A Relaxing Day

Yesterday was a relaxing day as I went to Rotary for lunch. The speaker for the day was from the YMCA in Cranberry. We learned the history of the Y and also of the court battle between the Y and a local fitness club. The club complained that the expansion of the Y was illegal. The Y expanded their site and built a fitness room with exercise equipment etc. Although the Y has won several of the cases and appeals, there is still another appeal pending. If the Y should lose the case it would have ramifications for all Ys across the country.

After lunch I played 9 holes and enjoyed the afternoon while Dee went to get her hair cut and do some errands. I also put in an order for a new Cobra driver at the club. I had tested one out a week ago when the Cobra people were here for a demo. I liked it and the guy who helped me had me try various clubs until we settled on the one that seemed to give me the bests drives for my swing.

Once back home we took Bonz for a nice long walk and then had burgers on the grill on the deck. It was a lovely evening so we spent time on the deck reading until dark. AFterwards I filled out the adjunct faculty application online for Community College of Allegheny County.

Time with Ol' Friends

Yesterday we enjoyed a nice lunch with old friends. Bob and Vivian, and Ed and Lois - all are American Baptist pastors/spouses and retirees. It was great seeing them again. We had ministered together here in Pittsburgh in the early days. We compared notes about our current experiences in churches we visit; what it means to be in a church and have the "retired" status; the changing aspects of our denomination; what we're reading; and our families. It was a wonderful time around good food at Olive Garden at Robinson Town Center. We were there for two hours getting caught up.

Then, Dee and I visited other stores at that mall. The Dicks Sporting Goods store is two floors and humongous, the mall is very upscale. We also went to Ikea and The Golf Store. Dee went to a couple of others while I browsed. After we got home, Dee heard from the McGuinnes Sisters - a new store opening right near us (at the front of our housing plan.) They called to offer her a part-time job in their cafe. That store is kind of like a whole foods store, but not as big and is known for their high quality meats, veggies and cheeses. She's to start the first Saturday of September. The store opens on the 10th. I also heard from my contact at Coummunity College of Allegheny County regarding being an adjunct faculty there. She gave me contact info regarding the process of applying for such a position. I'll give it a try.

In the evening I went to quartet practice at the church. This was our first practice in preparation for Sept 7th. They wanted to try a couple of barbershop versions of religious songs. However, without a pianist to help, that was impossible. So we practiced some hymns from the hymnal. Since they were familiar, that worked out much better. We'll meet two more times, and settle on two songs for the early and late services. After practicing, we talked about the church - some about it's history, and also about my current experiences as a new person there and a visitor. We talked about their classes, the worship and their hopes. It was a good conversation. Then back at home Dee and I watched one of the shows we'd recorded.

Rub-a-dub-dub - We've fixed the hot tub

Yesterday we had the hot tub guy return to repair the heater and pump. It only took him about an hour and then I began refilling the tub with water. He'd indicated I should wait about 24 hours before turning it back on. It took a couple of hours to fill the tub with water.

Then Dee and I went to Home Depot where we'd seen two park benches for sale. When we got there one was gone and the other wasn't very sturdy. We were disappointed because we wanted to get on for my mom and the other for our front porch. Maybe we'll see some before the summer is over.

This afternoon we spent on the deck reading and enjoying the nice weather. My book on the 11 relationships every person should have in their life is good reading. The first 3 "indispensable" relationships you can't be without were based on characteristics of Biblical persons: Nathan - an editor (i.e. someone who speaks the truth to you in love, who is willing to poke their finger in your face when necessary, a welcome intruder.); Jonathan - i.e. a true friend); and Jethro - a butt-kicker (i.e. someone who motivates you to get moving on your mission.)

Dee had made a delicious meatloaf for dinner. Shortly after that I went to Bogmeister practice and then to Ol' Uncle Bob's for cookies and milk. There was another new person at practice and he's a tenor! We need tenors. He said he saw the sign on Rochester Road which is where I had arranged to have it placed. Good spot. Also the new bass that was there last week came back again. Hopefully both fellows will stay with it and join the chorus.

A Quiet Day

Sunday we went to worship at the Presbyterian Church. It was a good service. The pastor talked about "fear" and the importance of faith to overcome fear. It was the story of Peter walking on the water. The special music was a gal who played the guitar and sang. She was good, but Dee and I couldn't understand the words of the songs. Having them printed in the bulletin would have helped a great deal. Also, I was given another lead regarding teaching at the community college level. I plan t follow that up as well.

We stopped at Eat'N Park for a nice lunch and then we went and picked out a picture for our living room. It looks like it's a "keeper". Then when we got home, I took Bonz for a long walk for about an hour. The weather was just great. The did him and me good. While we walked Dee decided to polish the hardwood floors. They look nice.

We enjoyed reading on the deck for a while. Later I talked on the phone with my mother about her going to have blood work done on Monday in preparation for the Dr. visit on Thursday. She said she's running out of meds and needs to have them refilled. In the evening I talked with my sister who just got back to Chicago. She'd spent a day with our mom en route. She gave me some pointers for when I go to mom's on Thursday. Afterward Dee and I watched "The Bucket List" with Morgan Freeman. A good story but sad.

All in all a quiet day.

Turtles and Parties

Yesterday we enjoyed a nice breakfast at "First Watch" compliments of Kerri's coupon. The place was really busy, but they have coffee for people waiting to be seated, newspapers to read, and nice chairs outside. There was a cool breeze that made the wait all the more enjoyable....

After breakfast I dropped Dee off at the house and I went to work at Treesdale. I had the noon shift which consisted entirely of rangering (no starter responsibilities). So I rode the golf cart, greeted folks and enjoyed a lovely 72 degree day with a breeze for a few house. It's amazing there were so few people at the course on such a nice day. The other rangers were off at 2 PM so I was a "long ranger" for about 4 hours. Here's a pic of a very large tutle I saw on my rounds

When I got home, Dee and I went to the neighbor's house for a birthday party for him. They had a large 20x20 tent up in the back yerd. The party had a DJ and a Mexican theme. We saw several of our neighbors there and got to know them better. That made it especially nice. We had some good conversations with them and Dee learned that one couple lived not far from where she grew up and knew several of the people that she knew (small world). The food was catered and all the food was authentic from Patrone's. A new Mexican (or Equadorian) restaurant on route 19. Here is a photo of John with his mother and his three daughters.

Other photos from the party...