Charleston

A much needed week at home to get caught up on things like yard work, unpacking, housecleaning, updating auto insurance, laundry, watching full blood moon and eclipse

and all else that randomly occurs in any given week.

Fall is now officially here and the pumpkins and fall decorations are starting to show up. 

I've made up some Halloween bags for a few neighbor children and friends I know.

Thankfully it's still warm enough to bike ride and walk the neighborhood in shorts and tank tops (I love the South).

And, hanging out after work on National Good Neighbor Day with my neighbor and local "bestie" Chris.

And practicing playing this lovely sounding guitar - I've just about nailed "Ode to Joy", at least the beginners version.

And later in the week "and this was a biggie", finally applying for TSA Pre-Check Known Traveler program rather than just relying on my airline status.  This will come in handy in the future for ease of travel.

Then dinner with Gina one night - I really stepped it up with a recipe I had never made before: Garlic Butter Fettuccini and Shrimp; and for dessert, baked apples.  I made some mistakes but definitely edible, just need more practice, practice, practice.  Gina's looking great and was full of news about the recent baby shower in Florida.

SC car registration, plates and license.  What  a  chore. I was beginning to think it would be easier to enter the country as an illegal alien than it would be to get this accomplished.  Requirements:  1) Birth certificate or passport.  2) Social Security card or W2.  3) Proof of marriage(s) and or divorce(s) if last name is different than birth (this is where being a guy can come in handy), and I don't know about you but I haven't hung on to 30+ year old documents.  4) Title, or information on lien holder. 5) Proof of insurance.  6) Utility bill to prove residency.  Maybe this is standard in most parts of the country (including the full security search of person and belongings before you could even enter the building) but they sure didn't do it that way in Texas.  Bottom line, I failed on the first two attempts to present myself and documents adequately and was turned away.  Third time it only took 2 hours in line.  Luckily I live within an 11 mile radius and had a vacation day to blow.  Seriously, I really don't think I'm ever moving again.

Then I received an invitation to the I'On club for "First Friday" event.  Yes a blast . . .

An about mid week sad news of another school shooting and Hurricane Joaquin began to make it's presence felt.  Sheets of rain by Thursday.  Charleston city schools were actually closed on Friday due to the heavy downpours.

I received my first issue of Garden & Gun this week.  Best magazine ever.  Thank you Jake for the house warming gift.

Looking forward to getting back out on the road to do some reading.