What a Concept
Reality? That is for everyone else. I chose to remain quietly disengaged. No that is not actually true. I am right here in the thick of it I am steeped in reality. I'm not just up to my neck like some (who leave their heads out for some reason --which is a lack of reason), I'm completely submersed in it most of the time.
The most unreal thing in my life right 'this second' is the vacation I seem to be finding myself in. Sure I have projects, projects, projects. I have projects to start, continue, rethink, complete, deconstruct and redo.
I have the Yard and Garden which is like a Federal Tax; it never gets done right, it never goes away, it grows in ways you didn't see coming and it is half consumed with weeds and corruption before the first fruits of labor are even apparent, if you ignore it for a few days the work to get it back in some kind of order is twice as difficult and if you concentrate on one area to full satisfaction the rest has completely gone to hell behind your back!
I'm disgusted with my Yarden now that I have analyzed it. I think I should go in a completely new direction. Each year I have a better garden, I am building the best garden I can with my resources, I need to re-do the garden. I need to give the same attention to every plant and area, promise to make each blade of grass the happiest blade of grass in the yard, instead of getting rid of my weeds and putting up borders I should tear down all the borders, I could feed the weeds too, they have a right to be here, I could stop burning precious fossil fuels to keep the grasses in check, I could get an electric mower (electricity is free and no fuels are used to convert one sort of energy into another anymore electric is clean at my end therefore it must be clean, and cheap and pollution free where it is created too, right?)
There will be no more dry patches in my yard either all the areas will get along. Since the planet is 67% water I will not have or allow dry spots, I will ask the wet areas to share with the dry ones and all will be happy. I will ask the plants to be the same color under the stem. I will have a utopian -socialist yarden, oh and I need to get all of my neighbors to pay for it since they will benefit from my perfect order, they should pay, especially the ones with better gardens. I should have my pick of their plants and efforts, I don't care if they put more time and effort in than I, I have a right to be pleased with my yard.
I'm Chuck Pace and I approve this Message!
I think I have to get out of the house and yard for a bit. Something got me thinking I have all the answers. Just because I've been tending a small patch of earth for a few years, I believed I could run the whole terrestrial terrarium. Is that crazy or what?
Hey, Jenni! Wanna go for a drive? It's supposed to get nice.
Chuck Pace ©2008
The most unreal thing in my life right 'this second' is the vacation I seem to be finding myself in. Sure I have projects, projects, projects. I have projects to start, continue, rethink, complete, deconstruct and redo.
I have the Yard and Garden which is like a Federal Tax; it never gets done right, it never goes away, it grows in ways you didn't see coming and it is half consumed with weeds and corruption before the first fruits of labor are even apparent, if you ignore it for a few days the work to get it back in some kind of order is twice as difficult and if you concentrate on one area to full satisfaction the rest has completely gone to hell behind your back!
I'm disgusted with my Yarden now that I have analyzed it. I think I should go in a completely new direction. Each year I have a better garden, I am building the best garden I can with my resources, I need to re-do the garden. I need to give the same attention to every plant and area, promise to make each blade of grass the happiest blade of grass in the yard, instead of getting rid of my weeds and putting up borders I should tear down all the borders, I could feed the weeds too, they have a right to be here, I could stop burning precious fossil fuels to keep the grasses in check, I could get an electric mower (electricity is free and no fuels are used to convert one sort of energy into another anymore electric is clean at my end therefore it must be clean, and cheap and pollution free where it is created too, right?)
There will be no more dry patches in my yard either all the areas will get along. Since the planet is 67% water I will not have or allow dry spots, I will ask the wet areas to share with the dry ones and all will be happy. I will ask the plants to be the same color under the stem. I will have a utopian -socialist yarden, oh and I need to get all of my neighbors to pay for it since they will benefit from my perfect order, they should pay, especially the ones with better gardens. I should have my pick of their plants and efforts, I don't care if they put more time and effort in than I, I have a right to be pleased with my yard.
I'm Chuck Pace and I approve this Message!
I think I have to get out of the house and yard for a bit. Something got me thinking I have all the answers. Just because I've been tending a small patch of earth for a few years, I believed I could run the whole terrestrial terrarium. Is that crazy or what?
Hey, Jenni! Wanna go for a drive? It's supposed to get nice.
Chuck Pace ©2008
Time Out...
How I spent my late Spring Vacation: Pt 1
The day started with me digging post holes for the posts I made on my last official day off prior to this weeks vacation recess. I dado'ed and hole sawed capitals unto pressure treated lumber on Thursday so that I could dig holes and run creeper wire for the vegetables that Jenni is soon to be plugging into the soils between my master works. I dug holes, leveled and straightened and then ran creeper wire until I ran out of 20 gauge wire. Then it was break for supplies and victuals.
Then planting, and mowing and clean-up and cleaning up and watching 3 more Band of Brother Episodes while ingesting Chiko-Rice-Lemony Snackets.
The 'nuther angle of the same old thing deal. Pt 2.
Tuesday: The vegetation is starting to take shape, and the vacation is officially on, as it is now Tuesday and I am "at it" again today. Later I will be taking my sod-pounding sore self to the Alley where the bowling is taking place. Between then and now I will format photos and get myself a little rest. Speaking of photo, Jenni took some garden photos too hers are available fore oohing and ahhing at blogspot linked right here for your convenience.
The pictures here are all mine though. Including this rather oriental set from this afternoon complete with Foo Dog Dragon!
Chuck Pace ©2008
A Track Record
The Pagoda seen from Stand C, section 1 stairwell landing.
Just after the "Drivers to your Cars" announcement. Chuck Pace ©2008
Well I hadn't been to a Open Wheel Race in Indianapolis since the Cart/IRL fiasco of oh too many years ago.
I have been getting more interested in the racing again in the last three or fours years (the Danica years) as have so many others. She is a great boon to a sport that suffered a type of identity crisis for about a decade, she was the most popular driver among the fans in the seats around us as I'm sure she is everywhere she goes. A truly talented driver with the same bravado as the "boys club' drivers. She is analogous to Jr. in the cup series for fan base and worship, and a far better/braver talent in my opinion, and of course she didn't inherit a fan base, or get the gift of a team and a ride from her family. Her personal race is more like that of a Tigress breaking into the Lions domain.
Behind our seats, in the next row was a preschool girl and her 1st grade brother. She said he was going to race cars like Danica when she was older. A sentiment heard from others a few more times at the concession stands and along the walks back to the car too I might add.
Of the Chatterbox entourage I can say that all had a grand time before, during and after the main event. Once again David has given his regular patron's more reason to continue frequenting his fine establishment.
Above: Indy native John Andretti during one of the many cautions.
Chuck Pace ©2008
Roll On Seven
Smashing success. The pins fell. The handicaps were established. The games ended.
Last night it was the All*Star Bowl. The lanes were dressed nicely, the oils didn't break down nearly as much as the bowlers, and the tech of the equipment was medium high. It was like going from LP to CD for the first time. Still not 5.1 surround or SACD quality, but 'viva la difference'! I rolled threes games at exactly my average. So Did Rich and Tom (if you are new to this you establish your average in the first night, so it is inevitable that you roll your exact average on night one, get it?) What is your average oh sage of the ether-tripe. Glad you asked. Three games 179, 168 and 180, for a series of 527 yields a 176 average in this particular league and a 31 hdcp. Rich? Why you are so inquisitive today. He reigned havoc with 131, 160 and 197 efforts. Series 488, handicap 43. You keep at me and I will tell you all, but you knew that. Captain Tom? The Tom who bowls at All-Star on a regular basis, Tom? He did just fine thanks for asking. You want a breakdown? I am too emotionally stable right now to breakdown over a first night of bowling, but I will tell you how Tom did if that is what you require. Thusly, 185, 191 and 181. Series 557, hdcp 22. We won one game and series in the strength of that victory. For a 3 point first endeavor.
Midway through our second game Jeff Barber arrived to do some open bowling, he too had never stepped into the All Star Bowl as a combatant of the evil scourge of "Pin". Unofficially he had about a 135 average for the evenings bout. I shall take my battle armor into the fray each week for the next 13 weeks to do this battle as well.
We started at 7 hence the title of said post, we were on lane six. I didn't have one big four or monster split the whole night, Rich had a "church" once but was otherwise ugly split free as well.
It was a god introduction to All*Star. We named our team Total Breakdown.
Chuck Pace ©2008
Last night it was the All*Star Bowl. The lanes were dressed nicely, the oils didn't break down nearly as much as the bowlers, and the tech of the equipment was medium high. It was like going from LP to CD for the first time. Still not 5.1 surround or SACD quality, but 'viva la difference'! I rolled threes games at exactly my average. So Did Rich and Tom (if you are new to this you establish your average in the first night, so it is inevitable that you roll your exact average on night one, get it?) What is your average oh sage of the ether-tripe. Glad you asked. Three games 179, 168 and 180, for a series of 527 yields a 176 average in this particular league and a 31 hdcp. Rich? Why you are so inquisitive today. He reigned havoc with 131, 160 and 197 efforts. Series 488, handicap 43. You keep at me and I will tell you all, but you knew that. Captain Tom? The Tom who bowls at All-Star on a regular basis, Tom? He did just fine thanks for asking. You want a breakdown? I am too emotionally stable right now to breakdown over a first night of bowling, but I will tell you how Tom did if that is what you require. Thusly, 185, 191 and 181. Series 557, hdcp 22. We won one game and series in the strength of that victory. For a 3 point first endeavor.
Midway through our second game Jeff Barber arrived to do some open bowling, he too had never stepped into the All Star Bowl as a combatant of the evil scourge of "Pin". Unofficially he had about a 135 average for the evenings bout. I shall take my battle armor into the fray each week for the next 13 weeks to do this battle as well.
We started at 7 hence the title of said post, we were on lane six. I didn't have one big four or monster split the whole night, Rich had a "church" once but was otherwise ugly split free as well.
It was a god introduction to All*Star. We named our team Total Breakdown.
Chuck Pace ©2008
All Star Game
Well from 'never again' to be 'gentle its my first time'. Last time it was go big or don't go at all. This time it's get in, do the job and get out . I have never bowled a game at All*Star Bowl before, I have dropped Meredith off and picked her up for Friday Night and Saturday night bowling there when she was in High school, but, Laid a ball on the hardwood (yes children, wood) that I have not.
So tonight at 6:30 a new era in kegling begins for your intrepid blog-master. I got balls, and I got wood, I'm ready to get it on. I have to scratch an itch, and get over the 'Evil Empire's' destruction of my home kegling planet! I will be a force. I will have my revenge I will not bowl over to the dark side.
The Last time was sweet and bittersweet. This time I just hope the healing starts. The memories will be all the much better with a "comparison set" to judge by. Wish me luck. Wish my team mates luck, Tom Pruitt and Rich Culy. Wish.
Chuck Pace ©2008
So tonight at 6:30 a new era in kegling begins for your intrepid blog-master. I got balls, and I got wood, I'm ready to get it on. I have to scratch an itch, and get over the 'Evil Empire's' destruction of my home kegling planet! I will be a force. I will have my revenge I will not bowl over to the dark side.
The Last time was sweet and bittersweet. This time I just hope the healing starts. The memories will be all the much better with a "comparison set" to judge by. Wish me luck. Wish my team mates luck, Tom Pruitt and Rich Culy. Wish.
Chuck Pace ©2008
Long Live Longevity
Jenni didn't feel well on Mother's Day. She got an allergy or something from Friday or Saturday in the garden I guess. Her eyes were puffy and swollen. She stayed a'bed much of the early part of the day. I ran a few Mother fetcher errands, brought home the dinner, etc... we watched the last three episodes of Firefly. Then, when that was over I decided I had to go buy Serenity for both of us (Mother's day), so I was off on another Mother Fetching run! I got to BestBuy and bought, then I looked around and found too. Unlike those early adopters who pay a premium for new technologies I have adopted a different style of shopping the "Too Late Accepters" and there on the shelf was my procrastination prize, an out of box 'floor model only' Toshiba HD DVD player with remote. I looked for one HD DVD to play in it at BestBuy and later at Meijer, to no avail. Then I popped home ever so stealthily and brought in the video bacon.
The outsides of the houses and stores were mighty damp and not very pleasant, but inside we were up-converting Serenity to 1080i and loving every moment. Even 'Puffy Eyes' saw clearer than ever before. So the short run for HD DVD in the Hi-Def Wars may be over but we have finally stepped into the battlefield...
...long after the dust has settled!
Chuck Pace ©2008
The outsides of the houses and stores were mighty damp and not very pleasant, but inside we were up-converting Serenity to 1080i and loving every moment. Even 'Puffy Eyes' saw clearer than ever before. So the short run for HD DVD in the Hi-Def Wars may be over but we have finally stepped into the battlefield...
...long after the dust has settled!
Chuck Pace ©2008
The Business Done
Last Day montage: Clockwise from top left. Mishell, Larry and Melinda. Sue Reilly, John Laughlin; A last look at the lanes: The Sign still lit and the neon pin.
The Sport Bowl is done. Over done with gone. There was no way to save it. In the 9 or 10 years I bowled there regularly I made a lot of friends, met a lot of nice and interesting people, and had a lot of fun. Saturday was the last 'league official' event. The strike pot tournament, which was held to distribute the scratch pot that was building for over two years since the last time one of the centers bowlers bowled all 14 required strikes in a three game series. There were 118 entrants in the Strike pot tournament, I knew about 20% of them well enough to have a casual conversation with them. Recognized about another 12% as bowlers I've seen or bowled against in a decade of competition, still I think it odd that I really only recognized about a third of the entrants in the SPT.
Of the 118 entrants, 25 made the pay-out. 1st place took $2500, 2nd $1250, and so on all the way down to a three way tie at 23-25, each of them getting $140. Of the 25 "winners" list I recognized only 12 rollers counting myself (in 7th place). My pay-out for 7th with a 704 series, $415.00 which is to be mailed at some later date. So, besides the thousands of great memories, the dozens of stellar performances, the milestone bowling moments I've had (along with a few dozen stinker nights and crappy performances I am forced to remember to make the good ones shine a little better), I get a tiny fraction of the money I put into the side-pots back and a big bragging towel to wave when ever I feel I need.
Chuck Pace ©2008
The End of Days
At the stroke of Midnight the Sport Bowl Bowling Centers is officially closed. Today is the End of Days for the Sportbowl,
Last Night I bowled my last league related games at the Sportbowl. The Strike Pot Tournament, I did well too, I should be in the money somewhere. I know I didn't make the top 6 places but I may be in the top twelve or so. If so I stand to walk away with a couple of hundred dollars I guess. I will have to wait and see what the outcome is.
Tonight a few of us regulars are saying our last goodbyes to the building , the staff and the fun we shared.
Tonight is the final day of operation for sportbowl.
Chuck Pace ©2008
Last Night I bowled my last league related games at the Sportbowl. The Strike Pot Tournament, I did well too, I should be in the money somewhere. I know I didn't make the top 6 places but I may be in the top twelve or so. If so I stand to walk away with a couple of hundred dollars I guess. I will have to wait and see what the outcome is.
Tonight is the final day of operation for sportbowl.
Chuck Pace ©2008
Me Too! Me Too!
05/02/08 10:08 PM | Projectile | Permalink
Hey Look! Those Bloomin' Trees are still there!
Chuck Pace ©2008