Everything must change ...

Well, the end of an era ... but a new beginning all the same ...

This blog is moving to a new home so ... you if you are one of the three faithful readers, you will need to redirect yourself to the new site .... http://www.carboblog.com/ .

I am excited to have a new design, a new look and some additional features too. I enjoyed the ease of the blogger but it was missing some things I wanted ... so ... I am moving! Don't worry, Clyde is coming too!

Follow up on Facebook.com - www.facebook.com/carbofw or Twitter at: twitter.com/carbocooks

Flying the friendly skies

For the past six years I have been collecting points on Northwest Airlines ... soon to be pillaged by Delta ... and I have airline miles I need to use up ... so I am ....

In a fit of spontaneity I asked a friend to plan to pack for a weekend adventure to the twin cities. There is something fun and exciting about going to Minneapolis. What is cool, is that I can pick up the plane in my own backyard and within a few short hours I am there. Gotta love Fort Wayne International!

So in a couple weeks, I am off to experience the culture, the food, the gorgeous skies and who knows perhaps a spotting of Prince! The city is loaded with museums, and sweet architecture. I am hoping to snap a gazillion pictures too.

I asked the airline lady if my points can be used for anything but airline flights and she blurted no, as if I stepped on her cat. Oh well, at least I asked.

It is a 7am flight on Saturday with a 11pm return on Sunday.

Also - in other Carbo news --- the new blog is almost done and I have officially dropped 15 in 9 days!

Lead us not into temptation ...

Well, today is day 8 of my lose the weight to help feed the starving kids in ... (fill in the blank) ... total drop has been 13 pounds.

I have been told, oh you don't have that much to loose ... those are my senile encounters.

I have been told, oh you look fine just the way you are ... those are my encounters that need that one chubby friend to gorge out with in trying times.

I have been told, accept yourself as you are ... those people have more issues than I do haha.

I have been told, starvation is not the way to go about it ... those people are correct.

What I have begun to do is eat one meal .. that is filling enough to call a meal but not high in calories, fat etc. So yesterday I ate a taco salad, without the sour cream, guacamole, and taco part. Umm, anyone else would have called it a salad. A breakfast bar and then a shake with some berries for supper.

So my calorie intake yesterday was about a thousand. I was happy to pass up this amazing chocolate-chocolate cake at the office yesterday too. I should get kudos for that act!

Diet is simply phase one ... working out is phase two and keeping it off - other than being impossible, is step three.

My mood is not as somber as yesterday - so that is a good sign - for everyone who comes in contact with me haha. The funny thing is, that I could easily shed a 100 pounds and still not be anorexic - so for those who fear I am going to kick the bucket like Karen Carpenter, hold that thought, I have some time left - perhaps.

Goals

Sunday was more productive than I anticipated.

I had hoped to do laundry, but lost the motivation... so I needed to pick up a birthday gift that I had in hiding so I can give it to my friend who is cracking 40 this week. While I was out and about, I stopped to pick up a birthday cake for another friend who is having a birthday, and we will celebrate that today. I celebrated a birthday this weekend with a dear friend over dinner and had a splendid time. I have another friend who has a birthday, too, this week but have not set any plans for that one.

One would think with all that partying going down that I would be on the top of the world. But for some reason Sunday and even today I am quite melancholy. I did spend three hours last evening going through my closet and color coding the shirts, and folding and organizing stuff. Found 25 bucks in the process. Now my closet is clean of clothing matter, just had to jostle stuff around all those skeletons haha.

Speaking of skeletons, I aspire to drop weight ... this past week I began the process of consuming better foods and a better quantity as step one. Step two will be going back to the gym - that has not seen me since the Regan administration (well, not exactly but it will feel that way when I start back up). In seven days I have lost 10 pounds. So, just by simply not eating like the last supper three times a day I did that ...

I hope to then set some goals - being 40, single, living alone and ... just living sounds wonderful ... or not ... haha...

Unorganized

This summer has just flown by ... I can't believe we are tip toeing around August already.

I still have things I need to accomplish ... but I know my hours and days are limited. I gotta get up to Frankenmuth Michigan for the annual shopping excursion at Bronners.

I still need to cut down the eight foot tall weeds in my planting beds - you think I joke - but I am serious. With the house under construction, it has not been possible to get to the garage and get out the necessary tools - so I am awaiting the bean stalks to yield some wild cartoonish story.

I still need to put away the winter clothes in my closet and take out the summer - but why? I have somehow become an organized fool in my own home since the construction began two months ago. My hangered shirts are no longer color coded, my t shirts are not structured by label size - oh and trust me they cover all possible sizes. My shoes have learned to walk to a place where they want to rest. Finally my colognes are not in order - I have about 25 that I used and there was a system that I used but alas, I am not.

Uncertain if any of the tasks will be done any time soon ... but at least I have goals, they are written down, and they are obtainable - I just have to do it.

Not even Sunday ...

I have a quiet weekend on tap, going to catch up on some magazine reading, have dinner with a friend that kind of thing ... when the doorbell rings.

Mind you, no one comes to my home without there being a party ... and it is the Haunted Hamlets, so it is either a ghost or it is Melanie. (For anyone who does not recall, Melanie is the phone stalker).

So I open the door to find some young dude in a tie, holding a bible. I thought my gosh, was it not enough that I ran into the Bishop and blessed my elevator dissension! Good gracious, I am not a religious man, but this must be a sign.

I am dress pretty darn casual, but I had taken a shower - so I had my normal gear on - my dog tag, shorts and t shirt.

The dude says that he likes dogs (well, he better or I will have my dog attack him or just lick him to death) and some other dribble small talk. Followed by ....."that I was probably wondering why Jesus would allow a war to break out" - I said I really did not think Jesus was behind it and he then stopped, paused and looked at my chest (I felt violated) and said, oh, sorry sir, you are one with the military.

Yeah, that is right ... me and my Tiffany brand dog tag - whatever ....

Night on the town ...

Last night was Dinner 4 Five @ 6 - the monthly gathering of friends over dinner to network and share life stories.

The evening concluded with our elevator ride being blessed by Bishop John Darcy. Imagine the fear that went through my mind when a catholic priest does the four corner heart cross as the doors close and we descend down 25 floors. I thought, oh I DID NOT drink enough for this moment.

Anyway, let me start at the beginning. Our group for dinner enjoyed a round of appetizers - deep fried mozzarella balls and Venetian spring rolls. We followed appetizers with salads - most of us selected the signature Summit Club salad - nuts and berries in a carved out orange. However, we did have a beets and carrot salad at our table and it looked mighty fine too.

The food was simply the backdrop as we shared wonderful stories about our lives, our love and passion for Fort Wayne, our only debate was the role of My space and Facebook in our daily life.

It is funny, most of us had a strong belief of why each social networking site worked best for us.

Our meals were diverse and taste tempting. Varieties of steak, seafood and pasta.

We wrapped up our foodfest with an amazing dessert platter - that should have started as our appetizer. We enjoyed tiramasu, chocolate cheese cake, key lime pie, molten chocolate tarte and a creme brule.

I enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about my friends, share a delightful dinner and look forward to another round next month.

Under Construction

So much of my life is under construction - the house and the new web-blog! Not to mention my office now.

I have a few too many irons in the fire this week and am ready for a calm, quiet weekend.

Kitchen - well, the walls have been primed, painted and the floor is in and setting up. Cabinets come next week. All and all, it is progressing well.

Blog - worked through a brief training yesterday and it is going back to the developer to make some tweaks for what I want to make it user friendly for me since I am not the most talented twig on the tree.

Office - today we are adding two offices to the layout of the office. This will be helpful for all the work that goes on under the roof of Tri State!

Coming up - tonight is my monthly dinner - Dinner 4 five @ 6 ... stay tuned for a wrap up of the event that has a waiting list to attend.

Passing out ...

So, I am at the Art Fair in Ann Arbor and it is a gazillion degrees and people continue to faint all day long, so you can imagine the exhaustion one feels after being in the heat all day.

When it is time to call it a night, and I am tucked away in my hotel room, I quickly feel into a deep coma sleep. That was until the phone rang --- no, it was not crazy Melanie, she did not know my hotel room number --- it was a hotel guest who needed emergency help.

Seems that a member in her party has passed out - right outside my door - and they could not move her. Well, I get out of bed, open my door, and correctly as stated there lies a woman passed out with two other ladies standing around her.

I got the comforter off the hotel bed and positioned it on the ground next to the lady and rolled her onto it. We proceeded to slide it (the blanket and her) into her room, so she could safely awake in her own room. Oh, wait, she was not passed out from heat --- this was from a massive consumption of alcohol.

The on going commotion in the hotel, at 1 am, summoned the hotel management staff which intern brought out the EMT. After I did my part, I slipped back into my room and called it a night --- however my comforter remained behind as a souvenir.

Art show!

Well, I am home in my bed and for that I am thankful.

Had a super time in Ann Arbor, as to be expected. I secured another original painting by Michelle Hinz. Quite a talent and I really loved the work I got last year. It became the inspiration for the stained glass entrance to the house - located in the Haunted Hamlets.

Last year I also bought a print by an African artist that depicted life and music through women and dance. I was captured by it last years and this year I purchased a compliment of it. It is a bit larger than the last one, but I think it will look great on the larger wall next to the smaller wall where it landed last year

I found a funny print that I kept gravitating to ... though the colors don't match anything in my house, I have always loved turtles, but perhaps not as much the print depicts.

The other investment piece is a copper wall sculpture, 3D - it is called the "mask" and I really liked the way it looked, the uniqueness of it and the fact that the colors go excellent in the house.

So the trip was exciting ... coming up ... tomorrow hear all about "the rescue" I helped make in the wee hours of the morning!

90+ degrees and dripping

I have been on Festival tour for quite some time now ... Three Rivers Festival - the parade, the junk food alley and now Ann Arbor Art Fair.

This art fair has been plastered by amazing heat! It was so warm I think my shoes melted to the lava like pavement. People were passing out like an Obama gathering. Anyways, it was hot, steamy and heavy thick air ...

The annual excursion to the Maize and Blue land was a fruitful adventure - I secured a print, a painting, a metal design and a Christmas ornament (but not one that says my name or anything like that...)

Anyway, the fun of going to Ann Arbor, Michigan is the diversity in restaurant choices. Mexican, Japenese, Chineese, Indian - sure we all have some touch of those - but the Ethiopian and nearly every culture has a restaurant. Well, to my surprise, I have found the greasiest spooon in town!

It is Blimpie Burger!

A small shack on the corner of Division and Packard host a dozen tables with a keen approach to making sure you are part of what you order. As you stand in line you must order what you want and say it loud and clear - exactly as the menu states it. You tell one person your condiments and garnishes while the other person handles "only the cheese".

The onion rings are drippy good and the fried mushrooms were juicy and devine. It was a fun way to pause during the festival for a bite to eat at lunchtime.

Not a place for a vegeterain, a steadfast dieter or someone who wants to be treated like a King (that is Burger King not Blimpie Burger!)

Anyway, I am headed back today and I will post my findings soon.

Enjoying the festival...

So tonight I took in Junk Food Alley, or whatever the fancy name is for deep fried food. As I scanned the continuous line of people marching in to the venue I seldom noticed a familiar face.

The entire time I ate my $6 corn dog I kept thinking of the recent report that consumer spending is down, prices are up, and confidence well it does not even exist.

Imagine my surprise when I counted my money at the end of the evening that I had spent $4 to park the car (cheaper than a gallon of gas) $2 for a water and $2.25 for a soda $6 for a corn dog and $6 for a heath bar blizzard called something like blizzard but not because of copy write laws.

One vendor, I do believe it was Nelson's, was passing out free samples - first clue that something is wrong! Well they were passing out free samples of pit-atoes ... so this is what it is ... a red potato that was rolled around the bottom of the charcoal bin and then served with a toothpick. Imagine not just licking an ash tray but rolling your potato in it.

I was with a posse of friends plus a new friend that joined us for frivolity. I ate and sweat it all out so it was a negative carbon moment I am sure!

Anyway, I am glad I went down to see it, enjoy it and I have to say that once a year is plenty soon enough to do this outing.

Paper, plastic or a box?

Growing up Carbo, my first gig was a bagger at White Swan Supermarket on Lima Road. I worked the summer of my freshman year and was there until I started (my first round of ) college.

Over time, I would move from bagger to stocker, to deli clerk, to baker, to produce manager to assistant to the store manager. It was a fun environment. Made many friends and knew many of the frequent shoppers - and they knew me as well. What I made best friends with was the overhead speaker system.... I would give announcements, talk about specials, ask for a clean up in the aisles when something went wrong, and would be the count down for when the store would close for Christmas... I work every Christmas Eve so I could be the person to say the store was closing in five ... four ... three ...

As with most things I do, I try to make it fun or funny. Well, I started a group call the "Selects" and it was a group of people who would go out after work. We did everything together ... we stood in that parking lot for hours until someone made a decision (and it was normally me who would break the stares and say Chi Chi's). We even had a newsletter. We hasd stickers on our name tags that said we were select... and nearly everyone no matter their age was part of the group ... even if they thought we were childish haha.

One of the best things about White Swan was the signature raisin bread... well it was I who made it a signature bread. Every employee would have to take their picture with a loaf of raisin bread. I have photo album after photo album of the people who worked there and even those who shopped there holding the loaf of bread. Over a period of a couple days, the icing would turn greenish from the fluorescent lights ... and this made it even more fun!

My dearly departed friend, Shirley Wyss, was one of the two raisin bread icers and she was the neatest lady. Even when I was away at college I would write back to let her know what I was doing. I had blown up a photo of she and Irene, the other icer, as a farewell gift that hung in the baker for years.

Well, you are wondering where the hell is the point to this entry ... well ... this Friday the White Swan Supermarket will close. It is very sad because this was probably where I developed my flair to celebrate ... to plan events ... because every weekend I had something planned for those who were not working.

It is bittersweet that I recall the fond memories, the good people and the way the store really was just a slice of hometown novelty.

I tip my hat to the select people who made this there one stop for shopping.

Cut above the rest...

As everyone who reads this blog, my three fans, know that I just love to curl up with a good book. Okay, that is false, I hate to read and the last book I read from cover to cover was Corduroy - the bear who loses his button off his suspenders.

However, today I did flip through the Sunday paper, and a few magazines. I was surprised to read a new trend in men under the age of 30 and that is the vasectomy. Even typing it hurts! Ouch.

The logic behind this elective surgery is the ability to have the ability to not reproduce like Angelina Jolie - seven kids in 24 hours or something. No crazy ladies entrapping them with child support when the first or last name of the other party was never caught at any point in the limited deep conversation time.

Those young people sure have a way of getting around obstacles. Hmm!

Literally a float with all the water ...

Well, mark Saturday down in the record books ... it rained on the parade - the two hours before the parade ... let up for the actual parade and then let loose at the conclusion of the parade.

It was a fun parade to be in (as Grand Marshal) and a quick parade but can't say it was spectacular. It was wonderful to have the bands back in action thanks to underwriters. It was wonderful to see the only balloon - Vera Bradley. However there are only so many variations of a cake one wants to see - without eating some. Thus the expression ... have your cake and eat it too...

I saw many people that I knew, and that is always great. Three Rivers Festival was to have the G.M in a special shirt. It was to be mailed to us, but that did not happen. They were to give us the shirt when we got there so we could change into it. Alas, that did not happen either. So we all just rode the parade looking distinctively undistinguished. The Parade float we sat on just had a cake so I think many people thought who are these people and why are they riding on a cake.

I had wore my Michigan t shirt down to the rain fest thinking I was changing before I went down the route ... nope ... but my shirt did seem to engage the public with "Go Blue", or "Boo, Ohio State" so I guess they thought I was a very old, out of shape Michigan cheerleader haha.

Speaking of cheering ... It took a half hour and the help of a friend to find my car at the end of the parade. I thought I parked my car on Runion and Van Buren - well that is impossible since the roads don't ever come together ... so while it rained I toured West Central until my car reappeared on Wayne and Folton ... so similar to where I thought I put it. Oh well, I am 40 ... these senior moments can happen at any time....

whhhhhheeeeezzzziiiiieeee!

I have some exciting news ... well I think I always say that ... so maybe I am the kid who called wolf once too many times, but this is pretty awesome.

This blog is turning two years this month ... there have been almost 600 posts of nonsense, facts, food updates, music reviews and even rants! Well ... I am announcing that over the next week the Creative Mind of Carbo will be closing down.

Before my three readers write hate mail, here is what is happening ... we're movin' on up! A new designed web page is being developed and a new web address is being created.

More bells and whistles ... more ability to have control of the look and the content. So ... soon a new landing pad will be announced.

Until then, a simple reminder ---- Three River's Festival begins tomorrow and I will be on the Grand Marshal Float waving or smiling or perhaps passed out (from joy or heat) but do watch for me. If you want to join the fan club ... they are meeting on Berry and Fairfield.

More updates about the web page to follow next week.

Pummel the Hummel

Growing up Carbo, I loved decorating for Christmas, but loved to eat at Thanksgiving. So the holiday of choice has always been Thanksgiving ... the way to a guys heart is through his stomach I think is the saying ...

Anyway, I still enjoy shopping for Christmas ornaments and the like ... my annual hang out is Bronner's in Frankenmuth Michigan. Well, today I received an email from Bronners to let me know that Hummel will cease production of those tiny midget porcelain babies. I have never bought a Hummel and I did receive a snowbaby as a gift from someone who obviously did not know me well enough to know that scary baby chatkies are just not my cup of tea.

Can't say I shed a tear ... those critters are frightening.

So for those collectors or those who think these things may have a greater value when they halt production, stock up ... end of year ... end of an era.

Despite marketing initiatives to increase sales, Goebel's spokesperson said demand for the famed figurines has dropped to one-third of expected sales and the company has sustained serious losses in recent months. Some 230 of the factory's 340 employees will lose their jobs ...

The latest...

The latest on the house ...

Well, the dry wall is completely up in the kitchen and it looks grand! The lights are in also, except for the ceiling chandalier (if people call it that anymore).

The flooring has been ordered and this will be one of the next visual changes to the white box room. The floor is that wood looking ceramic tile. It sounds bizare as I say it but when you see it, it really rocks.

The person who is doing the custom shutters came out also, took all the measurements and she is working toward matching the color to the cabinets. The wood shutters will be about 2 inches in depth. Whether they open out or just louver up and down is yet to be determined.

Yesterday, Terry Ratliff came out to the house to get inspired for the wall mural, or mural boxed canvas, for the dining portion of the kitchen. We are thinking warm color abstract that will pop against the cocoa walls.

The lower level, it is not as far along as I had hoped it to be. I was hoping in my mind that the lower level would have been finished first so I would have at least one kitchen operations and have back my washer and dryer. In time, it will all be complete.

So, this is the latest ... more to follow.

Song for everyone ... just a different song ...

I think everyone who has gone to a public or private school in the states in the last 60 years has learned the National Anthem. I remember very proudly, very clear. So yesterday as I was driving around town, almost being killed by crazy drivers (read post from yesterday) imagine my surprise to find out there is also a Black National Anthem.

Seriously? It was actually sung before a baseball game. Wow, then I thought, well there is the Gay Anthem ... I Will Survive ... but it is not really national, or is it?

The Black National Anthem was written by James Weldon Johnson.

I don't have a problem with an Anthem for every cause (oh NOW that is a way to raise money, bet someone has not thought of that) but it should not replace the current National Anthem.

Just my two cents but I still find it a tad odd ...

Driving me insane.

There are just somethings that just drive me insane and that is ... dumb drivers!

Okay, so I am going to check a friend's house who is out of town in an undisclosed neighborhood... and I am on a double lane road. I am in the right lane. There is a left lane with no one in it. There is a turn lane too, a median, another turn lane and two more lanes. Get the picture? Well, the driver in front of me determined to stop ... the speed limit is 40, we are going at least that ... Dead stop. So, I slam on my brakes, even swerve a bit left and they crawl left over the right lane, the left lane, the turn lane and the other turn lane and the rest of the lanes past the median.

Of course, they had no idea that they did anything wrong.

The other type of driver is the motorcycler ... the one who does not wear a helmet but wears $300 shades. Or drives under a viaduct and revs the engine. What does that do other than annoy me. I am also puzzled by the motorcycle riders that have to be riding two by two like Noah's ark!

Oh well, I am going to do some research on how to do a citizen's arrest.

Thoughts

As I think of things I just can't wrap my arms around ... it is food that crunches. Strange ... but the idea of toasted garlic bread just hurts my teeth ... or a big ole candy apple I see my teeth on the ground in slivers. Give me a bowl of pudding or jello and you just make a new friend.

As I think of things I just can't wrap my arms around ... is the low prices for stuff at overstock.com. I have been addicted to it ... I feel as if it is QVC for the tech savy person. I bought a leather bench, my new dining room chairs and a desk chair for the office. How fun is online shopping during the heart of a depression.

As I think of things I just can't wrap my arms around .... are crackers! Not the puffy things that float on my chili. Nor am I talking about Ritz that taste well with baked beans (I know this is Carbo character flaw). I am referring to men (and sometimes sleazy women) who show the crack of their ass because they can't find clothes that fit them or think this is going to land them a date.

As I think of things I just can't wrap my arms around ... is hugging people. I have gotten better with time, but that is one challenge I face in life ... just not a touchy feely kinda person. I normally put my hands in my pocket or clinch them in a prayer motion in front of my body. Prevents people from going in for the kill.

The other sides of Carbo

It is kinda funny, most people would probably coin me as a friendly person, nice guy even, and some may know me as a guy with a bit of an explosive temper too. All thoughts would be very correct.

Hmm, strange start to this posting, but as always there is a point even if it is a faint as a $4 firework cone in the daylight sky. However, yesterday, I finally installed my new photo scanner that I received for my birthday that was over a month and a half ago. As I was scrambling through photos I wanted to test it on just a couple.

What I decided to put in the scanner are two that always crack me up ... one is when I received my first ski mask. I realized that women dig a bad boy ... and I should have kept up with that image. I don't ski, but I could easily have knocked off a few convenient stores before they became foreign owned.

The second one was an early gig I had as the L.S. Ayres' Bear. I would be the mascot that would do public events. Well, once as the bear, I was seated during a Three Rivers Festival event at the zoo. Kids could come over and sit on my lap and have a one on one conversation with the bear. Well, low and behold, I was overtaken by a gang of five year olds until my seeing eyes came over to rescue me because I was eventually knocked from my chair.

I turned over the leaf of being a nice guy ever since - with a flair for furry when prompted - but all and all, what you see is what you get. Sarcastic, perhaps witty, funny, kind and nice. Jury is out if it is time to turn over a few convenient stores yet to perk up my approval rating.

Light up the night...

Growing up Carbo, I never really was hooked on the pyro tech holiday of Fourth of July. Yes, we had sparklers and cones and I am certain that as they exploded I thought they were neat.

I have a fear of fire ... I hate fire places. I have one but it has been converted into a bar. We had a fireplace at my childhood home, and we used it all the time. I did not like hauling logs from one part of the property to the other, stacking it for the snakes to live in it and then to bring them into the house ... sounds dramatic and somehow it was to me.

Ironically, the only firework I think is cool for some reason is the smoke snake. Perhaps it has to do with my log carrying days.

Perhaps you know, but I am not even fond of heat. My house is set at "ice box" on the thermostat. I have only lit the fireplace twice in the near ten years of living in the Haunted Hamlets. Once was for a intimate wine tasting the other was a failed romantic evening.

Anyway, as an adult I have not really made an effort to see the lights flash against the sky backdrop. I remember during my White Swan employment days, we all went on a day long picnic on the grounds of the American Red Cross. We ate and played Frisbee and listened to mix cassette tapes - (Wham was big at that point in my high hair, flipped up collar point of life). Since that point I experienced the fireworks during a Wizards game, for the All America Celebration, a Three Rivers Festival when I served on the board and at a wedding at the Fort Wayne Country Club.

It will be a fact that I will not be sitting on top of a car on North Anthony tonight watching the fireworks (or the drive by gun shots). So, play the holiday safe and enjoy the holiday the best way you know how.

... Love a Parade...

Well, it is no secret, though I wished it was ... I will be a Grand Marshal for the Three Rivers Festival Parade.

Next Saturday, the parade begins at 10am, I believe I will be riding on one or walking near, or somehow I will be near the front of the parade perhaps waving. I have been a frequent participant in the parade over the years.

I once was with the Bicentennial, once with the All American City, once with St Francis and the rest of the times I have been part of IPFW's action entry into the parade.

I have been told that there will be a "Carbo Glee Club" that will assemble in the Shrine parking lot to let me know (as I pass) that they are there to cheer me on. So, if you are wondering where to hang with the Carbo Glee Club, now you know.

In Carbo fashion, bring food to the 'ye ole picnic sight too - share and share alike! I hope to get through the parade and get back to the group to thank them for getting me, proposing me, as a Grand Marshal.

Oh yes, the Parade is also a magazine of the Fort Wayne Newspaper's Sunday Journal ... and actually it is my favorite part of the Sunday paper.

Zoning Improvement Plan

Today is the birthday of the zip code. It was 1963 when Zippy helped us get a mail from one place to another because without it ... well it would still be "I sent it in the mail"...

The first number (either 0 to 9 for those who ride the little yellow bus) indicates the side of the country ... 9 is west coast while 0 is east coast --- think 90210). This was followed by two digits that more closely pinpointed population concentrations and those sectional centers accessible to common transportation networks. The final two digits designated small post offices or postal zones in larger zoned cities. [The last section was lifted from the Post Office's data because I wanted to make sure I got it right.]

Four years would pass before the government would mandate that the citizens would actually use this system to send, sort and deliver mail. Like many things with the government, good to have the plan, but have someone else execute it.

Anyway, perhaps growing up Carbo I missed the entire social studies program that talked about how and when a zip code came about ... but I know it now, and perhaps you learned something new. But then, there is that one smart person who can correct some of my facts hahaha so just drop me a letter in the mail ... my zip code is 89002121. There ya have it.

Missed opportunity...

So I am hanging with a friend of a friend and she tells me she does not eat hamburger. I said just hamburger? She said well anything beef.

I nodded.

She proceed to tell me she was not a vegetarian as she likes foods that oink, or swim, even cluck just not moo.

I nodded.

She said that she used to eat hamburgers with mustard - and steak with A1 sauce. She realized she was only doing this because she liked the condiments but not the main item.

I nodded, but then got puzzled to why? So I asked the question ... Did you grow up with a cow?

She looked puzzled, nearly taken aback, perhaps even offended. She said what kind of question is that, did I grow up with a cow?!?

In my mind, I am thinking that perhaps she grew up on a farm, perhaps raising cattle and grew attached to the emotion of a cow and could not see one slaughtered for food.

She looked at me and then said, is that a pick up line?

Now, I am taken aback, puzzled ... but I responded, well, actually yes, it is .... this line used to work on the 4H circuit but I can tell by your reaction that I am not succeeding today.

She now was trying to figure out if I was being truthful or was being sarcastic. Anyone who knows me, knows what frame of mind I was in ... she later told me that beef taste like her coat. I have to wonder, if her coat taste like chicken.

Sit right back

Yesterday I went to the "lake" ... the one every one refers to but it never really is the same place because we have a gazillion lakes in Northeast Indiana.

I was at Lake Wawasee floating on the SS Lilypad. It was simply a gorgeous day - blue skies, puffy white clouds and a nice breeze. Speaking of breezes, consumed a few island breezes ... and oh-mylanta, trust me the sun toasted me on the outside and the breezes toasted me on the inside.

The cruise was a three hour adventure and we were one of the first groups on the boat ... and we took the only cushioned seats and solid table on the top of the boat. Where we would befriend a bevvy of babes who drank five to one me ... at least.

There was more alcohol on the ground than in my stomach I do believe ... as the wind gusts would come up and over the top so would go our cups of beverage! Oh well, you will have that ...

anyway it was a perfect day with friends and I can't imagine having more fun at any other Lake ... but you just never know! The music was everything from Jimmy Buffet, to some rockin country to some rockin rock! All and all, it was a fabulous way to kick off the summer!

Special Ed for phone dialing.

Okay, I am thinking some people need to have a license to use a phone. Perhaps there is a skills test, a language equivalency - but something to remove the crazy people from using a phone. Even simple manners would be helpful.

Here is what happened ... around 10 pm ... when I am already asleep for an hour because I sleep before most kids get home from the movies ... I get a phone call from (insert stupid) lady ... she asks for Kyle.

I explain there is no Kyle here ... she says how about Ken ... no, sorry there is no Ken either. She apologized (so she showed some common sense for drunk dialing). It was not ten seconds later (thanks to the handy redial button on her phone) she calls back ...

Ken?

No, there is no Ken here ... who are you trying to reach? Ken, Kyle perhaps Kris she responds and the chuckles. Well, this sets off my ignorant intolerance button. I firmly said, Lady! there is no one here by that name! She responds, well this number came up on my caller ID. I said that is impossible because I have not dialed my phone in days. She simply laughed.

I thought, you are one silly stupid bitch and hung up the phone.

Anyway, guess who is still up? Me. Once I wake up I can't fall back asleep. So thanks 459.8512.

Survey Says ...

Recently I read a survey of what foods people despise ... some of them were a surprise while others I embrace the idea!

I am pretty much a "man of the grocery store" ... not much in there do I not enjoy. I love to cook, I love to eat out and really food is more important to me than most of my worldly possessions.

The list of the 20 most hated foods:

1. Liver (uggh, the smell is toxic)

2. Lima Beans (yummy with mashed potatoes)

3. Mayonnaise (perfect with turkey)

4. Mushrooms (stuff'em with sausage or like Deb prepares them!)

5. Eggs (yummo, one of my favorites)

6. Okra (think the word is kinda funny)

7. Beets (if you have tried my friend Tammy's beets then this would not have made the list)

8. Brussel Spouts (perfect slung with a rubber band)

9. Tuna (this is the way to my heart, make a tuna casserole)

10. Gelatin (gotta love jello!)

11. Sour Cream (can take it or leave it)

12. Pea Soup (I will hurl if I see this mess in a bowl)

13. Oysters (deep fry about anything and it will be good!)

14. Peas (like them on a salad, or with a nice hunk o beef)

15. Raisins (super in my bowl of bran!)

16. Cooked Carrots (cook them in rootbeer and you have a delightful dish!)

17. Onions (again deep fry them!)

18. Cilantro (love the smell)

19. Maple syrup (on my pancakes baby cooked on my new Griddle!)

20. Blueberries (what about muffins or pancakes!)

Well, I am not a fan of the scallop either because it hates me ... death by crazy round fish!

Anyway, what is your list of foods that you would not eat!?!

6 months and counting!

Well, it may be hard to believe, but I am just about 6 months away from the Holiday Open House. Though the picture may show the boat on its side ... I do attest to make certain that we stay above water but you are responsible for how much you drink!

This is a major undertaking of course -- when you consider that the celebration will have over 250 invites sent out by mail.

The theme will allow for me to capitalize on the newly remodeled kitchen (I am having faith that it will be done by December haha ... or we could be celebrating by the dumpster in my driveway - this would mean no one gets to park in the driveway haha)

So, the theme is a Cruise ... A Carboribbean Cruise at that! The home of the 33 foot food buffet. I will have live music, a few surprises, the annual 7 day weather forecast, and the shots for shirts competition.

I will be featured, I do believe, in the latest issue of Fort Wayne Magazine on planning an event ... there is a series in the magazine and I gave some helpful tidbits to making a party an event! For me, the planning of the Cruise will take much time to work on menu, the activities and the final touches which will make it memorable.

If you want to be added to the guest list (and you are not the crazy person who comments about death by dumbness, then drop me a line).

All Aboard!

Only my good side ...

Growing up Carbo, when I was in fifth grade, I was in my first commercial. It was funny because most kids do not get to be in a commercial so I thought I was really special.

So when I returned to school after summer break, I was beaming to tell people. My best friend, Amy, who I have known since I was 9, was beaming too and I thought you just wait until I share what I did this summer. Girls go first ... She spouted that she was in a commercial for Fred Toenges shoes!

I thought no way! This was my moment how could we both have done the same thing this summer that was not going to the "lake" or Cedar Point. Well, I shared that I was in a commercial and it was for a restaurant.

So, we both celebrated as being the two kids who were on television (one may have thought we were in Grease ... um, because that was about the same time too) nonetheless, it was a real cool moment.

Flash foward today ... a very dear friend of mine is shooting a regional commercial (meaning those in Indiana will see it) and the need for extras/volunteers is what she is seeking. Somehow, I am a tad too recognizable to be in it (guess my 1978 commercial caught the eyes of all the local producer haha) but this is a great opportunity for you to hear lights action camera!

So if you would like to know more ... you can contact Heather at PUNCH Films, 740.6851 or heather@punchfilms.com with a head shot. They also need an adorable girl who is 5 or 6 for the commercial ... so she can go back to school and tell all her friends like I did nearly 20 years ago!

One more puff, sugar!

Recently I read the report that Amy Winehouse collapsed due to (fill in the blank) and was taken to the hospital or medical ward in the hospital.

This person released an album that was fresh for its time, however since the release of the album, she had smacked, bit, hit, drunk dialed more than anyone in a life time. Mind you she is 24 and now has been diagnosed as having emphysema.

So this may have been brought about by the crack-cocaine she smoked. Hmm, really!?! One report even went so far to name her a diva. What!?! She released one album. She has been arrested for drug possessions, even went as far as being caught singing racially tinged songs. Yeah, that is a true diva. I can see Aretha Franklin doing that or Karen Carpenter or Tina Turner!

Anyway, if I had my deathpool up and running I would write that name twice. We lost a talent like George Carlin today and we have the opportunity to watch Amy just (not so) slowly burn away her life.

Some progress pictures

Since the project began a month ago ... the addition has been ... added... the room has been framed and the windows have been added.

Pickin' up a lil' sumpin'

Yesterday I went to the Covington Art Fair - I went between the two storms!

My intentions were not to buy anything actually however that only lasted half way around the circle ... traffic was low, the weather was decent (while I was there but the skies broke open as soon as I got home), and people were not buying (but maybe I inspired them!)

Anyway, what I bought was a stainless steel background with a copper inlay metal that was heated, stained and made to look just like my hand blown glass that I bought in Italy. What are the chances?!?

So, this was the newest entry into the house

State of the Carbo Estate (or is it Compound)

Okay, the house is coming along despite some surprise mistakes ... but that is another post (oh, wait, I already did that post ... now I have wall that was taken out by mistake...hmm, that happens everyday doesn't it?)

I have seen the first cabinet front and I am rocked by how sleek and cool it is. So, it is on to matching the rest of the stuff up ... my two walls which are not either travertine marble or granite/onyx/marble will be painted a color called "toasty" which sounds warm but not burnt eh! The ceilings will be Spanish laced (wish the word was Italian laced but it is not). Oh, before you write the hate mail ... I am not anti-Spanish just that my home is having an Italian theme ...

I need to get a painting commissioned for the dining section of the kitchen. I intend to use some of my pictures from Italy on the walls by the windows which now overlook the mini forest of trees. The picture above is the table I will have ... but not the chairs or any of the crazy decor.

As this room evolves the rest of the house must follow suit. So the entrance of my house is getting a "freshening up" as the marble cabinet which was along the wall, will now be on the staircase side giving me back another wall for art. I am re-using my Terry Ratliff from the living room to be moved to the entrance. It is a great piece and I think this will be the ideal spot for it.

The formal sitting room is now being transformed into a conversation pit with overstuffed leather chairs and a terrazzo table as the center piece. Think Oprah set but no cameras. I regain a new wall for art with this plan and I am hoping to find this in Ann Arbor next month.

My wall of fame is getting a shot in the arm as it not only will be finally complete (uggh, work in progress for a year) but the picture frames will be enclosed in a shelving system which will allow perfect symmetry! Yeah for me ... more structure.

Lower level ... well, now that the almost new carpet will be replaced with new carpet ... I will make the bar room flow into the music room with more ease now. My walls are a darker brown color while the ceiling is a very lite blue. The leather sofa from the upper level will make its way down as will the chase lounge that is off the master suite. Another terrazzo table will round out the room which will host the juke box and a bar top table.

So I feel by recycling some of the items and infusing something new (that may just look old) will create the ideal place for Clyde to call it a night.

Things I think or things I know ...

I have always found the combined names of two people to make one as being totally odd ... Brangelina for example ... but then I think that it works for Hillary and Bill Clinton ... Hillbilly!

I thought I believed bumper stickers to be a waste toward the resale of your automobile ... I have since learned that the more bumper stickers on your car the more rage you drive with ... So the "My child is an honor role student" and "Proud Parent" driver is more apt to run you off the road then then the "Jesus take the wheel" driver.

I thought that when I ate Italian food again that I would forget the April adventure to Italy ... Well, today I ate at Casa's and thought ... Oh my - how horrible is our Italian food in America in contrast to the mother land! I had fettuccine alla carbonara ... not a good rendition of the classic meal.

I thought this week would never conclude ... remodeling, rebuilding is stressful ... luckily for me, nothing will happen at the house until Monday. I think I will clean up a bit!

I thought that I could not be inspired much beyond the level I have achieved... I was wrong. Yesterday I attended an award ceremony where my mentor of nearly 20 years received recognition for her grand work for an agency and in the community as a volunteer. I have to tell you it has inspired me to do more, longer and with more zest than any other point in my life.

So ... I am wondering what are your thoughts?

Fixin a batch of woop-ass

So the past couple days I have had to deal with home construction matters ... e-gad.

"Everything is fixable" is my motto ... but I was thinking how much fixin' do we have to do? Well, first a bank of electrical panels were put on the wrong wall ... so they are being moved. Then my cabinet maker wanted to extort money to put the counter top on ... so that has been remedied. Then the plumber cut a hot pressure line and soaked my carpet in the lower level - and left it for me to ... that has been addressed too.

The deranged blog reader has maintained a low profile ... perhaps the IP tracking system has stopped this or is it the police intervention ... either way it appears this is at bay (for the moment). Trust me, I will prosecute to the full exent of the law or whatever Guido will do without my knowledge

My volunteer life ... I am between gigs as YLNI has concluded and I am awaiting where I will land next. Perhaps the break will do me well.

Anyway, on the horizon, I have Covington Art Fair this weekend ... Hoagland Days are this weekend ... Ribfest and Blues is this weekend ... so there are options to hang with friends or even soak up the rays of the television as I still need to watch the last four episodes of Lost.

So, I am back ... can't say better because I have never been a good boy :)

I simply do not have anything to say ...

Sorry

One bad apple ...

As a blog writer, I do find it amazing that anything I can write could really stir up much controversy. I think the discussion about my Republican beliefs and how that was not in line with Kelty as the candidate for Mayor may have sparked a powder keg with someone.

Within the past month I have received a series of odd anonymous postings that I have not put in front of the eyes of the blogger world, but I have retained them for a very specific reason so I won't forget what someone thought about me and my writing.

When a person talks about death ... when a person talks about planning my funeral ... when a person talks about the Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana ...when a person talks about why I should not buy an oven or celebrate my birthday I have to wonder how mentally off this (almost) anonymous writer may be.

There is legal recourse which can be taken -

I can not imagine if my blog took on big debatable topics ... bigger than the ice cream I ate at Atz or the type of counter top I have in my house.

Someone needs help ... needs to get a true grip on life and find other sources of dealing with the pent of anger ... This serves as putting this person on notice ... I won't back down from talking about a boat ride I took or a television show I watched ... so take necessary precautions to reap the benefits of your own threats.

Let the music play ... or not!

So many things happening yesterday ... I could only take in so much ... what I did not get to do:

Attend something rap-related at Headwater's Park ... I was at Halls by the river dining with some friends and the ca-thud music that was being orated was not only unlike the music I would listen to, but it was border line troubling.

Attending the benefit concert -- have not heard how much was raised by the home schooled children, but I am sure it was something worth leaving the house to see.

Attending the home auction - damn what a jam packed day ... house up for sale and then a concert all in the same day ... why can't things be spread out. The house did not sell, it sold for $115,000 according to one report I heard. So, perhaps this will happen again.

What I did get to accomplish yesterday ... I bought four over stuffed chairs and a table base for the new living room. Three stores and three purchases at them will make for a fun eclectic but synchronized room.

I had dinner with friends in the gazebo on the river bank. It was not buggy, the water did not smell and no dead bodies washed up on the shore line. There were boat rides (which I did not participate in either).

All and all I got to see and do many of the things I wanted to do ... but there were still some things I should have squeezed in but time just did not allow it or I was afraid I would be run down by someone.

Creamy delights!

Yesterday some friends and I went to Atz Ice Cream to celebrate and rejoice!

- We were blessed to know more about the stellar kids who have been home schooled and have played for Laura Bush ... this came unsolicited from an elderly couple that had the keenest of hearing aides. Well, the lady did ... the guy no so much. He kept wishing a happy birthday to us ... and I extended the same sediment to him. Even though I kept saying it was not our birthday.

- We toasted that the CM of C has doubled in readership as obvious from yesterday's blog that shook up the underground world of, what one person coined, K-dog's fundraising efforts. I have never had so many comments posted on the blog let alone those who emailed. Thanks for reading and always remember, spend money like you don't have it ... lie about a lie you know the truth to ... and remember it is a Christian world for some and the values and ethics are not always universally applied.

- We toasted to some success of my business and also the new door that has opened as one door closes, thankfully. It was a big day yesterday and I am pumped about the future!

- The wonderful thing about Atz ice cream is that the staff is specially trained. I had no idea. They are put through the riggers of being placed into a booth and forced to memorize the menu. There is a test! Well, this was funny (at least for me) because the booth by us was the training booth and the new server was working hard at memorizing the information. The test began and the instructor (aka another waitress) began to ask questions ... the new waitress began to give back the prices ... the trainer said "you don't need to memorize the prices" and the new waitress had that defeated look on her face and said without words "I wasted my time memorizing something I don't need to know!"

Anyway, the Mad Anthony, the peanut butter cup and the kiddie clown cone were a huge success but all of us at the table. A great way to spend a summer night - a Friday night ... in Fort Wayne.