FRIDAY - AUGUST 1, 2008
– –
Tsunagilosdi – Galoni saquu
ᏧᎾᎩᎶᏍᏗ – ᎦᎶᏂ ᏌᏊ

1:00a – It's August! And I am off to bed.

12:13p – I got up at 11:30a. Over 10 hours of sleep, and I still did not want to get up.

I started watching Skip's movie, "Harold and Kumar" ... something... Guantanamo Bay... Stupid but funny.

I took my camera with me to day per Steve's request to take more pictures of his ongoing truck refurbishing.

Michelle was there today, and as usual, she made fuss about everything for floor support. She really needs to quit being such a control freak.

Not much happened really. Another day of existence.

SATURDAY - AUGUST 2, 2008
– –
Unadodaquidena – Galoni tali
ᎤᎾᏙᏓᏈᏕᎾ – ᎦᎶᏂ ᏔᎵ

2:48a – I watched some more of the Harold and Kumar movie. Still stupid... but funny.

11:53p – I struggled my way up from sleep and forced myself to get out of bed around 11:00a. I really did NOT want to get up, but I knew Skip was going to be wanting to go do something; and that's cool. I don't like to wasted my weekend either. I got myself "revived" and we left around 1:30p and headed to South County. We went to Steak & Shake to eat and ... that was the worst service I experienced in a LONG time. The food took forever to be brought out. The waitress (Tricia/Trisha - short- Caucasian) finally came out and asked, "Your food did not come out yet?"

Um..."hello?" ... aren't YOU supposed to BRING it to us? I don't think it just FLOATS on over when it's ready!!

So ... she went back and got the food. I had a burger and cheesy fries and Skip had a burger and fries also. He was supposed to have cheese on his, but ... no cheese. He held up a so-called "steak patty" and said... "it's see-through!" I looked, and I have to agree. The meat patty was so thin you could literally see through it, through many tiny holes. I kid you not! Then I got my cheese fries and the only had a dabble of cheese on them, and the cheese had been setting for some time and was not fresh. The fries were semi-stale. I asked for more cheese and got it. Meanwhile, our drinks were empty and the waitress did not offer to refill them and I was really needing something to drink. I had to ask her for more to drink and (a point in her favor) she remembered that I had wanted a vanilla Coke/Pepsi and she brought me that drink (which is my preference when visiting Steak & Shake).

Her pants were also riding down around her buttocks in a most inappropriate manner, while her blouse rode up and exposed a roll of cherubic siding. To her benefit, upon her next visit to us, she seemed to have tried to correct this minor wardrobe dilemma, but only quite marginally.

The entire meal went about the same. Skip, who has far less patience than I, handed me some cash and went outside to smoke a cigarette while I finish eating. I finished ant took my bill up to pay and spent about 10-15 minutes WAITING on someone to come take my money. I was VERY tempted to just leave and tell them, "If you don't want my money, no problem... c'ya!" But ... I waited. Needless to say, we did not tip. We are really pretty good about tipping, but neither of us felt obligated to tip in this case. That is rare. (Skip is a really GOOD tipper... better than me).

Once the finally took my bill and I paid for this pathetic mean and service, I went out to find Skip. He was not in sight. We were parked next to a "Pier One Imports" store however, and I know he loves to peruse their stock, so I walked next door, sure to find him. Finding the front door was my first problem, but I did find it ... and saw Skip through the windows pointing with mild enthusiasm to some item of wooden furniture which was far too expensive for either of us to ever consider. Well... they do have some neat stuff and it's fun to dream!

I took a few pictures while in Pier One Imports. One was of this Samurai figure with sword. I was very cheaply made and very stylized, but ... I liked it. I took a picture, and then I made it into a "digital art" creation. Here is a small version of the final result...

My rework of a Samurai statuette at Pier One Imports

We left there and went to Best Buy. Skip was looking for a specific game to buy. He found it, but it was WAY over priced. The store stank. Smelled like chemicals. I felt I would develop cancer if I stayed in there more than an hour! lol!!

So then we went to CostCo. I filled the tank. It was far cheaper.

I spent $31.92 on a few items, including some chicken, milk, corn, and some stir-fry vegetables. The check out process was a fiasco. The cashiers asked for my membership card, so I handed to him. He rang me up and said the total was $31.92. I handed him $40. He asks, "What is this?" I said, "It's called money ... I am paying for my purchases with it. He was completely baffled. It seems he had charged my purchase on my American Express card, and I did not tell him to do that. I don't charge ANYTHING to a credit card (at least not yet). So we had to reverse it. Then he asked me for the receipt and I told him I did not have it... he never gave it to me. We looked all over on the ground. I checked my pockets. I was sure I never saw a receipt.

Well... another person had not only my receipt, but my AE card. She brought it to us as we were leaving. I did not even know she had it. What a mess. I guess it will be okay... but we will see. I am saving the receipts!

From Costco, we drove back to Cahokia and went to Schnuck's for a couple of items, then home.

SUNDAY - AUGUST 3, 2008
– –
Unadodaquasgv – Galoni tsoi
ᎤᎾᏙᏓᏆᏍᎬ – ᎦᎶᏂ ᏦᎢ

1:16a – I am making a good supper (I think). From some of the chicken thigh meat I bought today, with stir-fry vegetables, and a pot of rice. It looks good so far!

1:51a – I finished watching the "Harold and Kumar" movie. It was silly, but amusing. I am stuffed too, from eating a very good stir-fry and rice. The boneless/skinless thigh meat is MUCH better than breast meat. And cheaper. I will have to buy more of that!

1:07p – I did not get up until 12:30p. I did not mean to sleep that long. I got up a couple of times to go to the bathroom and decided I would lay back down. If I fell asleep, it was meant to be. If not, then I would get out of bed. Well, I fell asleep. Despite a loud rumbling thunder storm early this morning.

7:14p – Skip and I had to do some more shopping today. We went to Q-Mart, Wal-Mart, Dollar Store, Schnuck's and I ran Skip by Popeye's for some lunch. I didn't get anything to eat since I promised to go over to JR's birthday party. I brought Skip home and then I headed over to Falling Springs road to pick up Iris and we we over to St. Louis. JR is living at Bob's place again after having moved out for about a year.

Most of those in attendance celebrating JR's 29th birthday today...
(Not the mot handsomest crowd, but what can ya say?)

Group Photos - animated
Bill - Bob - Billy - Lee Warren - Iris
and JR Grubbs

8:16p – I brought Iris back home. He had been going to stay over but, like me, he was tired. I think the heat is wear all of us old farts out. (Not that Iris is very old). Bill is the oldest in our group, at about 94 years young. He may well be the first person I know to turn 100 years old!

MONDAY - AUGUST 4, 2008
– –
Unadodaquonvhi – Galoni nvgi
ᎤᎾᏙᏓᏉᏅᎯ – ᎦᎶᏂ ᏅᎩ

12:17a – I have still not started supper. All I have eaten today is two hotdogs and some birthday cake and ice cream at JR's birthday party. Skip made a frozen lasagna. I am going to make some more stir fry with that awesome thigh chicken and veggies.

I woke up around 5:30a and could not get back to sleep until about 3 hours later. Then of course, I slept right up until 11:30a and had to jump out of bed. Unfortunately, I was not feeling well, and I ended up going in late today. I went right into floor support and stayed there all day. Steve was there for a while, working overtime, until he got tired and left. A typical day all in all.

Driving to work today, I saw a car which had apparently crashed and burned. I had a lot of fire damage. They were loading it on a tow truck. On the way home tonight, I saw a SUV (not far from the same place) overturned. I noticed the lights were still on. There were several police cars on the scene and I saw emergency vehicles enroute. It's dangerous out there!

DirectTV has STILL not refunded my $275.02!

TUESDAY - AUGUST 5, 2008
– –
Taline-iga – Galoni hisgi
ᏔᎵᏁ-ᎢᎦ – ᎦᎶᏂ ᎯᏍᎩ

5:01a – I've been watching "Alien vs. Predators Requiem." It's okay. But ... off to bed now. I made some breaded pieces of thigh meat with rice noodles and corn for supper (and lunch). It was not bad. I also got some bills paid tonight. I paid $50 on the 3 phones and DSL, and I paid the gas bill. That leaves me about about broke again, and the bills are still behind. I paid just under half of everything (except the gas bill, which I paid in full). Anyway... off to bed for me now.

WEDNESDAY - AUGUST 6, 2008
– –
Tsoine-iga – Galoni sudali
ᏦᎢᏁ-ᎢᎦ – ᎦᎶᏂ ᏑᏓᎵ

12:28p – I did not get up until 12:15p, but I've taken my shower already.

My friend, Jeff, is a hair stylist who owns his own upscale salon in Soulard (the French Quarter of St. Louis). Like me, Jeff is of Cherokee ancestry and we met online in the once (formerly) prestigious Yahoo group called simply "Tsalagi." (There is a long story there which I will not bore you with!).

Jeff usually charges more than I can afford to have my hair cut, but today I "bartered" and took him vegetables and a gift of sacred tobacco seed pods from my garden and he treated me to a masterful hair cut, shampoo, and dye job .... returning my hair to something close to my original hair color (as best as I can recall!).

While there, I recorded myself spinning around in his styling chair, just after my "make over" was done. I made it into my new "default" animated graphic. I have the words in Cherokee (both in Cherokee script and Roman script) panning across the image. It says "Osiyo Nigadv" ... meaning "Hello Everybody" ...

It was fun to make, it was a fun day and if you live in the St. Louis area and want a professional hair styling job done, check out Jeff's Salon...

Hair Fetish
1615 S. 9th Street
314-588-0763
Jeff D. Bunyard - Owner/Stylist

THURSDAY - AUGUST 7, 2008
– –
Nvgine-iga – Galoni galiquogi
ᏔᎵᏁ-ᎢᎦ – ᎦᎶᏂ ᎦᎵᏉᎩ

1:20a – I've made pork sushi tonight and am finally sitting down to eat it with a pot of spiced tea.

Today was a "dress up" day at work. I wore my interview clothes for the first time in a while.

It was very hot in the building tonight. I started to feel dizzy and nauseous. I left early. As soon as I stepped outside, the air was cooler and fresh and I felt better. I drove home with the windows down and the cool fresh air blowing around me. By the time I got home I felt almost normal ... just a little queasy in the stomach, but otherwise normal. That building makes me sick (literally). It was like a sauna in there tonight, yet it was good, fresh air, outside.

Skip was still up when I got home, as expected. He is taking a couple of days off from work, though he has brought work home with him.

FRIDAY - AUGUST 8, 2008
– –
Tsunagilosdi – Galoni tsunela
ᏧᎾᎩᎶᏍᏗ – ᎦᎶᏂ ᏧᏁᎳ

5:07a – I am off to bed.

I got up around noon and stumbled into the kitchen. I cleaned some dishes while making a pot of spiced tea. I was coughing a gagging pretty bad this morning, but the tea helped.

Skip needed a rid to his office to pick up some items for working at home. I parked (illegally) and waited for him. He took longer than expected. He finally came out and we were about to leave, but... the car would not start. The battery had died. We had to call WU Security to get a jump start. Even Greg E. was out helping. We got the car started and drove home, but did not shut the motor off. Then we went to the store. I left the car running while we went inside. We returned home and work some on the battery connections. I hope the "repairs" will hold.

I cooked half of a pork sirloin provided by Skip for supper tonight, along with a pot of black rice and a couple of sweet potatoes. The sweet potatoes did not get quite done though. I pulled mine out, sliced it up, and fried it. Excellent!

SATURDAY - AUGUST 9, 2008
– –
Unadodaquidena – Galoni sonela
ᎤᎾᏙᏓᏈᏕᎾ – ᎦᎶᏂ ᏐᏁᎳ

Happy Birthday to Keri!

12:55a – I am about to head off to bed. This begins day 1 of 4. This will be a long stretch. I hope the car does not give me problems tomorrow!

I slept long and well. Except for a few disturbing dreams. One was with Kira again. I still miss her so much and dream about her often.

I dropped Skip off at the MetroLink on the way to work. He wanted to go out on an excursion. I will have to hear where he went and see if he had any fun.

Work was about the usual. I finished reading the first story in a Darkover novel, "The Planet Savers." Trying to get my reading level back up again, though my eyes are no longer so good and it's harder to read.

SUNDAY - AUGUST 10, 2008
– –
Unadodaquasgv – Galoni sgohi
ᎤᎾᏙᏓᏆᏍᎬ – ᎦᎶᏂ ᏍᎪᎯ

3:07a – I am very tired tonight. I put on a pot of rice as soon as I got home. I am trying to get the motivation to roll some sushi, but it's getting late and I am really tired.

MONDAY - AUGUST 11, 2008
– –
Unadodaquonvhi – Galoni sadu
ᎤᎾᏙᏓᏉᏅᎯ – ᎦᎶᏂ ᏌᏚ

Another day on the farm. I went in to work late today. I felt bad this morning, having a bad bout of throwing up. That is happening a lot lately and worries me.

I did some phone work today, but spent most of the day in floor support.

TUESDAY - AUGUST 12, 2008
– –
Taline-iga – Galoni talidu
ᏔᎵᏁ-ᎢᎦ – ᎦᎶᏂ ᏔᎵᏚ

4:13a – I just finished off the sushi I made about 3 days ago and am off to bed. I have to get my journal caught up. I think I will be working some overtime on Wednesday. Maybe 5 hours or so (if I can do floor support).

Skip emailed me this morning. His phone has been turned off. Damn! I am really upset about that. I sent $50 to his phone, my phone, the house phone, and DSL. Then I was out of money. I would have paid more, but DirectTV is not paying me back my money. I think I am going to put in a dispute with the bank and also write a letter to the BBB. I was already behind on bills, but managing to keep everything paid... just barely. Then they took $450 from my accounts and have basically brought me to my financial knees. Skip said he has been getting phone calls to his phone, but he has not given me any details. No phone numbers or anything. So, I was hoping it would hold until this payday (Friday), but my gamble failed. I wish they would have turned my phone off instead. I feel horrible causing Skip any inconvenience when he is paying all his bills. On the other hand... I had to deal with the other end of the scenario for years, so maybe its my turn? Naw... I don't like to play games. Just meet my obligations. Somehow I will... or die trying...

Today was another "dress up" day at work. We are trying to impress possible new clients and they are cracking down on work attire. Several people have complained, but I can't be too sympathetic. I am used to working in a professional environment and I think the people at our office dress like bums and sluts for the most part.

I plan on going in to work from about 5:00p to 10:00p to help Steve out tomorrow. There is overtime available and Steve will be by himself, so I will go in and help out. And it's another dress-up day.

WEDNESDAY - AUGUST 13, 2008
– –
Tsoine-iga – Galoni tsogadu
ᏦᎢᏁ-ᎢᎦ – ᎦᎶᏂ ᏦᎦᏚ

3:52a – Catching up my journal and at least one of my WOTD's.

5:48a – Skip just got up and I am still sitting up on my computer.

3:14p – I did not get up until about 1:00p and slept very solid. I got Skip's phone turned back on by using the American Express card. Of course, now I need to get it paid, but at least I have some breathing space.

I went out to the garden and took some pictures today. I got attacked by mosquitoes in the short time I was in the yard. One huge bite on the right side of my head. At least five bites in all.

The sunflower is blooming. I made a new sig-tag with it...

Work was not bad today. I had no conflict with being on floor support. It was nice to leave at 9:45p!

I had to stop at Quick Trip for beer ... and the car would not start. The car is still sitting there. A very nice black lady with her daughter caught me as I was leaving the store and gave me a ride home. I am glad I did not have to walk, being in my "dress shoes." I guess I will have to go buy a new battery tomorrow. Like I have money ... lol...

THURSDAY - AUGUST 14, 2008
– –
Nvgine-iga – Galoni nigadu
ᏅᎩᏁ-ᎢᎦ – ᎦᎶᏂ ᏂᎦᏚ

2:40a – I am catching up email and such. Anje y'Ibe t'ginye unkdre. y'ontd' av' Ute t'ge apye ny' IT' ornmeingn' Ut' og' Ut' erkwe. t'be, y'Av' Ut' og' Anje t'g' aim' ark' Amfre n'yantfr' Avy' ITe Quick Trip orste.

3:53a – Skip just got up for a trip to the bathroom.... and I told him about the car. I suppose he did not really need to know, but I wanted to share the problem with someone who might care.

1:31p – I am up, but I feel crappy.

I had a dream that I was in a car (back seat) with some people and we were trying to get somewhere quickly. The driver was going way to fast, and we were on mountain roads with lots of curves and drop-offs. I kept telling him to slow down -- that I didn't want to die from his recklessness. My complaints did no good though and he just kept up the wild pace. The sun was shining, but as we came up over a hill, there were dark clouds ahead. We got closer and soon we were out of the sun and into the dark area. We came up over another hill and there was traffic backed up on the road in front of us. The driver had to hit the breaks hard, but we successfully halted without crashing. I was looking off into the low, dark clouds. The were swirling ominously and I commented that there was or would be a tornado in there. then I spied the tornado. It was a lighter shaft of gray that did not even look like it was spinning. I followed it with my eyes and realized that the base of the tornado was on the ground not far from us. I did not know how be it was however, and could not judge how far away it was from us. I asked the others in the car how far away it was? "Is it 'feet' or 'yards'?" I asked? Suddenly my perspective came into focus and I realized that the tornado was sitting stationary only about 15 or 20 feet from us! If it moved our way, we would be dead! Thankfully, the traffic finally started to move and we pulled forward. I looked out the back window and saw the tornado had now begun to move across the highway behind us, slowly slicing it in half like a finger drawn through dust. We were now a safe distance away, and reaching a sunny area again with the storm sitting darkly, like some malevolent creature, in it's nest of hills behind us. Then I saw something flying through the air. It was very high and I cold not make it out. As the object got lower, I could see there was smoke trailing behind it. Moments later I recognized it as a red and white vehicle (maybe a SUV). In the next instant it plummeted into a nearby hillock and pieces flew from it as it bounced and rolled. This was one of the vehicles that had been on the road behind us. We had just made it in time. The occupants of the SUV were not so lucky however. ** At this point, the dream changed course and I don't remember it well enough to write it down.

4:42p – I just got home and the car is back in the driveway. Hobi saw me walking and gave me a ride down to the car. I noticed the hood looked all orange and wondered if it had caught fire or something! Then I realized it was dirt from all the construction on Camp Jackson Road. To my relief and amazement, the car started! Hobi was going to give me a jump start, but it was not necessary. I drove down to AutoZone to get a battery. (Hobi said they would install it for me). The would not install it and their cheapest was $80 ... so I went to Wal-Mart. The car al most did not start up again, which gave me a scare, but it started up after about three tries. At Wal-Mart I left the car running. There was no attendant to help me pick a battery, so I got one that I think will work for $64.84. After tax and and a $9 core charge it came to $79.64. I stopped by Q-Mart then came home. Now I realize that I have not eaten all day and I am STARVING!

11:05p – I solicited Skip's help to get the battery put in the car. No luck. It's too big. However, we did manage to get the old battery put back in, tightened down the posts, and got the connectors much tighter. The car is starting and the (old) battery seems to be doing ok.

11:19p – I have spent much of this evening creating my most stupid video ever.

FRIDAY - AUGUST 15, 2008
– –
Tsunagilosdi – Galoni sgigadu
ᏧᎾᎩᎶᏍᏗ – ᎦᎶᏂ ᏍᎩᎦᏚ

4:00a – I am off to bed. Work tomorrow, then 2 days off. I see money has gone into the bank already. That's good!

I got the DSL paid this morning before going to work. It was due to be disconnected today.

On the way to work I saw a very handsome dog laying by the side of Vector road. It looked like a young Black Lab. It was just laying there seemingly watching the traffic go by, or the planes take off (over by the airport). After I passed the dog I started to wonder about it. That was very odd. Why would it be unattended out in the middle of nowhere? Then I started to wonder if it had been injured (hit by a car?) and was not laying there intentionally, but could not get up? As I drove over the overpass, I could look down on Vector road and could see the dog. It seem to be rolling playfully in the grass... or was it struggling to stand with a broken hip? This haunted me all the way to work. I hope I don't drive by there and see the dog still there. I will feel so terrible. I guess it's still bothering me.

Work was another day at work. I am (when I get a moment) reading a Darkover novel, "The Sword of Aldones." At first I thought I had read the story, but now I think I read a different story about the same situation with the same characters, but from a different perspective. Meaning (back to work), the Mod Desk has relocated to "the tower" (the raised central section of the project which overlooks all four quadrants.

SATURDAY - AUGUST 16, 2008
– –
Unadodaquidena – Galoni daladu
ᎤᎾᏙᏓᏈᏕᎾ – ᎦᎶᏂ ᏓᎳᏚ

I got to bed at 4:45a after having a bowl of soup with hamburger and rice noodles.

12:35p – I got up around noon and am going through email with a pot of Earl Grey. I expect we will be going to Costco today. I kind of plan on it so I can fuel up again. The tank is low.

6:13p – Just got home. We headed off to Costco, and stopped at Casa Gallardo to eat. I ordered their "Outrageous Chimichanga" ... and it was aptly named! It was a huge affair. I knew I would be needing a take home box as soon as I saw it.

This Chimichanga was well named "Outrageous" ... it was huge! I only ate about 1/3rd of it.

After our meal we headed back out to the car... and it wouldn't start! Here we go again. So, since I had the battery from Wal-Mart in the trunk, we walked (a long hot walk) over to Target and I bought some jumper cables. We came back and tried to jump the car from the battery, but it didn't make a difference. Then I flagged down a couple of guys coming out of the restaurant and asked if the could give us a jump. They were really nice and did there best, but the car wouldn't start. I am wondering if it is the starter. I kind of hope so, since I had the starter put on by Dobbs Tire Center and they have a life time warranty on it.

On the way back from our trek to Target we saw some vintage cars and I took some pictures of them . I especially liked the purple one with yellow flames and a monster grill. Very classy.

My favorite of several "vintage" cars I saw while walking back from Target today...

So now we were stranded. At least we did not have a car full of groceries to worry about. I tried calling Marty, but his phone is no longer the same. I called Jeff and (bless his heart!) he said he would be right over. We went back inside Casa G. and I had a couple of beers and made a call to Dobbs. They have a store nearby at 6 South County Center. I guess we will have to go there. I will have to have the car towed and tomorrow is Sunday. I suspect I will be missing work on Monday unless I can get the car fixed faster than expected. It's going to cost me money I don't have. I just keep going in debt.

Various notes I took down on a napkin from Casa Gallardo...

Jeff and Grace picked us up around 5:30p. They had trouble finding us, but finally made it. I tried to give them directions. We talked on the cell phone for a while and they were telling me all kinds of land marks, like Costco, Target, Bob Evans, etc. I could not seem to get them pointed in the right directions, but the stopped and Grace asked for directions in some jewelry store and they found us. They gave us a ride home, dropping Skip off at the store (he walked home). I just went in and took a hot shower and put on some clean clothes. I feel a little better, but I am worried about what I am going to do tomorrow. And on top of all that, I need to mow the lawn, and I am pooped from the walk to Target.

8:15p – Oh great. Skip is mowing the back yard. Now I will be obligated to mow the front. I am not sure I am up to it physically.

I did not mow the lawn. I went to bed about 10:30p. Very early for me.

SUNDAY - AUGUST 17, 2008
– –
Unadodaquasgv – Galoni galiquadu
ᎤᎾᏙᏓᏆᏍᎬ – ᎦᎶᏂ ᎦᎵᏆᏚ

12:40p – I intended to get up around 8:00a. That's why I went to bed so early. But I woke up around 1:20a and could not get back to sleep. Heart burn, coughing, worrying, nausea, dehydration... they all kept me awake. I finally started to doze off around 5:00a, but I kept having to get up about every hour to go to the bathroom, and then I would have to drink a glass of water, which starts the cycle over again. Finally, I had a dream in which Michelle and I swapped bodies. I woke up and decided not to risk having THAT dream again! <shudder> I got up around 10:30a. Early for me, but later than I intended.

I immediately began searching MetroLink routes to get to the car. Eventually I got in touch with Matt of M&M towing. He is going to pick us up.

We met Matt at KFC after a meal of greasy chicken cooked in burnt oil, a dry biscuit, some coleslaw, and a very juicy ear of corn, while being "entertained" by the annoying child of one of the KFC employees who, in her childish boredom, pranced about the store, making noises, staring at customers, and then would go into the ladies room and make loud and weird noises. (Welcome to Cahokia!).

We arrived at the Casa Gallardo without incident. The car was pain to push into position for loading on the truck, but we got it done. Matt was a very competent driver and backed the car into parking spot at Dobb's most efficiently. I left the keys in the car over the visor with the doors locked.

"Matt" decanting my car at Dobb's Tire Center in South County.

I will call Dobb's in the morning and give them the combination to open my car door. Hopefully everything will go smoothly. I won't be placing bets on that. I did find my receipt for the installation of the starter, which I set out on the dash. It's supposed to have a life time warranty... we will see how well that is honored.

We walked over to the South Centre Mall. Skip went to the Game Stop and I went searching for a place to get some ice cream. I ran into Ronnie T. (from work) in the food court and we chatted for a bit. Skip joined us, Ronnie parted ways, and Skip and I found a Nestlé Toll House place and got a strawberry milkshake.

We caught the #93 bus around 4:30p and headed home. We got to downtown St. Louis around 4:45p, which was too late for us to catch the Cahokia bus we wanted so, after looking for a Star Buck's for Skip to get a caffeine fix, and failing to find it, we ended up at T.G.I. Friday's.

Pictures taken before and after our stop at TGI Friday's.

I had a couple of rum & cokes, and two large glasses of Water (I was dehydrated!). We left there at 5:20p and caught the train to 5th&Mo. We had to sit on the bus with no A/C for about 10 or 15 minutes. I just sweated and read the new book I started reading today, "The Nymphos of Rocky Flats." This was the Water Street bus, so it was an extra long ride home. We got off at Schnuck's and bought a few items the walked home.

6:55p – We are just getting home. I am so tired and my back hurts. However, I have to mow the lawn. I did not get it done yesterday and it is looking bad.

7:12p – Okay ... no more stalling... off to mow.

7:44p – At last, the lawn is mowed. I've taken a nice refreshing shower and am sitting down to rest for the first time today.

11:59p – I had a very good supper consisting of chicken breast, stuffed with broccoli and cheese and brussel sprouts with pasta in Parmesan Alf redo sauce. Off to bed now. Tomorrow promises to be an arduous day.

MONDAY - AUGUST 18, 2008
– –
Unadodaquonvhi – Galoni neladu
ᎤᎾᏙᏓᏉᏅᎯ – ᎦᎶᏂ ᏁᎳᏚ

I got up promptly at 8:00a and called Dobb's. They seemed to have no problem with my having left the car. I went back to bed about 9:00a since I was bored, depressed and had nothing I really needed or wanted to do. I finally got up around 1:00p. I checked with Dobb's and the car will not be ready until Tuesday. I am going to see if Steve can give me a ride to/from work on Tuesday and then I will pick the car up on Wednesday. I was able to get UTO for today so even though I will lose pay, it will not count as an "absence" on my record.

I spent a lot of time getting my Fusion/Dazzle drivers to reinstall and work on my computer tonight. I got several video clips copies, saved, edited and converted to WMV files and uploaded to either my video site or YouTube.

TUESDAY - AUGUST 19, 2008
– –
Taline-iga – Galoni soneladu
ᏔᎵᏁ-ᎢᎦ – ᎦᎶᏂ ᏐᏁᎳᏚ

12:09a – I am so tired. Still cooking supper.

Cooking on my Stove Top grill... a gift from Cheryl Jost about 7 years ago.

1:03a – Supper was good. I am having some problems with my left-lower back molar though. It is going to require a dentist at some point and I can't afford one. Oh well... that is life in America now. I just took a couple of Tylenol PM's for the first time in quite some time. I hope to sleep more soundly tonight.

11:37a – Wow... I slept VERY soundly. I needed that. I just called Steve and he is going to come pick me up and give me a ride to work.

12:29p – Steve is on his way to give me a ride.

What an ordeal Steve had trying to help me. First he hit a detour and ended up going NORTH on Route 3 (instead of South). He called me. I got him turned around. Then he got to Route 3 and 157 and there was a major accident. There was a motorcyclist laying in the road. His Ninja was in pieces with the muffler laying on one side of the road and the handlebars on the other. Later I learned more about this accident.

Freeburg mechanic killed in
hit-and-run accident in Cahokia

BY JACQUELINE LEE

News-Democrat

Friends and family of Louis B. Williams -- the 56-year-old Freeburg resident who died today after his motorcycle was struck by a hit-and-run driver -- said he was a well-respected mechanic and a member of his community.

Williams died after a driver hit his motorcycle and left the scene in the 1400 block of Mississippi Avenue in Cahokia shortly before noon today, according to St. Clair County Coroner Rick Stone.

"He was a very, very sensitive, charismatic person who nurtured his friendships very closely," said Phil Nash of New Athens, calling Williams his best friend.

Williams owned Lou Williams Auto in Freeburg for about 10 years, Nash said, before his current position in the Casino Queen's motor vehicle department.

"He did like his cars and his motorbikes," Nash said, "and lived each moment of his life to the fullest he could. He was a motor maintenance expert. Fixing cars was his whole life."

Nash said Williams was very devoted to his wife, June Williams, and his son, Zack Williams, and also helped the Freeburg community in emergency situations, such as the aftermath of a tornado.

"He was very well-respected for the work he did as a mechanic," Nash said, "and he was a very staunch member of the Freeburg community."

Williams died after a driver hit his motorcycle and left the scene in the 1400 block of Mississippi Avenue in Cahokia shortly before noon Tuesday, according to St. Clair County Coroner Rick Stone.

Stone said Williams died of massive head and neck injuries at Kenneth Hall Regional Hospital in East St. Louis.

The Cahokia Police Department could not be reached about whether the driver was apprehended.

Then, once he found me and picked me up, we headed out. But we were only a few blocks from the house when I realized I had forgotten my wallet! I had to have it. It contains my pass to get in to work. So he drove back and I ran in and got it. Then we went by Quick Trip so he could get some coffee. (I got a bottle Green Tea). We purposefully went back down 157 to Paris and took the long way around to avoid the motorcycle accident scene. Steve seemed to be a bit shaken up by it. I think I understand why.

y'eidpe $22.00 Ute Steve orf' Asg' unmeine.

Steve worked late (for him) until 11:00p (he normally gets out at 9:45p). I had to leave early and took some UTO at the end of the day. I felt so bad for Steve, driving me all the way home and then having to drive all the way back into Missouri again. He looked kind of tired.

WEDNESDAY - AUGUST 20, 2008
– –
Tsoine-iga – Galoni talisgohi
ᏦᎢᏁ-ᎢᎦ – ᎦᎶᏂ ᏔᎵᏍᎪᎯ

2:05a – I've been home for while. I keep forgetting I am home "early."

2:37p – I got up around 11:30a. I called Dobb's and they still do not have the car ready. Apparently they were shipped the wrong started and had to get yet another one. I do not have a typical SHO. Reading up on it, I've learned that only .02% of all SHO's are a 3.2 liter engine like mine. They are putting in the new battery. That will be about $90.00. They said they are honoring the life-time service on the starter too, so that is a relief. I still don't know what the bottom line figure will be though. I plan on catching the Cahokia bus at 3:08p. Then will take the train from 5th&Mo at 3:38p. Next, I will take the #40 bus from the Civic Center downtown at 4:04p and ride it all the way to Lemay Ferry Road, arriving at 4:31p. From there I walk .31 miles to South County Center Way.

6:45p – Just got home. That was a long trip. I got out to the bus stop just seconds before the Cahokia bus arrived. I read more of my vampire novel on the way to the train. This was the long "Water Street" route. A train pulled out just as I arrived, but another one got there in a bout 3 minutes. The itinerary I pulled up on on-line said I should take the train to the Civic Center and then take the #40 bus at 4:08p from 14th Street. I got to the Civic Center at 3:57p and went over to 14th Street. I saw no docking station for a #40 bus, so I flagged down an attendant and asked him. He said I should have gone to the Convention Center. He seemed to think I had Civic Center and Convention Center confused. I can see that could be an easy error, but there is no 14th Street from the Convention Center! So... I had to hop the next train back the opposite direction to the Convention Center. (This is the stop that I used to take every morning to go to work when I lived at Gentry's Landing). I caught the next #40 bus at 4:38p and rode for miles and miles, finally arriving at the South County Mall.

It was drizzling rain when I arrived. I got off the bus and it looked like the same place that Skip and I got ON the bus last Saturday. I was looking for Macy's... I think that is where we entered the store after walking over from Dobb's. I began a circuit of the entire Mall. I walked a LONG way before finding the Macy's exterior entrance. I had to carefully climb down a slick, rain covered slope of grass to get where I was going. I was worried about slipping and hurting myself... but I ended up very sure footed and a mountain goat would have been proud of me! lol!!

After making may way down the grassy slope, I soon found Dobb's and I saw my car parked in the parking lot (facing the opposite way from where I parked it). I went inside and stood around for a LONG time before someone finally noticed me and came out to help. There was a some slight mix up, but that was resolved. So, the final total was like $146.00 ... and I was like... WHAT?! I had a battery put in for $89 and a starter which should be under the life time warranty... why that much? The young man reviewed my ticket and removed a charge for some kind of charge-diagnostic. I did not need that! I already knew the battery was bad and wrong. I had told them to change it out. I did not need to be charged to determined there was a problem! So... He removed the charge. I ended up paying about $111.00 for the entire affair. That was MUCH lower than I expected! I was not going to be surprised to see a bill of $500.00 ... so I was very happy with this.

Okay... I need to remove the cottage cheese lid and zip ties now. They are no longer needed.

I drove from Dobb's, in the rain, over to Costco. Actually, I went the wrong way. Skip called me about this time and I pulled into a Home Depot parking lot to talk to him. He was not even at home as he had to attend some work presentation. I got turned around and headed back and found Costco (right where we left it!). I filled the tank on the AMEX card for $3.31/gal ... the lowest I've seen in months.

The car was (of course) still smoking. An Asian guy at the pump in front of me flagged me down in concern over the smoke pouring from under my hood. I had a couple of other people comment. (Leave me alone people!).

I got the gas thing done and headed home. It was so good to have my car back! I went to Schnuck's and got a few groceries and went home. Skip was still at his work event, play hobnob with important people at Wash U. (Like I used to do!).

THURSDAY - AUGUST 21, 2008
– –
Nvgine-iga – Galoni talisgo-saquu
ᏅᎩᏁ-ᎢᎦ – ᎦᎶᏂ ᏔᎵᏍᎪ-ᏌᏊ

3:12a – I am am about to eat supper at last...

3:39a – I am off to bed now. Supper was good. A bit more spicy than I expected, but good.

11:57a – I am up again. We have he windows open and the A/C off for the first time in a while.

1:26p – Time to head off to work again. I got something in certified mail from IRS today. I am not opening it before going to work. It will probably be something depressing.

Nothing new at work. The car is starting up real smoothly. However, the engine is really starting to stutter a lot. I was only noticing it was sitting still, but now I starting to feel it while driving.

FRIDAY - AUGUST 22, 2008
– –
Tsunagilosdi – Galoni talisgo-tali
ᏅᎩᏁ-ᎢᎦ – ᎦᎶᏂ ᏔᎵᏍᎪ-ᏔᎵ

1:38a – Home again. I need to get my word graphics done tonight before my long weekend of work comes up.

2:25a – Just because I don't make a lot of mention in my journal about the political situation, with Obama and McCain now running neck and neck and so forth, doesn't mean I don't keep up with the news. Watch the above video for the latest breaking news on the political scene!

5:03a – I was just headed to bed and, with the windows open and the A/C off, I heard a "meow" from outside. I thought... "could it be Chooga?" Of course, it was not, but it was another young cat looking lost and destitute. It's wearing a flea collar. I took it a bowl of cream. I know that's not good for cats, but it was the best I could do on short notice. I took a few pictures of the cat.

12:58p – I finally got out of bed. I was sure having some WEIRD dreams last night. One of the best ones involved levitation and flying. I love those flying dreams.

6:24p – I've been fairly busy today. I went to Belleville and deposited my coins into the bank. It was not as much as I had thought it was by about $25.00, but at least it is more money to pay the bills. I came back to Cahokia and stopped at AutoZone where I bought more oil, some heavy duty gas treatment and window cleaner. Then I went home and picked up my receipt for the battery to return to Wal-Mart. At first they said I could not return it because it was over 3 days, but I through a small hissy fit and and they gave me cash back for it. (I was hoping at best to get in-store credit). Next I went to Rally's and got some fast food which I brought home to eat. Of course, Skip called while I am eating, so I finished off my food and went to pick him up from Schnuck's. When I got home, I spent about an hour cleaning up my desk. It has been "piling up" for way too long. I could have done more, but nevertheless, it look at least 80% better now.

I took some pictures of my sunflowers. The ones that I planted along side the fence. My intention was for them to grow and have sunflowers peeking above the fence. I thought it would look neat, but I did not hold out much hope for them. They seemed to be a bit stunted. However, a couple of them have "risen to the occasion" and present a semblance of the image I had intended.

Tonight I am working on a video of Betty Blankenship's Retirement Party. As I watch it, I am a bit dismayed. I was the one who video taped the event. I am the one who remembers and am working with it over 15 years later. I was the the one who took the photograph from the corner of Orange and Anderson one morning... a photograph which is becoming kind of "famous" in its small way. This is the photo that was framed and given to Betty for her retirement. No one ever mentions me. At the time I was okay with that. After getting "fired" from the City of Orlando after 15 years of loyal devotion... I find that it does bother me. I guess I was a bit "slow on the uptake" on this one.

SATURDAY - AUGUST 23, 2008
– –
Unadodaquidena – Galoni talisgo-tsoi
ᎤᎾᏙᏓᏈᏕᎾ – ᎦᎶᏂ ᏔᎵᏍᎪ-ᏦᎢ

12:20a – I have been munching on spicy boiled peanuts this evening ... they are SO good! Meanwhile, I am trying to figure out what to have for supper. I have some pork sliced into chunks, marinating in garlic, soy, a dash of whiskey, and other seasonings. I plan on battering this and frying it up.

1:47a – I've fried up the port chunks and have a pot of rice on to cook. I find that the video I was making bombed out right at the end. It only had a few seconds left. How frustrating. I will have to run it again.

12:02p – I so did not want to get up today, but I'm up. This begins day 1 of 4 again.

I picked my first ears of corn from my Cherokee White-Eagle corn plants. "Grandfather" corn produced a sickly looking thing with only a few kernels of corn. Another ear is read and one is white.

I got in a little late. It did not help that traffic came to a halt on I-70 due to a trailer full of junk spilling it's contents on the roadway.

SUNDAY - AUGUST 24, 2008
– –
Unadodaquasgv – Galoni talisgo-nvgi
ᎤᎾᏙᏓᏆᏍᎬ – ᎦᎶᏂ ᏔᎵᏍᎪ-ᏅᎩ

After getting home I put in a new DVD called "Imposter." It was pretty good

12:46a – I am up, but running late already.

MONDAY - AUGUST 25, 2008
– –
Unadodaquonvhi – Galoni talisgo-hisgi
ᎤᎾᏙᏓᏉᏅᎯ – ᎦᎶᏂ ᏔᎵᏍᎪ-ᎯᏍᎩ

4:27a – Off to bed.

11:55a – And up again. I sure want to stay in bed. These 4 day stretches of work wear me out.

I had a dream last night which I can only remember a part of. I think I was waiting for a train to arrive. There were other people with me. My cell phone rang, but I was not able to answer it in time. The display showed a world map which had zoomed in over China. The map was in shades of gold with red dots showing what I suppose were major cities. I checked to see who had called and it was Greg Richards. (Why was he in China?). I returned the call, and was worried about how much this would cost; I've never called China before. However, I did not reach Greg. Instead, I reached the voice mail of Ralph Dixon (former Bureau Chief of Data Processing for the City of Orlando). His voice mail simply said, "Hello, this is (pause) Ralph... (long pause) ... [beep]... ". I got the impression that Ralph was in some kind of trouble. That's about all I remember of that part of the dream.

3:02p – I was exhausted today. Had to call in late just for some "rest" time. I seem to be getting a little more tired every day.

Took a couple of calls and then went into floor support for the rest of the day. Most of the day we were slammed, until I finally got to take lunch at about 10:50p. After that it was more slow paced and I had a chance to relax a little after a hectic pace.

TUESDAY - AUGUST 26, 2008
– –
Taline-iga – Galoni talisgo-galiquogi
ᏔᎵᏁ-ᎢᎦ – ᎦᎶᏂ ᏔᎵᏍᎪ-ᎦᎵᏉᎩ

1:54a – Home again at last. Day 3 of 4 down. One to go!

4:56a – Headed off to bed again. One more day.

2:00p – Looks like I will have to be late to work again today. I got up this morning and headed straight to the shower, with the intent of being properly on time today. Only to discover we have no water. It was disconnected! This was baffling since I had just paid the bill about a week ago. Reviewing my bills, it turns out that I had paid "Village of Cahokia Water & Sewer Dept." instead of the "Commonfields of Cahokia Public Water District." I had paid the wrong bill, and I haven't even seen a water bill since June 13th. I am not sure what happened, but they don't care. I had to go down a pay them in cash. Now I have to wait for someone to come turn the water on ... someone has to be at the house when the reconnect. (Plus I need a shower before work!). If they don't get here by 3p I am going in with no shower anyway, 'cause I don't want to get an absence.

They got here about 2:38p and turned the water back on.

Sneaky-pic from the office window as the service man turns the water back on.

I then took a shower, got dressed and headed off to work.

WEDNESDAY - AUGUST 27, 2008
– –
Tsoine-iga – Galoni talisgo-sudali
ᏦᎢᏁ-ᎢᎦ – ᎦᎶᏂ ᏔᎵᏍᎪ-ᏑᏓᎵ

4:59a – I have been focusing on getting my word graphics caught up. I only have one left at this moment.

5:14a – I have just ransacked the kitchen trying to find something to eat which would be quick and easy. Nothing met my demands beyond a mouthful of cashew halves. So ... I am off to bed. As soon as Skip gets out of the bathroom.

1:38p – I got up a little after noon. I cleaned up in the kitchen a little and made a pot of tea. I would like to sit down and watch TV, but we don't have that luxury any longer.

8:19p – I went in to work for OT at about 4:00p. Traffic was bad and got signed in a little after 5:00p. Mi laboris en planksubteno ĝis 6:00p. Tiam Nicole telefonvokis min kaj diris ke mi ne subskribis por ekstratempo en la registra libro. Do, mi iris por doni mian nomon en la libro kaj ŝi diris min ke ili ne bezonis pli da planksubteno agentoj. Tio estis la kialo mi venis laborejon hodiaŭ! Mi koleriĝis reiris hejmen. Mi ne bezonis labori hodiaŭ iel! Mi diris etan mensogon al Skip... ke la ekstratemp estis nuligis.

10:46p – Skip has finally let his true feelings come through tonight on how he makes more money than me and how he feels about it. I owe him money. Although he owed me money in the past and I "wrote it off" ... he seems not to remember that. I think I need to start seriously considering getting out on my own again. I don't know how, but I have to do something. Maybe I can put my stuff in storage and go "homeless" for a while. I don't know. America has become a big shit hole these days. I used to be proud of being American, but now I am just embarrassed. I am just so depressed and worried about how I will survive. I have so many medical problems, which I don't mention here in any detail, and even Skip does not know all of them. I probably won't live all that much longer anyway, so I guess I shouldn't worry about it. Of course, I don't want to leave this world owning him money. In fact, I don't want to leave at all, so ... what can I say?

11:44p – I sent an email to Dameion (my Counselor) about my situation tonight. I am really starting to think I need to get out of Skip's hair and let him grow. My life seems to be in it's twilight. I don't need to worry about that. Everything I have done so far may have seemed to be in my own interest, but look back on it, I know that Skip and Devon have been the two focal points of my life. I have only wanted to make sure they do good and progress. My other nieces I love and cherish too, but Skip and Devon have been physically close to me and part of my life. I apologize for my seeming favoritism, but ... it's my journal... I will be honest!

11:52p – I am still trying to decide what to do for supper. At the same time, I am trying to decide how I can manage to move my belongings into storage, go "homeless", and somehow manage to eke out a future with no pension plan and no hope for my future. Life is full of silly nuances....

THURSDAY - AUGUST 28, 2008
– –
Nvgine-iga – Galoni talisgo-tsunela
ᏅᎩᏁ-ᎢᎦ – ᎦᎶᏂ ᏔᎵᏍᎪ-ᏧᏁᎳ

12:25a – I have a stir-fry in progress on the stove. Hamburger meat, plus left over "hot wing" meat from Skip's leftover's a week or so ago. I've mixed all that with leftover bamboo sprouts, fresh white onion, and some of my frozen mix from Costco.

12:39a – I am going to go watch the "Terminator" video(s) that Skip has rented. They look interesting.

1:21a – I started watching the video. Off to bed now. I am still really thinking about cashing out and leaving this situation. It would leave Skip in a bad situation, but if I stay, he will eventually decide to pull funds on me and it will be ME in the bad situation. I don't know what to do. I am taking a couple of Tylenol PM to help me sleep tonight. Maybe I won't wake up. That would make matters easier. Not likely though.

7:37p – I slept like a log, thanks to the Tylenol. I was very depressed last night, with work, Skip, my life in general. I guess I still am, but it's not at full force at the moment.

I got up around 1:00p, checked email, had some Earl Grey, and watched a bit more of the "Terminator" series Skip rented. Then I headed out to Soulard Market. and picked up some vegetables. I got some mustard and turnip greens to dry, since my current supply is running low and I use it a lot. I finally bought some more garlic and onion powder. I got a basket of jalapeños. I got them to mix some of the red and green together. I got 2.5lbs of Rainier cherries for just $2; two flats of peels garlic ($2); 3lbs of yellow onion ($1); and 2lbs of white onions ($2). I wanted to get some raw peanuts, but most of the stands were closed. They may have some this weekend if I can go back.

I came home and got industrious enough to mow the lawn. I noticed that Skip had elmetis la sciuro kaptilo. Mi ekrigardis ĝin kaj vidis amason de pelto en la kaĝo. Je pli intima inspekto, mi konsciis ke ĝi estis la postrestoj de morta sciuro! Tre naŭza! (Li forgesis pri la kaptilon!).

I picked Skip up around 4:45p at the Hwy-157 intersection. We went by Schnuck's and got a few groceries.

7:52p – I just finished getting yesterday's "word graphic" done (gayaladi - ᎦᏯᎳᏗ - postage stamp) and am about to start in on today's word (ulvsadi - ᎤᎸᏌᏗ - drinking glass).

9:36p – I've finished my word graphics and am up to date again. I've been munching on some of these delicious Rainier cherries.

Rainier Cherries... My favorite!

Poke Salet berries in the process of drying...

All corn from my Cherokee White-Eagle Corn provided by Koga.
The writing says, in old Cherokee, "Cherokee White Eagle Corn - Thank you Koga"

10:10p – I just put some rice on to cook. I am going to make sushi for supper & lunch.

11:40p – I am (once again) trying to save out the Betty Blankenship Retirement video. It keeps crashing right at the end, but it should work. Meanwhile, I am going to go to the kitchen and make sushi.

FRIDAY - AUGUST 29, 2008
– –
Tsunagilosdi – Galoni talisgo-sonela
ᏧᎾᎩᎶᏍᏗ – ᎦᎶᏂ ᏔᎵᏍᎪ-ᏐᏂᎳ

12:01a – Once again it bombed out. I have made a very tiny adjustment and am trying again. Meanwhile, back to the kitchen ... making "krab-beef" sushi. Using cucumber from my garden.

12:31a – I just stepped out on the patio to throw out some food scraps to the critters... and ONCE AGAIN I slammed my leg into that friggin' coffee table. I am so OVER that damned piece of trash.

Owww!

1:20a – I am getting so disgusted with Studio 9+. I is once again failing to render movie I have spend hours... nay... DAYS on.

2:14a – I made another attempt at saving the movie at a lower resolution. Another failure. Whatever... I am going to bed.

1:41p – Well... here we go. Another day at work. But, I have the next 3 days off. That's a relief.

I did floor support as usual, and then phones for a while. Then I had progressively bothersome stomach problems and got permission to leave early. Mr. Stomach was in a very bad mood.

SATURDAY - AUGUST 30, 2008
– –
Unadodaquidena – Galoni tsosgohi
ᎤᎾᏙᏓᏈᏕᎾ – ᎦᎶᏂ ᏔᎵᏍᎪ-ᏦᏍᎪᎯ

4:11a – I have been very busy with creating my existing FlickR account tonight.

5:17a – I have been watching more of the "Terminator" series Skip rented. Excellent! I am really enjoying it. But, for now, I am off to bed. I have the next 3 days off! I know... it will go quickly.

I forced myself to get up around 11:30a. I did not feel very good, but I knew we had things to do today. I fixed my last bag of Earl Grey and got woke up while getting a lot of the bills caught up. It was around 2:00p when we finally set out for South County. We went to Red Lobster to eat. I wanted a good meal with some sea scallops. It turned out that the "Admiral's feast now comes with BAY scallops (which I detest, as they are tiny, tough, and taste "fishy"), so I had to pay a $3.50 up-charge to have sea scallops. My total bill with tip cam to about $26. It was just not like it used to be going to Red Lobster. It used to be a festive treat, but today was awful. First, the booth we sat in was so tight, I could hardly breath. I know... I am getting too fat, but still, I should not have to sit at a table that I cannot adjust to my comfort. The Caesar salad was good. The biscuits were excellent. I wanted mayonnaise to go with my French Fries, but ... the did not HAVE any! They were limp and not very palatable anyway. I was pleased to see that I got at least 6 sea scallops. However, all the fried food combined with the tabled slicing into my stomach, was starting to make me nauseous. I don't think Skip realized that at one point I was on the verge of heaving and was wondering where the restrooms were located in case I had to make a run for it. I only at part of my food and go the rest of my $26 meal to go. I was very disappointed in that meal.

After eating, we head out to Costco. I dropped Skip off at Target so he could buy some shoes, and I drove across the way to Costco where I fueled up the tank. It was kind of embarrassing thought, since the pump would not work and I had to have the attendant help. (t'be Ih' Asw' Utkye, ose C'Asw' Atn' Ut Adbe).

After fueling, I parked and went on into Costco where I perused their electronics and dreamed about things I would like to buy ... while waiting for Skip. For about $200 I could buy a 1Tb external hard drive. I sure could use that!

Skip caught up with me and we did our shopping. I was getting very tired. At one point I nearly collapsed, though I did not tell Skip. My legs nearly gave out and I had to catch myself on grocery cart. I pressed him to finish up so we could head home, but he still needs to buy dress shoes. (He only got tennis shoes at Target). As we checked out, Skip pointed out that I had picked up chicken thighs with 'bone in.' I wanted boneless/skinless thighs. That was one of my main reasons for going to Costco today! The cashier line check girl (what ever you call her) was very nice and ran back to change them for me. She said she would try to get a package in the same price range. She came back, panting, and I was very grateful for her help. Unfortunately, I was soon to be very disappointed when I found out that she got chicken BREASTS and instead of the same price range (which was about $10+) I paid for breast at nearly $20.00! I should have just gone back and done it myself. Why-o-why do I trust people to do what I want them to? I don't know. I guess it's just a flaw.

We left, and I slowly dragged my tired ass back to the car. I was really not moving fast.

We drove back to Cahokia and went to Schnuck's for beer, then home.

I've been on the computer or watching TV most of the evening. I did get a few dishes done. I need to get laundry started.

SUNDAY - AUGUST 31, 2008
– –
Unadodaquasgv – Galoni tsosgo-saquu
ᎤᎾᏙᏓᏆᏍᎬ – ᎦᎶᏂ ᏧᏍᎪ-ᏌᏊ

1:26a – I have some meat (pork? ... not sure), cooking with some of the new vegetables I bought at Costco today. This is the Normandy blend with broccoli, cauliflower, orange and yellow carrot and more.

Nope... it was beef.

12:50p – I just got up. I had disturbing dreams. In one long dream, I dreamt of Stephanie and Putter. In the dream, they owned a bar, but they had gotten mixed up with some bad people and now Stephanie was wanted by the law and they were both doing drugs. However, the drugs seemed to be "snuff". They came to visit me and there were a lot of other people there, including my mother, Doug, Todd and others. She spoke to Stephanie, who was looking really bad. Her face was all puffy with red blotches, and her tongue and lips were brown from the "snuff" drug. Stephanie asked Mom for some money and Mom said she couldn't, so Stephanie get angry and started screaming at everyone. She was angry that everyone would be sympathetic and "kind" ... but wouldn't help. The dream skips forward to the future, the next day maybe. I am at the Jameson bar, which had caught on fire and suffered lot of damage. However, Putter and Steph and fixed it up as best they could. There was no longer a roof on the building, so the made shelters around the interior of the wall and the center of the bar was like a courtyard. Stephanie met me. She was look tired and haggard, but much better than before.

They were no longer doing that brown drug and Steph hugged me and began sobbing. She was glad to see me, saying I was the "only one left alive." Apparently, everyone else they had been in contact with during their drug period had died. She said, "Even Michael was on his ass!" Which I think meant he was dead or dying. I realized she meant Michael Salvato, and I remember that he had indeed (in reality) died. And my mother is dead. Doug and Todd had been at the gathering and they are dead. I hugged Stephanie back and she continued to cry. I saw Putter sitting on the floor against the with some other guys, and behind Steph was one of her daughters, but I cold not tell which one. I am not sure where all this dream came from or what it might have meant, but it was very disturbing.

8:07p – We headed off to Fairview Heights somewhere around 2:30p. Skip went to the shoe store where he spent some bucks on a new pair of Italian shoes. It was the only brand he could find that was not "made in China." I went next door to the dollar store and picked up a few cheap items, including a $1 miniature tripod for my camera. I went back to the car and put some fuel injector cleaner in the tank, and then headed into the shoe store to look for Skip. While I was at it, I decided to call Lisa Kendrick and wish her a happy birthday.

New Tripod

We chatted for a bit. She had been thinking of me since DragonCon is going on in Atlanta at the moment, and I sure wish I could afford to be there. I found Skip at the checkout and walked out with him while still chatting with Lisa.

We then went in search of some place to eat. After yesterdays' expensive and mostly disappointing meal at Red Lobster, we were both in agreement that lunch should not run over $10. After driving around a bit my phone rang and ironically it was Chuck calling from Tampa. I say ironic since I met Lisa K. while living with Chuck in Orlando. She was our downstairs neighbor and my dance partner, and we have kept in touch for a long time. She is 49 today and I met her when she was 19. Thirty years and still in touch! And I've met Chuck in August of 1977 when I moved in with him at the GreenTree apartments (1987 C. South Semoran Blvd., Orlando). So we've now been friends and remained in contact for 31 years.

I was trying to drive when Chuck called and Skip was directing me to a parking lot. He suggested we go to Bandana's BBQ. I told Chuck I would call him back... (darn... I need to call him back!). Both Skip and I figured there was little chance we would get out of this BBQ place under $10. However, we got a lunch special of pulled beef and pork with a couple of sides and two big slabs of garlic bread. I had the potato salad and coleslaw. He had the potato salad and baked beans. The food was good, the atmosphere not too bad, the décor interesting... and the price for each of us was $9.57! We kept it under the $10 goal... much to our surprise. (Of course, we both tipped $3, but we're not counting that).

Check out the "wash tub" lights. I loved them. Great ambiance!

Two things that I noticed about this place that I like. First is that they offer you sweetened or unsweetened iced tea right off. That is a very Southern tradition and one that I fully enjoy and appreciate. I usually get a Dr. Pepper, but I was happy to have the sweetened iced tea for a pleasant change and it was made "just right." Secondly, the have "boiled peanuts" on their menu. Another traditional Southern delicacy which I am very fond of. In fact, I have a pot of peanuts cooking at this very moment. However, theirs was cooked "in brine sauce" (which I take to mean "salt water") ... and I really prefer the spicy peanuts, more Cajun style. The ones I am making tonight have 2 teaspoons of cayenne, a couple of tablespoons of black pepper, garlic & onion powder, and several squirts of Sriracha hot sauce.

Here are some of my peanuts. Not quite done yet after 3 hours of cooking.
I used green and red jalapeños which I bought at Soulard Market to accompany the picture,
and sprinkles crushed pepper flakes over them as a garnish.
This was the first picture taken using my new cheapo mini-tripod.
(A leg popped off while trying to use it!!)

10:36p – We got home a bit after 5:00p I think. After getting groceries put away we both went to take a nap. I did not really sleep much, but I did doze off and on for a bit and finally got up about 7:00p. Skip was still asleep. He got up about 20 minutes after me. By this this time, I had put my peanuts on to boil.

10:49p – I think I will be making fried chicken strips for supper tonight. We may grill tomorrow... being Labor Day and all. I would normally be working, but I have the day off. Last year Skip sat at home and grilled all by himself. I wanted to participate this year... even if we decide not to grill.

And... thus ends my last entry for August 2008.

Freeburg mechanic killed in hit-and-run accident in Cahokia

BY JACQUELINE LEE

News-Democrat

Freeburg mechanic killed in
hit-and-run accident in Cahokia