August 2024
August 31, 2024 - Saturday - My little sister came into town yesterday morning. I went to a wedding on Tuesday and a funeral on Friday. It’s been an incredible week. My brother made a huge brisket and a big pan of ribs for my sister. His barbecue is amazing every time, but these ribs were one of his best batches in recent memory.
August 30, 2024 - Friday - I wonder how many times I’ve seen this movie! Definitely one of the coolest themes ever. Being born when I was, and like lots of people my age, this was one of my favorite movies as a kid. I had a bunch of the toys and action figures. I wish I had kept them.
August 29, 2024 - Thursday - This evening I continued with my John Williams films. I can’t remember the last time I watched Close Encounters, and I forgot most of the story. I just remembered the mashed potatoes mountain. Another great Spielberg movie. After his first two with John Williams, no wonder he did all his future movies with him.
August 28, 2024 - Wednesday - Look what came in the mail. I sent a photo of it to Riley. Looking forward to our trip to Mexico coming this fall. I don’t really have any other plans for trips that I’ll need this but who knows what the future may hold. I hope I use this even more than the last one.
August 27, 2024 - Tuesday - Today I spent most of the day in Dallas. I had a few appointments that I was able to get scheduled on the same day. I was still able to get a few hours of work done at a local Starbucks. This evening I attended the wedding of one of my best friends. It was great getting to witness that and spend time with him and his family.
August 26, 2024 - Monday - Later in the afternoon I went to do a grocery pickup. I had to rush back home to handle some work requests. I brought in most of the groceries when I got home. After I handled the requests, I went back out to get the last couple of bags out of the car. When I opened the door I saw something I hadn’t seen in a long while. It rained for a few minutes.
August 25, 2024 - Sunday - I invited some family over for dinner today. I really didn’t think it through beforehand very well. I love making spaghetti, but I’ve never made this much sauce before and I wasn’t even sure how much spaghetti do you need to feed 13 people. Fortunately it turned out good and I had plenty of leftovers. It was good having everyone over.
August 24, 2024 - Saturday - Today was another day spent up north at a friend’s house. The guacamole turned out pretty good. The jalapeño had a little extra kick this time. Today we had a conversation about cigars. How they originated, why they developed over time to be such a great product and why do we enjoy them. To me they represent good times with friends.
August 23, 2024 - Friday - Tonight I watched Jaws. Probably the most famous piece of music in the world. John Williams really struck a nerve at the core of humanity with this one. The theme still makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. I would use this theme when I would attack Riley with the tickle monster when she was little.
August 22, 2024 - Thursday - The other night I came across a video on YouTube. I think it was the AFI honoring John Williams. I think John Williams is a genius. From Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Schindler’s List to Jurassic Park and Harry Potter, the guy has no peer. I decided I’d start watching movies he’s done the soundtrack for. Started with Black Sunday tonight.
August 21, 2024 - Wednesday - Over the weekend my cookie making friend texted me to let me know she was baking for a fundraiser. I didn’t even ask what she was raising money for, just what could I order. She told me she’d make me my favorite, Dark Chocolate Cherry Walnut. My box of cookies was delivered today. I didn’t photograph my first one. Or my second.
August 20, 2024 - Tuesday - Today, like every work day, I spend some quality time on the couch with the pups. Usually I’m up here with Zak or Biscuit and Pancake. Not too often is it all three. I know this isn’t a great photo but this is Biscuit lying in my lap. I had to take this at a weird angle. That’s her nose in the background.
August 19, 2024 - Monday - Work has been pretty steady for a while now. I usually work in the mornings from my desk. Starting at lunch time we, the pups and I, move out to the TV room and work from the couch. The last time I was at the grocery store I bought some plums. They weren’t very juicy but they make a decent afternoon snack.
August 18, 2024 - Sunday - The dog I wanted to adopt came for a home visit this morning. Zak did better than I expected and none of them acted aggressively but once Pancake got triggered Zak automatically backed her up. We all decide it would be best if he didn’t stay. The last few days I’ve been wondering if I was messing up the good balance we have already. No need to worry now.
August 17, 2024 - Saturday - The dog from last Wednesday’s photo was taken to the Clear the Shelter Mega Adoption Event this weekend at the Amon Carter Exhibit Hall. I met a friend for a birthday lunch and then went to take a look at the pups. It’s crazy to see that many dogs available for adoption. There were so many it was hard to pick just one. This little one looked like a mini-Zak.
August 16, 2024 - Friday - One of the errands I ran yesterday was to finally take my passport renewal to the post office. It’s been sitting on my desk for quite a while and I’m supposed to be going to Mexico this fall. I waited so long now I have to go with the expedited service. Looking forward to getting away for a little while.
August 15, 2024 - Thursday - Today was a full day of work. I did go into town to run some errands at lunch. It wasn’t too hot for August and it’s nice to be able to go for longer walks now with the pups. I got a few photos here but this is my favorite because of that little bit of pink where the sun is shining on Zak’s tongue.
August 14, 2024 - Wednesday - I’ve been wanting to get Zak a little brother or sister for years. It’s never been a good time. I’m not even sure it’s a good idea, but I went out to a local animal shelter today to visit another dog. I came across this cute bulldog while when I was leaving. I may have to go back tomorrow.
August 13, 2024 - Tuesday - The pups are all shedding way more this year than last year. I bought a cover for our couch and yesterday after Zak hopped off the couch this was lying underneath him. This looks like I clipped a patch of hair from him but it’s actually from the back of his legs. It’s coming out in clumps. Thankfully his hair isn’t too long.
August 12, 2024 - Monday - My foot has finally stopped hurting. I think the dogs are more thankful than I am. Yesterday we started doing our walks down the street again. The dog at the end of the street came out to “say hello.” Zak and Pancake are not exactly friendly and though we’ve not done this in a while they both did much better than the last time we saw him.
August 11, 2024 - Sunday - After staying up way too late watching Yellowstone we all slept in a little bit. After our morning walk and a little bit of breakfast, we all sat down and watched “Inside the Mind of a Dog” on Netflix. Zak usually lays with his head on my chest but sometimes rolls over and puts his head in my lap. Look at that face!
August 10, 2024 - Saturday - Today I was very productive. I did the dishes, a couple of loads of laundry and some other cleaning around the house. After a long day of house work we relaxed on the couch and continued watching Yellowstone. Zak was lying at this end of the couch when Pancake walked over and snuggled up next to him. This makes my heart happy.
August 9, 2024 - Friday - Today for dinner I seasoned a bunch of chicken breasts with Ziziki’s seasoning and grilled them. A little bit of Naan, provolone, tzatziki sauce, sliced bell peppers and some mixed greens made a pretty good sandwich. I just wish I had some pickles in the fridge. The overhead lights in the kitchen kinda blow.
August 8, 2024 - Thursday - Today was a long day working on videos for a client. They both turned out pretty good. We’ll see what the client thinks. After our evening walk and dinner we spent the evening on the couch. I’ve been rewatching Yellowstone. I’ve not seen season 5 yet and I’m almost caught up. Biscuit’s ears look like something out of a Dr. Seuss book.
August 7, 2024 - Wednesday - Today was a full day. Work was busy. I had to run to the bank. I even had to go buy 3 gallons of bleach for the septic system. I’m learning so much living out here in the country. I wished it would have started the way it ended with a plate of breakfast tacos on the couch with the pups.
August 6, 2024 - Tuesday - The tank got delivered and installed today. Tomorrow they’ll do the inspection and then fill in all the holes and ditches. I’ll be able to pee, poop, do dishes, laundry and shower ’til the cows come home. It will be good not to give it a thought anymore.
August 5, 2024 - Monday - Back in May we started having issues with our septic system. They came out and got us working temporarily but we need to have the system completely replaced. Today they finally got started. They brought out a bunch of equipment and started digging all over the place. Coming from the city I know nothing about this stuff.
August 4, 2024 - Sunday - Today my sister and I went out for lunch and picked up some gift wrap, a gift bag and a Thank You card for Eva. We had a few gifts to package up. Tonight the family had a “thank you dinner” for all she did taking care of Dad. It was good to see her and spend the evening getting caught up over dinner and dessert.
August 3, 2024 - Saturday - Today was another good day spent with great friends. I spent the morning with my sister and then made the drive up to Plano. I made one of the best batches of guac I’ve made in a long time. My friend and I started the afternoon with some good cigars and a Jack and Coke. I even got to spend some time with my former cookie-making friend.
August 2, 2024 - Friday - Early this morning my little sister flew back into town. I picked her up, had a bit of breakfast and came home to work. One of my cousins and her daughter came to hang out with us this evening. She brought all the goodies with her too. Everything was really good, but those dark chocolates were my favorite.
August 1, 2024 - Thursday - I’m writing this on Tuesday and to be honest I don’t remember much from this day except that I worked most of the day at my desk. When I did finally come out to the couch Zak took a long turn with me and then the girls came and ran him off. The girls seem to take turns lying near me. Tonight it was Biscuits turn.