Makings of Danish Apple cake

I headed to my local Smith's Grocery Store for my fixings for my Danish Apple Cake.  I could find everything except for the Zweiback or Melba Toast.  Some folks at the store did not what I was talking about.  Found one of the eldery check-out person that could help me - but noting on the shelves.  Not even sure they make it anymore, I was told.

Over to the bakery - for unseasoned breadcrumbs. They were out and hoping to have a delivery later.  That did not happen.  So the next morning (day before Thanksgiving) check in at the local Walmart (hate to do business there).  They had and sold me a big bag of french bread breadcrumbs.

I have never used french breadcrumbs, but I was desirate.  It was that or I have to slice and dice a loaf or two of white bread.

199th LIB Reunion

Short drive Monday from S. Lake Tahoe to Reno.  Checked into the hotel, thankfully may room was available even though it was wat before check-in time.  Went to the 199th hospitality room and picked up my registration packet.

This was the first problem I had with my registration.  My name was spelled correctly on the registration envelop,but both the last name a location was wrong.  Got that corrected.

Settling into my room.  I could not log onto the hotel wi-fi,  Kept giving me an error message.  Had problems understanding the IT person (eventually asked for a person without the heavy accent). As it turned out, someone had spelled my name wrong! Guess they do not check my ID and credit card at check-in.  On top it all, when I turn on my TV, they have my name wrong.  URGH,

Back to the hospitality room for the memorial and opening session...The session was supposed to last 45 minutes, but the Chaplain was too long-winded.  Besides, I did not understand what he we trying to preach about as it did not make sense for me.  Ended up with pizza party hosted by the reunion. 

Closing and Sleeping in the New House

Closing was not without problems and conserns.  Late last Friday I received a message that the closing numbers were wrong and I would need more money.  The bank loan officer said I would be able to write a personal check for the difference.  When I got to the title company, the closing agent showed me a DIFFERENT amount.  Thankfully, my real estate agent and the bank load officer arrived and we could discuss this problem.

Apparently, the discrepancies were errors that the bank made problems, crediting costs to my account where they should have been credited the seller's account.  We were able to close.  Unfortunately, the seller was not closing until that afternoon in Arizona.  That delayed recording of the sale until the next day.

My cousin and I celebrated the closing with a meal and brews at Billy's Long Bar.

Bought bedding, phone connections, some food, and other supplies for the new house.  Moved to the Rio Rancho Comfort Inn using points for a free night room.

Friday, my furniture arrived.  Washed the bedding and made the bed.  Ready to spend the first night sleeping in the new house.

Mortgage Frustration

I am getting frustrated with the paperwork and problems getting my mortgage in New Mexico.  I had a mortgage banker that I liked working with,   For some reason, he is no longer with the bank.  The repacement and the others in the office are having problems accessing all of the files that I sent to the original mortgage office. 

Now, it has been unending requests for re-sending files.  That, and answering more question - all which I answered when I initially met with Lou (back in March). 

Meanwhile, the home inspection was accomplished yesterday.  There are some minor (GFCI outlets, etc) and major (furnace and water heater are old and should be replaced). 

All of this does not help me get motivated to pack boxes and tubs, then get them into the PODS. 

Photos, Frustration, and Paperwork

Monday, my real estate agent took me to the house.  Agenda was to check out a few items about the house, take photos for my use, and identify what I might want in the house.  That went well.  Got some good photos to post online and send prints to relatives that do not have internet.

Next was how to pay earnest money for the purchase.  Problems because I had lost my checkbook.  All were a pain - I called the title company representative saying I would be bringing cash the next day.  That day, I had problems.  They did not want to accept cash.  Guess the title company representative was not able to act on my phone call the previous day.  Did get the situation partially rectified.  Left me in a foul mood.

Started packing the room to get on the road home Thursday.  Met cousin Don for dinner and pints (my treat).  A couple pints of Alaskan Amber Ale and a enchilada dinner did wonders for my mood.

Frustrating Week

I did not get a warm, fuzzy feeling that would get a contract in the Stagecoach house. Looking at the disclosure statement, we found out that the water piping was polybutylene .  There was a class-action suit against the manufacture of the pipe. The time for remedy has expired.  So, the piping should have been replaced.  Got an oral estimate from a plumber.

After the offer expired, my agent sent me some other properties to consider.  We still had hopes that the concerns of Stagecoach house offer could be rectified.  We went on 2 paths.

There was a house in the same subdivision, about a mile away.  The house pictured above was the best of the houses we looked at.  Open floor plan and cathedral ceiling in the "great room".  Front yard was pretty bland.  Small covered patio and part of the back yard was just dirt (fine, disty dirt).

I went back to the Caldwell-Banker Legacy web site and found a couple other possibles.  By Friday evening, I was getting very depressed.  Sunday should have been the day I was planning to head back home to Iowa.  But, I did not have a contract for purchase a house.

Getting Home, Again

Monday, I headed back towards home.  Was a chlly morning, was out of Albuquerque about 5am.  First stop was Santa Rose for breakfast.  Had blueberry pancakes, sausage, and coffee at the Sun & Sand Restaurant on Historic Rt 66.  Much better service than the diner I ate at in Santa Rosa the last time traveled through there.

My book of things to see in New Mexico showed The Blue Hole in Santa Rose.  I found out the attraction was just back of the restaurant I was eating at.  The Blue Hole is a spring fed 81 deep hole in the earth.  I understand it is popular with local swimmers and divers.  A bit too cold for a swim that morning!  In the photo here, you see the full moon over the Blue Hole.

From there. it was a short drive East on I-40 to the "ghost" town of Cuervo, NM  Old buildings are on both side of the interstate.  I was able to recognize some of the buildings (ruins) from photos in my book about ghost towns of New Mexico. I understand the little church in the lower photo is still in use. Like mant of the other "ghost towns" in New Mexico, most have a couple residents. 

On long the highway, I saw another cluster of buildings.  No town on the map, but seemed to be another will way-station in the old Route 66. 

My route had me exit I-40 at Tucumari.  Took time to detour to look at old Main Street of Tucumari.  More signs of the bygone era along the "Main Street of America".  Many ruins of businesses along the street.

Settled into my lodging in Dodge City.  Frustrated from one of the e-mails I received.  More questions from the other person handling my proposed mortgage. 

Could not sleep, so figured to get an early start towards home.  Abouth 15 miles out of Dodge City, I got a "low tire" light.  Waited at a convenience store until it opened where I could get some change to feed the air pump.  Only place for tire repairs are back in Dodge City.  Killed some time in Dodge City by having breakfast in McD's.  Eventually, the tire store pened and I was able to get the tire fixed.  Was back on the road about 8am.

Without any other adventures, I arrived home about 4pm. 

Merv & Sue

Today was the day Don was getting the majot dental work done in Juarez.  I was not excited about spending the day seeing the sights in Iuarez, so I borrowed his vehicle to drive up to Las Cruses to visit with Army reunion friend Merv and his wife Sue.  Had a very  enjoyable visit.  For lunch, the suggested Chope's in La Mesa.  Good, authentic Mexican food.

Weather was not great - off and on sprinkles. drizzle.  Don was delayed getting across the bridge and through customs as it was rush hour. 
he arrived back at the room frustrated and with a very sore mouth.  Both of us skipped dinner.

Contractors (and other vendors) Beware

Back on June 3rd, we got hit with a nasty storm.  My house suffered hail damage.  This is August 12, almost 2 1/2 months since the storm.  I am STILL getting unsolicited phone calls for roof and house repairs!

First - They are too late.  Do they really think I would wait for over 2 months to look for and contact a contractor?  I was on the phone and web sites withing a couple days.  I know contractors get busy at these times, so the best thing is to get estimates, Do the rest of your homework, and select a contractor.  Then you are on his list for repairs.  Nothing will happen until this happens.

Second - I do NOT work with contractors that solicit work over the phone.  I will work with local, known contractors that I contact and ask for estimates.  There are too many traveling, fly-by-night contractors out there.

Finally, my phone number is on the National Do No Call list.  Anther reason your phone calls will not generate any business for me.  All you do is make me angry and make sure I would never do business with you.

Another Visit to the Zoo - Roof Repairs Stalled

I needed to get out for a walk or bike ride today.  Roofers were supposed to arrive between 7 and 8 in the morning.  It I wanted to go to the zoo, I needed to leave the bouse at 8:30.

Was a little bit humid and overcast when I stuck my head out of the door.  I had already dressed in shorts and polo shirt, so decided is was a "Zoo" day.

Arrived at the zoo as the gates were opening.  Got a good, close-in parking spot.  The goal today was to get down to the petting zoo area.  Did a detour through the Desert Dome - since most of it was closed when I was in March.

I get busy shooting photos, I do not get the names of most of the animals/  Another visit to the zoo, I should stop to shoot the exhibit sign so that I can later match the animal to the photo.

Stopped to shoot some flower photos.  Most of the plants are NOT labeled on the zoo grounds.  That would be helpful.  For now, som eof my flora/florist friends generally supply the names after I post them on facebook.

All around of Bear Canyon I found these strange cheracters (see photo(.  From the name, I think it was some Asian sculpture.  (should have grabbed a photo of the sign).  No idea it this is a semi-permanent exhibit.

The Zoo Railroad was running (I was sure sections of the track was torn up a month ago).  Toured Bear Canyon,  Lower photo is the American Black Bear. Got a couple shots of a peacock showing off his plumes.  Peahens and chicks wandering the area around Sue's Carousal.

My 11am. my legs had enough.  Splurged (50 cents) to ride the tram up neat to the zoo entrance.  While it was overcast and not hot, I was sweating from the humidity.  Treated myself to a Blizzard on the way home.

When I got home, I found no roofers.  Not surprised.  Exchanged e-mails with the contractor's salesman.  He came to the house to apologize.  Guess the company has a new work scheduler - and not coordinating much with the salesman. Was hoping to get the crew to my house tomorrow.  Well - that was blown out of the water later in the afternoon - the house the crew was working on needed a new roof deck in addition to the shingles - so would not be getting to me tomorrow.

 He gave me more info about getting the broken window.  Have someone to work on that tomorrow - after I am home from breakfast.

An "OH Sh*t" Day

Friday, I returned home from the post office and saw this at the bottom of the h\ill from my house.  Obviously, the load is too long to negotiate the corner (270th St & Dogwood Rd).  An addition to almost dragging the gravel, it looked like the wheels were into the ditch.

At one time, thet brought in a tow truck to back up the trailer.  Eventually, the had it back on the gravel road, but could not turn the corner.  Somebody sure screwed up on the route of this load.

After a couple hours, the crew was seen backing up the load for 2 miles to highway 6.  Saturday morning, heading into Council Bluffs for breakfast, the rig with load were parked at the Grange Hall at Quick. 

Echo Company Banquet

The banquet was in the Bugsy Siegel Room (his old Penthouse Suite in the hotel). A large room, lots of space for us.

I set up at one end to take "mug shots". Had some problems with the old camera. Taking my photo another guy turned on the self-timer. Since i do not use the camera much, could not figure out how to turn it off. Even replacing the battery didn't do the trick. Started using the new camera.

The program was starting, so I had to abandon the mug shots. Figured out the problem and re-set the older camera during dinner.

I think I mentioned in another post, the banquet was costing $55 per person. The food sure was not worth it. My steak was very tough.

Made it through dinner and the program. I had asked the host a couple times for put a group photo on the program. He failed to do that. At the end of banquet I hollered asking everyone to stay put and line up for a group photo. It was talking to a wall. Did bet the "first timers" that were still in the hall to pose for a group photo.

I was livid. Gathered up my camera equipment and calendars (thanks to those that bought a calendar). Down to the room to calm down. Chatted a little over a beer in the hospitality room. Back to the room and crashed.

Photo above is if the banquet color guard from Nellis AFB.

Frustrating Day

I was up VERY early this morning. Watched TV until there was a place to have breakfast. Was one of the folks in line at Ruby's waiting when the Restaurant opened. After breakfast, I quick stop back at the room and drive into the park to shoot some photos at sunrise.

A little late in getting in position. Actually, the sun was just up when I got Bryce Point. Was able to get a couple shots.

Was cold this morning - in the upper 30s. Loaded up the car and headed toward Red Canyon. Was still too cold when I got to the West end of the bicycle trail. So, figured I might as well head to Zion.

Zion National Park was a zoo. Traffic backed up at the entrance and tunnel. Most of the turn-outs were full. My plan was to get at the Visitor's Center to that I could check out the scoop regarding the shuttle buses. All of the parking lots at the Visitor's Center were full. Signs said to park in the town pf Springdale.

Even though I was needing to use a rest room, I said "screw it" and headed to Hurricane to find my hotel. Checked into the hotel. The desk clerk did not give me any hopeful signs that tomorrow morning would be any better at the park.

Decided to leave options open - plot some alternate plans. Since i also wanted to check out dirt trails, I found a bicycle shop in Hurricane. At Over the Edge Sports found out that this is Fall Break. That's why so many people in the park than it was a week ago.

There really isn't a good other place to spend the next 3 nights. So, guess I will rest, check out some singletrack, and do some local tourist activities, May go up to Cedar Breaks. Could even go the the Grand Canyon North Rim (it its still open). Across southern Utah, I found places closing for the season within the next week.

Needed to Take a Bike Ride

Cool morning here - in the 30's. Headed out for normal Sunday breakfast at Panera. Finished my sandwich and refilled for my coffee. About to settle in to do some computer work.

On of the guys I have coffee there started jiggling the table my computer is on. He knows that this bothers me, so he was doing it on purpose. Well, I had enough. Closed the laptop and re-stored it in the case. No "sorry" from him, just "bye". Since I had just refilled my coffee, I just sat there and finished my coffee and left.

Getting warmer, so started getting ready for a bike ride. Kitten up, aired the tires in the road bike, and went to put the bike on the rack. Tried to change to rack orientation, but the bike carrier bars would not stay up.

Headed to town to the bike shop. If I didn't go there today, I would also be without the rack tomorrow as they are closed on Mondays. Latching mechanism was partially broken and a piece was jamming the internals. Rack is now "serviceable" but I would not trust it for the upcoming trip. Will talk more about the problems Tuesday and see what remedies are available.

Finally, back to the house, grabbed the bike, water, & PowerAde. Parked at the Wabash Trace trailhead and rode to the Trails Center. Sure happy to be on the bike - some time to chill out and enjoy a ride.

Today's photo was taken on the Lake Manawa Trail along Mosquito Creek. It is now clear that the construction involves additions ot the storm sewer.

Feel better after the ride. Could have used my light jacket (or long sleeve jersey) but generally comfortable.

Dealing with Finances, Getting Screwed

Just have to vent dealing with finances, mostly with insurance changeover from my GM policy to MediCare and a Medigap policy.

A couple weeks ago I met with a Rep/Salesman from Physician's Mutual. After his pitch, I asked some questions. There were some things he told me just did not sound right. I was told that choosing a MediGap plan is a "one-time" decision. Very difficult to change. Anyway, I filed his brochures to look at after my trip (to MidWest Mountain Bike Fest).

Then I co back, called my home/auto insurance rep at TS Bank.Insurance. She could sell me MediGap policy including drug plan as long as I ask to review the offering. They have a play by Blue Cross/Blue Shield Wellmark. It was becoming obviously I will need to create a spreadsheet to evaluate the various plans. And that I I had been given incorrect info about the "one-time" selection of MediGap carrier.

I am in the information gathering phase at this time, because my MediCare does not kick in until 10/01. I called GM about my pension and lump-sum payment offer. While on the phone with them, I verified the day my insurance coverage ends with GM.

From there, on to GM Benefits and eventually Blue Cross-Blue Shield. My issue is regarding deductibles and out-of-pockets. Basically, I get screwed. I have already hit my out-of-pocket for 2012. But, since I go one MediCare for the last 3 months of the year, I will be in a new insurance year, and have to start all over on deductible!

Really down after the phone conversations. Too hot for (and already did) my bike ride.

Tuesday, after coffee at Panera Bread, I met my tax adviser. Most was about the tax implications of taking a lump-sum pension payment. Also discussing tax issues with turning 65. He refered me to a company he uses that deals with MediCare, MediGap, and all.

Called Helping Hands for Senior Plans. Kurt offered to meet me the same day. We med at his office on N 30th in Omaha. Gave him my drug list over the phone. My the time I could drive to his office, he had plans outlined for me. As an independent broker, he and his wife search the offering and can select the best plans for me. We even discussed how to lessen the impact of the double deductible for the year.

Each year, the look as the plans to see if there is a better plan fitting individual needs. He verified that the Physician Mutual rep was either giving me bogus information, or their play is unique in the its difficult to change carriers.

Ended up with a much better feeling about turning 65 and my finances. Next, second meeting with my financial adviser to set up plans for my pension. Once the pension finances are settle, I will select my MediGap carrier.

Royal CF

Yesterday I opened envelopes from Classic (the car dealer). I was expecting a survey on the purchase/sales gal. Thankfully, I was at Panera Break for coffee. One of the envelopes was my title application paperwork. This was the same paperwprk I had been told that the dealership had sent to the bank a week ago.

At the dealership, (have I told you that almost every time I am in there, I get a different person and different answer) I was told that I got my own financing, they mailed me the paperwork. No explanation as to what too a week!

So, back to the bank where my banker took the paperwork and was forwarding it to their title office. The paperwork MAY make it to the county treasure office before my 30 days. Hope I do not get any penalty (here we have 30 days to register a vehicle).

More Car Dealer Frustration

When we last visited, I was bringing the new car home. At the dealership, I was told to come in next week to get paperwork for registration.

Last week (about Thursday the 8th) I was back at the dealership (Classic Chevrolet Cadillac) Eventually they found someone that knew where the paperwork was for my car. She told me that they did not receive the MSO from the original dealer, yet. Now, this was a WEEK from when I said I wanted the car and nearly a week after taking delivery! I was now told that it could be 10 days to 2 weeks before I can register the car.

She just kept telling me that "it takes time". Gave me no warm, fuzzy feeling that she really cared about when the paperwork was processed.

After coffee this morning, I came by the dealership since no one had given me an update. The sales manager was wondering why I was in the showroom. I told the sales gal that I was looking for my registration paperwork.

They found the paperwork and had me sign some more forms. Guess they were just gonna sit in some office until they got around to realizing they needed to contact me for signature. When I asked for registration paperwork, she told me that the bank had it.

On over to the bank. My personal banker checked and they had not received any registration paperwork. When I updated him of my problems, he commented that he was surprised that the dealership would deliver the car without having the MSO in hand. Back to the dealership. Finally I got the straight scoop - One of the papers I had signed was the MSO and WOULD be sent to the bank later today.

When the sales manager checked my sale, they were supposed to include the registration, tax, etc in the invoice. It was not. I had asked about the registration and tax and had been told that I needed to pay it when I registered the vehicle.

This whole episode has been a royal CF. Every time I talked with someone, I was getting only parts of the information. Hell, it seemed that no one seemed to have all of the information. Stay tuned...

Can I have a "do over"?

This morning, I headed to the Foothills area to ride singletrack. As I was checking out the trail, I met Todd - previously from Bellevue NE! We chatted a little and he suggested I ride the ski slope.

Anyway, I headed out on foothills trail 365. Today's photo is of that trail - about a mile from the Montgomery Rd Trailhead. Just as I was feeling good about riding this rocky section, I realized my rear tire was going flat. I realized it was no slow leak - I decided to walk the bike back to the car.

On my way to the bike shop, I stopped by Jiffy Lube, since my car needed that service. The service advisor spoke very fast. Had problems even when asking him to slow down. Of course, he wanted to sell me all kinds of extras. Never will use Jiffy Lube again. By the time I got out of there, I had a headache.

Next stop was at Fat Tire Cycles. I told them my problem and Ed explained to me about the "goatheads" - little thorns that puncture tires in the area. The plant is also know as Puncture Vine and Tribulus terrestris. Ed suggested new tubes the thicker walls and slime inside. He installed the new tubes. Thanks, Ed.

By now it is now too hot to ride up in the foothills area. Went to the hotel and thought about riding at the ski slope. Searching the web, I found that they will only be open on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays. Next idea was the Botanical Gardens since that is just a block from my hotel. Killed a couple hours at the gardens and Aquarium. Took several good photos.

Finally, drove around to the other side of Sandia Peak. There were questions about the ski life opening. The web site said that it will be open July and August for Fri, Sat, Sun from July 7th. Of course, the phone numbers do not allow speaking to a real person. They are just recorded messages and a menu tree. Drove on up to Sandia Peak Crest. Took a couple photos and headed down to the hotel.

While up at the foothills trail area, I got a phone call from Craig - a fraternity brother. We are planning to getting together tomorrow evening.

BHFTF Last Day

I did not like the new schedule for the festival. With the Mickelson Trail on Saturday and Sunday - that (and maybe a ride on Friday - perhaps a Monday) is all you can do. The Vendor and Demo area is only open Saturday/Sunday. Never had time to visit with the vendors. When we got back from the Mickelson on Sunday, the festival HQ was closed (torn down).

The full schedule showed 6 guided tours on Monday morning. I came to the Park hoping to ride St. Martin's. That was one that my guide Friday afternoon said he thought it would be a good one for me. Instead, only Victoria Lake, Bone Collector, and Storm Mountain rides when out. If it was because not interest (sign-up) as of Sunday close, we (Mickelson Riders) could not have signed up and/or asked for one of the rides because the festival was closed.

Anyway, I tried the Victoria Lake Ride (some on my friends were going in the ride. I should should have know that it was not for me -- my friends are expert riders). The climb up from the parking lot (walking my bike up for .4 miles on a muddy logging road) was enough for me. That adding problems with the breast strap on my hydration pack.

Ended up just taking a ride on the Rapid Creak Trail see if I meet up wth Rich (Omaha) to visit and see what plans were for this evening.

Not a good day today. And I am tired from the 2 days on the Mickelson. If some of us don't meet for dinner, I may pack up this evening and head out for home very early in the morning.

URGH - late note -- I forgot to turn the cell back on after the film festival last night. Missed 3 calls to ride this afternoon on the Mickelson. Trying to contact about dinner this evening. They must stil be n the trail.

Sounds like time to be head home.