I Can't Believe It....

Have you priced ink for the computer printers.

I had a Canon Pixma 210...came with a motherboard a few years ago.

Well, the ink ran out and I went to Best Buy to get some more.

The price: 28.00 for the color
22.00 for the black ink

Wow, i thought that was insane and remember seeing a commercial for a printer for $59 but didn't know where.

So i went across the street to Walmart.

A Hewlert Packer??? HP for $48.00
I could buy a printer a new printer for the price of ink alone. Sold!

Took it home and plugged it in. It worked great.. Noisy and it didn't make multiple files.

Meaning: When I put 4 photos on the scanner...it thinks and saves them as one

So i would have to crop the scanned version 4 times to get the photos separated.

I called HP and they said their scanners don't do that.

I then checked Walmart by internet and they had a Canon Pixma 250 for $32.00. I called Canon and they said Sure the 250 is new and has all the improvements and does the Multiple Files.

OK, back into the box and back to Walmart.

I returned it.

There was the Canon. And it was $35 including taxes, and had the ink.

Ink for the old printer/scanner: $50
A brand new printer/scanner: $32

Saving $18....priceless

So be prepared to see more of my old photos.

Da Nose

Someone asked me why i had a bandaid on my nose in my last photos.

I had a spot that looked like a target....a couple circles. Occasionally, it would bleed, but finding a dr for an appointment is nearly impossible for within a reasonable time.

I was recommended to dr Koseny and when I met him knew i liked him.

He told me the spot was Basil cancer and would need an appointment to take it off.

But first he looked at my many brown spots and said do you want me to take those off, and I said if the price is right...and he did.

A few weeks ago the dr took half of my nose off....
stitched it and 10 days later
took the stitches out, it didn't heal together , it opened up like another nostril.

so gave me diabetic ointment to put on to have it grow together $640 for a tube...on the house...from his stock.

its not working.
so he promised me it would work and if not would take me around the corner from his office to the plastic surgeon.

The dr was a good sport and got my camera out of my jacket and let me take pictures.

So here is a Photo of dr koseny who has a home in Palmer Ranch and his nurse yolo....yolanta...stitching me up. I won't show the bloody ones.


He just got back from Parmer ranch where he did a lot of fishing.

I thought I could shake him down...for the surgery that didn't work.

I demanded some big stuff......some of the fish...one piece of a fish.

But Oh no, he's one of those nice guy fishermen, that catch and release the fish.

So, all I got for the trip to the Dr was this bandaid,met a nice dr and some great photos.

Detective Friend Gerald Swinkle

Everyday I usually check the fop death notices.
The web page went down and for weeks/months I could not check for any friends that I might have known.

Today I found the FOP new death notices web page.

Checked for any I might have missed.

Every month or two I would get a friendly call from Jerry Swinkle.
Area 5 and Area 4 guy.

When I was a cadet he took a liking to me, and up until he retired. I drove him and other detectives to turn in their stars.

While in the car driving to hdqtrs, we all laughed and laughed.
Then while going up the elevator, silence. Not one peep. We walked in and they handed in their paperwork,,,but when it came to the star. Each one needed help to drop it on the table.

Jerry, was not comfortable letting go of his star.
It was silence in the car. And they all looked like they were leaving part of their souls.

Just a heck of a nice guy. While in fla, I called him and we talked in Oct.

I haven't hear from him since and felt bad I didn't call him.
I almost called him today....but got busy at the drs office.

Well, he passed Nov 14.....another friend and super nice guy gone.
He would just tell all the stories about everyone....who they were,where they came from and who they knew. And he liked everyone he met,,,never a bad word.

Ok, there were a couple supervisors,no one had a good word for. Jerry would just skip over them.

We would talk and talk for an hour. Some old stuff, some new, but always interesting.

A funny guy with a great laugh.

I knew him for 40 yrs.....

may he RIP

Boat Ride with the Boyles

Our friend Jim Boyle brought his cousin and boat to Englewood fla.

They called us and invited us to join them for a boat ride up to Venice via the intercoastal and canal around the venice airport.

Their friend Tom joined Jim, Johnny, Karolyn and me.

We took about a 2 hour trip to Venice and out to Sea where we parked for awhile for rest and refreshments.

We returned just past Venice and stopped at the Marker 4 restaurant.

Hope you enjoy the photos

Projects

Well, we're only staying one more week before returning to Chicago.

Its time to catch up with all the little projects we noticed needed to be done.

We had a nice tablelamp that I suspected the llight socket was malfunctioning maybe.

I hesitated to try to fix it. But suddently got the urge. Couldn't find my electric tester.
So went to Ace and Joe advised me to buy a replacement socket. He showed me how to
squeeze in the right spot to open it up.

Then went to Harbor freight to buy a multi meter tester.

Went home and 1--2--3 it was fixed before i could get my camera out.

While i did that k painted the med cabinets....perfect...

then the toilet started dripping water into the bowl. The photo explained how i cleaned it and solved the leaking problem....no cost.

then we went to the sunset and later saw the crescent moon.

not bad for a lazy day

Oh I used my neighbors hose to clean her a/c condensor and then did another before
i broke the hose.....too much work and now another repair....sorry no photos on that

The Chills

Saturday Morning

Went to the beach for my morning walk. Oh, the sun shining and blue sky made it wonderful

I felt so moved by the pretty water, I thought a swim would be great.

So I took off my winter Jacket with hood, my hooded sweatshirt, long sleeve shirt and long heavy slacks.

I took a deep breath or gasp, then screamed, Sh-- its cold and I'm freezing.
51 degrees.

Got dressed like a lover when a husband comes home....

Yes, quickly.

Bundled I returned home to see that electric meter spining like a fan and just a little warm air flushing out the vents.

Oh, Paradise!
for Florida Power and Light.

Ah, Soon I'll return outside for those free hot dogs at the club.
===================
Saturday afternoon....


In Chicago its in the 20's I'm glad my daughter turned on the heat in our house.
she set it at 62

Its a little warmer now but we didn't walk to THE CLUB.
Thats a dive 2 blocks away called The Crescent Club.

Its the place we get the free hot dogs.

Last week we met a couple from last year....john and gloria.
John eats at least 5 or 6 hot dogs. Well gloria and john didn't show up today but her sister did.

Vicky and John, two nice folks from Indiana.

We met them last week. they spend winters in Venice which is just 20 minutes away.

He was a BA for the plumbers in Ind.
He used to shoot golf in the 70's but developed anger problemson the course, and now, he is not happy with his golf/attitude.

I gave him some relaxation tips and we will play together when we return in Jan.

They lost a 28 yr old son last year to Lukemia.
So Vicky would tear when she talked about it.

Anyway, now we're back home enjoying the furnace heat.
====================================
Included is a photo of two weeks ago, with some neighbors with us.

$9.95 Chicken

Every month our computer club gets together at a restaurant near Largo, Seminole Fla.
Last month October we returned to Olive Garden...about 20 or us.

My cuz ordered chicken and ended up with this $9.95 piece of Chicken.

If you were the cook or waitress would you put this out to one of your customers.



They did take it back and cuz Carol re-ordered a Sampler plate.

Sunday October 24, 2010

We started out going to St. Thomas More for an early traditional mass.
They have this big organ that must be tough to play.

I was amazed by how this one guy played it and thought OMG he is
so good....but

then the singer started with Ave Maria...hitting all the notes perfectly.

Then some other songs but she sang one where her voice could have broken all
the glass but was so sweet to our ears. I can't even tell you how wonderful
she was,,,,as no one can imagine.....tears to my eyes.

Then we stopped at First Watch for a great breakfast Eggs benedict with
smoked turkey and avocado....yum yum

Finally, we walked to Capt Curts and watched 3/4's of the Bears game.
After re-meeting some old fans,,,,we snacked and felt so bad watching the Bears
that we walked out.....after paying.

Then went next door to the Crescent Club for free pizza.

Felt so full, i walked back to the condo and worked out....watch out Hulk Hogan....

And a couple photos from saturday

You know what Sunday is.....Church and BEARS FOOTBALL.
So we went to the Sarasota Brewing Co...

Its been there for over 20 yrs and was the only one families could go to.

But now there is plenty of competition and to tell the truth, its time for a change.

We met sister in law Nancy. Had some hot wings,,pizza and left before the game was
over, meaning the Bears were losing.

As we got home, our neighbor Marge called and invited us to watch the sunset with
neighbors and have Cheese and Wine.

We had great conversation and for the first time since we've been going to the beach
at sunset....we all saw the Green Flash just at Sunset.

I couldn't believe it.

A little Artsy Craftsy Show and Buffet

Hi Everyone,
Today K went shopping with her sister...garage sales again.

I decided to drive downtown Sarasota and when I drove down Main street saw an Art and Craft fest. I got lucky with a parking spot and walked the entire circuit.

I attended one last winter, and this was similiar but expanded.

Lots and lots of People watching. Paintings, scultures--the usual and strange thick metal tube/stones.
The displayers/artists seemed so professional. And of course expensive.

Main street has more restaurants than last year. I just don't understand with
the economy. All were filled.

Went home,,napped, and then jumped into the pool.

We were hungry and tired by 7pm and decided to eat Amish.
We went to the Dutch Heritage BUFFET Restaurant on Bahia Vista...about 20 minutes from us.
It was wonderful.

While K was looking around the gift shop, I found it a good idea to walk around and
around the parking lot.....it helps with overeating.

Enjoy the photos....see you tomorrow.

A Boat Ride

We went for a boat ride with Capt Robb, our good friend from Vandalia Il.

With his Cabin Boy Bob, we cruised for about 3 hours and stopped at Turtles Restaurant on Siesta Key for lunch.

He guided his boat thru a narrow harbor and canal to get to the intercoastal.

We drove/sailed south just enjoying the sights, mansions, and
the good life.

On the way back north we were greeted by a beggar. Yeah, they're in the water too.

Flipper came alongside the boat with his mouth open looking for his favorite food, shrimp.

Poor flipper, this time we didn't have any. He stayed along for a few minutes and then
left us cheap folks. Robb promises he will have shrimp on his next trip...

Our State Farm agent sent the following email:

I noticed that you were in my neck of the woods! The dolphin you said, is a local and very famous. His name is actually Beggar and he’s been in the intercoastal off Casey Key for years and years. The grandkids love to see him every time we are on the boat. Google “Beggar the Dolphin in Nokomis” and read about him.


We cruised very slowly toward Turtles restaurant. Filled our bellies and the gas tank...43 gals.

We continued on our trip but it had to end.

We said goodbye to the Minnow and Robb, went to our condo and crashed.

Got up in time to race to the beach and get a sunset.

Thats its today, I'll stay in contact.

talk later

Hope you enjoy the photos
If they don't all fit on this email
I'll send a second.

Honey--Do

Honey Do...

What kind of person are you?

I noticed there are 3 types....no not political.

When there are projects to do around the house,
there are folks that finish all projects fast and correctly.

Then there are those that never start a project or if they start have
some excuse for quitting..

And there are those like me.

I am one of those that never seems to finish the project.
No project goes without its pitfalls...,.and always a little red blood.

I NEVER FINISH A PROJECT...NEVER...

A few months ago, my son had a drain put across the front of the entrance
to his garage.

While cutting the old concrete out,,,the workers revealed a problem with the concrete
under the overhead door jam.

One side of the jam is on top of the garage concrete floor pad.
The troubled side was hanging over the apron...not over the floor pad.

My son Jimmy has two boys that they keep busy with sports and day trips.

The problem door jam left a foot long opening for Mickey and Minnie to run in and out.

For some reason, Karolyn and I decided to do something.

So today we went to Menards..a oversize hardware store and bought a bag
of concreted mix for $2.99.

By the time we paid...somehow the bill jumped up to $40.

Anyway, we went to Jims house....grabbed a wheelbarrow, a bucket and putty knives.

We cleaned out the area to fix.

We mixed about a third of the bag with water and started to put
the mix under the door jam and part of the exterior wall.

We finished, cleaned up, put everything away and left our masterpiece.

I FINISHED A JOB....I FINISHED IT...with Karolyns encouragement.

I include 3 photos....rough photos but it was around 90 degrees.

Some of you perfectionists might say oh its this and that wrong......toooo bad.