Happy Halloween. My costume is medical scrubs. Thanks to Scrubs & Beyond I was able to secure this costume for under $40 and they are quite comfortable. Photos soon. My students are feasting on the free candy. Sour Skittles & Twix are popular with my Intro students this year.
"...if it wasn't for bad luck, I would not have any luck at all..."
Neale slept late but promised me her flu shot was not making her sick. I have never had a flu shot and I have not had the flu in years. Sure, I have trouble sleeping some nights and the occasional upset stomach. But, the flu misses me despite working in a classroom.
I decided on my Halloween costume and Neale is foregoing a costume this year. Her office failed to organize a party as well. "Static Cling" will not make a return appearance.
"...found a woman who's soft but she's also hard
While I slept she nailed down my heart
Let's put it to bed let's put it down
I can't talk about it not right now..."
Neale was hungry and my desire to cook was fulfilled. For her, I did a chicken with orange dipping sauce, vegetables (baby corn, water chestnuts, & bamboo shoots) in a peanut sauce, and coconut rice. This afternoon I watched "America's Test Kitchen" and they were examining corn bread. We tend to go with savory rather than sweet in our home. Neale likes the cornbread I make, which is Alton Brown's book recipe which is different than this one. AB's book recipe does not use creamed corn but uses a cast iron skillet (my hefty Lodge 12").
I had my EDUC class this morning and my performance review. Both went great. I had to be home in the afternoon for the inspector. We passed. The bathroom is done.
I already had dinner and Neale was hungry for soup so I made the standby potato leek with a slight variation.
We went for a walk and it was time to wear the reflective safety vest. Neale avoids sidewalks and people park in the streets so being highly visible is a good choice. However, one evening during a power outage, I was asked when power would be returned and the person quickly realized I was not a Ameren UE lineman.
It is very difficult to find any happiness in the Phillies winning. I really don't want to see "Welcome World Champion Phillies" on the Citi Park big screen.
We received a call from our Toyota dealership that we had finally moved to the top of the waiting list for a 2009 Prius. I was interested in a touring package but after further consideration the standard with options is just as nice. The salesman stated the standard model handles better as the suspension is not tuned like the touring. The other two differences are the wheel size (16" to 15") and the headlights. The vehicle is on the way and we will find the money for sales tax.
Since I sold a few books at work, I had extra cash on hand that was used to finance our first trip to Lumiere Place. I really don't find too much thrill or excitement in gambling but I can tolerate small doses. Plus, some casinos in the area are rather crowded and smoky. Yet, I am curious and have nothing against people that gamble responsibly. We played the slots which was is not surprising and we gave roulette a try. Roulette was short lived since it was $10 table. I felt and used poker chips for the first time. They are heavier than I expected. I won twice (betting on black and one time picking the number range). Next time, we will give craps a try. Overall, dinner at cielo was very good. But, we felt Niche was a better overall experience. I selected a 2001 Chateau Gloria for our table and it was quite good. Plus, we walked out of the casino with more money than when we came in.
I made blueberry muffins for breakfast and noticed it was time to clean the stove. Neale went to Anna's soccer game and brought home Chipotle for dinner.
I surprised myself by doing my wah mod right the first time. I have a Dunlop CryBaby GCB-95 and I wanted to change some of its tone. I had been delaying the project and still have to replace a light on my compressor pedal. Plus, I need to open my Strat again.
I am making a leftover & cheese quiche this morning. The crust (New Basic) is blind baking right now. Ellis recovered a marble-sized lump of dough. His persistence was rewarded again.
Last night, we ordered Imo's and watched "No Country For Old Men". As I was watching the film, it was like I was watching for the first time.
While making quiche, I am watching "9/11 Conspiracies: Fact or Fiction". It is hard to watch the shoddy, Internet-based research that "theorists" pass as truth and circulate using obscure radio shows or websites. As a teacher, it reminds how much more work we have to do. As a guy with a website, I won't waste your time with such nonsense. This is nothing more than space to exhibit the unremarkable nature of our ordinary lives.
Yes, you saw "McCain + Palin = Pucke'em". Please disregard any STL sports radio that comes after the clip. Our sports radio is worse than most especially since we only have three minor market teams to discuss at anytime.
"...Give me ambiguity or give me something else..."
It has been four years since Lars Hoffman passed away. While listening to Sirius this morning, I heard Someone Great and I understood the lyrics for the first time. It made an impression.
The final pictures from the basement bath project are posted on the photo page (HERE).
Oktoberfest was a great time and the photos are posted (HERE). I probably enjoyed this year's party the most in the four years we have been organizing the event. However, I was cleaning and setting up from 9AM to 5PM, which I can't do again. I should split the task into two days of work. The food was received well. We purchased ribs and brisket from Pappy's Smokehouse, which was reviewed as Best of STL in the RFT.
I have given up reusing (& buying for the most part) plastic bottles. I have invested in a Sigg bottle.
"...you can't buy love but you can pay dearly for it..."
It has been too long since our last post. On Monday, Death Cab for Cutie was in town and it was a very good show. If I was a huge fan of them, I would have been very impressed given their obvious talent. I think the Fleet Foxes did a get job and they harmonize beautifully. Before the show, we went to Basil Spice and it was yet another great Thai place on Grand.
I was up late on Monday so I did not attend my Tuesday class. One was already canceled for a group work day but I did call off my afternoon class. I have not used too many personal or sick days during my time here. I will not make it a habit. I just like giving my classes more notice than day of since gas is so expensive for the students.
Neale had Monday off due to Columbus and she has work at home so Tuesday was a day she used this week.
I made the best of my time on Tuesday as I painted the following: basement hallway (freshening coat), the basement bath door, final gray blue in the basement bath, and the door jam of the main door since the new screen door changed the trim. After all that, we went for a walk, I worked out, and made butternut squash soup for dinner.
Today, I showed the film "The Band's Visit" as part of the Diversity film series. It was well received. I also did an interview for the school paper regarding race relations. It should be in the next issue.
I have class tonight otherwise I would be watching the debate. Local Fox is not running it due to baseball. They are running a web cast.
I slept to 11 and Neale did not sleep at all as she was up during the night. But, the experience went well and she out to the Original Pancake House for breakfast. No black pudding was consumed.
When she arrived home, I had not started my coffee yet. We did go for a walk on the Grant's Trail bike path and stopped at the Global Market for leeks. They did not have cheese curds. I was making a potato garlic leek soup for dinner. Neale stated it was the third best soup I make. The cheese soup (what's all the cheese for?!@?!!?!), the regular potato leek soup, and the potato garlic leek are the leaders so far.
Ellis and I worked in the backyard. I finished the growing project for the year by removing the plants. The tomatoes are still not where I expect but next year I will change the following: 1) soil mixed with compost and sand 2) deeper roots.
I caulked the bathroom vent this morning. Silicone sealant really needs to consider an odor enhancer.
After cleaning the house, I made my veg English breakfast and we picked up Debbie's new patio furniture at Ace on Manchester. The trip to her home was longer than expected as we tried to find a traffic light instead of turning left across Manchester during midday. Debbie was happy to see her new furniture and it looked good on her newly carpeted (dangerous) front porch.
I roasted more coffee this morning and I lowered the temp to 450F. It turned out more even. I have been using El Salvador Cerro las Ranas and has been very good.
We came home and walked. Neale invented a new term 'MAN shirt'. Later, a neighbor on the walk needed a man shirt as he stared towards the sun. It was toasty at 85 degrees.
She headed over to Britt's house to babysit overnight and I painted the basement bath. I also touched up the pantry door and front door trim since the new screen door changed the space.
Currently, I am watching "Strangers with Candy" episodes, making habanero bar b que sauce, and enjoying a pleasant evening.
"...Farewell the ashtray girl
Forbidden snowflake
Beware this troubled world
Watch out for earthquakes
Goodbye to open sores
To broken semaphores
you know we miss her
we miss her picture..."
We added the mirror and toilet paper holder to the bathroom on Tuesday. I also finished caulking and sunk the finish nails from Ismael's air gun. Last night, Neale added more decorations, such as the Kleenex holder, soap dispenser, and painting for the wall. There were small shelves but they were too wide. This weekend I am finishing detail/touch up painting and the bathroom door.
We still have the air on in the house to control the humidity and we lost cool air over the weekend. It turns out the electrician forgot to reset the breaker.
I have videos and pictures of Ellis to add as his birthday was yesterday. However, Wednesdays are my long days so I did not have time to add materials to our space. Ellis still has a lot of puppy in him and Neale said "I keep him young" by playing with him as much as I do.
"...The fix is in
The odds that I got were delicious..."
Neale saw "Burn After Reading" this afternoon. I mowed the lawn, worked out and played with Ellis. I made a good stir fry using aging leeks and a steamed spaghetti squash for dinner.
Thanks to Sirius "Radio Classics" I have been enjoying "Inner Sanctum Mysteries". I also have been buying more Lipton Tea as a result.
If you know why Firefox is no longer spell checking, please email. I will respond in kind.
"...Dark star, I see you in the morning,
Dark star, a' sleeping next to me.
Dark star, let the memory of the evening
Be the first thing that you think of
When you open up your smile and see me, dark star...."
On Friday, I had two old fillings replaced. First, my dentist does not "charge" for Novocaine and he used enough to keep me numb for 2.5 hours. Second, the company 3M is in the dental business and I now own some in my mouth. Third, my dentist said "you may want to close your eyes...sometimes the old filling pieces fly out". Later in the evening, I did find a piece of metal on my tongue. Overall, it was a good experience. Afterwards, I went to Friar Tuck's for Neale's cider and a fellow customer was being very rude to his kids. It was not pleasant to watch. I hope he enjoyed his Heineken.
Saturday morning we went for a walk and headed to Augusta's wine country for the Augusta Bottoms Beer Festival. The beer was a variety of homebrew and a few major companies (Mick & Schlafly). It was nice to enjoy a homebrew that was not my own and that my beers actually taste similar to what I was served. Ellis enjoyed the people and welcomed visitors. He did not mind when strange children wanted to give him a hug. I tried to have him meet a goat but the goat was not interested. Later, we finished "Iron Man" and watched Neale's dark Disney favorite "The Watcher in the Woods".
Today, we slept late and ventured out to the Botanical Garden's "Best of Missouri", spent some cash at the Historic Shaw Art Fair, walked through a $600K open house, and found my Mother's birthday gift at the Garden. We also visited the Bug Store (bathroom mirror) and Gringo Jones. For dinner, I made an rosee sauce for pasta and an indulgent garlic bread (I was not counting calories).
With the party coming up, we stocked up on liquor at the Jefferson store.
We are preparing for our 4th Annual Oktoberfest. Please RSVP if you would like stop by.
Neale had a hearing yesterday and she said it went well. I saw her for a total of 30 mins. yesterday as I get home at 10PM and need to sleep. She has received praise for the newsletter and will be giving a speech tomorrow at a local college. Yesterday, I did another diversity event on campus. It was our 2nd annual "Banned Books" event. The staff/faculty member that does the actual speech is quite good. Our focus book was "The Golden Compass" series and the issues surrounding the book.
Tonight, Ismael and I are installing the vents.
It is a great fall day here and we are planning on watching Tina Fey and Joe Biden debate this evening, which is at Wash U., a local Saint Louis landmark.
Since our lunch sandwiches from Mom's Deli were filling, we only had interest in something sweet. I went to Schnuck's for pumpkin puree in order to make pumpkin bread. This inspired me but I am making a version of that at another time with different flavors (banana?).
Taste of Saint Louis was not great but we support and respect that Saint Louis is trying to draw people downtown. I had another veggie dog from Robust (no onions & peppers available this time) and Neale had a gyro. There was a cooking demonstration from Panera (i.e Saint Louis Bread Co.) where we sample one dish. The cater waiter could not tell us what it was. Neale considered seeing Everclear (note: really?) but they came on at 10. I took the train downtown to meet her and it was a good trip. I saw her office since the redecoration and it looks great.
Yesterday, Ismael arrived around 10 and we started on the basement bath. The sink, toilet, and trim were installed. The pipes for the sink became a series of errors as we needed to get from a 2 inch sink drain pipe to a 1 inch drain pipe on our new sink. The guy at Home Depot sold Neale the wrong pipe, Ismael and I got the wrong pipe at Lowe's, and I needed two trips to Ace as an S-drain is not a P-drain. In the end, the sink drains great. Neale changed her mind about the sink faucet and a smaller American Standard faucet caused the drain stop pull to bump the back stop of the sink. We were able to overcome that issue by moving the faucet forward. The toilet lid arrived warped so we are replacing that this week. However, we did accomplish many tasks on the project after 6 hours. All that is left in venting the fan, installing a mirror, and hanging the toilet paper dispenser. Then, we will decorate the room and have our electrician finish the lighting.
I tried yet another biscuit recipe this morning. Still not a keeper.
~ 05:36 PM ~
"...shake and bake..."
Yes, there is video of the West African dance event from last Wednesday. I participated in the event briefly as some of my students thought it was a good idea. Luckily, I am in the far right corner and my "dancing" is obscured. I was wearing a grey shirt and there are pictures here as well. A fellow faculty member took the personal photos. The college and local news picked up the event in their coverage. I helped organize it with other faculty members.
I love my caffeine from coffee and tea but I have successfully eliminated corn syrup from my diet. I roasted a new batch of beans this morning.
The new front door screen door looks very good. Neale is happy.
The bathroom was rescheduled for Saturday.
We went for a walk and a kid was shocked to see Ellis. As we passed, he was exiting his car with his brother and father for hockey practice. The dad was removing a bag from the back seat and the kid wanted his dad to see a "baby fox" on a leash. Even Ellis realizes he is too big to be a baby fox but did not mind the compliment.
Neko Case did a great show last night. Neale was impressed. Giant Sand did a very good set as well.
The bathroom is on for tonight. Currently, our new screen door is being installed.
This morning I was driving across the Missouri bridge and I saw something ahead. The dump truck next to me started to slow as well and we both realized there was something was the road. A dog (a beagle) was crossing the road. We honked and the dog went back to the other side. However, I could not stop. An SUV behind me did stop and probably picked up the dog. It tears me up that I could not stop but I have an 8AM class with 20 people expecting me there. An 8AM class is only worse if you make it there and not find a teacher to run the event. I really hope the dog finds its owner or a healthy place that keeps the dog off the highway, especially since that part of Hwy 367 gets foggy and people have room to move.
We went for a ride this morning. It was perfect weather for a ride. Neale asked to stop at the bead shop in Creve Coeur after the ride. Then, we went to Home Depot for baseboard since he 'peel and stick' baseboard did not work yesterday. With adhesive, the baseboard would still not stick. Finally, we came home to drop off the baseboard and had a late lunch at Mom's Deli. I found a dollar at Mom's near the counter and Neale had a wallet left near he seat while we ate on their patio.
Neale went for a tan and I cleaned up the backyard. Beer cheese soup sounded good for dinner so we went to Shop n' Save for ingredients. Normally, I do not shop there but it was better than I remembered. I found a great smoked Gruyère for the soup. While checking out the checker asked me 'what's all the cheese for?' and I told her 'cheese soup', which she did not believe could be made. So, she asked me the recipe and I was unsure from memory, which caused her to believe I was not really making cheese soup. I was able to remember recipe and she was convinced. I do not think she is making it anytime soon.
Yesterday, we worked on the bathroom and have the floor installed. The painting is done except for the door, which Neale decided late last week she wanted that done. Ismael is coming back this week and we will finish the room. Today, I painted the baseboard we bought and the trim for the door.
Jazz Fest was fun. We plan to make it a regular event.
I painted the bathroom and finished my workout. Neale came home and Crystal joined her. They are outside right now. It is a great night. After a day of work, painting, and working out, I need some time for me.
It is a great day here. Neale is going to a happy hour after work. They chose a place with a patio for the nice weather we are having today. I am painting the bathroom. The color is different than the basement walls but the color works well in the space.
Neale is still beading and she will need a space for that in the new house. The dining room is not the best space.
Tomorrow, Ismael and I are working on the bathroom (trim, floor leveling, and venting the ceiling/exhaust fan) and we will enjoy the Webster Jazz fest with his family. More of Neale's friends from work will also be there with their families. We will bring Ellis for part of time. Ellis' birthday is coming up.
Neale applied the second coat of prime to the basement bath walls. I sanded a few spots and did the first coat last night. It takes about an hour to paint the space. Tomorrow, I am applying the first coat of wall paint. Over the weekend, we may work on the door trim and the floor leveling. Overall, the project is almost done.
Tonight, I have my night class. I ordered dinner from Jimmy John's subs as I did Subway the last two weeks on Wednesdays. Their delivery was fast and I tipped well. The person that took my order was a former student and yes, she did do well in our class. Very good sub but it is not for everyday meals.
The rains were constant this morning. I awoke to KWMU reporting the rains are "torrential", which was a new one for me. One pepper planter was overturned and it was recovered. The green pepper plants are doing well and I should have harvested one for my chili on Friday. The chili was made to use hot peppers I harvested and I had not had a bowl of red in months. I plan on attempting a green chili next.
Neale slept late and when she did join the day, we went to First Watch for brunch. Straub's had milk and an ice cream we had not seen before today. It is a wine ice cream and it comes in many flavors. We chose port. I was not carded but it a controlled substance.
I called my parents to check on holiday and help plan our vacation during the winter. We are visiting Las Vegas, the Hoover Dam, Grand Crayon, and Sedona. Our plans are developing nicely. In our second trip to Vegas, we actually have money to spend and enjoy losing. The first time we went to Vegas I just accepted the job at Lewis and Clark. We should probably try something besides nickel slots.
The new porch light was hung, the yard cleaned as the rains passed, and Ellis chased the tennis ball around the yard. A pile of drywall sandpaper is calling me.
I watched "Dominick and Eugene" again this morning. Very good film.
Despite the forecast for rain, the storms have missed the STL area. I can't say the same for rainy Chicagoland as I watch the radar at the National Weather Service. We went for a ride, Neale walked as the lake area was too windy, had lunch at Chipotle, and shopped at the Hobby Lobby. We had never been to one but since she is enjoying her jewelry making, we were curious what they had for sale. There is a lot for sale in a Hobby Lobby.
I needed an oil change and the yards needed mowing. So far, no rain here.
Neale was thirsty for a tropical drink so I stopped at Friar Tuck's for supplies. She has developed a new drink to reflect our weather...the Hurricane Ike. "...I just can't stop with those tropical drinks, they go down so smoothly..."
The tropical drinks may make the Ohio State game easier to watch. Go Bucks but I am glad I am not a betting man.
Neale stayed home from work today. Her illness got the best of her. She did call our doctor and it could be an allergy. She has had a nasty cough in the evening.
I am on campus late as I am speaking at the board of trustees meeting about our diversity events. It will be brief. I went to move my car from our alternative lot and there was a baseball scrimmage game. I watched about an hour. I miss wood bats.
Neale is walking with Ellis as it is a beautiful fall-like afternoon.
This is my first day with my Microsoft Ergo keyboard. It feels great but there is a period of adjustment.
Jilly's is doing well and they sent a coupon for a free cupcake with purchase of a meal.
Why do people write down their comments to the Marketplace comment line? Speak from the heart folks.
On Friday, we went to Schlafly's Art Outside. The food was better at the Bottleworks as they changed their menu since our last visit, added a blackberry cider to the draft selections, and Neale bought a piece from one of her favorite artists. Yesterday, we worked on the basement bathroom and went to the Saint Louis Art Fair in Clayton. We went later in the day than we have in the past and the crowd was lively for a beautiful September evening. The food was different than past years and we still cannot afford most of the art. I will remember one person due to a moment of creepy dancing.
The NFL is back and I am happy. The Rams are striving for .500 and the Bears have similar hopes.
Neale is at lunch with Jack, her grandfather.
Today, we are heading to a dog swim.
Latest photos of the bathroom project are up. We drywalled last weekend and mudded yesterday. The floor was patched successfully on Friday. Ismael is coming by on Monday to add another coat of mud and I will sand on Tuesday. Next weekend, he is busy so I hope to be painting while he is working on another project.
The plumbers are coming this morning to seal the hole in the floor. They also will take a look at the drain. Tomorrow, Ismael and I are mudding and taping the basement half bathroom.
Neale's jewelry class went really well. She has already made a bracelet that she likes and it matches a necklace she purchased while visiting DC.
This weekend we have the Schlafly Art Outside event, the annual Clayton Art Fair, and a dog swim to attend. This year I may spend more time in the water than Ellis....again.
"...Q: What is chaos? A: We do not comment on national economics..."
Last Thursday, I learned a harsh lesson. My cell phone does not have a chance against water. It was early and I was using as a back up alarm. It slipped from my hand and got wet. It is dead. There is a small chance it could dry out but I have switched to T-Mobile Go phone for 6 months. We could not add a phone during a contract year. In February, I can get a new phone. However, the T-Mobile phone is rather nice for a Go phone. I favored the Samsung though.
It was warm today and humid as we are expecting storms. We walked late.
Neale is off visiting Debbie and our niece & nephews. She is sharing news from her time in DC and passing on gifts. Yesterday, Ismael and I drywalled the bathroom. It only took two hours and I spent another 2 hours removing the old tile, which was the hard part. The tile came up in small pieces using my Mule tool (its like a large putty knife) and a chisel. Of course, I have a scrape and blister to show for it. The concrete is coming on Friday and we have scheduled an appointment.
I am taking it easy today but the grass does need to be mowed. I found that the Sci-Fi channel is running a Star Trek: The Next Generation marathon and between checking the news on the Hurricane, I am informed and entertained.
I tried Samichlaus while watching "Smart People" with Neale last night. It was unique and quite good. One is really enough though. Neale tried Samuel Smith's organic cider. It will not replace Woodchuck as her regular cider.
