Halloween 2010

I had an interesting Halloween. It started out with a trip to Aldi on Pearl Road in Cleveland. I barely made the bus after dropping off some newspapers at the recycling bin near where Bob and I vote (My Census training was also held here.). I bought some 2% milk, Variety Pack Oatmeal, Unsalted-Dry Roasted Peanuts, and a 2 liter bottle of GT Cola (only $.59 (Diet GT Cola was only $.39)). There was no line and no clerk. After I completed my purchases, I crossed the street to catch a bus to get me closer to home. I then walked home from State Road and Portman Avenue. I then spent the rest of the afternoon on my computer and looking at football.

Not long after dinner, Trick or treating started. After four minutes, I had given away twenty pieces of candy. I thought that it would be a big night. As it turns out, about 94 people received candy in the two hours of trick or treating (6:00 to 8:00). I blame it on the wind and the temperature in the forties. At least, it didn't rain.

After spending more time on the computer, I left for Heggs House of Horror (http://www.heggshouseofhorror.com) on Merl Avenue, a short walk from my house. Since it was well past the end of handing out candy, there was a nice crowd. I spent some time looking at the display. I then walked home. In less than half an hour, the trip was over.

Halloween 2010 will be noted for the lack of "exciting costumes". It was still a fun day. I hope that I have as much fun next year.

My 40th Birthday Celebration

As most of you know, my birthday was on October 21 (I started writing the post on October 21, but I finished it after midnight.) Tonight we celebrated by having dinner at Dimitri's in Parma (Yes, it's near the new Walgreen's that I have documented many times on this blog.). The attendees were Kathleen, Tim, Mike (Schabel), Maggie, Lois, Joe, Bob, Mandy, and Paul. The food was delicious for the most part. Although dessert was part of the Sunday special, (Entree, soup, salad, rolls, dessert, and beverage are bundled for one price on selected meals.) we also enjoyed a birthday cake made by Maggie. We also enjoyed each other's company. It was a nice celebration that will be remembered for a long time. (This blog will be a great help!)

P.S.: I had my usual Boston Scrod and Rice Pilaf tonight.

My 40th Birthday

As most of my readers know, I turned 40 years old today. I started the day watching my favorite show Live with Regis and Kelly on WEWS in Cleveland. I then checked my e-mail. I attempted to print out an e-mail coupon from Denny's. I struggled, but Bob was successful with the printout. We walked to Broadview and Tampa Avenues to catch the first of two buses to go to Denny's near Parmatown Mall. The first bus was so late that we didn't make our second bus at Broadview and Pearl Roads, so we just went back down Broadview Road to go to Wendy's. We both had half an Apple Pecan Chicken Salad and value priced sodas. Bob had Chili, while I had a Baked Potato with chives, butter, and sour cream (It's my birthday. You only turn 40 once.) We enjoyed our food. After lunch, Bob went home. I headed for the Parma-South Library.

Despite the fact that our bus was late to Broadview and Pearl Roads was late, the second bus was late enough for me to catch it. At the library, I read the latest Billboard Magazine, the Official Catholic Directory for 2010, the Spring 2010 SRDS Newspaper Advertising Guide, and an article on Kelly Ripa in the November 2010 issue of Good Housekeeping. I also checked out six CDs (Five 70s compilations and one 80s compilation). I then went to Giant Eagle by Parmatown to buy Classic Lotto and Powerball tickets for Saturday's drawings. After reading the Glee spoof in Mad Magazine, I made the short walk to Denny's.

At 4:00, my seating area at Denny's had a lot of people. I ordered my "healthier" Grand Slam. Unfortunately, I forgot to hold the butter and syrup, so I lived it up. (I only used one of my two syrups on my pancakes.) I also enjoyed a Coke with added vanilla flavoring. (I would have enjoyed it more without the glass two-thirds full of ice. I remedied the situation at refill time. ) Once again, I enjoyed my food.

To kill time before my first bus towards home, I crossed Day Drive to go to JCPenney. I then caught the bus which took me to Aldi on Pearl Road in Cleveland to buy a variety pack of oatmeal and a gallon of 2% Lowfat milk. I then came home and relaxed.

To all the callers, e-mailers and Facebook commenters, thanks for the nice birthday messages. This was a birthday to remember. The celebration continues on Sunday. Details will follow.

Happy Birthday, Mandy

Today is my niece Mandy's birthday. She and her husband, Paul, were planning to spend the weekend in Niagara Falls. I hope that they have a nice safe trip.

Speaking of trips, it was reported on the Kendal-Hayden Blog that Mike, Marnie, and the kids were in Cleveland. Driving through Cleveland was probably involved, based on the activities that they enjoyed, but Bob and I, who actually live in Cleveland, were not involved. Hopefully, we will see them in the coming months. I am pleased to report that location detail on the blog is showing some improvement.

Until next time, enjoy life.

Walgreen's, Dave, Melina, and the Census Bureau

On Thursday, I finally made it to the new Walgreen's on Rockside Road in Parma. (The Arby's next door has a Snow Road address.) Cashews (8.5 oz.), mixed nuts (9 oz.), and peanuts (16 oz.) were on sale for $1.99 through today. I bought a can each of cashews and mixed nuts (Both unsalted). I didn't buy any peanuts because I can buy the same size from Aldi at that price regularly. (Deals offers the same size for $2.) I didn't tour the store because I wanted to catch the bus home, so I could catch up on videotapes with Bob. In addition to the nuts, I picked up five Buck Doubles from the nearby Burger King for Bob's meals at work. I also visited the Parma-Snow library to pick up some CDs and read some materials. We watched the tape, ate leftover pizza from Don-Gi's Pizza, and relaxed before Bob left for work.

This morning, we got haircuts from the Pearlview Barber Shop on Broadview Road (Across from the former Arby's). It was our first haircut since our previous barber, Dave Bernard, died a week ago. Before going to work at our current barber shop, his barber shop was across the street. Bob and I had our haircuts from Dave for about twenty years there before the bar next door wanted to expand. He then went to work with our present barber, Roy Valenti, briefly. His license and smock are still there, although he retired a few years ago. There was at least one time when Roy cut my hair, and Dave cut Bob's hair. (I don't remember if the reverse scenario occurred.) Dave will be missed.

There is a little bit of trivia concerning Dave Bernard. His son married Melina Kanakeredes's sister. Coincidentally, Melina was on Live with Regis and Kelly on Thursday. Unfortunately, Dave's death wasn't mentioned on the show. It would have been nice to meet her if she made it back to town for the wake and funeral. By the way, Bob and I missed both events because they didn't fit into Bob's schedule. We really didn't know his family, although his widow and a few other relatives made a few appearances at the barber shop over the years while we were there. We'll have our memories.

Speaking of memories, I finally have decided to update the story of the Census Bureau's failure to put my pay into my bank account. After my first call and visit to the Census Bureau, only about half of my pay made it into my bank account, so I called again. A few days later, after checking my bank account, I thought that the Census Bureau failed again, but I reviewed my pay stubs and realized that my pay stubs were added together (Two amounts were in each pay stub in my later weeks in one of those baffling government decisions.) On July 29th, my pay stubs and my bank account were finally in sync (after the aforementioned summation, of course). After a small hassle, I was finally relieved with a happy ending.

Until next time, keep up with the research.

Happy Anniversary, Dan and Laura

Today is my nephew Dan and his wife Laura's seventh wedding anniversary. I hope that they still get as much enjoyment as I did the day that they got married. It was a fun wedding.

Until next time, enjoy life.