03 July 2014

A Movie, the World Cup, a Dinner, and Heat

One week ago tonight (26 June) found me at Creve Coeur Airport for the Missouri Aviation Historical Society's meeting. There, we saw the 1954 movie "The High and the Mighty," which starred John Wayne. It's a drama about an airliner flying from Honolulu to San Francisco that has trouble and about the people on board with their own dramas. I had not seen this film in a few years and enjoyed it a lot. More info on this group at http://moavhist.org/

When not working, I was at home watching the FIFA World Cup matches that went into the Round of 16 last weekend. I was disappointed that the USA could not beat Belgium and was eliminated on Tuesday, but the Stars and Stripes put in a good showing against a favored side and can go home with heads high. The radio in the branch office was tuned to that game, and I also followed it on my phone (via the FIFA app) and in the vehicles' radios. It's been a real interesting tournament so far, and looking forward to the quarterfinals tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday.

Speaking of work, it's been going well. Not so much fun being outside in the heat last Monday (30 June), when the heat index topped 100 degrees F (38 degrees C). At least I stayed inside when not having to work and kept hydrated, so I was OK. Temperatures did cool down after that, so it only feels like about 80 degrees F (27 degrees C).

After work Tuesday, I went to Mark Twain Hobby Center in St. Charles for the IPMS/St. Louis meeting. We had five total attendees, including one first-time visitor. After giving the latest news in the hobby, I began a discussion on how to improve our club. This led to discussions of having our own website (currently, we're using a Facebook page), and perhaps having in-meeting contests. We'll have more discussion of these ideas in the coming weeks.

Last night (2 July) after work, I went to India's Kitchen in Ballwin for the Ethnic Restaurant Fans Meetup group. It was my first time at this restaurant and with this Meetup group, and I had a great time. There were 10 of us enjoying dinner (India's Kitchen specializes in South India cuisine) and conversation. I had Rasam, a soup, and Masala Dosa, a crepe-like dish, and both were very tasty and worth the price. A good night, overall.

This morning, I went back to the rental branch early because I had taken our fleet credit card that we use to buy fuel for our vehicles. I had borrowed it from the boss, but forgot to give it back before I left for the day. (It was rather hectic late in the day!) I gave him the card back, and he very much appreciated this gesture. Later this morning, I had my car in for a 90,000-mile (144,841 km) service check at a car service center. They found my car in good shape, apart from rear struts they recommend that I have replaced. However, it would cost just over $600 and it wasn't urgent, so I passed on this for now.

Tomorrow (4 July) is Independence Day in the USA. My workplace is closed, so I have some fun that day. Not too much fun, though, as I have to work Saturday morning.

Later.