Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Houghton Lake Ice Report 12/21/16

Ice Report From Lyman's on the Lake

Houghton Lake Ice Report 12.21.16. The ice is being stubborn and unpredictable. Ice thickness ranges from 8" to 2". There are guys fishing, but they have been staying fairly close to shore. The south shore weed bed can be fished to about 200 - 300 yards out, but you need to check as you go. Areas of east bay, north shore by Flint Rd and in the canals can be fished. No one is traveling by quad or sled yet.

Stay safe out there.

Until next time,

Ken

Friday, December 16, 2016

Houghton Lake Ice Report. 12.16.16

Lyman's on the Lake: Ice Report

Houghton Lake Ice Report. 12.16.16. 

On the main body of the lake, ice thickness is 4" to 6" very close to shore, but it thins out quickly to about 1" in as little as 100 yds out. The more wind/wave sheltered areas of the lake like the canals, parts of east bay and boat launches have 4" to 5". A few anglers are starting to go out, but they aren't venturing too far from shore and they are using a spud frequently to test the thickness as they go. We have a storm on its way with heavy snow fall predicted, which could weaken the ice, so we are still recommending people wait a few more days.

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

First Kiss

    Becky had been planing this for so long. All the way back to the beginning of the school year. She was thirteen and already showing signs of womanhood. She had the beginnings of a figure. Just some slight curves but enough so she needed to alter some of her nicer dresses. Mother had given her “the talk” as if she didn't already know. After all she was thirteen years old, practically an adult. It was time for her to have a serious relationship with a boy. It was time for her first kiss and it had to be perfect.
    Several of her friends had talked about it as if they had already had the experience. Standing in a circle with their heads together, predicting which boy would be their first. They all wanted Kent Reese to be their first. He was so dreamy, with his blond hair and deep blue eyes. Working on his parents farm had kept him slim and trim.
    On the other hand there was Seth Greene. He was a spoiled rich kid who had never done a hard days work in his life. Sitting there in the corner eating cherries and spitting out the pits into his hand, not even using a napkin. He looked over at Becky with a lopsided grin. As if Becky could possibly be interested in him.
    All of her classmate's were coming over for a Christmas party including, of course, Kent Reese. Becky's mother had agreed to this only if she were present to chaperon. This put a small crimp in Becky's plans but she could improvise.
    Her new plan was simple; she would lure Kent into the kitchen on the pretense of needing his help with refreshments for the other kids. She had already hung some mistletoe in the kitchen as a backup plan. Kent might not take the hint right away (boys could be so dense at times), she would tell Kent it was a tradition to kiss under the mistletoe, not to do so would result in catastrophe. He would simply have to comply. Then she would come to him, put her arms around his muscular shoulders and place her lips to his, tasting the warmth and softness of a long, slow kiss. She would do her best not to swoon. It would be perfect.
    Becky readied herself in the kitchen and with one final calming breath she called out, “ Kent would you please come in the kitchen and help me with some refreshments?” She could hear his heavy footsteps coming toward the kitchen. Her excitement building to an almost unbearable level. Quickly she smoothed her holiday dress then stood demurely with her hands behind her. This would be perfect. Then the lights went out.
    “It's OK everyone,” called Becky's mother. “It's just a blown fuse. I'll have it fixed in a jiffy.”
    “This is perfect,“ thought Becky. When in stepped a dark figure. Becky was so excited all of her plans were forgotten. Without a word she leaned in and kissed Kent. It was short and chaste, not really at all like she had expected. It was kind of mushy and cold, but sweet. It had tasted like cherries. The lights came back on and Becky was looking up at an enormous cowlick.
    Seth Greene.
    She had wasted her first kiss on Seth Greene. He looked at her with his big brown eyes. Becky suddenly realized, she had never noticed how warm and inviting his eyes were. Seth looked up and saw the mistletoe. His mouth broke into the cutest lopsided grin.
    “Mistletoe. That was my first time”
    Becky's lips curled into a shy smile. “That was my first time too.”

Monday, November 7, 2016

365 Days Done...Thank You Readers

Day 365

In the words of the Grateful Dead, "What a long, strange trip it's been..." My 365 day blog challenge
is at an end. This will be my last blob post for a little while as I concentrate on my new challenge of writing a novel in 30 days. I am behind but I think I can catch up.

Thank you to everyone who has been reading my blog. I plan to have some new amusing stories to post so keep watching. Keep reading. Books are your vehicle baby, they'll take you anywhere you want to go.

Until next time,

Ken

Sunday, November 6, 2016

Day 364

Day 364

All I can say...is one more day. one challenge done. Three more weeks and another challenge crossed off. Then maybe I can take a rest from writing. But I doubt it.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Saturday, November 5, 2016

My Cat Wrote Tonight's Blog Post

Day 263

My cat Pretty Boy wants to write my blog post for this evening. Here he goes.

Meow, meow. Catnip. Meow, meow. Fancy Feast. Meow, meow. Clean out my damn litter box. Meow, cough, cough. Sorry, that was a hairball. Finally, meow, meow, grrrr, hiss, #%*#. Fluff my bed once in awhile, you...

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Friday, November 4, 2016

Day 362

Day 362

I haven't written one word of the novel today. Now I know why I haven't done this sooner.

I guess if it was easy, everyone would do it. I will do this. I will write a novel before December 1st.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Thursday, November 3, 2016

Finally Out of the Gate

Day 361

I'm taking a few minutes from my novel writing. I'm not used to writing for hours each day. But I guess if I want to write novels I better get used to it. Maybe I'll clear my mind and get some sleep at night.

BUT since it's getting cold at night, my forced air heat comes on and dries my mouth and throat so I have to get up and drink some water...every hour or two. I don't remember having this problem when I was younger. I'm beginning to think I sleep better during the day than I do at night. Maybe I should start writing at night and sleep during the day.

Still behind on my word count but I had the best day so far. Finally came up with a beginning I like on the third try. Now I'm going to have to do some marathon writing to catch up.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Day 360

Day 360

Trying to get a jump on this novel but I just don't like the beginning. Tomorrow I have all day without interruption so I can get caught up. As of right now I'm behind but I can catch up with a marathon day of writing. No TV.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Can I Have a Do Over?

Day 359

My first day of writing a novel in one month didn't exactly start out the way I planned. I woke up at 4 AM with a stomach ache. Then I had to drive mom all around, after all it is the 1st of the month. So that was expected but I had hoped to be bright eyed and writing before I went to drive her around.

I came home and tried to nap. Woke up feeling even worse. I had a bad stomach and a headache from not eating.

It's evening and I'm just too tired to get excited about writing.

So out of the 1660 words I was going to write today, I wrote 539 words and I will probably start over tomorrow because I don't like what I wrote.

Now I remember why I haven't written a novel before now.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Monday, October 31, 2016

Happy Halloween

Day 358


Excited about tomorrow. All set up on the NaNoWriMo website to keep track of my progress and commune with others taking the challenge.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Sunday, October 30, 2016

My First Novel...Being Written Soon

Day 357

I have two days to prepare for my write a novel in one month challenge. I have been knocking several ideas around in my head and I have settled on one. I hope.

It will be the story of a young man who questions his career choice while working as an assistant at an animal hospital. There will be up's and down's and by the end, hopefully, he'll be wiser if not happier.

Someone suggested that writing the first novel is the hardest. So the best thing to do is write it and get it out of the way. Good or bad, just write it. Then put it away and start on your next one. Come back to the first one after several months, then start editing and rewrite as necessary.

It seems so easy now that I have settled on one idea. I must be careful though, I have been reading a Stephen King novel called Dumas Key and I don't want the supernatural creeping into my potential Hallmark movie.

There will be laughs, and there will be tears, for such is life.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Saturday, October 29, 2016

Too Early for Christmas Movies...

Day 356

Let's take a moment to consider the over commercialization of Christmas.

Last year, Hallmark decided to start showing Christmas movies 24 hours a day, starting on Halloween. This year they've done one better by starting the Christmas onslaught 3 days BEFORE Halloween. Is this to instill the Christmas spirit of "peace on earth, goodwill toward men?" No. This is to sell more Christmas decorations, ornaments and over priced greeting cards.


But in a strange twist, as I was surfing cable for something Halloween to watch, I came across a Halloween movie starring Bailee Madison. She's the young actress who plays an elf from the north pole sent to save Christmas in several Hallmark Christmas movies.

Like the Verizon "Can you hear me now?" spokesman who recently went over to Sprint. The young Christmas elf can now be seen in a Halloween movie.

Now I can watch Bailee battling an evil spirit in The Night Before Halloween, and then switch the channel and watch her spreading Christmas cheer, the night before Christmas, in Hallmark's the Northpole.

Only in America!

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Friday, October 28, 2016

Over 5000 Views,Thank You...McDonalds, Not So Much

Day 355

I just topped 5,000 page views on this blog. Thank you to all my readers both here in the USA and abroad.

I just stopped at McDonalds and I couldn't believe the prices they charge. A Big Mac is $4.50. A McDouble is $1.65. Do you know the difference between a Bic Mac and a McDouble? One slice of bun and some lettuce. Both have two paper thin beef patties. Both have cheese and some condiment, but the Big Mac has three slices of bun and some lettuce, oh, and some sesame seeds on the top bun. for that you pay an extra $2.85.

And speaking of condiments, some years ago when you purchased a McDonalds cheeseburger it would be dripping with ketchup. Just a little mustard but loads of ketchup. I just bought two McDoubles (for $2.50) and there was no mustard and it looked like they used a paint roller to apply the ketchup. Has the cost of ketchup and mustard gotten so high? You would think a major fast food player like McDonalds would get a discount for the amount of condiments they must buy.

A McDonalds an Egg McMuffin costs $4. At the Burger King on M-55 by M-127, you can get two sausage, egg and cheese breakfast sandwiches for $4.

At Little Caesars I can buy a large pizza with cheese and pepperoni for $6 (only $5 in most areas).

And McDonalds can't figure out why they are losing market share?

Hey, McDonalds, maybe it's because your prices are higher than the market will bear. Maybe it's a lesson that your competition has figured out, but you haven't because your the almighty King of Fast Foods and you have forgotten how you got there.

Oh well, I should be eating healthier anyway. And for the cost of a salad at McDonalds, I can create a feast at home.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Lite the Candle...

Day 354

Another short day as I plan for my novel writing next month, which is only a few days away.

Sharpen the quill
And fill the inkwell.
Soon, I will be writing.
Casting a spell.

So trim the wick,
And lite the candle.
My new tale will be,
Quite the scandal.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Aron Baynes 'Doo...Now That's Scary

Day 353

It's the start of the Pistons basketball season. I hope they can get to the playoffs this year. From what I
Detroit Pistons center Aron Baynes at the Olympics
have read the new owner Gores wants to move the Pistons downtown to the new "Little Caesars" arena.

Only one Piston left from the Joe Dumars regime. The center Andre Drummond is the only irreplaceable player on the team. I don't see that Stan Van Gundy has done anything special as president of basketball operations. He is a good coach but has never won a championship. We'll have to wait and see.

I guess I'm still smarting over the Joe Dumars firing.

What's with Aron Baynes hairdo? Is that for Halloween because that's SCARY! Nope that's his everyday 'do. Those fashion conscious, trend setting Australians. Can you say "intimidation"? Sure. I knew you could.

Good luck Pistons.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Who Is David Pumpkins?

Day 352

I don't know why I like this but I've watched it a half a dozen times now. I love the ending.


Until tomorrow,

Ken

Monday, October 24, 2016

Day 351

Day 351

We had a great meeting tonight especially for a business meeting. I was reelected as moderator for another year and some interesting ideas were brought up for fund raising.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Sunday, October 23, 2016

Can't Wait to Start...My Novel

Day 350

The Detroit Lions won another thriller today against the Washington Redskins. This puts the Lions one game above .500 so far with the Houston Texans next then the Vikings before the break. So the Lions are still in the playoff picture. It would really be nice to see the Lions win in the playoffs.

I have a big meeting tomorrow night with my writing group. Elections and the Christmas dinner plans. A new member to vote on (a formality) and schedule the readers for the next quarter.

I still haven't settles on a story for my novel. I should just write about my past experiences. It's what I know best and seems to be popular on my blog. But I also want to write some detective stories set in 1920's Detroit.

Well, the idea of doing this challenge is to get the first novel written and out of the way. The first is the hardest. Unless, of course, it's a best seller, then the second book is the hardest because the bar has been set so high by the first.

Either way neither is going to get written until I just do it. So November 1st begins my first novel and I finish it by November 30th. It may be total crap, but at least it will be done and I can learn from writing it.

That's enough rambling for one night.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Dear Great Pumpkin...

Day 349

Dear Great Pumpkin,

I have been especially good this year. I have avoided the Halloween candy that the local Walmart has had on the shelves since the day after Labor Day. Each year I vow to resist the allure of the Milky Way, Nestle Crunch, Kit Kat and especially Butterfingers. I know this year I will succeed. I have steeled my resolve. I still have more than a week to go but I am confident I can do it.

Now, as for the most sincere pumpkin patch. The only one here in Houghton Lake is at Barts Fruit Market. I don't question their sincerity but it does look a little contrived to me. I tried to grow my own pumpkins but the deer smashed them. I didn't want the pumpkins to go to waste, so I made pies out of them. I hope this is not a deal breaker.

Oh well, I guess I'll try again next year.

Sincerely (until tomorrow),
Ken

Friday, October 21, 2016

See A Penny...

Day 348

When I went into work that morning I was on a mission.

This was going to be the day, no more procrastinating. I was going to ask, no, I was going to march straight into the boss' office and demand a raise in pay. I had been with the company for seven years and I was the best in my division. I was making money for the company and I deserved monetary compensation. I deserved higher pay.

The lunch break came and I had built up such a head of steam that I was shaking. I took several calming breaths and started walking to the boss' office. It was now or never. I looked down as I rehearsed my demands.

Just past the locker rooms, I spied a penny on the floor.

The old adage, "See a penny, pick it up...all day long, you'll have good luck" popped into my head. A little extra luck never hurt. I reached down and try several times to get the penny off the polished floor. With the lucky talisman clutched tightly in my hand, I quickly straighten up and my back went into an horrendous spasm. Pain shot down my legs and up my spine. Slowly, I tried to straighten up, gasping with pain.

I saw Johnson the shop foreman coming toward me. I couldn't show any weakness around this guy, or I'd be his bitch for as long as we both worked here. I made my way into the locker room and out of sight.

I was sitting on the crapper in the last stall, trying to rest my back. The main office is on the other side of the wall and I can hear yelling. Someone is getting reamed.

I try stretching. Slowly one way, then the other, to loosen my back before the lunch break is over. I wouldn't be making any demands today. With my back tightened up, I would be lucky to keep my job.

Gingerly, I walk back to my work station, still clutching the unlucky penny in my hand. With a curse, I start to throw it in the trash, when a co-worker says, "I can't believe Johnson was canned."

"What happened?" I ask.

"He marched into the front office on the lunch break and demanded a raise. He was fired on the spot."

I can hardly contain my elation. I hated that guy and I wasn't alone. The rest of us had to work twice as hard to make up for his laziness.

"Hey, aren't you next in line to be foreman?"

"Yeah, I guess I am."

"I hear that comes with a sweet raise in pay. Congrats."

My mouth drops open as I look at the penny in my hand. Then, I place it lovingly in my watch pocket. For safe keeping.

I wrote this during a writing exercise at the retreat.

Until tomorrow,

Ken


Thursday, October 20, 2016

Next Challenge

Day 347

Just keepin' it goin' again. I'm almost there. Just 18 days to go and the 365 day blog challenge is done. I have posted everyday for 347 straight days.

Next challenge the NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). I'll try to write a 200 plus page novel in November. This is gonna be fun (insert maniacal laughter here).

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Peak Fall Colors

Day 346

It has been unseasonably warm here in Houghton Lake for the past few weeks. Maybe we will have a warm winter. I wouldn't mind at all except warm temps means wet and heavy snow. My snowblower doesn't handle heavy snow very well.

The leaves are in peak color. If your coming north for the fall colors you should come up soon. It's beautiful. At least until I have to rake them up.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Day 345

Day 345

Finally caught up with all of the various appointments and events I had scheduled for the past 6 weeks. I have a business meeting on Monday and then I can start planning for the last couple of months of 2016. WOW! What a year.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Monday, October 17, 2016

Day 344

Day 344

Tonight it's B&W horror movies and some cheese nachos. Tomorrow is a book release for two members of my writers group. Then I can relax for awhile, until Thanksgiving and the feasting. Oh my.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Sunday, October 16, 2016

Weekend Retreat

Day 343

It's a balmy autumn Sunday. Spent the weekend at a writers retreat. Fortunately it was in Houghton
Lake so I was able to sleep in my own bed. It may be somewhere else next year since the Riviera Resort has been sold and is renting the large suites out by the month.

It was a fun weekend spent with other writers talking about writing and other things.

The Lions won again today, at the last minute as usual. But at least they won.

Going to relax with a glass of wine.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Saturday, October 15, 2016

It's 5 AM...I Must Be Cooking

Day 342

I'm sitting here at 5:20 AM, writing my blog post for the day while boiling potatoes for a Pirogi Lasagna. The Temptations mini series is on the TV, a great mini series if you are a fan of the Temptations, lots of music.

Sitting here at this hour cooking reminds me of my grandma. On Thanksgiving, she would come over to the house at 5 AM, and start preparing the feast that would forever shine in my memory as one of the happiest times of my life.

She would wash the turkey and get it ready for the oven that would be going strong all morning and into the afternoon. Several days before she would buy bread and set it out to dry for the handmade stuffing. Most everything was handmade from scratch. The yams were buttered and brown sugared. The squash was baked and the flesh scooped out, mixed with butter, salt and pepper and mashed by hand, as were the potatoes.

The scent of cinnamon and nutmeg filled the air as the pies were baking in the oven. Apple and pumpkin, and mince meat for grandpa. Then the yeast rolls just before we sat down and gave thanks for the bounty we were about to receive. Grandma always said the prayer, and asked for the blessings that I could see were already bestowed on us. Family and food, a warm home with a cozy fire in the fireplace.

Later, with my belly filled, I would curl up on the couch and dream of the toys I would get for Christmas.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Friday, October 14, 2016

Triglycerides?

Day 341

It's been a hectic day. I had to go get an ultrasound this morning. The twins are doing fine. Actually I have been abusing my liver, or at least that's a possibility.

My triglycerides(?) are too high. Doc wants to check my liver, says I may be diabetic or I drink too much. I confess I did drink several glasses of wine the night before. They did a second blood test a week ago and called to say all is well. So why the ultrasound? I had one done a couple of years ago and all was well.

As always I believe my weight is the root problem for any ailments I currently endure. I hate looking in the mirror. It depresses me. Then I want to eat some comfort food. Which makes me even bigger. It's the cycle. I need to get off of this cycle and get on the exercise cycle.

I'm suppose to be at a writers retreat tonight, but it's getting late and I can't find the motivation to go. I love the group. They give me so much motivation and support to write. Several of them having been published, they give me the courage to try.

I need to get off my butt and take a shower. Fortunately, the retreat is at a resort just down the street from me. I can be there in just a few minutes.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Thursday, October 13, 2016

Day 340

Day 340

I went for a ride tonight but I still can't motivate to write anything. So I'll go back to watching my Halloween movies. Tomorrow starts my retreat so I'll write early.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Ghostbusters...Ghostbusted

Day 339

So I have a copy of the latest Ghostbusters video. I have heard all of the bad press. Mostly being blamed on the fact that they went with four women instead of men. So I decided to watch it and see for myself. I mean as long as it's a good remake I'm fine with the cast gender reversal.

I have to say this is just plain. It has nothing to do with the cast. It's the script and possibly the directing. Also the special effects lag behind the original, which is near impossible considering the difference in special effects between 1984 and 2016.

I had hopes for the remake. But I just don't think it lives up to the original.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

What's That Smell...Can You Smell That Smell?

Day 338

This morning I woke up at 3:30 AM and I had an epiphany.

The temperatures have dropped over the past couple of weeks and I decided to turn on my furnace. The furnace did what it was supposed to do, the heater came on followed by the fan (I have forced air heat). The warm air was welcome with one little caveat. There was a bad smell that soon permeated the whole house.

It was like my cats had missed the letter box and dumped in the furnace. Indeed, at first, I blamed them and thought I must change the food I give them. I thought I would just ride it out but the odor never went away. I searched for a misplaced cat turd but I could not find even one.

Finally came the epiphany. I must have a gas leak. The odor is very similar. Hurray! I finally figured out the problem. I would call the Heating and Cooling repairman in the morning. I went back to bed but couldn't sleep, I was so filled with joy at the thought of solving this mystery. I got out of bed to watch some TV.

Then I decided to check online to find out the cause and cost of repair. My elation quickly died a tragic and horrible death when I read, consistently, that it was a crack in the heat exchanger. This meant replacing the furnace...at a cost of $4000. I searched more and found that mobile homes are cheaper, only $1500 to replace a furnace in a mobile home. Still...$1500!

My back went into spasms, as it does when I am under extreme stress. There was no chance of returning to sleep this morning. I thought I might not ever sleep again. Yet, I did dozed off for a few hours and when I got up I had to make the call to the repairman.

It was only a couple of hours until the repairman arrived. I explained the problem and he went to work. After about fifteen minutes he told me he couldn't find anything wrong and that there was no carbon monoxide present. If I had any feeling of nausea or sickness, to give them a call again and they would check in the crawlspace though that was a long shot. I thought about how "nauseated" I was when I thought I might have to replace the furnace.

So, $25 for fifteen minutes and some sweet release. I guess that's the going rate.

It is a relief to know I don't have to replace the furnace and the tension in my back is lessening, but I still have the odor problem. I guess I'll go in search of cat turds again and be thankful if that's all I find.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Monday, October 10, 2016

Defeated...Without a Shot Fired

Day 337

I am a man so naturally I hate shopping. It's deeply embedded in my DNA.  Women love shopping, or at least they're practical about it.

When I shop I go straight for what I need and with the exception of a stop at sporting goods, or the snack and wine area, I get in and get out as quickly as possible. Unless I meet a friend and talk about sports or other male bonding rituals.

So when Irene asks me to go shopping with her to get "a few" things. I'm as leery as a rabbit staring at a wolf. And just as frightened.

"What do you mean by," (insert finger quotes), "A few things?"

'I just need a few things; two, maybe three. I'll just grab what I need and we'll leave. I promise."

"The last time you told me that we were in the store for half an hour. I was tired and wanted to go home."

"I know but, when we were in the store I thought of some other things I needed. I didn't want to come back, when I was already there."

"Yes, but you told me 'in and out' and I would be on my way home in a few minutes. And I wasn't. You went up and down every isle."

"That's how I remember, what I forget that I need to pick up."

"Do you remember everything you need this time?"

"You know we could have been in and out by now and you could be on your way home."

"If you just need a few things why do you need me to go with you?"

"It's late and I don't want to go by myself."

"Then why didn't you go earlier?"

"It's too crowded. I just need a few things and it would take too long standing in line. Please. I'll be quick. Just in and out."

"Just a few things, in and out?"

"I promise."

Forty five minutes later.

"You said, you just needed a few things. There are twenty bags here."

"I don't know why your complaining. We would have had to shop again in a couple of days if I didn't shop tonight."

"Yeah. That's what you said two days ago."

"Well, if I didn't tell you I only need a couple of things, you wouldn't come shopping with me."

"I don't understand why I believe you."

"You just need an excuse to take me shopping. You believe me because you want to believe me."

"I believe you because I love you. Defeated without a shot fired."

"I know."


Until tomorrow,

Ken

Sunday, October 9, 2016

Day 336

Day 336

Spent Sunday watching football. The Lions won. Hurray!!! Now, if they can just keep it up.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Saturday, October 8, 2016

Fear of Failure

Day 335

Saturday night and I look a fright,
I haven't been out at all today.
I tell myself tomorrow I'll get the job done,
but tomorrow will just be another one,
another day, just like today.


Until tomorrow,

Ken


Friday, October 7, 2016

Day 334

Day 334

Nothing to say tonight. Just trying to stay awake until bed time. If I go to sleep too early I'm up in a few hours and can't get back to sleep.

Just over a month left in the 365 day challenge. Next challenge is writing a novel in one month. Starts November 1st, finishes November 30th. The object is to write 50,000 words in 30 days. Yahoo!

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Thursday, October 6, 2016

AHS: Roanoke...Cricket Is In The House

Day 333

In case you haven't been following me, I love the American Horror Story series. The sixth installment is called My Roanoke Nightmare or just Roanoke, part of the story being about what happened to the settlers of Roanoke who disappeared without a trace. Nothing was left but an inscription on a tree saying "croatoin".

The series involves a haunted house and now a witch (played by Lady Gaga).

My favorite character is Cricket. He is a psychic who has arrived just after a young girl has
disappeared. After holding a seance, Cricket boldly states that he knows where the girl is and can take the others to her. Wait for it...for twenty five thousand dollars,

As he is about to be physically thrown out of the house he explains he doesn't use his psychic abilities for free. He even likens himself to a pharmaceutical company when he states, "If you have a miracle cure and one child can't afford it, you don't just give it away." That's not exact but you get the picture. Reminds me of the EpiPen company, except, they'll give you a slight discount.

I like the character from a writers standpoint. He's about 5' tall, bleach blond hair with a bowl cut (early Beatles), sixties style clothes and in his late forties. Plus I love the name Cricket. He is the kind of character that can really make a story interesting. A character I love to hate...so far. He may still find redemption in the end. That's just a guess, no spoiler.

A.H.S. Roanoke can be seen at 10 PM on Wednesday nights on FX.

Until tomorrow,

Ken


Wednesday, October 5, 2016

A True Magic Castle...

Day 332

Earlier today, as I was doing nothing that I was suppose to do, while channel surfing YouTube, my favorite internet destination, I came a across a video taken at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, California.

I love a good magic show. Ever since I was a young boy and saw a magician at the Michigan State Fair, I have marveled at the seemingly impossible. I dove into books and even had a junior magicians magic set (actually I had several) attempting to learn the secrets of prestidigitation (thank goodness for spell checker). The one thing I learned...it takes a lot of both practice and patience, in equal parts.

I can still do a couple of small tricks but I never learned any of the big illusions. Then along came the Masked Magician, telling the secrets that have been known to only a privileged few. He would perform the big illusions and then show how it was done. I found this rather anti-climactic. After so many years of watching master illusionists perform impossible feats in front of live audiences, I was disillusioned.

I stayed away from magic for many years and only recently have I become enamored with it again. The real secret to magic is the show. How well does the magician engage the audience? How close is the audience? Can he pull off the illusion even when you know what to watch for?

At the Magic Castle the Up Close Gallery has only twenty-six seats. Magic up close and personal. These are slight-of-hand tricks. Usually the first tricks learned and they are performed flawlessly by master magicians.

The Parlour of Prestidigitation is considered a medium sized theater with seating for 58 guests.

The Palace of Mystery is the largest show for the grand illusionists.

The fellow in the video is Pop Hadyn  performs in the Up Close Gallery. He is funny as well as polished. Most of us have seen card tricks before but the magic he does is nothing short of amazing. A great show. Give the video a look. I think you'll be amazed.

Click here for Magic Castle website.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Procrastination Station

Day 331

I am suppose to be doing two things this week. One, I am suppose to give mt home a real cleaning. I mean everything. Go through the whole house and make a pile of everything I don't use and will not use in the near future. Then it either goes out to the street for trash pick up or donated to the thrift store. I have way to much clutter and I can't do a good cleaning with so much junk in the way.

The other thing I am suppose do is turn off the TV and do some serious writing. Just cut loose and see what comes out. Don't worry about grammar or punctuation or spelling. Just write whatever comes to mind. If it's a few pages or a few hundred pages.

Tonight is Tuesday. I have done nothing so far, except take out the trash and write my blog. I write on this blog each night because I'm meeting a challenge..

Not good enough. I have to do better. I need to set aside several hours each day for writing.

And I will...starting tomorrow.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Monday, October 3, 2016

Day 330

Day 330

Drove mom to Walmart to get her nails done and buy some groceries.

Started promoted listings on my Etsy to try to stimulate some sales. So far most of my sales have been to one customer. I set a limit of one dollar per day. That's $30 per month in addition to what I pay in listing fees. I had better get some return on investment. I'm not asking to make a fortune, just some extra spending money.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Sunday, October 2, 2016

Heartburn...Outta Here

Day 329

In keeping with yesterday's post, I frequently have heartburn, accompanied by a bloated stomach. Especially at night when I am trying to sleep. This is also known as acid reflux. Tums doesn't work
for me, so I found an home remedy alternative to modern antacids.

As I was listening to an old radio show, one character suggested a bicarbonate of soda for the others upset stomach. This was a common powder taken with water to relieve stomach ailments such as heartburn and bloating. Simply put bicarbonate of soda is...baking soda.

I remembered my high school chemistry class had a box of baking soda in case someone spilled acid on themselves. They would immediately pour the baking soda on the affected area to neutralize the acid.

At less than $1 a box, it beats the hell out of Prilosec at $12 for 14 tablets. I have been using about a tablespoon of baking soda in water, almost every night for 2 months and still have half a box left. And it works great.

I take a tablespoon of baking soda in a small glass of water about 45 minutes before bed or when the heartburn hits me. Within minutes of drinking the solution, I have a good belch or two and I instantly feel better. The bloating is relieved and the stomach acid is counteracted. All for a penny.

I can't say this will work for everyone. But if you have a heartburn and some baking soda, give it a try, you may be surprised.

There is one caveat. It tastes bad. Like drinking salt water. But it is well worth it for the relief it brings.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Saturday, October 1, 2016

I Am Nachos...Hear Me Roar

Day 328

They say you are what you eat and tonight I had a plate full of turkey (I use ground turkey instead of beef) and beans nachos. With cheddar cheese, medium hot picante sauce and sour cream.

Yes. I will pay for it tomorrow when I step on the scale. Hell, I'm going to pay for it tonight once
those beans punch the clock and go to work. Not only will I be bloated, but the noxious fumes emanating from under my blanket, will chase my butt sniffing cat fleeing from the room. Probably burying his head in the litter box hoping the clay deodorizer will filter the air.

You may think me mean to my kitties, but the truth is, they often go outside just to come back in and filling the house with their aroma by using the litter box. They could have squeezed the cheese outside, but no, they had to hold it until they came back inside so they could share. The wall paper is peeling next to the litter box.

Now if you will excuse me, the refried beans have just gone onto overtime.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Friday, September 30, 2016

Maple Syrup Breath

Day 327

My oldest cat, Pretty Boy, has been sick for a couple of weeks. He keeps vomiting, usually after he
eats. Sometimes during the day, sometimes during the night. Pretty Boy sleeps on the bed with me at night and when he get's sick it's on my bed, or nightstand, or next to the bed. Sometimes I hear him and wake up and I would clean up the mess. Other times I find out when I get out of bed to use the bathroom and I step in it. And then I would clean it up.

Almost always, I found a blade of grass or some pine needles in the mess. Cats routinely eat these when they have an upset stomach, to cause them to expel whatever is upsetting their stomach. Fur can gather in the stomach after grooming and is either passed through or regurgitated. When neither of these things happens they will self induce vomiting by eating something their system can't digest.

Cats also will make themselves sick to let their owners know they are unhappy about something. In these cases they often aim for the owners shoes. There's nothing like finding a fresh "tootsie roll" in your shoes when putting them on in the morning.

At first, I couldn't think of anything recently that would have upset him. He follows the same routine every day. He likes to go outside to check his territory and does his duty outside, saving me from emptying the litter pan. So considerate. He comes in, eats some food and takes a nap. Routine.

Lately, he only goes out at night. He won't go outside during the day. I'm not sure why, but I think I can guess.

My neighbors, two houses over, have a dog. For some reason, they don't think they have to tie their dog up when he's outside. Maybe they just want the dog to run over and shit in someone elses yard so they won't have to clean it up. I don't know.

I believe the dog attacked Pretty Boy. He didn't hurt him. Maybe he just wanted to play. But Pretty Boy was shaken up and is now afraid to go out during the day.

My cat has lost dominance in his territory. He has been psychologically scarred and he may never be the same again. My old tomcat Curly had a similar experience. He was king of his domain. Then one day, he wouldn't go outside, he just laid around the house. He was missing a tooth, so I knew he had been in a fight...and lost. Curly was old. Pretty Boy is getting old.

The animal doc believes it's just hair, so he gave me some hairball medicine. A tube of grease to lube
up the intestinal tract so the hair can slide out the rear. Only $20. Cats are suppose to like the taste and...it smells like maple syrup. Yum.

This morning I awoke with my cat sleeping next to my head with no sign of sickness. He yawned on me with his maple syrup breath. I was thankful he was feeling better, and celebrated with a huge stack of buttermilk pancakes. Smothered in Mrs. Butterworths. Only $3.89.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Day 326

Day 326

I was going to sit here and write about my cats trip to the vet and how his breath smells like maple syrup. But that's for tomorrow.

Tonight was the Evening With Authors Ken Meisel and Jeff Vande Zande. Both Michigan authors reading from their works. With the number of people flocking to purchase their books, I need to hurry and get mine published and hit the road selling.

I'm sure it's not that easy but I need to give it a try.

It was a long day.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Day 325

Day 325

It was a so-so day today. Nothing special happening. Tomorrow on the other hand, is going to be busy. I have just been reminded of an appointment I have in the morning for blood work. Then in the afternoon I have an appointment to take my cat in to the vet. He has been sick. Then I get to go to West Branch and introduce the authors for An Evening With Authors. Just another day.

Friday off.

Then Saturday morning in Standish for Gateway to Writing until 2 o'clock. Back to Houghton Lake to watch the Michigan football game at my brothers. Finally home again to watch the MSU game. On Sunday I plan to have a heart attack watching the Lions lose to 0-3 Chicago.

I just bought two Five Hour Energy shots for the next few days.

Some days it's good to be me.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Ghost Rider "RIDES" Again Tonight

Day 324

Marvel's Agents of Shield is on tonight and I must renew my protest, Ghost Rider does NOT drive a hemi car, no matter how "badass" the car is. Ghost Rider rides a "badass" motorcycle. Why do they have to try to improve things? I read Ghost Rider comics when I was a kid about 45 years ago. Stop F'ing with Ghost Rider!


Until tomorrow,

Ken

Monday, September 26, 2016

Day 323

Day 323

Another busy day so no time to write. New stories coming soon.

Until tomorrow.

Ken

Sunday, September 25, 2016

An Evening With Authors Ken Meisel and Jeff Vande Zande

Day 322

If your anywhere in the area of West Branch this Thursday the 29th, you might want to stop by the West Branch Library for An Evening With Authors Ken Meisel and Jeff Vande Zande. It will be my first time seeing them but I hear they are excellent readers, and they are funny. They will, of course, be reading from their favorite works and their latest releases. Books will also be for sale after the reading.

So if you would enjoy an evening of storytelling from two published authors from Michigan, come to the West Branch Library this Thursday at 6:30 p.m. I hope to see you there.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Saturday, September 24, 2016

Turn Down Day Again

Day 321

"It's a turn down day, nothin' on my mind..."

The Cyrkle

The only thing on my mind today was football. I really have to get back to writing. Now is prime time for publishing. Novels ready for the Christmas holiday. I want to publish so I can say I have done it. I want to sell my book so that I can prove that I did good. And to know I'm not alone in this world.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Friday, September 23, 2016

Day 320

Day 320

I went grocery shopping instead of writing on my blog. Now, it's too late to write anything worth reading. I will try again tomorrow. Only 45 more days and I may never blog again.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Thursday, September 22, 2016

Day 319

Day 319

Been a long day. Will try to continue Soul Mates tomorrow.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Soul Mates?

Day 318

I may have mentioned this before, and if so I apologize for repeating myself. Irene had an almost childlike wonder at some of the things we did, which I took for granted. I have seen some of the world and done my share of unusual things. Bear in mind I was much younger and in excellent physical shape. It wasn't until my early forties that my weight was able to run amok which eventually caused other health problems and slowed me down considerably. I was just out of the Navy when I met Irene so I was still in great shape.

Our romantic relationship lasted about six months and ended do to her "biological clock" running out of time. We had met in our early thirties and neither of us had been married or had children. She wanted to have children and I had never given it any thought. To her that translated to 'I don't want children". To me it meant "I hadn't thought about children". Since then I have thought about it and today I believe having children is just not an adventure we all get to experience. I sometimes wish I had someone to pass on my knowledge and experiences, to mold and watch grow. But for me it was not meant to be.

After a time of painful transition we became close friends. I gave her space and would have stepped aside if she had met someone. My biggest fear was that she would meet someone and I would no longer get to call her whenever I wanted to talk about nothing special. Just chit-chat like friends do.

Irene had another ex-boyfriend whom she kept in touch with now and then. And even though we were just friends she would ask me if I would mind her having dinner with him, or going to a concert or other function. I felt it was nice of her to ask even though I had no right to say either way. He was her friend also. I can't remember his name so let's call him Tim. Tim didn't feel the same way I did about our triangle of friendship.

He and I were near exact opposites. He was a workaholic, I enjoy living. He was short, I am not. He was jealous, I was not (normally). He had been married and divorced, I have always been single. He had children, I did not. And so on.

I will continue this tomorrow as it is getting late.

Util tomorrow,

Ken


Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Musings From My Mind: Jim Croce

Day 317

When I read a book or write my stories I often listen to music. While preparing to read the new Longmire novel, I came across Jim Croce's Greatest Hits. It was a nearly two hour compilation of Croce's music. As I read I was continuously drawn away from the novel to listen to the music. The guitar was engaging and the vocals were crisp and clear. He had an incredible voice and his songs told a story.

If you don't know the story of Jim Croce here it is in a nutshell. According to Wiki he didn't take music seriously until he studied music at Villanova. He formed bands and performed at frat parties and coffee houses, playing a variety of music.

He and his wife Ingrid were a duo and recorded an album in 1968 and spent the next two years traveling, performing in clubs.

In 1972 he signed a three record deal with ABC Records. His single Bad, Bad Leroy Brown hit #1 in the US in July of 1973. Until then he traveled playing coffee houses and small festivals, paying back his advance from the albums. He played on American Bandstand, Midnight Special, The Tonight Show and others. But Croce became homesick and decided to quit after his tour ended.

The tragedy struck. On September 20, 1973, at the age of 30, Jim Croce died when the charter plane he was riding in hit a tree on takeoff. In a letter to his wife, received after his death, he wrote that he had decided to give up music and become a screenplay writer. His last album was finished a week before he died and was released in December 1973. Several of the songs were hits.

I wonder what would have happened if he had not died. Would he still be making music and playing in large venues? How many more hit songs would we have from a fabulous songwriter?

We lost several music icons in the early months of 2016, David Bowie, Glenn Frey of the Eagles and Prince. But we were blessed with many years of excellent music form each, though we always hope our heroes will last forever.

Jim Croce's career ended almost as soon as it began. We were fortunate that he gave us as much as he did in such a short time. Thank you Jim.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Monday, September 19, 2016

Day 316

Day 316

A busy month coming up for me. An authors night, a writing seminar, a writers retreat and a book release. Busy, busy, busy. It's nice having things to do. Watched the Lions game yesterday. 'Nuff said 'bout dat.

Reading the latest Longmire novel. I watches AHS Murder House over the weekend. It's funny that at least two of the past five seasons dealt with ghosts haunting a house/building that they couldn't leave because they died there. Now the new season called My Roanoke Nightmare is about a couple who buy a haunted house. I like haunted houses but damn, a serious lack of imagination.

Watching part three, of the three part Major Crimes series. I think the mother is the secret boss. She acts weird or guilty of something.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Sunday, September 18, 2016

Day 315

Day 315

I am so unmotivated. I think it is my allergy medicine, or my allergies. I can't seem to get on a roll to do anything. I just want to sleep all of the time. Allergy season should be over soon and I can get back to work watching tv and surfing the web.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Saturday, September 17, 2016

Football

Day 314

It's Saturday night, the U of M game was good. They made a comeback after getting down 21-7. It the second quarter and MSU is down 7-0 to Notre Dame. Msu was moving the ball well and then was picked off at the goal line. We have it back again so hopefully we can score.

It was a beautiful day with temperatures in the seventies.I'm told the walleye fishing could improve with the cooler weather.

I haven't been out fishing much this year due to my total diet failure. I am heavier now than I have ever been. My weight is dangerously high. I need to eat less and write more. When I publish I had better weigh a lot less if I am to do book signings. My goal will be to do book signings in Traverse City and Ann Arbor. New York City would be nice too but I don't want to drive all the way over there. But I'll have to go where my fans are.

I'm going back to watching the football game. MSU just scored and we're up 8-7.

I love football.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Friday, September 16, 2016

Oh, That's Scary

Day 313

I'm watching American Horror Story: Murder House. The first season is the only one I haven't seen. I started with season 2 Asylum. I love a good scare.

First episode and I've already seen five ghosts. Excellent. OK three ghosts for sure and two I believe are ghosts.

I hope I can sleep tonight.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Thursday, September 15, 2016

What's Going On This Month

Day 312

The Firemen's Memorial Festival started today and runs through Sunday.

There will be an Evening with Authors at the West Branch Library on the 29th. Michigan authors Ken Misel and Jeff Vande Zande will give a presentation starting at 6:30 pm.

Gateway to Writing workshop in Standish, MI will be held on Oct. 1st from 9 am to 1:45 pm. Pre register by Sept 29. Admission is $35 and includes materials and lunch. The best deal in Michigan.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

AHS Tonight

Day 311

American Horror Story: ?6 starts tonight. I ordered the first season at the library. It's the only one I haven't seen yet. I hope season 6 is as good as season five Hotel.

The first one I saw was Asylum. I loved it. Then they made the wimpy Coven because some of the fans thought it was too violent. Freakshow was better but Hotel was great. Lady Gaga is a pretty good actress.

Gotta go show is starting. Stay scared.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Day 310

Day 310

I'm watching dvd's on my wide screen tv. So why is it that the picture is still cut off across the top and the bottom? Why doesn't a wide screen dvd show full screen on a wide screen tv? I mean it's not like wide screen tv's are new. They have been around for over a decade. So there is no reason why the movie manufacturers can't make the movie fit the screen. Unless, of course, they just want to be ass holes. If that is the case, they are succeeding.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Monday, September 12, 2016

Day 309

Day 309

Coming soon: The Firemen's Memorial Festival starts this Thursday at the Firemen's Fairgrounds in Roscommon. It's the last big festival of the year for this area.

Had another long day today. Hopefully I can get some sleep tonight.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Sunday, September 11, 2016

Day 308

Day 308

The Lions tried to give me a heart attack today. They almost succeeded. Every time the Lions get a lead, they change from the aggressive defense to the Bend Then Break defense, also known as the "prevent" defense. I would like to know what it is suppose to prevent since it doesn't prevent the other team from scoring points.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Saturday, September 10, 2016

Sea Sick

Day 307

Captains Log, September 10, 1716

A sickness has fallen upon the crew. I am also showing signs of the illness. It first came upon us three weeks ago. Shortly after our stop in the Norwegian port of Oslo. We loaded several assorted boxes. Some of them resembling caskets. They were plain wood and unadorned. We also restocked the ships stores with those fresh fruits as were available and fresh water.

The illness begins with a slight fever and a lack of vitality. At first, the crew who were afflicted, tried to work through it, but quickly tired. The ships physician recommended bed rest but this seemed to make the sickness work faster. The crew, being an uneducated and superstitious lot, began to whisper of a curse.

A young seaman had been caught in the apple barrel when the ship stores were low and food was being rationed. His punishment was ten lashes. But the boatswain's lash was over zealous and the young lad died and was buried at sea as is customary. The crew believed the fresh stores were cursed and causing the sickness. Deeming some of the food we took on at Oslo to be spoiled, we heaved them overboard. But the sickness continued.

When four of the crew had come down with the affliction, the Doctor noticed two small wounds at the throat opposite the jugular. He recalled having read of such a symptom and began to search his medical journals for any hint. A day later, three more had the disease and two were dead with another soon to follow them to Davy Jones.

The Doctor entered my cabin and looked ashen, as though the sickness were upon him also. He filled a glass with rum and drank it down with one swallow. Then he poured another and halfway through he paused to consider something before finishing his second round. What he told me was too incredible to be recorded here.

The Doctor left my cabin in the evening and was never seen again. It is my belief he was drunk on the rum and fell overboard. It was a cloudy night and the watch reported nothing out of the ordinary. A full inquiry may be done when next we reach our home port, but as of now the Doctor shall be reported missing at sea. Another guest of Davy Jones.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Friday, September 9, 2016

Day 306

Day 306

Another late day so just sayin' to get a post in. It won't be long now and I can post once a week or twice a week instead of every day.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Thursday, September 8, 2016

Two Heads

Day 305

I am writing this down, in case something happens to me, there will be a record. I'm not sure how to explain what has been happening around this house. Strange occurrences which began just a short time ago. At first it was just simple things; a towel moved from it's place, small things that went missing only to reappear in their correct place that I had checked previously.

Then cupboard doors left open just after I had closed them. Milk turning sour just after opening. Apples with a bite out of them. A bite that I hadn't eaten.

Some other member of the household you will say, playing a prank on me.Some jester with a macabre sense of humor. Accept that I live alone with my tabby cat as my only company. He a jolly old tomcat who enjoys eating and sleeping by the fireplace.

As of late he had taken to sleeping close to me on the bed. Normally he is not allowed but he has been seemed so pathetic when I shew him off the bed that I have allowed him to remain. The past few nights he has been climbing onto my pillow, shaking, I assumed, from the cold and damp.

This past night, as I went to my bed, I rolled onto my side as I do when I sleep. After a few minutes I could feel the pillow behind my head compress as the old boy climbed onto his customary spot. That night he was shaking more than usual. This was keeping me awake so I started to turn and shew him from behind me, when I glanced out my bedroom window.

There on the sill outside my window was my tabby cat, woefully looking in. Suddenly, his stood on end as he arched his back and spat. He was looking over my shoulder at something behind my head. I jumped out of bed and turned on the light next to the bed. There in my pillow was the indentation from my head and next to that was another indentation.

I have just learned that the woman who owned the house before me had committed suicide when her husband had left her for another woman. She had overdosed on sleeping pills in her bed in that same room.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Day 304

Day 304

It's a...rainy night in Houghton Lake, a rainy night in Houghton Lake, feels like it's raining all over the world.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Day 303

Day 303

Labor Day weekend is over and things have quieted down a little bit. I went out to the store and there was no one there. I loved it.

We still have the Firemen's Memorial weekend coming this month but that will be nothing compared to last weekend. Soon peace and small town living will return to Houghton Lake for another nine months until next summer. Until then this town will slow down and rest up.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Monday, September 5, 2016

Day 302

Day 302

Just a quickie tonight. It's getting late and I just don't feel motivated. It was such a busy weekend here I hardly went out. Too much traffic just driving to my brothers house. Good for the local economy though.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Sunday, September 4, 2016

True Mexico

Day 301

It was Labor Day weekend in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. It was 1986. Being a holiday weekend we were given an extra day off from Navy Sonar 209 Tech school. We went down to Ensenanda on Saturday. There was a cruise ship (I believe it was the Pacific Princess) from the television show The Love Boat was in port for a couple of days so there were Americans everywhere.

First I want you to understand, Port of Ensenada is an old Mexican city, over the years it has attracted tourism as a favorite port-of-call for cruise ships running the west coast. Much like the residents of Houghton Lake, the locals stay away on weekends and leave the tourists alone as much as possible. But once the tourists leave they come back to enjoy what there city has to offer including the night life.

I have written before about a bar there called Hussongs, established in 1892, it is the oldest cantina on the peninsula. Hussongs also claims to be the inventors of the Margarita, named after the woman for whom the bartender invented it. With $1 Margaritas and .75 cent long neck beer, it was a favorite of college students.

Saturday was pretty much as I thought it would be, hardly room to move with college students chugging beer into the night. There were only two bartenders but they did an admirable job keeping up with orders. There were very few tables so everyone just stood around drinking, laughing and having a good time.

Having experienced the crowds on Saturday, and with Monday being a holiday, I had considered going home early assuming Sunday would be as crowded as Saturday. As I had paid in advance for another night at the motel my frugality won out and I stayed.
On Sunday the cruise ship pulled out, as did most, if not all, of the college students. I assume they headed back to their dorms to get ready for the start of the semester. Everything slowed down including Hussongs.

Although the Mexicans don't celebrate Labor Day, they do celebrate the tourists leaving town. When my friend and I went back to Hussongs on Sunday night, it was a different place. The room had filled with tables and chairs and mostly locals. Amid a few stares, we made our way to a table near the back wall.

As we sipped margaritas, I looked at all of the sedate, smiling faces. Some of the patrons dressed in traditional Mexican clothing in beautiful vibrant colors with intricate needle work. Three women sat at the table next to us, looking to be about the same age as the college students who had been here the day before. The contrast was quite noticeable as they sat and chatted about their day? Family? Jobs? I don't speak Mexican or Spanish, other than a few words. I knew how to say "margarita please".

I enjoyed just watching the difference in how these people interacted with each other as compared to American's. They laughed and chatted but kept respectful of the others around them. Nothing outrageous, nothing bombastic, nothing attention grabbing. Just a pleasant evening with friends.

Soon a Mariachi band came in and began to play. Just three men with Mexican guitars playing traditional songs. With a healthy glow from the tequila, I watched the girls at the next table sing along. I couldn't understand the words but I could tell by the way they sang it was about someone falling in love, and then losing that love. With shining black hair falling in waves down to their shoulders and their dark brown eyes so soft, I decided it would be too easy fall in love with one of these girls.

We stayed for awhile, soaking up the Mexican culture before we retired to our motel room. I dreamt of beautiful women with long dark tresses and inviting smiles, in bright colored dresses. Of dancing and amour.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Saturday, September 3, 2016

Day 300

Day 300

Spent the day at home due to traffic. I tried to go to the grocery store, But after the traffic lite had changed three times and I was still not up to the intersection, I turned around in the Walgreens parking lot and returned home. I haven't seen traffic like this since the last time I was down state.

I watched Michigan wipe out Hawaii in football and took a nap. Then I went to my brothers and played cards. I left around nine o'clock and there were still too many cars on the road as I returned home.

Now it's near ten o'clock and I'm watching Murder She Wrote and getting ready for bed. If I get up very early, maybe I can get to the grocery store before it get's crowded. Wish me luck.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Friday, September 2, 2016

Watchin' Football Again

Day 299

Watching the MSU game. Furman is hanging tough through the first half. They haven't scored but MSU is only up by 7 points.

I was talking to my bro', he actually called me intentionally this time, says he's trying to get home but didn't have enough time to make it today. He wants to look for a new job because he's not getting enough miles. He's thinking of selling his house and moving to Boston.

Stayed home all day. I didn't want to face the Labor Day weekend crowds. It'll be that way all weekend long. The tourist trade is good for the area but I stay away form the crowds as much as possible. I'm officially "small town" now.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Thursday, September 1, 2016

The Start of Autumn

Day 298

As I mentioned yesterday, Labor Day weekend is upon us. It should be a little crazy but I'll stay out of town if possible.

This also marks the beginning of college football with both MSU an U of M playing this weekend. MSU starts on Friday night playing Furman. Then Michigan playing Saturday at noon against Hawaii.

I love the Fall. Cider mills have begun advertising. Football has begun. I believe the leaves are going to turn early this year due to the dry summer, the colors may not be as brilliant as they usually are here in Michigan, but beautiful all the same.

I might try to get some fishing in but that will depend on the crowds. If not this weekend, I'll get out sometime during the week. It will ahve to be soon though as the winds, traditionally, pick up in the autumn.

The Lions have gone up 17-0 over Buffalo in the last exhibition game before the regular season begins against Indianapolis. I don't think the Lions will be more than an average team this year but the new GM has done a good job rebuilding so far.

That's all for tonight.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Houghton Lake Fishing Sept. 2016

Day 297

I drove by Reedsburg Dam campground today and it looks wide open with most sights available for anyone who plans on camping this Labor Day weekend. The water is at an average level for this time of the year. I didn't bring my fishing gear but I wish I had. Maybe tomorrow.

From what I have heard fishing had been very good this year. Again I wish I had brought my gear.

Leeches seem to be the favorite although I did well on nightcrawlers and even plastic swim baits worked though only about half as well as the live baits.

The last time my brother and I went out, we anchored once and never moved until we were finished and headed back to the marina. Mostly we caught small perch and some large bluegill. I was a fun day.

I've been reading in the local newspaper that there have been some record walleye being caught as well as some very large smallmouth bass. Not by me, of course, but enough to keep people coming back for the fishing.

Labor Day tends to mark the end of the summer vacation and we did have a busy summer here in Houghton Lake. It has been a dry summer so look for the fall colors to come early and probably not stay too long.

Until tomorrow.

Ken

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Cold Turkey

Day 296

We were six weeks out, on an eight week patrol, round trip, with no ports of call. Our mission, search and destroy. It was the height of the Cold War. A Russian submarine had been reported off the east Florida coast. We had been searching with only a slight sniff of a signal now and then to show for our vigilance.

After that much time at sea in a submarine, new crew members start to get edgy. The corpsman had two straight jacket restraints on-board just in case of insanity. Crew members had been known to try to open a hatch to the outside while a ship was submerged. Precautions were in place to prevent this from happening but damage could still be done.

 This is the time when the veterans keep an eye out for odd behavior among the new crew members. Things like irritability and lack of personal hygiene were textbook signs of mental instability. But these things tend to happen anyway on a long deployment. Guys get edgy after being away from family members for extended periods of time and it's not uncommon to run out of personal items; toothpaste, shower soap and deodorant.

The laundry facility consisted of one washer and one dryer for the entire crew. There was a schedule of days and times when each division was allowed to use them. Even though the ship supplied laundry detergent, guys would go for a couple of weeks or longer, without washing their clothes due to schedule conflict or laziness. Their uniform would get nasty, even by submarine standards.

At sea uniform for all crew members was a dark blue coverall called a "poopy suit", a one and a half inch wide web belt with gold buckle for officers and a silver buckle for enlisted. Also appropriate insignia's. Shoes, however, were flexible. We could wear any shoes we wanted, military or civilian, as long as they were appropriate.

Civilian athletic shoes were the most popular as they were so comfortable ad allowed us to show individuality while at sea. One of the guys in my division, special ordered a pair of Converse All Stars high tops, in pink. He was a bit of a joker.

When I heard we were going on an eight week patrol, I had an idea. I wanted to quit smoking, so I would only take along enough cigarettes to get halfway through. When I ran out, I would be forced to quit, cold turkey. Genius. Or so I thought.

By week six I had been without cigarettes for about five days. I had changed my mind about quitting smoking and had rationed my last carton to last longer. I had thought I could buy more cigarettes from the ships store, but the new corpsman, had taken over the store and wouldn't stock cigarettes. I begged the few that I could from other smokers, but that gets old fast. I started to check the butt cans for half smoked cigs. Anything I could get a few drags out of, to curb the craving.

If you have ever been around someone who is trying to quit smoking, you know they can be...unpleasant. Now couple that with six weeks in a restricted space with a hundred other guys. You could say I was downright irritable.

While this was happening, the liner had come out of the bottom of my shoes. No real surprise, they were several years old, and I wore them often when I was on liberty in my civilian clothes. I had run out of clean socks and it wasn't my divisions turn for the laundry. I wore my shoes with no socks.

I'm not sure exactly what happened with my shoes. I can only guess that the sweat from my feet soaked into the rubber soles and there must have been a chemical reaction because after a few days my shoes reeked. The idea that something had crawled into my shoes and died was popular on the ship for some time.

I was walking out of the berthing area to take a shower when several bunk curtains were yanked back and I heard a voice ask, "What the hell? Did somebody take a crap in here?"

I quietly sneaked off to the shower, getting strange looks the whole way. I had to lather up twice to get the stink off. The next time I had to lather three times just to deaden the odor. At this point the smell was noticeable even when I was wearing the shoes.

The new corpsman had noticed my behavior and coupled with my apparent lack of hygiene, I was beginning to look like a text book case of claustrophobia waiting to happen.  As I said before, he was new to the ship and had never seen guys at sea for any length of time. Actually, I don't think he had ever been to sea in his twelve year naval career. Anyway, he was in charge of the straight jacket and kept giving me the stink eye.

About this time the ships "A" division had gone through the berthing area looking for a chemical leak or whatever could be causing the intermittent odor, that had become noticeable through the whole forward end of the ship. I was on watch when they did the inspection.

The guys in the berthing area had had enough. When I got undressed to go to bed and had taken off my shoes, the lights snapped on and several of my fellow seamen were standing there with a scrub brush and some of the course laundry soap. They made me shower twice and immediately flushed my shoes out with the trash. I was allowed to do my laundry even though it wasn't my turn.

The corpsman kept an eye on me the rest of the time we were out as I had developed a slight twitch whenever he was around. I just couldn't help it. I didn't like the guy.

I bought some new shoes when we made port. They lasted me the rest of my enlistment. I didn't quit smoking until nine months after I was discharged from the Navy.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Monday, August 29, 2016

Day 295

Day 295

There's a couple of stories brewing in my mind. I'll get one out soon.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Sunday, August 28, 2016

Day 294

Day 294

I'm just not inspired right now. I've been trying to think of a good story to tell but I haven't come up with anything as yet.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Saturday, August 27, 2016

Day 293

Day 293

The Lions are playing tonight. The first team is doing about the same as always. But I want to see how Jake Ruddock does if he runs the second unit. He could be the future Lions quarterback. I like Stafford but his accuracy is a problem.

New story coming soon.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Friday, August 26, 2016

My First Broken Heart

Day 292

I remember it as if happened only yesterday. She was a young adventuress with soft blond curls, big blue eyes and a toothy smile. She wore a baby doll dress and white ankle socks with frilly tops and shiny black shoes. And, oh, she smelled of Play Doh.

We met when she had ventured five houses down to my front yard. Five houses. No four year old was allowed to go five houses down the street by themselves, you had to have an adult with you, or at least, an older brother. I was only allowed to go to the neighbors driveway. I was sitting on my new three wheeler that I had gotten for my birthday when she came marching up and said, "Hi. I'm on vacation."

Up until then I only had my brothers to for company. There was another boy my age next door named Butch. He wasn't very honest and told fibs all of the time. I wasn't allowed to play with him because he had thrown a rock at me, then told his parents that I had thrown a rock at him first. But I never threw rocks because someone could get hurt very badly.

This was the first girl I had ever met outside of Sunday school. My grandma had told me I had to be nice to girls. So I said, "Hi. My name is Ken."

"Oh," she said. "I can't tell you my name."

"Why not?"

" 'Cause you're a stranger."

"I'm not a stranger. I'm too little to be a stranger."

"Well then," she said, "My name is Emily. I have Play Doh. Wanna see?" I nodded as she pulled a glob of pinkish clay out of a pocket. It was fairly new with just a little bit of pocket lint stuck to it. We took turns molding the clay into different shapes until she decided to go home.

She returned the next day and we played in my front yard (I wasn't brave enough to go to her yard). This went on for about a week. Then she stopped coming. At first I thought she must have come by while I was inside (which wasn't often). Then I thought, she really wasn't suppose to come down the street as far as my house and her mom had found out and she was in trouble.  After a few days I was very sad because we had so much fun together. Finally, one day, she showed up again at my front yard. I was so happy.

"I have to go back home," Emily said. "My mommy told me I'm too young to play with boys. She said you boys are mean and stupid anyway. Besides, we're going to be moving soon. So I don't want to play with you anymore." She turned around and walked back to her house.

I didn't understand. I wasn't mean. Moving? Moving to where? I stood there with tears welling in my eyes at the hurtful words. I went inside the house and dove on the living room couch. Thinking of the matter of fact way she had spoken to me. I was devastated. A few shuddering breaths later, I fell asleep.

One day my mom asked me about my little friend. I repeated what her mom had said about boys and that she was moving. Mom told me that she had seen Emily playing with a boy that very morning and she was going to call Emily's mom and find out what was going on. A short time later I found my mom in the kitchen. She was baking cookies and looked really mad. I knew she wasn't mad at me when she gave me a cookie.

It turns out we were going to be moving to a much nicer neighborhood, and Emily's mom was jealous. That's why she told her those awful things about us. I never did see Emily again and my mom wouldn't have let me play with her if I had. It wasn't long before we moved and I had plenty to keep my mind busy. Still, every so often, I would think about the girl with the golden curls and try to remember why I hadn't seen her before we moved.

Time heals a young heart.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Blanket Wars

Day 291

We were ensconced in our hastily constructed castle, taking enemy fire from the front. So far it had been an even contest. When our side ran low on ammunition, we would simply wait until the other side launched a barrage and collect their spent ammo. When they ran low they would do the same. Neither side scored a hit as each fortress was well designed and constructed to withstand any siege.

But our enemy was crafty and had more years of experience. They had a secret weapon, a biological weapon and they employed it contrary to the accepted the rules of civilized war. I clawed at my throat as I tried to take a breath, my lungs burning. I was so disoriented that I made a fatal mistake. I
stood up and took a round square into my right eye.

"Hey, no fair. We agreed, no head shots."

******

When I was growing up in Royal Oak, we didn't see our cousins very often, due mostly to the distance between our homes. They lived in Ionia about a hundred and fifty miles away. Yet on occasion our families would get together, and seeing as how my two cousins, Bob and Paul, were about the same age as my brother Tom and I, we found interesting ways to keep ourselves occupied when they visited.

My aunt and uncle had come to visit with our grandparents and before returning home, they stopped for a quick visit with our mom and dad. It was a surprise to be sure but a welcome one. We had several hours to "stay out of trouble".

As our parents gathered in the kitchen and talked, we went to the basement to see what mischief we could get into. The basement of our house was heated and had a tile floor and drop ceiling which unfortunately didn't quite soundproof the lower room from the main floor. We had to keep quiet or suffer silently watching Lawrence Welk and his champagne bubbles in the family room, our version of a "time out". Cruel and unusual punishments were widely accepted back in the late 60's and early 70's.

There was some old furniture, a utility table and some blankets and sheets well past their prime. We paired off, the younger cousins against the older ones, each creating a cloth fort at either end of the basement. There was about fifteen feet in between christened No Man's Land, for to step out in the open meant certain doom. I can't remember who supplied the large red rubber bands, I just know they were at a premium, if you broke one or lost one, they couldn't be replaced.

Mostly when shooting a rubber band we hooked it around our finger then pulled back, aimed and let 'er fly. We didn't stretch them very long because when released they slapped the back of the hand. After a short time, the back of my hand was cherry red and sore. Still I fought on. That is until my brother and cousin Bob came up with the ultimate strategy still used today by some nefarious terrorist groups.

We had no idea they had discovered a broken mop handle in the laundry room while we were building. It was the equivalent of a long gun with no pain to the user. With it they could pull their rubber band back a full four feet and wait for the optimal target exposure before releasing as the bands wouldn't slip of the end of the mop handle the way they did a finger.

The second part of their two prong attack, consisted of using a chemical weapon my brother Tom had begun to cultivate at an early age. A long range stink bomb with pin point accuracy.

They had held onto one last projectile and waited for us to come out and retrieve the ammo from in front of our fort. But we reached out from under the blanket wall and pulled them back under without exposing more than an arm. That's when they decided to go renegade and use "the stink bomb". It was as brilliant as it was diabolical, and it worked to perfection. 

I knew what it was as soon as it bounced of the top blanket and landed behind us, like a perfectly thrown grenade. I knew that sour funk. It was one of my brothers sweaty socks. I never saw it coming, as I stood to protest, cousin Bob nailed me in the eye.

With my hand over my eye I felt certain I would lose my eye, or my sight would at least be greatly diminished. A confab was held and I was told if I didn't stop whining, they would put the sock in my mouth until I passed out. The operation had to remain covert and kept from the attention of the adults. In other words, keep quite. Lawrence Welk was still on the television. Fortunately the damage to my eye was a temporary stinging sensation and a little redness.

Since my cousin Bob and Tom had cheated with both the mop handle and the stinky sock, my cousin Paul declared us the winners of the Blanket War. A discussion of the merits of this declaration ensued, but we didn't have long to argue as my aunt and uncle wanted to get started on the long drive home.

We didn't know it then, but the four of us would not get together again until a family reunion many years later.

Until tomorrow,

Ken