, Snow Tires and Skiing

DSCN3700No. The Snow tires are not free but good advice is; buy some. They are worth the investment to protect your vehicle and ease the mind. Recommended by all who use them, probably.

The skiing isn’t free either. The Rock appears to be closed though the AcroBag Tour begins there this Monday. So we had lots of snow, deep cold for making snow, it’s the weekend and they have a big promo event starting Monday and their website says they are not open today? Too lazy to call and confirm. Sunburst is open and for those of you intolerant of the cold don’t forget Ray’s Indoor MTB, in Cleveland and Milwaukee.

Struggles0001What really is free, at least until Monday midnight, is the Kindle edition of my first book of 2010. Click on the cover for the link. A book difficult not to enjoy for any real men and women. So if you don’t like it…

The $48 question: What did I buy Alois for Christmas? See charity jackpot rules page in sidebar. A slight change from the previous question; gift is bought. Hint: I walked to the store and back when I bought his gift. Yes! From my house.

Happy Holidays.

Monday, December 9, 2013

Crazy Snow

Most of the world found the joy of the season when they heard the Packers won Sunday. For us lucky enough to watch the game it was the snow that made the game, and all the early NFL games, special. It made for some crazy wild football. What was truly crazy wild and completely stupid, not to mention incompetent was breaking in over game coverage for the newsmen to tell us it was snowing outside. Good going FOX6. A t least I could see the replay of that pivotal fumble.

DSCN4484Nothing says Winter like a fine powder several inches deep. Sunburst Ski Hill is open and with the frigid temps I am sure they are piling up the snow all the nights this week. The Rock Sports Complex appears to be opening this coming weekend, though their site is far less clear. If you make it to the ski park page there is a small sidebar window that tells you if the ski lifts are running. Check them out this weekend. I just saw on the Internet that skiing is becoming an activity only the richer than well off can afford. So will be going to the movies with Obamacare.

Xmas13No decorating or Christmas tree until we get out all the cards, greetings and gifts. I want to be ahead of things this year and will hope to get everything out this week. How do I describe Brach’s new Bridge Mix (in picture)? I can think of only one word; decadent. And we had to put up with a hyper already active dog for a day or so. If you take a closer look at the photo…

candySanta got eaten by a Spaniel. Tomorrow Tuesday, is the Metro Mountain Bikers monthly meeting, 7:00pm at Bennos Genuine Bar and Grill. I completely missed the last meeting, gone from my mind, and couldn’t make it to any trail work this year.

The $47 question: What will I buy Alois (member of this blog) for Christmas? I had it picked out for several months. See Charity Jackpot rule page.

Merry Christmas!

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Happy Thanksgiving 2013

Food, football, hunting, shopping and discussing death panels are all activities that draw us away from the original intent of Thanksgiving. I should probably include Metro Mountain Bikers annual turkey hurl to the list. I would have to count myself as most likely if I were to attend. I will have to get back to the bicycle trainer with a vengeance after tomorrow’s feast.

DSCN1507I hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving and can see clearly all the things they should be thankful to God for. He’s is the great guiding light and protector.

Even more important however is the question; Is bowling exercise? I suggested it was to my wife and she immediately went to the Internet to find the answer. Having absolute faith in all things Internet she determined that bowling is exercise only if you are bowling with fewer than four people. Otherwise the time between throws becomes too great to be considered exercise. Well, my wife has obviously never witness my moves as the ball thunders down the lane after my approach and toss. If that’s not exercise there is no such thing. And the doctor says I need 45 minutes of exercise five times a week. Bowling is actually not too expensive with league discounts. Our league is off Thanksgiving week.

DSCN1904An image of Thanksgiving past. Excuse the jest and have a Happy Thanksgiving.

The $46 question: Where did I get the recipe for my now infamous rice pudding?

Sunday, November 24, 2013

A Hunting I Will Go

Hopefully next year. Time and money have restricted any desired deer hunting adventures. I have one word for all those manly souls that took to field and forest for the great hunt;   burrrr!   Stepping out into the cold this afternoon from our somewhat warm dwelling my thoughts were not of hunting days past but of going back inside. It is a good reminder to clean my firearms. In my summer cleaning I actually found my receipts for my guns, all bought from reputable retailers. Important papers under our current regime as the police will not return any firearms if they should in anyway find them in their possession, unless you have proof of purchase.

But the thrill of the hunt is not completely lost to me. Three mice, I doubt very much they were blind, fell victim to one sticky trap. Yes, a single trap. I had found mouse sign in the form of droppings and such, clearly marking out their feed trail. After the victorious harvest my wife cleaned the area with some type of ammonia product.

“You know nothing about hunting!” I proclaimed to my wife. Confused, I had to explain to her the importance of scent and how she had compromised their trail, disrupted their routine and destroyed the opportunity for continued hunting glories and my chance to become a legend in the hunting world. She became very distraught over her faux pas. Now I will have to scout a new location.

DSCN4442Resources have helped consume my time as I am unfettered in my efforts to improve the house. Hopefully we will swing a remodel of our garage in the spring. No sense in planning for that however until neighbor issues are resolved. Renters do not make the best neighbors but we have some fairly good ones at present. If only this one in the alley house could learn to park, preferably on the street.

On the topic of hunting, my wife and I both enjoy “Duck Dynasty.” We watch older seasons for free via Amazon Prime on our Roku. I have cousins just like the Robertsons, though they trim their beards. They live in Arkansas by way of Northwest Wisconsin. The man who owned our house before us had roots in Northwest Wisconsin. Those on “Duck Dynasty” often say “Do it right or do it over.” My cousins are of the same mindset and similar prosperity. The previous owner of my house on the other hand didn’t do it right and didn’t do it over.

Hence my time is drawn away from writing and riding and most other opportunities to advance myself, as we climb back to economic relevance. The bike trainer is essential in fitting in any exercise especially considering the cold. My weight is still creeping down. Any virtual reality bike trainers are out of the question this Winter. I am hoping to purchase some type of GPS device and sign up for Strava when the warm weather returns to track my training.

DSCN1056Yes, Christmas is coming and this picture is from far warmer times. August, 2010 to be exact, at least to the month, when we visited the many vendors at the State Fair. I am lacking in current photos but what would a blog be without photos?

The $45 Question: Where did I purchase my last two firearms since I returned from oversees? See Charity Jackpot page in sidebar. If you can answer this question, the Doubler, the Bonus Question and tell me what was the catalyst for these purchases before the next post I will reward the charity of your choice $1,000.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Gales of November and Other Storms

Well they didn’t come early, but the tornados came late. The first real snow was early and Sunburst Ski Hill, home of an annual WORS race had made their snow and were opening. Then record highs, thunder, lightning and the unthinkable. The Midwest has some suffering to endure and many may still be without a home over the Holidays.

DSCN4455The snow is beautiful however. Thanksgiving is next week. My parents invited everyone to a restaurant for Thanksgiving. I told my mom we would bring the green bean casserole. Thanksgiving should be about sharing good humor and good food with family, not shopping. Talk about a storm…

Yes, the Packers are plating, we hope, the Lions on Thanksgiving. We should be tied for first place right now, but I guess the NFL wanted a three-way tie in the North Division some two weeks ago because the refs gave the game to Chicago and no one will speak up about it. I saw many a big Chicago play where holding should have been called. I don’t know what game the talking heads were watching. I saw an arm wrapped around the neck of one of our lineman. Then and obvious chop block in view of the whole world. Both were on big third down plays. I believe three penalties were called in the entire game. Is the NFL going the way of wrestling?

Wisconsin Minnesota rivalries are the theme for this coming weekend. Sunday the Packers play those losing Vikings. Saturday our respective State Universities go at it for possession of Paul Bunyan’s Ax. I heard that before the ax they competed for a slab of bacon. It’s true. The good old days were better.

DSCN4458Food will most likely be the bulk of our gifts this Christmas. I helped my brother and their three children move. What a hassle. There is not a single thing they need. When we received money for gifts when we were kids it went into the bank. Now my nieces and nephews thank us and write they can’t wait to go shopping. At least they are still writing real letters.

There are only a few things we need and they relate to fixing up our home. Afterwards we can think about new furniture, bikes or trainers, or going skiing. My used trainer will, will have to, suffice for this Winter. My weight is inching down. Let’s see if the trainer will make a difference over the Holidays.

The $44 question: What was the name of my first bowling ball? See Charity Jackpot page in sidebar.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Let's Go For A Walk

When we went out for a walk ,one neighbor stopped and ask Misao.

Neighbor: How old is your dog?
Misao: He is 4
Neighbor: 4 month old?

Me; Ike the dog: Excuse Me I'm not puppy.

Neighbor: Looks like he walks you. (Laughter)
Misao: Many people said same.


Me; Ike the dog: Yeah I walk her every day.

Monday, November 11, 2013

The Right Equipment

“60 Minutes” did a expose’ on the Go Pro digital camera; the man and the company but mostly the camera. It is a great success because the man with the vision created the right equipment for surfers, and meeting those corresponding requirements he happened to create a camera good for absolutely everything else. Go Pro was a sponsor of WORS at least for one year in the past and a product I have propped before (without compensation). I showed Misao the Go Pro web site with the videos. She says we have to get one to strap onto ‘Ike’ our dog.

DSCN4419It’s important to have the right equipment. I have my equipment for the gym and I have my used trainer for this Winter. I have been getting more and more use out of it. I think I would get out riding more if my mountain bike hasn’t been suffering from wear and tear. Men need new machinery from time to time to keep them fulfilled.

DSCN4435One thing that has kept me away from exercise and also my writing is work. I had a string of jobs and now I am trying to get in some work on my back entrance before it gets too cold. I leveled out a landing with a thin coat of sand mix during the Packer’s game. I prepped before the game and then watched the first half. I thought I would get it all done during halftime but when I finished, to my surprise, the game was almost over. If only I had been watching…

DSCN4439I gave Misao a Teeter Hang-up for her birthday. She has been complaining of back pain for a long time but no more. It is the most highly recommended hang from your ankles thing I could find. A DVD and a series of e-mails guide one to safe usage. One needs not only the right equipment but the right way to use it. I use it myself. It is good for the joints too. It requires some space but we really can use it tucked in the corner as it is. When you leave the Teeter site they offer you a discount price for a slightly used (free trial) Teeter with full warranty.

Misao has become a groupie of ‘The Band Perry’ and says we need to go to their Green Bay concert also. Keeping the wife happy is very important. The right equipment is certainly essential in this regard. There are some age old time proven tactics and equipment to keep the desired harmony in the home. The foremost tactic is for men to be men and women to be women all in their respective spheres.

DSCN4416In this quest for familial bliss the bowling ball is an essential piece of equipment. I joined an all men’s league with my friend of forty years. I started with one of my dad’s old balls but then got a new ball drilled specifically for my hand. What a difference. Nothing keeps a man happier than winning.

To keep my wife happy I call her ‘Queen Bee’. Then she sings “I rule, I rule, I rule.’ I let her live her fantasy and if that doesn’t work, I can always go bowling. Not ‘The Band Perry’ but it works.

Just call me a font of wisdom.

The $43 Question: Where did I bowl as a youth? Hint: historic landmark. See Charity Jackpot page in sidebar. The more books I get published the greater the multiplier will become.