It absolutely astonishes me, that when I find the time to really sit back and compare the past with the present. Things seem to have been so much simpler ..............back then...........then it is today. Granted, today's world is very complicated, things that, perhaps would have been correct in the past is no longer part of the equation to correctness, today. Now, if none of this makes sense to you.......join the club.
I was originally going to write this particular post about politics..... relating how politicians looked at things from the past compared to the present. I've changed my mind. This is going to be about memories and memory losses. In particular ONE memory of our first trip to Cabo St. Lucas in Mexico where Margot and I decided to go many years ago (around the beginning of the 90's) to grab some bone warming rays.
We were sitting in an ice cream parlor having a mid day snack when all of a sudden it started to rain. Now if you have ever been to Cabo or even Mexico you will notice that there are no street drains, well perhaps a few but very few. We sat there laughing at why everyone were taking off their shoes and socks to cross the streets........simply because there were no drains and the streets quickly became flooded. On the way back to our hotel that afternoon, we found ourselves in the same predicament. That night the rain continued and I found myself getting up only to throw my legs out of the bed and into a puddle of water..........and just as quickly back into bed!!!....what the hell!!!! now........your not going to believe this but I then did the STUPIDEST thing I have ever done in my life. I reach for the bed stand light to turn it on. Needless to say, It was not yet my day but there I was knowing if I stood up in the water I had better not do anything with the electricity.............I quickly awoke Margot with a warning of .......................WE'RE SINKING!!!!!!
I called the front desk to tell them I noticed some water dripping down the walls behind our bed and asked for them to send up señor Jose with a MOP!!! That's when they advised that we were not the only ones calling but to come to the lobby with our bags and they would change our room. Well, this is one time I am happy that we travel with only hand baggage. In the lobby we noticed señor Jose with his mop and some helpers trying to sweep the water out of the lobbies front entrance. What to do, no matter what room they sent us to or how high the floors, they were all wet sssssoooooo we just made a quick calculation of how many days we would loose on the vacation and decided to head to the airport. We joined many people at the taxi line outside the hotel for a trip to the airport, noticing that some people, probably with a lot of money, were boarding a helicopter. We quickly found out why. The taxi driver told us he could only take us a short way, since the bridge was washed out, we found out later that the two bridges to the airport were both washed out. At the river we were let out of the taxi and watched as one entrepreneur with a horse was carrying people across the river, we noticed that the river was apparently not to deep because rather than wait in line, people were wading across and the water was only waist high. Off came my pants, up went Margots dress, hand baggage over our heads and across we went. On the other side we got another taxi to the first hotel we saw and decided to stay overnight since it was a dry one and it was now getting to be late in the afternoon. That night, the hotel lost electrical power and by morning we had no electricity to cook so breakfast was a banana and orange juice. We eventually hitched a ride in the back of peek up loaded with a bunch of Mexican workers............who.....one....... by the way, took an immediate liking to Margot....(a rather cute little blond lady).......especially the older one with no teeth (kept smiling at Margot). As we approached the second bridge the driver informed everyone to hold on, he was going to put the truck into 4 wheel drive and attempt to drive down this 20' hill into the river bed, surge the water, and then up the other side. WOW!!!! NOW THAT TAKES BALLS.!!!!!! Now needless to say ,the old guy wanted to hold onto Margot to make sure........ she didn't fall out of the truck.....................It's OK Margot, just let him hold your arm!!!!!! That was an adventure and a half ,but the guy did it. Now, I must say, that when I say river's, I'm basically not comparing them to any of the rivers in the states. These are just bulldozed out beds used exclusively for the reason to direct water from the higher hills. They do have asphalt bridges, which were actually the roadway going over the buried piping that was designed to carry the water from the hight hills. Well during this particular rain the pipes could not handle the sudden increase of water, causing the water to deviate a little and wash out these so called bridges. All very simply ..........when you saw it. Probably some freshman year project in engineering class. Any how, our Mexican peek.. up driver took us safely through little towns where the sand covered the wheels of parked cars ....we could only count our blessings. He did not take us off the main road to the airport, since he was running late to get his workers to their destination so we ended up walking the last 2 miles to the airport We learned by another couple on the flight that there was a Northwest airline captain and his wife on vacation that called the American consult in Mexico City and asked to have the Navy come in to pick up the stranded passengers. He only got the response.....................take a cab out and we will pick up the cost. They knew of the rainstorm, even if they were in Mexico City but could not quite understand the reason the bridges were washed out. That was my first..........and last trip to Cabo. Margot has been back with a friend and has confirmed that the bridges are now rebuilt and standing strong.
The more I sit and think about the past, the more I find that the funniest stories..........NOW.......were always the most horrible experience at the time they were occurring. Also, I have found that when you are with old friends, you begin bringing back these memories down to the tiniest of detail.
OOOHHHHH, the memories..............stimulation of the brain............. so many............. but some so long to tell. Always there waiting to be remembered.
Well, off to get some more bone warming rays. This time in Oahu, Hawaii. Keep tuned for perhaps some award winning photo's.
1/15/11
LOOKIN' INTO THE NEW YEAR 2011
WOW!! 2011 another year older and deeper in debt!!.............now, don't go and take that literally.......there's still money left to do those things that we really want to do..................but............it is getting less, while the ultra wealthy get wealthier. Wonder how that works!! JUST DON'T TAKE MY SOCIAL SECURITY OR MY MEDICARE AWAY FROM ME!!!!!
I've decided that this year, I will try to become more understanding of.........the other side........this not meaning that I will agree with them or their somewhat ..........what can I say.......diluted stupid way of reasoning. One must look at things in the light that effects the majority.............not the minority. Look at the 95% rather then the 5%. SSSSSOOOOOO for my first thought of this new year, I will look for ways to
improve my life style. I will take this opportunity to ...........................PROCLAIMING LEFT HAND TURNING...................obsolete. All turns should be RIGHT HAND TURNS!!!!. Now, one might ask...............WHY??????
The other day, I found myself at the end of a street trying my very hardest to make a left hand turn onto another road. This to me was quite simple.....and by far the shortest time and distance to my ultimate destination. As I sat there, waiting for the traffic to allow my entering onto the roadway, I found that at least 10 minutes had now elapsed and the traffic just was not allowing me to enter with any amount of safety in
mind. I could actually feel the frustration of the drivers in the back of me building up. My blood was reaching a boiling point and I began to talk to myself......how could so many people be so selfish to not let me enter the traffic flow.......I was thinking only of my concerns and not the concerns of others. They actually had the right of way, would I do the same as they were doing to me. U BETCHA!!!! It was at this point that I noticed an opening for a right hand turn was possible......I took this opportunity ..........turned right drove about 500 feet to a "U" TURN opening and whala!! on my way. As I passed the street that I had just left, I noticed that the car that was in back of me during my attempt to turn left was standing there in my recently left position. I began to wonder about how long that person might sit there, how close to road rage they were or if they would eventually make the turn to the right and follow my tire marks, left in the light street covering of snow. I tried this for several other times on this same trip and came to the conclusion that turning to the right may take me a total of 2 miles out of my way but I probably saved burning gas while idling and sitting and waiting but also in overall time making my trip shorter..........time wise. Needless to say, I now urge all my readers to try this out. Instead of waiting to make a left turn..........make that RIGHT turn and save the time. Having now made that a habit in my driving, I seem to have also calmed down my nervous system to the point that making a left turn is saved for only those streets with a traffic light. What took me so long to notice this? Why didn't I try this before now? The lesson is very simple........there are other ways of doing things, just give them a try. Makes one want to follow the old saying " If at first you don't succeed, Try, try again" (another way) of something like that. Keep in mind, that if you make enough right turns they would equal a left hand turn.
I remember that after I retired from SAS, that I thought I would end up spending more time doing things I enjoyed, rather than things..........I had to do. I wanted to play more golf.....but it became more expensive than really worth the enjoyment. Now , I understand that there have been some NEW RULES, established for the senior sector of golf.............perhaps this would make it more enjoyable for me.( by the way, this was sent to me by a friend)
PGA Rule Changes for Seniors
The AARP has negotiated with the PGA to modify the Rules of Golf for seniors:
Rule 1.a.5 A ball sliced or hooked into the rough shall be lifted and placed on the Fairway at a point equal to the distance it carried or rolled into the Rough with no penalty. The senior should not be penalized for tall grass which ground keepers failed to mow.
Rule 2.d.6 (B) A ball hitting a tree shall be deemed not to have hit the tree. This is Simply bad luck and luck has no place in a scientific game. The senior Player must estimate the distance the ball would have traveled if it had Not hit the tree and play the ball from there.
Rule 3.B.3(G) There shall be no such thing as a lost ball. The missing ball is on or Near the course and will eventually be found and pocketed by someone Else, making it a stolen ball. The player is not to compound the felony by Charging himself or herself with a penalty.
Rule 4.c.7(h) If a putt passes over a hole without dropping, it is deemed to have Dropped. The law of gravity supersedes the Rules of Golf.
Rule 5. Putts that stop close enough to the cup that they could be blown in, may Be blown in. This does not apply to balls more than three inches from the Hole. No one wants to make a travesty of the game.
Rule 6.a.9(k) There is no penalty for so-called "out of bounds." If penny-pinching golf Course owners bought sufficient land, this would not occur.. The senior Golfer deserves an apology, not a penalty.
Rule 7..G.15(z) There is no penalty for a ball in a water hazard, as golf balls should Float. Senior golfers should not be penalized for manufacturers' Shortcomings.
Rule 8.k.9( S) Advertisements claim that golf scores can be improved by purchasing new Golf equipment. Since this is financially impractical for many senior Golfers, one-half stroke per hole may be subtracted for using old Equipment.
Please advise all your senior friends of these important rule changes.
Enjoy and see you next week!!!!!!!!
I've decided that this year, I will try to become more understanding of.........the other side........this not meaning that I will agree with them or their somewhat ..........what can I say.......diluted stupid way of reasoning. One must look at things in the light that effects the majority.............not the minority. Look at the 95% rather then the 5%. SSSSSOOOOOO for my first thought of this new year, I will look for ways to
improve my life style. I will take this opportunity to ...........................PROCLAIMING LEFT HAND TURNING...................obsolete. All turns should be RIGHT HAND TURNS!!!!. Now, one might ask...............WHY??????
The other day, I found myself at the end of a street trying my very hardest to make a left hand turn onto another road. This to me was quite simple.....and by far the shortest time and distance to my ultimate destination. As I sat there, waiting for the traffic to allow my entering onto the roadway, I found that at least 10 minutes had now elapsed and the traffic just was not allowing me to enter with any amount of safety in
mind. I could actually feel the frustration of the drivers in the back of me building up. My blood was reaching a boiling point and I began to talk to myself......how could so many people be so selfish to not let me enter the traffic flow.......I was thinking only of my concerns and not the concerns of others. They actually had the right of way, would I do the same as they were doing to me. U BETCHA!!!! It was at this point that I noticed an opening for a right hand turn was possible......I took this opportunity ..........turned right drove about 500 feet to a "U" TURN opening and whala!! on my way. As I passed the street that I had just left, I noticed that the car that was in back of me during my attempt to turn left was standing there in my recently left position. I began to wonder about how long that person might sit there, how close to road rage they were or if they would eventually make the turn to the right and follow my tire marks, left in the light street covering of snow. I tried this for several other times on this same trip and came to the conclusion that turning to the right may take me a total of 2 miles out of my way but I probably saved burning gas while idling and sitting and waiting but also in overall time making my trip shorter..........time wise. Needless to say, I now urge all my readers to try this out. Instead of waiting to make a left turn..........make that RIGHT turn and save the time. Having now made that a habit in my driving, I seem to have also calmed down my nervous system to the point that making a left turn is saved for only those streets with a traffic light. What took me so long to notice this? Why didn't I try this before now? The lesson is very simple........there are other ways of doing things, just give them a try. Makes one want to follow the old saying " If at first you don't succeed, Try, try again" (another way) of something like that. Keep in mind, that if you make enough right turns they would equal a left hand turn.
I remember that after I retired from SAS, that I thought I would end up spending more time doing things I enjoyed, rather than things..........I had to do. I wanted to play more golf.....but it became more expensive than really worth the enjoyment. Now , I understand that there have been some NEW RULES, established for the senior sector of golf.............perhaps this would make it more enjoyable for me.( by the way, this was sent to me by a friend)
PGA Rule Changes for Seniors
The AARP has negotiated with the PGA to modify the Rules of Golf for seniors:
Rule 1.a.5 A ball sliced or hooked into the rough shall be lifted and placed on the Fairway at a point equal to the distance it carried or rolled into the Rough with no penalty. The senior should not be penalized for tall grass which ground keepers failed to mow.
Rule 2.d.6 (B) A ball hitting a tree shall be deemed not to have hit the tree. This is Simply bad luck and luck has no place in a scientific game. The senior Player must estimate the distance the ball would have traveled if it had Not hit the tree and play the ball from there.
Rule 3.B.3(G) There shall be no such thing as a lost ball. The missing ball is on or Near the course and will eventually be found and pocketed by someone Else, making it a stolen ball. The player is not to compound the felony by Charging himself or herself with a penalty.
Rule 4.c.7(h) If a putt passes over a hole without dropping, it is deemed to have Dropped. The law of gravity supersedes the Rules of Golf.
Rule 5. Putts that stop close enough to the cup that they could be blown in, may Be blown in. This does not apply to balls more than three inches from the Hole. No one wants to make a travesty of the game.
Rule 6.a.9(k) There is no penalty for so-called "out of bounds." If penny-pinching golf Course owners bought sufficient land, this would not occur.. The senior Golfer deserves an apology, not a penalty.
Rule 7..G.15(z) There is no penalty for a ball in a water hazard, as golf balls should Float. Senior golfers should not be penalized for manufacturers' Shortcomings.
Rule 8.k.9( S) Advertisements claim that golf scores can be improved by purchasing new Golf equipment. Since this is financially impractical for many senior Golfers, one-half stroke per hole may be subtracted for using old Equipment.
Please advise all your senior friends of these important rule changes.
Enjoy and see you next week!!!!!!!!
1/2/11
IS IT NEW YEAR'S EVE ...............ALREADY????
WOW..WIE!!!! Just a few minutes to the striking of the big bell, a Mimosa in one hand and a tiny Ritz cracker with some cream cheese and a little curled anchovy on top. Better hurry up and finish that before planting my usual New Years kiss on whatever female gets in my way, It better be my wife since we are the only ones here..........Typical New Years Eve, or at least the way it has been for the past 5 years. Just the two of us sitting and watching the celebrations on TV. No pressures of life in that atmosphere........well, not many except trying to get the taste of anchovy from my breath but I'll leave that up to the mimosa drink.
Now comes the big challenge for the New Year. A RESOLUTION!!!!! what a terrible waste of time. Seems, I already made one up 10 years ago and I haven't been successful at keeping to it for the previous 10 years..........what makes this year any different??? Organize by life, loose weight, shave every day, shave my back, where does it all end. When will I succeed at keeping a resolution. Exercise seems to be the latest dream. Margot was going to go out and buy me something called "THE RACK". SOUNDS like something I really don't want to do. It's suppose to tone up my abdomen, my chest, my calves, my thighs, my upper and lower arms and whatever else is left on me to TONE UP!!. My suggestion to her was simply ............DON'T BUY ME THAT!!!! seems it will just join the tread mill, stationary bike, rowing machine, stair stepper, waist cruncher and clothes line. I will just use it to become my............CLOTHES VALET!!! like the rest. Seems that the only successful resolution I made happened about 10 years or so ago. Over the years of working, which I really enjoyed.......I had built up a little wealth.......I owned real estate, stocks, bonds IRA'S and whatever else was out there. I had satisfied myself to be able to say, I can now live a good retirement life. Play golf, travel, eat out at good restaurants.............I had it all figured out where we could feasibly live on the interest earned from all my investments..........BUT THE BUBBLE BROKE, in 2000 and 2001 and I soon found that the only golf I play is on a computer, eating out is on half price coupons but we are able to travel since this was part of my retirement package taken in 1994.................but with all the extra charges the airlines charge for those little pillows, meals, baggage charge, bathroom charges, movie, music charges looks like we have to wear ALL our clothes on board instead of packing them, pack a lunch don't drink anything on board to eliminate having to go to the restroom and carry an outdated unread paper for entertainment. Not to mention any names to blame this on BUT THANKS PRESIDENT B**H. Even with a new administration, there still is no way to recoupe losses in the 6 figures and continue. Anyone want to hire a 74 yr old guy that has ethics??? Anyway, there will more to come in the future about that, once we see what the new Republican Party has in store for us.
Having said all that, I now must admit, that this year I HAVE NO RESOLUTION. no faking, no comment no thoughts about how I will improve my mind, my physic, my mess. Just want to make sure I get past my 75th birthday with some dignity.
SSSOOOO guess this means my garage will remain messy along with my desk, little office, inbox, outbox, big box, little box ..........my pencils will go unsharpened, my pens out of ink. One thing will go forward in good style and that is my blog. Hope it keeps you all hanging around. There's just nothing like having you all for friends, even though we may not always agree on everything........................or anything.
HAPPY, HEALTHY 2011!!!!! Just enjoy life......most of all spend like you will not see tomorrow......invest like you have 50 years left............................DID I SAY THAT???????
Now comes the big challenge for the New Year. A RESOLUTION!!!!! what a terrible waste of time. Seems, I already made one up 10 years ago and I haven't been successful at keeping to it for the previous 10 years..........what makes this year any different??? Organize by life, loose weight, shave every day, shave my back, where does it all end. When will I succeed at keeping a resolution. Exercise seems to be the latest dream. Margot was going to go out and buy me something called "THE RACK". SOUNDS like something I really don't want to do. It's suppose to tone up my abdomen, my chest, my calves, my thighs, my upper and lower arms and whatever else is left on me to TONE UP!!. My suggestion to her was simply ............DON'T BUY ME THAT!!!! seems it will just join the tread mill, stationary bike, rowing machine, stair stepper, waist cruncher and clothes line. I will just use it to become my............CLOTHES VALET!!! like the rest. Seems that the only successful resolution I made happened about 10 years or so ago. Over the years of working, which I really enjoyed.......I had built up a little wealth.......I owned real estate, stocks, bonds IRA'S and whatever else was out there. I had satisfied myself to be able to say, I can now live a good retirement life. Play golf, travel, eat out at good restaurants.............I had it all figured out where we could feasibly live on the interest earned from all my investments..........BUT THE BUBBLE BROKE, in 2000 and 2001 and I soon found that the only golf I play is on a computer, eating out is on half price coupons but we are able to travel since this was part of my retirement package taken in 1994.................but with all the extra charges the airlines charge for those little pillows, meals, baggage charge, bathroom charges, movie, music charges looks like we have to wear ALL our clothes on board instead of packing them, pack a lunch don't drink anything on board to eliminate having to go to the restroom and carry an outdated unread paper for entertainment. Not to mention any names to blame this on BUT THANKS PRESIDENT B**H. Even with a new administration, there still is no way to recoupe losses in the 6 figures and continue. Anyone want to hire a 74 yr old guy that has ethics??? Anyway, there will more to come in the future about that, once we see what the new Republican Party has in store for us.
Having said all that, I now must admit, that this year I HAVE NO RESOLUTION. no faking, no comment no thoughts about how I will improve my mind, my physic, my mess. Just want to make sure I get past my 75th birthday with some dignity.
SSSOOOO guess this means my garage will remain messy along with my desk, little office, inbox, outbox, big box, little box ..........my pencils will go unsharpened, my pens out of ink. One thing will go forward in good style and that is my blog. Hope it keeps you all hanging around. There's just nothing like having you all for friends, even though we may not always agree on everything........................or anything.
HAPPY, HEALTHY 2011!!!!! Just enjoy life......most of all spend like you will not see tomorrow......invest like you have 50 years left............................DID I SAY THAT???????
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