9/30/2013

weekly update 9/30/2013

Lecture and Gallery Opening season has begun again in Savannah. I went to two lectures this week. On Tuesday evening, I went to the CHS talk on the Native Americans during the War of 1812. And on Thursday, I went to the final talk in the Gray's Reef series that has been held monthly at the Ships of the Sea museum. That one, like the others I've attended with this group, was over my head: I'm a history person, not a science guy. But it was interesting.

Wednesday, Sylvia & I went to a very small gallery at Savannah State University to see an exhibit by artists from Beaufort SC. They gathered items and created works in the Gullah Geechee tradition, and mostly concerning Doctah Buzzard, a famous hoodoo, also known as rootwork or conjure magic, practitioner who lived in Beaufort in the first part of the 20th Century. The whole exhibit was in only one room, and it took us longer to locate it on campus than it did to view the art. The installation / exhibition “examines the material culture of Hoodoo collectively with art works and authentic reproduction spiritual artifacts and objects”. 

 

a collection of items that would have been used by Dr B

some of the bottles of “rootworks” that Dr B had to assist him with his cures

 

I had said I would do a tour at the cemetery for a group of students from SC on Thursday morning, but we waited and waited and no bus showed up. In the afternoon, I got a call that we had the date wrong, and that the group would be there on Friday instead. I had to fit it in before going to DH, but it worked out better, as it rained on Thursday but the skies were clear on Friday. After I was disappointed the first time, I decided not to waste getting out so early, and I went to Verizon to buy out my contract with the jetPack. I don't use it since I’ve now have the new phone, and it's costing me a lot of money to continue the contract. It cost a lot to get out of the contract, too, but less than paying for what I don't use. Since the store is right across the street from the new Whole Foods stores that opened about a month ago, I decided I'd see if there was anything there that would be interesting. It’s ok, but I don't think it will take the place of my Publix. They have bulk food, but not on the scale that Wegmans does, and they sell chocolate croissants and gelato (sounds like I'll be there when Ishy visits again!) but the bagels were lame, so that will still mean a trip to the Southside whenever I need more bagels. The prices were high, so I'll continue to just go across the street to my Publix for whatever I need. One thing that was nice was the parking lot - right next to the handicapped slots are parking spaces for electric cars, and chargers. How cool is that?

Friday, between the morning tour at the cemetery, and the usual afternoon spent at DH, I felt as if I was doing tours all day long. To reward myself, I went to Zuni's for a take-out conquistador sandwich. If you check Trip Advisor, Zuni's is rated as one of the best places to eat in Savannah. I don't get it. It's a sandwich shop that doesn't even have a place to sit and eat unless you count the picnic tables in the parking lot next door. In a city that loaded with really fine dining establishments, why this place rates so high is a mystery to me. Yes, the sandwich (many chickens gave their lives for one sandwich and the sauce is very tasty) is good and huge. And it was a treat for me to have one.

Saturday was a day to do nothing. I watched the SEC Georgia / LSU game in the afternoon. It was exciting and the outcome was what I'd hoped for - the Dawgs won. Sunday was an exciting football day, too. No one was on the schedule for BC, and because there were no volunteers, the visitor center was to remain closed. I thought it would help out if I went over there to unlock the door and stay for a few hours, so after I dragged myself out of bed, I went there. I got there late, and then I left early. I was able to watch NFL Red Zone on the smartphone while I counted the money and did the closing chores. Then, off to Coach's. I had certainly expected a bad game, since we were playing the Ravens, but we held onto a lead into the 4th quarter. Thanks to Joe Flacco's 5 INTs, we prevailed and now have 2 wins this season. I had a nice place to watch the game, where I could also watch the Steelers get beat, the Chiefs win, the Lions roll up the score against Da Bears, and the Seahawks in in OT.

I missed three phone calls this week because the ringer volume is so low I couldn't hear it. I couldn't find the ringer settings because it's not the same as it was on the old flip phone I had. One day, as I was going out to me car, and the family upstairs was coming back from someplace, I asked the 10-year boy if he could help me. He did! He must think I'm a real idiot, but I needed someone who doesn't even know that at one time you needed to dial a telephone number on a big piece or equipment that was connected to the wall by a short cord. It's probably still easier to reach me by text messaging or email than to try to call me.

9/23/2013

weekly update 9/23/2013

In view of yet another tragedy this week, is it time to enforce some strict gun control yet?

I spent the first part of this week at the pool, getting the very little exercise I bother with any more. I think I still have few more weeks to get into the water before it's too cool to attempt. Then I will be sitting in front of the tv, and the only movement I will do will be to get up and get something to eat.

On Thursday, I had signed up for Verizon training for my smart phone, since I’m not smart enough to figure it out by myself. The training was at a Verizon store that was close to the airport, so I headed out that way. I got stuck on a highway, waiting to pass a disabled car, for about 20 minutes; a difficult wait for someone who has issues of wanting things to be exactly as they are supposed to be. But I kept my calm and was at the store in time for the 1:30 training. The problem was that the training was at 1, not 1:30, so I was late anyway. A 14-year-old representative tried to answer the questions I had and spoke to me about some ways to make using the phone easier, and I thought that was nice of them, since I really had been in error when I wrote the wrong times down. I got a few clues, and I think it made it a little easier. I also stopped at the grocery store and the Walmart to pick up a few things while I was out.

The battery in one of my smoke detectors at the condo died, and it was making a beeping noise. I can't tell you how long I listened to that beep before I figured out what it was. Then I had the problem of climbing up my step stool and trying to change the battery. The whole operation took about 15 minutes, but that was probably a record setting pace for any repairs or changes I’m force to make. I turned the a/c off (don't know how long it will be before I have to turn it back on, but I'm trying to save a couple of dollars here), and that was an easier task, and all it required of me was to turn the button. I'm household-repair-challenged.

Saturday night was a Ladies Dining Out event. Five of us met (welcome back, Suzy) at a.llure, a very very nice restaurant. The service was wonderful, the food tasty and beautifully presented, and the company superb. I had something called “peas and carrots”, and while that doesn't sound impressive, it really was. Pan-seared scallops on a bed of risotto, with peas and carrots, drizzled with the same veggies pureed. And it was so-o-o good.

I was not looking forward to Sunday. According to the BC schedule, I was to open and close the cemetery, and I was going to be sitting at the visitor center in the afternoon to answer questions. There was no one scheduled for the morning shift, so I had a sinking feeling, which was confirmed, that I would be there for the morning, too. It was raining lightly, and I didn't think there would be a lot of visitors, so I was surprised when it was quite steady and the morning went by quickly. I was even more surprised when another member of the historical society showed up at 1 pm, to take over. I left and went straight to Coach's Corner. I had assumed that the Bills / Jets game, pretty much a meaningless match up and played on the east coast, would be at 1 pm. Not so - it didn't begin until 4:30. So, I had been upset about missing the game over nothing after all. I had to go back to the cemetery to lock up, but then I returned to Coach's to watch the game, or the first part of it anyway. Man, they looked awful. Here's the thing - if the running game isn't working, try passing. I'm no coach, but I at least know that much. Because the Steelers weren't playing until the Sunday night game, it was pretty empty when I was there. I had a seat right at the bar, in front of the screen where the Bills were embarrassing themselves, and I could enjoy my beer & wings, if not the game. Too bad it wasn't better. I left in the third quarter, but unlike last week when my early departure meant the Bills pulled it out, this week that didn't work.

9/16/2013

weekly update 9/16/2013

Are you ready for some football? I am! The season opener was exciting. Too bad the end wasn't what I'd hoped for. 

all dressed up and ready

my Buffalo collection

my front door

Since it was a Second Sunday on opening day, I had to give a tour at Bonaventure in the afternoon. I went to Coach's to watch the first quarter and a little more, but then had to leave. Some kid, probably not even 20 years old yet, came over and started to talk with me. Because I had my Bills shirt on, he said we were probably the only Bills' fans in the place. I think we're probably the only Bills fans in Savannah. My swine phone didn't work at the cemetery. That was maddening. One reason I bought the new phone was the internet access and I expected to be able to at least watch the scores as I gave my tours, so when it didn't work, I was really frustrated. It was a simple thing but I didn't have even 2 minutes to fart around around with it, so I didn't get the access back until I was back at the condo. I hope this doesn't happen again. I expected that the score would be a run away for NE, so I was really surprised when the score was close and the Bills had the lead. I walked in and turned on the TV with 9 seconds remaining - just enough time to watch the winning field goal. Other week one scores I liked: Lions & Chiefs won, Steelers lost (it would have been great if the 'Boys had lost, too, but Eli wasn't able to give me that), and the Raiders made a surprisingly good show.

And then there's the tennis. Nice try, Victoria, but you're just not good enough. And you are, Rafa!

This week, I went to Coach's Corner on Sunday afternoon. The Bills game was on a huge big screen tv, tucked back in the corner. There was no waitress that bothered with the fans watching that game, so I didn't get a beer. The kid next to me would go up to the bar and get a bucket himself, and he shared; I thought that was nice, even if he was cheering for Carolina, as were all of the others watching the game on that tv. When the Bills were down in the 4th quarter, I thought it was hopeless and I silently left. By the time I got back to the condo, the Bills had won! who'd a thought? Other games this week: I wished Eli had done better against Peyton, I can't believe the Lions can beat the Vikings (who are 0-2, and they have Adrian Peterson) but fell to the Cardinals, it was wonderful to see KC beat the 'Boys, and how can the 'Fins be undefeated?

I went to two lectures this week. The circuit is beginning again after a long, hot summer in hiatus. On Tuesday, I went to the first in a series at the Coastal Heritage Society. They host a series of four talks in the the fall on the history of Savannah. Since this year is still the bicentennial of the War of 1812, they focused on that. Savannah had little to do with that War, other than Fort Jackson standing at the ready, so this lecture was about the Battle of Lake Erie. It was interesting to me, since that's kinda sorta where I'm from.

On Thursday evening, I went to the opening of the Gray's Reef Film Series. Now I feel really guilty about getting plastic bags from Walmart and drinking water from bottles. There was a feature film about what plastics are doing to the oceans and sea life. It was really interesting, and something that few think about and no one seems to want to do anything about. Do you know about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch? Oh, well, I don't have to worry about it - I'll let my great grandchildren figure it out. It was also interesting because one of the short documentaries that was shown featured what some fishermen are doing to promote sustainable fishing practices. Fishermen in Portland Maine were highlighted as a group that is doing a lot with new and Eco-friendly methods and tools. There were photos of Bud Lite, which I had just seen a little more than a week ago!

Another reason why I shouldn't be allowed in a kitchen:

I don't know why, but I bought too much milk this week. I hardly ever use milk, and this was probably the 4th time since moving here that I've had it on my list. But I purchased a larger size than I usually do; perhaps I wasn't paying much attention in my hurry to get to the bakery section of the Publix. Saturday, I decided a good way to use some of this milk would be to make a white sauce, that I could use for rarebit, or creamed tuna. I was doing ok until I dropped the bowl taking it out of the microwave, which is, of course, over my stove. The messy liquid got into the burners, under the cook top, down the front of the oven, and all over the floor! So, what should have been an easy, quick chore turned into a thorough cleaning of the kitchen (not that it didn't need it) and less creamed sauce than I had anticipated. From now on, if Stouffers doesn't make it, I don't eat it.

I'm back in my routine now, and trying to swim 4 times a week. While most pools in the the north are closed, I still have a few more weeks to enjoy the warm weather here in coastal Georgia.

 

9/6/2013

weekly update - The Maine Tour

 I flew up to Portland Maine, through LaGuardia, on Thursday, August 29. Donna, who owns a condo in the development where I live in Savannah, has a home in Maine, and has frequently invited me to come visit while she's there in the summer. I got tired of saying that I wouldn't come, and she got tired of hearing it, so I bought a ticket and made my travel plans. Travel days are hard. I flew out of Charleston, SC, which is a 2-hour drive from Savannah, and didn't get in to Portland until almost midnight. Flights were delayed, I was reminded why I hate Delta airlines, but there was nothing that fretting would get me, so I just waited and waited. Donna was waiting with a big smile when I arrived, and although it was too late to do anything that day, it was wonderful to be together again.

 

Friday she toured me around Portland. There are several lighthouses near Portland, and we visited Head Light, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the US. We enjoyed a very good fish fry on the pier (Savannah doesn't have good fish fries like Rochester does, and I often miss them). We shopped in some of the boutiques and shops in old town Portland, and then went to happy hour a bar, where I could catch up a little on the US Open scores. On Fridays, the Portland Art Museum has free admission, so we went there. I was amazed at the collection: Winslow Homer & Andrew Wyeth, two famous American painters, had homes and studios near Portland, but the museum also has paintings by Degas, Monet, Munch, Picasso & Renoir. Driving back to Donna's house after the gallery, we went past a Trader Joes. I told her that I'd never been in a Trader Joes store, so we stopped and got some wine. 

the rocky Maine coast

Head Light House

 

Saturday we had been invited for a lobster dinner at the home of one of Donna's brothers and his wife. Oh, man, the lobstahs were to die for. They also cooked some mussels for us, and had corn on the cob, fresh tomatoes from their garden, salt potatoes. They have a beautiful home on five acres of woods and gardens, and it was very enjoyable to visit with them in their grand surroundings.

Greg steaming the mussels

this is what Maine is known for - and it didn't disappoint

 

We headed out for a nice drive on Sunday. Our first stop was at Ogunquit, Maine, which is a a town located on Perkins Cove, not far from Portland. I am rather accustomed to having sandy beaches and salt marshes along the ocean in Georgia, and it was very different to see that same ocean with waves crashing onto granite rocks and steep cliffs. We continued to Kennebunk, Maine, another seasonal town that has many little shops and restaurants. And, it has the family summer home the George HW Bush family, which can be seen across the water from the shoreline. On the drive back to Donna's house, we drove through Old Orchard Beach. There is a big amusement park there, and Donna used to take her children there for day trips when they were young.

in Kennebunk

Bush's home

Monday was the Labor Day holiday, and it rained all day long. It wasn't a very good day for sight seeing, so we did a little shopping and saw a movie. I haven't been in a Christmas Tree Shop since I lived in Rochester, and the one in Portland is exactly the same. We went to matinee of Lee Daniels' The Butler. We had both said we wanted to see that movie, so we decided a rainy, wet day would be a good time to see it. Everyone else must have thought so, too, because the first showing was sold out, and we went to the later one.

Tuesday we went to tour the Victorian Mansion. The house was built as a summer home by wealthy New Orleans hotel owner Ruggles Sylvester Morse the late 1850's. It was purchased from his widow following his death in 1894 by the J R Libby family. They were the only people who ever lived in the house. It is in amazing condition, and has many of the original carpets, furniture and artwork. It's a fabulous Victorian Mansion. Our Guide was Lahhy, which I guess is how you pronounce LARRY with no R's. We drove to south Portland next, and visited the Portland Breakwater Light, affectionate known and “Bud Light”, and the nearby Liberty Ship Park. When we got back to Donna's we had a visit with another sister, Nancy, and it was wonderful to meet her. In the evening we took the Casco Bay Sunset Run on the boat that cruises between the mainland and several off shore islands. Lobster traps boobed on the water, and fishing boats were moored for the night in the coves and small harbors. Luckily it didn't rain. The sunset was magnificent! 

Victorian Mansion

Bud Light - so cute!

 

Wednesday was going to be my last full day in Maine, so we made the most of it. We drove north to the towns of Freeport (although the town is completely made up of outlets stores, the store fronts are all old houses and buildings so there is a charm about it that you don't find when generally searching for bargains at Gap or L L Bean or Old Navy), Brunswick (college town and home to Bowdoin College) and Boothbay (where we visited a wonderful Botanical Garden). The weather was perfect for a nice drive. On the way back, we stopped at Donna's daughter's house to meet Tanya and her sons, Andrew & Zach. It was my last night, and I’d wanted to treat Donna to a dinner at a nice restaurant to thank her for the hospitality. We went to a restaurant in downtown Portland that was a converted fetty boat, and ate pasta overlooking the harbor. It was really great until we got back home, and Donna noticed her phone was missing. After a time of panic and searching, the restaurant found it and we were able to drive back to pick it up. What could have ruined the entire trip turned out to be not so bad, after all. 

the flowers at the botanical gardens were lovely

the visitors were lovely as well

 

Then it was Thursday and time to fly back to Charleston. (I flew from South Carolina because the airfares were a little cheaper, but it probably wasn't worth it. It was expensive to park my car for a week, and the drive getting to and from the airport was long. If I ever travel again - doubtful - I will just pay the extra and go from Savannah). At least this time, there were no flight delays. Flying into NYC was amazing as we flew low over the U S Tennis Center, and I got a great view of the stadium, where matches were being played as we flew over, and the huge sphere that is still there from the 1965 World's Fair. Flying out again, it was a clear day, and Manhattan was visible, with Central park evident in the center of the island, and I could even see the Statue of Liberty, the Staten Island Ferry making a trip, and Ellis Island before we got above the clouds. The bad part was that there wasn't room at the terminal gate, and we couldn't walk down the passageway on to the plane - we needed to be shuttle by bus out to the end of the runway, and then walk up the stairs onto the plane. I didn't see propellers, but I imagined they were there! What is this? 1956??? And it wasn't a bargain to e allowed all this luxury, either. Once again, my frustrations mean absolutely nothing to Delta, so getting upset wouldn't bother anyone but me.

Now, I'm back in Savannah. Back to my routine. Back to boring. But it was a nice get away for me, and I enjoyed being with Donna and doing so much. I'll try to get back into my routine of updating this blog on Monday mornings in another week.

Do these lobster boxers make my butt look big?