Guilty As Charged

Picture borrowed from the web.


At one time or another, we all can get in a rut, in how we do things, how we act, chances being taken, and so on. Sometimes it seems the best option available. It can be somewhat rewarding but in the end there is little payoff. No matter what the age or sex, you have to take a gamble. See an opportunity, or make one, it is all the same.

People don't like change especially as one gets older. One must plan on change. It is less unsettling if there was some thought involved. We are surrounded by economic insecurity. It can bring you crashing down to your knees. Your love life can teeter in the wind, up and down.

There is always a way out. Life does flash signs as you go along, do this, do that. Will you pay attention?

Look for the signs.  Sometimes you get taken for granted. Sometimes you take someone for granted.

Generate some excitement for your self and get on the roller coaster we call life.

I Need Some Rock And Roll!

A Van Halen classic. When this song pops up on my I Pod and I start dancing, all my dogs gather around with worried expressions on their dog faces. I wonder why? Recommended volume setting on a scale of 1 to 10 is 11 of course!

Sometimes Words Are Not Necessary!

Another Woman I Adore

I was watching The Da Vinci Code, again, yes I know, again, and fell in love-lust with her once more.

Audrey Tautou

She is a wonderful actress, beautiful and intelligent. 

And yes, that accent helps.

 But when I watch her I feel like this........

just saying

Really Deep Thoughts Borrowed From The Internet

Black and White, A Chair and a Towel

Today it was announced that Jack Lalane died today at the age of 96. Most of you are aware of him only as the old guy selling his juice machine on late night infomercials. You can read all about him elsewhere and his athletic exploits, feats of strength, a marvel of durability who set the standards for all the programs on workouts you see on TV.

He was the voice of encouragement to many with his simple workouts which were viewed by many for many years. If you have never seen him before, shame on you. The video below will fix that!



Always encouraging, making it simple, using no more that a chair and a towel, Jack set the standard for all.

A Bit Of Chicago....

I was sitting back watching the Dark Knight on TV because I like watching movies with commercials...but I digress...There is a big chase scene, Batman chasing the Joker and it goes below the city streets to another level. It is very exciting. This takes place in Chicago. it is called Lower Wacker Drive. In the early 1900's it was built to allow commercial traffic a place to make deliveries to all the big buildings and businesses in the downtown area. It was also featured in the movie The Blues Brothers. Some upgrades have recently been done.

I have been down there for just that a long time go working with a delivery company. It is cool down there. You avoid most of the heavy traffic congestion on the main street. It is like another world.

Here are some pictures

a view from the river

you can see that what looks like windows shows the lower level of the street.

there are a few small areas that have a third level. 

a long time ago

for more information click on the title. In the article you will see  highlighted  Wacker Drive.

So I walk Into A Bar.....

So I walk into a bar and ask the barkeeper for a drink.  He said he was new to the job. I decided to make it easy for him and said "Give me a screwdriver on the rocks".

Sigh..

I have got to get out more often

What?????

is this wrong?

OMG, It's True, Now I have Seen It All!

Just minding my own business

there was no one around

studying it closely 

It is the legendary

Fork In The Road!

Peter Noone ( Herman's Hermits ) and Tommy James and The Shondells In Concert

In a rare moment, last night we took in a concert, ( tickets courtesy of our oldest daughter ), at the Hard Rock Live at the Hard Rock Cafe here in Hollywood, Florida. There are 5500 seats, we had floor seats in the last row. The sound was nice and loud but not ear shattering. (thankfully ) A large screen on either side made sure you did not miss a thing.

Tommy James and the Shondells were the main act. Opening for them were Herman's Hermits. I was unsure how that was going to work out, could an act from the early 60's hold my interest? Boy was I wrong.

The man is a showman! I was happily surprised.He interacted well with the audience, telling little stories, showing a great sense of humor and timing. He did a mini British invasion ( the one the British won ) of songs from different acts, even doing Tom Jones, Mic Jagger, Johnny Cash, to name a few. A tremendous amount of energy was shown through out his set. I think his voice was better then ever. Strong, clean, he hit every note. He won everyone over. From now wondering could we sit through it to wondering could Tommy James top him.

The introduction of Tommy James pointed out there have been 300 cover versions of his songs, including Dolly Parton and Prince. 23 gold records, several double platinum albums, 100 million songs sold world wide, a broadway show about him next year, soon a movie about him, and a book out now about his life and career.

He quickly got to work. Starting with Dragging the Line, they went through one hit after another. Crystal Blue Persuasion, Crimson n Clover and of course Mony Mony. Again a strong voice, played guitar well, a tight set through out. There were a few tries at audience interaction, that was given up quickly. But the music was very good

All  the hits from both sounded like you remember and grew up with over the years.

We had a great time. I think we will be back, even though it was long drive to get there, the ride was worth it.

Ray

IIIIKKKKKEEEEEEAAAA IKEA!!!!!

Like many other people, I have heard of IKEA. People swear by them. Bloggers show off their bookcases. Here in Florida there is a store in Sunrise and farther north in Orlando. Sunrise was the obvious choice, about an hour away, about 60 miles. Today, I had the day off. The adventure begins.

bright blue and yellow.

They love the primary colors.

Hard to miss, ya think?

nice touch, covered parking.

did I mention yellow?

I am into appliances and kitchen cabinets.

I sell appliances for a living.

love the drawers instead of doors.

very user friendly

a new look cooktop for me.

I fell in love with the wall units on offer.

and this one.

and this one

or this one.

our big TV will fit.

nope not this one

brand names I hadn't heard of.

cool hanging stuff 

this is why the sign said grab a cart, you will need one!

and more.

double ovens.

nice slide in range.

It could be yours.

The sign showed 251 sft which had a kitchen, living room. bedroom, and a bathroom.

Pictures couldn't do it justice. Very slick.

Tight on space, no problem. the clothes swing forward.

slides back into place

the door panel slides into place.

I loved the colors and the style of this kitchen.

huge eating area. It will be filling up soon.

warm, bright and inviting

The first floor had all the pots and pans and dishes and paintings and very cool stuff. I had to force myself to leave.

Now I would love to show you all the things that I bought. Nothing this time. I didn't buy a thing. Too many other big bills pending, but I will be back for another adventure. 

Bring lots of money!