PensionersRants

Sunday, May 24, 2020

To Do List

So, it's spring and I have to make up my to do list. Not my wife's list, but my own. things I have to do, around the yard, house and shed. First I write them all down and number them.
#1 is, Make a list.
#2 is, Check list
#3 is, Revise list if I have to.
That depends on #2. Next is my wife's list which is #4. That can change daily.
After this list is finished, I use a black marker and strike out #1 because I've made my list.
Then I check to make sure I have all the items. If I have everything, I can strike out #2.
If I need to add to my list, I go to #3, make the addition and then strike out #'s 2 and 3.
You can never strike out #4. No explanation needed here.
After that I feel great because I already have 3 items off my list and I never even left my chair.

Thursday, May 21, 2020

"Governor Ramage R. N." by Dudley Pope

This is the fourth in the Ramage series with a very boring start. The first chapter was a complete loss and the second was a synopsis of previous books. He seems to have vague memories of his loved one and in his heart he has a willingness to be unfaithful. Throughout the whole book the articles of war are continually repeated and a court martial is never far from his mind. And of course he loses another ship. 
The book is lacking a story, going from one event to another, finally settling on a hunt for buried pirate treasure. The direction for finding the treasure is a bit far fetched. At the end, he finally has his long awaited court martial.

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

Memories

A bad memory will stay with you forever while a thousand good ones just drift away.

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Sunday, May 17, 2020

Maori: A Novel by Alan Dean Foster

This book is what you expect - white men, natives, a clash between their cultures. It is not up to par with other epics I have read. It is a sum of facts overrun by fiction. There were some interesting parts about the Maori culture but it was mainly about English settlers and greed. I found that most of the characters had a violent ending. When I attempted to anticipate where the story was heading, I was always on the wrong track. The story moves along at a fast pace, right up to a disaster at the end.

Saturday, May 16, 2020

Future


Everyone falls down but what is important then, is what happens next.

Thursday, May 14, 2020

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Free Money


The government is giving $500. to eligible seniors. I volunteer to be eligible.

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Zoom


A friend of mine had an anniversary last week and he got together with his family on Zoom. Asked him how he liked it. Said he didn't, too much lag time. Hoped he never had to use it again.

Sunday, May 10, 2020

History

I love reading history. The only problem is that there is so much of it.

Saturday, May 9, 2020

New To Baking

A lot of people taking up baking for the first time. For most of them, the novelty will soon wear off, when it becomes work instead of fun.

Friday, May 8, 2020

"Twelve Days (John Milton #14)" by Mark Dawson

John Milton is a recovering alcoholic, ex government hit man who is unable to find his place in the world or peace within himself. He returns to England to check on past friendships and becomes embroiled in the world of boxing. The tension moves higher and higher as he tries to do what is right and after some stumbles, he is able to accomplish this. 
It is a good story, although  it is prone to having too many cliche descriptions. It all turns out well in the end and he even gets a good Christmas dinner. 

Thursday, May 7, 2020

Prices Going Up

Shortage of meat on the horizon so prices are going up. This is no surprise, we've seen prices going up forever. But, when have you ever seen prices go down? Once they go up, they rarely come down.

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

"Circus" by Alistair MacLean

This is a book of Cold War intrigue but not a book to keep you up late to read the next chapter. To steal plans from a lab in eastern Europe, you would expect an elite team to be sent in or at least a James Bond. In this story, they are sending in a circus. The first thing I noticed was that the author was getting rid of characters fairly soon, narrowing the field for heroes. 
The main character is an aerialist and mentalist whose feats are far-fetched and greatly exaggerated. I find the character unlikable. The main female character is an inept CIA agent, chosen for her looks rather than her intelligence. It's an easy read and might even be considered a YA yarn.

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Swear Magnet

I think my wife is a swear magnet. I'll explain. I'm watching a movie on TV and she will walk through the room. At that moment someone on TV will say the four letter word. It may be the only swear word in that movie but it will happen when she walks through that room. I'm thinking that as soon as I see her coming, I should cut the sound.