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It's been bone cold for a few days, the precipitation usually brings warmer temps along the coast. Usually, sometimes it doesn't and we get the white stuff.
We shall see.
Before I retired, a good buddy of mine and I swore to get together for breakfast at least once a month. That happened Saturday morning and it was great.
My buddy, I'll call him Tom (for that's his name), and I have known each other for a few years, we work in different fields at my old company, but our paths crossed for quite a while over the last couple. Great guy, we have a lot in common, particularly music.
Though I had to break stride and get up early on Saturday, it was worth it. Great breakfast, great conversation, and a lot of laughs.
There are other former colleagues who have expressed an interest in joining us for breakfast and I really hope they do. I don't miss the work all that much (okay, maybe a little on some days) but there are people I worked with that I miss, a lot in some cases.
We'll see how that goes.
I'm working on a few things. First priority (when I'm not doing whatever I want, which I enjoy) is looking at publishing Almost a Lifetime. I'm looking at both Barnes & Noble and Amazon for the moment. Beans mentioned Raconteur Press the other day, thing is, they don't publish novels, yet. Apparently they want to start that this year. We shall see.
I'm also going through the Prequel/Prelude Part I to bring myself up to speed to write Part II, which you've been getting a taste of, there will be more. In order to write Part II, I need to refresh my memory from Part I. It's slow, because I like re-reading large chunks when all I really need to do is read a couple of paragraphs.
That's why I'd make a terrible baker, I'd sample everything I baked and wind up with no product. I mean YMMV, but I like what I wrote. (If I didn't, I wouldn't be doing this.)
The NFL playoffs continue, so I continue to watch. Speaking of playoffs (Jim Mora echoes in my mind) this year I will actually watch the NCAA football championship game as I don't have to work the next day. This will be a first. Looking forward to it.
Until then, stay frosty.
Back to the game, er, the book, I mean the book.
Sarge, glad you’re settling in to a retirement schedule. Also glad you’re forming a retirement “gang”. That’ll keep you and “The Missus” sane (probably mostly her).
ReplyDeleteOn the weather front ( see what I did there), temperature right now is a balmy 20 with winds gusting 15 to 20, making the feels like temp to be 5. The Great Pyrenees demanded inside quarters about 3 AM. I’ve made an executive decision that Church today will be at 9AM when I’ll be able to see the road, vice feel my way into town.
Ahhh well, Winter! Even in Texas.
Cheers, stay warm!
juvat
Everything is bigger in Texas, even the weather!
DeletePlayoffs. I found the Texans v. Chiefs game somewhat less than scintillating a few good plays and some abominable calls. Out of character, I was rooting for the Texas team, only because I don't like the Chiefs since they tend to beat up on the Raiders.
ReplyDeleteRedskins v. Lions gave us a great first half, and a pretty good 3rd quarter. Lions beat themselves with interceptions. Some GREAT plays in that game. A shame to see the Lions go down after their amazing turn around this season, but happy for the Redskins. Didn't really have a dog in that fight, I just wanted a good game.
Today I have to root for the Rams - California team and all that. Bills v. Ravens, no dog in the fight. Hoping for a good, well fought, and well played game.
The officiating in the KC-Houston game needs to be investigated. A crying shame.
DeleteFeel good for Washington, great kid at QB, really good team. But how on earth did the Lions fall so badly? Too many turnovers.
There is a Men's Breakfast at the building I live in, not a lot of folks (between 4 and 9 usually). It's good to get together with some other guys, I actually set my alarm so I don't sleep through it.
ReplyDeleteYup, I'll get up early if it's worthwhile!
DeleteWhen my Dad was still living we'd hit White Castle on Wednesdays (Dad liked the coffee), there was a group of vets there, WWII and Korea from the ages and talk, holding court. Lots to be said for that retirement routine Sarge, enjoy! OBTW, minus twelve right this minute....forecast is to stay below zero through noon Tuesday.......:)
ReplyDeleteWell, that's what we call winter up in those parts. Folks are ready for it (not that they enjoy it always).
DeleteNot doing anything is probably one of the most difficult adjustments of retirement. When working, there are so many things demanding attention that require the juggling of time to accomplish. The feast of having so much time feels like a selfish gluttony and just not doing anything is an uncomfortable feeling at first.
ReplyDeleteNah, doing nothing is one of my skills, I can do it for hours.
DeleteTB The Elder went up for coffee every morning for probably 20 years with a group of other "retirees"; it was one of his most favorite activities.
ReplyDeleteI will say one of the unexpected pleasures of needing to go to Old Home so often over the last 5 years is that I have had the opportunity to have semi-regular breakfasts and dinners with friends that I would not have been able to otherwise. It ha been a joy.
Getting together with the old gang is nice. Look forward to doing it regularly.
DeleteI will also be interested how your publishing adventure goes. I have published through Amazon before, but not through Barnes & Noble; in fact, I did not know they did that at all.
DeleteNeither did I until a couple of days ago.
Delete@ Jess
ReplyDeletewhen I lay back, close my eyes and dream (of doing nothing), I don't feel at all uncomfortable; I'm allowing the characters in my tale to take me along with them on their journeys though life: my only problem is remembering exactly what they've shown me so I can write it down later.
Sarge: please keep us all apprised of any new developments with Raconteur Press
Yup, that works for me as well.
DeleteIIRC Nostradamus or someone predicted that you might join the people do the retirees flocking together for breakfast thing. Glad to see you have explored it and found it pleasing, so likely to do more of it. For extroverts, that sort of stuff is immensely satisfying. Introverts, no so much, but we don't object to others having fun their way.
ReplyDeleteOn the publishing front, there are two aspects. Turning digits into ink on paper, and many places can do that very nicely. The other, and more important, is distribution and marketing. Having a pallet of boxes filled with books sitting in your garage is not the desired outcome. Nor is having to stuff them in mailers and taking them to the post office and forking over $$$ for mailing. Sure, you can do that for some to be autographed, but for most, it is easier if someone else handles distribution/fulfillment. They probably have access to cheaper shipping supplies and delivery rates.
You might end up doing the publicity and marketing aspect. A website would be good- you could have a teaser chapter (with the photos omitted from the print copy), and links to ordering. A discussion forum for readers to comment/debate, nit-pick, or worship the author begging for more.
Printing can be a single run, or print on demand. Latter may be a bit more expensive per copy, but I think allows flexibility to correct embarrassing typos or the like, and you don't have a huge inventory to worry about.
Tomorrow will be a day for rejoicing, for many reasons. So , plan ahead, to fly the flag, start smiling again, relax your grip on your wallet, and look to the future, not shudder in fear of unknown daily threats from bad gubmint.
John Blackshoe
A number of options are being looked at. No rush though, I'm pacing myself!
DeleteYesterday I had brunch with one of my best friends and her husband. We've been besties since the summer before first grade!! Old friends are the best! Anyway, we decided to meet at least once a month from now on. We're both dealing with health issues, and life is too short to waste.
ReplyDeleteGoogle is being fussy today.
Mary F
Google likes to be fussy everyday.
DeleteHang on to those old friends.