December 2020

December 2020

 

***************** Poems and stuff for December 2020 ***********

 

As the last rays of 2020 are extinguished for good and a new year arises from those ashes of what has been a tumultuous year that brought ruin and despair to many, let's all come together to be the change needed to create a better life for all on our little planet 🙂💗

~RD

 

In these times of civil unrest, plague lockdowns, and an unknown future for our nation, focus on what you already have and not on what you want.

~RD

 

These COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns are giving me an excuse for not getting done the things I want getting done 😕

I need to change this...

~RD

 

When you cannot defend yourself there is always someone there willing to help... that is if they can get past the gate 🙂

~RD

 

It's remarkable and alarming how the cell phone has changed our society over the past 20 years in comparison to Covid 19 taking only a few months...

~RD

 

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Tuesday 01- 67/35F with sunshine and no wind. I did my stretches, core trainer, weight bench, 100 crunches, beat on the heavybag, and took Cassie for a mile jog.

I assembled my new router table.

I did my evening workout with the 10lbs dumbbells and did a 100 more crunches.

I changed the sugar water in the hummingbird feeder; they’ve been hanging around for a bit too long this autumn. 

I addressed and signed all my Christmas cards ready to send out.

I did my late night stretches and worked out with the 15lbs dumbbells.

 

Wednesday 02- 66/34F. I did my stretches.

I went to town and got gas, picked up my guest’s and my mail, refilled 2 tanks of propane at Dollar General, stopped off at Staters, and then onto Burger King... got quite overwhelmed and was glad to get my ass home.

 

Thursday 03- 61/34F I did my stretches, core trainer, weight bench, 100 crunches, beat on the heavybag, and took Cassie for a mile bike/run.

 

Friday 04- 66/33F I did my stretches. I drove to Joshua Tree to pick up my guest’s prescriptions. 

 

Saturday 05- 66/35F I did my stretches and 100 crunches.

 

Sunday 06- 69/42F I did my stretches, core trainer, weight bench, 100 crunches, beat on the heavybag, and took Cassie for a mile jog.

I did my evening workout with the 10lbs dumbbells.

I did my late night stretches and worked out with the 15lbs dumbbells.

 

Monday 07- I did my stretches, 100 crunches, and took Cassie for a mile jog.

I went to pick up my 10” miter saw at Home Depot. I assembled it when I got back home.

Took Cassie for a mile bike/run.

 

Tuesday 08- I did my stretches, core trainer, weight bench, 100 crunches, beat on the heavybag, and took Cassie for a mile jog.

I climbed up on top of my trailer to fix the vent I recently installed.

I drove down to my mailbox down on Lear to get my mail.

I did my evening workout with the 10lbs dumbbells.

I did my late night stretches and worked out with the 15lbs dumbbells.

 

Wednesday 09- 69/40F some clouds. I did my stretches and took Cassie for a walk. Dave came over to disconnect his water pipes from my system because he’s getting a 2500 gallon water tank delivered. Later in the evening, me and Cassie took a walk up to see his new tank. 

 

Thursday 10- 69/37F I did my stretches, core trainer, weight bench, 100 crunches, beat on the heavybag, and took Cassie for a walk.

I patched my left-front truck tire. Had to use 3 patch stripes because the hole was so big.

I did my evening workout with the 10lbs dumbbells.

I did my late night stretches and worked out with the 15lbs dumbbells.

 

Friday 11- 58/39F with overcast skies. I did my stretches and took Cassie for a mile jog.

I got the spare tire off the truck to fill it up with air and found it had broke the seal around the rim and all the air came out; not very happy about that.

I drove down to my mailbox down on Lear to get my mail.

Jordan and Tia 

 

 Saturday 12- 66/32F very windy!  I did my stretches, core trainer, weight bench, 100 crunches, beat on the heavybag, and took Cassie for a walk.

Since the wind was blowing hard I worked inside on my computers updating them and fixing a nonworking one. 

I did my evening workout with the 10lbs dumbbells.

I did my late night stretches and worked out with the 15lbs dumbbells.

 

Sunday 13- 58/37F a little cold but nice for someone used to the heat of the desert. I did my stretches and took Cassie for a walk.

I cleaned out the area where the old Homelite Generator I was given after my friend Stoney had passed by his family. It has been over ten years or so since it was started. I checked and cleaned the air filter and then the oil; it was low but clean and good enough for my test to see if it’d start. Three pulls of the rope and she sputtered and stopped; a good sign. I checked the fuel cock and added more choke, pulled once and she coughed, struggled for a bit, and then came to life like a finely tuned machine. I kinda knew it would start right up because Stoney was a master mechanic and would have had the generator ready to go for a long cold winter; for me, it had been a long winter since his passing. I think that’s why I put that generator out of my mind for so many years and haven't until now started it; time for me to move on. Solace

I painted the bottoms of the little trees I have growing in the yard so the rabbits won’t eat the bark.

Stevie Vallerale, a long time neighbor I first met when I moved up here to my little desert cabin is moving away to Illinois to live there with family. Matt, her son and my friend is driving her there in his van towing a trailer with all her belongings. They are avoiding at all cost flying there during a pandemic. I will miss Stevie very much.

 

Monday 14- 61/37F windy but not as bad as Saturday’s wind. I did my stretches, 100 crunches, and took Cassie for a walk.

I spent most of the day cleaning my wood stove with a wire brush and then going over it with an oil rag. Later at night I fired it up to cure the oil I put on the stove; smoked the whole place up but I was ready for the smoke having done it before and had all the windows open.

 

Tuesday 15- 59/35F cloudy. I did my stretches, 100 crunches, and took Cassie for a long walk.

My Guest and I went to my guest’s post office, Burger King, and then to WalMart to do the drive through pick up.

We were shorted groceries on our trip to WalMart’s drive through: when we got home we found instead of a 15lb turkey we were given a tiny 5lb turkey, among other things like pies and bread set to expire that day! I mean, hey this is Christmas dinner we’re talking about! Now we’ll have to make another trip to town to pick up what was missing; something I truly wanted to avoid.

 

Wednesday 16- 64/38F clear. I did my stretches, core trainer, weight bench, 100 crunches, beat on the heavybag, and took Cassie for a mile jog.

 

I did my evening workout with the 10lbs dumbbells.

I did my late night stretches and worked out with the 15lbs dumbbells.

 

Thursday 17- 65/40F early morning dark clouds but clearing out by noon. Kjtel came by early to chat. 

My guest got a $35 refund for the tiny turkey, the day old bread, and the old veggies we were given on Tuesday from WalMart. 

So, we drove down to Stater Bros in Twentynine Palms and did our shopping there and picked up a nice big Butterball Turkey! We then went to Burger King to get the 2 for 1 special they have going; I like the fish sandwich.



Friday 18- 61/36F sunny and a little breezy. I did my stretches, 100 crunches, and took Cassie for a mile jog.

I used the miter saw for the first time and cut 6 2x4s at a 45 degree angle to put on my south facing patio; I was done in 20 minutes. It would have taken me more than 2 hours if I didn’t have the miter saw minutes to cut them. I painted all the ends and will let them dry and screw them on tomorrow.

 

Saturday 19- 64/39F. I did my stretches, core trainer, weight bench, 100 crunches, beat on the heavybag, and took Cassie for a mile jog.

I installed the 45 degree miter cut 2x4s on the outside south patio.

I did my evening workout with the 10lbs dumbbells.

Kjtel and David came by to chat.

I did my late night stretches and worked out with the 15lbs dumbbells.

 

Sunday 20- 70/41F sunny. I did my stretches and took Cassie for a walk, and then later we went on a bike/run; Cassie really likes to run with the bike.

I painted all the new braces I cut and screwed in the last few days... all done now.

 

Monday 21- 73/40F

I did my stretches and took Cassie for a walk.

I drove to Home Depot to pick up my new RYOBI bench saw.

Here it is... The Great Alignment: It's amazing to think that Jupiter is 551.37 million miles from Earth, and Saturn is 1 billion miles from the Earth... And Jupiter and Saturn are separated from each other by 456 million miles! Yes, it is amazing to me that these celestial bodies all align up on our Winter Solstice ❤

 

Tuesday 22- 76/39F windy. I did my stretches, core trainer, weight bench, 100 crunches, beat on the heavybag, and took Cassie for a walk. I would have gone for a jog but it was just too windy for my dog.

I assembled my new RYOBI bench saw after hunting around for an hour to find the instructions...

I did my evening workout with the 10lbs dumbbells.

I did my late night stretches and worked out with the 15lbs dumbbells.

 

Wednesday 23- 59/32F sunny but cold. I did my stretches and took Cassie for a walk.

I spent some time wrapping gifts for friends.

Kjtel came by with her dog to give me money for the welding equipment we both bought from Harbor Freight. We were walking back to her house when we met a new neighbor Glen. We were standing around yapping when David walked up, so here’s most of the neighborhood right here on Winters RD and Borland Pass. FedEx delivered our welders about a half hour later after leaving the group and I put it in the back of my car and drove it over to her house but the gate was locked. She’ll have to pick it up herself tomorrow.

 

Thursday 24- 56/36F cold and cloudy with evening showers. I did my stretches.

Kjtel came by to exchange Christmas gifts and pick up her welder, thick leather gloves, and welding hood.

 

Friday 25- Christmas Day! 62/37F sunny and nice. I did my stretches. Kelly cooked all day to present for dinner a proper Christmas meal with turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, and an array of side dishes. Everyone got stuffed on the yummy turkey including Cassie. My little sis Leeanne called to get caught up on what we were doing. My friend Kula called to chat, and then I called my sister Lynn to yammer on about old times growing up.

 

Saturday 26- 68/41F sunny and nice. I did my stretches, core trainer, weight bench, and beat on the heavy bag for a short time, and took Cassie for a bike/run and stopped off at David’s to jaw for a spell before we continued our bike/run. 

I assembled my new welder.

I did my evening workout with the 10lbs dumbbells.

I did my late night stretches and worked out with the 15lbs dumbbells.

 

Sunday 27- 63/39F mostly sunny. I did my stretches.

I was taking Cassie for a walk when we noticed a car getting stuck down at the slab airbnb where many cars get stuck in the soft sand and dirt parking there. I helped them get their car unstuck doing it my way by digging out the dirt in front of each tire; works every time. The two Russians, Vialian and Sergio thanked me, one girl there watching said I was very strong; kinda made me laugh and feel proud at the same time.

 

Monday 28- 55/36F evening rain. I did my stretches, core trainer, weight bench, and beat on the heavy bag for a short time, and took Cassie for a mile jog.

Kjtel came by with Bodhi to chat. We then took both our dogs for a walk to her house like we do most times when she visits.

I installed the new rear basket on my Rad Runner E-bike. Now I am ready to test riding the bike all the way down to Stater Bros in Twentynine Palms some 13 miles away. Kjtel said she’d have her trailer ready in case the battery dies out. Just have to wait for good weather.

I did my evening workout with the 10lbs dumbbells.

I did my late night stretches and worked out with the 15lbs dumbbells. 

 

Tuesday 29- 56/37F. I did my stretches.

Audrey called me. We yammered on and on for way over an hour catching up on family stuff. We don’t get to talk too often, so when we do it’s a marathon of a call. 

 

Wednesday 30- 61/36F I did my stretches, core trainer, weight bench, and beat on the heavy bag for a short time, and took Cassie for a mile jog. 

I set up a 30watt solar panel to charge the 12 volt lead battery system but I got a late start on it and I couldn’t test it out because the Sun set.

I did my evening workout with the 10lbs dumbbells.

I did my late night stretches and worked out with the 15lbs dumbbells.

 

Thursday 31 (New Year’s Eve)- 59/34F cloudy with wind. I did my stretches and took Cassie for a long walk. 

I connected up the 30watt solar panel to the battery and let it charge. I’m thinking I have 3 12V 8AH lithium batteries that can be hooked up together giving me 24AH that can replace the lead acid batteries. I’ll work on this tomorrow.

I got all ready and at 11:50PM me and my dog Cassie walked out the door into the cold night to run out 2020 and run into 2021. See ya all next year!

 

 

 

 

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January 2021

January 2021

New Years:

Friday 01- 59/34F a bright sunny New Year’s Day. I did my stretches, 100 crunches, core trainer, weight bench, and beat on the heavy bag for a short time, and jogged a mile with me dog.

I built a 12 volt 24AH battery out of 3 12V 8AH batteries I had lying around and will hook it up to the 30Watt solar panel but I got a late start on it and didn’t get a good charge on it. So, I connected the house wiring back to the lead acid battery.

I did my evening workout with the 10lbs dumbbells and core trainer.

I did my studies and practiced on my guitar.

I did my late night stretches and worked out with the 15lbs dumbbells.

Posted my first “Poems, inspirations, or stories of the Day” on Medium.com which I plan on doing out of my Azure Sea of Dreams book; one by one all the way to the end of the year. 

 

Saturday 02- 60/37F with some clouds coming in the early evening. 

I did my stretches, 100 crunches, core trainer, and took Cassie for a mile jog.

The lithium battery is hooked up but I didn’t think it was getting a good enough charge out of the 30Watt panel, so I connected up a 50Watt panel to the 30Watt I had lying around and I am happy with the charge the battery was getting.

I took Cassie for a bike/run and stopped off at David’s to wish him a Happy New Year.

I did my studies, posted a poem, and practiced guitar.

I went through most of the bills, receipts, and papers collected over the past year and burned them in the wood stove. (I do this every year)

 

Sunday 03- 63/38F nice sunny day. I did my stretches, 100 crunches, core trainer, and took Cassie for a mile jog.

It was time to shovel the compost into the wheelbarrow and spread it all over the yard where plants are growing. After this was done I started a new pile of compost and watered it down. I also gave a good soaking to all the plants in the yard.

I did my evening workout with the 10lbs dumbbells, core trainer, and punched the heavy bag.

I took Cassie for a bike/run. We took a new route, a little more than what she is used to, and boy she was tired when we got back.

I did my late night stretches and worked out with the 15lbs dumbbells.

I did my studies, posted a poem, and practiced guitar.

 

Monday 04- 66/41F nice outside. I did my stretches, 100 crunches, core trainer, hit on the heavy bag, and took Cassie for a walk.

Linda came by to say howdy and dump her trash in my dumpster.

I washed some more clothes because of the nice weather.

I waited for my doctor’s appointment to call at 2:30 and she was a little late but got the refill I needed.

I did my studies, guitar, and posted the poem thing.

 

Tuesday 05- 67/40F I did my stretches, 100 crunches, core trainer, and took Cassie for a mile jog.

Kjtel and Bodhi came by to spend a little time jawing with me and Cassie. Then we took the dogs for an evening walk.

 

Wednesday 06- 66/39F a little overcast but nice. I did my stretches, 100 crunches, core trainer, and took Cassie for a mile jog.

I drove my Guest to town to get her’s and my meds refilled. We stopped off to get gas and a couple of Subway sandwiches.

I did my evening workout with the 10lbs dumbbells, core trainer, and punched the heavy bag.

I took Cassie for a bike/run and stopped to chat to David for a while.

I did my late night stretches and worked out with the 15lbs dumbbells.

I did my studies, posted a poem, but didn’t practice guitar because I need to let my fingers rest a bit.

 

Thursday 07- 68/40F overcast most of the day. I did my stretches, 100 crunches, core trainer, and took Cassie for a short walk. Last night she wasn’t feeling well and this morning she was a bit better. I took her for an evening walk and it was quite a bit longer because I let her guide the way.

I did my studies. 

 

Friday 08- 69/41F overcast. I did my stretches, 100 crunches, core trainer, and took Cassie for a mile jog.

I was on my jog with Cassie when I passed by David’s place. He was outside working on his fence. I told him I’d be right back to help him once we finish our jog. We got a good portion of the fence up but there is a lot more to do. I’ll probably mosey on over there tomorrow after breakfast to help.

I did my evening workout with the 10lbs dumbbells, core trainer, and punched the heavy bag.

On our evening walk Cassie and I noticed campers over where the slab airbnb is. I went over to warn them about getting stuck. It was my two Russian friends I helped get their car back on the road a week ago; Valian and Sergio. They assured me the car was parked on solid ground. We stood yammering on for about an hour until it was just too cold and windy.

I did my late night stretches and worked out with the 15lbs dumbbells.

I did my studies, posted a poem.

 

Saturday 09- 63/36F a little overcast with a light breeze. I did my stretches, and 100 crunches.

Yes dark days ahead for sure.

 

Sunday 10- 60/34F sunny. I did my stretches, 100 crunches, core trainer, and took Cassie for a mile jog.

I did my evening workout with the 10lbs dumbbells, core trainer, and punched the heavy bag.

I took Cassie for a bike/run.

Called and talked to my brother Kevin.

Kjtel and Bodhi dropped by with tea and chocolate. 

I did my late night stretches and worked out with the 15lbs dumbbells.

I did my studies, posted a poem.

 

Monday 11- 59/30F overcast most of the day. I did my stretches, 100 crunches, core trainer, and took Cassie for a mile jog.

I went to Twentynine Palms to pick up packages and do some shopping. When I stopped off to get my guest’s mail company the electricity was out. I found out later when stopping off to get my mail at the USPS building where the lights were on it that the outage was only in the northern part of the city. I went to four places trying to exchange my propane tank but none had any and have been out for a few days. I’ll have to try again in Yucca Valley tomorrow.

Kjtel and Bodhi dropped by to jaw a spell.

 

Tuesday 12- 60/38F overcast later in the evening. I did my stretches, 100 crunches, core trainer, and took Cassie for a mile jog.

Drove to the little store called Mesa Market on the corner of Aberdeen and Yucca Mesa Road and they had propane!

I did my evening workout with the 10lbs dumbbells, core trainer, and punched the heavy bag.

I did my late night stretches and worked out with the 15lbs dumbbells.

I did my studies, posted a poem.

 

Wednesday 13- 70/46F I did my stretches, 100 crunches, core trainer, and hit on the heavy bag.

I did my studies and posted the APISOD... A poem, inspiration, or a story of the day.

 

Thursday 14- 71/48F very nice sunny day. I did my stretches, 100 crunches, core trainer, and took Cassie for a mile jog.

I did my evening workout with the 10lbs dumbbells, core trainer, and punched the heavy bag.

I took Cassie for a bike/run.

I did my late night stretches and worked out with the 15lbs dumbbells.

I did my studies, posted APISOD... A poem, inspiration, or a story of the day 11-15-21  and now added the date :)

 

Friday 15- 77/48F another sunny day but expecting showers early next week. I did my stretches, 100 crunches, core trainer, heavy bag, and took Cassie for a mile jog.

I spent over an hour on the phone with Renogy Solar about the bad batteries I received from them. It’s been a little over four months since I first started my complaint with them. The last I heard before today was in early December with customer service telling me it would be handled soon. On the call this morning I told them I wanted this resolved today. Finally they gave up with me pestering them and I will be getting a new Renogy Li 12V 100Ah Smart Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery from them in trade for the bad batteries I sent back.

I did my studies, posted APISOD... A poem, inspiration, or a story of the day.

 

Saturday 16- 77/45F a very beautiful day to be outside. I did my stretches, 100 crunches, core trainer, and took Cassie for a mile jog.

I did my evening workout with the 10lbs dumbbells, core trainer, and punched the heavy bag.

I took Cassie for her evening walk.

I did my late night stretches and worked out with the 15lbs dumbbells.

I did my studies, posted APISOD... A poem, inspiration, or a story of the day 

 

Sunday 17- 74/44F another nice day in the neighborhood. I did my stretches, 100 crunches, core trainer, hit the heavy bag, and took Cassie for a mile walk.

I spent two hours or more untangling wires I had collected over the years and a bunch of wires I had inherited from friends.

I did all of my studies and posted APISOD.

I started writing again late at night.

 

Monday 18- 71/43F nice day again. I did my stretches, 100 crunches, core trainer, punched the heavy bag, and took Cassie for a mile jog.

I did my evening workout with the 10lbs dumbbells, core trainer, and punched the heavy bag.

Kjtel dropped by and we sat in the lounge chairs and looked at the clouds blow in overhead. We took her dog Bodhi and Cassie for their evening walk.

I did my late night stretches and worked out with the 15lbs dumbbells.

I did my studies, posted APISOD... A poem, inspiration, or a story of the day 

 

Tuesday 19- 56/46F a bit of sprinkles. I did my stretches, 100 crunches, core trainer, punched the heavy bag, and took Cassie for a walk.

Mary Hellen and Steve dropped off 2 bags from the USDA food distribution. One for David and another for me that I gave to my guest, she really appreciated it because she just lost her food stamps. I thought it was nice and totally unexpected that they brought me a bag.  :)

 

Wednesday 20- 61/48 some rain here and there. I did my stretches, 100 crunches, core trainer, punched the heavy bag, and took Cassie for a 1.5 mile jog.

I did my evening workout with the 10lbs dumbbells, core trainer, and punched the heavy bag.

I did my late night stretches and worked out with the 15lbs dumbbells.

Checked my email and USPS had delivered a package to my mailbox on Lear Ave. I drove down there before anyone could steal it. It is a DC Water Heater Element 12 Volt 250 Watt for solar panels. I’ll be testing this out for a hot water heater.

I did my studies, posted APISOD... A poem, inspiration, or a story of the day 

 

Thursday 22- 68/43F a little cloudy but mostly sunny. I did my stretches, 100 crunches, core trainer, punched the heavy bag, and took Cassie for a walk.

I finally received the replacement 12V 100Ah Smart Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery for the two bad gel batteries I bought from Renogy. It took about four months to work things out with Renogy and a lot of my time on the phone with them.

I hooked up the DC Water Heater Element to my old 55watt panel I've had for over 35 years to test it out. It somewhat heated the quart of water I had it sitting in after two hours. I’m going to hook it up to two new 100watt panels to see how hot the water will get.

Stopped off at Dave’s on our walk and chatted with him for a spell.

I called my old friend Larry Carlock and we yammered on reminiscing of things and times gone past.

 

Friday 22- 64/39F with lots of wind and gusts up to 35mph. I did my stretches, 100 crunches, core trainer, punched the heavy bag, and took Cassie for a mile jog.

I worked on cleaning and organizing my pantry.

I did my evening workout with the 10lbs dumbbells, core trainer, and punched the heavy bag.

I did my late night stretches and worked out with the 15lbs dumbbells.

I did my studies, posted APISOD... A poem, inspiration, or a story of the day 

Late in the night in heavy winds the hummingbird nest fell out of the tree. I was out there in the cold trying my best to tie it back onto the tree branch with thread and clothespins.

 

Saturday 23- 54/39F with wind, dark clouds, and lots of showers later in the evening. I did my stretches, 100 crunches, core trainer, punched the heavy bag, and took Cassie for a walk.

I was relieved when I noticed the hummingbird had started a new nest using parts of the old one. 

Kjtel and Bodhi came by to pick up her packages, and have coffee and a short visit.

 

Sunday 24- 58/40F more rain and wind. I did my stretches, 100 crunches, core trainer, punched the heavy bag, and took Cassie for a mile jog.

I continued to work on cleaning and organizing my pantry. I am also making a space on the desk where I can work on arts and crafts... soldering electric parts, stuff like that.

I did my evening workout with the 10lbs dumbbells, core trainer, and punched the heavy bag.

I did my late night stretches and worked out with the 15lbs dumbbells.

I did my studies, posted APISOD... 

 

Monday 25- 47/35F rain really good; no leaks. I did my stretches, 100 crunches, core trainer, and punched the heavy bag. It’s too dang cold and windy to take Cassie for a mile jog.

Cassie caught a rat today! She’s a bit overweight and I've been trying not to feed her so much, so now she goes out and hunts.

I did my studies, posted APISOD... 

 

Tuesday 26- 54/37F cold wind. I did my stretches, 100 crunches, core trainer, punched the heavy bag, and took Cassie for a mile jog.

I did my evening workout with the 10lbs dumbbells, core trainer, and punched the heavy bag.

I did my late night stretches and worked out with the 15lbs dumbbells.

I did my studies, posted APISOD... 

 

Wednesday 27- 55/36F just plain old cold. I did my stretches, 100 crunches, core trainer, punched the heavy bag, and took Cassie for a mile jog.

I went to JT to see my friend Richard Soos.We exchanged our published books. It was so very nice to see my friend.

Kjtel and body came by for a visit and a walk.

 

Thursday 28- 64/39F cold and windy. I did my stretches, 100 crunches, core trainer, punched the heavy bag, and took Cassie for a mile jog.

I did my evening workout with the 10lbs dumbbells, core trainer, and punched the heavy bag. Took Cassie for a walk over to Dave’s.

I did my late night stretches and worked out with the 15lbs dumbbells.

I did my studies, posted APISOD... 

 

Friday 29- 56/35F very cold, windy, and overcast with a touch of rain here and there. I did my stretches and 100 crunches.

My Mini-split air conditioner arrived. Because of the wind I’ll check it out tomorrow.

 

Saturday 30- 59/37F sunny but still a chill in the air. I did my stretches, 100 crunches, core trainer, punched the heavy bag, and took Cassie for a mile jog.

I unpacked the Mini-split and everything was in order. I started reading the instructions. I will have to build an electrical box and install a double pole breaker to get 240AC to power the unit. This will take some time to get all the parts I need. 

I did my evening workout with the 10lbs dumbbells, core trainer, punched the heavy bag, and took Cassie for a nice long walk. 

I did my late night stretches and worked out with the 15lbs dumbbells.

I did my studies, posted APISOD... 

 

Sunday 31- 64/45F I did my evening workout with the 10lbs dumbbells, core trainer, punched the heavy bag, and took Cassie for a mile jog.

Called and yacked with my Brother for an hour or so.

 

**********

 

February 2021

 

************* Poems and stuff for February *************

 

I decided to suspend posting of my APISOD: “A Poem-Inspiration-Story Of the Day,” because of the effort I put in but getting so little response. I had done the post every night for two months. So, beginning on March 1 there won’t be anymore posting of APISOD. I still think it was a good idea, but the response wasn’t what I had hoped it would be. 

 

 

The meaning of life is not what you make of it but what you put into it...

~RD

 

I had a dream last night I was just starting college again. I was borrowing someone else’s Porsche, for whatever reason I’ll never know, and had parked it somewheres in the student parking lot. I went searching all over for the dang car. I found it the next morning when one of the students I supposedly knew said, “Nice Porsche you’re driving. Hey, you wanna go on an expedition with us. We do this every morning and start off by riding our bikes up that huge hill over there,” he said this as he pointed to a curvy mountain road, “then we stop to play a couple of innings of baseball. We finish up with a few laps in the school’s pool, then a nice hot shower before we go to our first class. Whattaya Say? You in?” For sure I was in but I didn’t have my bike with me and told him, “I’ll meet you on the baseball field!” Another friend and an upper classmate, I had just noticed tagging along with me in my dream, says, “Ain’t you a little old to be doing all that?” And to that, I replied, “I'm just an older student."

I then woke up from my dream. It was early morning so I went outside to workout on my weight bench, punch at the heavybag, and then I went for a mile jog. I felt refreshed in spirit and health after that dream.

~RD

 

 

 

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February 2021

 

Monday 01- 65/45F I did my stretches, 100 crunches, core trainer, punched the heavy bag, and took Cassie for a mile jog.

I did my evening workout with the 10lbs dumbbells, core trainer, punched the heavy bag, and took Cassie for a jog.

I did my late night stretches and worked out with the 15lbs dumbbells.

I did my studies, posted APISOD... 

 

Tuesday 02- 68/42FI did my stretches, 100 crunches, core trainer, punched the heavy bag, and took Cassie for a mile jog.

 

Wednesday 03- 72/44I did my stretches, 100 crunches, core trainer, punched the heavy bag, and took Cassie for a mile jog.

My guest and I went to town to do some shopping.

I did my evening workout with the 10lbs dumbbells, core trainer, punched the heavy bag, and took Cassie for a nice long walk.

I did my late night stretches and worked out with the 15lbs dumbbells.

I did my studies, posted APISOD... 

 

Thursday 04- 71/42F a nice sunny day. I did my stretches, 100 crunches, core trainer, punched the heavy bag, and took Cassie for a mile jog.

FedEx delivered my 12V 170AH LIFO battery I’ve been waiting on. 

Cleaned out the clothes closet; gotta go through them and give away what I won’t wear.

Did the poop patrol and scooped it all up.

I went outside in the cold and did a little stargazing with the new telescope and mount. 

I did all of my studies; astronomy, anatomy, and a few others. Posted APISOD.

 

Friday 05- 72/42F nice and sunny day. I did my stretches, 100 crunches, core trainer, punched the heavy bag, and took Cassie for a mile jog.

I did all my studies and posted APISOD.

I exercised with the 10lb weights, 100 crunches, core trainer, and beat on the heavy bag for a while.

Late at night I heard a clatter of noise outside in the patio near my bedroom window. Cassie heard it too and started barking. Someone called out, “Bob” really loud and I said, “Yes?” and quickly got up. No less than 30 seconds went by when I opened the front door to find no one there. I grabbed my flashlight and searched the property but to my surprise no one was around.

 

Saturday 06- 72/42F I did my stretches, 100 crunches, core trainer, punched the heavy bag, and took Cassie for a mile jog.

 

Sunday 07- 76/44F I did my stretches, 100 crunches, core trainer, punched the heavy bag, and took Cassie for a bike/run. My left heel has been giving me pain and so I’ll stop jogging for a short while until it feels better.

I exercised with the 10lb weights, core trainer, beat on the heavy bag for a while, and took Cassie for a walk.

Watched the Superbowl, and WOW what a game! That “old Man” Brady kicked some ass! “The National Football Conference champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the American Football Conference champion Kansas City Chiefs, 31–9.” I did my late night stretches and worked out with the 15lbs dumbbells.

I did my studies, posted APISOD... 

 

Monday 08- 72/45F I did my stretches, 100 crunches, core trainer, punched the heavy bag, and took Cassie for a walk.

Linda came by to dump her trash and jaw for a spell.

Kjtel and Bodhi came by with their trash for my dumpster and we sat and had coffee together.

 

Tuesday 09- 69/47F I did my stretches, 100 crunches, core trainer, punched the heavy bag, and took Cassie for a walk. My left heel is still giving me some pain.

I am trying to figure out a place to install the inside part to the mini-split.

I exercised with the 10lb weights, core trainer, beat on the heavy bag for a while, and took Cassie for a walk.

I did my late night stretches and worked out with the 15lbs dumbbells.

I did my studies, posted APISOD... 

 

Wednesday 10- 71/45F it turned out to be a nice day. I did my stretches, 100 crunches, core trainer, punched the heavy bag, and took Cassie for a walk.

My guest needed a ride to get her meds, so I gave her a ride down to her pharmacy, but first went to WalMart to purchase two 5 gallon tanks of propane. 

 

Thursday 11- 75/50F I did my stretches, 100 crunches, core trainer, punched the heavy bag, and took Cassie for a walk. 

I fixed the 2 stroke generator and now it runs great now.

 

Friday 12- 69/48 I did my stretches, 100 crunches, core trainer, punched the heavy bag, and took Cassie for a walk. 

 

Saturday 13- 65/46 with lots of wind! I did my stretches and 100 crunches.

 

Sunday 14- 63/41F with wind but not as bad as yesterday. I did my stretches, 100 crunches, core trainer, punched the heavy bag, and took Cassie for a walk.

I called and yapped with my Brother Kevin.

 

Monday 15- 68/51F no wind today. I did my stretches, 100 crunches, weight bench, core trainer, punched the heavy bag, and took Cassie for a walk.

I exercised with the 10lb weights, core trainer, beat on the heavy bag for a while, and took Cassie for a walk.

I did my late night stretches and worked out with the 15lbs dumbbells.

I did my studies, posted APISOD... 

 

Tuesday 16- 65/42/F another windy day. I did my stretches, 100 crunches, core trainer, punched the heavy bag, and took Cassie for a walk/jog; too windy to jog all the way.

I have too much junk holding me down and need to get rid of some of it. I started working on the Mini Cooper; going to try to get it running but either or I’m going to sell it. I’m also thinking of selling some of my computers on Ebay. 

I exercised with the 10lb weights, core trainer, beat on the heavy bag for a while, and took Cassie for a walk.

The DMV wants me to smog the truck but I thought I smogged it last year. I’m thinking of just putting it on non-op... $220 to register plus insurance is just too much to pay when I only use it once or twice a year to get materials at Home Depot. I can rent a truck when I need one. Maybe I’ll sell the truck too.

Selling my Harley Sportster... I gotta think real hard about selling that.

 

Wednesday 17- 61/33F a bit of wind. I did my stretches, 100 crunches, weight bench, core trainer, punched the heavy bag, and took Cassie for a walk.

Went to get the truck’s spare tire reseated. On the way I stopped at my mailbox and met Dan and Kay who also live on my street but have never met. I think they said they have been living here for 11 years. Found out Dan was in the Army in Germany when I was back in 1969. 

I did my late night stretches and worked out with the 15lbs dumbbells.

I did my studies, posted APISOD... 

 

Thursday 18- 61/37F a little cold breeze. I did my stretches, 100 crunches, weight bench, core trainer, punched the heavy bag, and took Cassie for a walk.

Watched the Mars landing of Perseverance... I was pinned to my computer screen focused on the landing and nail-biting through the whole process.

I went to get my truck smogged in Yucca Valley. Drove 30 miles to have the guy there tell me his equipment for my kind of vehicle was broken. I went to get back into the truck only to find my front right tire was flat. I put air into it and it was enough to get me to WalMart. The tire had to be replaced because the hole was in the sidewall.

 

Friday 19- 68/44F I did my stretches, 100 crunches, weight bench, core trainer, punched the heavy bag, and took Cassie for a walk.

I exercised with the 10lb weights, core trainer, beat on the heavy bag for a while, and took Cassie for a walk.

Found a smog certification place close by in Twentynine Palms and got truck smogged.

Kjtel and Bodie stopped by for a chat and a walk with me and Cassie.

I did my late night stretches and worked out with the 15lbs dumbbells.

I did my studies, posted APISOD... 

 

Saturday 20- 65/42F I did my stretches, 100 crunches, weight bench, core trainer, punched the heavy bag, and took Cassie for a walk.

I did my studies, posted APISOD... 

 

Sunday 21- 64/41F I did my stretches, 100 crunches, weight bench, core trainer, punched the heavy bag, and took Cassie for a walk.

I did my studies, posted APISOD... 

Linda came by to dump her trash in my dumpster. She had some problems with the electrical that I fixed her truck.

 

Monday 22- 69/42F I exercised with the 10lb weights, core trainer, beat on the heavy bag for a while, and took Cassie for a walk.

Kjtel came by to dump her trash in my dumpster and we sat down and jawed for a while.

 

Tuesday 23- 76/47F I did my stretches, 100 crunches, weight bench, core trainer, punched the heavy bag, and took Cassie for a walk.

I exercised with the 10lb weights, core trainer, beat on the heavy bag for a while, and took Cassie for a walk.

I did my late night stretches and worked out with the 15lbs dumbbells.

I did my studies, posted APISOD... 

 

Wednesday 24- 78/44F I did my stretches, 100 crunches, weight bench, core trainer, punched the heavy bag, and took Cassie for a walk.

I went to Home Depot to purchase some electrical components for the mini-split.

 

Thursday 25- 62/38F I did my stretches, 100 crunches, weight bench, core trainer, punched the heavy bag, and took Cassie for a walk.

I exercised with the 10lb weights, core trainer, beat on the heavy bag for a while, and took Cassie for a walk.

I did my late night stretches and worked out with the 15lbs dumbbells.

I did my studies, posted APISOD... 

 

Friday 26- 64/43  I did my stretches, 100 crunches, weight bench, core trainer, punched the heavy bag, and took Cassie for a mile jog.

Went to Twentynine Palms to pick up mail and do some shopping. 

 

Saturday 27- 66/40 windy. I did my stretches, 100 crunches, weight bench, core trainer, punched the heavy bag, and took Cassie for a mile jog.

I exercised with the 10lb weights, core trainer, beat on the heavy bag for a while, and took Cassie for a walk.

Almost poked my eyeball out with one of those spring loaded measuring tapes when I was measuring the cutout for the inside unit of the mini-split. Hurts really bad and now my vision is blurry in the left eye. 

I did my late night stretches and worked out with the 15lbs dumbbells.

I did my studies, posted APISOD... 

 

Sunday 28- 60/33F windy. I did my stretches, 100 crunches, weight bench, core trainer, punched the heavy bag, and took Cassie for a mile walk.

I decided to suspend posting of my APISOD: “A Poem-Inspiration-Story Of the Day,” because of the effort I put in but getting so little response. I had done the post every night for two months. So, beginning on March 1 there won’t be anymore posting of APISOD. I still think it was a good idea, but the response wasn’t what I had hoped it would be. 

I will focus my time and efforts towards something more positive and creative. I have a good start on a new book I’m writing and will be piecing together over the coming months. I am not going to be in a rush to get it done. The book is about a girl of 18 who gets invited to go on a day sail with a young man in his early ‘20s. Unfortunately, the young man falls overboard and the girl gets hit unconscious by the boom when coming out of the hatch after hearing his calls for help.