Me and Tanner...Chillin'

Another day off, finally. I say it like that because I had to do an eight day stretch, with shifts ranging from closing (getting home at 3:30 AM) to mid shifts, to opens, where I have to be awake at 5:00 AM. Well, that doesn't sound so bad, but it seems like every year it's getting harder and harder to do, so my days off are becoming a little more cherished. I'm not getting any younger, you know.

Today started out with the rain finally stopping, so I was able to go outside and change my spark plugs in the truck. Not a bad things really, if it's 70 degrees and dry, LOL. But standing in the puddles from the rain, which were everywhere, and it's a long way from 70 degrees, then add to the mix that my truck is a 4WD that really ain't so low to reach over into the engine compartment, and Tanner wound up hearing some new words.

Now that was finally accomplished, lets actually rest. Tanner and me, watching TV together. The crock pot full of homemade vegetable soup for later in the day, and the banjo sitting on it's regal stand just begging to be picked up. Enter the sister..."it's your day off so I know you didn't have to work, so I came to get you to go shopping with me"...the last thing I wanted to do was to get off the couch and go anywhere, but what can I say. She did after all bring Tanner some biscuits, and he's always happy to see her, so off I went. Turned out not to be bad after all though.

Now it's night time, and I can't sleep because of my crazy work schedule, but tomorrow...oh tomorrow is another day off, so I have already told Tanner that I'm turning off the phone, turning up the TV, and it's just gonna be me and him, chillin' the day away. We'll see......

Affordable Health Care

Let's face it; in today's economy with all the rising costs it's getting harder and harder to make ends meet. We all have to budget in all aspects of our lives to try and save what we can. One way that a lot of us don't really stop to think much about is health care. I know from my own experience this past year or so just how quickly and without warning some health issues can change your life. After these months of doctors, hospitals, medicines, surgery and everything associated with that, I have looked at a lot of options, and I want to share one with you now.

Ameriplan has offered several methods of health services that are designed to help you save not only with discounts on different programs, but they have made it affordable for the whole family. There are several options to choose from, starting with the low cost basic wellness plan on up to the total health program. You will certainly be surprised at all the offerings in store for you, from dental, vision, prescription, to nurseline and hearing discount programs. They even include chiropractic services and cosmetic surgery, something you don't normally find, especially at these affordable prices. They have even added podiatry specific care.

The Ameriplan Dental Health Package is outstanding as well, with savings of up to 80%. There are over 30,000 dentists in the United States to choose from. Any of the programs offered by Ameriplan are exceptional values, and some of the perks that you don't normally find are things like no waiting period to be accepted, no paperwork to fill out or waiting for reimbursements, there is no limit on services, you can use it as many times as needed, and no pre-authorization for procedures such as you get from insurance companies. And, there is no age limit, it's for everyone from newborn to geriatric.

You owe it to yourself to check out Ameriplan for their health care programs. I have only scratched the surface of what you will find with the savings and services. Take a few minutes to read the testimonials and FAQ's to learn even more, and I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Another Nice Day...What to Do....

Actually, the past couple of days have been very nice, weather-wise, so it left me in a dilemma as to what I should do on my days off from work. Yesterday I got busy and finished the back yard (again) blowing all the leaves away. This is the third time for that, but all the leaves have fallen now, so this will be the final task.

It was nice being out there, just me and Tanner in comfortable temperatures, getting the work done, and we did accomplish quite a bit. He's such a good supervisor, lol. Then today I planned to finish the front yard, but it was just so tempting to hit those little golf balls, I couldn't pull myself away from that. The way I see it, I'm off again next week, the front yard will still be there, so now I have a goal to shoot for. How's that for guilt compensation? Pretty good I think...

Anyway, some practice on the short game, can't get too much of that, you know, some serious practice on the banjo, getting "Bells of St. Mary's" down the way I wanted it, working on Steve Martin's "The Crow".... a little time in the kitchen making something good for Tanner (and me), and the day is gone. Wasted? No, it's never a waste if you're enjoying your time.

A Holiday Gift that Keeps Giving

That's right, it's that time of year again, the holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the task of deciding what type of gift is right for those special ones in your life. I was thinking of my sister and realizing that like me, she enjoys watching her favorite things on tv, so after some careful checking I found the perfect gift.

I chose Direct TV because of the reliable service I have found they offer, and right now is a great time to switch over. As a gift idea, it's really good, because you are letting that special person enjoy every day something they truly want. And right now is the best time because of the Holiday gift options offered. With Satellite Directv you can even receive a free $100 Visa prepaid card. How great is that!

And just think, the gift of Directv continues to give all year for just under a dollar a day. You can choose from so many options, they offer HD, the very best in high definition tv viewing, sports channels and packages, DVR for your digital video recording, both local and international channels, and right now, you will receive Showtime and Starz completely free for 3 months.

Personally, I think it's a great gift idea, so why not check out the Direct TV Satellite options for yourself. You can simply put in your zip code, no matter where you're located, and they will show you the best deals and options in your area. Don't wait, check it out now.

Thanksgiving Dinner with the Family

Yesterday was Thanksgiving Day, and I woke up this morning still feeling full, but wanting more. The food was great, and there was plenty to choose from. Tanner was happy too, because I brought him a special plate home as well.

I guess the best part of it was spending time with family, something a lot of us don't get to do much anymore because of work and time constraints. I went to my sister's house where everybody gathered, and knowing my one sister Barbara had a massive stroke last year leaving her right side paralyzed, I try to spend more time there than I used to.

Now, both my sisters are musicians, I'm the baby of the family by a long way, lol, and they used to teach my guitar chords when I was small. That's how I got my start in music. My sister Peggy still goes to sing and play a couple of times a week at different places, mostly gospel music, which I enjoy a lot. But both of them are grounded in country music, where I myself have fallen towards the bluegrass path with the banjo.

Yesterday was nice in that after dinner we went to the music room to play around a little with the instruments, Peggy did the guitar while I was doing my banjo thing. Everybody else was singing, and the great part was that Barbara was singing along too, for the first time since she had her stroke. I know she wishes she could pick up the guitar again, but just to join in and be a part of things was worth so much.

So, coming away from there last night gave us all a blessing, more than just good food and a social gathering, but I saw another barrier being torn down in the list of things she can't do anymore, and that was worth it all.

BAS...Banjo Acquisition Syndrome

As of yesterday another one is added to the flock. A deal I couldn't make myself pass up on a Morgan Monroe Cascade banjo. If you get hooked on bluegrass music, and especially if you play an instrument, then you'll understand what I mean. For me it's the banjo and guitar. I play both, but more on the banjo so that's what I'm always on the lookout for.

Every instrument has it's own voice, you just have to help them find it. Now, this cascade is a pretty good intermediate banjo, and beautiful to look at, but now I have to help it find it's own voice. That's really a big part of the fun. I've already adjusted the head tension, and the coordinator rods to bring the action to where I like it, and tried several bridges of different types and thicknesses. It's still lacking something...that punch or tonal quality I can hear in my head. I think the next thing is to change to a good quality tailpiece, I'm thinking a Kerschner for this banjo, and trying some more bridges, like a Scorpion or Desert Rose. I've had good experiences with both of these in the past.

Anyway, it's that time of year where I put the golf clubs away for the most part, and my tinkering goes into my other passion, the banjo. It's a real challenge to practice and learn new licks, and to get the right sound that I want from different banjos. It's fun, but requires a little patience, so what better way to spend those cold winter days inside.

How about you, do you have a special thing or project that you enjoy working on that brings you pleasure?

Prepaid Debit / Credit / Mastercard

In looking at all the technology that has developed, and the way everything seems so fast paced in today's society, it's nice to find a way to relax while at the same time taking care of those day to day obligations we're faced with. Luckily I have found through my searching a web site that can cater to many of your financial needs while leaving you the time you deserve.

You can choose to have a Prepaid Mastercard which I have found to be a simple and sensible solution to managing your finances. This is a much more safe and secure way for you to carry cash, especially around the Holidays when there is so much shopping to do. One of the nicest things I have found is that you can use the card anywhere that accepts Mastercard. With a Prepaid Debit Card you can shop worry free, knowing that you won't spend more than you have, saving you untold amounts in overdraft fees and charges. You can use it at your favorite stores, it's great for online shopping, which I do a lot of, and it certainly helps you to manage your budget.

When you go to the site to learn more about these Prepaid Credit Cards you will find all the help you need. Everything is so very simple and easy to do, and the tutorial guides will answer any questions you might have.

You can do so much more than you might realize, such as having part or all of your paycheck direct deposited into your account, which will save in check cashing fees if you go elsewhere to have your paycheck cashed. And if you already have a regular checking account, this is a wonderful compliment to that. You can always have a little ready cash in reserve in case of emergencies, or if perhaps you see that one thing you just can't live without.

You can even use your Prepaid Mastercard in helping you manage your finances by paying many of your bills online. The site has an automated bill pay system that will allow you to pay your bills and keep track of your finances right from the comfort of your home. No more stuffing envelopes, paying postage, or driving around to get all the financial chores done. And get this... the first three electronic bills are free each month.

This works just like any traditional checking account, you can use it to make reservations at hotels, restaurants, airlines; you can use it at the grocery store, and there are over one million ATMs worldwide where you can get immediate cash.

So check out this sensible way of doing business. The sign up is fast, simple and secure, when you fill out your application you will receive your Prepaid Mastercard in 7 to 10 days, then simple call the toll free number to activate your card. What could be easier? The site also has free phone support for any of your questions or needs.

Go today and get started so you can save both time and money, and enjoy the new financial security available to you.

What, Rest on my Day Off?

Here's another day off for me, not having to get up and go to work, Tanner is all happy because I said "no work" and he seems to understand the difference in blue jeans and work trousers. Of course, some things don't change, the coffee is ready, can't start my day without that, lol.

I don't know what to do today, no plans, just relax. So we flip through the TV channels to find something good, I like Bonanza, Tanner likes Animal Cops. Go figure.... Out comes the banjo, which we both enjoy, he even sings at the right places, and after a little while the coffee kicks in and I wake up completely. That's when I realize it's a really nice day outside. Pretty weather, nice and warm for this time of year, and with my caffeine induced awareness I notice there sure are a lot of leaves that have fallen since last week.

So out we go, me working, Tanner supervising, the squirrels happily waiting for me to uncover the acorns that lay underneath the leaves. After a few hours of mowing and blowing, the back yard is finished. It does look better, although in the winter time with the leaves gone it sort of gives it that forlorn, wilderness look. I like that as a change, and I also like the summer time when the trees are full of leaves and it gives such a sense of being secluded, which I guess it is, as the back yard extends for several hundred acres of woodland. I'm actually happy that it's rugged terrain that can't be built on, so my neighbors continue to be the deer that also feed on the acorns in the yard, the raccoons, 'possums and rabbits, and the squirrels that Tanner and I both enjoy watching.

Well, after the yard work today, I made a batch of homemade fudge, which I think I'll neglect to mention to the doctor on my next visit, and for my first attempt, it turned out really well. But tomorrow is another day, it gets dark earlier this time of year, so I'll just get up in the morning, have my coffee, and start again. There's still the front yard that waits......

Direct TV for Business

Some establishments always have plenty of people waiting to be entertained for their transactions; for these sorts of places I would suggest putting some form of entertainment such as what we have at the restaurant where I work, and others nearby. It is really helpful if you have this in your place of business so that people will not get bored or tired of waiting for their turn. Direct TV for Business is good especially if you have a business like a dental clinic, bar, restaurant, gym, laundry business, salon, spa, banks or other businesses that always have people that will stay for a length of time. The Directtv Business was created for businesses, and has been around for almost a decade now. Every year more and more establishments’ owners subscribe to this kind of entertainment appeal.

If you have this Direct TV Business, it will also help your business to grow. It has a wide number of channels to choose from that your costumers will surely enjoy, compared to ordinary cable tv. Commercial Direct TV is less expensive, so it won’t hurt your business monthly operating expenses and they are the best in HD Channels. So why not get it now if you want to make your business even more prosperous.

You know there are so many sports fans that visit your business, and Directvbusiness offers a wide variety of options. You can choose from NFL Sunday Ticket, MLB extra innings, NCAA March Madness, and in my part of the country, Nascar Hotpass is exceptional. This really lessens the perceived waiting time of your customers.

So visit today and learn more about how you can partner with Direct TV for Business, and watch while your customers enjoy the time they spend with you. I'm sure you wil be glad that you did.

Day Off for the Doctor

Well, I had another doctor's appointment this morning, had to wake up early, 6:15, which for me is early, especially when it's my day off. Had the coffee maker ready, my favorite thing in the digital age is having coffee just freshly brewed when I wake up. Never could teach Tanner to do it, so I had to buy one with the timer, LOL.

So, it's into the shower where my eyes actually started to open, take my time, shave, get dressed and more coffee, and outside with Tanner so he can do his morning rituals. Then to warm up the truck, since it's cold outside this morning, (jacket weather) and a 35 minute drive to Lexington to the doc's office.

When I pulled on the door, it was locked. I looked again at my watch, and finally my early morning brain focused on the sign hanging on the front door. It seems there was an emergency, water pipes or something has burst in the office, and it was closed. So that's what I'm standing in. That's when I saw the emergency water truck next to the side of the building, and the sign said the office would be open again on Wednesday. OK, so I guess I'll have breakfast while I'm in town, and I wonder...when you cancel an appointment with the office and it's not a 24 hour notice, they charge you 25 dollars. So now will they give me 25 dollars since I drove all the way up there and nobody was home? Yeah, right! Oh, I just ate my sausage biscuits and gravy, had some more coffee, and went shopping with my sister, so it wasn't a bad day after all.

But now I have to call and reschedule, and do it all again next week. Sorry Tanner, have to set the alarm again. But at least he got 2 sausage biscuits out of the deal...