OFH has a 4:30 dinner seating, giggle...

 

"Things happen!"

      In certain situations I've found having a mantra is helpful. Living with a Thai family for 10? years there was a mantra I often employed. Papa spoke no English, Mama had a smattering and daughter was quite conversant. Frequently outings for the whole family, plus I, were planned. Seldom did I have a clue to the nature of an outing until he was fait a comply. Before, during, until the plan became clear, my mantra was "All will be revealed." It was sweet to have interesting experiences for which I had no responsibility. Usually a Buddhist temple would be part of the plan. No two temples are alike which added interest. At one a monk engaged me in discussion of American politics. (Parenthetically, anyplace in Thailand if a local is asked to escort one to a place of interest that local will conduct the inquirer to the temple.) 

    Visiting E & MJ, in Iowa, they employ the same mysterious approach, even though we're all conversant in English. It gives opportunity to once again use the mantra "All will be revealed."  Which leads to another mantra which I used today.

   Yesterday I purchased tires at Costco. The salesman said they could be installed at 1:45 today, even writing the hour on the sales agreement. When I presented myself today at 1:45, a different salesmen said "I see where your tires were purchased but there's no record of an appointment and we're booked up until 4:00." Where upon I threw a major tantrum...not. He was very apologetic. I said "Not your fault." Then I used a mantra that I find very helpful in moments like this. I said, "Things happen!" and, said further, "I'll return at 4:00."

   Then I did what any self respecting octogenarian would do, I went home and had a nap. As of this writing there are 4 new tires on my car. 

Takk for alt,

Al

A friend shared this...

 In Ireland, around 1880, the harvest wasn’t doing so well. 

To appease his tenant farmers, Lord Erne offered a 10% rent reduction. They countered with a request for 25%. He rejected their proposal and told his land agent, Captain Charles Boycott, to start evicting them.

That should have ended the story. Instead, it started one.

Irish nationalist Charles Stewart Parnell, a local leader at the time, made a simple proposal to the farmers: don’t attack Boycott. Don’t threaten him. Simply pretend he doesn’t exist.

Don’t work for him.
Don’t sell to him.
Don’t buy from him.
Don’t even acknowledge him.

The village happily obliged.

His laborers quit.
His servants disappeared.
Shopkeepers turned him away.
Even the postman refused to deliver his mail.

Within weeks, one man became socially radioactive.

The story spread around the world. The Irish Land Reform movement found new momentum. And Captain Charles Boycott achieved something few people ever do: his name became a verb.

OFH

       "Where are you?" "Here!"  After being wined and dined in Eastern Iowa, today it was back to St. Paul. Passing by Costco in Eagan I stopped and ordered tires, they've sure gotten expensive, for installation tomorrow. They should last longer than the 20,000 of the original tires. Honda makes money but selling new cars with cheap tires. 

   After the Costco stop it was time to rescue Kaia from doggy camp. She seems to be healed from the UTI encountered in camp. Her camp counselor took her to a vet for treatment. It just was lousy timing because thee are UTI meds in my apartment.

   It was a good trip to see good friends who dote on me. Neighbor to The Little House reports that there was 1.75" rain in my gauge the other night. It was much needed and much appreciated and particularly helpful before this hot weather.

Takk for alt,

Al 

My Experience!

 

That's all for today, folks!

Takk for alt,

Al

Lap Of Luxury!

      Today I made the move to Iowa City, IA. Ensconced in the guest room of an OFH, rather the guest suite, meals included, with good friends on the floor above, life is sweet. There was a funny incident. The friends offered to let me use their internet account. This precipitated a scramble to find the appropriate password. The problem was solved when a button was pressed on the router.

   Repairing to my guest apartment, upon entering a different room there was a note with the guest apartment internet log-in and password! 😀   

  So's where's Al?  I'm here!

Takk for alt,

Al

Dubuque Iowa!

     The day included several venues in Dubuque. It began with the fascinating aquarium and attached museum. On the way to ride the funicular, which we did, a memory was tantalizing me "Where else have I ridden a funicular...was it Bergan, Norway?" probably. But then it  came to me "Kunming, China." We went to Mississippi Lock 10, and watched a huge barge and tow go through the locks. Then it was north of Dubuque up the high bluffs for dinner in Balltown.

    Yup, it was a full wonderful day! Thanks, Ed and MaryJane.

Takk for alt,

Al

Balltown sits high on a ridge with this view, the Mississippi River is visible in the distance.