Breakfast at 5242'

Traveling

Took a quick trip to IL to help out my uncle. He wasn't feeling well and his wife was out of town. He had fallen several times and my mom really wanted to go see him. So I rented a car and off we went. After our 14 hour trip we made it there safe and sound. He was feeling better. We were even able to go out birding to some of the local lakes and ponds while we were there. Being so close to Wisconsin, we went to the cheese Castle and bought cheese. I really did'nt want to leave, but we needed to get home. We stayed a week and off we went back home. It was good to see my uncle and then my aunt. My mom was happy to see her brother. We will return and do more birding when things settle down. Birding is in my blood, a hobby handed down for generations. I love it!

How to buy a fresh fish

Here are a couple of things you should look for when buying a fresh fish. Look at their eyes...They should be clear, bright and convex.These fish in the market...well, not so much. I didn't buys these.

Then, take a whiff, if it smells fishy, pass it up.

Take a look at the fish's gills. They should be bright pink and fresh looking. 

Is not to hard to find the freshest fish if you know what to look for. Good luck and don't settle for 'almost' fresh. 

Cheers!

So...As part of this journey I, and now we are on, is to take advantage of offers when they present themselves. I was invited to a VIP meet and greet (me and a couple of hundred people) with John Ratzenberger and George Wendt. They are also known as Cliff and Norm from the sitcom Cheers. Both John and George were gracious and friendly, taking time to talk to each person. When my mom and I had our turn I asked for hugs...and I got hugs. Bless their hearts, but I was not going to miss out on an opportunity like this one. Along with the meet and greet we had dinner and a complimentary hotel room. This all took place at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Catoosa (near Tulsa) Oklahoma. I think a great time was had by all. If you're ever passing through the Tulsa area, the Hard Rock is the place to stay! (Make sure you get a players card... Lots of benefits).

     So how does this help me on this journey I'm on? I guess I have to say it's just down right fun, a break from reality, something different, and an opportunity to just relax. I will alway welcome the opportunity to grow and explore new experiences.

A clean sweep

One of my goals is to purge a lot of the stuff I own (Or that owns me). Purging is a long process of going through my belongings, what's more difficult is letting things go. We had a garage sale this past weekend and sold  bunch of random things, there is a palestra of stuff left. We had plans to have another garage sale. With this sale being so much work we decided to postpone having another one. I am taking all the leftover garage sale items and donating them to the Salvation Army and Goodwill. Even with everything that I'm letting go, there is so much more. So the work go on...

Getting my kicks on Route 66- The Blue Whale

    I'm doing a bit of exploring in Oklahoma. There is so much to see and do in Oklahoma and on Route 66.

     In Catoosa (Right off Route 66) there is the Blue Whale. It was constructed, on site, by Hugh Davis between 1970-72. Originally it was built as a one-of-kind wedding anniversary present. It's 80' long, 15' tall, and 10' across. You're allowed to walk in it...but no jumping in to go swimming. There is a little gift shop on the site as well. 

If you happen to be traveling the Mother Road, this is well worth a stop and look see. 

So being able to travel and see new things is just what I've hoped for. The Blue Whale is just one thing on my bucket list. Check that one off.

And so it begins...

I've recently decided to make major changes in my life. It's time to start fresh and change every aspect of how I've been living. I'm going to take a year to accomplish this monumental task.

Join me on my journey of rediscovery and renewal.

My first step was to quit working, this will allow me to focus on my goals. So, check that off my list. In 17 days I'm having a garage sale, I'm selling as much as I can. I am going to lighten up the stuff I have. (Plus I need to pay my bills next month.) I hope you'll join me on my journey, it should be a hell of a ride.