Saturday I had to go meet Frankie someplace I had never been before. I missed the train but Google said there was a way around it. The whole trip took twice as long as imagined.
But on the way back, I realized that there was a very easy way to have done this. Easier than the train and free because I have a T pass. I also got a good sense of the place from walking all around.
So you know what this means, right?
I'll never have reason to go there again.
Sunday, December 02, 2012
USS Constitution Christmas Tree Lighting
I was down in the Charlestown Navy Yard for Old Ironsides Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Santa visited and with the help of one lucky child flipped the switch to illuminate a tree donated by Mahoney's and decorated by loads of children.
Boy Scout Troop #511 of Burlington,MA were aboard to participate and help out.
Directly after evening colors, Santa came aboard to the cheers of everyone present. After the tree was lit there were cookies and cocoa for everyone.
I was hanging with my friend Tom who is one of the 1812 Marines. Here we are in front of the goat locker!
Boy Scout Troop #511 of Burlington,MA were aboard to participate and help out.
Directly after evening colors, Santa came aboard to the cheers of everyone present. After the tree was lit there were cookies and cocoa for everyone.
I was hanging with my friend Tom who is one of the 1812 Marines. Here we are in front of the goat locker!
You can see more pics of the event on USS Constitution's Facebook page.
Saturday, December 01, 2012
Sometimes Being Polite Is Overrated
A young woman was attacked in Charlestown last Saturday evening coming from the Community College T Station.
Here story is printed in the Charlestown Patch.
First let me be clear, this woman is a victim who did nothing wrong and the only one to blame is her attacker.
But let's look at this incident and try to put together some "Lessons Learned"
The part that really struck me about "Michaela"s story was when she said she knew as the man approached her that something was wrong. Many security specialists will tell you that victims, particularly women often feel something is wrong, but don't act. It's largely attributed to how women are raised to be more compliant than men. They are expected to go along, be polite, don't kick up a fuss. No one wants to be embarrassed. Even when something primal inside us says "RUN".
I would suggest all women read Gavin de becker's "The Gift of Fear" it's ages old, but still relevant.
I want to say to all women in Charlestown think about this now and decide that when your creep radar goes off you will act. Turn back to the place where you saw people. Don't stop when someone asks for the time, a dollar or directions. Not when you are alone at night.
When you leave the well-lit and populated T station, zip your phone in your pocket or bag; take your ear buds out of your ears; pull your bag tighter; walk near the curb & be ready to step out into traffic to get attention; watch your shadow for people behind you. Look behind you, it's not paranoia, it's situational awareness. Walk purposefully. Don't walk with your head down. Avoid isolated, dark shortcuts.
If you are worried about appearing rude, who cares? What? Is this stranger going to take you off his Christmas card list. Your safety is paramount.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Dennis Lehane at the BPL
Last night I went to the Boston Public Library for an installment of their author series in the Rabb Hall. The featured speaker was Dennis Lehane one of my favorite authors. It was his last stop on his book tour to promote "Live By Night"
Lehane wrote "Mystic River", a book that put into words all the things I ever knew to be true about living in Charlestown; how I feel about being in/from Boston; how I love and treasure Boston. I've recommended or given this book to others who are of The City.
So of course, I had to go back and read everything he had ever written. It was good, but nothing touched me like "Mystic River". Then when I was in Dubai in August of 2003, one of the books I brought was "Shutter Island". Wow!
"Live By Night" takes up another Coughlin brother's story a few years after "The Given Day", which was an amazing book. I read the first 136 pages between having it signed at 7:30 last night to when I finally forced myself to put it down and o to sleep. I've intentionally left it in my 3rd floor bedroom so I could get stuff done today. But tomorrow, I'll read all day!
Lehane's presentation last night had everyone chuckling. it comes through so clearly how he loves Boston and of course that endears him to me all the more. On a funny note, he loves Ybor City, a historic neighborhood in Tampa. And of course, that's a place I spent a lot of time when I was visiting Tom (formerly known as the Favorite Naval Consort) .
Yes, I know, I am talking while they took the picture. Oh well.
Lehane wrote "Mystic River", a book that put into words all the things I ever knew to be true about living in Charlestown; how I feel about being in/from Boston; how I love and treasure Boston. I've recommended or given this book to others who are of The City.
So of course, I had to go back and read everything he had ever written. It was good, but nothing touched me like "Mystic River". Then when I was in Dubai in August of 2003, one of the books I brought was "Shutter Island". Wow!
"Live By Night" takes up another Coughlin brother's story a few years after "The Given Day", which was an amazing book. I read the first 136 pages between having it signed at 7:30 last night to when I finally forced myself to put it down and o to sleep. I've intentionally left it in my 3rd floor bedroom so I could get stuff done today. But tomorrow, I'll read all day!
Lehane's presentation last night had everyone chuckling. it comes through so clearly how he loves Boston and of course that endears him to me all the more. On a funny note, he loves Ybor City, a historic neighborhood in Tampa. And of course, that's a place I spent a lot of time when I was visiting Tom (formerly known as the Favorite Naval Consort) .
Happy Birthday, Taco!
Do you read The Sandgram? You should! It's written by my pal, "Taco" Bell. and today's is Taco's birthday. Well, all his friends can't be with him.....but we can show we're thinking of him.
How far will I go? Well, look at this pic.
That's right, I went over to the People's Republic of Cambridge!
You know lots of things are relative. i remember having a discussion with some people about the word "Yankee". To a non-Ameican, a Yankee is an American. To a Southerner, it's someone north of the Mason-Dixon. To Northerners it's a New Englander. To a New Englander, it's a DownEasterner And to that Maine-iac.....it's a guy who lives down a dirt road with an outhouse.
So plenty of people think Massachusetts is a crazy liberal place, but other people who live here want you to know it's Boston. But let me tell you from right here dead center, five blocks from the Bunker Hill Monument.......Cambridge makes us all shake our heads.
But for Taco's birthday.....besides, it was a good stretch of the leg!
How far will I go? Well, look at this pic.
That's right, I went over to the People's Republic of Cambridge!
You know lots of things are relative. i remember having a discussion with some people about the word "Yankee". To a non-Ameican, a Yankee is an American. To a Southerner, it's someone north of the Mason-Dixon. To Northerners it's a New Englander. To a New Englander, it's a DownEasterner And to that Maine-iac.....it's a guy who lives down a dirt road with an outhouse.
So plenty of people think Massachusetts is a crazy liberal place, but other people who live here want you to know it's Boston. But let me tell you from right here dead center, five blocks from the Bunker Hill Monument.......Cambridge makes us all shake our heads.
But for Taco's birthday.....besides, it was a good stretch of the leg!
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Friday, November 16, 2012
Allen West recount results only partial
Holy crap! I was an appointed election worker in Massachusetts and this is ridiculous. I have been involved with several recounts and it's not that hard to do. Those officials are obligated to answer to the public.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Wolverines!
****Update after the movie****
It was totally effing awesome!!!!!!! Go see it. Better than the original.
Tonight I have passes for a sneak preview of "Red Dawn". Are you jealous?
It was totally effing awesome!!!!!!! Go see it. Better than the original.
Tonight I have passes for a sneak preview of "Red Dawn". Are you jealous?
Friday, November 09, 2012
No, It Wasn't The Revolver In The Library...
It was a Milkdud in the movie theater!
There I was in the director's hall of the Loew's theater watching "SkyFall". Thinking Daniel Craig is nearly as sexy as Sean Connery when.........a Milkdud took out my crown.
So depressing. I had perfect teeth before cancer. All kinds of people write in my myeloma email group about the problems chemo causes with their teeth. I've broken four teeth and now lost a crown.
Well at least it's something to think about besides General Petraeus.
There I was in the director's hall of the Loew's theater watching "SkyFall". Thinking Daniel Craig is nearly as sexy as Sean Connery when.........a Milkdud took out my crown.
So depressing. I had perfect teeth before cancer. All kinds of people write in my myeloma email group about the problems chemo causes with their teeth. I've broken four teeth and now lost a crown.
Well at least it's something to think about besides General Petraeus.
Sunday, November 04, 2012
I Believe....
.....that if John McCain had been elected instead of Barack Obama #Benghazi would not be on everyone's lips.
I believe that you wouldn't know the names Christopher Stevens and Sean Smith unless you were a policy wonk or political geek like me.
I believe that you wouldn't know that names Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods because they would be quietly working their mission for the CIA.
Because if John McCain were president, those men would be alive.
Now many will say "That's ridiculous Maggie! You can't know."
But I do. And if you are honest, you do too.
That's what really riles me. It didn't have to happen.
I believe that you wouldn't know the names Christopher Stevens and Sean Smith unless you were a policy wonk or political geek like me.
I believe that you wouldn't know that names Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods because they would be quietly working their mission for the CIA.
Because if John McCain were president, those men would be alive.
Now many will say "That's ridiculous Maggie! You can't know."
But I do. And if you are honest, you do too.
That's what really riles me. It didn't have to happen.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Tomorrow At Old South Meeting House
The Old South Meeting House hosts "Middays Talk" that address a particular topic over the course of a given month. November is going to address "The War of 1812", so you know I'm in!
Tomorrow, Thursday, November 1st at 12:15pm, I'll be front and center for the 1st in the series.
The War of 1812 nearly destroyed the United States. The enemy blockaded the coast and burned the capital, and New England threatened to secede. But the United States emerged from this disastrous war stronger than before. The War of 1812 did not bring Canada into the Union, as its promoters had promised, but it brought the new nation a sense of unity and purpose, with heroes such as Hull, Decatur, and MacDonough, a timeless symbol in "Old Ironsides," and a national anthem.
Join us for a lecture by historian and authorRobert Allison to kick off this lively series! $6; Free for OSMH Members and members of the USS Constitution Museum
*****************************************
I always enjoy lectures by Robert Allison. Let's see what he can do with this subject!
Tomorrow, Thursday, November 1st at 12:15pm, I'll be front and center for the 1st in the series.
Why should We Care about the War of 1812?
The War of 1812 nearly destroyed the United States. The enemy blockaded the coast and burned the capital, and New England threatened to secede. But the United States emerged from this disastrous war stronger than before. The War of 1812 did not bring Canada into the Union, as its promoters had promised, but it brought the new nation a sense of unity and purpose, with heroes such as Hull, Decatur, and MacDonough, a timeless symbol in "Old Ironsides," and a national anthem.
Join us for a lecture by historian and authorRobert Allison to kick off this lively series! $6; Free for OSMH Members and members of the USS Constitution Museum
*****************************************
I always enjoy lectures by Robert Allison. Let's see what he can do with this subject!
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Sunday, October 14, 2012
My Great Uncle Jim
*******UPDATE**********
10/15/2012
So this email came late last night and I am just now talking to my mother about it. She confirmed some stuff I thought I remembered. I feel I have to write this down for my cousins and my children.
Jim was my mother's favorite uncle. She remembers her grandfather, Mike (Big Mike whose bed frame is in the cottage and I always call dibs on that bed) and her Uncle Danny coming to this house I am sitting in now. They came to the back door which was in a different place back then. She said she can still picture Danny bending down to come in the door because he was so tall. He was the tallest of the seven brothers, who were all six foot or taller, and soon to leave and join the Marines.
It was a Sunday so my grandfather was home when they came down for the top of Bunker Hill to Elm Street. When they told Papa Kelley that Jim was dead, my mother, who was just a little shy of five years old, ran and hid. She ran to a closet in the living room that is now a bookcase to hide from this news and cry.
My great grandfather, Big Mike was very superstitious. He told his family that earlier that morning he got up to answer the doorbell. As he walked to the door he saw Jim's hat and knew he was dead because when he opened the door no one was there. I think the hat was on a bed because growing up I thought hats on a bed were bad luck. I must have been misinterpreting the story. It wasn't the hat on the bed, it was seeing the hat when no one was at the door.
Later people came to tell my grandfather that Jim went back inside and was briefly seen leading a woman toward an exit. They must have been overcome by the deadly fumes because Jim was not burned at all.
********************************************
In a little under eight weeks on November 28th, we will observe the 70th anniversary of the Cocoanut Grove Fire. My grandfather, Papa Kelley lost his brother James. So, of course, I never met him. However, Papa Kelley's other brothers made sure I knew about him and his courage.
Bill Durette of the Charlestown Veterans' History Project just sent me a copy of an article referencing SSGT James Kelley of Charlestown.
.JPG)
My Great Uncles Joe & John sent me on missions to the Boston Public Library fiche room. It was there that I read an article about how Jim got his date out of the club and went back in for others. It's possible he got out and went in a second time, but that was never clear. But in the end he perished in that tragic blaze. People came to my grandfather to tell him of Jim's heroism.
John and Joe served in the Army as did George and Tim. John served in Europe, Joe spent most of the war state-side only getting to France just after the invasion. Tim was in Australia and George was doing intelligence work in China. Tom was in the Merchant Marine and somewhere along the line the Defense Department began to count their service too. So all together seven of the eight Kelley brothers served. My grandfather was turned down because of his age and young children. However, the two that were lost, Jim and Danny were in the Marines. Danny was killed at Iwo Jima.
Boston has what they call "Hero Squares" that are dedicated to those who gave their lives in the service of our nation. At the top of Bunker Hill, the square formed by Bunker Hill Street and Mead Street and North Mead Street is named for my Great Uncles Jim and Danny.
10/15/2012
So this email came late last night and I am just now talking to my mother about it. She confirmed some stuff I thought I remembered. I feel I have to write this down for my cousins and my children.
Jim was my mother's favorite uncle. She remembers her grandfather, Mike (Big Mike whose bed frame is in the cottage and I always call dibs on that bed) and her Uncle Danny coming to this house I am sitting in now. They came to the back door which was in a different place back then. She said she can still picture Danny bending down to come in the door because he was so tall. He was the tallest of the seven brothers, who were all six foot or taller, and soon to leave and join the Marines.
It was a Sunday so my grandfather was home when they came down for the top of Bunker Hill to Elm Street. When they told Papa Kelley that Jim was dead, my mother, who was just a little shy of five years old, ran and hid. She ran to a closet in the living room that is now a bookcase to hide from this news and cry.
My great grandfather, Big Mike was very superstitious. He told his family that earlier that morning he got up to answer the doorbell. As he walked to the door he saw Jim's hat and knew he was dead because when he opened the door no one was there. I think the hat was on a bed because growing up I thought hats on a bed were bad luck. I must have been misinterpreting the story. It wasn't the hat on the bed, it was seeing the hat when no one was at the door.
Later people came to tell my grandfather that Jim went back inside and was briefly seen leading a woman toward an exit. They must have been overcome by the deadly fumes because Jim was not burned at all.
********************************************
In a little under eight weeks on November 28th, we will observe the 70th anniversary of the Cocoanut Grove Fire. My grandfather, Papa Kelley lost his brother James. So, of course, I never met him. However, Papa Kelley's other brothers made sure I knew about him and his courage.
Bill Durette of the Charlestown Veterans' History Project just sent me a copy of an article referencing SSGT James Kelley of Charlestown.
.JPG)
John and Joe served in the Army as did George and Tim. John served in Europe, Joe spent most of the war state-side only getting to France just after the invasion. Tim was in Australia and George was doing intelligence work in China. Tom was in the Merchant Marine and somewhere along the line the Defense Department began to count their service too. So all together seven of the eight Kelley brothers served. My grandfather was turned down because of his age and young children. However, the two that were lost, Jim and Danny were in the Marines. Danny was killed at Iwo Jima.
Boston has what they call "Hero Squares" that are dedicated to those who gave their lives in the service of our nation. At the top of Bunker Hill, the square formed by Bunker Hill Street and Mead Street and North Mead Street is named for my Great Uncles Jim and Danny.
Friday, October 12, 2012
October 12, 2000
Terrorism didn't start for America on 9/11. Never forget the USS Cole DDG-67 and her crew and her Captain.
But after you've raised your glass and made your toast........... remember you can kick us...... but this is what the crew played as she left that hellhole of a harbor in Yemen......
Hey Biden, You're No LLoyd Bentsen
God! VP Biden was such a clown. His behavior last night was shameful. I despair.
Thursday, October 04, 2012
Where the *^$&* Have I Been?
So yeah, I have totally been ignoring the blog. Which is funny since I have been doing blog things.
When I am not sleeping or trying to straighten out some insurance/prescription problem.....I've been having fun.
Really, the most I've done is Tweet. It fits my attention span, ya know.
So....on to fun. I've been catching some movies and you know how I love movies! I belong to a group that attends movie screening. So I am usually seeing movies about a week or two before their release. I should write reviews for them here and maybe I'd have a better shot at getting a reserved seat, but, whatever.
I thought "End of Watch" was a really good cop movie. This is my GoFoBo review.
But I LOVED "Lawless"! I read afterwards that at one point the wanted Ryan Gosling for the Tom Hardy role. that would have been ridiculous!
I was late for my intended movie Monday, so I just went into "Pitch Perfect" and liked it much more than I would have guessed. the star, Anna Kendrick was also in "End of Watch", busy girl!
The most fun was "Expendables 2". Although it didn't have the same perks as when I saw the "Expendables" back in 2010 at the CineBistro in Tampa with The Commander. It's an over 21 theatre that serves food and drinks at your seat. Coke in a glass, fresh popcorn in a bowl, brought to your seat and set on the little table. Randolph has the premium seats, but this is a whole theater like that. No kids jumping over the little barrier into the top 10 rows. I am not sure what I liked better, the movie or the cinema. Kidding. Bruce Willis is worth any seat.
Last night I saw "Argo", but I'll write about that later.
Any in between I went to Sniper's OctoberFest in Winchester, VA. Please, please, please click this link to Uncle Jimbo's review. I loved his Samantha! Have a party....I'll show up.
And of course, here was the whole Revere Memorial Lecture Series at the Old South Meetinghouse. "A War So Unpopular...cannot be Supported": New England and the War of 1812" And I wasn't alone! I love that Boston is such a great history town.
When I am not sleeping or trying to straighten out some insurance/prescription problem.....I've been having fun.
Really, the most I've done is Tweet. It fits my attention span, ya know.
So....on to fun. I've been catching some movies and you know how I love movies! I belong to a group that attends movie screening. So I am usually seeing movies about a week or two before their release. I should write reviews for them here and maybe I'd have a better shot at getting a reserved seat, but, whatever.
I thought "End of Watch" was a really good cop movie. This is my GoFoBo review.
But I LOVED "Lawless"! I read afterwards that at one point the wanted Ryan Gosling for the Tom Hardy role. that would have been ridiculous!
I was late for my intended movie Monday, so I just went into "Pitch Perfect" and liked it much more than I would have guessed. the star, Anna Kendrick was also in "End of Watch", busy girl!
The most fun was "Expendables 2". Although it didn't have the same perks as when I saw the "Expendables" back in 2010 at the CineBistro in Tampa with The Commander. It's an over 21 theatre that serves food and drinks at your seat. Coke in a glass, fresh popcorn in a bowl, brought to your seat and set on the little table. Randolph has the premium seats, but this is a whole theater like that. No kids jumping over the little barrier into the top 10 rows. I am not sure what I liked better, the movie or the cinema. Kidding. Bruce Willis is worth any seat.
Last night I saw "Argo", but I'll write about that later.
Any in between I went to Sniper's OctoberFest in Winchester, VA. Please, please, please click this link to Uncle Jimbo's review. I loved his Samantha! Have a party....I'll show up.
And of course, here was the whole Revere Memorial Lecture Series at the Old South Meetinghouse. "A War So Unpopular...cannot be Supported": New England and the War of 1812" And I wasn't alone! I love that Boston is such a great history town.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Tonight's Charlestown Historical Society Lecture
Tonight was a tough choice, the Old South Meeting House was hosting "Ghosts of Boston: Haunts of the Hub" Book Launch Celebration for author Sam Baltrusis. You know I love ghost stories and I am a member of @OSMHBoston ........ but, come on, the competition was Charlestown!
Learn the real truth about Paul Revere and his Midnight ride to warn the Patriots that the British were coming. Actually the regulars were coming as everyone was British at that point. Who leaked the top secret British plan to seize the munitions in Lexington and Concord? Did Journey begin in Boston or in Charlestown? Who directed Paul to make the ride? Did he act alone or with others? Did Revere make it to Lexington and Concord? Who was the real hero on the night of April 18, 1775? Learn the truth from Carl Zellner who has accumulated knowledge, books and files for over 30 years. His research includes a handwritten account by Paul Revere himself. He will present his findings on Tuesday September 18, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. in the Bunker Hill Museum. The entrance fee is $5:00, members of the Charlestown Historical Society and Charlestown Preservation Society attend for free.
It was a good pick! First off, on my way, I met up with my Uncle Walter and his partner Tom. I laughed because my mother said something earlier about me walking home alone in the dark. Well, now that was no problem! Secondly Tom works at the Bunker Hill Florist and knows everybody, so I had inside info on people I didn't know.
The lecture itself was very interesting. Mr. Zellner, the official historian of the Charlestown Historical society, contrasted the Oliver Wendell Holmes poem with the actual events. He also put the famous ride in context with present day landmarks. The time flew by. I could have listened to many more questions and answers.
Next month's lecture is October 16, 2012 same time same place. Joe Bagley, City Archaeologist of Boston will speak on the Archaeology Month Presentation. My schedule is a little murky right now, but if i can, I'll be there.
In the meantime, tomorrow is the 3rd lecture in the Paul Revere Memorial Lecture series on the War of 1812. "Salem Privateers and the War of 1812", 6:30pm at the Old South Meeting House. My
Monday, September 10, 2012
Even When I Try
So I have been having problems with my insurance almost since I went into treatment for the second time in August of 2010. It's been so ridiculous because dealing with insurance companies is what I did for a living for 16 years. But in this regard, I have had a black cloud over everything to do with my coverage.
So I gave up and applied to the Commonwealth for help. And in December I get Medicare.
I had two last things to resolve. The refund of my July premium and reimbursement for some prescriptions out of pocket. This should have been fairly simple, I know all the rules, I mailed/faxed all the correct forms and supporting documentation. I treated it like work - files, notes, copies, the whole 9 yards.
So this morning I resolved to make phone calls and nail this stuff down. I got up and showered and went right back to my room. No screwing around on the Internet. No going down to the first floor and stealing cookies. (Last night and I made snickerdoodles - yumm.) Nose to the grindstone. Phone calls, phone calls, notes, phone calls. And I did. I cleaned my room. Made some personal phone calls
Finally around 4:30 I gave up. Besides, I was hungry. So I went down to the 1st floor.
Sitting on the dining room table was a check, resolving one of these matters.
Seriously? I was just on the phone getting transferred around, repeating my story. And none of them knew it had been adjudicated. No one said "Go down and check your mail."
Ok, so tomorrow is another project. Hopefully, it's a better use of my time.
So I gave up and applied to the Commonwealth for help. And in December I get Medicare.
I had two last things to resolve. The refund of my July premium and reimbursement for some prescriptions out of pocket. This should have been fairly simple, I know all the rules, I mailed/faxed all the correct forms and supporting documentation. I treated it like work - files, notes, copies, the whole 9 yards.
So this morning I resolved to make phone calls and nail this stuff down. I got up and showered and went right back to my room. No screwing around on the Internet. No going down to the first floor and stealing cookies. (Last night and I made snickerdoodles - yumm.) Nose to the grindstone. Phone calls, phone calls, notes, phone calls. And I did. I cleaned my room. Made some personal phone calls
Finally around 4:30 I gave up. Besides, I was hungry. So I went down to the 1st floor.
Sitting on the dining room table was a check, resolving one of these matters.
Seriously? I was just on the phone getting transferred around, repeating my story. And none of them knew it had been adjudicated. No one said "Go down and check your mail."
Ok, so tomorrow is another project. Hopefully, it's a better use of my time.
Sunday, September 09, 2012
Hurray For Being A PackRat!
Yesterday I went to Revere Beach. There was a strong wind from the south and I got sand everywhere.
Now it's back to cleaning my suitcase. I was nice enough to loan some girl my sunscreen when I was in San Antonio. She couldn't get the sprayer to work, so she wrenched open the bottle. I tried to screw it back on properly, but it leaked all over stuff. That was a good reminder of why I don't like to be nice.
EVERYWHERE!
I peeled off my bathing suit in the tub and there had to be a pound of sand in there. After I showered I went down to clean all the stuff in my bag. For some reason I had my cell phone charger in the bag. It's a two piece deal with the cord and the part that plugs into the wall.
The phone worked until it went dead, but it wouldn't charge. I took off the end for the socket and plugged it into my laptop and got a white light - as opposed to the green or red. So I figured it was the end that was the problem.
I went to sleep without my phone......that never happens.
Then today at lunch I remembered this basket I have of old chargers and parts. I hurried through cleaning up after lunch - the Patriots were playing otherwise my Dad would have done it. He hardly ever lets me clean up, so I had to finish.
I dumped out the basket, sorted through all the cords, tried a few. Then finally I found another socket end.
Viola!
I will still go to Verizon to get a new proper end. This one is charging, but when it's plugged in I can't use any phone functions.
But for now.....I'm happy.
Now it's back to cleaning my suitcase. I was nice enough to loan some girl my sunscreen when I was in San Antonio. She couldn't get the sprayer to work, so she wrenched open the bottle. I tried to screw it back on properly, but it leaked all over stuff. That was a good reminder of why I don't like to be nice.Where Have I Been?
Lot's of places. And all have been fun. When I haven't been having fun, I've been sleeping.
The Thursday before Labor Day, I flew down to San Antonio for the #MilReunion. Team M (Mary Ripley and I) were in the Omni de la Mansion on the Riverwalk thanks to William Shatner. Our first night Mary wanted to go to Mi Tierra, a restaurant she knew she liked from a previous visit. When we explained where we wanted to go, the 3 guys working valet got all excited. Apparently they were fans too. One in particular waxed rhapsodic about the sweet potato empanadas. They offered to have one of them drive us in the hotel vehicle....a nice new Lincoln Navigator! Well, it was worth the hype. We entered through the bakery and I expected a choir of angels to start singing! The bakery case was huge! After dinner, which was good and the waitress gave us a history of the place, it was bakery time! I got sweet potato empanadas for the valet guys and apple danish for the morning.
Friday I headed down to the pool (with my apple danish) while Mary tried to get Verizon to fix her phone. I sent out some messages to see what other people were doing. This is the great part about being part of an Internet based group, they are almost always connected! I got a hit almost right away. The Armorer and the Mistress of the Castle were headed to the Nimitz Museum in Fredericksburg. I begged to come along. There's Navy stuff wherever I go, even if I don't know it ahead of time.
The Nimitz Museum was awesome and we got a special tour thanks to the Armorer. But my favorite part was listening to the Armorer go from display to display saying "I've got that. I've got one of those." and the like. Hilarious. If you have the chance, I highly recommend it.....even if you don't have the special tour guide. He also recommended a great lunch place. He was full service!
It was a long day and a late lunch, so we ended up going straight to the Soldiers' Angels warehouse or the Friday night festivities. it was great seeing everyone who was able to make it. Tom Goering and wife Bonnie; Sherri the Domestik Diva; the Loopy Libertarian; Wendy of MyMilitarylife, the crew from YouServed; Jihad Gene; Jean, Christina from Words for Warriors and lots of Soldiers' Angels. And I finally got to meet Old Blue, after reading his blogs AfghanQuest and AfghanBlueIII. Just as interesting in person as in his blogs.
Then I got in trouble.......raffle tickets. They sold raffle tickets to benefit Soldiers' Angels Valour-IT Project. Jihad Gene bought a bunch and all I had to do was keep track of them. I brought them safely back to the hotel.
The next day was the main event. Panels on the future of MilBlogging and how it will help/effect our military. During the lunch break Tom Goering brought me his old laptop that he had cleared out and reloaded for me! How awesome is that! But the day's highlight was the awarding of several special laptops to wounded soldiers who would benefit from the technology. It was such an honor to be there and have the chance to applaud these fine young men.
Then it was time for the raffle drawing. Guess who had no tickets? That's right, I left them on the table in the hotel room. They had to draw three times to give away the prize because the first two numbers were clearly in the long strip that Jihad Gene had purchased. But Jihad Gene still loves me looong time and I love him too! Later that evening at dinner I gave the strip of tickets to Bouhammer.
At dinner I was seated across from Old Blue and it was a good spot. He was quick on the draw. Someone asked if we were "together" and he quickly answered "No, I'm not in the Navy!" There were about 24 of us that night at the "Texas Land and Cattle Company". It's a chain, but my steak was fabulous. And with Old Blue holding forth on the subject of Afghanistan (I was riveted), I got to eat it while it was hot!
A lot of my friends were shipping out the next day, but Mary and I were hanging until Tuesday. So Sunday was all about the Alamo. It was great to explore it with no deadline. On the way back to the Riverwalk we stopped in the Texas Ranger Museum and Buckthorn Saloon. All the while confusing Bouhammer because my "check-ins" and tweets were delayed. But he and his family did catch up with us at Iron Cactus - Mexican Donuts!!!!! . We discussed the weekend and the upcoming Ripley Race. That's when I found out where I will be this Veterans Day. Buffalo for AUSA Western New York Chapter "1st Annual WNY Veterans Day 5K".
That's right - The Ripley Race on November 4th then The WNY Veteran's Day 5K on November 11th. mind you, I am not running them. At the The Ripley Race I stand behind the table and stuff bags. In Buffalo, I'll be handing out poppies to participants as they cross the finish line.
So, I have to wrap this up now because I did a lot of stuff today and I am wiped. More later.
The Thursday before Labor Day, I flew down to San Antonio for the #MilReunion. Team M (Mary Ripley and I) were in the Omni de la Mansion on the Riverwalk thanks to William Shatner. Our first night Mary wanted to go to Mi Tierra, a restaurant she knew she liked from a previous visit. When we explained where we wanted to go, the 3 guys working valet got all excited. Apparently they were fans too. One in particular waxed rhapsodic about the sweet potato empanadas. They offered to have one of them drive us in the hotel vehicle....a nice new Lincoln Navigator! Well, it was worth the hype. We entered through the bakery and I expected a choir of angels to start singing! The bakery case was huge! After dinner, which was good and the waitress gave us a history of the place, it was bakery time! I got sweet potato empanadas for the valet guys and apple danish for the morning.
Friday I headed down to the pool (with my apple danish) while Mary tried to get Verizon to fix her phone. I sent out some messages to see what other people were doing. This is the great part about being part of an Internet based group, they are almost always connected! I got a hit almost right away. The Armorer and the Mistress of the Castle were headed to the Nimitz Museum in Fredericksburg. I begged to come along. There's Navy stuff wherever I go, even if I don't know it ahead of time.
The Nimitz Museum was awesome and we got a special tour thanks to the Armorer. But my favorite part was listening to the Armorer go from display to display saying "I've got that. I've got one of those." and the like. Hilarious. If you have the chance, I highly recommend it.....even if you don't have the special tour guide. He also recommended a great lunch place. He was full service!
It was a long day and a late lunch, so we ended up going straight to the Soldiers' Angels warehouse or the Friday night festivities. it was great seeing everyone who was able to make it. Tom Goering and wife Bonnie; Sherri the Domestik Diva; the Loopy Libertarian; Wendy of MyMilitarylife, the crew from YouServed; Jihad Gene; Jean, Christina from Words for Warriors and lots of Soldiers' Angels. And I finally got to meet Old Blue, after reading his blogs AfghanQuest and AfghanBlueIII. Just as interesting in person as in his blogs.
Then I got in trouble.......raffle tickets. They sold raffle tickets to benefit Soldiers' Angels Valour-IT Project. Jihad Gene bought a bunch and all I had to do was keep track of them. I brought them safely back to the hotel.
The next day was the main event. Panels on the future of MilBlogging and how it will help/effect our military. During the lunch break Tom Goering brought me his old laptop that he had cleared out and reloaded for me! How awesome is that! But the day's highlight was the awarding of several special laptops to wounded soldiers who would benefit from the technology. It was such an honor to be there and have the chance to applaud these fine young men.
Then it was time for the raffle drawing. Guess who had no tickets? That's right, I left them on the table in the hotel room. They had to draw three times to give away the prize because the first two numbers were clearly in the long strip that Jihad Gene had purchased. But Jihad Gene still loves me looong time and I love him too! Later that evening at dinner I gave the strip of tickets to Bouhammer.
At dinner I was seated across from Old Blue and it was a good spot. He was quick on the draw. Someone asked if we were "together" and he quickly answered "No, I'm not in the Navy!" There were about 24 of us that night at the "Texas Land and Cattle Company". It's a chain, but my steak was fabulous. And with Old Blue holding forth on the subject of Afghanistan (I was riveted), I got to eat it while it was hot!
A lot of my friends were shipping out the next day, but Mary and I were hanging until Tuesday. So Sunday was all about the Alamo. It was great to explore it with no deadline. On the way back to the Riverwalk we stopped in the Texas Ranger Museum and Buckthorn Saloon. All the while confusing Bouhammer because my "check-ins" and tweets were delayed. But he and his family did catch up with us at Iron Cactus - Mexican Donuts!!!!! . We discussed the weekend and the upcoming Ripley Race. That's when I found out where I will be this Veterans Day. Buffalo for AUSA Western New York Chapter "1st Annual WNY Veterans Day 5K".
That's right - The Ripley Race on November 4th then The WNY Veteran's Day 5K on November 11th. mind you, I am not running them. At the The Ripley Race I stand behind the table and stuff bags. In Buffalo, I'll be handing out poppies to participants as they cross the finish line.
So, I have to wrap this up now because I did a lot of stuff today and I am wiped. More later.
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