Mild Janurary 2012

A new friend

Bunny Slippers

Bartender on Phone

Last night Pat and I saw a movie at Mike's house, then we went to Dalhak for a nightcap. Met this cool fellow and talked about music, West Philly etc. IT was a nice little night. Pat has my car so he can go flying today. It looks like a nice day out for sure. I am planning a trip to Sarasota to visit my friends Ned and Linda. They just bought a house down there and they invited me. The trip will be the 22nd. Ahh I get to wear shorts in Feb. I just found all my pairs of shorts. Thank goodness.
What a mile winter this year. January gave us one small snow and many mild days. Next thing it will be March.

Motorcyle Show in NYC

NJ Turnpike

Pat on Ducati

Cool Bike

Saturday Pat Dave and I drove in the Snow in the AM to drive to Manhattan for the Progressive International Motorcycle Show. When we left at 8 am, the weather was pretty shitty to be frank but we got there and EVEN found a FREE parking space within a 15 min walk of the Jacob Javitts Convention Center. This place was big but very Soviet Union in its aesthetics. It was over 9 BUCKS in NJ Turnpike tolls and 12 BUCKS to use the Lincoln Tunnel. Man, that's why its just better to take the train or bus there. It would have been 60 BUCKS to park if we had used the parking garage. The show was 18 bucks to get in. It was not too bad and we stayed till 3PM.

On a Scooter

Sunday:Millville and Stuff

Trying to Back In

I did not get to Millville till Sat AM. Yesterday I helped Carolyne move stuff downstairs and did errands for her. It went pretty good. Right after I left I found out our dog died of congestive heart failure. She passed away in peace. She was a sweet dog with personality. I got to see the Grandchild for the first time since October. He really grew in that time and very expressive. I moved stuff for them as well.

Levoy 1

My last stop was at Susan's place where gave her a copy of the Millville Master Plan. She is opposed to a solar farm being built across her house in Buena Vista.I am thinking that a visit would be done the week after the President's day holiday. She lived a long life.

Millville Condos Still Not
Built!

Let's see in the outside world, Joe Paterno died yesterday from lung cancer. Its a big story even on NPR. The Giants and Patriots face each other in the Super Bowl. The Ravens gagged when they missed an easy FG. The 49ers rookie Kyle Williams fumbled TWICE late in the game to allow the Giants to win the NFC Championship. I did not see the games, I did listen to some of the games while driving from  Millville
The Levoy is proceeding along in Millville as you can see from the photo above. It is great to see thisWell, its now Monday and its a cold drizzle out that will melt the small snowfall we had on Saturday.

Is This All???

Green with Envy?

Today was a tired kind of day. The warm morning turned into a cold night and the need to just sit was strong. It was a time for sleeping. Dreaming awake all night, tossing and turning away from dispair and fear.

The original photo

Flights of Fancy

Pat Jammin at Shari's

Here we are on a COLD Jan afternoon. Its about to get dark and I just got a nap in. Saturday, I went to Nipper's Pub in Deptford to hang out with some friends and it was jolly good fun. During this, the 49er's beat the Saints in a furious 4 minute period when 2 touchdowns were scored by EACH team. I then next stayed overnight at a friend's house in Millville. After that I had some breakfast at the Millville Queen and discussed plans. When I got back to

After a fun Dinner

Lift Off

Philly, we went to a new friend's house. Pat jammed and I tried out her bongo. It was a fun time. We next went to Dahlak and saw a SKA band (remember SKA??) called Drake Cityand they were excellent. Like to see them again. Today had coffee at Earth Cup.We had coffee then Pat and I drove with Pat's friend and motorcycle mechanic Dave to Valley Forge to fly Pats remote airplane. Pat had worked on this the entire month of December building it. He flew it once last week and now I was able to see it in action. It went well but the landing gear broke off. He just fixed this late afternoon. My brother John just got a Yamaha C3 Scooter. It looks pretty cool I was in Millville for a moment and boy the Levoy has really made advances in the construction. Boy what a difference a year makes.

The Levoy Sun Jan 15

Well, its now Monday nite got to finish this posting up ok??

The Soggy Bottom Boys

ENJOY!!

Waking Up to Tuesday.

Convoy: The Movie

I woke up  in the apartment listening to NPR. Its was a nice  morning out and I am getting ready for work. I will get this thing ready. Last night we saw the movie Convoy:The Movie. It stars Kris Kristofferson and Ernest Borgnine. I then posted it on Facebook and had a few good laughs. At work, it was the first day with my Supervisor. He was very occupied and I had no people the ENTIRE morning and boy that was nice.

The E|

I could get stuff done. I have a pain in the butt
 report to finish by Friday and I have had to schedule a bunch of folks for the next 3 days and next week. Yup, does not take long to get going that's for sure. Just had some food from the Kobobeesh restaurant near Pats house. YUM. I am now just catching up with email and such.Spent my first night at the apartment and it was nice being in my own bed. It was kind of trippy.

In Center City Tonite

My ambitions are small right now. Get the apartment finished, get in to a routine and then getting involved in some civic activity at some point. Dating well, that will happen or it wont. Not in the mood to go to the Cupid now.What are your plans for this weekend? I am meeting my friends in Deptford at 5pm. I met them all riding the Rt408 bus. I will be there til about 7pm. Spending 4 hrs a day on a bus, I had to make friends or lose my marbles.

Back to the Farm, Gov Christie conditionally vetoed a Cumberland, Salem wind turbine bill because the bill included provisions that would make wind turbines a “primary use” on preserved farmland. Did you hear that PRESERVED FARMLAND!! This would make the term "preserved farmland" a joke. I mean what is the definition of "preserved" to you my dear reader?? and just think it was sponsored by a Legislator who lives in North Jersey (Ok, Middlesex County)

Forget Food, Put Some Wind Turbines Here!!

This is just as bad as Philadelphia City Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell exempting her district in West Philly( where I live presently) from a "sidewalk bill" back in 1998. I was living in her district when that farce happened and the NJ Legislature is just as underhanded as Ms. Blackwell was in Philly.

In other events,  Pat flew his plane in Valley Forge today. He had a fun time  and crashed early tonite. I am looking to get a bongo and learn to play it in some manner. I am also looking to sell a nice (BUT way too BIG for my place) Microwave that has never been used. Clean as a whistle!!
Well, its really time to hit the hey.

Sunday: Solar Farm and Winterizing

A 51 Acre Solar Farm Could be Here

The weekend featured some really excellent weather. Yesterday, I took a trip to Buena Vista to visit a friend who fears a HUGE 51 acre solar farm being built across the street. The company is Called Community Energy, located in Radnor Pa.
t will be only 50 feet from the street. Several farmers/landowners have sold out to the company. I was shown letters she had written to the Governor, Assembly, Senate and to state agencies. It is really upsetting her. Its a nice area which is mostly open land which is rare in New Jersey.

Community Energy Solar Farm

Back Porch. Done!

Yummy Homemade Beer

I was shown an existing solar farm located in Vineland. The buffering is pathetic and it just looks kind of dull. Its built pretty close to some houses. After seeing all this, I headed out to Millville to put up windows over the screens in the back porch. This has been done for the past 2 years to keep out the winter wind seeping in the kitchen. After initial silly problems with the drill that I had to borrow, it went pretty smoothly. The next task to put on some Frost King to cover up the spaces left by the windows. I then walked the dogs and they enjoyed that. I next went to Carl's and ending up watching the move Jackass 3. Man, that is some stupidity going on. That is all I can say..REALLY!! I then drove back to West Philly and had some dinner. We had a bottle of homemade IPA. Damn, that was tasty. A friend I just met gave me a bottle Saturday night and we enjoyed it.

Well, its 8:15am on a Monday morning, have to shower, walk Mikes dogs and get to 57th and Market. Pat is going to fly his plane tomorrow. Oh crap got to get the oil changed today. Gotta go!!
This painting was painted  by a talented child several years ago. I was impressed and had to take a photo to show it off.

The weekend at 60 Degrees

Today on My Front Porch

Walking Mike's Dog

I am tired too. It was my first week at work this week and I think I was getting my welfare sea-legs back as of yesterday (Friday) Today the weather was so  nice, must have been at least 60 degrees outside. I listened to WXPN play Prog Rock while doing errands. Man, a sunny WARM day in January is perfect for some old space music from the likes of Rick Wakeman and Gentle Giant. Wow man.!
  

I am getting there with the apartment. It's going a bit slow now. I am walking a friend's 2 dogs this entire week. He is in Ireland and will be home Monday after noon..Dogs are fine .old as hell 3 days this week
To-nite I have a platonic date at Abyssinia Ethiopian place at 45th and Locust.

Cam 4 Got Me

I spoke to her for the first time. She was cool, and that works for me.
I might go to Millville and put the windows on the porch for Carolyne I can't find my drill. That really sucks..

An Image from the Past

A college dude to paid me 5 bucks for the ugly green futon.
Let's go out next week.  Now at my place on the porch sitting on the futon.

I fly in on Monday afternoon, but figure you will be at work then, so I was going to take the train in.
Where are you now?

It'sS Electric!

Stuart at Work

Hi my friend Stewart got the new GFI and we were able to get the door open. It looks a lot better behind the fridge for sure.

Towel Rack

The out now works. While Stu was working on the GFI, I installed the towel rack and toilet paper dispenser. Not a huge accomplishment but a start. After we got done, Stu Helen and I went out for dinner at a cool place near by that served Middle Eastern food. It was quite the treat! Work started to get real busy today the work is starting to crank up like crazy.The WAKKA is back!

At Work Yesterday

Putting in Pigtails

Cold Comfort

Cabinet as of today Jan 4

Well, today was Day #2 of welfare. I missed the deadline for the promotion without exam test. Man, I am still a little out of it man. I did take care of some errands today. Walked Mike's dogs, brought laundry to laundromat and got a bit o food at the Fresh Grocer. It was again real cold out today. Very cold for sure. I am not used to it and can't find the long johns. Found out the apartment is pretty cool. Since I do not pay electric, time to find a space heater.The long-awaited cabinet arrived. The landlord installed it part way without the doors. He wanted me to see if I liked it. Well, yes in fact I do like it there. Nowhere else to put it. You will note that it
right above the oven. There was a suggestion for a range hood. I have no ventilation near the oven as you can see from the photo above. I got some suggestions on that matter.

True - add that to the long list of fire hazards! - That's not going to happen with this landlord - would be a miracle - no place to vent except out the window - but may be worth a look at ikea or the home depot for kits that provide an exhaust fan option that is modular and easy to install?

I suppose I should inquire the landlord about getting one of them. In the meantime a friend is coming over to help with the electrical and maybe get a drill, since I can not find mine at this time.

They have cheap hoods that blow it right back at you. We had that in our apartment in Greenbelt. Maybe $60. It is probably worth it for fire protection. The landlord proly has an old one in the basement lol. I'm making pigtails for tomorrow. 12 guage. Going to graingers on the way up to Philly!

I have a Therepy apt at 7:15 pm, so its going to be busy. Got to use my phone reminders since I just missed a Dr apt that was at 10 tonite. Now its time to sleep. I need to get covers for these IKEA Pillows

Electricity 101

Here is a good explanation of the work done this past weekend.

The double gang box right above Mark's sink had new wiring, but was fed by 2 different circuits with separate breakers. Fortunately I did not discover this the painful way! Of course, there was no slack on the romex, so getting the gfci in was tricky.The other outlet in that box had been taped over. Curious, right? Well there was some AC on the unconnected ground wire, about 40 V. No wonder it was taped over! I left it taped over, but layer I want to go back and remove the taped outlet, cap it off, and put a danger sign on it. Anyway, the gfci works great.

Note the Black Tape

Work in Progress

Finished. Powers the Fridge

Note the outlet powers the power-strip that is underneath the kitchen window. This in turn supplies power to the oven and the pipe warmer for the downstairs apartment.

Lets Try Santorum!!

Well, Rick Santorum lost by 8 Votes to Mitt(Willard) Romney. Geez, Mr. Santorum was the 5th place guy in every poll throughout 2011. I mean, he is so extreme its scary. I mean the Republican field is a FREAK SHOW ON PARADE. Come on people! Here is Jon Stewart who nails it!

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Indecision 2012 - Romspringa - Rick Santorum's Surge
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor & Satire Blog The Daily Show on Facebook

Back to Work

Can I vote with this ID/

Today, Tuesday, January 3 and I was back to work at the welfare office. It all went pretty good . I can say one thing about today, that is that it is cold outside!! It is very cold and windy. I managed to get up on time and walked my friend's dogs, then went to the apartment to take stuff out of the trunk so it would not be freezing in the trunk.

Kitchen Jan 3rd 8:55 am

Work was ok. Since my supervisor was not in, it was pretty relaxed and my co-workers helped me since I forgot some stuff. I had to reset up the computer and recopy stuff. My goal is to make the desk neater. I cleaned off my phone which was pretty groady.

This morning I was dizzy

  My landlord is going to add a cabinet and put in a ceiling light. He does tend to jerry-rigg his stuff and I am afraid that when he installs the ceiling light that it will look slummy. Well he did email me today

Make ANY Trash Can a Recycle Can!

I'm back in town, and I spent some time this morning with the metal detector trying to locate any significant metal (besides nails and screws) in your kitchen ceiling. There seems to be none. So it's up to us to pick a spot from which to hang the fan and light. I guess I'd go for the middle of the room, where lines from the corners of an imaginary box (bypassing the stove area as outside the box) would cross -- or the cross beam nearest to that spot. If you have another preference, let me know. I'll probably begin that project (cutting a hole, installing a box, and running some wire from the switch to the new box) tomorrow or Thursday, if that's ok with you. I've also identified a kitchen cabinet that seems appropriate -- not new, but with a plain wood finish. What would you like installed first, the cabinet or the fan-light?

I emailed some friends of mine to get their opinion and they had good advice. My favorate of them was this gem:

I'd avoid having that guy do any electrical work. We've seen his skillz. You can probably add a plugin type of light fixture that can be mounted but doesn't need any in the wall wiring. If you are looking to have a light that you can switch on when you come into the apartment without stumbling around there are these remote control switches that can do that. I can just imagine your landlord scanning the ceiling with a metal detector!

Ceiling back Nov 28. Where Ceiling Fan is to go???

I will keep my eye out and keep folks appraised on this ongoing process of creating a decent place to live at a value price. The photo of the ceiling is where the light is to go. I did work to make that ceiling nice and I really do not want it to look like THAT photo you see to the left. Is that UGLY or WHAT???
Well, I get up again to walk Mikes dogs  but before I go to bed, I am going to try to install a 10 dollar deal for MS office from work.

 

Speaking of freakshows. Here is the vote so far on the Iowa Caucus as of 11:27pm tonite.

Iowa

93% Reporting

Candidate	Votes	% Votes	Delegates (25)
Rick Santorum	28,102	25%	0
Mitt Romney	28,003	25%	0
Ron Paul	24,199	21%	0
Newt Gingrich	15,120	13%	0
Rick Perry	11,724	10%	0
Michele Bachmann	5,767	5%	0
Jon Huntsman	668	1%	0

Via: Crooks and Liars

Last Updated: 1/3/2012 11:27 PM

Life Management 20.12

Stuff Everywhere. Put it Where?

 Boy I am thankful! Thankful to my friends and family who have really stepped up and went out of their way to help me and stear me back from the brink.I can hope that I can repay by being a better person who is engaged and has purpose.
  I know it's not going to be easy for me with my dependency and anxiety difficulties. I have asked a lot from others and one day soon, I can manage this apartment on my own. :)Now that I am going back to work again, I have a thought that is front and center. I don't have the engineering mind like like some. I can paint, speckle, and hustle when needed and that is cool.My biggest issue with living on my own is HOW to organize my apartment. I really have difficulty. I depended on my wife for all that.

More Stuff from Millville Today

This is why I have friends to help me out. Remember those standardized tests. While I did decent in word knowledge and reading, I was HORRIBLE at what they called "space relations". The test had unfolded boxed(shapes) and you had to pick what the box looked like when built. I finished in the 10% percentile. I have never forgotten that since it followed me my entire life.
Anyhow, if I were rich, I would hire a consultant to assist with making my space well used and know where to place things.

Just Now in my Thoughts

They ought to teach that to kids so they don't struggle with this anytime change happens. At least find a way to raise the conference of us 10 percenters for later life.
Well, enough of this for now. Busy with living the rest of this week at least and just being a self-absorbent sponge. < Bye P.S Let me know the next phase. Thanks!!

Sent from 4207

Not  from 4405

2011 to 2012

My Apartment January 1st 2012

Well I ended 2011 very quietly. I hung out at Pat's and geeked out on the computer. I went on Facebook and deleted alot of messages I didn't need and removed some friends from Facebook.
Yesterday, Wes and I went shopping at IKEA to get very basic stuff for the apartment. I got basic items such a towel rack and a shower curtain.

Installing the GFI near Sink

Most items were inexpensive but it did add up to a tidy sum. Wes and then met up with Stewart and Helen. Stewart put a GFI in the apartment. Before that could we had to get to the electric box. We did and were relieved that it was breakers instead of a fuse box! I wanted it done because it's near the sink.

Wes and Stuart Jan 1st

When that was done, we went over to Wes's house. I gave Wes my mother's Christmas present. It was glasses from the Union League.

New Years Eve

I saw Amy and Samantha for the first time which is really cool. Samantha has a cool playroom in the basement that Amy fixed up. We talked for awhile I then drove up and saw my mother, had a yummy dinner and watched the Giants smother Dallas. Boy that was fun!!! I then drove back to West Philly to walk Mike's dogs.
This warm weather will end as of tonite.lets welcome 2012!