Friday, April 17, 2026

I'm Excited Again ...

The Foo Fighters, l to r: Dave Grohl, Ilan Rubin, Rami Jaffee, Nate Mendel, Pat Smear, Chris Shiflet
Source
Okay, so a couple of weeks ago I was feeling somewhat out of sorts, I posted about that here. That was the 29th of March, the very next day blog sister Zendo Deb posted this. I guess you might call that "exactly what I needed."

Now the trip to California helped boost my morale quite a bit (always good to see the kids) but musically the Foo Fighters new album has me pumped up about music again, specifically their music. While out in California I made a couple of new friends who are also big Foo fans. We talked a lot about their music.

I went ahead and preordered the new album from Amazon pre-California. Based on two songs, just two. Both of which are outstanding. The band has released two more songs off that album, both are superb.



Note that in the video Pat Smear is not present, he broke his leg and will be out of the game for a bit. Dave Grohl says he'll be back with the band when they start touring. Hope so. When I first saw the video I saw Pat's face on the kick drum and panicked, then I noticed he wasn't with the band. Prayers up for a quick recovery, Pat!

Anyhoo.

I'm loving the new drummer, Ilan Rubin. While listening to what there is of the new album I caught myself thinking that Taylor Hawkins was still alive. While Josh Freese is a superb drummer, there was something "off" about the band's energy when I saw them live a couple of summers ago. One of the reasons, as I understand it, as to why Dave let Josh go was that his energy didn't match the band's. You can watch a podcast about that here.

Listening to Ilan on the kit in this new album all I can say is, the guy is incredible. It feels to me that the band has their energy back.

Can't wait to see them in concert again.

Yeah, I'm excited.



Thursday, April 16, 2026

A Blur ...

Landing at BWI in the wee hours of the 15th of April
OAFS Photo
As we were coming in for a landing, I was impressed by the lights, the feeling of speed as those lights rushed by the window. I had the thought, "Take the shot!" So I did.

Yeah, the image is a bit blurry, wasn't like that looking through the lens, but all in all, I like this outcome. The past week and a half went by so fast I hardly know where to begin to tell the tale. It's all a blur.

So, I'll start at the beginning. Monday, the 6th of April in the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty Six.

LUSH's youngest was going to celebrate her First Communion on the Saturday after Easter. As we attended her older sister's First Communion a couple (or more) years ago, we felt that our presence was required. Not a problem, I haven't been to Hanford (where they live) in quite some time. So a trip was overdue.

Big Time's parents, his brother and his wife and their son, would also be there. Unfortunately, Big Time couldn't be there, he's over there, fighting a war. Not his first rodeo but damn, I hope this is it for him. I mean he's close enough to retirement that he can smell it.

Anyhoo, here's what the outbound leg looked like:

Est. Travel Time: 13h 15m

Flight  #4306 Departs  PVD 12:40PM Providence Arrives  MDW 02:25PM Chicago (Midway)

Stop:   Change planes

Flight  #3996 Departs  MDW 04:05PM Chicago (Midway) Arrives  SAN 06:35PM San Diego

Stop:   Change planes

Flight  #2216 Departs  SAN 09:30PM San Diego Arrives  FAT 10:55PM Fresno, CA

Made for a rather long day, especially that layover in Sandy Eggo. As I mentioned in an earlier post, we were in the new terminal, so I didn't get a chance to see where I've been before. But as Sandy Eggo was only a stop on a long trip, no time for reminiscing anyway.

But still.

Now LUSH and her tribe are non-stop, both girls are heavily into cheer competitions, which has to be one of the most intense sports I've ever seen. Non-stop movement, tumbling, aerial stuff, and all coordinated to a level that the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds might recognize.

L to R: The Missus Herself, L'il Sweetie, LUSH, Little Bit, The Nuke, and Your Humble Scribe
Everyone, except moi, looking rather Asian I might add.
That photo was taken at what they call a showcase, the two teams at their gym put on a short program for the parents, grandparents, and friends. The two teams consist of the more experienced athletes on one team (both of my granddaughters are on that team) and the other team being athletes who aren't as experienced. These teams travel around the country competing. The senior team has won a number of championships. Having seen them in action, I'm not surprised.

I was out of breath and aching all over just watching them tumble and twirl.

So during the time we were out there the girls were going to cheer practice, going to school, and trying to spend time with their two sets of grandparents. Of course, there's also the time difference. I'd wake up at 0830, wondering why, then realizing it was actually 1130 back home. I was just about getting used to it when BAM - it was time to head home. As the team was heading to Orlando for a competition at the end of the week, we had to return home. Primarily because The Missus Herself's garden ain't gonna get itself ready for summer!

The return trip:

Tuesday, 04/14/2026

Est. Travel Time: 11h 35m

Flight  #2575 Departs  FAT 05:30PM Fresno, CA Arrives  LAS 06:50PM Las Vegas

Stop:   Change planes

Flight  #1673 Departs  LAS 10:15PM Las Vegas Arrives  BWI 05:45AM Baltimore

Stop:   Change planes

Flight  #1263 Departs  BWI 06:45AM Baltimore Arrives  PVD 08:05AM Providence

I much prefer flying from Vegas to Baltimore for the long leg as opposed to Chicago to Sandy Eggo. Felt a lot shorter, and that makes a BIG difference.

It was sad having to leave though, made three new friends ...

This is Elsa, LUSH's cat. We got along famously.

This is Aurora, Lush's oldest dog and a big old sweetie pie.

And this lovely lady is Brownie, the youngest of the household. She got very attached to me. And I to her. A wonderful dog.
It was fun, but it all ended far too soon. We'll need to get back out there when Big Time gets home. Not sure when that will be. Sooner rather than later I hope.

Now it's back to normal and ...

Oh wait, it's time to clean the koi pond, lay the mulch, and cut the grass. Not my idea of normal but hey, it is what it is.

I can but obey my master's call.



Wednesday, April 15, 2026

It Was Fun ...

OAFS Photo
Saturday morning ...

A great trip to California comes to an end. Short, busy, and filled with family and friends. Now it's back to Little Rhody and the "normal" life.

More to follow.

Red eye back to Little Rhody, I so love those, but hey, a ticket is a ticket. It's a long flight no matter what. I'll just suck it up and carry on.

I'll write more of this trip when I get back on solid ground.

Until then, stay frosty.

Ciao!



Tuesday, April 14, 2026

"Viva la France"

 


Well Viva La France!  We are here.  Stayed in Lyon for a couple of days.  The first day was to recover lost sleep and the second day was to improve the French economy.  Somewhat successful on the first, the French were very grateful on the outcome of the second.  Nice place,  met up with the folks on the boat.  About 145 people.  Enough to meet new people and listen to their stories, but not so crowded that you can't get around on the boat.  Weather is a bit chilly as we sail down the Rhone River.  Seems there's a castle on every hillside.  Most were in pretty good condition.  Others not so much, but...

I thought all were pretty cool and I could see why they were pretty well needed as things could get a little shaky fairly quickly and the associated town didn't provide much protection.  A castle with the draw bridge dtawn up was a lot more effective (if somebody was coming to your assistance to break the siege, else....)

Yes, this winery in Beaujolais has been owned and operated by many (many, many) generations.  And...The wine is quite excellent


 

The other thing we sought out was French Wine.  Down in this neck of the woods (AKA France), the two primary wines are Beaujolais and Viognier .  Man are they excellent.  

This is a "Wine Tour", we've got a Texas Wine Maker on the cruise with us.  We've visited a few winery's and have several more to visit in the next few days.  Lots of fun and I have found several wines that I hadn't heard of nor tried up to then, but now am very sold on them.   


 

Lots of wow's from the gang.

Stopping in Touron and tried a couple of wine tasting rooms.  Excellent!  Mouvedre, Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah, oh my goodness! And, paired with French Cooking, out of this world!

Yes, I bought a few bottles and am bringing them home.

On to Arles tomorrow.  The gang will then disband and Mrs J and I will jet up to London to visit R3 and his gang.  Been a while, looking forward to seeing them again.

Peace out, y'all! 

 

Monday, April 13, 2026

Lundi, Lundi! *

 Well, Campers, day 1 of the river cruise.  I'm sitting in the shade on the bow of our river boat.  Lunch is finished.  Cheeseburger was okay, not great.  Still trying out the dishes on the menu. Rotisserie Chicken or Baked Cod with Quinoa  were the main courses.  So...I chose Cheeseburger and fries.  Trip over was uneventful, well,  other than my inability to sleep on airplanes invoked a bit of tiredness.

C'est la vie!

We're here in Lyon.  Arrived late Thursday afternoon.  Depending on whether I was on Texas Time or Lyon Time, I was either exhausted from not getting sleep on the airplane or  exhausted for getting up at 0700 Lyon Time or midnight Texas time.  So...Got on the boat, had dinner,  a glass of wine and crashed about 1700 Lyon Time.

Doing better that afternoon though.

Walked around Lyon visiting a few "Many Hundred Year Old churches".  Quite a nice city.  Lot's of history, and the French were unusually friendly.  So...Win, Win.

Mrs J. was here with me on the deck when I noticed her with a decided head bobbing action, so I gave her papal dispensation to take a nap.  I've had  a posting to write, so was out on the veranda deck AKA not the roof where the pool and sun are but rather on the deck below in the shade with a medicinal glass of viognier to help me through this "hardship" vacation.  

I've got to admit that I was a bit worried about my walk around program I've been doing for the past few months.  10 grand steps a day is my goal, my daily average is about 9,400. 

No, Beans, I don't go out when it's thundering and lightening outside.  So there are a few days with under 5K steps.   Mrs J has a new method of getting me out and about on this vacation voyage.  I'm required to go, I'm not sure what it's called, something that rhymes with "hopping", but involves me pulling out the plastic and carrying sacks of stuff back to the boat.  

But, we woke up this morning to the sound of a 30 minute warning until the Expedition to visit the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist of Lyon  Cathedral.

Peter Gridley Gettyimages

Tickets we had bought. Those scramble practices at Osan AB ROK to get airborne in 10 minutes from a sound sleep, came in handy. We made it. 

Nice picture, but it doesn't do the Cathedral justice
Photo by.

Unfortunately, as we went outside to look down on Lyon from the Battlements, my phone decided to die.  Ran out of juice in about an hour, fully charged overnight.  Not sure what the problem is/was.  Charging it again to see if I just had the movie function running for an hour or so in my pocket (I hope so) or something's wrong with the phone.   We shall see but pictures are a bit sparse!  With a little bit of luck pictures will still be on the phone. Update, the phone is fine.  More pictures to follow

But back to touring Lyon!

WOW! Back in the mid-of the last millennium, the French sure knew how to build them.  The Cathedral is a stunningly beautiful building , both inside and out. The view off the battlements around the Cathedral is awesome also.  Again, pictures if possible.

We're off to a great start, both on the touring and the vacationing.  

Peace out y'all 

 

Sunday, April 12, 2026

State of Beans

 Well, here we are, a week after Easter.  Fully into the Resurrection portion of the whole arc of wonderment and salvation.

Easter went well.  We had a boneless leg of lamb with garlic pieces pushed into slits and covered with rosemary.  Why rosemary?  Because I couldn't use Texas Pete hot peppers, that's why.  Rosemary sucks, by the way.  More garlic, more pepper, no more Rosemary.

And, of course, cutting said roast I managed to do the unthinkable.

See, over Christmas I got a really nice carving knife, what used to be called a ham carving knife.  Like this one.

The One True Knife of Carving!
Yeah, it's a long thin sharp carving knife.  
Do you get a strong foreboding feeling yet?

So, of course, while carving the lamb roast I had a spastic moment and kind of flicked the knife towards me while dropping it.  

Lots of years of practice and life-fire with knives have taught me to jump away from sharp objects if they are falling.  Fortunately I've always been smart enough to not try to catch sharp blades.

Unfortunately the carving knife, the blade itself being over 12" long, was long enough to reach me after I jumped back.  So it shaved a bit off my right shin (skin only, but deep skin) and did the same to my right big toe.  

Blood and lamb grease was now flowing sluggishly from me.  Yehaw.  Soaped up the wounds up with Dawn and used Hydrogen Hydroxide to wash the soap and blood off, then went to Hydrogen Peroxide the wounds and then bandage them.

Dangit.  

Kind of a bummer during the meal to know that the ultra-sharp knife tried to kill me.  Dangit.

And then Tuesday I was building a platform to allow Mrs. Andrew to get into the van easier and dropped a 4 foot by 4 foot chunk of 3/4" plywood on the same right foot.  Of course.  And, of course I was wearing flip-flops.  Dangit.

Pride definitely wounded.  Foot definitely wounded.  

Then, Friday, Kegan the Dog came down with some bug so every 2-3 hours is a trip outside.  We're hoping that he'll stop soon.  Fortunately he's so well socialized that he refuses to poop or pee in the house.  As I write this, it's Sunday evening.  So I've been dealing with this for 2.5 days now.  Dangit.

He's got a vet appointment on Tuesday morning so hopefully he's plugged up by then.

Dangit.

Other than that, eh, still above the ground so there's that.  

By the way, personal mutilation via sharp objects is not something new.

I almost tagged my right femoral artery with an X-Acto knife while working on straps for my armor.  Operative word there was 'almost.'  Whew.  Did not need to go to the ER for that.  Barely.

I did shove a knife through, I really mean 'through,' my left pinky while trying to separate frozen burger patties.  Trip to the ER.  They sewed up the palm-side hole and pronounced me done.  I lifted up my still bleeding hand and asked, "What about the other side?  I told you I stuck a knife through my hand."  They were shocked, shocked I say, to find out I meant what I said.  Sewed that up and scheduled me for an arterial scan for the finger to check out if I'd done anything bad to the arteries.  That scan meant they shoved a probe/camera/alien up an artery in my groin through my heart into the left arm and down to the left pinkie finger.  Yes, I felt the thing go through my heart.  Very unsettling feeling that was.  Finger okay, no damage to tendons or blood vessels, just to my pride.  Got home, fixed the hamburgers.  Never bought frozen hamburger patties ever again.  And you know what?  There's no need to do that anyways as 93% lean ground beef, with a light sprinkling of salt and pepper, cooked in a thin layer of bacon grease produces a far superior burger. 

Stepped on pins and needles, of course.  Stepped on nails with and without shoes, of course.

But that carving knife? That thing's so sharp it's woodworking router scary.  Anyone who has a router for woodworking probably knows how I feel.  A spinning blade thingy that is spinning so fast it creates gyroscopic force, and will eat you dead before you feel it.  That sharp knife, did not feel it cut at all.  And, of course, blood flow being a great indicator of severity, as in 'if you've cut yourself but it isn't bleeding yet, oh, man, that's bad,' the wounds did take a bit of time to start bleeding.

Yeah.  Walking disaster I am.  

Still doing better than one of my friends, who was shooting at a steel target and the round bounced back and tagged him in the shoulder.  Don't ask me how, as the people involved said it was at a decent distance and the ammo was good.  Total freak accident.

Or the person I know who was doing a Scottish sword dance and one of the sword holders managed to tag her foot really well, like a to-and-through the foot right behind the toes.  Or the guy doing woodworking and managed to router his hand. 

So a surface skin shave, eh, barely registers as bad times.  Still sucks, dontchaknow.

Saturday, April 11, 2026

And Here We Go ...

OAFS Android Screen Capture
Just a quick note ...

First Communion is this morning, the granddaughter is rather nervous about the whole thing, Grandpa ain't helping by asking such things as:

"Is the Pope coming?"

"Have you written your speech yet?"

"Is this going to cost me money?"

To which I received:

"Who?"

"I need to write a speech?"

"Shut up, Grandpa."

A chip off the old block she is.''

So proud of that girl.

More later, maybe, the after party features street tacos and cerveza, I probably won't be coherent enough to write a post for Sunday.

But ya never know.

Hasta luego!