A Birthday Amidst Fluctuating Weather

Last Sunday (4 February) was spent at home. Rather quiet. Did work a bit on a couple of scale models I'm looking finish so I can enter them in the IPMS/Gateway (http://www.ipms-gateway.com/) contest on 20 February.

Back to work Monday morning and we had lots of vehicles to clean up and ready for the many customers that passed through our door that day. The same was the case the next day, with the added concern for freezing weather. I had some snow to clear off windows that morning, but easily handled. Concern with the weather did force postponement that Tuesday night of this month's Mark Twain Model Club in St. Charles. That meeting has been rescheduled for this Tuesday night.

My birthday in Wednesday (7 February) passed rather quietly. No mention of it at work. After work, I came home to dinner with mom, along with cake and presents. The latter included three casual shirts, which were most appreciated, along with a motivational book mom found, and a movie on DVD I had ordered, "Russian Ark." That night, I chilled out at home watching on DVD one of my all-time favorite movies, and one that was the top movie at the box office the day I was born: "Dr. Strangelove; Or, How I Learned to to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb."

Off work Thursday, I went to Jiffy Lube (https://www.jiffylube.com/) to get my Corolla's safety and emissions inspections, as its state registration was due at the end of this month. After finding that my usual location in Mehlville was closing in three weeks, I headed a Jiffy Lube in Concord Village. They were able to do the safety inspection--it passed--but computer problems prevented them from doing the emissions inspection, even after rebooting the computer a few times. They folks there apologized for that, and promised they would get this fixed in the next day or two. I told them I would return in a week to try to get the emissions inspection done.

Home after that, I worked on my 2017 federal and state income taxed. Using TurboTax online (https://turbotax.intuit.com/), I followed the step-by-step instructions to work out my taxes. I ended up getting a nice refund from the federal government, and paying just a bit for the state. I successfully filed my taxes electronically, and printed off copies for my files and to mail to both the IRS and Missouri Department of Revenue--the latter with my payment. This was done during my lunch break the next day.

After getting my taxes done, mom took me out to Red Lobster (https://www.redlobster.com/) in Concord Village for my birthday dinner. I had a nice dinner featuring stuffed tilapia with langostino lobster. Yum. I washed that down with lobster lovers punch, a cocktail of Captain Morgan, Bacardi, and Malibu rum, shaken with berry and pineapple juice and served in a Red Lobster 50th Anniversary glass that I could keep. Very nice.

Back at work Friday--after buying doughnuts from Krispy Kreme (http://krispykreme.com/) for my colleagues--and we had a day that started off rather warm for this time of the year, only to get much colder later that day. Assistant manager Miranda got a big decorated cookie for my birthday, and I had a bit of that after getting lunch from Penn Station (http://www.penn-station.com/) in Ballwin. I helped get it all done by the time we closed up Friday night.

Yesterday, I was home during the day, doing a bit of work on my models and getting some preliminary work done for the IPMS/Gateway newsletter, The Arch Scaler News, which I need to get out this week. I also relaxed at home, mindful of the worsening weather coming that night. A wintry mix--ice and a bit of snow--was coming our way. That night, I learned by email that two soccer games I was to have officiated the next morning were cancelled, due to weather concerns.

Thus, I slept in a bit this morning, relaxed at home, then headed at midday to C4 at Creve Coeur Racquet Club (http://www.c4stl.com/) for boys futsal matches. I was scheduled to work four high school age matches; however, this past week, I was asked to yield my place in the third match of the set so a colleague could be assessed for upgrade. I agreed to this and so I watched that match from near the scorer's table. I trust my colleague passed his assessment. My three other matches went well, though they were a challenge at times and I had to pull out my yellow card a couple of times in these matches. Overall, though,they were fine and all was well at the end.

Watching the Winter Olympics (https://www.olympic.org/) from PyeongChang on TV tonight. I always enjoy the great smorgasbord of sports that is the Olympic games, and these games are wonderful to watch so far.

Later.

Work, Parties, Futsal, and Spreading Cheer

After working at the rental branch a week ago yesterday morning (9 December), I headed to Hotshots Sports Bar & Grill in Webster Groves (https://www.hotshotsnet.com/locations/stlouisarea/webstergroves.aspx) for a MLS Cup Final Watch Party organized by Saint Louis FC (http://www.saintlouisfc.com/). I picked up my 2018 season ticket shirsey (shirt-jersey), as well as a team mug and Christmas ornament. I had lunch there, joined by quite a few St. Louligans (http://stlouligans.com/), watching the match on the TV screens. (Toronto FC defeated Seattle Sounders FC, 2-0, in the match.) It was fun.

Early the next morning, I was in St. Louis' Forest Park (https://www.forestparkforever.org/) to serve as a volunteer at this year's Hot Chocolate 15K/5K run (https://www.hotchocolate15k.com/stlouis). This pair of foot races--15 km (9.3 miles) and 5 km (3.1 miles)--is part of a serious held around the country, with proceeds going to Make-A-Wish (http://wish.org/#sm.001ij9rr41dizeirwab1b4g3brslt). I joined with other volunteers to help prepare and serve electrolyte refreshments to runners who have just finished the race. It was just below freezing when I arrived on the site around 5:30 am to check in, and it wasn't much warmer when I began helping pour electrolyte liquid into cups set up on the tables. Despite the cold temperatures, it was at least sunny and the runners--approximately 10,000 for the two runs--were in good spirits.

Just under 30 minutes after the run began at 7:30 am, the first 5k finishers arrived, and we got the cups out to offer to the competitors. We stayed until the last competitor crossed the finish line just over 3 hours after the start. Among those I offered electrolyte to were Maggie, a colleague from the Kirkwood Enterprise branch (https://www.enterprise.com/en/home.html), and Dina Croy, wife of a family friend. The runner were very happy to get the refreshments my colleagues and I offered, and a few even thanked me for helping. I thanked all the runners I met for taking part, and told them it was a pleasure to help.

After I was finished with my finish line work, I joined in the post-run treats of hot chocolate and a chocolate fondue. For the latter, I dunked a banana, marshmallows, mini pretzels, Rice Krispies bars, and biscuits. It was a most sweet reward for helping out at this event.

That night, I was at Creve Coeur Airport (http://crevecoeurairport.com/) for the Missouri Aviation Historical Society (https://moavhist.org/) member Christmas party. It was a nice, casual event for socializing with fellow members and their guests (usually significant others). We enjoyed a catered buffet dinner and a slide show of various pictures taken at or around St. Louis Lambert International Airport (https://www.flystl.com/).

Back to work Monday morning (11 December), it was a busy time, especially in the morning, but my colleagues and I got the job done well and satisfied our customers. We had long days, but we remained committed to the job.

At night, I assembled the December issue of The Arch Scaler News, the newsletter of IPMS/Gateway (http://www.ipms-gateway.com/). It was completed Wednesday night, ready to send out the following day. Additionally, I finished the press release I would issue on behalf of the club regarding our donation to Toys for Tots (https://www.toysfortots.org/) that Friday.

Off work on Thursday (14 December), I continued my visits to my Enterprise colleagues, bearing newsletters for them and cookies for them and their colleagues. I began at Sikeston, chatting briefly with Lauren, who recently became branch manager. I stopped by Cape Girardeau next; manager Liz was away, but a colleague accepted the items for her. Finally, I stopped by Arnold and chatted briefly with manager Kelley.

That afternoon, I printed out a few copies of The Arch Scaler News and mailed them out to the few IPMS/Gateway members who needed their newsletter in that manner. I emailed the newsletter to the remaining people on our membership list.

Dressing for work Friday morning, I made sure to wear my ugly Christmas sweater under my coat. (Friday was National Ugly Sweater Day.) I made this garment a year ago and kept it on the rack until now. Two of my branch colleagues also wore their ugly sweaters. It was most interesting to see.

After getting word of IPMS/Gateway's donation of $661 to Toys for Tots--the presentation was made that morning at a toy drive in Fenton--I started getting the release and a photo taken of the presentation to local media.

I took it easy for much of yesterday morning. Early that afternoon, I was at Worldwide Technology Soccer Park (http://www.saintlouisfc.com/soccerpark), where the St. Louligans held a leadership meeting, in which the group's leaders talked about the past year and what could be done to improve matters going forward. Several members also aired their grievances with the group, and the leaders talked of what should be done to address their concerns.

I was off to Christian Academy of Greater St. Louis (http://public.cagsl.net/) that night to referee youth futsal matches. It was my first matches of the season, and my first since early this year, but fortunately all worked out well in the end. My partner and I had four matches and there were no serious issues.

Later.

Refereeing, Soccer, and A Low-Key Thanksgiving

Last weekend, I was out on the pitch for the last weekend of youth soccer matches in the Fall season. One week ago (18 November), the Lou Fusz Soccer Complex (http://loufuszsoccer.com/facilities/) in Maryland Heights for three under-13 matches. It was cold and windy, and it rained heavily midway through my set. Fortunately, my crew got through our matches in good order.

The next morning, I went to Sportport International (http://www.sportportintl.com/) in Maryland Heights for another three match set of under 13/14 contests. It was at least sunny, but just about freezing when we started. My crew mates and I did our best and kept the matches under control.

Back home after those matches, I went online to take--and pass--my online futsal referee test, which was part of my annual recertification. The next night (20 November), after work, I headed to the Lamborghini Gold Coast Athletic Centre (http://lamboathletic.com/) in St. Charles for the futsal referee clinic. We went over areas of emphasis in the Laws of the Game (no changes from last year) and in the two youth leagues in the St. Louis area. Later, we went on one of the futsal fields in the complex to practice mechanics and go over common situations. After that, I and the others received our 2018 futsal referee patches. The youth season started this weekend.

Work at the Ellisville branch this past week was good. We had quite a bit of traffic, mostly from customers renting out for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. It peaked on Wednesday afternoon, with much activity before we closed for the holiday on Thursday.

Early Monday morning, before going to work, I dropped my Mom off at St. Louis Lambert International Airport (https://www.flystl.com/), so she could catch her flight to Charleston, South Caroline. She has been with my brother Rick and his family there for the Thanksgiving holiday. So far, it is going well. Mom comes back to St. Louis Tuesday afternoon.

Last Tuesday night (21 November), I came to Calvary Presbyterian Church (http://calvarypresbyterianchurch.org/) for the IPMS/Gateway (http://www.ipms-gateway.com/) meeting. I helped judge the last Modeler of the Year contest of 2017, with Ice and Snow as the special category. Additionally, we took nominations for the Bob Stroup Award (for being am ambassador for the club) and for the 2018 executive board. The revised Constitution and By-Laws were also discussed. I also received much praise for the work I did in taking over the IPMS/Gateway newsletter, The Arch Scaler News. That was most gratifying to me.

Thanksgiving this year was rather low-key for me, with no one around with which to celebrate. I stayed home all day, heating a turkey and stuffing entree in the microwave for my feast. It was a day for binge watching online, as I took in the annual MST3K Turkey Day Marathon of Mystery Science Theater 3000 (http://www.mst3k.com/) episodes, which humor me to no end.

Yesterday was a relatively quiet Friday at work, with some rentals and returns, but not the great rush for Fridays. This was due to people traveling for the holiday and that many repair shops we work with were closed that day. In fact, I got off work about 30 minutes early, and the rest of the crew got off soon after the facility closed at 6 pm.

This morning, it was time for beer and soccer on TV at Amsterdam Tavern (http://amsterdamtavern.com/) in south St. Louis. I joined with other FC Schalke 04 (https://schalke04.de/en/) supporters as that team played Borussia Dortnumd in the Reveirderby in Germany. We enjoyed a free German breakfast--sausage and sauerkraut on a bun--and beer as we watched the match on TV. There was despair at first, as Dortmund jumped to a 4-0 lead in the first half. However, Schalke came back to score four second-half goals--two after a Dortmund player was sent off for his second caution of the match--and this ended in a 4-4 draw. I saw one of my fellow St. Louligans (http://stlouligans.com/), Kate, in the rather crowded bar.

Also appearing at Amsterdam Tavern that morning were Schalke's mascot, Erwin, and Louie, the St. Louis Blues (https://www.nhl.com/blues) mascot. I also got a free Schalke 04 scarf and can coozie. Quite a morning in St. Louis, and quite a match!

Now composing blog post, while getting my laundry done. I also finished work earlier today on my annual Holiday newsletter, which I will send out soon to family, friends, and acquaintances.

Later.

Into December 2016

It was an afternoon at the movies last Sunday (27 November), when I went to the AMC Chesterfield 14 (https://www.amctheatres.com/movie-theatres/st-louis/amc-chesterfield-14). There, I joined with seven others from the STL Screeners Meetup group (https://www.meetup.com/STLScreeners/) to see a presentation of the 1961 classic "Breakfast at Tiffany's" (http://www.fathomevents.com/#event/breakfast-at-tiffanys/more-info/details), presented by Turner Classic Movies (http://www.tcm.com/) and Fathom Events (http://fathomevents.com). This was the first time I saw this romantic comedy on a large screen with an audience, and it was a wonderful experience. After the movie, we gathered in the food court at Chesterfield Mall (http://www.chesterfield-mall.com/) for dinner and discussion. A good time was had by all.

Work at the rental branch this week went well, with returns from Thanksgiving holiday travelers early in the week, plus quite a few customers at the repair shops needing loaners.

After work Monday night (28 November), I was off to St. Louis Community College-Meramec (http://www.stlcc.edu/MC/) for my annual futsal referee recertification clinic. We reviewed local league policies and concerns, and saw video clips of high level game situations. I had paid my registration fee and passed the test online, so I received my 2017 futsal referee patch at the clinic's end, along with the others (some 20 colleagues with me).

I was back at STLCC-Meramec two nights later for my Beginning Portuguese class, the first in two weeks (we were off the night before Thanksgiving). We reviewed more items to help us understand the language a bit more. Just two more sessions to go in this course.

Off work Thursday, I took care of my laundry at home. That night, I was at Big A's on the Riverfront (http://www.bigasontheriverfront.com/) in St. Charles for a Pre-Dating Speed Dating (http://www.pre-dating.com/) event. I and nine other single males, in our late 40s and 50s, each had six-minute dates with women in our age range. It was a chance to size each other up and see if each was a good fit to further pursue. I felt nervous going in, not having done this sort of dating in a long while, but it went well. However, none of the ten ladies I talked to expressed interest in me. Oh, well, maybe next time.

Last Friday being pay day, I stopped by Krispy Kreme (https://www.krispykreme.com/) in Fenton on the way to work and bought a dozen doughnuts for my colleagues. They appreciate the every other Friday gesture.

I drove to Clayton yesterday morning for this month's meeting of the Missouri Professional Communicators (MPC) (http://www.mpc-nfpw.org/cpsiteframepage.lasso?-token.lpuserref=113815.113118) at the St. Louis Artists' Guild (http://www.stlouisartistsguild.org/new/). Laura Peters, director of archives at The Muny (https://muny.org/), spoke about her efforts to pull together nearly 100 years of The Muny's history. She showed (via PowerPoint) photos of the Muny's Forest Park facilities over the years, actors of note who performed in Muny productions, and advertising in Muny show programs. A most interesting talk.

Then, I headed to the St. Louis Bread Co. (https://www.panerabread.com/en-us/home.html) in Brentwood Square. I parked in the lot to co-host by phone this month's edition of "Writer's Block" (http://www.blogtalkradio.com/autistic-people-/2016/12/03/connected--writers-block-10am-pstradio-drama-the-princess-8-11am-pst), the online radio show about writing and storytelling from the autistic perspective. Host Tim Pylypiuk and I talked about Christmas Myths and Stories, touching on such classic tales as "A Christmas Carol" and "It's a Wonderful Life." I had printed off the show's script and several online articles mentioned in that script, and had that with me in the car as I contributed my part of the discussion. This show (paired with Radio Drama in the second hour) is now archived online, for streaming or downloading for podcast.

After the show, I had lunch at that St. Louis Bread Co., then shopped at a few places on my way home.

Later.

Meetups, Visiting Colleagues, Referee Clinics, and Hot Chocolate

A week ago Saturday (5 December) was busy, although I didn't have an episode of Writer's Block to co-host, as it was cancelled for this month. However, I did attend a pair of Meetups. First, the Saint Louis Area Sippers (Coffee Meetup) (http://www.meetup.com/Saint-Louis-Coffee-Meetup/) got together at Cafe Ventana (http://cafeventana.com/) in midtown St. Louis. Nine of our group got together over coffee and caught up on things. A very nice time we had together, and at a wonderful place.

That night, I was with the Ethnic Restaurant Fans (http://www.meetup.com/Ethnic-Restaurant-Fans/) Meetup group for dinner at Flavor of India (http://www.flavorofindiastl.com/) restaurant in Creve Coeur. Our group of 20 enjoyed a very tasty buffet of Indian cuisine, and I greatly enjoyed the food and company that night.

Back to work on Monday (7 December), things have been going well. Plenty to keep us busy. After flexing out Tuesday afternoon, I paid a visit to the three nearest branches to mine. First, in Ballwin, I brought cookies to the staff and gave Christmas cards to Cory and Adam there. Next, I was at the Manchester branch, with cookies for all and cards for Maggie (who just started as manager there) and Meggie. Finally, I went to the Kirkwood branch with cards for Derek, Mel, and Kim, plus cookies for all. At these branches I visited, they all greatly appreciated the gesture.

After coming home that Tuesday (8 December), I took and passed the online futsal referee test, and took that result with proof of payment to Lamborghini Gold Coast Athletic Centre (http://lamboathletic.com/) in St. Charles for the annual recertification clinic. A good crowd of referees was on hand to learn of points of emphasis, plus time on a court for exercises in mechanics. At the end, I got my 2016 futsal badge for my uniform.

My off day Thursday found me visiting more branches in the morning. This started with the one in Columbia, Illinois, where I left cookies and card for Tim, who was away when I arrived. Then, it was the Airport branch, where I had cards for Alex, Kerry, and Adrian. I chatted a bit with Alex and Kerry, who were there. Traveling northwest, I stopped by the St. Charles Car Sales location and chatted with Anthony, bringing him cookies and a card. I then left a card and cookies for Dan at the St. Peters rental branch. Finally, it was the branch in Fenton, where I chatted with Drew and Kevin. A most productive morning.

That afternoon, I took and passed my outdoor referee test. All was ready for the recertification that night at St. Louis Community College at Forest Park (http://www.stlcc.edu/FP/). We went over the rule changes (very minor), plus viewed video of game situations and went over points of emphasis for our youth soccer matches. I received my 2016 referee patch and Laws of the Game at the end of the night there. I treated myself to a milkshake at a nearby Steak 'n Shake (http://www.steaknshake.com/) before driving home.

After work yesterday (12 December), I got the car washed and bought some cargo pants. I also went to bed early that night, for an early wake up call the next morning.

Today, I was up around 4 am, as I had to be in downtown St. Louis by 5:45 am. For the second year in a row, I was a volunteer at the St. Louis Hot Chocolate Run (http://www.hotchocolate15k.com/stlouis), 15 kilometer and 5 kilometer runs through downtown St. Louis. Hundreds of runners took part in this event, whose proceeds (along with other Hot Chocolate Runs around the country) benefit Ronald McDonald Children's Charities. I was one of the volunteers working the 15K gear check in, near the start and finish lines south of Soldiers Memorial (http://stlsoldiersmemorial.org/index.php). I and other volunteers took the runners' gear (like wallets, keys, etc.) and stashed them in boxes in the tent. We kept the gear secure, then returned it to the runners after the run. We had no real problems with this process, all runners got their gear back in good order. After my shift ended, I was treated to hot chocolate and some treats (banana, rice krispies treat, mini pretzels, marshmallows) and chocolate syrup to dip the treats in.

After the run, I walked through Citygarden (http://www.citygardenstl.org/) and past Ballpark Village (http://www.stlballparkvillage.com/) back to my car, parked just west of Ballpark Village, and drove home. Time to rest up and get ready for another week of work.

Later.