The Amplifier

Did you ever stop to wonder who invented the amplifier and what it actually does?  The first electric amplifier was likely invented by Leo Fender.  His first early amplifiers had no controls and amplified the electronic signal produced by magnetic pickups so that it  produces sound through a loudspeaker.  The first commercially produced in 1947.

Guitar amplifiers were at first used in bass guitars and electronic keyboards.  They are manufactured in two main forms:  the combination or combo, and the amplifier stack or  amp stack. 

It offers plenty of gigging power at a great price.  It offers clear dynamic tones for a lot of musical styles.  Now I don't know a lot about music equipment, but after reading reviews on it, those who have bought this amp, are very happy with it. 

Linda's Coming Over Tonight

As this is Thursday, it is the night Linda comes over to spend the evening here.  I just love Thursday nights.  We start out with Linda giving me my three allergy shots.  Then we each grab something to drink, water normally.

We both decided around the same time to quit drinking pop.  Yes, I know, some people call it soda,  I call it caffeine free Dr. Pepper.  I do still love it, but I always equate it with smoking and I've cut down on smoking drastically.  I used to smoke about a carton a week, now I'm down to one pack a week or less.

Steve's noticed the change in me and commented  on more than one occasion.  (Which makes me happy that he's noting I am trying to quit.)

Back to Linda, we normally watch a few television shows, but, now they are mostly reruns and some times we've seen the shows three or more times.  Boring.

The 2nd Day of Migraines

I  had cortisone shots in both knees Tuesday as I wrote about previously.  I took a pill to try and stave off the migraine minutes before the needles were inserted to drain and then insert the cortisone.

I actually was migraine-free that evening.  However, Wednesday morning the migraine started.  I took one pill (I can take 1 or 2) since I didn't know how this new med would react.  That was around 9 AM.  By 11:00 AM I took the 2nd one.  Around 6 PM I took two more  to no avail.

This morning, I took two, still am fighting the migraine.  I left a message at 9 AM for the doctor to see if I can take more than two at a time.  I am at the lowest dose (50 mg) of this med.  It also comes in 100 and 150 mg, so I hope I can up the dose.

Do you need a business line of credit in order to get a call back from the doctor's office?  I called at 4:15 PM again to see if there was an answer for me yet.  Apparently they are waiting for the doctor to respond.

It gets very frustrating.  I love my doctor and have been going to her since Abby was about two years old and that was around 1982.  She knows my whole history, I hate to start over with a new doctor to go to.

Any suggestions for me to get them to respond quicker?

I Just Might Live picture Time



This is one of those days where I just want to sleep, when I lay down I cannot sleep.

Income Taxes

Once again, we still have not filed our income taxes, and here it is August.  No, don't worry, we won't get a fine as we don't owe taxes, we get refunds.

I am stalling because of the medical expenses.  I'm not sure if I already entered Steve's on top of mine, then he entered them.  I'm going to have to go through the lists once again in order to see if our current numbers are correct or not.

Yuck, yuck, yuck.  Doing the taxes is bad enough, without having to redo them.  The thing that I hate about having your taxes done by someone else, is you have to have everything you need taken with you.  I always seem to forget some paperwork that I need for them to do my taxes.

Are your taxes filed yet?

On Reading

Do you have any hobbies?  I love to crochet, but my favorite hobby is reading fiction books.  I used to go to the library and check out books galore.  If I would get down to one or two books, I would start getting addiction pains.  Seriously, addicted to reading.

Since Heather gave me her old Kindle, I download free books galore.  I love it.  I wish it had larger print, though.  And, I have three or four boxes of paperback books my cousin, Nancy, gave me.  So I feel rich in books!

Genichi Kawakami

Genichi Kawakami who is the son of Kaichi Kawakami the third generation president of the Nippan Gakki (musical instruments and electronics) now the Yamaha Corporation.  He studied and graduated from Takachiho Higher Commercial School in March of 1934.

He rose to positions of manager of the company's Tenryu Factory Company (musical instruments) and then Senior General Manager, before assuming the position of fourth-generation President in 1950 at the young age of 38.

In 1953 he was looking for a way to make use of idle machining equipment that had previously made airplane propellers.  He later brought out the Yamaha motorcycle.

Back to the muscial instruments, if you're going to play, you need a yamaha stagepas 300.  One person can easily control it.

I wonder if that is what they use at church?

Gibson Acoustic Guitars

Did you know that Gibson guitar is totally made by hand?  Oliver Gibson is the company founder and he invented this archtop guitar in the 1890s.  He produced these and archtop mandolins in a one-man work-shop from then until 1902.  At that point, he was unable to keep up with the demand and so he sold the name to a group of music store owners and lawyers.

In 1926, Gibson made flat-top guitar thinking it was more of a beginner guitar.  College students, servicemen, those who sing the blues, and even some country western singers began strumming on these guitars.

Gibson had competition with newcomer Epiphone.  The rivalry ended in 1957 due to his buying Epiphone.  With the production of the Super Jumbo, made with rosewood back and sides before the war and maple after.  Performers played on these guitars at the Grand Ole Oprey and Country Western circuits.

You can find gibson acoustic guitars at musicians friend even now.  Some of the people you may recognize who used Gibson guitars are the Beatles, and the Everly Brothers.

Are you hooked yet?  If you play guitar at all, you know a lot about the Gibson brand.  Save up for the greatest guitar in the world..

Steve called me as I was frying up a lb of bacon.  They were coming out to drop a coupon for the new medicine I've just been put on.  I asked them if they'd eaten yet.  No, they'd eat after they went back home.  I didn't have enough bread to feed them, too.  I immediately called him back and said "if you bring some bread for your sandwiches, you can have BLTs with us".  He said that was awesome.

So, I finished the bacon, cut up a bunch of tomatoes, cut up cucumbers, and cooked a mess of green beans (with some chunks of bacon in it).  I ate my cucumbers while waiting for them to arrive.  They still weren't here, so I ate my sandwich, too.  Then when they got here, I was munching on the green beans, and they were delicious.

Steve made sandwiches for he and Amber, then we all went outside.  Vito got to have time off his leash and then Steve took him for a run out in our field.  Once again, it was a wonderful visit.  I just love it when they come over.

Rings for My Grandkids

I decided to start a tradition a few years ago.  When they are thirteen years more or less, I sit down and talk to my grandchild about saving themselves for marriage and why you should do so.

 I let them choose which ring they want, but, it is always a purity ring.  Some have scriptures on them.  They are always beautiful, even the boy's and men's rings.

The day I give them their ring, we sit and talk for a while before I give them their ring.  Basically, the message is 'wait for marriage'.  It is the highest gift you can give each other, remaining pure.  And this goes for the boys, too.

I could go on about what I tell them, but I'll just leave it here.

Spa Day

Tomorrow I go to the West Glen Spa for my 90 minute massage by Amy!  I cannot wait.  I'm telling ya, she is fantastic.  Wouldn't trade her for the world.  And, she is so sweet.  At one time I had thought about introducing her to my son, Steve II.  Now that he has Amber, I am so glad that they got together.  They are so great together.

I'm usually a little sore for a while, but it is so worth it.  I should hurry and go to sleep so tomorrow will come quicker!


Sue and Walt

We arrived in Council Bluffs Friday about 30 minutes before my hair appointment.  Steve stayed with Walt and Sue went with me to my appointment.  I go to Sue's hairdresser.  She is awesome.

I had talked myself into letting my hair grow, however, when I soak in the whirlpool tub, my hair knots up.  Even when I pull my hair up and lay against it, I end up with little knots at the root.  Then I have to rip it out as it will not come unknotted.  Bummer.

When I got to my appointment, I asked what she thought of cutting it short in the back and leave it longer in the front, you know, at an angle.  I know people do cut their hair this way, but, I have curly hair.  I wasn't sure if that would work with curly hair.  And.....she thought it would look great.

I was looking for a haircut that I wouldn't need www.carsonthorncpa.com to pay for it.  Seriously, it costs some $$$$ to get my hair done by April, but it is so worth it.

I walked out with the cutest hairstyle and color!  I am so happy.  And it is short in the back so I shouldn't have knots in the back anymore.

Hopefully, tomorrow.....

we'll see a cement truck come into our driveway.  As I said in a previous post, we were going to have it done last Thursday afternoon.  However, the contractor was running late on the job before ours.  Steve told him to just wait till Monday or after as we were going out of town on Friday.

So, time will tell if we have a patio and sidewalk poured tomorrow, or not.  I can't wait.  As you can tell, this has been a long time coming. 

Ronda Came to Town

A friend from high school came from Texas (where she currently lives with her husband).  The deal was, we were to meet at a place called the Lighthouse Lounge, in Council Bluffs.  At least 5 other girls from my school were planning on coming to this get together.

Then, a guy from our school decided to invite the 1967  - 1972 classes out to his house.  He lives in a log cabin in Crescent which is a little north and east (I think) of Council Bluffs.  I hadn't planned to go to that as I really only wanted to see my friends.  Not people who didn't even graduate with me.

Steve and I met my friend, Connie, outside the 'lounge'.  I was dismayed when I saw what class of people frequented this place.  Now I'm not normally the type that feels like I'm 'above' people, but clearly, I didn't run around with this crowd.   Let's just say, if I had gold coins for sale, I would steer clear of this place.

Ok, now I am bad, but you know what?  I don't care.  There's just some places I would not choose to be.  There I said it.    Ronda and her husband arrived late (9:20 or so, we expected them at 7).  We visited with them the short amount of time they could share with us. 

None of my friends (except Connie) came, how disappointing.  After about 30 or so minutes, I told Connie we were leaving, she walked out with us.  We had a drive ahead of us so I wanted to get started.  How was your weekend?

Steve II and Amber brought out chicken, tomatoes, corn, and cucumbers.  Right away I cut up a tomato and ate the whole thing by myself.  Yum.  Then, Steve II put the chicken on the grill, I put the spuds in the micro, and Amber and I started shucking the corn.  Steve II came out and helped with that, too!

It is so wonderful when your kids come out and take care of you!  Steve and Amber do this a lot.  My hubby was in West Des Moines at church doing his thing.  We all had a wonderful time.  The kohlrabi was fantastic, as usual.

Everything was fantastic.  It feels so good when you eat healthy!  How's your garden growing?

Two Weeks Ago...

Heather sang at church again.  She was really nervous because normally when she sings, Jeff and Tracey are out of town (Tracey is normally the singer and Jeff the pastor).  This time Pastor Jeff was at the church, just not preaching.

They had just got back from Chicago for Tracey's mom's funeral so Tracey stayed home.  Anyway, Heather was so nervous to have Jeff there, that means he'll hear her.

Jef (lead guitarist) and Tyler (another guitarist), and Tony (drummer) was there to make the music.  There wasn't anyone there on a MIDIEvery so often we do have a keyboardist playing and singing harmony.

Heather did an excellent job, as usual, and she wasn't nervous once she got up there.  It was awesome.  The Holy Spirit moved during worship.

Next Weekend

Yep, a girlfriend from high school is coming up from Texas next weekend.  A few of our friends are going to get together with her at a place called the Lighthouse (I think).

She'll be spending the day at someone's house during the day.  He is a DJ and he invited a few classes to get together at the same time.  Great, huh?  It's not like it will be a class reunion.

Steve still hasn't told me if he's going with me or not.....time will tell.

We Got Some Help Today

Steve II, beautiful Amber, Sydney, and Jadah (my two beautiful granddaughters) came out today.  With the intent of B-B-Qing for lunch.  Steve II did the grilling as his Dad was working on the new sidewalk he is getting ready to put in.

They brought out brats w/mushrooms and swiss cheese and brats with jalapeno (whew), chips and dip, and corn on the cob.  It was all delicious.  Steve told his Dad to take a break and eat lunch.  After the brats were on the grill and after eating, Steve II helped shovel the area for the new sidewalk with his Dad.

They accomplished  a lot today.

Hopefully we won't need bankruptcy free consultation after all is said and done.  I'm just kidding, we have budgeted for this project.  I'm so happy, cannot wait to have it done.

I used to chase the shade around the old patio while I was outside reading.  Now I sit out in the grassy area finding shade where I can next to a table.  If I cannot find shade near the 2 tables, I sit in the shade and drag the kids picnic table next to me.  Then I drag the big wheel to put my feet up on.

Some day soon, I'll have my patio and new sidewalk!!!!!

Did I Tell You....

that we are in the process of getting a new sidewalk and patio?  It is so exciting.  I never thought I'd ever have a new patio.  The old one was so broken and so many weeds were growing in the cracks.

Steve has been digging, digging, digging and slamming down the sledgehammer breaking up the old concrete.  We have a huge pile of concrete pieces in the back by the place where we used to store our trees that were cut down.

You cannot believe how much glass we have found.  2 sacks full of broken glass.  A half of an antique glass, too bad it wasn't all there.  We've found 2 marbles a few pennies and 1 quarter.  I think it was a 1965 quarter, so not worth a lot.

Maybe we'll find a treasure yet, you never know.

I received a message from Sue on Word's With Friends that they were on their way to Adventureland today.  I cannot immagine driving all the way to Des Moines to go there when the Iowa State Fair is on at the same time. 

The pictures looked like they were having fun (the kids atleast).  Skip mentioned he needed to clear his head for 30 minutes after riding the Dragon.  Josh told him not to forget the Silly Silo and Skip said it is broke this year.

Sue sent me a message that they were just passing Waukee.  At least they didn't need to get immigration lawyers in los angeles in order to get back home.  Which is refreshing, right?

I haven't gone to Adventureland, or the Iowa State Fair since Heather was probably 15 or 16!  Can't say I miss all the walking, or trying to get a parking place, or the $$ involved in going either place.   Have you made it to the Fair yet?

It's That Time of Year Again

What time is that?  Iowa State Fair, of course.  I've seen many pictures on Facebook of my son Josh's kids and Steve's daughter, Syd and her little brother, Talon.  Looks like they had a great time.  Except for the picture of them holding a python or some such snake that gave me the willies.

And.....tomorrow is the Sweet Corn Festival in Adel.  Yummy!  I know Steve's daughter, Jadah, and Heather's kids are in the parade (yawn....9 AM).  Grandma doesn't get around that early in the morning.  I wouldn't mind going to the free corn giveaway, though!  Yum yum yum.

Are you going?  It's mighty tempting, isn't it?


the government employee that turned in a vehicle with our governor in it that was speeding (high speeds).  He brought it to the attention to someone and later lost his job.  In credit to the government agency who fired this gentleman, it is said there is more to the story, that wasn't why he was fired.

I'd say this dude has a right to fight the wrongful termination (if that's true he was fired for that reason).  Don't know for sure if he has a Wrongful Termination Attorney San Diego, or not.  But I do know he has an attorney.

Well, good luck to him and his attorney.  The car should have been pulled over for travelling such high speeds, endangerment to others, don't ya think?

Time at Mom's

Steve and I went down to Mom's apartment after the Bible study tonight.  We went through a book she and Polly put together on genealogies of the Manning family.  It took a lot of work to create this book and I was very impressed.  I had so much fun reading about people back in the 1800's and before.

One family member came from England and was said to be sold as a slave until he turned 21 (I think).  I think they meant indentured.  This gentleman actually bought land (160 acres) from William Penn.  Can you imagine?  He later gave each of his children 20 acres each.

I wish I had information like that on hand about my relations.  We had a wonderful time visiting with Mom, laughing a lot, it was wonderful.

Glitter & Rust





My pastor's wife and our lead guitarist at church have formed Glitter & Rust....I cannot wait to hear what they play together.  I mean, I've heard them at church every week, along with Tyler (guitarist) and Tony (drummer).

When the above group plays in church, it is awesome.  And some Sundays my daughter, Heather, is the singer (when Tracey is out of town).

Note, the picture below.....this is Glitter & Rust.  How awesome is that!  I hope we are able to go to their performance.  Glitter & Rust will be performing Friday, August 2nd at Panorama Days - 4PM under the Gazebo on the Square.  So, I'm assuming it is at Lake Panorama, or at least Panora.  That's tomorrow, wow!





Photo

It will be great to hear the two of them and to see what type of songs they will sing.  I wonder if they will have a dbx driverack at musicians friend.  

Regardless, I'm sure it will be fantastic!  Hope to see you there.  So, if you're in the area......come on over!

In the Beginning....

was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.   Yep, Tuesday night was our normal Bible Study night at Steve II's.  I just love it that we have that study together.

This week was the first chapter in the New Testament.  Woohoo!  I love that chapter.  It tells about the angel coming to Mary and telling her about how the Holy Spirit would come over her and she would carry the son of God!  How exciting.  It said, "And Mary pondered these things".

Wow, could you imagine talking to an angel of the Lord?  No, I can't either, but how cool is that?  The Story goes on to the birth of Christ and on up until his parents found him in the church questioning and talking with the church elders.  Wow!  And with that, I will pass....open up the book of John and see for yourself!