Tuesdays with Murry

Actually, the week started with "Monday with Murry" and then progressed to Tuesday. Today will be another round and, with luck, the two of us will finish before the rain begins on Thursday. Why? Because once again the Sears has failed.

Completely full of gas, I sat patiently on the Sears riding lawnmower and turned the key. A brief whir and then nothing. I could not believe my ears! I turned the key again, and this time the silence was deafening. As you may be able to discern from the photo, the grass had gone to seed and was tall enough to hide a cat or two.

With the self-propelled Craftsman on loan, the only recourse was the ancient (but totally reliable) Murry. Gassed up, checked the oil, pumped the primer several times, and one pull - s/he started right up. Whew!

Two hours of pushing (yes, dear reader, Mr. Murry is NOT self-propelled) and the backyard was done. Tuesday a repeat performance for the immediate front yard close to the house. Today - if the sun will shine and the temperature reaches the 60s, I will venture with the Murry to the front nearest the road. I should finish the back pathways on Thursday. Rain after that for several days - guess I will have to repeat the performance again next week.

The blasted rider will need a professional to look it over. I charged the battery overnight and on Tuesday heard a VERY STRANGE noise when I turned the key. The PTO was in, the battery charged - so the best guess: starter problems. Oh well - at least I can still push the Murry (and the exercise benefit does not go unappreciated).

"Machines take me by surprise with great frequency." - Alan Turning, English mathematician (1912 - 1954)

Corn Festival Frolics

Once again, a delay between entries. I suppose this is somewhat due to my recent venture to Sullivan for the "world famous" Corn Festival (note photos in "gadget").

I always enjoy the local "flavor" of Midwest, small-town "get-togethers." There were several last weekend, all within a 30-mile radius. Going home to the festival one grew up with is the best - even if you don't recognize all the people. Of course, they might not be people that I ever knew so that is one reason for the lack of recognition.

The festivities began at dinner with high school classmates. Naturally, I was late - but only by about 3 minutes. I had to circle the parking lot and then parked behind the neighboring business - next to one of my classmates. What a treat - he said I had barely changed since high school - same size and same hair color (from a guy who has "filled out" and whose hair is now more white than grey).

Later time on the Square listening to a live band. Music was blues-y.

Saturday began with a 5K race (not my best distance) and a time of 28:32 (which was very good for me). Later it was time for the annual parade, followed by the primary reason for my attendance (as well as for running the race): FUNNEL CAKE! Then nap time, drinks in the gazebo with mom, dinner out, more music on the Square, and the grand finale - campfire at Jean's. Quite the festivities this year.

So that was the weekend highlights. How about this - a "real world" blog rather than the normal philosophical rant. Don't get used to this, however. I am merely priming the pump for a series on politics (I know I promised, but that was 6 months ago), life experiences, and observations of the mundane.

"Human beings are the only creatures that allow their children to come back home." - Bill Cosby

"You Lie!"

What fun - reality TV at its best (and it was REAL). I hope others watched the president's address to the US Congress last night. Talk about campaigning - he certainly is a good speaker (no matter if you agree with him or not).

This morning's walk was more than a rant. One didn't watch the speech, the other did. Personally, I would not have missed it - I don't trust others to interpret political events for me. It is proven that the "news" is nothing more than another form of entertainment these days. I miss the days when NEWS meant something, and we were educated by the information that the "commentators" presented. Alas, those days are no more.

"Health care" or "health reform" or what have you. I am waiting for a discussion of the problem that has caused the politicians to focus in this area. Initially, it seemed the issue was those without insurance, but that isn't really it (besides the "illegals" won't be covered - "you lie"). Then it seemed that the issue was a reduction in health care costs - and the president issued statements related to healthy life styles being the solution (certainly not something to be legislated, nor covered with "pork"). Many folks have suggested that tort reform is really required (egad - most in congress are lawyers, why can't they see the obvious here and get to the task).

I am waiting. Yes, the engineer has taken over. First, define the problem, then solve it. Don't present a solution and then justify it with examples.

Politics over took me. I would apologize, but I am not in Congress.

"Preserving health by too severe a rule is a worrisome malady." - Francois de La Rochefoucauld (1612 - 1680)

Wedding Fun

As many of you know, I have always been a huge fan of weddings. My best memories center on activities at the receptions that follow the ceremony.

The wedding last Saturday, however, provided more than the usual allotment of highlights. For example, see the "ring bearer" enjoying the actual ceremony. What more could a bride ask for than a tiny relative completely immune to the goings on and totally enjoying the moment.


Don't for a moment, however, believe that only the bride's side had a small boy interested in all the fresh mulch. Observe the groom's second cousin who first discovered the garden goodies. Loading and unloading the truck was much more entertaining that watching a couple of "old folks" do whatever. I loved the little boys - and it was one of the first times I think I enjoyed the "ceremony" as much as the reception.

To be fair, this was not your "typical" wedding. From the flip-flop footwear to the "flower dog" you knew things were going to be different.

From now on, I am going to pay close attention to all the activities associated with weddings. What fun! By the way - be ware of the couple who has been married the longest when they give advice at the reception concerning the secret to a happy marriage.

"God created sex. Priests created marriage." - Voltaire ((1694-1778)