List of Stuff going on

It’s Sunday afternoon and Diane is taking a nap. Not sure what to write so I’ll just list the stuff going on around here.

1. I just finished taking down the crackling Xmas tree – Fire Hazard! We threw away all the lights. We don’t have good luck keeping them going. We’re converting to LED’s next year.
2. We arrived home safely Friday night from Vt. –  Over 13 hours of driving. Took route 17 through NY state. Nice road, no traffic and no tolls. It’s perhaps 20 miles longer (out of 690 miles – big whoop)
3. Nichole spent the night. Something she does occasionally.
4. We had a discussion and Justin has decided to apply to be a Resident Advisor in the dorms next year. I’m delighted because it’s good leadership experience and he gets paid $320 each month. the only down side is the 20 hour per week time requirement. In addition he would get a free single room (shared room costs $1800 per quarter). I told him I would give the money to him and he can use it for an IRA.
5. The cats urinated in several places in the house while we were gone. Diane spent 2 hours cleaning up even though our cat sitter cleaned up everything she found. Lots of yelling and frustrated crying. We think it’s the old cat, Curly. The other female cat, Tigger, marks her scent in various places but does not pee the same quantity as Curly. We prepared some cat litter but I’m afraid we’re going to have to take some other actions.
6. Tonight is New Years Eve but we’re just staying home and watching a movie. Not sure if the kids will be here or over with Nichole’s family at the nearby hotel.
7. I got a beard trimmer and am now properyly groomed.  I like my new beard but prefer it trimmed up like I have it now. It looks better and is more comfortable.
8. Had a nice visit with my Father in Law while in VT. We talked for 3 hours and the time just flew by. He’s one of those people you could talk to for hours. He gave me is snow shoes since he’s not in shape to use them anymore. Nice Vermont Tubbs, 30 years old and in mint condition. I left them at my parents in Vt. so I can use them when I visit.
9. Checked on-line for houses in Farifax (where we’ll retire). Looks like places are between $250-280K for anything reasonable. Prices have slipped a little recently but their still quite high. I estimate our house here is about $175K. If we don’t build and have to buy we’ll have to pony up about $100K.  (Saw a nice old place built in 1860 for $300K with a pool but I think it will involve too much maintenance for a retirement place).
10. The Christmas trees I planted last year look great. Out of 1000 I bet only 20 or so didn’t make it. Nice rainy year was perfect for them to take hold.
11. I need to find out more about forestry management. I wonder if there is any classes I can take on-line or here in Ohio?
12. I made plans for a March ski trip with my friend Mike. They’re getting a ton of snow.
13. The UVM hockey Cats won on Friday night but lost last night to #6 St. Cloud State. Not sure if they’ll drop from their present #13 position with that.
14. I need to go on-line and pay Justin’s tuition. $5100 due Jan 3. I tried to go on this morning but the server was down.
15. Started lifting weights today and modified my yoga workout with more emphasis on strength building. I noticed that I’m losing tone now that I’m approaching 50.

Namaste