The Shape Of Things To Come

Marching to the gym

2010-03-05T13:45:00.000-08:00

3-5-2010

OK. I finally did it. I joined a gym last month that's only 3 miles from work, and 4 miles from home. Right in between them. I have been going in about 5:30 AM or so, every other morning since joining. The other mornings I just ride my stationary bike at home. This morning was quite a workout. First thing, I did the Stair master for 15 minutes. I'm still in awe. Previously I had never done the Stair Master for more than 5 minutes. This morning I set a goal of 10 minutes, but when I reached that, I kept going. Then it was on to working arms / upper body. I am using higher weights than I was on the machines, so that's a positive improvement. So now I have a gym in town I belong to, as well as one at the lake, and I use one in Gunnison when I visit Crested Butte that is a pay by the day setup. I should look like Jack LaLanne, right ?

Well, I'm not quite there. After the huge weight loss years ago, I was at my lowest weight in summer 2007, the same summer I floated over to England on the QE2. I was able to cross "visit Liverpool - home of The Beatles" off of my "Bucket List". Anyway, since then I have gained, as I have posted here previously. I had a regular Doctor appointment with blood work a month ago, with a check up at the Cardiologist the following day. Everything was fine, no problems at either one. Except, the weight gain. During the visit with the Doc about my stress level, I am tackling that as it contributes to my eating. I then had a long talk with the PA at the Cardio office, and set up a challenge with him for me to lose a set amount of weight before my next visit in October. Sometimes that type of accountability helps me. I've lost 5 pounds in the last month.

I'm looking in again to the process of a full body lift, once I lose some more weight. There is a local doctor that does it that I've not yet seen, but have a call in to set up a consulation appointment. I almost did the full body lift Winter of 2007 / 2008, and in many ways wish I had done it then. However, in working through issues from the past, which have added to the weight gain, in counseling, I still may have regained much of this, and then wished I had waited. Either way, I'm considering it again. With the massive weight loss, I had a lot of lose skin, and it was not pretty. Part of the problem I had in my head, was that I looked better with the larger weight I used to have, because it was filled out more, somewhat more solid in appearance. I am sure that is part of what led to my recent weight gain as well.

However, I have come to the point that if I am going to do it, I want to get it over and done. I am not getting any younger, and I've never had a "average" body size, so this is the time to do it, if at all. I do dread the recovery time, as it is lengthy, and the stitches / staples, etc. It will probably be done in several visits, as they may well tackle one or two areas at a time. That's the way it would have been done if I had already done it, by the Doctors I visited in Los Angeles that I wanted to use. However, the long distance from relatives / friends, etc. kept me from having it done out there, as I would have spent 4 - 7 weeks at a time in a hotel in recovery, as there would be an initial time where it would be impossible to travel without endangering the staples or risking infection. Then as recovery progressed, there would be numerous checkups, and some physical therapy. I still may opt for out there, but being closer to home makes sense in many ways, so I'm looking yet again in Tulsa. I was not happy with the two I visited years ago, so I will see about this Doctor.

Business is slow, as 2009 was horrible. We had our busiest ever December (2008) and January (2009), and then it just dropped off the cliff. June 2009 was the worst. After that it crept up a bit for a few months, and then there were ups and downs. This December (2009) and January (2010) were slow, with a nice increase though in February. So far it appears March will also be a decent month, though we are still far behind business levels of 2004 thru 2008. Those were the Glory Days, at this point. Can we get back to that ? We certainly hope so, though we do realize it may take years to get there again. Our backlog for production is about 1/2 of what it was running in 2008, so we have some room for improvement.

I have put the house in Sapulpa ont the market. 8 months ago. Some activity, though not recently due to Winter, weather and Holidays. It should pick up with Spring about to burst open. Once it sells, my lake home will definitely be my primary residence, and I will just get a smaller condo or apartment in the Tulsa area to spend a night or two a week, and especially in inclement weather. I will have to find a cat sitter for up at the lake though, or haul them back and forth when I head out of town for vacation or business.

Last vacation was a week in Crested Butte in December. Before that, I week in Crested Butte in August. Notice a pattern here ?? Oh wait. May of 2009, a week in Hawaii, on Oahu. I had not been there since I was about 10 years old, so a lot had changed. I got to visit with my long time friend Nancy and her husband that live in Honolulu, and did much of the sightseeing touristy things, of course. We stayed in a house on the beach out away from Honolulu, and it was very nice and relaxing. I was not ready to come home at all. Someday I hope to repeat that trip, but it may be awhile, as it was not a cheap one. It was well worth it though.

I really did enjoy watching the Winter Olympics from Vancouver, Canada. I've never been there, but I did get to attend some of the Winter Olympic events in Calgary / Banff in Canada in 1988. While there, I stayed with Kati and Steve. Kati I'd known since college at OSU. She met Steve in Tulsa, though he was from the Toronto area. When he was offered a job in Calgary, she followed not far behind. Two kids later, and now a new dog, they are visiting Kati's Mom this week here in the Tulsa area. I will see them tonight, as we are going to dinner, and then the Norah Jones concert at the Brady Theater. I did not know until the newspaper this week that Norah is the daughter of Ravi Shankar, the sitarist from India that made connections with The Beatles back in the day. Small world. I like anything I've heard by Norah, though the favorite is "Don't Know Why", her huge hit from years ago. On her newest release, "The Fall", take a listen to "Man Of The Hour". It's not about what you may think, without really listening to the words.

In two weeks I will get to see David Gray in Kansas City. I don't go to many concerts these days, so I pick only ones I really want to see. I've enjoyed his music ever since "Babylon", his radio hit, that is not even his best song on his "White Ladder" album (in my opinion). "Sail Away" does take me away when I hear it. That's my favorite of his songs. "Please Forgive Me" is great, also. Great music and lyrics. I'm looking forward to seeing him. Even have a chance to see him 2 nights later in St. Louis with my friend Robert, if I'm not worn out from one night in KC.

Tomorrow my Oklahoma State University Cowboys basketball team end their regular season at home against the Nebraska Cornhuskers. It's a game OSU should win, but in the Big 12, one cannot overlook anyone. Just ask the Kansas Jayhawks, as OSU upset them in Stillwater last Saturday, and it was not really as close as the score ended up. OSU will then play in the Big 12 Conference Tournament next week in KC, and then should receive an invitation to the March Madness NCAA Tournament. Coach Travis Ford is in his second year at OSU, and both years has the team outperforming expectations. OSU had the youngest, and the shortest team in the Big 12 this year, yet will finish in the middle of the pack. Go Cowboys !!

That's it for this installment. If I get on here and write more often, the entries will not be so long !!

Wally

Unfaithful

2009-12-20T10:45:00.000-08:00

Wow.

I have been Unfaithful to my Blog. I cannot believe it's been over 1 year (441 days ??) since I posted here. Of course, the last time, was not my finest hour. I'd lost 2 more cats (of 3 that year).

However, I never got around to posting about the cat that adopted me last December !

I was in Crested Butte, Colorado, when my cat sitter called and asked if I knew I had a cat living in my garage. No, I said, I had no clue. She fed it, gave it water, and put it inside my house in a cage, since we did not know if it was litter box trained, etc.

When I arrived home, I sought the cat's owner. I ran a newspaper ad, put "do you know me?" ads with a picture around the neighborhoods mailboxes. I even took it to the Vet to see if it had a chip embedded. No luck.

In time, of course, he worked his way into my life. Quickly. The Vet estimated he was 18 months to 2 years., so quite a bit younger than the one remaining cat I had, Aggie, who was 17 years. She hissed and spat at him, as she was used to being Daddy's Girl, and having me to herself. He never gave up though, as he's never met a stranger. Now they are somewhat buddies, though they still have their moments.

I named him Linc. I was in Lincoln, Nebraska on part of that trip, plus two of my favorite shows over time had characters named Linc. "Prison Break" which ended this past year. And "Mod Squad", which was on when I was young. I just liked the name. It fit. And he quickly took to it.
I had no idea what his name (if any) had been, but then, he now knows it's Linc.

I just returned again from a week in Crested Butte. No calls this time from my cat sitter about any cat in my garage. However, before leaving for CO, I had made arrangements to adopt a 2 year old cat, Chrissie, upon my return. She has a name, shots, already front claws removed, etc. The only thing I had them do additionally was to implant a micro chip. My cats stay inside, but just in case. I did not want to drop her off at my home on the way out the door for 10 days, so I left her at the Vet, but will pick her up this evening upon my return to Sapulpa.

I made it to the lake house last night, after being in Lincoln a few nights back, and in KC for lunch yesterday (actually in Independence). This house seems so empty with the cats not here. They were moved up here mid July, and stayed up here until early December, while I was driving back and forth most days to work. I would still stay in Sapulpa a night or two a week, but my "home" was at the lake. If I had found a cat sitter for up here, I would have left them at the lake, but that did not happen.

So now I have a cat named after a character in "Three's Company", Chrissie.

Christmas is around the corner, and I think I'm ready. I mailed cards when leaving Crested Butte. This year I was instructed to only buy presents for the little kids (is that little by age, or little by how they act ?). So with less shopping (?) to do, I think I'm done. That just leaves putting together the food items I will take Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

But now, back to one of the main reasons I decided to start blogging again. Weight. I've let it slip this past year or more. Oh yeah, I can blame it on many things. Work, and going from our 5 best years ever to such a crashing decline this year, forcing us to cut costs and employees. Personal, having to refinance bank loans on the homes, in order to reduce costs and move banks.
The stress of losing the 3 cats in 3 months in 2008. It's all there for me to blame, and I do it so well.

I started using a personal trainer up here at the lake, and that was going quite well, building up some muscle, etc. He then changed jobs, and now works in Tulsa, still living in the lake area. However, that changed his schedule enormously, as he now works most evenings, which is when we were meeting for the training. I still go in the gym, even in Colorado, and do work out on my own, so that's something I have added to my accomplishments, as I never used to do that much.

While I am still far, far below my highest weight, before the gastric bypass surgery, I have regained some of what I had lost. At my lowest, I was told by some others that I am sure meant well, that I had lost too much. Talk about a license to gaining again. Oh, I am sure that is not what they intended, and that they meant well, but it's all about how one perceives it, and does with it from there. So I've gone from mostly XL sizes, to now sometimes finding that 2XL works better for me. That's still better than 5XL though.

I did, somehow, come back from vacation at about the same weight I was when I left town. That in itself was nice, as I know I ate often, though still mostly "good foods". I only ate out once in Crested Butte, as I did smartly go to the grocery store before I even went to the house, and therefore had food I *had* to eat or let go to waste. Now I will make it through the upcoming Holidays with hopefully no weight gain, and then get back into the groove of working it off a bit at a time.

I did start Nutri Systems last year, though it only works when you eat the foods, and do not add a lot of other food to the routine. I have plenty of it right now, as I did not stick to it all the time, and found myself eating my favorite items, and not always getting around to the ones I did not care for as much, or that took more time or effort to prepare. If I were snowed in at the lake, I would not go hungry, unless I chose to do so. I have plenty of the breakfast and lunch items, though not so many of the dinner items.

I found myself getting way too dependent on Energy Bars and SlimFast. Well, with the recent recall of SlimFast, that cured that habit. I have on occasion replaced it with Muscle Milk however. The problem with the Energy Bars is that they do contain some sugars, and more fats, than I really need or want. But, they are so convenient, especially driving down the highway and munching on them, as though they were candy bars. Recently the 2 brands I prefer both happened to change their formulas, and now have slightly different tastes to them than before.
One is for the better, but to me, the other brand is not for the better. So that will help me quit buying it as often. I've also noticed that with this change, both downsized. Same price as before, but smaller bars. The economy strikes again.

OK, I must admit, Facebook got some of my posting during my absence here, but recent changes there have made it less appealing, etc. The novelty is wearing off of it.

Enough for now. Not sure anyone will read this anyways, since it's been so long since I last posted. Hopefully I will not wait another 441 days to post again. I'm going to try to use this blog to keep myself more accountable on the eating and exercising. Time will tell if it works that way.

Happy Holidays !!

Wally

the toughest love of all...... 2 cats

2008-10-05T10:43:00.000-07:00

10-5-2008

Tough love...... now I really know the meaning
of it.

Yesterday my cat Tootsie got to the point where
she could no longer walk. She may have been
that way even on Friday, as I'd not seen her move
around since Friday morning, but that was not
unusual. She always had one or two places that
were "her places", and rarely moved from them
once she warmed them up as her territory.

Last night, she crawled to get to the litter box.
That's when I knew it was time.

My cat Travis, was not eating. His tumor was
larger now in his lower jaw, and he still refused
moist cat food. He kept trying to crunch the
dry food in his mouth, but had too much trouble
cracking it, since the tumor took up more room
in his mouth than previously.

In the past 2 months, he had lost 4 of his 17
pounds, and was not eating well. I knew it was
time.

This morning, I took both of them to the Vet.
It was obvious it was time for Tootsie, as she
was barely even responsive by this time, and
gave no resistance even to being put in one of
the carriers. She felt that bad.

Travis was having a better day today than he
did yesterday, so I almost felt like I was rushing
him a bit. However, tomorrow may have ended
up being one of his worst days, it was that sort
of up and down anymore.

The Vet was so empathetic and re-assuring. It
was the right time. It was the right thing to do.
For both of them. Though Tootsie was beyond
having any quality of life at that point, so was
Travis in reality. He just still acted more "normal"
than her. However, he had known something
was not right for a long time, as he kept trying to
rub up against stationary hard items, to move
that growth out of his mouth. That of course,
did nothing. He'd then look at me as if to ask,
"help me, Dad". There was nothing I could do
but be there for him, and love on him. There
was nothing to do for him medically, as it was a
cancer that has no cure, and is quite invasive and
aggressive.

Both of them had a wonderful life. 17 years each.
They had moved numerous times with me, and
each had been to the lake house as well. Travis
had been going with me most of the time the last
several months, just as Tamara had done before
she went to cat heaven in July.

Some of the readers here knew Tootsie. She was
my 6 toed Hemingway psycho crossed eyed kitty.
She was not the most sociable, with humans or
with other cats. However, as she aged, she did
indeed mellow. After Tamara passed away, Tootsie
took over as Travis's buddy. Another reason for
it being appropriate for them to go together.

Travis, was the first of these last 5 that I had gotten.
I adopted him for Tess to have a playmate. However,
she was already a mature cat, and he was a kitten.
That's what prompted me to get "one more" kitten
so Travis could have a same aged playmate. That
led to "several more" instead of one.

I know as a "parent", one should not have favorites.
Each cat has been a favorite in some way, so it is
spread around. However ,with Travis being the
eldest, the first acquired, of these 5, he was just a
little more special. His nickname was "Bubba",
and he was the only male of the group, yet the most
easily scared of the group. It's going to be difficult
to watch TV at night, as he will no longer be there
on my lap, or snuggled right up next to me. He was
my OSU orange cat. At least OSU won their football
game the night before against Texas A & M.

When I first got Tess, 26 years ago (?) or so, I had
also adopted her brother, Danya. He however, had
Feline Infectious Peritonitis. Upon the Vet's
recommendation, I took him to Texas A & M, where
they kept him, and did all they could do, but it was
not enough. He never had much chance, and died
still very young.

Travis went to OSU's Vet Learning School back in
July, after the tumor had been discovered by my
local Vet. The only alternatives were to do nothing,
and let him enjoy what time he had left, or to do
surgery to remove his jaw and then do chemo, but
without any guarantee it would prolong his time
very long. Plus, being already 17, the surgery itself
could have been too much for him. So I made the
choice then, to take him home, and just enjoy his
time of a few weeks to a few months. He made it
2 months after that, and I spent a lot of time with
him knowing time was precious.

I really though Tootsie would outlast Travis. We
knew she had the degenerative hip, and that it
was 20% of what it should be. However, she had
been on pain medication for so long for the hip
and arthritis, that it just seemed it would go on
forever. She really had some of her best days just
a few weeks back, when a change in her medication
seemed to really perk her energy level up. That
lasted a few weeks, until the last several days.

10 years ago I had 6 cats.

Tess passed away about 10 years ago at age 16.
I lost Allie November 2006 when she was 16,
and then Tamara in July when she was 17.
this year, and now Travis and Tootsie today,
both at 17.

I do still have Aggie, who is now 17. As of today,
she is in perfect health. She had a checkup early
summer when the others did. She's already
lived longer than her mom Allie did. Aggie does
not have diabetes like Allie did, so that may allow
her a few more years, or many more years.

The decision to take these cats in this morning,
was the first time I'd had to make such a decision.
The others had died naturally, always though in
the Vet's care at the time.

It's not an easy decision to make that choice. To
decide it's time to end the life of a living, breathing,
warm blooded, loving companion.

However, given the choice of doing that, or watching
them suffer, the choice I made, was indeed the one
I can live with. They passed on with dignity, and
much less suffering than could have been the case.

My house, already seeming more empty without
the earlier cats leaving me, will be even more so
now. Once I left the Vet's this morning, I drove
directly to the lake house. Seemed like it took three
times as long as usual. I just could not go back home
right away, though I will be back home tonight, as
Aggie is still there, of course.

Loving and losing is such a tough process to go
through. However, it still beats the prospect of not
loving at all.

cat updates

2008-09-29T21:37:00.000-07:00

9-29-2008

Travis is losing some weight, though not as fast as
I feared. Several months ago he was 17 pounds.
Now he is 15, and has held that a few weeks now.
He manages to still eat enough on his own, and the
tumor on his jaw is larger, but not as large as I was
afraid it would be by now.

Travis does seem to be losing some hearing, and
have some other odd actions. He does not seem to
always hear me, or when he does, he has trouble
locating which direction the noise came from. When
I rub under his chin, one of his all time favorite things,
his back leg will start scratching that area, which it
never used to do. Other odd reactions also.

Tootsie seems better on the new medication, at
least in socializing and attitude. However, turning
around on the couch last night, she was wobbly and
fell over onto the cushion (not the floor). However,
later it appeared her walking was good, so I'm not
sure what was going on there.

Both cats go back in for check-ups mid October,
though I may well push that up to October 8th or so,
as I'm concerned. It is just a matter of time on both
before I will have to decide their fate. Just how long
though, I do not know. The further out, the better,
as long as they are not suffering.

Wally

Tootsie's arthritis is worse

2008-09-10T17:22:00.000-07:00

9-10-2008

Tootsie, my cat, now 16, has had arthritis for a few
years now. However, it's now quite worse than before.

I'd noticed she was not getting up on the chair she
had always claimed as hers. She also rarely moves
from the dining room, even less than previously. So
I took her to the new Vet I've started using since my
move last year. He took X-rays, which show her
hips are about 20% of what they should be. In other
words, as this progresses further, she will lose the
ability to walk.

The Vet took blood and urine samples, and will
know those results tomorrow hopefully. He is
trying to determine whether or not to leave her
on the medication she is now on (similar to
morphine), or switch her to a non-steroidal pain
medication, the same one Travis is now on for his
cancer growth. It seems to be controlling his
pain very well. It's also easier on both of us, as
it's given for 6 days, tapering off, then not again
until every 5 - 6 days. Less traumatic than an
everyday medicine on the cat and me.

Tootsie now only moves from her dining room
spot into the kitchen to eat (about 6 feet away),
and to come to the couch when I am there
watching TV (just about another 8 feet), in order
to get her meds. She's long been my cross-eyed,
6 toed, psycho kitty. Now she can add junkie to
that title. She's hooked, but the problem with
that is, that she's been on it so long, her
system is used to it, and it's probably not
providing her with enough pain relief anymore.
Something new will be helpful.

All these cats being the same ages, 16 - 17, is
rough at this point. I lost Allie 22 months ago,
Tamara 2 months ago, and now face having to
make the decision on the lives of Travis and
Tootsie at some point in the future, when they
no longer have a quality of life. It will be
better for them at that point, and I know that.
However, that will not make it any easier.

Cats are wonderful companions. They can be
so much fun, inquisitive, playful, loving, shy,
odd, spooked, demanding, relaxing, and the
purrfect companion.

My home was once full of 6 cats, some 10
years ago. Then it was 5 for years, and now it's
down to 3. Odds are it could well be down to
one by year's end. Aggie is doing quite well
at this point, with no signs of health problems.
That's a positive. Not sure if I'll get any more
cats at this point, but if I do, their ages will be
spread out more, so that I am less likely to
have this domino effect, or at least that what
it is seeming to be like. I know it's all not
really related, just coincidental, and their
ages.

Wally

my cat Travis has cancer

2008-08-29T21:22:00.000-07:00

8/29/2008

My cat Travis is not doing well.

He was diagnosed 2 weeks ago with Squamous
Cell Carcinoma.........

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&C=189&A=2722&S=0

I then was referred to take him to OSU for a
CT Scan, which confirmed the diagnosis, and
also that he has limited time. Could be days,
could be weeks. Could be months, but at some
point along the way, subject to progression,
his quality of life will deteriorate significantly.

I've been reading other people's experience
with this online (reading too much of it, as it's
really depressing), and they all struggle with the
"proper time" to let their cat go humanely.
Some had 4 - 6 months with their cat after
diagnosis. Many had 2 weeks tops. It's been
17 days since his diagnosis.

The biggest problem at this point, is that he
has not acted sick. He looks and acts mostly
normal, except that he does have trouble
chewing the hard cat food. But he refuses to
eat the canned soft food.

He's been in and out of my Vet severak times,
as well as to OSU (Oklahoma State University),
so he's a bit skittish, as he is afraid he's going
to be hauled off somewhere else for a few
days when I approach him. He's on a good
painkiller. He had started some howling he
did not do before in the middle of the night,
and has been drooling a bit, which are both
classic signs.

They did say there were a few options. One
would be to remove his whole right jaw. This
would then lead to needing a feeding tube, his
drooling all the time, and problems with
drinking water. It does not leave him in a good
quality of life.

Another would be to have that same surgery,
but then also have radiation treatment up at the
University Of Missouri, since OSU does not have
the proper facilities for that. Again, no guarantee
it would prolong him very long, and the surgery
would leave him with the need for a feeding
tube, etc. I can not see putting him through that
at this point.

If Travis were very young, decisions would be
easier. But he is 17, and that's getting up there
for a cat. I read recently that many house cats live
to be 15, so he's exceeded that already. However,
that same cat magazine, had a photo contest of
cats over the age of 20, with one even being 30 !
But I'm sure a lot of that is genetic.

I do have 2 other cats along with Travis. They
are doing well, but are also in the 16 - 17 age
range. They could still live years, but only time
will tell. I had Travis before I got them, though
only by several months, so therefore he's more
of the elder cat of the household. He's been
the only boy out of what was once 6 cats in the
house, so he's always stood out as special.

I do not want to lose him, but it is inevitable.
I do not want him to suffer, yet I don't want to
let go too early. That is the worst part of all of
this. When is the "correct time" ?? The last 3
cats I've had pass away, did so naturally, and
somewhat quicker, with no choice, etc. I've not
had to make this decision.

Travis has never been much of a purring cat.
However, recently, as he lay up against me
watching TV, he was purring. Perhaps that's
a sign to tell me, "Dad, it's been a great life, and
I know you'll do what's right, when it's time.
It's OK."

Wally

life is short..........

2008-07-15T22:17:00.000-07:00

7-15-2008

Tonight at 11:11 PM, my cat Tamara passed away.
She's now purring up in cat heaven, finding the rays
of sun to lay in, and a warm lap to curl up in.

Tamara was a rescue cat I got 15 years ago. She
lived a full life to age 16, even after having been
diagnosed with diabetes about 3 years ago. She was
my second diabetic cat, and both passed away at age
16.

I still have 3 cats left, all are age 16, though none of
them are diabetic.

Tamara had been steady on her insulin requirement
for several years. However earlier late last year, that
changed. Thanksgiving night she had seizures, and I
rushed her to the Emergency Animal Clinic. They got
her under control, and my regular vet then changed
her insulin level. About 6 week ago, virtually the same
scenario played out yet again. Cats are notorious for
being hard to regulate on insulin. Tamara had been so
good about it for so long, I knew it was not a good
sign that her dosage kept changing recently.

She was doing good though these last few months,
and had gotten to take numerous trips with me up to
the lake home. On occasion my cat Travis got to go as
well, but they others stayed home. This last weekend
however, I took a trip to Nebraska. My cat sitter
had just had some surgery, and was unable to cat
sit, I took Tamara to the Vet for boarding. She had
been there before several times over the years, but
the last few times seemed to really create more stress
in her than ever before. Stress of course, can alter the
glucose in their system.

I picked her up Monday, as planned. I was told she
had been sick at her stomach that morning and day
before, but she was eating again a bit. I noticed when
I got her home she seemed a bit out of it, but she was
walking around, etc. However, when I got home that
night from dinner, she seemed more lethagic and was
avoiding me. She did not seem bad enough though to
take to the emergency vet then, however I knew
to keep an eye on her.

The next morning, I could not find her to give her the
insulin shot. When I did find her, already running
late for work, she was upstairs. My first thought was,
she made it upstairs, so she's feeling better. In my
haste, I picked her up, and carried her downstairs,
and gave her the insulin shot. I then put her down
by the water bowl, and set down her canned food.
She shunned both, which she never does. Her
"meow" was not a normal one, and she was walking
like she was drunk. I realized then her
glucose was probably off kilter, so I tried to give her
some Karo syrup, but she would not even lick it.

At that point, I knew to take her to the Vet. Sure
enough, her glucose level was quite low. However,
they felt there were other complications, and wanted
to take some x-rays. Of course, I told them to do
whatever it takes. The x-rays showed some potential
problems - some unidentifiable mass areas, and some
possible liquid in the lungs. They had me take her to
a Vet Specialist not far away, and he took more
x-rays and ultrasound. He also withdrew some
of the fluid from in her lung to test it overnight, to
know tomorrow if it was some type of fungus,
or just regular fluid, or what. Obviously, that will not
help her now, but it still may tell me more.

After that testing, I took her back to the Vet, so they
could board her tonight, and give her fluids, keeping
a watch to make sure not to give her too much, due
to her heart murmur, etc. They wanted to be able
to keep her warm, as she had been noticeably cold to
the touch.

About 10:50 PM the Vet called, and said that Tamara
was having great difficulty breathing, and they were
not sure if she would make it through the night. I
told them I wanted to come up and see her, just in
case. Not even 10 minutes later, they called back,
just before I finished getting dressed and to the car.
She had passed away already.

I still did go up to tell her "goodbye". She was the
most loving cat. Just a few stokes on her back, or a
really good cuddle, and she would be purring like a
tractor. I know she knew she was sick, and had some
setbacks along the way, and due to all that, I know
she appreciated each day of hers a bit more than the
other cats.

Some of you had met Tamara, but not all of you. She
was a calico (white, black & butterscotch) blotches of
fur. She loved to greet visitors, and was not shy at all.
She knew how to get attention. She was also a hair
licker. Sitting on the couch, it was not unusual to
suddenly realize she was behind me, licking my hair.
Guests had this happen as well. I suspect it started
with someone that had a great smelling shampoo, or
perhaps hair spray or gel.

Not sure I'll sleep well tonight, as I'm used to Tamara
curling up along my left side. Just this year, she had
developed a new habit, of making sure she laid on top
of my hand, so that my hand was under her stomach.
She would rather have that, even with my hand then
laying still, than for it to be petting her at that time of
night.

Mornings she would also wait patiently as I took my
shower, etc., and got dressed. She would lead me
into the kitchen. I prepared her insulin shot , and
give it to her. She then knew, that it was OK to eat.
She would first hit the water bowl that I, of course,
freshened up for her. I'd then put down her moist
food, and it would be swallowed up quickly. At that
point, she would find Aggie's moist food plate, and
if there was still some left on it, and Aggie was not
around, it would disappear.

Travis will miss her the most of the other cats. He
and Tamara slept together most of the time, except
at night. Then I had one of them on each side of me.
Tonight, whatever sleep I do get, will be unguarded
on my left side.

Urban Tulsa Weekly's review of SUNSET Bar & Grill

2008-06-06T13:12:00.000-07:00

For those of you that do not know, I am part owner
(more of the silent type) of the SUNSET Bar & Grill.
We opened in December 2007, in London Square, at
5700 South Lewis in Tulsa, Oklahoma

http://www.sunsetbarandgrilltulsa.com

The below is a review from a local weekly newspaper.

Urban Tulsa Weekly's Review of the SUNSET Bar & Grill

> Posted on JUNE 4, 2008:
>
> BACK TO THE SCHOOL CAFETERIA YOU GO
> New grill offers the tastiest of public school memories
>
> By Katharine Kelly
>
> Down at the Sunset Bar & Grill, you might be distant from the energy and bustle of downtown, but you'll still find decent bar food, great live music and a fun atmosphere.
>
> From what our server said, the main focus of the Sunset Bar & Grill is to have a great venue for live music. The evening my friend and I were there, the acoustic folk duo George and Linda Barton entertained diners with their mellow music.
>
> The Sunset Bar & Grill is the third restaurant to occupy this particular location in the London Square Shopping Center. The basic layout of the space remains the same as it was when Cardigan's and then Kal's occupied it. Now, a music stage is set up in the far southwest corner of the smaller of the two dining rooms. This is a disadvantage for those seated in the larger of the two rooms; the live musicians can barely be seen. New decor adds to the ambience; the deep orange walls are sparsely dotted with framed pictures of music legends.
>
> We chose to sit in the larger room and enjoy the music from a distance. Though the menu is similar to other grill-type restaurants, there were a few rare novelties that my friend and I enjoyed. Appetizers include selections like Fried Portobello Mushrooms, Fried Green Beans, Judy's Fried Pickles, Cheese Fries and Buffalo Wings. All are $6.95 or under. Menu categories include Sunset Soups (the "Public School Brown Bean Chowder" sounded interesting), Sunset Salads, Entrees, Sandwiches, Sunset Burgers, Kid's Menu, Sides and Desserts.
>
> We began with three appetizers to sample a variety of items. We ordered Judy's Fried Pickles ($4.50), Sunset Nachos ($5.95) and Fried Green Beans ($5.95). The Pickles were fun--dill spears lightly coated and then fried. They had a good dill taste, and the soft texture of the pickle was juxtaposed nicely with the light crispiness of the breading. The Fried Green Beans were also a treat. The slender beans, coated with the same batter as the pickles, were crisp, delicate and tasty.
>
> The menu claimed that the Sunset Nachos came with green onions, jalapeno peppers, tomatoes, bacon on top and salsa and sour cream on the side, but our nachos were naked. Our plate was filled only with chips and lots of melted cheese. Although the nachos were good, we were perplexed by the missing toppings. Our server seemed a bit perplexed, too. He removed them and soon brought back the same (now basically cold) nachos with a sprinkling of toppings sans our favorite item, jalapenos.
>
> George and Linda Barton continued to entertain the crowd, receiving ample applause.
>
> Just out of curiosity I ordered the Public School Brown Bean Chowder to reminisce about those days of teaching at a public school. I also ordered the Chicken Fried Steak ($9.95) with two sides of mashed potatoes and gravy and Mac & Cheese. My friend ordered Old Faithful ($6.95) from the Sunset Burgers menu.
>
> The Public School Brown Bean Chowder was a delicious rendition of what is served in school cafeterias. Large brown beans rest in a gravy flavored with a hint of bacon and possibly onion. Topped with grated cheese, the chowder was good because of the memories it evoked. To complete the public school theme, I had a Cinnamon Roll ($3.25) from the dessert menu. It was just like the TPS cafeteria ladies prepared, only larger. The dough was soft, with a good texture and lots of powdered sugar icing melted through the layers.
>
> My Chicken Fried Steak was very good. Moderately coated with a crisp batter, the steak was tender and tasty. Together with the mashed potatoes, which were real potatoes (not instant), and white gravy, this was not just a filling meal but a very well-prepared Southern classic. My Mac & Cheese was served in an oversized coffee cup, and while it was very tasty and cheesy, it bordered on cool in temperature.
>
> My friend's Old Faithful hamburger was prepared to order: medium rare. It was the basic faithful hamburger with lettuce, tomato, onion and cheese. The bread for this sandwich was a Kaiser bun, which was good to hold the fillings together without letting the bread get soggy or mushy. My friend selected French Fries for his side; these were large steak fries, piping hot.
>
> Other entrees include Fried Shrimp, Grilled Pork Chop, Tequila Sunrise Chicken, Sunset Cajun Chicken, Grilled Salmon, New York Strip and Fettucini Alfredo--all $12.95 and under. Desserts include Homemade Cobbler, Cherry Cheesecake, Bread Pudding and Cinnamon Roll.
>
> A good selection of domestic beers are available, and a full bar serves other drink selections. There's a daily Happy Hour from 4-7pm and Ladies' Night is every Wednesday. Live music for the Sunset Bar & Grill can be found in UTW's Live Music section.
>
> Sunset Bar & Grill
>
> 5800 S. Lewis Ave.
>
> 949-6565
>
> Hours:
>
> Mon.-Fri. 11am-10pm
>
> Sat. 5pm-10pm
>
> Rating:
>
> Atmosphere *****
>
> Food ***
>
> Service ****
>
>

it's snowing Memorial Day weekend

2008-05-24T14:17:00.000-07:00

5-24-2008

Wow. I cannot believe it's been 6 months since I made
an entry here. A lot has happened in that time, so I'll
recap what's important (to me, at least).

This weekend is Memorial Day weekend, and I am in
Crested Butte South, Colorado. It was a last minute
decision to drive up here, but we have the place booked
for the next 2 months, and it was a good idea to get up
here before that, to make sure things are ready for the
guests, etc. Also, there is some work we want to have
done up here, so it's better to meet the people in person
than to do it all over the phone.

It's not yet summer up here, and each day I've been
here it has snowed. Big wet flakes of snow, that may
stay around awhile, but ultimately melt since the ground
is warmer, and the temperature warms up during the
day as well. Well, warms up to the 40's, perhaps 50's.
It is due to get even warmer the next few days. But
being that I enjoy cooler weather and snow, I'm fine with
it the way it is, knowing it's been in the 80's and 90's back
home. I'll get plenty of 90's and 100's days soon enough
back in Oklahoma.

Crested Butte area had more snow than usual, the most
in years. That was great for their ski season. However,
now as it melts, it has to go somewhere, so there is always
a chance of flooding throughout the lower areas, and on
downstream. No chance of our house flooding though, so
that's a good thing. The river below it is about as high as
I've seen it, and running quite rapidly.

Over the last 6 months I did get more done on the lake
house, though it's still not finished. I had to put things on
hold for awhile, due to spending more on it than was
originally budgeted, etc. Most of what is left to be done is
landscaping, as the garage, driveway, rooms over the garage,
etc. are done. I still have not got the beds to put in the new
bedrooms, but that will happen soon as well. Now I need to
do some Spring Cleaning up there, as some things have
accumulated that need to go, etc.

As previously noted, we closed KAL's restaurant. As of
mid December, we opened up the SUNSET Bar & Grill in
the same space, in London Square. It's more informal,
more economical, more family friendly, and we have live
music most nights. If you've not been in there, give us a
try. Great burgers, salads, appetizers, desserts and of
course, drinks. There are daily food specials, and every
Wednesday night is Ladies Night. Monday night is a jam
night for musicians, open to anyone that wants to join in.
Lunch Monday - Friday, Dinner Monday - Saturday. We
are closed Sundays. It is all non-smoking. With warmer
weather approaching, the patio will be open out front.

Work at my regular job has been very busy. We started
picking up 3 - 4 years ago, and it's still going great guns.
We've added some more shop workers, and our crew in
the office and in the shop have been great at keeping up
with work, and getting orders ready to ship on time, etc.
We recently had our Spring Picnic at the Perryman Ranch,
and once again had awesome weather for it. They keep
adding more improvements at the Perryman Ranch, and
with the addition of air conditioning in the Pavillion, it's
now more useable during the summers, etc.

The cats are doing fine, and all are at home this week
while I'm in Colorado. Travis, Tamara, Tootsie and Aggie
are all around 16 now, so I guess they will all be wanting
their driver's licenses. heheh. They still run the house,
of course, and they let me know it. Fortunately I have
a great cat-sitter for when I'm gone like this week.

Sports wise, Oklahoma State Cowboys football team won
their bowl game against Indiana. Coach Mike Gundy has
the offense high-powered and ready to score. However,
the defense was not as ready, and it cost us some games.
Next year it appears the defense will be improved, so
hopefully the win / loss record will improve beyond .500
for the regular season. We did have an incredible win
over Nebraska this year, though NU had a down year, it
was still memorable.

The Oklahoma State Cowboys men's basketball team had
a winning season, and played a game in the NIT, though
we lost it and were eliminated. It was the third year in a
row to go to the NIT instead of the NCAA, and to be beat
in the first game and ousted. Still, it's better than not
going to any post-season tournament.

However, the athletic director at OSU decided it was time
to make a coaching change, and Head Coach Sean Sutton
resigned, though obviously under pressure to do so. He
had a winning record, and brought a great legacy to the
position, plus had been a star player for OSU at point guard.
He seemed to be entrenched as a very loyal coach that
would stay forever, given the chance. Part of the reason for
a so-so season this past year was not his fault, as we lost
one player late to the NBA, and another transfered to a
school closer to home. Having those two players this past
season would have produced a better record for sure, but
still may not have been enough to save Sean Sutton's job.
It seems the AD was determined to make a change, no
matter what the record, etc. Will it be for the better for
OSU ? Only time will tell.

The AD brought in Travis Ford, and he seems to be quite
a good guy. So far he's taken some programs on different
levels and improved their teams and records. Each of
those times, he took teams that were in a losing rut, and
brought about a winning change. At OSU, he inherits a
team that is good, but not great, but not a losing team
either. He'll be coaching Coach Sutton's players at first,
so it will be difficult to know for awhile how much his
coaching makes a difference over Sutton's, etc. But I
believe he will be a good coach, and hopefully a great one.
Only time will tell.

There's obviously something good about a guy named
Travis....... just ask my cat Travis.

OSU's women's basketball team had an awesome year.
They soundly defeated bedlam rival OU in Stillwater,
and made a great run during the Big 12 season, the Big
12 tournament, and during the NCAA tournament. They
added a spark to the OSU sports scene that was needed.
They drew the largest crowd ever to watch a women's
basketball game in the state when they beat OU at home.
They had more games on TV then previously, and many
OSU fans chose to watch the women's season rather than
the men's, when there was a conflict. Go Pokes !

OSU's baseball team is having a great season, and ranked
in the Top Ten. They are in the Big 12 Tournament this
week in Oklahoma City, and playing against Nebraska as
I type this. Can't wait to give my buddy from Lincoln a
hard time after we beat them today. Well, if we do. NU
has a good team as well. Nothing is for sure, of course,
so I hope the team can back up my words. hehehe.

Kansas City Chiefs season never really got off the ground.
They did not end up with a good record, nor make the
post season. They did end up with more draft spots than
any other team, and it appears they made good choices
with those picks. Time will tell, of course. I'll still go to
some of the home games, of course, and especially now
with a former OSU player on the team. Dantrell Savage
was just recently signed as a free agent, so hopefully
he will have a great off-season, and stay with the team.

Health wise I'm doing alright. I had several rounds with
sinus infections in the left ear this winter. While it seemed
they were all cleared up, I'm now wondering. My latest
installment of growing older occurred a few weeks ago, when
my hearing in my left ear suddenly changed. One morning
I woke up, did my time on the stationary bike, and sometime
after that, suddenly noticed my left ear's hearing was not
normal. It was suddenly impaired, with a constant buzzing
and windy sound in it. It was never sore during all this, and
going to doctors confirmed it was not wax, not an infection,
and that they saw no fluid trapped anywhere, etc. It kept
feeling like, if I could just yawn really big, and stretch the
mouth enough, that it would all clear up, like can happen
after flying, etc. However, that was not to be. 3 weeks
later, and it's still not back to normal. I've been through
high doses of Sudafed, plus a round of steroids (not the muscle
head type), and no real difference. I was hoping the difference
in altitude might help, but again, no real difference.

In short, while I've been hoping it was only temporary, I am
beginning to fear that it may not be. The Docs have still not
been able to give me a definite answer on that, and I do go
back again in a few weeks for more testing, evaluation, etc.
I realize I am getting older, and that hearing can be one of
the things that is effected, especially if around loud noises,
etc. However, this came on so suddenly, that I had high
hopes it was an infection, or fluid, or something that would
clear up. Since that appears to not be the case, I may be
in the market for a hearing aid in the near future. If that's
the case, I'm fine with that, as long as it can help with this
ringing and whistling noise in my ear. That's getting old.

Enough for now. More later. Hopefully before 6 months !!

Wally

Turkey time

2007-11-27T12:18:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving 2007

Spent at home. With the cats. And the remnants of a
sinus / ear infection that kept me off work several days.
Very unusual. Stayed home Turkey Day to avoid passing
it along to anyone else. Fortunately they did bring me a
plate of food, which I did eat from the following day.
After all, sick or not, one has to have turkey, cranberry,
sweet potatoes and homemade noodles, among other things.

Thanksgiving night I made a dash to the Animal Emergency
Clinic. They are only open during the times Vet's offices are
closed - at nights, weekends and Holidays. Tamara, one of my
4 cats, was severely constipated. They took care of the problem,
and we returned home. As I was leaving the following day for
Grand Lake and then on to Kansas City, I felt better about
taking her into the regular Vet for boarding while I was going
to be gone. I do have a great cat sitter, but with Tamara being
diabetic, and that can lead to other problems, I knew the Vet
would be able to keep a close eye on her.

She did fine all weekend. So I brought her home last night
(Monday), and she was rather out of it. I knew this had to be
from the anesthesia they often give to the animals when they
clean their teeth, or some other procedures. She started acting
funny and convulsing, so I took her back to the ER. Turns out
she had low blood sugar. They got her back on track, and again
I took her home. I think I've paid their electric bill for this
month with my visits. It was a year ago the 24th that I lost
Allie, the other diabetic cat I'd had. And it was 13 years ago
on the 24th, that year it was Thankgiving Day, that my Dad
passed away. Needless to say, Thanksgiving Weekend can be
nerve racking for me.

I did make it up to Kansas City for the rest of the weekend.
That is always a great trip. I had a great dinner Friday night
with a friend at the Capital Grille, at the Plaza. Saturday
afternoon watched OSU let OU win in football while we were in
Tomfoolery's, and Saturday night had a great steak at Ruth's
Chris Steak House. Sunday we watched Kansas City Chiefs
give the Oakland Raiders the first victory in that series in 6
years. I think the Chiefs are now trying for the best draft
position. They may not win again this year at this rate.
After the game, it was off to George Brett's for burgers and
salad. Then home, and back to reality.

I'm weighing my decisions on getting some plastic surgery
done. After the dramatic weight loss, there's the sagging skin
that can pose some health issues as it overlaps in places, etc.
I'm most comfortable so far with a Doctor in Los Angeles, but
not sure I want to spend 2 - 3 weeks out there after surgery.
So I'm still searching for the right fit - a Doctor I am very
comfortable with in their capabilities, plus closer to home,
plus the best job possible. I've come this far, so it's time to
go the last mile for completion.

Upcoming I do have a trip planned to Crested Butte in
mid December. Other than that, it's just trips to Stillwater
for OSU Basketball (not the power house we once were at
this point), and trips to the lake as well. The landscaping
project up there, which grew to include a garage among
other things, is nearing completion. It is after all, almost
Memorial Day weekend, right ? Oh yeah, I wasn't told
which Memorial Day weekend. Obviously the weather was
a significant delay with the ice storm blowing in just as we
were starting the project, which led to several weeks power
outage. Then the rains came and stayed for so much of the
Spring, along about the time the water line got cut to the
house, and was very difficult to get repaired with all the mud
and rain. Of course, I've added / changed / eliminated things
along the way. That's my trademark for doing things. It
will be done soon though, and now all I have to do is pay
back the bank. For many years. That's the American way,
isn't it ??

Wally

all over the place

2007-11-01T19:42:00.000-07:00

11-1-2007

Wow. I cannot believe it's been over a month since
my last entry. In that time, I've been all over the
place.

Dallas (Michael McDonald concert), Kansas City
(Kansas City Chiefs game plus Elton John concert),
Grand Lake (because I can), Stillwater (OSU football
games), and out to Los Angeles (see below).

Time flies. Things change. Yet, some remain the same.

Seems the bleeding problems I was having have gone away.
Now they have linked it to the 81mg chewable aspirin I was
taking. I've quit them, and the bleeding has quit. Hopefully
that was indeed the cause, and not coincidence. Supposedly
I should have been told after the gastric bypass not to take
aspirin. However, it was not listed on the paperwork I had.
I also had been in to that Doc's office several times since the
surgery, and I always list medications I am taking, for
their paperwork update. I am quite sure I would have listed
aspirin, but apparently it went without notice. Of course, the
trade-off is, that now I get a headache easier, as well as
more aches and pains, and I will be more prone to a heart
attack. But hey, I'm not bleeding internally. So that's a good
thing.

Next chapter. I'm getting seriously close to considering
possibly scheduling a "body lift". Then again, I may not.
This is a process where they cut out the flabby hanging
loose skin on the stomach (so often present after an
extreme weight loss, such as gastric bypass surgery).
Basically, they slice you open, cut out a wide swatch of
skin all around the front, and narrowing as it goes on
around to the backside. They then tighten up muscles, etc.,
inside the body, do liposuction if needed. They then "lower
the curtain", basically connecting two continents that were
worlds apart, reforming a new belly button, and putting the
scar down below the bikini line. (As if I'm going to ever
wear a Speedo).

I flew out to LA this past Sunday, and had Consultations
with 2 Doctors out there, one Monday morning, and one
Monday afternoon. The afternoon appointment impressed
me more, in regards to the facility, the Doctors, professionalism,
etc. However, I learned a lot from both in"getting my feet wet"
about such surgery. Why Los Angeles ? My regular Doc here
had been rather insistent about having it done in LA, as they
have the latest techniques, and of course, do such procedures
much more often. Seems most of the plastic surgeons here
in Tulsa (and surrounding areas) do face lifts, etc., but not the
body lift. I tried finding a local one on my own, and just finally
yesterday found one that claims to do a body lift, for about
1/3 the price of the one in California. Perhaps his price is
just for him, and does not include the hospital costs (the
one in California included everything). Perhaps it's just
cheaper here. Perhaps it's just not as high quality here either.
I am going to schedule a Consultation with the local Doctor,
just so I know I've checked it out.

That's the latest on me.

High School Daze

2007-09-21T20:39:00.000-07:00

9-21-2007

A week ago, I attended my 35th High School Reunion.
I was a bit tentative about going, as I was not that socially
active through much of my high school years with that
group. Instead I'd spent much of my time in high school
with the church high school group.

However, I did go. First to the Open House at Nathan
Hale High School, then later to the Mixer at the hotel.
It was quite interesting, and enjoyable. Though I knew
in advance some of the people I really wanted to see, and
and had not seen in ages, would not be there, I knew some
of them would attend.

What amazed me most though, was how enjoyable it was
to converse with some of the others that I'd not really been
that close to in high school, but yet we did have things we
remembered about each other. Several were there that I
had been closer to in elementary school or junior high
school, so it was good to catch up with them, after all these
years. Several of them had also gone to Oklahoma State
University, and a few of those I'd gotten to know a bit
better at OSU than I had in high school.

I'd only been to the 10 years reunion before this one, so
I did see a big difference, as most of the pretenses had been
dropped over the years, and the more popular ones from
high school were just regular people, like me. Oh, I know,
they were back then as well, but I didn't realize it then.
I have grown up some since high school. I hope.

There are plans for another reunion next year. Normally
there would not be one for the 36th year, but in 2009
Nathan Hale High School is doing a 50th Anniversary
All-School Reunion, so our group is trying to locate as
many as possible with the 35th, and the 36th, reunions,
to have a really large gathering in 2009.

I had spent part of the morning the day of the Reunion
going through my high school yearbooks. What a trip.
That brought back many memories. Reading what
others wrote in my yearbooks, really took me back as
well. I got to review how they all looked way back when.
Some of them did not look that much different today.
Others looked quite different, but of course, their
personalities were quite similar to all those years ago
in talking to them again.

I look forward to the 36th Reunion. I was lighter at the
35th Reunion, than I was in High School. I shared my
surgery info with several of the other alums, but it was
not the only subject of conversations. Talk ranged from
who we had as teachers, sporting events back then, OSU,
old neighbors (other kids), what people are doing today
in their careers / families, etc., etc., etc.

If you get a chance to go to a school reunion........ go.
It's a chance to renew acquaintances, and to make new
acquaintances of those you may have just passed in the
halls, all those years ago. Or to re-energize relationships
from even further back than high school, and hopefully
do more socializing in the upcoming years, with those
from the past.

Wally

o/` movin' on up........ to the East side........ o/`

2007-09-09T10:58:00.001-07:00

9-9-2007

I finally did get myself and the cats moved to the
east side of Sapulpa. The movers finally get the rest
of the furniture moved tomorrow. It's been delayed
due to me, other things going on, the weather, etc.
Obviously I had enough to move the cats and I on
over and have somewhere to sleep and sit.

Next Saturday is my 35th High School Reunion.
Still not as many signed up as hoped for, but the list
has grown some. Out of 781 graduates in 1972, we
have about 25 coming to the reunion , with about 7
guests, as of checking the website today. Of course,
some are missing, and some are no long living. It
was a late notice reunion, so that left many unable to
attend, especially those from a long distance. However
I am sure there will be some more sign up in the next
week.

While I was still in school at Nathan Hale High School,
I was quite active in the youth group at John Knox
Presbyterian Church, and even was elected to the
position of Moderator my senior year. It was quite
an active and fun group of us from many different
high schools around town. We did a lot locally, and
even went on 2 different trips to help those in other
locations (one in Colorado, one in New Mexico) that
needed assistance. I still remember those good times.
Recently I was even able to help a youngster I know
that went on a church trip to Nicaragua, with a small
bit of financial assistance to get him there.

On a weekend in October this year, John Knox
Church is holding a Reunion (for all members, not just
those from my youth group). I am hoping I'll be able
to reunite with some of those from my youth group
that weekend. I am in touch with a few of them, but
lost track long ago with some of them, as happens
over time.

This will be my 3rd Reunion of the year. The OSU
fraternity reunion was late June. My high school
reunion this next weekend, then the church reunion
in October. That's a lot of catching up with old
friends and schoolmates. But it's all good.

Next Sunday I will leave for Crested Butte South ,
Colorado with my Mom, my cousin Donna, and our
friend Donna. I'd promised this trip to my Mom two
years ago, as she wanted to go in the Fall to see the
Aspen leaves turning golden. She was unable to go
2 years ago due to some now resolved leg problems.
I was unable to go last year due to still recovering
from my knee replacement surgery. So we are on
for a week from today.

The lake house is coming along, slowly, but surely.
The weather this year has been a major delay source.
First there was the ice storm, and being without any
power for several weeks at the time they were
scheduled to start work. Then there were the monsoon
rains later throughout the Spring, plus more recent
days of heavy rains as well. However, the garage is
roofed in, and nearly complete. What's being delayed
now with any wet weather is the pouring of the
concrete for the patio underneath the decking, the
sidewalks and steps, and the driveway. Hopefully
it will all be completed in a few weeks.

My OSU Cowboy football team started off rough, with
a loss at the University of Georgia last weekend. They
did come back last night though , and handily beat the
Florida Atlantic University team. Friday night they
will play a Friday night game on ESPN2 at Troy
University in Alabama, then the 21st come back to
Stillwater to open up their Big XII Conference play
against the Texas Tech Red Raiders, a team that is
always hot on scoring points.

I recently had an annual physical in which all went
very well, except there was an indication of some
blood in the stool samples. I went through the
upper and lower colonoscopy several weeks ago.
The only thing uncovered then was the removal of
a pollyp. The very worst part of that testing is
the preparation the night before / early mornng
of the testing. That's not fun.

Since that gave us no indication of the bleeding
source, they put me through the barium x-ray
exams last week, where they follow the barium
on it's trek through the system. I do not have the
results yet, but should this week hopefully. I was
able to watch the process on-screen part of the time,
and the X-ray Tech did point out the parts of my
insides he was looking at, and a few observations he
could mention. However, they make it clear that
the techs are there to do the testing, and that the
results are then forwarded on to one's Doctor, who
then calls with the results.

If this still shows nothing that was responsible for
the bleeding, I will be inclined to think perhaps I
should do the stool testing again, perhaps a few
weeks apart. I have to wonder if I really followed
the instructions of no red meat, etc., as stringently
as I should have, or if that could possibly be the
source of the positive reading, since nothing is
standing out as a cause at this point.

Either way, it's been a point of concern, and even had
me cancel a Labor Day trip to Calgary / Canmore /
Banff to see Kati and Steve, due to the uncertainty
of what the cause was, and how it may effect me
while on my trip, etc. I'll get up there another time.
My main concern at this point, is to find out what is
going on, and see what can be done.

One doctor theorized that the source may be in my
old stomach section that is no longer used, and not
accessible with the endoscopy from both ends. If
indeed the bleeding is from there, some surgery may
be required via the small portals they went in through
before for the gastric bypass. However, if it is
determined to be an ulcer in the old section that is
bleeding, a friend that is a physician's assistant has
suggested that being back on a acid-inhibiting pill
that goes through the blood stream (unlike Pepto
Bismol, etc.) may reduce the acid enough to quit
irritating the ulcer and making it bleed.

In other words, a lot of the above is theorizing. Once
I know something, I will indeed feel better about the
process, and what can be done. Until then, I really
am feeling fine, and not as anemic as I did feel at one
point. Perhaps that is partly due to me making sure
I eat more protein sources, to keep up the strength.
Perhaps it is due to the source not be irritated at
this time. I'll wait to see what the Doctors prognosis
is, and there proposal.

Wally

35th High School Reunion

2007-08-22T06:01:00.000-07:00

That was me. Senior picture. 1972.
Nathan Hale High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
We are having our 35th Reunion September 15th.
Where has the time gone ???

one more house -

2007-08-19T20:39:00.000-07:00

8-19-2007

This next week, should finally be, when I move across
town to the east edge of Sapulpa. I bought the house
a few weeks back. However, with the fraternity reunion,
a trip to Colorado, being quite busy at work, and having
meetings about the restaurant, etc., as well as having a
few things done to the house first, I have postponed the
move a few times.

However, now it looks like I'm nearly ready. Many
boxes are already over there, as well as pictures, dishes,
etc. I will be scheduling a moving company for the
furniture, but just about everything else, I'm moving.
This way I'll know what is where, and be able to get
to those things I need easier, etc.

It's a good move. It will put me less than 5 miles from
work, rather than nearly 20. Plus it will take me out of
a high traffic area, and put me in a quiet neighborhood.

I'm ready. Now I just have to break it to the cats.

KAL's closes

2007-08-19T20:35:00.000-07:00

8-19-2007

Monday, August 13th, 2007, KAL's Southern Hills
Chop House closed. It was quite an interesting
venture, however, the numbers were not there to
support letting the losses continue.

The PGA was in town the week before, but it did
not give us the injection of business we needed.

Quite a learning experience.

Thanks to those that did make it in while we were
open.

o/` If I could turn back time...... o/`

2007-08-19T20:22:00.000-07:00

8-19-2007

Several weeks ago I had quite an entertaining weekend.

Saturday night here in Tulsa at the Brady Theater, I
went to see Kathy Griffin. Though at times there was
some audio problems, she still came through loud and
clear. She's quite a funny lady, and really enjoys picking
on Lindsay Lohen and Brittany Spears. Not that they
don't deserve it. heheh.

The following day I drove to St. Louis. I met some friends
I'd not seen in years for dinner. Robert (formerly of Chicago)
and Vicci & Quenten. Robert, Vicci, Karen (formerly of
Racine, WI and now in the New Orleans area) and I used
to gather annually in Chicago in December for shopping,
dining, and lots of fun. This lasted several years, but with
Karen's move to New Orleans, and then Robert's move
elsewhere, it faded. Last year, Karen and Vicci made it
to Las Vegas over Labor Day for a planned gathering, but
I was unable to go since it was too soon after knee surgery.
Karen was unable to make this weekend in St. Louis in
person, so we called her during dinner to chat.

Then Robert and I went to the Kenny Loggins concert.
That is what really prompted the last minute get-together.
I found the concert online and he is one I'd wanted to see,
so I made it happen. I'm very glad I did too, as it was a
very well done concert, and perfect weather for the
amphitheater evening.

We are now planning another get together..... in Summer
2009 in Crested Butte, Colorado. I'm already looking
forward to it.

taking the backroads

2007-07-20T14:37:00.000-07:00

7-20-2007

I am now in Denver.

Wishing I was still in Crested Butte, but oh well.

I had plans to come in to Denver to see Bob Dylan
in concert tonight with a friend, so I tore myself
away from the mountain paradise, and here I am
back in urban sprawl. What have I done ??

I spent the week in CB relaxing, and resting, and
exploring. I hit some of the usual trails -

Cement Creek Road ...... 15 miles of bad road, but
such a wonderful and quiet escape that most of
those tourists do not frequent. There's the creek
itself, open meadows, towering mountains, going
past smaller waterfalls, ponds created by beavers
(which you can sometimes catch out working) and
just the escape from reality.

Gothic Road / Schofield Pass ..... another 15 mile
drive into the wonderful back country, although
this one always has more tourists. I wish they
would learn to slow down on days when their
vehicle is putting up clouds of dust. Not just for
when they pass me, as I have my windows down
(until I realize they are not slowing down), but
also I see them blow right past bikers and hikers,
and leave them in a cloud of dust, not caring. I
always slow down to a crawl when I pass bikers
and hikers, so I do not stir up dust for them to
have to breathe, and most everytime, I get a
verbal "thanks", as they appreciate it.

Going up through Gothic is always scenic, as there
are wildflower and botanical gardens and testing
plots along the way. Usually, there will be some
of those employed there (or some are volunteers)
out working in the areas as well. Beyond Gothic
is the route to Schofield Pass. A 4-wheel drive
vehicle is highly recommended for this trip, and
a smaller one is even better for parts of it. Once
past the actual pass summit, the road deteriorates
even more, and is not recommended past a certain
point for vehicles other than jeeps or bikes, etc.

Emerald Lake is well worth the drive, and you
reach it before the pass summit. It's a scenic
alpine type lake, just as green (or blue, depending
on the sun that day) as it can be. It's got an area
for picnics, swimming (yes, it's a cold lake), and
fishing is an option as well.

Blue Mesa / Black Canyon of The Gunnison was
the starting point for the fullest day of my drives.
I stopped several places along Blue Mesa, and
then took the North Rim Drive around the
Black Canyon for the first time. I'd been on the
South Rim Drive before, several times. There
are some awesome vistas along both routes, but
the South Rim Drive has the advantage of having
access to drive down into the Black Canyon, while
you do not have that option on the North Rim.

I took that highway on around further Northwest,
and came into Paonia, which is quite the place to
find locally grown fruits, as well as preserves, jam,
and wine. I then followed the highway up past
the turnoff for CB, and up to the road to Marble.
Marble is a town on the backside of Schofield Pass,
so had I been able to go on across the pass a few
days before, it would have taken me here, as well
as the town of Crystal, along the Crystal River.
Marble is famous for, yes..... a marble quarry, some
of which was used at the Oklahoma State University
Library, the Lincolm Monument in Washington DC,
and other places. It's quite an interesting place to
visit, with huge chunks of broken marble at some
places along the road, and in the river.

The drive then took me on up to Redstone, which
is one of those small towns you pass by on the
highway, but this time I made the turn, and took
some time to see the town, and it's art galleries,
etc. There is also a Redstone Castle, but I did
not take that tour, as it was getting late in the day,
and thunderstorms were on the way. I had to save
something for another trip up there. I then took
the drive back down the highway, just past Paonia
Reservoir, and turned off onto the Kebler Pass Road
headed to Crested Butte. Even though much of this
drive was in a pouring down rain, I did get to see
2 deer during a let up in the rain.

Today's trip took me up Jack's Cabin Cutoff, to
the Taylor River Road, and on up to the Taylor
Reservoir. Past that, I kept going up to the road
to Cottonwood Pass, over that and down to Buena
Vista. That was a road I'd not taken before all the
way, though I had been up to the summit of the pass
before. As I got to Fairplay and made a planned
stop for a carved wood bear I wanted, the sudden
sounds of sirens filled the air. On beyond Fairplay
towards Denver (yes, in the direction I was headed)
there had been a 1-car accident, where the SUV
had rolled over into the field. It held up traffice
for an hour, as 2 lifeflight helicopters came in and
landed on the road to carry away those in need.

That was the 3rd accident of some sort I had seen
today. The other 2 were caused by boulders
falling onto the highway, and cars hitting them
(such as the one on Cottonwood Pass Road), or
the boulder hitting the car's side (such as the one
on Taylor River Road). Plus, a week before when
driving through Fairplay to visit some friends that
have moved up there from Dallas, there was an
accident right in Fairplay itself that delayed me
30 minutes or so. Those, plus an accident on the
highway to just north of the Kebler Pass turnoff,
left me being very careful. The 2 non-boulder
accidents were both one vehicle accidents. How
they happened, I do not know. Over-correcting ?
Speeding ? Cell phone / text messaging ?

Long day, but I'm here in Denver, and headed out
before too long to the Bob Dylan concert. Then
heading out tomorrow across flat eastern Colorado
and into even flatter Kansas, stopping in Wichita
to see a friend, before heading back to Tulsa on
Sunday.

Time for, a cool change

2007-07-17T06:35:00.000-07:00

7-17-2007

Weather.

It can make a difference in one's state of mind.

Yesterday it was a high of 94 in Tulsa,
with a low of 71.

Yesterday it was a high of 85 in Crested Butte,
with a low of 48.

That's a nice difference. The difference will be
even more pronounced in August.

However, even today, the difference between here
in the mountains, and the temperatures in eastern
Colorado / far western Oklahoma is significant,
as today's forecast for those areas are for near
100 already.

About Crested Butte
Find out more about our town.

Folks have been skiing in Crested Butte longer than they’ve been driving cars, flushing toilets or turning on light switches. Thank goodness today we can do all of the above.

Crested Butte today is a marvel of contrasts. High-speed lifts whisk skiers to the top of an expansive ski mountain abuzz with youthful energy, flanked by a modern resort with state-of-the-art services and amenities. Yet, just a few minutes away lies the old town of Crested Butte, one of Colorado’s largest National Historic Districts, looking much like it did a century ago when burly gold miners skied in from their mountain claims for supplies, good food and warm companionship. The historic town, bathed in antique lamplight, still knows how to welcome, entertain and pamper its guests.

Far from urban crowds, Crested Butte has preserved the best of its heritage-a sense of history, community and hospitality-while creating the best of the new-exceptional skiing, diverse recreational amenities, and fine dining and lodging.

In the town of Crested Butte, guests feel warmly welcomed by both its friendly locals and its old Victorian storefronts. Yet this is no sleepy backwoods burg; Crested Butte boasts an impressive cultural slate-art galleries, musical entertainment, dance, theater-and, as Michael Carlton wrote in the Denver Post, "Crested Butte has more fine restaurants per capita than any other town in the U.S."

The modern ski resort is a separate world of luxury conference facilities, shopping, dining and recreational amenities. Accommodations range from the plush, slope-side Club Med resort to lodges, bed and breakfast inns and condominiums-more than 5,000 beds in the valley. Historic town and contemporary resort are connected by a free shuttle bus.

Among avid skiers, Crested Butte is known as a place where anyone can find the right challenge - whether it’s the resort’s innovative QuickStart beginners’ program, inviting intermediate bowls and non-threatening glades, or the double-black diamond Extreme Limits, the finest adventure skiing in the Rocky Mountains. Crested Butte leads the state in teaching first-time skiers; the country’s best and boldest skiers and snowboarders also gather in Crested Butte each year for national extreme skiing and snowboarding championships.

Though Crested Butte feels like a world removed-nestled in a valley at the road’s end, surrounded by towering peaks-it is as accessible by air as any ski resort in America. Skiers can easily fly into the Gunnison/Crested Butte airport from anywhere in the United States, with convenient international connections as well.

Crested Butte offers guests accessibility, amenities and skiing to rival the largest ski resorts in America, but it has what they can’t buy, build or imitate-authentic Old West charm, small-town hospitality and a "real skier’s mountain." Crested Butte is truly "the last great Colorado ski town."

Skiing on Mt. Crested Butte photo Tom Stillo

Visitor Information

Crested Butte has a lot to offer...whether
it’s summer, winter or in-between.

Our mountain scenery is spectacular
and recreational opportunities are
almost endless. Crested Butte is known
as "Colorado’s Last Great Ski Town"
and "The Wildflower Capital of Colorado.
We’re a town with spunk,energy and
friendly, fun-loving locals.

Stroll down our streets and alleys and
enjoy the historic buildings, most of
which date back to the late 1800’s
when Crested Butte was a bustling coal
mining town. Crested Butte offers just
about everything an outdoor enthusiast
desires:

Wildflower viewing photo Chris Ladoulis

skiing, mountain biking, hiking, wildflower

viewing, kayaking, fly-fishing and more.
Crested Butte Mountain Ski Resort is
just minutes from town on the free shuttle
bus. Our town also boasts music festivals,
great restaurants, art galleries and shops.
Crested Butte hosts numerous special
events and festivities such as the Wildflower
Festival, Arts Fair, Winter Carnival and
The Crested Butte Summer Music Festival.
Whether you visit in summer, winter or
in-between, you’re sure to enjoy the
Town of Crested Butte. And while you’re
here stop by Town Hall and say hello.

Location: Southwest Colorado, 231
miles southwest of Denver and 28
miles North of Gunnison.

Altitude:

Mardi Gras Fun on Elk Ave. photo Chris Ladoulis

8,885 feet
Population: 1,537
Number of Housing Units: 961 (2003)

"Denver is near the mountains, not in them. Denver
might not be in the mountains, but the mountains dominate
Denver. There are 200 named peaks visible from Denver,
including 32 that soar to 13,000 feet and above. The mountain
panorama visible from Denver is 140 miles long. State law
prohibits building any structure that would block the view
from the State Capitol. To penetrate the mountains west of
Denver, required building the highest auto tunnel in the world
(Eisenhower Tunnel) and the longest railroad tunnel in North
America (the Moffat Tunnel)

Denver really is exactly one mile high. By incredible
good luck, there is a step on the State Capitol Building that
is exactly 5,280 feet above sea level. In Denver’s rarified air,
golf balls go ten percent farther. So do cocktails. Alcoholic
drinks pack more of a wallop than at sea level. The sun feels
warmer, because you’re closer to it, but your coffee is cooler,
because water boils at 202 degrees. Mile High Denver is also
extremely dry, so it is good idea to drink more water than
normal. With less water vapor in the air at this altitude, the
sky really is bluer in Colorado. But there’s 25 percent less
protection from the sun, so sunscreen is a must."

(the prior 2 paragraphs borrowed from the website of the
Denver Metro Convention And Visitors Bureau)

a green Dust Bowl ?

2007-07-15T21:27:00.000-07:00

7-15-2007

Yesterday I drove from Tulsa to Guymon, out in the
Oklahoma Panhandle. Today I then drove from Guymon
on to Boise City, then north into Colorado, up to Fairplay
area, then on down to Crested Butte.

The main thing I noticed ??

The Oklahoma Panhandle is usually brown by this time
of the year. Not so. With all the rain we have had, it is
actually rather green, with some brown spots here and
there. There's even water in some of the "rivers" I do
not normally see any water in.

Then when leaving my friends near Fairplay, and driving
out of an incoming storm, I got to see a double rainbow.
I'm now in CB South, and have already been outside to
listen to the river run by. Very soothing.

This week will be rather relaxing, or at least that is the plan.
I have plans to meet our realtor for breakfast on Tuesday.
No, that does not mean we are buying anything else. He's
become a friend, and I usually see him when up here.
Another friend had plans to come through the area while I
am here, but that may not happen afterall. Then on Friday
I leave to go to Denver, and go with another friend, to the
Bob Dylan Concert, at the Red Rocks Amphitheater. Then
Saturday head out, and probably stay in Wichita, if not
somewhere before, and home on Sunday around Noon.

One thing I love about driving in western Oklahoma, and
in Colorado, is the ability to see for miles and miles.
Especially when there are thunderstorms off in the distance,
and you can see the dark sweeps of heavy rain from afar.
Fortunately, the feed lots were not really being used much,
so the air was fresher than on some other trips.

Many of my recent trips up here involved time moving items
from the old condo to this house (two years ago), to meeting
the furniture company at that same time to deliver and set
up. After that I had several trips where my SUV was packed
with items to bring up, and / or items were delivered up here
for decorating and furnishing the house. There are still some
things that could be done, but this trip, will be spent more on
relaxing and enjoying it, and the surrounding area.

This is definitely a slice of heaven.

o/` Memories..... like the corners, of my mind..... o/`

2007-07-01T20:43:00.000-07:00

July 1st, 2007

What a weekend. Memories, old and now new ones, from the college fraternity I was in over 30 years ago.

I organized a reunion for all ages of those from the Oklahoma State
University chapter of Phi Kappa Theta fraternity this passed
weekend here in Tulsa, 70 miles from where we went to school in
Stillwater. Originally I sent out an initial mailing back in early 2006,
to get a feel for what others would like to do, and how many might
attend, the planning began.

Friday night was a "mixer' at a local hotel, with "Hideaway Pizza" from here in Tulsa. When we had our old fraternity house in Stillwater, we were one block from the original Hideaway Pizza, and it was our second kitchen. About 25 showed up for Friday night, and we spent the evening talking and reminiscing about old times. Due to end at 11, the last of us left the ballroom at 1 am.

Saturday morning those that wanted to were scheduled to play golf. Though 9 were signed up for it, 2 opted not to due to wet conditions, and 1 never made it to town. So the other 6 played, and had quite a nice time.

During the day Saturday was "Free Time" to do what one wanted to around Tulsa, or elsewhere. A number of the guys opted to drive to Stillwater to see how it had changed, as some of them had not been there for many years. Others visited relatives or other friends, or went shopping, or to museums, etc.

Saturday night we descended on the Perryman Ranch, with about 45 in attendance. We had some of that tasty BBQ for dinner, and rocked out to the Fabulous Midlife Crisis Band. Though the band had trouble at times getting anyone off their chair to dance, they did succeed at times, especially towards the end, when they played the fraternity favorite, ala "Animal House", (It Makes Me Want To) "Shout ! ". That got most of the fraternity brothers out on the dance floor. And just the guys, no wives or girlfriends. We were out there dancing at the same time, though I'd never claim we were all dancing together. It was quite a fun evening, with lots of talk and plans for another gathering in August of 2008, back at the ranch.

Sunday morning, 15 of us went to Brunch at KAL's Southern Hills Chop House. It was another fun, and talkative gathering. The food was quite good, the service very good, and those of us that were there had a great time, still catching up on more memories from the past, and talking about those that were not there.

One interesting observation was that on Friday evening, it sure seemed to start off slow, with people arriving at different intervals, and many of them meeting some of the others for the first time. That was because we invited all the guys from our fraternity, covering over 70 years while it was on campus. The house folded around 1995, so there had not been a lot of interaction since between many of the members.

However, by later Saturday night, and Sunday morning, the conversations were flowing much more freely, even between the different age groups. We all had that common bond of having been in the same fraternity, regardless of when, and what location. Over the years, our "house" had moved around a bit. The one I actually lived in during the mid 70's burned down around 1980. After that, there were several moves around campus, yet the feeling of going back to visit the fraternity during football season, etc., was never quite the same. The old familiar feeling one usually gets going back a college football game, and visiting one's fraternity house, just wasn't there, after the fire, and with several moves in just a few years. That seemed to take the steam out of the fraternity, and it never completely recovered.

Will we ever re-open a new chapter at OSU ? I do not know. It's not easy, and it's not cheap. Will we keep the alumni group going, and keep trying to involve more of the former members ? Yes, definitely. Now that this first event has come and gone, and those that attended all seemed to enjoy themselves, it does appear they will be more interested in having another event, and helping to get more members contacted, and to show up.

That's what I am hoping to accomplish. This was not done for making money on the event, as that did not happen. It was done to re-unite old friends, and make new friends between the generations that all share a common bond. This first gathering was the tough one, the others will have some momentum from this one. The more members we get involved, the more the future gatherings will be fresh and fun, as we will continue to have new faces show up.

It was worth the effort, and the headaches.

I do need to give credit to some in my office that were a wonderful help in getting the mailings out. I know I pushed a lot of extra work on them, but they handled it cheerfully and did a great job. I could not have done it without their assistance.

o/` Livin' on Tulsa Time o/`

2007-06-11T05:10:00.000-07:00

June 11th, 2007

The previous 16 posts all relate to my recent 3 night trip to
New York City and Long Island, followed by a 6 night
transatlantic cruise from Brooklyn Harbor to Southampton,
UK, and my following 6 night stay in London, with visits to
Liverpool, Stonehenge and Bath.

It's obviously best if read chronologically, however, feel free
to skip around and just read what you'd like to read, or of
course, you do not have to feel it is required reading.

Nearly 600 pictures later, I am home. I will eventually
get those sorted out, and hopefully get some of them posted
on a website perhaps.

One thing I left out of the appropriate post, was the afternoon
I was taking a cab to the theater, and when the cabbie found
out where I was from, he started singing "The Hills Of
Oklahoma". Now, that's entertainment.

For those of you not familiar with the Woody Guthrie song,
you can find the lyrics at

http://www.woodyguthrie.org/Lyrics/Oklahoma_Hills.htm

It's good to be back home.... livin' on Tulsa Time.

o/` The long and winding road....... o/`

2007-06-10T20:32:00.000-07:00

June 10th, 2007

I woke up at 5:15am Sunday London time, which was 11:15pm
Saturday night Tulsa time. I finished packing, ate breakfast,
and caught a cab to London's Heathrow Airport. That airport is
an experience in itself. Very busy !

The flight from London to Chicago was 8 hours. It left at 10:30am
London time, and arrived at 12:30pm Chicago time. So after flying
8 hours, it was only 2 hours later in the day. That can throw off your
schedule a bit.

Just about an hour after taking off, they fed us lunch. Just about an
hour before landing in Chicago, they fed us lunch. I feel like I ate and
slept all day long today. Quite a combination.

Speaking of which though, I came home from my 15 days on vacation,
lighter than I left. The morning I left for New York City, I had finally
hit a milestone, and weighed in below 235, that number I just could
not get below earlier. I was 233 that morning, and determined not to
undo that accomplishment.

While on the cruise ship, I did hit the gym daily, and worked with
a personal trainer. Plus, just the walking one has to do onboard the
ship is a lot. My cabin was near the aft of the ship. Most activities
were near the front of the boat. Plus, walking around the ship on Deck
7, where you could walk all the way around outside unobstructed, was
1/3 mile. Therefore, 3 laps was one mile, so I did that most days.

This evening when I got home, my weight was down to 230. Now,
bear in mind, that may not take into effect the days eating I did
today while traveling. But also keep in mind, that was accomplished
by a lot of walking in London. While I did take cabs when needed,
when possible and time allowed, I would walk, even when quite a
distance. The London Eye back to my hotel in Mayfair area. The
British Museum back to my hotel. The end of the day's tour at
Victoria Station back to the hotel. Most of those walks would take
me by Buckingham Palace, and back through St. James Park, which
was a very enjoyable walk. Plus quite a busy walk, as walking is
something that is common in London, something we Americans could
do more. Even after the theater at 10 or 11 at night, there are crowds
of people out walking and socializing.

My arrival in Tulsa tonight was at 5pm local time. 11pm London time.
Here it is 11pm Tulsa time, and I'm headed to bed, 24 hours after I
woke up this morning. However, I did have a number of naps on the
plane, as well as a few while watching the Tony Awards tonight. I did
not see the plays that won so many awards tonight, but saw some
very good ones both in New York City and in London.

The only problems with the trip ? It wasn't long enough. And the
exchange rate is not good for us Americans, at nearly 2 U.S. Dollars
to 1 British Pound.

Yes, I'm planning on going back, for sure. I enjoyed it immensely.

o/` Saved The Best For Last o/`

2007-06-09T14:53:00.000-07:00

June 9th, 2007

A trip to the British Museum. Never an admission charge,
except to special events. Their special event currently, is
one of water colors, of how the explorers first saw the
Americas.

Water colors of birds, fish, wildlife, and Native Americans.
Very impressive. For the age of the water colors, they
have held up very well, with some losing some pigmentation,
but otherwise quite detailed and beautiful.

The British Museum also has permanent displays of nearly
all periods of history, with Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Native
American, South American, Alaskan, etc., etc., etc.

It's a huge museum, which would take absolutely weeks
to see everything in great detail. Sure, you can browse
through the displays, and get an overall view. However,
to really appreciate it all, you would need to look at each
item, read each inscription, and absorb it all. That is no
small task, and certainly not one I could do in only one
day.

It's a place worth having visited, even for only several
hours, with the idea of a return visit someday.

For dinner, I finally went to a "authentic English Pub",
and had "meat and kidney pie" for dinner. Quite tasty,
and filling.

I then went to the closing performance of "The Lady
From Dubuque", starring the amazing Maggie Smith.
It's an Edward Albee play, who also wrote " Who's
Afraid Of Virginia Wolff", among others. Oddly
enough, Maggie Smith does not appear until the
closing line of the first act. However, the opening
moments of the second act are definitely hers, and
she owns the stage at that point.

This play was never well received in London, and
it's Broadway debut brought about a swift closing.
It's not an uplifting play, as it's about a bitter wife
dying, and those she alienates along the way, much
to their astonishment and bewilderment. It's a
story of how much pain can influence one's actions,
and reactions. The supporting characters were all
quite good, and the lady playing the dying wife is
exceptionally good, as she is called about to have
her leg twitch, and to cry, much of the opening act.
Not an easy assignment, I am sure.

After the play, it was back to the hotel, and to get
started packing. I have an early morning trip to
London's Heathrow Airport, with a flight to Chicago,
then a connection back to Tulsa. It's been a truly
wonderful trip, one that has gone beyond even my
expectations. I certainly expect to return to London
someday, and hope it's not too far off in the future !

A castle, some rocks, and bath water

2007-06-08T15:56:00.000-07:00

June 8th, 2007

Another tour day, though this one started overcast, and
with the pavement wet from an early morning rain. In my
whole trip so far, there had been no rain at all, so this was
a first, and luckily, did not last throughout the day, as it
once again proved to be a beautiful day.

The tour started off via coach, headed out towards London's
Heathrow Airport area, and we visited the Windsor Castle.
Very impressive. Very ornate. Very stately. Very big.
There were many rooms, that by themselves, could
swallow up my home all in that one room. The tour is a
walking tour through many of the rooms, with the ornate
furniture and fixtures, the collections of china, swords,
knights armor, paintings, etc. It just kept going on and on.
Unfortunately, on such a tour, you have limited time, and
must keep moving along, so you will be back to the bus in
time to leave on time, to head to the next stop. One could
spend days in this castle, just admiring and learning. Just
over 1-1/2 hours does not do it justice, but it was an
overview.

Next, the coach motored through the countryside, and on
to Stonehenge Inn, where we ate a British lunch, mine
being Chicken Pie. We then continued on to the landmark
itself, Stonehenge. It sits right along one of the local
highways, so it is easily accessible. For some reason, I
thought it would be more removed from the highway. At
any rate, it is quite an impressive realization that someone,
somehow, someway, moved those huge stones into this
location from at least hundreds of miles away, and placed
them in a position that was meaningful to them, for some
now unknown reason. The true meaning remains a
mystery, though they believe it was tied to the movements
of the sun. It is estimated to be 5000 years old, and that
it took 900 years to complete it. Some of it has been
removed over the years by those that wanted some of
the stones for their own use, before it was protected as
a landmark, etc. However, the overall idea is the same.
There are other, similar rock placements elsewhere in
the UK, but most of them had left of the original pieces
remaining, and have never been as well known.

On we then motored, to Bath. I just expected a small
town with some hot spring baths. However, Bath is quite
a larger city than I expected, and most all the buildings
are made out of the local Bath stone, so there is a very
harmonious look to the city, much like Santa Fe, NM and
it's adobe look everywhere. The baths in Bath were at
different times unknown, well known, flocked to, and
avoided. The stories of it's origins are mainly tied to
when the Romans were in control of the land. It is the
only place in the UK with a natural hot spring. For awhile
it was very popular, but later faced decline as the springs
became known as a place only for those who were ill or
infirm. However, royalty soon decided they could use
the baths to help with their ills, and once again, the
popularity of the baths increased. Today the baths are
no longer used, but strictly are a monument to the past,
with a very interesting and lengthy audio guided tour.
You can actually touch the water in the main bath area,
though signs repeatedly warn you not to for health
reasons, as the water is not treated, and the pigeons
are all over the place. Our guide warned us not to put
our hands, etc., into the water. I did, however, see other
people, not on our tour, dipping their hands into it.
Some people don't read the warning signs, or don't care.

2-1/2 hours later, we returned to London. I walked from
Victoria Station, where the coach let us off, past the palace
and through the parks, back towards the hotel. I ate
dinner at a sidewalk cafe down an alley, that has been
transformed into a gathering area, with restaurants,
bars, and shops. I had a vegetable soup I cannot
remember the name of, as well as a smoked salmon
and shrimp dish that was quite tasty. I arrived back
at the hotel about 9:30, with some remaining daylight.

o/` We All Live In A Yellow Submarine..... o/`

2007-06-08T15:32:00.000-07:00

June 7th, 2007

An early morning, bound for Liverpool via Virgin Rail. I
would not get up that early for most things while on
vacation, but, for The Beatles, I did.

After a 2-1/2 hour train ride, with only about 5 stops, the
rain arrived in Liverpool. I was excited. Yet, I was also
quite surprised. I had always pictured Liverpool as some
small little town tucked away, but here it was, a rather
large industrial city, with a lot of impressive architecture
in the main city buildings. It had been bombed heavily
during the war, so much of what one sees today is newer
and imposing. However, one unfortunate observation was
that too many of the statues and monuments were not
protected in any way from vandals and graffitti "artists".

The tour is one that is self-guided on the train, and when
you arrive in Liverpool. You are given a list of "things to
see" while there, plus admission to "The Beatles Story",
and a ticket to ride "The Magical Mystery Tour" Bus.
It also gives you admission to the Cavern Club, the place
where the Beatles once played daily at lunch, and packed
the place, enough to eventually lead to being discovered.

"The Beatles Story" is a museum you walk through at
your own pace, with an audio device. Key in a number
that is on a display, and you get to hear about that
item, with detailed background, often music, and many
more tidbits of information than I ever knew about.
There are lots of original items on display, as well as
recreated venues and settings. It's like going back in
time, and really brought back some memories.

Most touching though, was near the end, in the John
Lennon room, as they spoke of his life, and his fateful
day, while listening to "Imagine". That was touching.
I did not know (or did not remember) that Mark
David Chapman had gotten John Lennon's autograph
hours earlier as John & Yoko left the building. He was
still holding on to it, when they returned hours later,
and he shot John.

Once you take that tour, you then are able to board
the "Magical Mystery Tour" Bus, that takes you to
the birthplace and / or early homes of the Fab Four.
It also goes to "Penny Lane", "Strawberry Fields",
and other places of Beatle Interest. Some places you
are able to unboard and take pictures.

The bus then leaves everyone at the end, at Mathew
Street, a short otherwise non-remarkable street,
that holds more history than much of the rest of the
city. This is where The Cavern Club was. The
Beatles memoriabilia is up and down the alley, and
several shops sell everything from shirts, to post
cards, to refrigerator magnets, to lunch pails, etc.
It's quite a scene. On the exterior wall of the
original Cavern Club, the bricks have the names
etched in them, of those singers and / or groups,
that performed at the Cavern Club over the years.
Of course, The Beatles are in the coveted middle
spot, but also listed are Stevie Wonder, Cilla Black,
Gerry & The Pacemakers, and many others.
While many of those listed are world famous, also
listed there are the local groups, whether they ever
made it to the big arena or not.

Leaving Liverpool meant another 2-1/2 hour train
ride, but I did learn why taking a train, or a coach,
can be a very good things. Nap time.

Baby Blue Lamborghini Convertible

2007-06-08T13:53:00.000-07:00

June 6th, 2007

Wednesday was the day to head out by car, to Ruthin, Wales.
However, I had decided, by conversations with others, that I
would remain at my London hotel, and do my outside the city
excursions from there, via the tour companies. I had grown a
bit leary of driving in London traffic, and not sure driving out
in the country without a navigator would be that easy either.
Since my friends had decided to move on to Paris instead,
I opted to stay in London, and do all I could in the few days
I have.

Wednesday was walking day. Again. It seems like all I do.
First, walking all over the ship, and now all over London.

The day started a bit later, but once I got going, I got
around. I walked down to St. James Park, down around
Buckingham Palace, back up through The Old Greens Park,
by the Hard Rock Cafe, and stopped and had a nice lunch.

I then decided to go to the London Eye, and hopped in a cab.
Along the way, we got in some traffic, and the cab driver
whispered over his shoulder, Rod Stewart, and nodded his
head to the left side. Sure enough, there in a baby blue
Lamborghini Convertible, driving with the top down, was
Rod Stewart. I snapped a few pictures, usually just as he
turned his head away, so I may have trouble proving it, but
there he was indeed.

The London Eye, for those that do not know, is like a huge
ferris wheel ride, though it goes very slowly, and is made up
of large pods that a dozen or so people can ride in at once,
either sitting or standing, there's plenty of room to move
around. It goes higher than the buildings in London, and
the view is for miles. It's located right on the River Thames
embankment, so you get a birdseye view. The scene is
fantastic from up there, and you hardly get the sense of
movement at all. Even with my fear of heights, it did not
really bother me, as long as I stood away from the edge of it.
It was more impressive than I expected.

Then I toured the Aquarium, just next door to the Eye.
Very nice. They have some of the same fish we do back home,
but most of the local fish are different than ours. That was
quite interesting.

From there, I walked across the River Thames, back into the
heart of London, and back to the hotel. I then went out for a
simple yet nice dinner, and then to the theater. I had grabbed
a hot ticket for "Equus" that evening.

I was quite surprised, when entering the lobby, I ran into
Anne, a lady I had met at dinner the first night on the Queen
Mary 2. We seemed to bump into each other often on the boat,
and again in London. It was her last night in London before
heading back to LA, but we chatted a few moments.

"Equus" was quite powerful and dramatic, basically a story of
a young man still disturbed by his past, and the therapist that
he is brought to, in order to find some inner peace. In the
process, the therapist himself finds things more disturbing in
relation to his own life, and what all that entails. It was one
you really have to dig into and pay attention to, but it's well
done, and superbly acted.

Magic Bus

2007-06-06T04:15:00.000-07:00

June 5th, 2007

OK, "Magic Bus" was a song by The Who. I road a bus (or coach) today
for the tour. Nothing really magical about it, but it just seemed an
appropriate title.

The tour started with Westminster Abbey, and a lengthy in-depth
tour. Our guide was very informative and helpful. The Westminster
Abbey is amazing. The architecture and details are stunning. It's been
added to over hundreds of years, but each phase has it's own
uniqueness and style. Many famous people are buried at the Abbey,
as well as hundreds of monks that had served there.

Next was the Buckingham Palace, and changing of the guard. We
actually started that portion at the St. James Palace, and watched
as the band begins their procession from that point, to march over to
Buckingham Palace. We were right on the curb, and could reach
out and touched the marching band members strutting in front of our
tour group. Of course, the guards would not have approved.

We were across the street from Buckingham Palace, when the horse
brigade arrived, and got a good full view of them as well. We were on
a small hill, far away from the actual changing of the guard, but with
all the mass of people gathered up at that location, we had a better
viewing sight than many of them. The actual changing is tough to see
from anywhere except right up at the right spots, so many of those
gathered up close, did not get any better view than we did. We got
to see the pageant and regal pre-entrance of the band, and the horse
brigade.

We then headed to the Thames River, and boarded a boat. On board,
we rode nearly under the London Eye, and saw The Clock Tower (Big
Ben is the bell inside the clock tower, not the actual tower itself), and
so many places along both sides of the river. We unloaded the tour
boat at The Tower Of London, and then spent most of the rest of the
tour there.

At the Tower Of London, we got to see where many famous people
from history were housed while political prisoners. Many of them
were beheaded as well, including several of Henry the 8th's wives.
This is also where the Royal Jewels are kept, as well as other display.
Very impressive, and totally glamourous. At one point in history, the
king at that time melted down all the Royal Jewels and accessories, as
he thought they were way too extravagent and gaudy. So these Royal
Jewels are replacements, but still are hundreds of years old.

After the tour, the next event was to go see the musical "Blood
Brothers". I'd seen it on Broadway 15 years ago, or so, but was ready
to see it again. It's been at this same theater in London since 1991,
and still going strong. It's a story about London twins, separated at
birth, and how they grow up differently, not knowing of each other.
One remains in the poorer family, while the other one is adopted out
to a richer family. They do not know they are brothers, but they
become acquainted, and decide to be Blood Brothers, since they
do know they were born on the same day, and become lifelong
friends. The mothers try to keep them apart, to avoid the curse,
that if they find out about each other being their twin, that day,
they will die.

When seeing it in NYC years ago, it starred Petula Clark, David
Cassidy and Shawn Cassidy, is cast was however, up to the task,
and very good. In some ways it was less distracting, not knowing
any of the cast members. They were very good, and have a rich
history behind them in British theater.

After the theater, a stop at a local cafe in Soho for a light dinner.
Then back to the hotel, and called it a night.

England Swings

2007-06-06T04:00:00.000-07:00

June 4th, 2007

We docked in Southampton early morning, and my disembarkation
was around 9:30 am. Since we had gone through customs in NYC, and
seen the immigration officer onboard the ship, there was nothing to do
upon leaving the boat, which sure made it quicker and easier.

A shared cab ride took us to the train station, and we hopped on the
next train into London. It took us into Waterloo Station, and from there
a cabride to the hotel was next.

The hotel, the Chesterfield, in Mayfair, is quite nice, and in a very nice
neighborhood. Not too far from anything, especially for those that enjoy
shopping.

Monday night we had dinner at Nobu, a very nice Asian Restaurant.
Very good food, especially the Black Cod with some sauce on it. Very tasty.
Then on to the theater, or theatre, as they spell it. "The Woman In Black",
one of the longest running plays in the West End. Well done, though a bit
tough to follow in some spots, as only 2 individuals are ever on stage, and
they do several characters each. Sometimes you have to catch up to which
character that person is doing at the time. Then a long walk through the
West End, and down to the Thames River, and out on the bridge over it.
A great view of both sides of the river at that point.

Overall, a great way to start the London portion of the trip. And the
weather is perfect.

o/`` sittin' on the dock of the bay o/``

2007-06-03T14:30:00.000-07:00

June 3rd, 2007

OK, we are not quite to the dock of disembarkation yet. That's about 7
hours away, but this will be my last post while onboard.

Today was relaxing. I did do the training at the gym again, and right
afterwards, one last massage, which turned out to be the best one yet.
I did have the same personal trainer each time, but ended up with a
different person doing the massage each time.

We had a full table at dinner for the last night. The meal was quite
good, as I did retreat to eating the Canyon Ranch Selection. The last
2 nights I had a few items off the Canyon Ranch Selection, and a few
off the regular menu. I've not weighed myself, but my pants do still
fit, so hopefully that's all I need to know for now.

Tomorrow (Monday), it's up and around, early. Everyone must be
out of their rooms by 8:30am (which will not happen), and downstairs
to sit until your color of luggage tag is called, so that you can head to
the gangplank for disembarkation. From there, I am sharing a cab
to get to the train station, which will take us into the heart of London.
From there it's on to the hotel, then off to dinner and a play in the
West End Theater district.

Tuesday there 2 different tours scheduled, one in the morning,
one just after lunch. Then that evening, out to dinner again, and to
another play.

Wednesday the drive begins to Ruthin (Wales) to stay overnight
in a castle. Then on to Manchester for Thursday and Friday nights.
Saturday night it's back to London, to fly home on Sunday. In the
middle of all those stops, I'll cover all I can of the sightseeing places,
such as Bath, Stonehenge, Liverpool (The Beatles), etc.

I know there is no way I can do it all in one week, so I'll just hit
what I can, and what is along the way, etc., and plan to return
someday down the line.

The cruise has been quite relaxing and fun, and Cunnard really
treats guests well, and lives up to the expectations while on the
Queen Mary 2.

same old routine

2007-06-03T05:41:00.000-07:00

6-2-2007

Breakfast in bed, again.

Then to the spa for a workout, again.

Then a bit later, off to lunch, again

Then downstairs for a movie, again.

Then to the casino, again.

Then upstairs to dress up for Formal Night, again.

Then to the evenings headliner entertainment, again.

Then to the casino, again.

Then off to bed, again.

Sounds like something I could get used to, but even
easier on a day when I had a massage scheduled.

The movie is a new one, to be presented in theaters
in the Fall, most likely. It's a lower budget independent
film, called "Save Me". So far, it had only been screened
at Sundance Festival, so this was it's International Opening,
since we are in International Waters. It's a film starring
Judith Light, best known to many from "Who's the Boss ? ".
After the screening, the Director, Producer, Screenwriter,
and 3 of the main actors (including Judith Light) had a
question and answer session, as they were out to get
feedback on how to tweek the movie, if at all. It was quite
interesting to listen to the questions, and their answers,
of why they presented something in a certain context,
etc. The film got a standing ovation, as did Judith Light,
and several of the other main people involved.

The dinner, was once again, excellent, as was the lively
dinner conversation concerning the movie, and other ship
events. Being one of the two formal nights, everyone looked
quite dapper and debonair. (spelling ?)

I then attended the one (of 3) Planetarium shows I had
not previously seen. It was probably the best of the 3 as
well. They actually do these shows in their secondary
theater (Illusions), and only seat a select number of
people in a certain section (the seats are clothed in a
different color than the rest, so that it's obvious). Those
seats recline, to view the screen up above. The "screen",
is a very large circular shape (reminds me of one of our
Dished Only heads, but MUCH larger). It is then lowered
for ideal viewing. The images are mostly centered in the
screen, but being a view of the sky, that takes up the
entire screen, and there's alway something going on all
over the screen, even if it's just a shooting star.

The main headliner was Margaret Cho. Sassy, witty,
fiesty, and foul-mouthed, but hilarious in much of her
routine. She had an opening act that was good, but not
great, but then again, everyone was there to see Margaret,
so anything before that was not what they were waiting
to see.

More casino time after that, and the casino made some of
their money back that trip. Doubt I'll hit the casino tonight,
as I was warned that the last night of a cruise, they really
tighten up the machines.

Tomorrow, Sunday June 3rd, is our last day. Not near as
much planned that day in activities, but it will still go by
way too quickly.

Until the next post......

o/` Danceband, on the Titanic........ o/`

2007-06-01T06:33:00.000-07:00

6-1-2007

This morning we passed about 40 miles north of the wreckage
of the Titanic. Luckily, it was daylight, and no icebergs to be found.

It still amazes me to watch the progress map they have on the TV,
of how long it took to get past Newfoundland, etc. We could not see
them at all, but by watching the simulation, it was obvious we were
just south of Newfoundland longer than I would have expected.
Then again, I've not been up in the far Northeast, as Boston is the
furthest North I have been up that direction. Until now, that is.

Dinner last night was wonderful. I again had the Canyon Ranch
set menu, for those of us watching the food intake. It was quite
good, and there was great conversation at the dinner table, as
there is more familiarity as the days go on with some other
guests. It's amazing how, on this large of a ship, you can run into
the same people much of the time at different places.

Yet, one guy I know that is onboard, I've not yet seen, but just
talked to via voicemail and room to room telephone. We are
going to catch up on things later today, when we meet at one of the
lectures presentations that are optional. I've not seen him in
several years, probably 3 or so, and therefore he may not
recognize me easily.

We have passed the halfway point, as of this morning. 30 minutes
ago on the TV, it showed we were 1663 nautical miles from New
York City, and 1568 nautical miles from Southampton, UK.
3 nights down, 3 nights to go.

I was so sore this morning, from the exercises I've been putting
myself through. This is my first attempt at working with a
personal trainer in many years, and he's tough on me, but he's
also quite thorough, and explains things well. I will get a CD out
it that helps to remind me what I've learned up to that point,
and other beneficial information, etc. My trainer is from
Australia, and has one of those funny accents.

Luckily, today, I had already booked another massage, so
once I post this, I'll head to lunch, then the massage will
follow shortly after. Then the lecture I mentioned earlier,
then dinner, then another entertainment show, and then
to the planetarium for that production. They have 3 separate
shows in the planetarium, and I did see one of them yesterday
afternoon, so I have the one today, and one tomorrow to go.

The planetarium shows are the only event you need to have
tickets for. They are free, but first come, first grabbed. I
learned after the first morning, to be downstairs just after
9am when they make the tickets available. Oddly enough,
many of the other passengers are still sleeping at that hour.
But then again, I only went to the party in G32 the first night.

G32 is the disco bar. The first night they had a singles function
in there that I attended. It is named G32, since that is the
name of the hull of the ship. When they build a ship, they number
each hull, but do not name it at that point. So this was Cunnard's
way of recognizing the hull.

I hit the casino last night, for the first time. I got up 10 bucks on
a 25 cent slot maching, but then went down 10 bucks on two
other machines. However, I made up for it on Blackjack, as I
left that table up $150. Now, the key, is to not leave all that in
the casino when I go back. Good plan, but can I do it ??

I did discover, that perhaps the one thing you cannot buy on this
boat, is fingernail clippers. Odd, huh ? They have lots of other
toiletry items, but the "general store" type shop was out. They
sent me up to the Spa. They did not have such items. They sent
me to the Salon. They did not either. Of course, they would not
have them. They are out to sell manicures and pedicures.

I just about signed up for a pedicure and manicure, but instead,
the sponser of last nights entertainment show had little personal
toiletry bags they passed out, and low and behold, there were
fingernail clippers in that little souvenoir bag !! Patience, and
you get what you want, sometimes for free. Well, obviously not
totally free, since I had to pay to be on the boat in the first place,
to be handed that item.

Enough for today.

rockin' and rollin'

2007-05-31T04:19:00.000-07:00

5-31-2007

Yesterday was quite nice, though being far out at sea now, it's a bit chillier
and quite windy. So the around the ship walk on Level 7 is brisk, and I
shortened it yesterday since I was in short sleeves and shorts. But I did
have a workout yesterday morning, and headed to one this morning as
well, down in the Canyon Ranch Spa. It's a very nice facility.

Last night at dinner, I again had the Canyon Ranch Selection. This time
it was swordfish, so I'd sure never complain about that. Due to some
confusion, only part of our table ended up back at the same table, but that
just meant getting to meet some new faces that the staff sat with us.

Afterwards, there was entertainment by 2 sisters, Ann Calloway, and the
other name escapes me. They are the ones that sang the intro for the
TV Show "The Nanny", which I refused to watch due to Fran Dressler's
voice which grated on my brain. The sister that I cannot remember her
name, wrote that theme song as well. They've both been on Broadway,
and had spots here and there on TV. Mostly they sang Broadway show
tunes, but added their own sibling rivalry flavor to it. Now, that was
appropriate.

Today the waves are a bit more intense, especially down here on Level 2.
I've always heard the lower one is, the more the rocking of the boat
effects the person. My cabin is up on Level 11, and I had to use the
handrail going down the hall this morning, as it otherwise would have
appeared I was quite intoxicated. I've not yet been driven to drink on
this trip.

Later today I'll get to attend a presentation in The Planetarium, and
then a guest speaker is on later in afternoon, plus of course, more
entertainment this evening. Quite a full day. When do I get to relax ??

water, water, everywhere.........

2007-05-30T10:34:00.001-07:00

5-30-2007

This morning started out with the "breakfast in bed" I had preordered late last night. Well, OK, I did not eat it in bed, but rather from the couch. It was on the menu as a "cooked breakfast", and consisted of scrambled eggs, potato shavings, banger (sausage) and English bacon, plus a blueberry roll. It was good, and one nice thing was, they know what reasonable portions are, without providing way too much food, so that was a good thing for me.

Then I went to the Canyon Spa, and used a personal trainer to get acquainted with the gym, and start learning to work out those long-neglected muscles. Fortunately, right after that, I had a massage scheduled, and it was well needed by that time. Lunch then as downstairs, in an area that actually divides into 4 restaurants at night. But for the lunch, it's wide open, and it's all buffet. I had the chicken, and some green peas with carrots, and a dab of bangers and mash.

Then I came downstairs here to the computer center, as wireless connection does not want to work from the room. So I'm spending a bit more on this, just for you to get to read about my trip. So you all should chip in and pay for it. hehehe.

Tonight there is more entertainment, plus I may finally hit the casino. There's also movies every night, plus board games available, 7 or s0 bars, ranging from disco to cabaret to quiet. One is even smokefree. Tomorrow I hit the gym again, to punish myself yet some more. But I'm trying to not gain anything while on this trip, and I can definitely tell you, that will be tough.
At least Deck 7 is open and level, all the way around the ship. Once around is 1/3rd mile, so last night after dinner, I did 3 laps, for 1 mile total. That's where I'm headed when I leave here, to get that done, since tonight is formal dress for dinner.

Tomorrow ? Who knows whatelse.

Ahoy, mate

2007-05-30T10:17:00.001-07:00

May 30th, 2007

I think that's the date, anyways. I can already see it's going to be easy to lose track of time on the ship. They have clocks around here and there, so I will make it to meals and entertainment on time at least.

Yesterday a car service was used to get to the Brooklyn Piers. Apparently these piers had not
been used in many, many years until the Cunnard Line started utilizing them just a few years back. Nice facilities, and a wonderful view of Manhattan. Going over the Brooklyn Bridge, I wanted to make the driver stop so I could get a picture of the Queen Mary 2 off in the distance. It was certainly easy to pick her out. But, knowing how illegal that would be, I did not. By the time I had a full view of it again, we were practically underneath it, and I would need to be much further away to take the whole boat into one picture. Hopefully after we land in Southampton I can get some then.

We sailed just after 5pm Eastern time, and watch Manhattan grow smaller behind us. We did get a decent close up of the Statue Of Liberty, and glided under the Verranzo - Narrows Bridge. I probably did not spell that correctly. From down on Lever 6, it sure looked like the smokestacks of the QM@ were going to take out the middle of the bridge, and the construction workers doing improvements on it. However, it safely cleared, and we were on our way.

I'd always thought the Statue Of Liberty was at the very front on the harbor entrance, but it is tucked back in there aways, and you go past miles of Staten Island on one side, and Brooklyn on the other side, to get out to sea. But it's a great view all the way along.

We did get the fire / emergency drill done yesterday, and we now all know where to muster.
The Ship Tour was very helpful, and I was able to get my bearings a bit from it. Another person in the tour said he sure was glad he took the tour while sober. The ship is huge, and it can be a
bit confusing which way to go, coming off some of the lifts. Oh, a lift, is an elevator to us from the USA. The tour guide had quite a heavy cockney type accent, and most onboard have a British accent as well, though some are from the USA, Australia, New Zealand, etc.

Dinner last night was casual. They have Canyon Ranch options on the menu, for those wanting to save some calories, and be good. I took advantage of that, and had the duck. That's a sacrifice ?? It was awesome. I had started with a bibb lettuce and roasted beet salad, that was surprisingly tasty. I even got to have a lemon / raspberry tart, as part of the Canyon Ranch pre-chosen meal option. Very good. We had a nice table of 8 people, and plan to sit together the rest of the trip.

Later last night, Suzanne Westenheimer was the comedianne for the Entertainment in the theatre. It actually started with 2 acrobats, doing some Cirque De Soli type acts hanging from the ceiling on some bridal veil appearing material. They were quite good, and it sure involved a lot of muscle and timing on their part, as well as lots of trust in the other person. Then Suzanne came out, wanting to know what athletic trick she has to pull off to top those 2 guys. Her comedy started there, and she kept going for about an hour, and was quite entertaining and funny.

Late last night one of the many bars hosted a singles event, and that was fun. For awhile. Then the smoke began getting to me, and I left.

It was time to try out the restfulness of the ships bed.

Long Island

2007-05-28T05:20:00.001-07:00

5-28-2007

A train trip to Long Island on the Long Island Rail Road, to Ronkonkama. My friend Ed, a fraternity brother from OSU that I had not seen in 30 years picked me up at the station, and we went to lunch, then to the beach.

The beach was nice, and very crowded. It was a cloudy day when we got there, but the sun came out and the people kept coming and going.

Later, we drove to Port Washington, a quaint coastal town with shops and restaurants all near the dock area. Very nice.

Then it was time to return to the skyscapers of New York City. Quite a change from the low buildings out on Long Island, and the busy, but certainly not hectic road traffic.

One thing I certainly noticed on the train. The closer to NYC, the higher the buildings became, with more garbage and junk along even the railroad line areas. Sure seems like they could clean that up for a better image.

Rather than wait for the late trains, which would probably be quite busy after a holiday weekend, I hopped on the 5:37pm, and therefore ate dinner back in NYC. Dinner was then at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in their restaurant.

The lobster bisque was among the best I've ever had.

Then came the Chilean Sea Bass..... which was absolutely fabulous.

I've been disappointed in hotel restaurants before, but certainly not in this one. Very good !
The day overall was quite enjoyable and restful. I'd been through part of Long Island before, but not really stopped to enjoy it. I hope to again in the future.

"Jersey Boys"

2007-05-28T05:19:00.001-07:00

5-28-2007

"Oh, what a night"........ or what an afternoon in this case.

"Jersey Boys" - based on Frankie Valli & The 4 Seasons. Always a favorite group of mine growing up, and still today.

The show goes deep into the origins of the group, and the shady past of some of the members, as well as the progression to get to the members that were there when they did finally hit it big.
It's an interesting story, most of which I was not familiar with. While at times they use the lyrics of a song to tell that portion of the story, most of the music performed is done so, just for performance. A living testament to the groups many hits, and a rockin' good time for the audience. I recommend "Jersey Boys" to anyone that enjoys music, even if you are not that familiar with this groups songs.

I was fortunate enough to be able to see the show with the original cast members in the main 4 roles. They are also the ones on the Broadway Cast CD I purchased. They were all very good, and definitely emitted a sense of thoroughly enjoying performing the music, and had a sense of
real interaction between them, as if they really were the group. No wonder it's been a huge hit.
I sure will see it again if the traveling show ever comes to Tulsa. Perhaps even more than once.

After the play, dinner was at a seafood sidewalk restaurant, McCorkmick and ??. The grouper there was quite tender, juicy and tasty. Very well worth it.

"The Year Of Magical Thinking"

2007-05-28T05:16:00.000-07:00

5-27-2007

This sounds like my last two years.

Actually, it's the title of a Broadway Play I saw Saturday evening, with Vanessa Redgrave. It's a one-woman drama reading, based on the real life of the author, and is quite intense and engaging.

Prior to that, we dined at the restaurant at the Millenium Hotel in the Theater District. The trout was very good, and the service was attentive to getting us out in time for the performance.

After the show, coming out after dark to all the lights, and just down the street from Times Square, was quite the treat. Everything was lit up, and electric. Seems they have cleaned Times Square area up quite a bit from previous visits, many years ago.

However, along some of the streets, you do still see too much garbage piled up, as well as some
places with homeless sleeping the night away.

o/` soul searchin'........ o/`

2007-05-13T09:50:00.000-07:00

5-13-2007

Listening to Solomon Burke's "Don't Give Up On Me" CD at the moment, from several years ago (2002 Grammy Award Winner - Best Contemporary Blues Album). For the 3rd or 4th time today. It's one of those that when it comes up on the 400 CD Jukebox carousel, it may well get played a few times in repeat. Blues / jazz / soul. What more can you ask for on a Sunday ?

One of the lines in one of the songs really hit me this morning. " the part of me that wants to change, fights the part of me that tries". Wow. I can relate to that. Perhaps it's my tendency to overanalyze everything. Perhaps it's the old tapes in my head replaying the old tunes. Perhaps it's the loss of comfort in being able to devour comfort foods. Perhaps it's the loss of the extra body that allowed me more distance between myself and others. Perhaps it's.......... oops.... there I go, overanalyzing again. I know I have changed. I know I want the change. I know I like the change. I know I want to change more. I know I will change more. What else is there to say ?

Yes, I've been very successful in my change in weight. THIS time around. However, all the previous times were met with inside fighting, and ultimately, the "stay fat" side would win out. While I am determined not to let that happen this time, only time will tell. I rather diligently do my morning stationary bike ride, and my evening walk around the neighborhood, so I am building up some muscle there, and shaping myself somewhat. However, I have been know to stray a bit at times on the food I eat, though not anything like I used to. If I am out to eat, and someone else has a dessert, I may have a bite of it. When at a certain restaurant that's known for it's beautiful bread (and boisterous host), I may well have a small piece of the spinach focaccia, and a piece of the cheddar garlic breads. Plus just a nibble of the whipped potatoes.

Mostly however, I do stick with protein, with some vegetables and fruits. Will it be a challenge to do so on the trip, and especially on the cruise ? I'll certainly find out. I've stuck mostly to the eating plan on other, shorter trips, so I know I can do it. However, I do remember that cruises offer tons of food. Tempting though they may well be, I can still only eat smaller portions (though larger than I used to be able to). I also still have to watch anything sugary, etc., especially on an empty stomach. I therefore rarely, if ever, eat any sweets at all now. And anything greasy, fried, or overly sauced, does not set well with me either. So, as long as I follow Plan A, I'll be fine.

Two weeks from today, I'll be in New York City for 3 nights. I'll then board the Queen Mary 2, and cruise the Atlantic, docking in Southampton, UK. I'll then spend 2 nights in London, 1 night in Ruthin, Wales (in a castle), 2 nights in Manchester, and the last night back in London before returning stateside.

While in NYC, I will see several Broadway shows, and also I'll get to see a fraternity brother from OSU, that I've not seen in 30 years. I'm still trying to track down another friend that used to live in Brooklyn, so hopefully I'll find her and her husband....... if I can remember her married name. I knew her first under her maiden name. If I still had my old computer that crashed a few years back, I'd be able to have all their info. Oh well.

When in London, I'll see a few theatrical shows as well, and of course, some of the tourist sights. No way I can see everything while there, so I'll just see what I can, and that will be fine. I am also excited about getting up to Northern England, and to Liverpool, to see the birthplace of The Beatles. It just seems like a natural pilgrimage to take, after all the influence their music has had on music since then, as well as on my life.

"Yes, there's much in life, for which I could atone....... but let him without sin, cast the first stone...... but before you do..... there's still one more point of view...... on the other side, of the coin......" OK, more quotes, from another Solomon Burke song. "But before you judge me....... if judge you must...... take your time, be sure....... that the verdict is just."

Much of my life, I've spent so sure I knew how others were judging me. Whether due to my weight, or my clothes, or my job, or something I did / said, etc. But what I have come to learn, is that what I was doing, is just guessing, at what I thought, they thought. Hence, I was judging their supposed judging of me, without taking time, to make sure that the verdict was true. Or not.

Solomon Burke, for those not familiar with him, is dubbed The King Of Rock And Soul, and can be found at

http://www.google.com/musicl?lid=k-vVB558FHF&aid=pFty2fxx64B

http://www.rockhall.com/inductee/solomon-burke

He's in the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame.

I just hope to make the Enjoyed A Great Life Hall Of Fame.

o/` R-E-S-P-E-C-T o/`

2007-04-24T21:25:00.000-07:00

4-24-2007

Aretha.

Need I say more ?

I finally got to see her live in concert, at the Nokia Theater in Grand Prairie, Texas last Saturday night. She was still quite amazing, and has not lost her voice or her passion. She opened with "R-E-S-P-E-C-T", and the tone for the evening was set.

She sang other standards of hers as well, such as "Think", "Chain Of Fools", "Freeway Of Love", etc. She rocked the house. She mellowed it with ballads. She lit it up with gospel. She talked to the crowd, and showed her appreciation of their love of her numerous times.

She was on a "mini-tour"..... and that night was the last night of about 6 stops in Texas and the area. She did mention her new upcoming album, "Aretha Franklin - Falling OUT of Love", and yes, she did emphasize the "OUT". She performed several songs from that new album as well.
Her son even played as her lead guitarist. Her band, the local band that also helped out, and the backup singers were all superb as well.

The only problem with the entire performance, is that the evening ended.

I'd go see her again, and even drive more than 5 hours to do it this time.

Truly, she still reigns as The Queen Of Soul.

Idaho tracking me down

2007-03-21T21:53:00.000-07:00

March 22nd, 2007

OK. It has been 3 months since my last post. Why ? Time flies.

I received a reprimand from Lynette and Mike in Idaho, that I'd not only been out of touch via Email, but had not posted to this Blog recently. So here goes. Ready for my reasons ?

First there was the Holidays. Then the Ice Storm. Then OSU Basketball. Then "Lost" returned to TV. Oh, don't worry, I have tons of other excuses, without even mentioning "American Idol"......

I've been quite busy in fact. I've been house shopping for something closer to work. So far, nothing definite. I've made 2 offers over the months for over-priced homes, but neither was negotiated to my comfort zone. Oddly enough, both of those homes are still on the market, months later. Wonder why ? Overpriced perhaps ???

I'm also having some major landscaping work done up at the lake home. Adding a garage with overhead storage finished off room, irrigation system, power generator (my power was off for over a week when the ice storm hit, but luckily, no frozen pipes or damage), small outdoor kitchen under the deck, small "Endless Pool" for exercise and relaxing, as well as repairing and / or replacing retaining walls, drainage, driveway, etc., etc. , etc.

I am also putting together a college fraternity reunion at the end of June here in Tulsa. This is no easy task, as I've been out of college 30 years now, and my fraternity folded about 10 years ago, and the address list from the National Headquarters is outdated more than not. With no active chapter on campus, most former members have not updated any information to National, nor has National had much reason to mail out anything to the alumni. With alumni dating back over 70 years, many addresses are decades old. Additionally, while National does show some of the older alums as Deceased, there are bound to be some to go on that list that they are unaware of after all this time.

It's been a challenge, but I am using several online sources for tracking addresses, and have re-located several alums that way. That's encouraging. I'm also hoping as time rolls along, that the others that do get the Invitations will see someone on the Lost List that they have a way to contact. The only problem I see however, is that there will undoubtedly be a number of Invitations delivered to an old address, and the current person at that address will have no clue of the current location of the addressee, but also will not mark it "return to sender", so therefore I will not know that person is Lost.

Healthwise, all is well. My weight has been stablized in a range of 235 - 240 for sometime now, and I've been fine with that. I have started walking and riding the recumbent bicycle more recently, attempting to firm up somewhat, with bikini weather coming on and all. Hehehe. Right. Me in a bikini ? When my OSU Cowboys win a National Football Championship, I'll wear an orange bikini. Until then....... forget about it.

My OSU Men's Basketball team fizzled a bit mid-season. They were soaring early on, reaching #9 in the polls after beating Syracuse at Madison Square Garden, and beating Pittsburgh in Oklahoma City, as well as narrowly losing to Tennessee in Nashville. Then Big XII Conference Season started, and the Pokes stumbled, and never recovered. There were some good victories in there, most notably the Triple Overtime Victory over Texas in Stillwater, and the Victory over Texas A & M in the Big XII Tournament. However, the Cowboys slipped into the NIT Tournament, and bowed out in the First Round with a home loss to Marist (NY).

The Cowboys seem to lack player leadership, especially later in the season. Why ? Who knows. I do not fault Coach Sean Sutton, as I know there is only so much you can do when working with people in any situation, especially if that person does not want what you want for them. In short, the 2 seniors appeared to have lacked the desire to get to that next level. Hopefully the sting of once being #9 in the country, and then not making the NCAA Tournament, will motivate the younger players to improve next year, as well as the talented new incoming recruits. OSU (then Oklahoma A & M) was the first school to win consecutive National Championships in Men's Basketball, in 1945 and 1946. Coach Sean Sutton will be working hard to help reach that level once again.

The OSU Women's Basketball team turned things around this year. After a winless conference season last year, they posted a winning record this year, and advanced to the NCAA Tournament. Though they lost the first round, they have started a new tradition to follow. Congratulations OSU Cowgirls !

The OSU Wrestling team, after winning 4 consecutive National Championships, slipped to Fifth this season, losing to favored Minnesota. Congratulations Gophers. Overall, the Cowboy Wrestlers have won 34 National Wrestling Titles, in the 79 years of NCAA Tournaments. Amazing.

Concerts ? In December in Kansas City we got to see the Trans Siberian Orchestra. Very good.
Then here in Tulsa I've seen 2 comedy "concerts" recently. A few weeks ago, Brad Sherwood and Colin Mochrie. Very funny and entertaining, and excellent at customizing their improv to the city they are performing in. This past Sunday night I got to see Lily Tomlin. I'd seen her about 15 years ago in Los Angeles, and she's just as good as ever.

In April, I will get to see one of my favorites, Aretha Franklin, in concert in Grand Prarie, Texas. Yes, I am excited about it. She does not do many concerts, so just being lucky enough to have one that close is great. I even went all out and got tickets on the floor down rather close, so it will be quite eventful !

At the end of April, I do have a week's trip planned to Lake Tahoe. I usually go once a year to my timeshare there, however, it has been 3 years since I was there. Last year, I rented it out, due to my knee problems before surgery. 2 years ago, I let my brother Tom and his wife Kay use is, as the University Of Tulsa was playing in the WAC Basketball Tournament out there, and it was TU's last year in the WAC.

The end of August, I have a week's trip to Calgary / Banff planned. Yeaahh. Canada. It's beautiful countryside up there, and in late August, it will be a great escape from 105F with 99% humidity here in Oklahoma. It will be great to spend some time with Kati and Steve again.

OK. That's enough for now. I've got to save something for later.

Wally

Christmas past yet again

2006-12-25T21:50:00.000-08:00

12-25-2006

Yet another Christmas has come and just about gone. Good times, hectic times, last minute items, family and friends gathering, exchange of gifts, looking at the lights, and remembering the true reason for Christmas that started it all. Still have a trip tomorrow to Kansas City to see the Trans Siberian Orchestra, plus of course, New Year's Eve dinner with friends and family next weekend.

Inbetween all that though, is the OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY COWBOYS vs. the UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE in the Independence Bowl Thursday afternoon at 3:30pm Central. Not the best two teams in the country record wise, but both provided some great football for their fans this year, and some good entertainment. It should be a close game, with OSU having the offensive edge, but Alabama having the defensive edge. They say defense wins championships, so we'll see how that pans out.

Sad news today, as James Brown passed away early this morning. He was truly a force in music for over 40 years, and an amazing talent. Much of todays music was influenced by his music over the years.

I survived the Christmas feast, or at least so far. I did eat more than I had been, and some items I'd not eaten in ages, but in very small portions. I know I overdid it, but I also know I'll make up for it, and soon. I"m not about to start going backwards on this weightloss now, so I'll get going again on the exercise and the eating properly, and not miss a beat. And I got new clothes for Christmas, so I need to make sure I can wear them for a long time to come !

All in all, it's been a very good year. Here's hoping everyone reading this has had a good year overall, and that 2007 will be the best year ever for all of us !!

Wally

let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

2006-12-17T19:58:00.000-08:00

12-17-06

That's what the people of Crested Butte are singing at this point.... "Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow..... "

I just returned from a wonderful vacation..... 3 nights in Kansas City, 1 night in Denver, 4 nights in Crested Butte, 1 night in Clayton, New Mexico. Not enough time in Crested Butte, but it will tide me over until I get my next fix.

They do need snow, though. This weeks prediction is for snow much of the week, so that's a good thing. They had some great snow early on, just not enough recently to replenish. Each day I was there, they'd get a dusting of snow in the morning, but then in the afternoon it got warm enough to melt the new snow, plus some of the existing snow. However, as I was driving out, a new weather front was moving in, with promises of snow.

The Weather Channel, with Jim Cantorre, is scheduled to visit Crested Butte this upcoming weekend for the Winter Solstice, so they should get some great TV coverage from that. Hopefully with more snow to help put the spotlight on a wonderful place to vacation. Living there would be even better, but I need to keep the job here at home to pay for those visits to CB. Back to reality.

I ate out some while on vacation, but also ate sensibly, in or out. Boring, eh ?
One good thing these days, is that whatever I order when eating out, usually makes another meal for me a day or two later as leftovers. I also stick with "the plan" for the most part, basically protein each meal. Some meals are Slim-Fast drink or protein bar, or some flavor of Myoplex Lite protein bar. Snacks, when I do have them, are usually nuts or bananas. I drink a lot of water, with or without Crystal Lite in it. I've been exercising as well, but will be picking that up some more as well. At the end of the vacation, I had maintained my weight. I'm quite pleased with that, as so much of my time was drive time, meaning burning few calories. Also, any eating out can invite unknown calories, plus the fact that I did snack more than usual. I just kept it healthy.

I did get much of my Christmas shopping done, and not just for myself. I also got my Christmas cards out in the mail, and found a bit more of the Christmas spirit. A weekend in KC has become a Christmastime tradition for me, and more recently, so has a week in Crested Butte in December. Two great traditions I plan to continue. 2000 miles of pavement led to many CD's in the player, many of them old favorites I'd not listened to in ages. Some of them new to me. Sounds like it's a good time for me to post a list of favorite CD's, movies, etc.....hmmmm..... perhaps over the Holidays or just after ?

I did see two new movies while on my trek. "Apocalypto" was the first one. Now, I'd sworn not to support Mel Gibson movies after his latest tirade, plus his previous ones. However, my buddy Jim wanted to see the movie, and knowing my stance, he bought the tickets. So I suppose I compromised, as I did go. I just didn't put up the money for it. It was interesting and well made. Not sure I'd see it again though, but not a waste of time either.

"The Holiday" was the other new movie I saw. Quite an opposite effect. I found it quite interesting. and parts of it moved me emotionally, as I could connect to the situations. While part of the plot was somewhat "out there", once the movie really got going, I enjoyed it, and do plan to see it again, though perhaps not while at the theaters. Some movies are better seen away from strangers. heheh.

I did also see 2 movies I had not seen in ages. "Cat Ballou" and "It's A Wonderful Life". "Cat Ballou" was a favorite as a kid, and for whatever reason, I'd not even thought about it in ages. I picked it up at a store on my trip, and watched it while in Crested Butte. By the way, for anyone going to our place, it's now in our collection up there. A fun western with musical background was fun to watch again. Jane Fonda, regardless of what one thinks of her politics, was fun to watch in this movie. And Lee Marvin is classic, as always. In this movie he won Best Actor, as two different characters. Also in it were Dwayne Hickman (Dobie Gillis) and Michael Callan. I tried to remember where else I'd seen him, and it turns out he was in numerous "Murder, She Wrote" episodes.

"It's A Wonderful Life". What else is there to say about this classic ? I'd not seen it in probably 15 to 20 years, but watched it in Clayton, New Mexico in the Ecklund Hotel, over 100 years old, with an excellent restaurant / bar. Not that I utilized the bar in the usual fashion. One interesting aspect however, was turning the volume up to override the birthday party (yes, I could hear them singing "Happy Birthday") in the bar below my room, and also to hear the dialogue over the freight train's horns as they sped through town. I'd forgotten much of the earlier part of the movie, as my memory of the story usually started once "Clarence" came into the story. So it was a good refresher for me, and well worth viewing once again. I won't wait so long before I see it again.

It's a busy time of the year coming up. Oklahoma State University Cowboys play basketball at The University Of Tennesee Monday night on ESPN2, and then on Thursday night OSU Cowboys play basketball against #7 University of Pittsburg Panthers in the All-College Tournament in Oklahoma City. Friday night, dinner with the Friday night group for our Christmas dinner. Saturday night up to the lake for one night. Sunday night Christmas Eve with relatives. Next Monday night is Christmas with relatives. The next two days I'll be back in Kansas City with friends for the Trans Siberian Orchestra Concert, and dinner at Ruths Chris Steak House on The Plaza.

The night after we get back, Thursday the 28th, OSU Cowboys play football in the Independence Bowl against the University Of Alabama Crimson Tide. Both teams had high hopes for this past season, and both had good seasons in their own right, though Alabama made a decision to change coaches after several less than expected seasons. OSU was vastly improved from last year. Though they did lose 6 games, they could easily have won 4 or 5 of those with just a few different plays along the say. Second year Coach Mike Gundy has them on their way up.

Then December 30th and January 2nd, the OSU men's basketball team once again plays at home, as first year Coach Sean Sutton has the team in the national polls. So the Holiday time is hectic, with additional times being busy with friends and relatives.
That, however, is what the Holidays are for, and the fun part indeed.

Happy Holidays, and travel safely...... and may your New Year be the BEST ever !!!

Wally

it's really just a game

2006-11-26T07:02:00.000-08:00

11-26-2006

My OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY COWBOYS lost a heartbreaker to the University Of Oklahoma Sooners yesterday, 27-21, just missing a catch in the end zone as time expired. Earlier, what appeared to be a touchdown then fumble, was ruled a fumble before the ball crossed the plane of the goal line. I've not seen the replays to know whether it really did or not, but even with that against us, we still nearly pulled the big upset.

Yes, I was there. Yes, I was upset. However, in the overall picture, OSU played spendidly, just giving up a few too many big plays, but overall playing like a team that could, and should, have won the game. OU's defense did not shut down OSU's offense, and OSU's unhearlded defense actually DID shut down OU's rush defense in the last quarter, holding them to One Yard Rushing.

I'm very proud of my OSU Cowboys. Last year was a disasterous 4-7 after Les Miles deserted us for LSU. In came favorite son Mike Gundy, a former superstar at OSU. Before last year he cleaned house of some of the riffraff left behind, including some quality players. However, they were problems off the field, and not really team players. It hurt us last year, but it showed Coach Gundy was serious about his team, and making it not only a quality football team, but one made up of quality men, on and off the field. That is admirable. We don't want, or need, thugs on our team to be successful. He's proven that this year.

OSU is now 6-6, but could so easily be 10-2, perhaps even 11-1. Our loss to Houston was one of nerves, as much as anything, for our Quarterback Bobby Reid, returning to his hometown for the first time as an opposing player. The comeback by Kansas State to defeat OSU may not have occured if OSU's defense was playing then, the way it is now. OSU was really not ever in the game against The University Of Texas compared to the way it had been the last 3 years, so that's the one that looms as "not even close". A last minute score by Texas A & M tied up the game, and OSU's blocked extra point after the touchdown in Overtime lost that one. At Texas Tech, we had our chances with the last possession, but just could not put the ball in the endzone. Same thing yesterday against OU.

Yes, OSU is 6-6. However, it's a very respectable 6-6. This team is SO vastly improved over last year, it is an incredible coaching staff accomplishment. The coaches have worked tirelessly and it shows. The players have gotten faster and stronger, and it shows. OSU soundly defeated Kansas earlier in the season, after falling behind 17-0 into the second half, it became the OSU Offensive Show of the year. OSU also convincingly beat University of Nebraska at home, after getting down 16-0. Nebraska won the Big 12 North Division Title, and will tackle OU for the Big 12 Playoff in Kansas City. The fact that OSU soundly beat one of those in the title game, and nearly upset the other one, is a true credit to the work ethics of Coach Gundy and his staff, and his players. Coach Gundy is there to coach, because he loves OSU and coaching, with no desire to go anywhere else. He's down to earth, and tells it like it is, much like former Coach Pat Jones. Coach Gundy doesn't make excuses, but at the same time, doesn't accept defeat. That was obvious yesterday, as he was on the referees about several not-called penalties for Holding, etc. His team is out there playing their hearts out, and he's fighting for them on the sidelines, trying to make sure a fair game is called. Yet, he doesn't whine after the fact, as he knows there is nothing that can be done about it.

Given the loss, OSU will now have to see where that leaves us for the Bowl picture. OSU is bowl eligible, but not guaranteed of a bowl. With or without a bowl, it's been quite an incredible turnaround from last season. One that only gives us a taste of what next season may bring. ORANGE ........ POWER.

In spite of all the hoopla and tailgating that surrounds Bedlam Football (a term that only applies to OSU - OU games in any sport), it all comes down to the fact, that it really is just a game. I was reminded of that the day before the game, as my previous post details having to put to sleep one of my cats. Life is precious, whether it's family of the human kind, or of the animal kingdom. Life is more important than sports. That doesn't mean don't enjoy sports for what they are, as I well do so. But, just keep it in perspective, and don't forget to smell the orange blossoms.

Wally

It's been a bad day

2006-11-24T20:49:00.000-08:00

11-24-2006

Twelve years since my Dad passed away, on this day. That year the 24th was actually on Thanksgiving Day.

This year, my cat Allie, who has been diabetic for abour 12 years, and has suffered through just about every problem a cat can have, finally could no longer fight, and is now chasing mice in the sky.

Thanksgiving is not shaping up to be my favorite time of year.

I had taken Allie to the Vet before Thanksgiving, as she had been prescribed some new medication, and she was not responding well to it. She'd recently been diagnosed as having pancreatitis. She had lost weight, and was not her usual energetic self. When I took her in this week, she had lost another pound in just a few weeks, and for a cat already short on padding, that was not a good thing. She was not fond of the new medication, and I was having a horrible time getting any of it in her. It was a powder that needed to be mixed with her food to break it down, before she ate it. Pills or liquids were not good options for this medication. I tried giving it to her with some canned food, but she had no interest in it. All 4 of the other cats came running and begged for it, but she turned up her nose at it. Spoonfeeding her was the next choice, but even then, she would fight me, and would clamp down her jaws to refuse it, or even spit it out. Facing all this, I took her to the Vet, hoping they could turn things around while I would be out of town for the Holiday, and knowing that the medication regiment was too much to ask of the cat sitter.

This morning, I got the first of several calls. Allie was not doing well, and not responding to things they had been trying. Things did not look good, and they were concered. She had been having some seizures, and was not responding well to the IV, etc. They wanted to alert me, and would keep me posted. Next phone call, things had improved a bit, but not significantly. She was more responsive, but staring off into space a bit, etc. However, they were optimistic. The next step though, was to take her to the all night Emergency Vet tonight when my Vet closed up for the night, so she would not be alone, and could be monitored.

The next call changed all that however. The call at 5pm, just when my Vet would be closing, was that Allie was less responsive, had been having more seizures, and going downhill, and they felt like she would not last much longer, probably not even overnight. It then came time for them to ask that dreaded question, that I'd felt might be coming. Did they want me to put her out of her misery ? I'd discussed that with the Vet earlier in case it came to that, since she had been through so much in her 15 years. I just didn't know if her frail body could take much more at that point. She'd gotten so thin and quiet.

Fortunately, I had spent the last few days she was at home, giving her some extra attention. Not just in trying to get her to eat, but in trying to perk her up in spirits and hopefully revive her health by making sure she knew she was loved. I spent time making sure I cuddled with her, and made sure she knew I was spending extra time with her, even though the other cats thought they were being ignored. They were not, of course, but I just gave her first priority for those few days, as I knew the way she was losing weight, etc., that the outlook was not good.

I did have to tell the Vet that it was time. Time to allow Allie to let go, and not just exist. It was so tough to say that. Especially not being there to actually say "goodbye". I could have had them wait until Saturday, and driven home to say goodbye in person, but she would have spent Friday night suffering and miserable, and maybe not even being able to last until 9am Saturday morning. So I told them it was time. Time to release her, and set her free.

I have so many good memories of Allie, but also rememberances of brushes with death before. 12 years ago or so, she was so sick, I thought she would not survive that. She had an infection, and it was in discovering that, that she was first diagnosed as diabetic. Finding that she was diabetic, they first had to treat the infection, and clear it up, before they could treat her diabetes and insulin level. She really nearly did not make it through that. But the same Vets that saved her back then, did all they could today, to save her, but it was just her time this time. She had an extra 12 years as it was, so I know she appreciated that. I always was sure she knew she had almost not made it through that illness 12 years ago. She always was so much more affectionate after that near miss.

My memories will always be good. Even at the end at home, she was always the lady. She never went outside the litter box, she did not complain, and she always let me know she loved me. What more could I ask for ?

Wally

An Epic Week

2006-10-22T22:11:00.001-07:00

10-22-2006

Last week several important events occured.

On Tuesday, I made it to 29 years at my job. That's over half my life. One lady in the office has been there longer. She made it to 30 years this past Friday. There are several in the shop that have been there longer.

On Thursday, the company passed our sales figure for last year. It took us 10-2/3 months to pass that figure, as our end of the fiscal year is always November 30th.

On a personal note, I reached a new low. I hit 250#. That's down 235# from February 2005. Wow. Even I am impressed. Another 7-1/2#, and I will be 1/2 my highest weight.

I met with the landscape architect once again, after I'd put that project at the lake off months ago. Now I will be waiting on an appraisal of the cabin, to determine what I can or cannot do on that project. I'm wanting to get it done over the winter, so that by next Spring / Summer, the whole thing is done, and the workers are gone, so they do not interfere with the prime time for using the cabin. We'll see how that plan goes.

Back to my life...... and making it better.

Wally

Cruise ran aground

2006-10-16T19:56:00.000-07:00

10-16-2006

So sometimes things do not go as planned. I was all set to cruise the Mexican Riviera in 12 days, but after consulation with my knee Doctor's office, I will not be going.

My knee / leg is still not where it should be for me to really put that type of strain and exertion on it. While it is better than it has been, and continually does improve, I still have pain at times, and the clicking in the knee, as well as swelling. There sre some days I hobble around, and other days I get around great. However, either type of day, I cannot navigate steps / stairs / slopes well yet. I have to take one step at a time, and get both feet on it, before I can move to the next step.

I just finally realistically pictured all the standing in line at the airports, carrying luggage, sitting for hours on the cramped plane without being able to stretch the leg well at times. Add in the walking on the boat while it's rocking in the waves, the off-ship excursions, getting on and off the boat by stairs or ramp, etc. and all those scenarios could add to more discomfort and having to spend more time recouping while on vacation.

There will be other times better suited for taking a cruise for me. This was to be my reward for losing all the weight. But the loss of weight itself, is the reward, for better health, and hopefully longer, happier life.

I will live to cruise another day.

Wally

catching up

2006-09-22T16:16:00.000-07:00

9-22-2006

OK, it's been about a month since my last posting. I did not realize it had been that long. Lot's of catching up to do, so sit down and hold on.

First of all, the knee. It's all good news. I went to see my Doctor that did the surgery last Thursday, and instead saw his Physician's Assistant. They took X-Rays, and she ask questions, and answered questions. She was quite pleased with my progress, and calmed my concerns about the swelling, occasional sharp pains, etc.

In short, it will be another 6 weeks before I go back for a check-up. They discontinued my physical therapy at the Doctor's office that following day, as I was doing so well. I still have exercises and stretches, etc. to do at home, and normally do them first thing in the morning. I've added to the number of repetitions, etc.

I am walking around without the walker, as I graduated from that to a cane several weeks ago. That lasted a week or so, and am now without walking aids. I have been driving again for several weeks, though just a bit over an hour of driving without stopping does test my endurance at this point. I had a trip to Crested Butte, CO scheduled with my Mother to view the Aspen Trees changing colors, but we cancelled that due to my not being able to drive that far without way too many stops to stretch and such. As it turns out, the Aspens have already turned, and the color is gone, and today it is snowing heavily in Crested Butte. Sounds wonderful to me, but I'll get to see snow up there in December when I go up for a week before Christmas.

I did lose the weight I'd gained while in the hospital, plus now I've lost even more. As of today, I am down to 262, which is a loss of 223 since I first decided to get the surgery, and a loss of 188 since I actually had the surgery June 2005. I'm down from wearing 5XLT shirts, to 2XLT, and some of those seem big, so it appears I'll be down to just XLT in the near future. Also, I'm down from size 58 jeans to 42, and already thinking about buying some 40's as I'm about ready to go down in pant sizes.

My health seems quite good, except on a few days like today, when it must have been something I ate. I came home early from work sick at my stomach, but after taking some medicine, and sleeping a few hours, I feel better, though still not totally back to my usual. But that's just a temporary setback.

Pain wise, I do still have some pain in the knee and legs, but not as often as previously. It's more of a problem when I first get up out of my seat, or out of the car, etc. In other words, once I get up and moving, it gets better. I've been able to get up to the lake cabin on some weekends recently, as I will also do this weekend, so that's a good thing. After being cooped up in the house in Tulsa for 3-1/2 weeks, I needed to be able to get out and go somewhere. At that point, even going to work was a good thing ! heheh.

I'm looking forward to the cruise I am booked on in 5 weeks. It will be fun, and a good getaway as well. I'm flying to LA non-stop out of Oklahoma City, to avoid having to change planes inbetween here and there, so that will help. Then it will just be the sea, the sun, and relaxation. I'm ready for that !!

o/` Livin' on Tulsa Time...... o/`

2006-08-25T12:10:00.000-07:00

8-25-2006

3 weeks after surgery, and still at home, still on the walker, still driving my cats crazy.

I did finish the home therapy that was allowed, and now move on to the therapy at EOOC, where my Doc's office is located, just south of St. Francis Hospital. My first appointment there is Monday, August 28th at 2:30. Hopefully I will get more insight then as to if it's OK to go back to work, at least part-time, as well as OK to get out and about a bit, though not driving yet obviously. Just starting to feel a bit couped up in the house.

Not sure yet how much longer I'll be on the walker, or if I'll go to crutches before walking on my own, or perhaps even a cane somewhere inbetween. I've already resigned to the fact I'll miss the first home football game for OSU, as that would be too much of a walk from the parking area to the stadium, as well as way too many steps to climb to get to the seats.

I am still doing the home exercises and stretching, and now even have the cats doing some of them along with me. That's quite a site. Since I'm supposed to keep my leg elevated as much as possible, it keeps the times for doing some of the projects I planned on doing to a minimum, but hopefully that will change soon.

Once I do get cleared for take-off, I'll head back to work, at least partial days at first. Hopefully a trip to the lake will be in my near future, even if I have to ride with someone. I miss getting up there. It's been a month now.

I'll write more later....... I'm not going anywhere...... yet.

Wally

16 days after surgery

2006-08-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

8-20-06

Here I am, 16 days after surgery, and have not left the house since I got home from the hospital. Seems like I move from the computer, to the TV, to the couch to read, to the table to open mail / pay bills, to the area to exercise, to the bed, and start all over the next day. Not much to change the routine most days, although some days have had some activity here besides the physical therapist. I had some work done that needed to be done, such as checking out the AC units, correcting a problem with the TV system, etc., while I've been home, so that's a good thing.

I've been eating well, and quite healthfully. Is that a word ? heheh. My longtime friend Ken that does catering has been bringing in meals twice a week, for my lunches and dinners, and they are quite good, and nutritious. I do not go hungry, for sure.

The swelling in the right leg is down some, though it is still much larger than the left leg. The literature they sent home with me said to expect the swelling to continue 3 - 5 weeks, so it is not unusual. There is still some soreness there, more tenderness really, and more above the knee, than the actual knee itself. During exercises though, it can be rather painful, especially right in the kneecap area. Overall, I'm doing good, and getting around fine, though still with a walker, and it appears I'll be using that another few weeks perhaps. They want to keep me at 50% weight bearing on that right knee for sometime yet.

I was hoping to at least get back into work even if just part-time this coming week, however, not sure that will happen. My physical therapist will be back on Tuesday, for her last "insurance covered" visit. After that, it appears I will be transported to physical therapy, probably at the EOOC office, where my Doctor is located. She will have all the information for me when she comes out that day, unless she gets my insurance to OK some further home visits, in which case that will continue. Hopefully, I'll get some glimpse as to when I can expect to be released to ride in a car, leave the house, etc., at the same time. She could not comment on that Friday without checking with my Doctor's Physician's Assistant.

During my stay in the hospital, I gained about 10 pounds, much of which I attributed to the swelling in the right leg. As of this morning, I've dropped about 9 of those pounds, even with the swelling still up quite a bit. Guess the exercise is working off some pounds from elsewhere on the body. The exercises they have me do are on the right leg, of course. However, I've also been doing most of them on the left leg as well, since I was so far out of shape coming into this whole process. Otherwise my right leg would end up far ahead of the left one, which would be odd indeed.

Not much else to report. I've had some good phone calls from some good friends, as well as help when needed from my cousin Donna, my Mom, and the cat-sitter to do some things for me and / or bring me some things. Lori brought by a salad a week ago, and helped by mixing up some sugar water for my cat Allie who was going through an insulin overdose attack apparrently. Allie ended up at the Vet several days, and her dosage of insulin shot has now been reduced from 2-1/2 units to 1 unit. Cats are quite difficult to regulate at times, and for whatever reason, Allie suddenly needs much less insulin than she has needed for a few years. I'm just glad I was home to see the reaction she had, and that someone was there if I had needed to send her to the Emergency Vet that night. Curt has been a big help as well, calling every few days if I don't call him, and reassuring me about the progress I am making. Since he is a Physician's Assistant, though in another city, he's got some good insight as to what is going on, etc.

Just waiting to be set free for some outside time, even though I am glad I've missed so many of the 100F plus days we've had here. I understand it's supposed to only be in the upper 80's today, which should seem great compared to what we have been having, for those that get to be outside.

I'll be back out and around soon enough. I've just got to take it one step at a time, and follow directions, to maximize the results of the surgery, and it's benefits.

Wally

o/` hitchin' a ride............. o/`

2006-08-14T20:54:00.000-07:00

8-14-06

Not quite ready for riding in the car anywhere, and certainly not yet released for driving. My reference to "hitchin' a ride" was more in tune with the meds I'm on. I tried to back off of them a bit yesterday, and then paid for it last night with more pain. Now I see why they say not to let the pain get ahead of you. I'm back on the originally prescribed dosage and times today, and all is better.

TV has been getting old. Fortunately, I had some good things saved to view, as well as I've been recording some old "Quantum Leeps" to watch, as well as some of the shows on GSN (Game Show Network). However, since I got my computer back today, I feel good !!

My computer locked up on me last Wednesday. I had a local computer service company out to fix it on Thursday, but they were unable to do so on-site. Therefore, my computer when to their site for repair, and I got a call Saturday afternoon saying it was ready if I wanted to come in and pick it up. Sure, I'd love to. However, I'm not able to drive yet, much less carry anything heavier than a bottle of LorTabs, plus my vehicle is not even here. So it rather ticked me off a bit that they got it ready, but had no one ready to deliver it out to me that day. I'd rather have been led to believe it just wasn't ready yet at all. However, this morning arrived, and they called, and delivered the computer, and plugged it all in for me, etc., so that I'm good to go.

Now I feel alive again. heheh.

My physical therapist did not show today. No word yet on why. I was told last week they would call me to set up the time for today. The two visits last week, they called 20 minutes or so before hand, and said they were on their way. That worked fine for me. Where was I going ?? hehe. Hopefully they will get back on schedule for me soon. I am doing the stretches and exercises assigned for the knee recovery, but they are supposed to monitor the progress, and release me to move on from the walker to a crutch (or nothing), and to eventually release me back to work (probably part time at first) and to drive, etc. Makes me feel like a little kid again, having to get permission to do this or that. Oh well.

Overall, it's all going well, and no regrets. Plus it's keeping me out of the continual barrage of 100F days. My cats are ready to drive me to work, just to get me out of the house !!

Wally

o/` I knee'd you.......... o/`

2006-08-08T20:41:00.000-07:00

8-8-06

OK, so I butchered the 1970's rock group America's classic song title, from "I Need You", to "I Knee'd You". Someone had to do it.

I had my complete right knee replacement surgery on Friday, and was able to return home yesterday (Monday). I do have some pain, though mostly under good control from meds, and I make sure I stay ahead of it. I am moving slow, with a walker, and after 32 hours the cats are getting used to the fact that the clatter of the walker means I am headed their direction, and they had best move out of the flight plan.

When I got home yesterday, I was covered with cats for hours, but now they are tiring of me. I still have the cat sitter to give the 2 cats their insulin shots, and tend to the litter boxes, for an unknown period of time. I'll be following the Physical Therapists directions on when to do what, etc. My bandage was changed today, and will be again on Friday. At that time, if all looks well, as it did today, the nurse may also remove the 19 staples. That is not something I look forward to, although in the long run, it's better to get them out, of course.

The Orthopedic Hospital Of Oklahoma (81st Street South and Lewis Avenue in Tulsa) took good care of me, with private rooms, valet parking, room service, and great personnel working all hours. While recovering from surgery is never fun, they made it as painless and pleasant as possible, even when awakening me in the middle of the night to get my vital signs, etc.

I'll be at home 2 - 3 weeks, and on the walker until told otherwise. Hopefully in 2 weeks or so, I can return to work, even if just part-time. Anyone know of a good chauffeur ?? I won't be able to drive for 4 - 6 weeks after the surgery, as the leg operated on was the right driving leg. Even when I get to where I can ride with others, I'll need extra leg room, and to keep it at short distances initially. No long over-the-road truck driving for me until such time I'm properly released. Oh wait, I've never done any truck driving.

Hopefully I'll get to at least ride the the movie theater on occasion (1/2 mile), and then graduate on up to being able to go up to the lake cabin (1-1/4 hours) eventually. Regardless of what I want to do, I will follow the instructions, to the letter. Why do the surgery if I'm not going to follow the guidelines to get the maximum benefit and make sure I have gained all I can from the proceedure.

So in the meantime, I am at home for a few weeks. I'll get some things done around here that I have put off, though I obviously have to stay within the restrictions. All in all, it will be a good result, and I'll be able eventually to get out and around more, with walking, traveling, hiking, swimming, etc. All of that with more intensity, and less pain !!!

At the rate I'm going, I'll be completely replaced piece by piece by 2025. That's my Vision 2025. heheh.

Everything is looking up !

Wally

Anniversary and Moving Along

2006-08-03T07:27:00.000-07:00

8-3-06

KAL's Southern Hills Chop House celebrated it's FIRST YEAR ANNIVERSARY on July 27th. It's hard to believe it's been a year.
We had several special events......

Wednesday July 26th Wine Tasting Dinner

Thursday July 27th Pat Moore Trio (jazz, standards, etc)

Friday July 28th Brady Orchestra plays The Beatles "Abbey Road"

Saturday July 29th Joesf Glaude (classical acoustic guitar)

Overall it was a busy and exciting time, and we certainly want to say THANK YOU to all that have visited KAL's, either last week, or in the past year. We appreciate your patronage, and certainly welcome feedback at anytime, good or not so good. If there is a problem of any kind, please let the staff know while you are there at the restaurant, so that they may have a chance to correct it. We want your visit to be as pleasant and enjoyable as possible.

On a personal note, I go in tomorrow for total right knee replacement surgery. After fighting this knee problem for years, it's now a better time to have the surgery done, after having lost so much weight. That will make the recovery somewhat easier. I know it won't be an easy recovery, regardless. They estimate I will be off work 3 - 4 weeks, and not driving for up to 6 weeks, since it is the right knee, and I use the right leg to drive.

Having this now means I'll not be able to attend the wedding of the daughter of my cousin in Minnesota, as well as not be able to join friends Labor Day weekend in Las Vegas. I'll also miss the first (and probably the second) home football games for Oklahoma State University Cowboys. and also the September Kansas City Chief home football games. But there is never a good time to do surgery and rehab.

I did make it to the lake last evening, for one last time before the surgery. It will be extremely tough for me to not get up to the lake for a number of weeks, but missing the hottest time of the year doesn't bother me that much. After the surgery and rehab, I'll be more mobile and agile, and able to utilize the boat more, as well as the steps down from the cabin to the lake. I still have the landscaping plan on tap for this November, and am looking forward to that completion.

I'll write again next week after I'm up and around enough to sit at the computer for awhile.

Wally

o/` cuts like a knife............. o/`

2006-07-09T21:27:00.000-07:00

7-9-06

Posting about impending surgery..... total knee replacement on my right knee..... scheduled for August 4th. I knew I needed to do it over 15 months ago after a visit to my orthopedic doctor due to a lot of pain and discomfort back then. However, he and I decided it was best to wait until after my gastric bypass surgery, so I could lose a large bulk of the extra weight, and therefore have an easier and more successful recovery.

My recent visit to him revealed on X-Ray that the condition had worsened, which was verified by me with the pain I do have, especially after standing or sitting long periods, or overuse of the knee walking, on stairs, etc. I had wanted to hold off until January, but now do not want to wait that long, when I could be enjoying the new knee for 6 months by that time.

My left knee is bad, but not nearly as degenerated as the right one. There is still some cartilage in the left knee, and therefore I was able to start a series of injections of a cartilage replacement substance. However, the right knee is too far gone for that to be successful or helpful. No cartilage is left at all. My Doc did give me a steroid shot in the right knee, which helped immensely, but is definitely a short-term fix. However, the shot has helped me get around better, and in less pain, and furthered my resolve to get the surgery done, and get it over with, and get on with my life. Of course, at this point, much of that will be re-claiming my life, as far as walking and exercise are concerned.

I will be in the hospital 2 to 4 days following surgery, then home 3 to 4 weeks. I will not be able to drive for 5 to 6 weeks, since it is the right knee being totally replaced. However, those are average times for patients, and my time may differ. Hopefully I'll respond well, and sail through it, and shorten the length of time down. Time will tell.

There is no good time to schedule such surgery. By doing it at this time, I will not be able to attend my cousins daughters wedding in Minneapolis, or join friends in Las Vegas for Labor Day weekend, or get up to my lake cabin for a month or nore. I may miss some of the early OSU Football home games, depending on my progress. However, any time I could schedule it, interfered with something, so I took a quick surgery date over making myself more miserable by waiting.

At least, I will get in some long quality time with the cats.

Wally

o/` A Brand New Me........ o/`

2006-06-14T06:32:00.000-07:00

June 13th, 2006

ONE YEAR ago today I had my gastric bypass surgery.

Since that surgery, I have lost 160 pounds.

Since my highest registered weight point 5 months before the surgery, I've lost 195.

WOW.

Even I am impressed, at the actual success. Plus the fact that I have been able to sustain the success, and have not reverted back to my old negative habits. Sure, some of them have been trying to re-surface, and I have to fight them off at times, but I've been 99% successful on that.

Friends have been mostly very supportive. I still have the occasional "oh you can eat this" from someone that should know better. I just say "no", and realize that they do not remember what I am able to eat / not able to eat. They are not really purposely trying to sabatoge my progress..... they just do not know better.

I am down from 5XLT clothes to 2XLT, and sometimes just 1XLT. Goodwill has my old clothes to prove that I am not allowing myself to keep them and utilize them again.

I am no longer "living to eat", and now "eating to live". It's a whole new state of mind, and I like it. It is amazing still how I no longer crave sweets and carbs, but the protein I eat satisfies me very nicely. I keep remembering all the junk I used to digest, and how that now has no appeal, and most of it even sounds disgusting. My eating routine is much like the popular protein plans, such as The Atkins Plan. Basically meat, eggs, and cheese, with utilization of protein supplements. It's something that is doable for many people, and it's eating food in it's more basic form - nothing breaded or fried, no gravy or sauce, no "white food" (bread, pasta, potatos, rice, etc.), no sweets, no caffeine, no carbonation, no sugar.

The bleeding ulcers are under control, and no more problems with them. The medication I have to take 30 minutes or so before any food is working well.

All things considered, life is very good right now, and it was all worth the time and money.

My ultimate goal weight wise ? I do not have one. That always set me up for failure. I expect to end up 215 to 240 range, but if I settle in at 250 that's OK too. It will be whatever I am physically comfortable with once I reach it.

I have started working with a personal trainer. Of course, as luck would have it, I started working with him when his wife was 8 months pregnant, and she went into early labor, so I've only seen him twice. Now he's off for a bit with the new baby, and then we will get back into the routine. In the meantime, I am getting back into walking, etc. for some exercise.

Although it took surgery for me to accomplish this, it took a lot of courage to do the surgery. However, I have no absolutely no complications from it, and no regrets. If it is something you or a friend / relative are considering, you have my definite support to have it done, provided you have your Doctor's approval. It was a big step, but in the right direction.

Dreams can come true.

Wally

o/` roamin' thru the night to find my place in this world......o/`

2006-05-08T20:55:00.000-07:00

5-8-2006

OK, I like to use song lyrics or titles for my Title. Sometimes I don't though.

I've reached yet another goal. This morning I was at 297.8. First time I've had two mornings in a row below 300. Probably since puberty. heheh. I'm really not sure how long it has been, but it seems like another lifetime ago.

I actually did get to 290 a decade or so again on one of those all liquid diets. Of course, as soon as they put me back on food, I began to slowly expand to above and beyond where I had been even before I started on that program. Granted, it took me quite sometime to get there, but it did happen, and once that occured, I thought I'd never seen the underside of 300 again.

My health seems quite good. No more problems since the ulcer incident 6 weeks ago. I have to remember to take my liquid medicine to coat the stomach 30 - 45 minutes before eating. As long as I faithfully do that, I should not have a problem again. That's all fine and good when I am at home / work, and on a "normal" schedule. However, I have already noticed just with weekends back up at the lake cabin, that sometimes it can slip up on me if I'm not thinking ahead, and once I even realized I had not taken the medicine with me in the car when headed out to eat, so I had to turn around and go back to get it.

It now appears my lake landscaping renovation may actually occur late Fall of this year. The landscape company I am dealing with was ready to start in January, but my banker was changing banks, and I was still a bit unsure if I was going to buy elsewhere and move or stay put. I'm now 99-9/10ths sure I will stay where I am at, so I'm ready to start the landscaping project. However, now of course, is their busy time of the year, so they have put me in the schedule for late Fall. In some ways that is better, so that it will not be all torn up during the prime months of going up there in the summer, although I do go up all year, except in the worst of weather, and of course, not as often in OSU Cowboys Basketball or Football seasons, with KC Chiefs Football adding in a few weekends elsewhere. Now of course, I have a new place to visit a few times a year in Crested Butte South, Colorado, and have plans to use vacation to spend a week up there in July, and one in September (with my Mom so she can see the Aspen leaves turning golden), and another week in December.

So, since it appears I will not be moving from my cabin up at the lake, I am looking to move here in Tulsa. When I last moved, I did get smart and move into a one-story, to alleviate the problems with my knees, etc. However, I moved 6 miles further from work, and into one of the busiest traffic areas of Tulsa. Now I am looking for a move closer to work, which just makes more sense, since I do spend 4 - 5 nights of the week there, and it will be beneficial to cut down on my daily in-town commute, saving me not only time, but gas money as well. I am in no hurry whatsoever, so that gives me an advantage of waiting until I find the right place. Plus, out towards Sapulpa, you can more bang for the buck, and this time I am looking at either some acreage, or at least a place that has the feeling of wide open spaces. OK, there I go quoting a song title again, and now I'm picturing the Dixie Chicks singing o/` Wide Open Spaces..... o/`

Speaking of song lyrics / titles, when I did buy a boat 15 months ago, I did name it "Drift Away", since that's the purpose of a boat. To relax, and drift off into a world away from work and city life. Plus, the morning I was going up to get the walk-through on the boat, the local Golden Oldies Radio Station played Dobie Gray's "Drift Away", so how could I not name it that ?

Move or not up at the lake, I owe a lot of thanks to Brian, the real estate agent I've been using up there to view properties. He's been very helpful and patient. He may end up getting a sale out of me yet, as there is always the chance of some investment purchase, etc. Not sure how much longer he will dabble in real estate, as he is quite the inventive type, and has some ideas to take out on his own to develop and try to find potential buyers. But until then, if you need a good real estate agent up at Grand Lake, let me know. Oh yeah, Lori that is showing me Sapulpa area property is quite good at her showing properties also. She's thorough and not pushy at all, and will give an opinion when asked, but not otherwise. That's a good thing.

Now, my next project is to get this house in better order, whether I stay here or not. With the surgery last summer, plus the hospital visit several weeks ago, along with all my numerous other excuses, I've let myself avoid finishing unpacking, etc. I've managed to do more in the last week than I have in ages, simpy due to the fact that I have out-of-town company coming in Wednesday night from Independence, Missouri. The house will be in better shape than in ages, but still not the way it should be, but it's getting there. Who knows ? Perhaps when it's all in order, etc., I will find I do not want to move after all. I do love this house, and the neighborhood is great also. It's just the trafice that is an obstacle at this point. Especially with the work on the Creek Turnpike at the Exit closest to me. Instead of getting in that traffic snarl, I've been exiting two miles before my exit, and getting in the surface street traffic, which is much less congestive.

Well the Kentucky Derby was quite a race this year. I knew nothing about any of the horses except the name of the Arkansas Derby winner. So while they were covering the Odds Board, I picked two horses just to follow, just due to their names. No other reason. Sure wish I had bet some money on both of them. BlueGrass Cat came in Second. Steppenwolffen came in Third.
Both were long shots, so they paid Place and Show bets quite nicely. I'm now realizing how long it's been since I've been to Hot Springs to the races. Hmmm.... next Spring ??

Closing another chapter in my blog............................

o/` Thunder and Lightning....... o/`

2006-04-24T20:10:00.000-07:00

4-24-06

Showers indeed....... after much needed rain was forecast, we are actually getting some of it. I was about to start thinking we were headed to another Dust Bowl, but hopefully that's not the case.

I spent some time in the hospital a month ago, due to two bleeding ulcers I was unaware of. I woke up somewhat light headed and faint on Monday March 27th, and just felt that if I ate something, I'd be allright. It did help, but after lunch, I was getting dizzy anytime I would get up from the desk at work.

After work I went to a meeting at the restaurant, and sat for 2 hours, having only water and some nuts. When I was getting up to leave the meeting, I could not stand up by myself. EMSA was called, and away I went to SouthCrest Hospital. Turns out I'd evidently had the 2 bleeding ulcers for weeks, but my body had been compensating for the loss of blood as best it could. Then it reached a point when it no longer could, and that's when I was down and out.

I was in the hospital 3 nights, and received 5 units of blood during that time. Now, for those who do not know (as I did not) the human body usually holds about 7 units of blood. Yes, I was quite low, and getting my hemoglobin level back up took some doing. Even a few weeks later when I went back for lab work checkup, I was still not back up to the level they prefer I be at. Therefore, I had to cancel my Annual Lake Tahoe Trip. Well, almost annual. I let my brother Tom and his wife Kay use my week a few times, including last year.

So instead I worked my week, and saved the time off for a brighter day. I do return tomorrow for another labwork checkup, and have been feeling better, so I think the results will be even better this time.

One goal got postponed however. I had a goal of getting below 300# in time for my 52nd Birthday. My birthday was the day I was released from the hospital stay, and after laying around for 3 days, and being told to eat up, and rest to regain my strength, I actually gained some weight back, though just a few pounds. So here I am, nearly a month later, and just 3 pounds to go to get below 300. Hopefully on April 30th, I will achieve that goal.

Once the Doc says I'm OK from my lab results, I can get back into walking, etc. Of course, with summer coming on, swimming will be on the list as well. I am even considering getting a Personal Trainer, or at least joining a Fitness Center. Then again, I always have "good intentions".

The restaurant is doing well. Not gangbusters, but it is supporting itself. We've not poured any funds into it since October, so it's been on it's own now over 6 months, so that's good news. I've been told it's often a few years before a place supports itself like that. The Easter Brunch was apparently a critical success, though I was not there to see it. However, the family will be there for the Mother's Day Brunch, which should be quite well attended.

Well, the rain is now being accompanied by thunder and lightning, so I'm shutting down the system here. Until another day.............

Wally

March Madness

2006-03-22T18:49:00.000-08:00

A month.

I cannot believe it's been a whole month since my last post. I had no idea I'd not posted in that long. Times flies........

Of course, part of the reason is due to this addiction called March Madness. It all started for me a week ago tonight when my team (Oklahoma State University CowboysMen's Basketball Team) met their match against the Miami (Florida) University Hurricane. My team was eliminated their first game, to end an up and down season, on and off the court. However, I am still very proud of this particular team. They did dismantle the University Of Texas Longhorns at home in Stillwater, and took a number of teams to the last possession, only to lose. Last second loses to Gonzaga (on "neutral site" in Seattle, and Univ. Of Okla. in Norman, plus the end of the game loss to the University Of Kansas Jayhawks in the 2nd round of the Big Twelve Tournament in Dallas, were but a few of the last minute losses.

I spent much of last Thursday and Friday evenings watching the Opening Rounds of the NCAA Men's Tournament. I then vowed to due some house work over the weekend instead of watching basketball all day. So I felt quite an accomplishment, when I did get in a few hours of housework AFTER watching basketball all day both days. However, I did break from the Men's Tournament to watch the University Of Tulsa Women's Basketball team in the NCAA game upset the North Carolina State University team. I then followed on course, and Monday night watched The University Of Tulsa once again, as the women's team outplayed DePaul University most of the game, but came up short on the scoreboard in the last minute. Of course, the game was on DePaul's home court, but not sure that made the difference. TU just ran out of steam, but gained a lot of respect from me, and others, for the players, and for their 8-month pregnant classy coach.

Now on an "off-night" for the NCAA, I'm watching an NIT game (Univ. Of Louisville vs. Missouri State Univ). Tomorrow night the Sweet Sixteen will invade my realm, and this weekend the Elite Eight will control me. And of course, the following weekend of The Final Four, I'll be tuned in. It is addictive, especially with the reality that on any given day, any team in the tournament can win. There are always some upsets, and this year the field as a whole is more balanced, making for more interesting games than in some years past.

Although my OSU team did not get in the tournament, I did find myself routing for several underdogs, including Oral Roberts University. Though they are located in my home town, I am not a fan of the school. However, with Scott Sutton coaching there, who previously was a good player at OSU, I was glad to see them get into the tournament. They should also have been in the tournament in 2005, but due to a last minute upset, lost the conference tournament.

Personally, I wish the NCAA would re-tool the automatic entries to include ALL the regular season conference winners AND the conference tournament winners. If this means adding more teams to the field, and giving the top teams a bye the first round, then so be it. But for those "small" conference regular season winners, it is unjust for them to be locked out of the big tournament for losing their conference tournament. Conference tournament results rarely, if ever, knock a team from one of the "power" conferences out of the big tournament. How can the "small" conferences ever get to be a "power" conference, if their regular season champion gets upset in the conference tournament, and the conference gets an automatic bid issued to a team with a losing record, as it's only representative in the NCAA ???

Enough ranting........ halftime is over.......... back to the game............

"Before The Parade passes by"

2006-02-23T20:40:00.000-08:00

Once again, not the happiest of postings. Two weeks ago the partner of my brother passed away very suddenly at the young age of 50. They had nearly 30 years together, but expected another 30 or so. No warning, no signs, just suddenly gone. No word from the Medical Examiners Office yet on the cause, so that will be forthcoming in a few weeks.

The funeral was nearly an all day affair, but very nice. At 9am there was an Osage Indian Ceremony, followed by the Catholic Church service, and then the graveside services. After all that, they fed probably 250 people lunch, and had traditional rites there of passing out Indian blankets to those that had been really close to the deceased, or helpful in someway over their lifetime.
Those in Pawhuska, about 1-1/2 NW of Tulsa, were all quite friendly and gracious hosts for the day.

A month ago, our Shop Foreman was headed home from work, and stopped at a stoplight a mile or so south of the office. Along came a lady behind him that did not even slow down, and plowed in to his car at 60mph, which also then pushed him into the trailer of the truck in front of him that was also stopped. So our Shop Foreman got the worst of it, being sandwiched in the middle, and just yesterday got to go home, hopefully for good this time. He was released once before, but had to return due to difficulty breathing. He's seen more than his share of the Intensive Care Unit. He will be fine, in time, and will return to work, as his job will be held for him, even though it will probably still be weeks before his return.

Two days ago, our fill in Shop Foreman, which had retired from the job years ago (he was the Shop Foreman before the one in the paragraph above), was at work helping to fill in as Shop Foreman for us, when he got a phone call that his youngest daughter was found dead. She was only 41, and the cause is unknown. The coroner should know in a number of weeks. Her funeral is tomorrow. She had been a restraurant manager at one business, and had recently changed jobs to be in training to be a manager at the new restaurant.

Just seems like it's not a good time to be around us or work. Bizarre time. However, it will pass, though it will not be forgotten.

Once again, it does bring up the reminder to live for today........ not tomorrow...... as tomorrow may not come, even without warning. Have your affairs in order...... A Will, perhaps A Trust, a Living Will, and Insurance. Also, a prepaid planned funeral saves the survivors a lot of tough decisions at the time right after your death, the worst time to have to make decisions, etc. Also, if you own your own company, a succession plan is very valuable to have in place. Consult your lawyer for all the above items to have everything done legally, and customized to your wish.

To get back to an earlier topic in other posts, I've lost another 9 pounds in the last month, and now am at 313, for a total loss of 172#. I had a regular checkup today, and my usual physician did an EKG and blood work, as well as checking me out otherwise, to make sure I am doing well at this point, and that there is no reason for concern, etc. So far, all is going wonderful. I'd really like to get below 300 on or before my 52nd birthday in just over a month...... so I'll need to get back out walking, and / or on the stationary bike, etc.

At this rate, I may hit my "optimal weight" by the end of summer or in the fall. My Doc today was quite happy with my progress, and that I do not really have the sagging skin I've seen so much of on the gastric bypass patients getting plastic surgery on some shows on TV. It appears I am quite fortunate, and that my skin is still elastic enough to keep from the big-time sagging. As long as that continues, I may not have a need for plastic surgery. I may be able to get rid of the sags and such the old fashioned way...... exerise, etc.

It's been difficult to give up clothes as I lose. I did not expect that. However, you get used to certain clothes being the ones you feel you look good in, and it's difficult to give them up. A year ago I was wearing shirts that were 5XL. Now I'm wearing 3XL and some 2XL. I've gone from 58 jeans to 44. I've also gone from not telling anyone my clothes size, to not being bashful about sharing that information.

Let's hope the rest of 2006 is less hazardous than this year has been so far. Enjoy.

Wally

http://www.kalssouthernhillschophouse.com

Funeral For A Friend

2006-01-25T17:41:00.000-08:00

1-25-2006

Funerals are never fun. My Mother's Cousin Ron passed away late Monday night at 86, and we had the service for him today. His health had deteriorated in recent years slowly, though very quickly in the last few days. At least he seemed to never be in real pain in the last days, though prostrate cancer is not a pleasant ailment. He'd lived a full life in Oklahoma, the armed services, and numerous places before spending the bulk of his years in Denver, Colorado. We moved him down here 2 years ago to have him closer to caring relatives. His last months were spent in the rest home in Jenks, with Hospice providing some great support and company to him.

My Mother and I spent some time at the Funeral Home on Tuesday making the arrangements with cousin Gregg, and it instilled in me a desire to pre-arrange my own services sometime soon, so that things are all set for when my time comes, and no one has to make those decisions at that time. Of course, it could be tomorrow, it could be in 5o years. Either way, any plans I have pre-purchased are all set, and the funeral home will carry them out with little input from relatives needed at that time, making it easier on everyone, and leaveing me with a knowledge that my wishes will be carried out.

It's also renewed my interest in getting my affairs in order. Oh, I have a Living Will, a Will and a Trust. I'm talking about getting things filed away at home, even simple things like bills, important papers, etc. I remember when my Dad passed away in 1994, and we traveled up to his lake house to see what we had facing us to do, and his organization was impeccable. We had no problem finding items needed, and there was an ease in getting his information on bills, insurance, etc. That made it much easier on all of us.

OK, this is not the most uplifting entry, but one that I needed to express. We all need to take time to get our lives together and organized, just in case. We never know when, where, why, or how, it will perhaps suddenly be out time to go. I for one, want to make it easier on whoever has to sort through my affairs, and that for me, will make my life more peaceful, either for a few days, or for 50 years.

Peace,

Wally

o/` Ninety-Nine and a half (won't do) o/`

2006-01-16T21:27:00.000-08:00

1-16-06

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

I spent a long weekend up at the lake. Went for a second viewing of a fabulous home across the lake. All that did was confuse me more. Watched OSU Basketball. Watched NFL Playoff games. I did win in Oklahoma's first participation in PowerBall. I had invested $10.00 in tickets. One ticket had 3 of the numbers drawn, so I win $7.00, making a net of -$3.00. Braved the strong winds of Oklahoma yet another weekend at the lake. I had a wonderful phone call from Kati in Calgary. Got up to speed with High Speed Internet up at the lake. Bought new scales that show I'm down to 322#. That's a total loss of 163# in just under a year. Wow.

I took some "old" magazines I'd not yet read up to the lake this weekend to leave for "whenever". However, I thumbed through a few, and one of them had a very interesting article. The article was from Men's Journal June 2005, and entitled "99 Things To Do (Before You Die) " I found it quite interesting and timely.

Those who's Life Lists were partly printed included doing things such as :

--- eat a home cooked meal in all 50 states

--- feed a shark by hand

--- sail around the world

--- ride the world's largest roller coaster

--- teach high school shop in a small town

--- live to see a grandchild

--- build more public skate parks in low-income areas

One commented "It gives me a blueprint to achieve my goals.... you end up with confidence that allows you to unlock the limtations inside you...."

That struck me. Limitations. Those come in all types and from many causes. Mostly though, we limit ourselves. Or allow ourselves to let others limit us.

What 99 things do YOU want to do before you die ???

Sit down now, with paper and pen, and unleash your dreams.

--- block out a few hours and list the things you've always wanted to do, but have not done

--- write down everything that comes to mind, don't censor yourself, let it flow

--- write down even the ridiculous sounding and seemingly improbably. Edit them later.

--- now list categories that all those goals you've listed will fit into (sports, travel, charity, etc.)

--- move all items listed into their appropriate categories, and add more that come to mind

--- edit, rethink, refine, and further define those ideas, whether they be 99 or 999

--- consider this a contract with yourself.... and keep it available to review periodically

--- what are you waiting for ? get started on those new goals !

Your list will differ from mine, your significant others, your children's, your friends, etc. Each list will be as unique as we each are. Only you need to know your progress of doing the things on your list, but you are the one person that needs to know This process is for your becoming the total person you have wanted to be, fullfilling dreams and hopes along the way, and feeling more complete in the twilight years, for having accomplished so much of what you set out to do.

MMVI

2005-12-31T23:38:00.000-08:00

January 1st, 2006

Here it is. The New Year !! What will be in our future ? What will we do different ? What will we change ? What will change us ? What will remain the same ?

A New Year always prompts resolutions and hopes. There seems to be a sense of starting-over, to a degree, and making up for the way things have been done in the past. Oddly enough, so many attempt to drown out the past with alcohol and drugs on that last night of each year. However, in a large sense, that is what I was doing for 51 years with food. Covering up the past, the unknown, the unwanted, the untried, the un-me. During "brief" times during those 51 years, I also used alcohol and to a much lesser degree, drugs, to do that which it seemed food was not covering up.

My instincts eventually told me the alcohol was not gaining anything. The Prozac, etc., was not doing anything except masking the things I refused to deal with. The real me was under all the excess pounds, actually screaming to get out, but itself muffled by more food, etc. I learned to take control, the moment I made that choice to have the stomach bypass surgery. That was a decision of control. In doing so, I gave up much of my own control after the surgery, in that I now can eat only limited portions, and many foods are off limits in a different way than ever before.

Tonight at dinner (actually last night, and therefore last year) reinforced my new mindset of not needing, and barely (if at all) wanting many of the old foods that I used to crave and consume in mass quantities, most of the time without really enjoying them, but rather just having to have them. I really feel better now about what I no longer eat. The many goodies that used to clog my system and my brain, no longer have control over me, and I truly can just say "no". True, I say "no" to some items as they would actually at this point make me physically ill, but the overall truth is, that the thought of just putting some food items in my system no longer appeals to me, even when I can do so, albeit in small nibbles. I don't crave them, don't want them, and don't need them to exist. so why succumb to their addiction again ? I don't, and won't.

2005 was a year of major change for me. 2006 will further that process, as well as allow me to spread my wings and flourish in ways previously unknown to me.

What will you do with your 2006 ???

Wally

The Days Of Christmas Passed

2005-12-26T11:35:00.000-08:00

12/26/2005

OK --

I made it through Christmas with few problems. Sure, there were a few food items I wanted, but knew I could not have, so I just stayed away from them. Sure there were relatives and friends that unthinkingly offered me cookies, or a drink, or whatever. Were they trying to set me up for failure at that point ? I hope not, and I think not. I just do not think they were thinking about the situation. After all, why, after all the weight loss I've had (though mostly due to the stomach bypass surgery, still had involved some self-thought modification and will-power), why oh why would I want to put a cookie in my mouth and start right back down the road of eating incorrectly and over-eating junk food ??

OK, the ranting is over. For now.

I did get a wonderful surprise. After sending out a Christmas letter to friends and family, and in it stating that I was helping to organize a ReUnion of my college fraternity in 2007, I found out that my next door neighbor was in the same fraternity many years later ! It is indeed, a small, small world.

2005 is about over, and I'm about 155 pounds lighter than at the beginning of the year. Wow. That leaves me with about 80 - 100 to go probably, depending on where I level out at. Of course, there will probably be some cosmetic surgery on the stomach area, and / or more. Even that takes weight off, as they remove some of the fat in that area when they do it. By next Christmas, I will no longer be mistaken for Santa Claus, without lots of padding underneath. I started 2005 wearing 5XL, and recently moved down into wearing 3XL. I assume I will end up in 2XL, or so, due to a larger bone structure and frame, etc. So at this point, all my 5XL has been vanquished from the home, with 4XL next on the list !

I did get in trouble for not mentioning my cats in my Christmas letter, so here goes. They are fine. Still spoiled rotten, and still trying to rule the home. All are in the ages of 12 and 13 range, and in good health. Allie had a bout with a urinary tract infection, as well as her glucose level being too high ("off the charts") before I took my Colorado trip a few weeks back, but the Vet had her "good as new" when I returned. Tamara is my other diabetic cat, but has had no complications from it thus far, and has not been as difficult to regulate so far, as Allie has been.
Travis is still a mess, and often tries to help me type on the computer, or at least get in the way where I can not read the screen. Tootsie is still my cross-eyed psycho 6-toed furball, and the move to this house seems to have improved her disposition, even just towards me. Aggie is, and always will be, Daddy's girl. She thinks my bedroom is her room, and that she just lets me sleep on the bed nightly. If I am up late, she will even come and let me know it's midnight. I swear, she will come in just about midnight to the home office or the den, and meow at me incessantly, to come in to bed. Who says cats don't know the time ??

We had a wonderful company Christmas Lunch down at the Perryman Ranch. Wes and Coco, along with son Luke, do such a wonderful job at decorating the place, as well as food preparation.
We also had the beautiful music of Grady Nichols and his backup playing Christmas Music, and his trademark version of "Amazing Grace". It just helped make the day even more special, and the event more exciting for the employees. It's a trip to a country Christmas each year we have our company Christmas lunch there, and when we do the company Spring Picnic there as well.

This year, we even did the family Christmas Day at the ranch, which was great for the kids especially, with plenty of room to roam outside on a beautiful 50F day. I took the ham, some spinach souffle (from KAL's, of course), and some wine. We had about 40 for the day, and it appears all had a great time, and ate more than enough. I had paced myself well that day (I don't always) and had a protein drink and banana earlier in the day to get me through until Lunch without the starvation feeling, etc. Common sense can work well. I just avoided the dessert table completely, as well as mashed potatoes, bread, and some other items. I did have to sneak in a few of the homemade noodles though, and a bit of stuffing, among other items. I kept it all in moderation though, so no problems.

Here's hoping that 2006 is indeed, the Happiest New Year for us all !!!

Wally Trepp

Bicardi 151

2005-12-12T20:01:00.000-08:00

12/12/2005

OK....... I can not have Bicardi 151, but the number fit with what I wanted to post about.
My total weight loss, as of today, is 151 pounds since February. Breaking it down, that is 35 before surgery, and 116 in the 6 months since surgery. It just keeps falling off ! I have no specific goal, but will probably lose another 90 - 100 pounds to get to where I will level out and remain.

I made it through Thanksgiving, and all the food that goes with that day, with no real problems. I therefore know I can do the same with Christmas, even with all the vendors and friends that have food around, or send gifts of food to the company. I just say "no thanks". It's really not as difficult as I thought it would be. I now "eat to live" and no longer "live to eat". That's progress.

I spent last week on vacation, starting with a weekend in Kansas City. I toured some beautiful homes that were all decked out for Christmas with some friends up there, and then had a nice dinner on a lake that evening with them. I then crossed all of Kansas to spend a night in Denver, and then on to Crested Butte, Colorado for 4 nights. I wish it had been longer, even though I've never seen it so cold as it was that trip. Thursday December 8th morning it was a
-35F. Yes, a minus 35 degrees Farenheit ! Fortunately there was no wind to speak of, and it is
after all, a "dryer cold", so it was not unbearable.

I have finished my Christmas shopping, and next on my list are my Christmas cards, which I did not get out last year. I did just finish up my Christmas Letter to go in the cards as well. In there, as well as here, I am soliciting anyone I know from back at the John Knox Presbyterian Church Youth Group in the 1970's to send me addresses of anyone they are still in contact with, as I am hoping to organize a reunion of our group at Christmas time 2006. Also, anyone that was in the same fraternity I was in, Phi Kappa Theta, at Oklahoma State University, I am helping to organize a reunion of all the years members, sometime in the summer or fall of 2007. Send me names and addresses on Phi Kap's also !! My high school reunion (Nathan Hale High School) will also be in the summer of 2007. So I have a lot of activity approaching quickly !!

2006 will see me travel again on my almost annual trek to South Lake Tahoe. I will also return to Crested Butte a few times, and in late October, will take a Mexican Riviera Cruise for a week.
I still am hoping to get to Hawaii, and back to Europe, both in 2007 most likely.

Life is more fun when one is active, and I have re-activated my life to start doing more.

Wally

Turkey Trot

2005-11-25T10:34:00.000-08:00

hello, and a belated Happy Thanksgiving to all ---

I was a bit reluctant to go to Thanksgiving Dinner, given all the food that is always there. Always way more than those there can eat, and so much of it items that I can not have anymore. However, I "stuffed" myself with turkey, salad, spinach souffle and corn casserole. I was quite content with that, and probably even at that over did it. Those are also the only items I brought home on my "to go" plate for the weekend. There still was enough food there for an army, even though fewer of us there than usual. But it was all good, and an enjoyable afternoon.

I did weigh myself the day before Thanksgiving. 340#. That is down even more since my last weigh in, as well it should be of course. The weight is still sliding off of me, though not at the same speed it was early on. But then, I have less to lose now, although still a significant amount. At the going rate, I should be down near the Doc's "ideal" weight Spring 2006 sometime, or early Summer. At that point, I'd be able to do a "tummy tuck", and that can take out 10 to 20 pounds perhaps as well, depending on the person, etc.

Now the Christmas Holidays will be fast approaching, and with them, many meals out, presents of food from suppliers, candy all over the office, etc. However, my resolve has been very steady and determined, so I will not have a problem. I do, though, need to get back to some form of exercise. I was walking daily up until a number of weeks ago, and then it dropped to "on occasion". I'm cleaning out the garage this weekend, finally, since my move to this home 6 months ago, and will get the stationary bike in the house finally.

I am headed to Kansas City the weekend of December 2nd, and then on to Colorado on the 5th of December, stopping in Denver one night, then on to Crested Butte. Back home on the 11th.
That will leave a short time before Christmas, but I have most of my shopping done. If I can just find it all.

More news later.......

Wally

I'm Hooked On A Feeling

2005-11-06T08:20:00.000-08:00

11-6-05

The day following my Mom's birthday. Went out with her and the Friday night group to KAL's for dinner. Quite good. They surprised her with a Birthday Cake. Of course, I did not get to partake of it. I did not need to get hooked on that ! heheh.

The weather is aiding in my "feeling". Great weather for early November so far, and the next 10 days look good as well. That has helped me finally get back into walking, like I was doing right after surgery. Only problem is, then I have to deal with when my knee is going out on me, or, like yesterday, when my plantar fasciitis acts up. I could barely walk when I first got up yesterday morning due to the pain. Got some new tips on what to do though, and they seem to be helping.

According to some website information, one suggestion is to lose weight. OK, I'm doing that. Same website says inflamation of the plantar fasciitis is due to exercise and walking. Sounds like a double-edged sword. Walking is good for you. Walking increases the plantar fasciitis pain. How do I win ?? I need one of those exercise pools (Endless Pools) that have the jet stream to swim against. Plus they are smaller pools, and don't take up that much room. Someday......

My mood is better. It was a bit drab for awhile, and then I started taking some St. John's Wart, after a long absence of having taken it. Seems to have helped, and I've gotten off my duff a bit more and gotten some things done around the house. That's something I needed to be doing too, given that I have no maid, no butler, no housekeeping. Except myself. And my cats are no help. heheh.

Looking at having some knee surgery and / or injection in the Spring. Probably after basketball season, provided I can hobble to some of the games in the mean time. I missed OSU football games this year so far, due to being out of town, or having knee problems that kept me from walking several blocks to the stadium and up the steps. Of course, sitting for long periods of time does not help the knee either. At least at basketball, we are on the back row of our section with a concrete wall behind us, so I can stand up more and stretch the knee.

I've heard there is an injection of some material that replaces dead cartilage in the knee available now. I am going to look into that, rather than actual knee surgery, to see if the injection may be the best thing for me. Sounds like it would be easier, cheaper, and a quicker recovery.

Planning ahead. I have my 35th High School (Nathan Hale High School in Tulsa, OK) in 2007. Looking forward to seeing many long-lost friends I've not seen in years. I went to the 10th, but not the 20th or 25th. I've gotten back in touch with a few friends from back then, some via Classmates.com or ReUnion.com.

Also, I am co-coordinating a Oklahoma State University Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity ReUnion in summer 2007. Of all alumni from that chapter, regardless of the year. Our chapter folded several years ago, so it may be difficult to locate some members, but we've gotten a head start on it and given ourselves over 1-1/2 years to contact as many as we can locate. That should be fun as well. I am still in touch with some of the guys, but lost track of some I'd like to catch up with.

I have also tossed out the idea of a John Knox Presbyterian Church ReUnion for those of us that were in the Youth Group in the 70's , 80's etc. Not sure if that will get off the ground or not, as I've not really started anything yet, but a few have expressed some interest.

Other than that, just working and enjoying the very busy year we are having. We set a record last year for sales, and we have already passed that figure this year, and substantially more too.
We've got a great workforce there, in the office and in the shop, and that is a lot of our success. Of course, the way our Dad set up the company and oversaw it's growth and direction were a tremendous help as well.

I'm getting up to the cabin on Grand Lake most weekends. Not this one though, as I am doing a good Spring Cleaning in November. Sorting out clothes to give to GoodWill, etc. It's weird parting with clothes you've worn so much, and liked. However, they are now way too big on me, almost like tents in some cases. Time to pass them along, and get them out of my life.

I'll be in Kansas City a few times yet this year, as well as one more trip planned to Colorado.
Other than that, you can find me several days during the week eating at KAL's, and taking the rest home for another meal or two.

"Days of Future Past"

2005-10-27T19:21:00.000-07:00

hello yet again.....

I cannot believe it has been over a month since I posted here.

I had a regular checkup with my Doctor today. All is going wonderful. My total weight loss is incredible. Just to re-cap......

February I weighed 485

just before surgery 6-13-05 450

today at Doctor appointment 352

Total weight loss so far 133

That's a whole person !!

Still have not really gotten out of town this year, except to the lake, and to the place in Colorado. Oh yeah, also once to Dallas / San Antonio. I will get to Kansas City twice though before the year is out.

Next year will change however..... as I will use my week in Lake Tahoe in mid April (I let my brother and sister-in-law use it this year), and I will get to Southern California as well, as I will take a Mexican Riviera Cruise in October sailing out of Los Angeles. Also, I will get back to Colorado several times I am sure, and of course to Grand Lake here in NE Oklahoma. I am sure some other trips will pop up for weekends, etc..... and probably one to Chicago to meet a friend.

2007 lures as even more adventurous. I'll have my 35th High School ReUnion. Plus a ReUnion of my OSU Fraternity is being planned for that year also. I hope to go visit a long-time special friend and her husband in Hawaii, and possibly slip over to Europe for only my 2rd trip there (the first time was 1995).

Yes, I am planning ahead more, and planning to do more, in general. The sleeping giant has awoken. hehehe.

I'm still having some knee problems, more so this week. My assumption is that I overdid it over the weekend. I had guests up at the lake place, and moved some things around, etc., and just probably tweaked it. I'm taking it easy now to get it back to more usable with less pain. I'll see how it is early 2006, and determine if I still need to get them operated on or not. I've heard there is a new process of injecting some fluid in to replace the cartilage, without actually operating. Sounds like it would involve a lot less pain, and much shorter recovery time. I need to find out more about it.

Closing for now...... let me hear from you..... or post comments...... enjoy !!

Wally

o/` Climb..... every....... mountain........ o/`

2005-09-19T16:56:00.000-07:00

I've just returned from Crested Butte South, Colorado....... the family's little slice of paradise. No, I did not climb every mountain, but I am more able to climb now than previously, and in that higher altitude with less oxygen, it really is beneficial to my losing weight. Of course, I stuck to the eating plan totally, and drank lots of water, which both help. Then again, I have to drink lots of water up there, or I could edge towards dehydration.

The family house is nearly all put together, after what seems like a long 6 months since we bought it. It will be my destination of choice for sometime now, except of course the weekend trips to Grand Lake, an annual trip to Lake Tahoe, and a few other sidetrips now and then. It's a 14 hour drive, but it's well worth it upon arrival. Summer and Fall are my favorite times up there, since I really don't ski anymore due to the knee problems.

All friends are welcome to join me up there sometime for a week in paradise.

My last weigh in was 389# on September 2nd. 17 days ago. At that time I had lost 105 pounds since February, and 70 since surgery. In the last 17 days, largely due to the higher altitude vacation I am sure, I lost another 24#, for a total of 129 since February, and 94# since the 6-13-05 gastric bypass surgery. WOW. That is 94# in 98 days. No wonder I feel dizzy at times, as my body has to keep readjusting. Yeah, yeah, I was always a bit light headed. heheh.

I erred and took a number of shirts with me without thinking that were now too big !!! I felt like I was wearing a tent at times. Now, especially in light of the hurricane devestation across the country so far, with more likely to come in this hurricane season, all those now too large clothing items are headed to GoodWill for those in need. They are still clothes in very good shape, just now too large for me. And some of them I did not like to wear at a point, since they were too tight for me !!

I have been through a lot with this process, but it still pales in relationship to the people of Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. I feel so fortunate to have been even able to choose to do such a surgery, when there are those without good drinking water, electricity, a roof, and those with family / friends location still unknown. Having gone to Ole Miss for Graduate School 9-76 to 9-77, I know a bit about the people of Mississippi. However, Oxford is way north of the major damage area. Still, I knew people from the areas that were hit, and over the years have lost contact with them, so I have no idea if they even lived in those areas anymore, or how they or their family / friends have fared. However, my memories of Ole Miss do bring about a slight craving for some homemade cheese grits........ and those Sunday Brunches we used to do in the apartment complex. That was a good time in my life, and I learned a lot about people at Ole Miss, knowing no one when I went there, and having to grow up a bit being further away from home than I had been in undergraduate school at Oklahoma State University.

o/` Riders On The Storm.......... o/`

2005-09-02T05:39:00.000-07:00

I cannot even fathom putting up a post, and not first and foremost mentioning the horrendous damage and devastation down by Hurricane Katrina along the Gulf Coast Many areas I have visited are seriously damaged, altered, or simply gone. It will be years of recovery for the Gulf Coast, more so than we have seen in recent storms.

And now we have New Orleans, and looting, pillaging, dehydration, starvation, homeless, fires, flooding, seperated family and friends. New Orleans definitely suffered storm damage from Hurricane Katrina. You only have to look at the SuperDome roof to confirm that. However, so much of the damage occured after Katrina, when the levies broke. I still cannot comprehend a city the size and magnitude of New Orleans living with Category 3 Levies, knowing full well that someday a Category 4 or 5 could well visit their below sea-level city.

I see the homeless, injured, sick and stranded people on TV, and realize most of them may not of even had a TV to know the storm was approaching. What other warning system was in place ? I truly do not know, since I am not from there. If there was a city-wide warning system, I am curious how effective it was ? Many of those left in New Orleans now did not have the means of transportation to evacuate, but some did. It does seem to me that today we do not take the weather predictions as seriously as we should, as often times the weather changes, and we do not get what was predicted. Therefore, the predictions do not seem as credible, although the forces of nature changing what actually occurs somewhere is not the weatherperson's fault.

My wonderful friend Karen and her husband John were not going to leave for Katrina. They however did finally leave early Sunday morning, and have been in Memphis since, awaiting the chance to get back and find out the condition of their home, car, and belongings. They are on higher ground, so hopefully have had no flooding. Still it is taking a major toll on their everyday life now just not knowing what has happened at home. However, they were lucky. They evacuated and are safe in a hotel in Memphis, a city which as adopted the evacuated with open arms, as have many other cities. Even here in Tulsa some from New Orleans have arrived to stay with friends and family, as well as some college students have transferred to state universities up here to continue their education.

All of this seems to pale my struggle with my weight over the years, and also my new found success via the gastric bypass surgery. As of yesterday when I weighed, I had lost 105 pounds since February, which means 70 since the surgery on 6-13-05. My weight loss has slowed a bit lately, as I got out of the habit of walking, due to a 5 day seminar I attended, and then the hot weather, and then......... well...... I still make some excuses of course. However, I am continuing on with my progress, and realizing just how fortunate I am in life. We all suffer setbacks and adversity in life, though most not near the magnitude of the Gulf Coast, the Tsunami, etc. As long as tomorrow comes though, things have a chance to improve. If nothing else, a situation like this helps put into perspective the song "Live Like You Were Dying......" None of us knows what tomorrow will bring. Thanks to the Landmark Forum, I now live life more for the moment, and to the fullest, and have given myself the opportunity of being self-loving.

o/` 96 Tears........ o/` (OK, how about 96 pounds ?)

2005-08-17T19:16:00.000-07:00

8-17-2005

I'm back from Dallas, and an incredible seminar.

Getting back in town, I did go by to weigh in, so that I can keep weighing every 2 weeks on the Doctor's scales for now. Down to 389#. That is down 61# since surgery on 6-13-05, and down 96 pounds total since February !!! That's a whole person !!

I did not really get to get out and walk while in Dallas, as the seminar kept me occupied Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and then again on Tuesday night for the follow-up. It was an eye-opening, past-erasing, self-discovery, sharing, caring, learning and growing weekend. I've already signed up for the Advanced Course, and go back to Dallas end of September. The group was very diverse and very interesting. I was able to recognize some events in the past that kept me stuck in some areas for many years, and to release them, and let them go.

LANDMARK EDUCATION runs courses in more than 140 cities worldwide, in many different languages. It's personal growth, which is beneficial for myself, my family, my friends, and the company. Look at the information on their website if you have an interest. I highly recommend the LANDMARK FORUM (the initial course I just took). Participants there were age 15 to their 70's. They were mostly from Texas, but from all walks of life, all religions, all lifestyles, all types of work background, and all levels of commitment to change and improvement.

Check out http://www.landmarkeducation.com

Any questions ? Call Colette at 1-972-385-1800 for more information. Tell her I sent you. I don't get anything out of it, except the satisfaction that I may be able to spread the word to friends which allows them to expand and define their lives.

More later on my weight progress, life, and the meaning of chocolate.

Wally

wtrepp@msn.com

Lesser is better

2005-08-06T06:37:00.000-07:00

I returned last Sunday from a week in Crested Butte, Colorado. It was wonderful. Somewhat warm for there, but still cooler than it was when I left Tulsa, Oklahoma. I spent the week further organizing the home the two brothers and I bought (we sold the mountain condo there), and enjoying sitting on the porch watching the river go by. It's truly a slice of heaven.

After I did get home, I went for a check-up with the surgical Doctor's office on Wednesday. My weigh-in was 398#, which means down 52# since surgery, and with the 35# I had to lose before surgery, I am now down 87# since February. That's a whole person !! Well, if you are 12 years old, or Calista Flockhart. hehehe.

Meanwhile here in Tulsa, a new restraurant opened called KAL's Southern Hills Chop House, in London Square at 58th and Lewis. It is located where the restraurant Cardigan's used to be, before they moved 2 blocks south. KAL's is owned by the manager Kal Jasar (formerly of The Embers and The Warren Duck Club), as well as owned by my Mom, my brother Rob, my brother Tom and his wife Kay, our C.P.A. Paul Clarke, and myself. It is top quality steaks, seafood, and gorgeous desserts. It's not fast food, so plan to spend a bit of time for quality is not quick, but it is worth the investment of time. All this fantastic food, just when I cannot each most of it. heheh. I have eaten there a few times this week, and stick to the protein part of the meals, the beef, chicken, seafood, etc., and let others have the awesome smelling breads, the potatoes and the sweets. I will on occasion in the future have a taste here and there, but right now, while they look / smell fabulous, I am sticking to my program.

Rocky Mountain High

2005-07-22T03:56:00.000-07:00

It's Friday July 22nd, 2005, and after work and dinner tonight, I start out for Crested Butte, Colorado, for a week of cooler weather (it's going to be 100 here today in Tulsa), rest, and relaxation. I am looking forward to it. It's a slice of heaven. The higher altitude should get my breathing going more than normal, as well as my heart, and accelerate the weight loss a bit. After all, I don't see many overweight people in the 8000 - 9000 elevation areas. But then again, they have far less fast food, etc. to lead them astray.

I do not have an updated weigh in report, but will after my return.

All is going well, and no problems, no complications, no regrets. Sure I wish I had done it 30 years ago, but back then it would have been cutting me complelely open, not laproscopically. Plus, mentally, I was not ready for it until now recently. So now was the perfect timing. As long as all keeps going well, by my 35th High School ReUnion in 2 years, I will weigh less than I did in High School. Wow.

I also am hoping to plan a high school church group reunion in the next few years, as well as a reunion of the guys in my fraternity at OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY in that same time period. My interest in being more social again is rising, so that should help me be a catalyst in getting things planned and under way.

Off to the mountains....... more in about 10 days.

2005-07-12T18:33:00.000-07:00

picture taken at Grand Lake, Oklahoma cabin July 4th, 2005
picture taken 7-4-2005

Sixteen Tons

2005-07-12T15:30:00.000-07:00

Well, OK.... not 16 tons...... but 16 pounds....... that's what I lost in the last 2 weeks !! That means now a total of 29 pounds in 4 weeks since surgery !! And if you add in what I had to lose just to have the surgery, it's 64 pounds since February !! Even I am impressed. Clothes are starting to fall off of me, and I'm already wearing smaller sizes. Dang I'll look good on the Mexican Riviera Cruise in late October 2006 !!!

There's a sense of relief after weighing in. NOT that I had any thoughts that I had gained of course, but just finally being able to acknowledge the progress. I am purposely weighing only every two weeks, to feel a larger effect when I do weigh in. The next weigh in however may be 3 weeks, as in 2 weeks I will be in Crested Butte South, Colorado, on vacation. Relaxing. Taking it easy. And not obsessing about food, diets or anything like that.

Since my stomach is now such a small pouch, the 3 meals I have daily, plus the water I need to keep drinking to keep from being dehydrated, keep me from ever feeling hungry. That's right. In one month since surgery, I really have not experienced hunger pangs. Wow. That's a new feeling.

So what's my new goal for weighing in 3 weeks from now ? I have none. I am not setting myself up for that. I will follow the program rather strictly, and allow the process to work itself, and be happy with the loss that incurs at that point. It's worked that way so far, so I am not going to rock the boat.

Speaking of which, I did buy myself a (new) pre-owned boat back in February , and at one time considered such names for it as " BYPASS ", and " SLIP, SLIDING AWAY ". However, I did finally have an epiphony Saturday morning when listening to an Golden Oldie by Dobie Gray, and will be naming the boat " DRIFT AWAY ". That seems to cover all bases.

Eating Out

2005-07-08T18:45:00.000-07:00

OK, it's been a week or so since my last post. But I've observed a lot in that week about eating out. It's tough, after the Bypass Surgery.

First, you are limited just in the amount you can eat.

Then, you are also limited with what you can eat, depending on how far along you are in re-learning to eat, etc.

Then you also have to try to find something on the menu, that is allowable, and not too much portion size ( or good to re-heat later ).

Finally, you get to sit there and watch the others you are with eat appetizers, offer you things you cannot have, and hope they are enjoying their liquor and then their dessert.

In short, it is tough to eat out at this point. Monday I do get to start on chewable foods, but even then, it is limited, and I need to work up to tougher to chew (digest) foods slowly. Still no fried foods, no sugary items, no liquor, no breaded items, and restrict the carbs.

Then there is also the issue of drinking enough water during the day. You are not to drink water 30 minutes before a meal, or 1 hour after (except sipping some), due to the restrictive size of the stomach, and water does take up space.

Just some ranting about the last week. I ate out more than usual due to being up at the lake for the 4th of July, and catching up with some friends, etc. However, I am finding it is more comfortable in some ways to just come home to eat, or take my food to work with me, etc. Still far too many places I know I cannot eat, due to their lack of menu items that are acceptable to those watching their intake. Seems like those restaurants would learn eventually, that more and more people are having the gastric surgery, or just watching what they eat in general. More healthy items on the menu should improve their business.

Oh, and keep the tortilla chips on your side of the table. heheh.

More later.........

The Soup Nazi

2005-07-01T19:26:00.000-07:00

7-1-05

OK, no Soup Nazi at Carrabba's, but just great soup. It was Momma's Chicken Soup, or whatever the full name is..... but it has just the right soft foods in it for me at this point. The bowl, is truly a bowl.... the size many pasta dishes come in..... so I brought half of it home. I will be doing a lot of that, bringing home a part of my meals where ever I eat. But eating this way is cheaper. The items I get are less expensive to start with than what I used to get...... plus I make 2 or 3 meals out of it, instead of one. That helps.

Off to the lake in the morning, so no more entries until Tuesday night most likely. Have a great Holiday weekend, or for those of you not from the USA, just a great weekend anyway !!

Thanks, for the memories

2005-06-30T23:00:00.000-07:00

6-30-05

WOW..... I've received an incredible amount of supportive responses.

I initially did not tell everyone I was going to do this, as I saw a few people's reactions early on, and some were quite negative. However, since I was determined to do it, I just decided to "Just Do It", and then tell the world.

I Emailed just about everyone I had an Email for, and got responses from people I see often, and those I rarely, if ever, see. Some I had not even really communicated with much lately, so I really appreciated their support, prayers and well-wishes. Thanks all !

I'm gaining my independence from food....so Happy 4th Of July to all !!!!

backtracking

2005-06-29T20:52:00.000-07:00

6/29/2005

This is my initial entry, but I am first backtracking the weight issue in recent months, as that is the purpose of this Blog...... to keep friends / family informed with my progress.

February 2005

I was at 485#. The highest ever recorded for me.

March 2005

I heard a commercial for a seminar on Bariatric Surgery, and made plans to go. From
then on, it was a progression of getting ready for the surgery, as I had to lose 35# JUST
to have the surgery, as the MRI unit had a 450# maximum weight limit.

April / May / early June 2005

I went through a variety of Doctor appointments of all sorts.... cardiologist, psychiatrist,
pullmonologist, etc, etc. plus blood work of course, and a gall bladder ultrascan, just to
get approved for actually being able to do the surgery by the Surgeon's office.

June 9th 2005

I was down to 451#, while dressed, so actually at 450# of below, and therefore ready
for my June 13th surgery date.

June 13th, 2005

I had to be at the hospital at 5am, for 7am surgery. I believe it actually started at
8:15 am or so, and it was over around 10:30am. I was out of it though until around
1:00 pm. Spend the night in the hospital.

June 14th, 2005

10:30 am I drank the barium or whatever liquid for the X-ray, to ensure that my
surgery was successful, and that there was no leakage. At that point, I could start
with ice chips, and on to water. Then I did get soup and jello for lunch. Late that
afternoon I got to go home !

June 17th, 2005

I got off the pain meds, except for taking them when I went to bed ( just for 3 more
nights though)

June 18th, 2005

Got out and was driving, though I did not go far or many places. Just to the post office,
and then to meet my buddy Diana and her son Nick to see "Batman Begins". Good
movie.

June 19th, 2005

I had visitors...... my cousin Donna and friend Lori, then later my buddy Curt and his
new wife Christie. The cats got a lot of attention that day. heheh.

June 20th, 2005

Back to work....... one week after surgery. Only left about 30 minutes early even.

June 23rd, 2005

My regular Doctor gave me a physical. No problems. All looked good. He was pleased.

June 27th, 2005

After two weeks on clear liquids only, I got to graduate to "soft foods" for the next 2
weeks. Then I should be back to chewable foods at that point, one month after the
surgery.

June 28th, 2005

Went back to the Surgeons office for a 2 week checkup. Had lost 13 pounds. When I
add in the 35 I had to lose just to have the surgery, that is 48# total lose since March.

No regrets........ no problems........ and I had to do self-pay, as insurance would not
cover it.... silly, since I am already off all my medications, and the operation will save
the insurance company many dollars over my extended lifetime. Glad I did it !!!