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.
03 July 2014
26 June 2014
"I Believe That We Will Advance"
One week ago today (19 June) found me in downtown St. Louis. First, it was a late afternoon party with the Friends from Around the World Meetup group at the Hard Rock Cafe at St. Louis Union Station. It was nice to meet the interns from overseas; however, the power went out at that cafe (but not elsewhere at Union Station) after a while. Thus, the restaurant could not serve anything but water and could not charge me or others for what I ordered before the power went out. Still, it was a nice time.
Then, I hopped aboard Metrolink to ride to Busch Stadium for the Cardinals' game vs. the Philadelphia Phillies. My parents were there along with my brother Rick, his wife Melissa and their son Alex. We had good seats looking down the left field line and had a nice time, although the Cardinals lost that game. I left after the seventh inning to go home early, as I was tired and needed to be up early the next morning for work.
Saturday morning (21 June) found me taking a defensive driving class for work at the Safety Council of Greater St. Louis. There were 16 other students taking the course with me, and I had no problem passing the four-hour class. Then I was back home to watch more of the FIFA World Cup on TV. By the way, work has been going well, although a bit hectic at times.
The next day, I stopped by Ted Drewes Frozen Custard in south St. Louis for the Autism-Aspergers Meetup social there. Only two others were there, so it was a rather short stop, but it was good to visit Ted Drewes for a concrete, which I have not had in quite awhile.
I was home that night with my parents watching the USA-Portugal match on TV. It was quite a nail biter, with Portugal pulling out the draw in the dying moments. Earlier today, I was at the Amsterdam Tavern in south St. Louis for the USA-Germany match. We as a crowd were disappointed that the USA lost 1-0, but happy that our team still advanced to the Round of 16. Good luck, Stars and Stripes!
After work last Tuesday (24 June), I was at Brad and Julie Vaughn's house in House Springs, Missouri for the IPMS/Gateway business meeting. After a fine supper featuring red beans and rice, we of the club's board planned next month's meetings and other club business. Tonight, I am at the Missouri Aviation Historical Society's meeting. More on that in my next post.
Later.
Then, I hopped aboard Metrolink to ride to Busch Stadium for the Cardinals' game vs. the Philadelphia Phillies. My parents were there along with my brother Rick, his wife Melissa and their son Alex. We had good seats looking down the left field line and had a nice time, although the Cardinals lost that game. I left after the seventh inning to go home early, as I was tired and needed to be up early the next morning for work.
Saturday morning (21 June) found me taking a defensive driving class for work at the Safety Council of Greater St. Louis. There were 16 other students taking the course with me, and I had no problem passing the four-hour class. Then I was back home to watch more of the FIFA World Cup on TV. By the way, work has been going well, although a bit hectic at times.
The next day, I stopped by Ted Drewes Frozen Custard in south St. Louis for the Autism-Aspergers Meetup social there. Only two others were there, so it was a rather short stop, but it was good to visit Ted Drewes for a concrete, which I have not had in quite awhile.
I was home that night with my parents watching the USA-Portugal match on TV. It was quite a nail biter, with Portugal pulling out the draw in the dying moments. Earlier today, I was at the Amsterdam Tavern in south St. Louis for the USA-Germany match. We as a crowd were disappointed that the USA lost 1-0, but happy that our team still advanced to the Round of 16. Good luck, Stars and Stripes!
After work last Tuesday (24 June), I was at Brad and Julie Vaughn's house in House Springs, Missouri for the IPMS/Gateway business meeting. After a fine supper featuring red beans and rice, we of the club's board planned next month's meetings and other club business. Tonight, I am at the Missouri Aviation Historical Society's meeting. More on that in my next post.
Later.
19 June 2014
A Thorough Hair Coloring; U-S-A!
One week ago tonight (12 June), I did my third and last volunteer shift of the season at Circus Flora in midtown St. Louis. We had a great crowd and things went very well. The following Sunday night (15 June), after the show, I joined with many other Circus Flora volunteers for a party the circus threw for us. We enjoyed a buffet supper in the ring and some conversation. I had to leave early, since I needed some sleep before going into work early the next morning.
I was able to follow the start of the 2014 FIFA World Cup via my TV and mobile phone. Some real nice action so far, including the USA's match vs. Ghana on Monday. I followed the first half on my phone, and the second on the radio after work, as I drove to Arnold, Missouri. Parked outside the salon, I listened to the last few minutes of the match and was real excited when the USA won 2-1 in thrilling fashion.
After that, I was inside Starla's Salon and Spa for a hair coloring and cut performed by my friend, Linda Huie. She had offered to do this a few months back, and we finally were able to mesh our schedules to get this done. Linda and I chatted while she applied the color, let it set, then washed it off my hair before cutting it. She did a much better job than I was able to do myself with a store brand coloring. I appreciated Linda doing this and we greatly appreciated the time together.
Work has been going well, despite the high temperatures and humidity this week. Yesterday, it hit 95 degrees F (35 degrees C), and being outside made it tough while trying to get vehicles cleaned up and ready to rent in a timely manner. However, my colleagues and I persevered and we're doing very nicely.
IPMS/Gateway met Tuesday night (17 June), and I went to Calvary Presbyterian Church for that right after work. After helping get the meeting room set up, I chatted with come colleagues and marveled at the models on display. We had 43 entries in the monthly "Beauty Contest," the most I've seen at an IPMS/Gateway meeting in a long time. I also took minutes of the meeting, submitted my club membership renewal, and entered the Same Kit Contest this December by paying my fee and getting the kit to be built: a 1:8 scale kit of The Black Knight of Nurnberg. Should be fun.
My brother Rick is in town with his wife Melissa and son Alex. They arrived yesterday and will be here for a few days.
Later.
I was able to follow the start of the 2014 FIFA World Cup via my TV and mobile phone. Some real nice action so far, including the USA's match vs. Ghana on Monday. I followed the first half on my phone, and the second on the radio after work, as I drove to Arnold, Missouri. Parked outside the salon, I listened to the last few minutes of the match and was real excited when the USA won 2-1 in thrilling fashion.
After that, I was inside Starla's Salon and Spa for a hair coloring and cut performed by my friend, Linda Huie. She had offered to do this a few months back, and we finally were able to mesh our schedules to get this done. Linda and I chatted while she applied the color, let it set, then washed it off my hair before cutting it. She did a much better job than I was able to do myself with a store brand coloring. I appreciated Linda doing this and we greatly appreciated the time together.
Work has been going well, despite the high temperatures and humidity this week. Yesterday, it hit 95 degrees F (35 degrees C), and being outside made it tough while trying to get vehicles cleaned up and ready to rent in a timely manner. However, my colleagues and I persevered and we're doing very nicely.
IPMS/Gateway met Tuesday night (17 June), and I went to Calvary Presbyterian Church for that right after work. After helping get the meeting room set up, I chatted with come colleagues and marveled at the models on display. We had 43 entries in the monthly "Beauty Contest," the most I've seen at an IPMS/Gateway meeting in a long time. I also took minutes of the meeting, submitted my club membership renewal, and entered the Same Kit Contest this December by paying my fee and getting the kit to be built: a 1:8 scale kit of The Black Knight of Nurnberg. Should be fun.
My brother Rick is in town with his wife Melissa and son Alex. They arrived yesterday and will be here for a few days.
Later.
12 June 2014
The Wait (in Brazil) is Over
As I type these words, it is a little under four hours from kickoff of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. I am so excited. I am off work today, so it's no problem for me to be in front of my TV set at home to watch the opening match, Brazil vs. Croatia. I am ready. Hope you are, too. I wish all the teams in Brazil best of luck. As for me, Go USA!
One week ago tonight (5 June) found me back at Circus Flora, working my second volunteer shift. Before the show, I helped wipe the seats and put inserts into programs, then acted as usher during the show. We had a real good crowd, thanks for attendees receiving tickets from Ameren Missouri, one of Circus Flora's sponsors. I'm back for my final shift of the season tonight. The current show, "The Pawn," runs through 22 June, so don't miss it. You can find out more at http://www.circusflora.org/.
After work on Friday, I headed to The Marquee Restuarant and Lounge in downtown St. Louis for Stress Free Fridays, which was celebrating its 10th anniversary. It was my first time at this place, which I liked, and I sure enjoyed meeting up with the Stress Free Fridays group for the first time in a few weeks. I was originally going to make it just an hour-long stop, but it ended up a two and one-half hour visit, but I didn't mind. You can check out Stress Free Fridays on Twitter (https://twitter.com/stressfreefri) and on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/25325462204/).
Last Saturday (7 June) at home, I co-hosted this month's edition of Writer's Block, the monthly online radio show from Naturally Autistic ANCA Radio. Host Tim Pylypiuk and I wrapped up our discussion of Western literature from last month and started talking about science-fiction writing. Our next show is Sat., 5 July at noon, Central Time (10 am, Pacific Time). Last Saturday's show is now archived and you can check it out here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/autistic-people-/2014/06/07/writers-block-sci-fi--10am-pstradio-drama-the-grooming-hour--11am-pst.
Work has been going very well. Busy much of the time, but we do have slow spots. Getting some more families renting vehicles for summer vacations lately.
Later.
One week ago tonight (5 June) found me back at Circus Flora, working my second volunteer shift. Before the show, I helped wipe the seats and put inserts into programs, then acted as usher during the show. We had a real good crowd, thanks for attendees receiving tickets from Ameren Missouri, one of Circus Flora's sponsors. I'm back for my final shift of the season tonight. The current show, "The Pawn," runs through 22 June, so don't miss it. You can find out more at http://www.circusflora.org/.
After work on Friday, I headed to The Marquee Restuarant and Lounge in downtown St. Louis for Stress Free Fridays, which was celebrating its 10th anniversary. It was my first time at this place, which I liked, and I sure enjoyed meeting up with the Stress Free Fridays group for the first time in a few weeks. I was originally going to make it just an hour-long stop, but it ended up a two and one-half hour visit, but I didn't mind. You can check out Stress Free Fridays on Twitter (https://twitter.com/stressfreefri) and on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/25325462204/).
Last Saturday (7 June) at home, I co-hosted this month's edition of Writer's Block, the monthly online radio show from Naturally Autistic ANCA Radio. Host Tim Pylypiuk and I wrapped up our discussion of Western literature from last month and started talking about science-fiction writing. Our next show is Sat., 5 July at noon, Central Time (10 am, Pacific Time). Last Saturday's show is now archived and you can check it out here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/autistic-people-/2014/06/07/writers-block-sci-fi--10am-pstradio-drama-the-grooming-hour--11am-pst.
Work has been going very well. Busy much of the time, but we do have slow spots. Getting some more families renting vehicles for summer vacations lately.
Later.
05 June 2014
Running Off to Join the Circus
One week ago tonight (29 May), I did the first of three volunteer stints with Circus Flora, an annual circus staged in midtown St. Louis. It was opening night for this year's show, "The Pawn," a chess-themed presentation. I came to the tent pitched behind Powell Symphony Hall and joined other volunteers in getting programs ready for the audience before the show, and then serving as an usher. I had never seen Circus Flora before and had never attended a circus for years, but I was impressed by this show. The audience we had at opening night was happy, and so were the other volunteers as far as I can tell. I will be volunteering again tonight and next Thursday (12 June), so I hope to see you there. More info at www.circusflora.org.
Work has been going real well of late, as we get more families coming in to rent vehicles for their vacations now that school was out until fall. The recent heat and humidity--plus rain yesterday--did make things a bit more challenging for me, but nothing that I could not handle.
Last Monday night (2 June) found me at Plaza Frontenac Cinema after work, joining The Monday Indie Movie Club (STL) Meetup group to see the documentary "For No Good Reason." It's about British cartoonist Ralph Steadman, who provided the visual sided of Gonzo journalism from the late 1960s. Actor Johnny Depp visits with Steadman and interviews the artist about his life and work, and the people Steadman worked with--especially writers Hunter S. Thompson and William S. Burroughs. A most interesting film, and I recommend it.
After work on Tuesday, I was at Mark Twain Hobby Center in St. Charles to run the IPMS/St. Louis meeting. Only four of us were present and we didn't have a program, so it was a brief meeting. Big hobby news came around midday today, when I got word that IPMS/Gateway will host the 2015 IPMS Regional Convention, in September of next year. Alright!
One week from today, the FIFA World Cup begins in Brazil. Looking forward to it.
Later.
Work has been going real well of late, as we get more families coming in to rent vehicles for their vacations now that school was out until fall. The recent heat and humidity--plus rain yesterday--did make things a bit more challenging for me, but nothing that I could not handle.
Last Monday night (2 June) found me at Plaza Frontenac Cinema after work, joining The Monday Indie Movie Club (STL) Meetup group to see the documentary "For No Good Reason." It's about British cartoonist Ralph Steadman, who provided the visual sided of Gonzo journalism from the late 1960s. Actor Johnny Depp visits with Steadman and interviews the artist about his life and work, and the people Steadman worked with--especially writers Hunter S. Thompson and William S. Burroughs. A most interesting film, and I recommend it.
After work on Tuesday, I was at Mark Twain Hobby Center in St. Charles to run the IPMS/St. Louis meeting. Only four of us were present and we didn't have a program, so it was a brief meeting. Big hobby news came around midday today, when I got word that IPMS/Gateway will host the 2015 IPMS Regional Convention, in September of next year. Alright!
One week from today, the FIFA World Cup begins in Brazil. Looking forward to it.
Later.
29 May 2014
Memorial Day Weekend 2014
After working the morning shift at the car rental branch last Saturday morning (24 May), I headed to O.B. Clark's in Brentwood. There, I joined with other soccer fans to watch the UEFA Champions League Final on television. Real Madrid came from behind to beat crosstown rival Atletico de Madrid 4-1 in extra time for Real's 10th European title. It was not the greatest Champions League final I'd seen, but it wasn't the worst and it was rather entertaining.
Sunday morning found me at home watching auto races on TV: First, the Grand Prix of Monaco, followed by the Indianapolis 500. After the latter race, I drove to Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Town and Country, Missouri for its annual St. Louis County Greek Fest. I took in some nice Greek dancing by the church's youth groups, had a nice snack of Greek food (in this case, dolomathes and tiropita), and generally took in the environment. There was a good crowd of people at this festival.
Work was closed on Monday (26 May) due to Memorial Day, and I mostly relaxed at home. I did go visit three outlet malls in Metro St. Louis: St. Louis Outlet Mall in Hazelwood, Taubman Prestige Outlets in Chesterfield, and St. Louis Premium Outlets, also in Chesterfield. It was the first time I visited the latter two malls, and although I wasn't impressed much by Taubman, I did like the latter place. At the adidas Outlet Store, I purchased two T-shirts that were on sale; both had a FIFA World Cup theme.
Back to work on Tuesday morning, and that day and Wednesday were busy ones. Despite the heat and humidity, which sapped my strength outdoors, I was able to work with my colleagues to get vehicles ready to rent and transport customers.
Off work today, but I'm running off to join the circus--at least for the next three Thursday nights. That's when I'm a volunteer ticket taker and usher at Circus Flora, which begins its run tonight in Midtown St. Louis. I'll let you know how opening night goes in my next post. In the meantime, you can visit its website: http://www.circusflora.org/
Later.
Sunday morning found me at home watching auto races on TV: First, the Grand Prix of Monaco, followed by the Indianapolis 500. After the latter race, I drove to Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Town and Country, Missouri for its annual St. Louis County Greek Fest. I took in some nice Greek dancing by the church's youth groups, had a nice snack of Greek food (in this case, dolomathes and tiropita), and generally took in the environment. There was a good crowd of people at this festival.
Work was closed on Monday (26 May) due to Memorial Day, and I mostly relaxed at home. I did go visit three outlet malls in Metro St. Louis: St. Louis Outlet Mall in Hazelwood, Taubman Prestige Outlets in Chesterfield, and St. Louis Premium Outlets, also in Chesterfield. It was the first time I visited the latter two malls, and although I wasn't impressed much by Taubman, I did like the latter place. At the adidas Outlet Store, I purchased two T-shirts that were on sale; both had a FIFA World Cup theme.
Back to work on Tuesday morning, and that day and Wednesday were busy ones. Despite the heat and humidity, which sapped my strength outdoors, I was able to work with my colleagues to get vehicles ready to rent and transport customers.
Off work today, but I'm running off to join the circus--at least for the next three Thursday nights. That's when I'm a volunteer ticket taker and usher at Circus Flora, which begins its run tonight in Midtown St. Louis. I'll let you know how opening night goes in my next post. In the meantime, you can visit its website: http://www.circusflora.org/
Later.
22 May 2014
A Full Weekend Around the Metro Area
Last Saturday (17 May) was quite an interesting day from a social standpoint, as it would take me to three different events in three different parts of Metropolitan St. Louis. It started at The Heights in Richmond Heights with a morning meeting of the Missouri Professional Communicators (MPC). After a continental breakfast and some networking, the attendees took in a presentation by Beth Heidrich, the founder of St. Louis Culinary Tours. Joined by Moira Ross, owner of Plum Vintage Rentals, Heidrich told us about her experiences in food and in public relations, and how they came together to promote her business. It was a very interesting talk. I had not been to an MPC meeting in over a year, and several people of the group hoped I would be back as a member. By the way, I was the only male in the entire room.
After that meeting, I was bound for Trailhead Brewery Co. in St. Charles for my first event as member of the Singles Over 50 Meetup group. The eight of us there had lunch at the establishment--a brew-pub--then went for a walk up and down Main Street with its historic buildings and specialty shops. This Meetup was particularly nice for me as I finally met my friend Lisa Foster for the first time in person. Lisa and I had been in touch via social media and phone for several months, but we finally met face-to-face.
Soon after walking back towards where I parked off Main Street, I got in my car and headed towards the Chase Park Plaza Cinema in St. Louis' Central West End (CWE) for my first event as a member of the Singles Cinema Meetup group. (I joined both these Meetup groups that week.) We were there to see the new movie "Million Dollar Arm," a fact-based story of a US sports agent seeking baseball pitching talent in India. The film starred Jon Hamm, a St. Louis native and star of TV's "Mad Men." We all liked this film, and then almost all of our party walked just over two blocks to Rasoi, an Indian restaurant, for dinner. It was my first time at that restaurant and I really enjoyed the service and the tasty food served there. (I had the Curry Chicken, which was not too spicy for my taste.) Quite a fine day, from Richmond Heights to St. Charles to the CWE in just over 12 hours.
I was in Maryland Heights the next morning refereeing two girls' soccer games at the Real STL complex in Creve Coeur Lake Park. The games went well--I was in the middle for a rather intense under 13 girls' match--and we had good weather. Back home after the matches, I joined my parents for dinner that night at Tucker's Place in Mehlville, where we celebrated my Mother's birthday.
Back to work on Monday morning (19 May), and things have been going well so far. I found out I have some vacation time due and have an idea how to spend at least part of it. Tuesday night, I went right after work to Calvary Presbyterian Church in Mehlville for the IPMS/Gateway meeting. That meeting featured a model contest for the club's Modeler of the Year and a build night, where members could work on their model kits.
Summer unofficially starts tomorrow with the Memorial Day Weekend. I hope all of my fellow Americans do take time to remember those who fell in battle for our country.
Later.
After that meeting, I was bound for Trailhead Brewery Co. in St. Charles for my first event as member of the Singles Over 50 Meetup group. The eight of us there had lunch at the establishment--a brew-pub--then went for a walk up and down Main Street with its historic buildings and specialty shops. This Meetup was particularly nice for me as I finally met my friend Lisa Foster for the first time in person. Lisa and I had been in touch via social media and phone for several months, but we finally met face-to-face.
Soon after walking back towards where I parked off Main Street, I got in my car and headed towards the Chase Park Plaza Cinema in St. Louis' Central West End (CWE) for my first event as a member of the Singles Cinema Meetup group. (I joined both these Meetup groups that week.) We were there to see the new movie "Million Dollar Arm," a fact-based story of a US sports agent seeking baseball pitching talent in India. The film starred Jon Hamm, a St. Louis native and star of TV's "Mad Men." We all liked this film, and then almost all of our party walked just over two blocks to Rasoi, an Indian restaurant, for dinner. It was my first time at that restaurant and I really enjoyed the service and the tasty food served there. (I had the Curry Chicken, which was not too spicy for my taste.) Quite a fine day, from Richmond Heights to St. Charles to the CWE in just over 12 hours.
I was in Maryland Heights the next morning refereeing two girls' soccer games at the Real STL complex in Creve Coeur Lake Park. The games went well--I was in the middle for a rather intense under 13 girls' match--and we had good weather. Back home after the matches, I joined my parents for dinner that night at Tucker's Place in Mehlville, where we celebrated my Mother's birthday.
Back to work on Monday morning (19 May), and things have been going well so far. I found out I have some vacation time due and have an idea how to spend at least part of it. Tuesday night, I went right after work to Calvary Presbyterian Church in Mehlville for the IPMS/Gateway meeting. That meeting featured a model contest for the club's Modeler of the Year and a build night, where members could work on their model kits.
Summer unofficially starts tomorrow with the Memorial Day Weekend. I hope all of my fellow Americans do take time to remember those who fell in battle for our country.
Later.
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