Aikido Friday Night – 12/20/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Phillip.

Ukemi:

None tonight.

The Walk:

Not tonight.

Releases:

Not tonight.

Techniques:

We worked on offensive and defensive jo sections of Koryu Dai San.

Commentary:

None tonight.

Aikido Thursday Night – 12/19/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

David.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps, normal forward rolls.

The Walk:

Three times. Plus some repetition on selected sections

Releases:

None tonight.

Techniques:

Ushiro-ate.

Commentary:

None of note.

Aikido Tuesday Night – 12/17/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Willie and David.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps, normal forward rolls.

The Walk:

Three times.

Releases:

None.

Techniques:

Ushiro-ate.

Commentary:

None of note.

Weekend update

Friday:

Lunch at Viola & Agnes'

Saturday:

Jodo
Christmas cookies!  Socher Tort, Russian Teacakes, Pralines, Divinity, Sugar, Molasses
Football
Nap

Sunday:

Football

Dining out - Viola & Agnes' Cafe

Back in the NASA area with my job, I hope to be able to restart this occasional series of dining reports.  I plan on reporting on mostly restaurants I have not been to before, but the occasional old standby by may show up.

Today's lunch experience was Viola & Agnes' Cafe in the old shopping center in Nassau Bay about where Allen Maxwell Books used to be.  They're a restaurant with a theme of New Soul food.  The menu comes shows up as mostly cajun-inspired with a bit of Oxtail thrown in.  The service is a blend of counter and sit down.  You place your order at the counter and the staff deliver it to your table.

They have a sign as you come in that says, in effect, we'll be slow, but good.  And that is a wise warning to take to heart.  My meal from ordering to leaving out the door took right at 60 minutes for a Friday lunch.  And I'm a bit of a quick eater, especially since I'm normally dining solo. The interior of the restaurant is shabby New Orleans, with a wall of clocks all set to different times to encourage you to not pay attention to any markings of time. If you have a tight window for lunch, go somewhere else.  If you have some time, and a companion or two to converse with, come in, order, and sit a spell.

My lunch today was a fried catfish sandwich, side of red beans & rice, glass of tea and a slice of their Coconut Cake.  All were fabulous.  It took about 30 minutes from the time I placed my order to the time I received my meal.  If I'd known if was going to be that lengthy, I would have brought a book with me to read.

The catfish was nicely fried and of a length twice as long as the diameter of the bun in which it resided.  The dressing on the sandwich were coleslaw, remoulade sauce, and homemade sweet pickles.  There was a small ramekin of what tasted like a slightly spicy raspberry sauce that went well with the catfish.  The red beans were good, with a small serving of rice and green onions on top.  The coconut was nice, and light, and gone quite quickly.

Total for the meal came to just around $22, with the tea.  $13 for the sandwich, $4.5 for the cake, and $2.5 for the tea.

Aikido Thursday Night – 12/12/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Willie.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps, normal forward rolls. I got in about 2/3 of my preferred set.

The Walk:

Twice.

Releases:

We got through all 8.

Techniques:

Ushiro-ate.

Commentary:

Was is it that almost all students, on Ushiro-ate, slap me upside the head. The bruising on the forearm is expected, if unpleasant. Slapping my skull during the technique is just not right.

Weekend update - SMOFCon

Friday:

Up early to make flight
8:30 flight to Albuquerque
Ride city bus to hotel
Register with con
Wander around town for lunch at Cecilia's Cafe
Panels (discuss art show stuff)
Wander around town for dinner with several SMOFs

Saturday:

Breakfast at Standard Diner
Stop by aikido dojo on way back to hotel
See Steve Gould at dojo
Panels (including my own on Art Show stuff)
Dinner with Steve Gould
Fannish Inquisition
Probability and Statistics (lost out to straight with Pair of Aces with King kicker)

Sunday:

Breakfast at Standard Diner
Chatted with Spike in regards to Art Show stuff
Chatted with Randy and John until time to leave for airport
Hung out in the bar for a bit at the airport
Flight home

Aikido Tuesday Night – 12/3/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Willie.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps, normal forward rolls. I even got in a good portion of my preferred set in

The Walk:

Twice.

Releases:

Willie did all of his.

Techniques:

Willie and I worked on 1-4.

Commentary:

None of note.

Weekend update - Thanksgiving weekend

Wednesday:

refreshing sourdough starter
Pecan pie
Cherry pie
Whipped cream

Thursday:

Sourdough dinner rolls
Thanksgiving dinner with the family
Football

Friday:

Work to make the 40 hours
No aikido
Touring Christmas lights

Saturday:

Start tearing out old deck
Football
Nap
More tearing out old deck

Sunday:

Work on building new top to deck
Football
Nap

Aikido Tuesday Night – 11/26/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

David.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps, normal forward rolls for David.

The Walk:

Three times tonight.

Releases:

David did all of his.

Techniques:

David and I worked on Aigamae-ate.

Commentary:

None of note.

Weekend update

Friday:

Lunch at Seabrook Classic Cafe
Aikido
Refresh sourdough

Saturday:

Refresh sourdough
Jodo
Football
Nap
Dinner with K. at Habanero's

Sunday:

Refresh sourdough
Football

Aikido Friday Night – 11/22/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Willie, and Phillip.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps, normal forward rolls for Willie.

The Walk:

Once tonight.

Releases:

Willie did all left0sided.

Techniques:

Phillip and I worked on the first 8 of the kneeling portion of Koryu Dai San. Willie and ! worked on Mae Otoshi.

Commentary:

None of note.

Tweet summary on 11-22-2019 for the past 3 days

Friday, November 22, 2019


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Thursday, November 21, 2019

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Aikido Friday Night – 11/15/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Willie, and Phillip.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps, normal forward rolls for Willie.

The Walk:

Not tonight.

Releases:

Not tonight.

Techniques:

Phillip and I worked on the first 4 of the kneeling portion of Koryu Dai San. Phillip and Willie worked on Shihonage and Mae Otoshi.

Commentary:

None of note.

Aikido Tuesday Night – 11/12/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Willie, and David.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps, normal forward rolls.

The Walk:

Three times.

Releases:

They ran through 5-8.

Techniques:

Aigamae-ate.

Commentary:

None of note.

Weekend update - Last Friday at Onit

Friday:

Last day to work at Onit
Tried to get the truck filled with yard waste for Fall Haul-A-Day - got truck stuck in backyard mud instead

Saturday:

Oil change for Flex
Took electronics to Fall Haul-A-Day in Flex
Worked on getting truck out of mud
Turning in the shop
Dinner with K. at Franca's

Sunday:

Worked on getting truck out of mud
Football
Baked: Kentucky Butter Cake, Irish Crumble

Aikido Thursday Night – 11/7/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

David.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps, normal forward rolls.

The Walk:

Three times.

Releases:

David ran through all of theirs.

Techniques:

Shomen-ate. It went pretty well.

Commentary:

None of note.

Aikido Tuesday Night – 11/5/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

David and Willie.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps and falls.

The Walk:

Twice.

Releases:

David worked through 1-4.

Techniques:

Worked on Shomen-ate. I worked on Jodo stuff before the students showed up

Commentary:

Had a father/daughter pair show up looking to take classes. Unfortunately the daughter was too young for me to teach. Bummer!

Weekend update

Friday:

Aikido
Onit work

Saturday:

Woke up promptly and went to Jodo
Dropped bracelet off at Library for Drew
Gym workout
Football on TV
Dinner with K. at El Centinela

Sunday:

Time change
Up promptly to work on final baking for Onit
Baking: Cinnamon Rolls, Melon Pan, Banana bread, Chocolate Chip cookies
Football

Aikido Friday Night – 11/1/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

None.

Ukemi:

None.

The Walk:

None.

Releases:

None.

Techniques:

Worked on Kihon and Kata from Jodo.

Commentary:

None of note.

Aikido Tuesday Night – 10/29/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Willie.

Ukemi:

Usual slaps and falls.

The Walk:

Twice.

Releases:

All 8.

Techniques:

Worked on Shomen-ate, Aigamae ate, Gyaku Gamae ate, and Gedan ate.

Commentary:

None of note.

Weekend update - IlluxCon 2019

Thursday:

Up at 3:30 a.m. for flight to Philly
Change planes in StL
Drive to Reading
Check in to hotel
Go to IlluxCon
Drive to Paoli to meet up with Sis and nieces.
Dinner with family
In bed by midnight

Friday:

Attempt breakfast at Pancake Farm - fail because they are closed
Breakfast at Route 30 Diner in Ronks, Pa
IlluxCon
Dinner at Frank & Diannah's Arbor Inn with the S.M.ART crew
Showcase at the DoubleTree
A little of the Astros

Saturday:

Breakfast at Tomcat Cafe
IlluxCon
Dinner with the S.M.Art crew at the DoubleTree
Showcase at the DoubleTree
Watched the Astros

Sunday:

Breakfast at Route 61 Diner
IlluxCon
Make purchases
Chat with Jannie about ArtShowHelper changes
Put purchases in hands of shipper
Dinner at Oakbrook Brewing Company - Good beer, limited dining menu
Sleep

Monday:

Up at 3:30 a.m. for flight home
Arrive home
Sleep
Dinner with family at El Taqueria del Sol

Weekend update

Friday:

Aikido
Onit work
Watched the Astros

Saturday:

Slept in til 7:30
Rebuilt wheelbarrow
Moved logs from back to front for pickup
Some work in the shop for turning bottle stoppers
Nap
Library for bracelet sizing for Drew
Dinner with K. at El Centinela
Watched the Astros

Sunday:

Grocery shopping with K
Nap
Football
Banana bread
Chocolate chip cookies

Aikido Friday Night – 10/18/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

David.

Ukemi:

Usual slaps and forward roll instruction.

The Walk:

3 times.

Releases:

5-8.

Techniques:

Worked on Shomen-ate and Tsugi ashi movement.

Commentary:

None of note.

Aikido Thursday Night – 10/17/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

David.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps, normal forward rolls.

The Walk:

Twice.

Releases:

1-6.

Techniques:

Worked on Shomen-ate.

Commentary:

None of note.

Aikido Tuesday Night – 10/15/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Willie.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps, normal forward rolls.

The Walk:

Twice.

Releases:

Chains 1-4.

Techniques:

Worked on Waki gatamae and Kote Hineri.

Commentary:

None of note.

Tweet summary on 10-17-2019 for the past 3 days

Thursday, October 17, 2019


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Tuesday, October 15, 2019

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Weekend update

Friday:

Aikido - no students, so jodo work instead

Saturday:

Onit work
Jodo at Aikibudokan
Onit work
Lawn mowing and weedeating
Gym workout
Grocery shopping
Dinner with K. at El Centinela
Watched the Astros

Sunday:

Nap
Football
Some neatening up in the shop
Lasagna
Grocery run
Kitchen bread
Apricot/Cream Cheese braid
Astros ALCS on TV

Aikido Friday Night – 10/11/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

No students.

Ukemi:

None.

The Walk:

None.

Releases:

None.

Techniques:

Worked on Jodo drills.

Commentary:

None of note.

Aikido Tuesday Night – 10/8/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Willie, and David.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps, normal forward rolls.

The Walk:

Twice.

Releases:

They ran through 1-4.

Techniques:

Spent some time just throwing each other with a front strike. After that, we worked on Shomen-ate.

Commentary:

None of note.

Weekend update - work weekend from hell

Friday:

No Aikido
Gala at Library

Saturday:

Blueberry muffins
Onit Work
Drop costume back at Party Boy
Onit Work
Dinner with K. at El Centinela
Listened to the Astros
Onit Work, until 1 am

Sunday:

Blueberry muffins
Onit work
Nap
Football
Pumpkin cake
Whipped cream
Cornbread
Baseball

Aikido Thursday Night – 10/3/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Willie, and David.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps, normal forward rolls.

The Walk:

Twice.

Releases:

They ran through 5-8.

Techniques:

Aigamae ate.

Commentary:

None of note.

Aikido Tuesday Night – 10/1/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Willie, and David.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps, no normal forward rolls.

The Walk:

Twice.

Releases:

Willie and David ran through 1-5.

Techniques:

Aigamae ate and Ushiro ate.

Commentary:

None of note.

Weekend update

Friday:

No Aikido

Saturday:

Up early for Jodo at Aikibudokan
Stayed for Aikido at Aikibudokan
Ran out of gas on the Beltway on the way home.  Luckily, there was a gas station nearby and they carried gas cans.
2 loaves of kitchen bread
F-i-l grilled out steaks
Crashed early

Sunday:

Blueberry muffins
Onit work for Pearson and Vanderbilt
Mowed the lawn
Worked on the water heater for the apartment
Football

Aikido Friday Night – 9/27/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Students all called in saying they could not make it, so no class.

Aikido Thursday Night – 9/26/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

No students.

Ukemi:

None.

The Walk:

None.

Releases:

None.

Techniques:

Worked on Omote techniques for Jodo.

Commentary:

None of note.

Aikido Tuesday Night – 9/24/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

David.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps, more forward roll instruction.

The Walk:

Three times.

Releases:

David ran through all of his.

Techniques:

Shomen-ate.

Commentary:

Finally back on the mat after a week of washouts due to Imelda.

Weekend update - Fencon 2019

Friday:

Up at 4:30
On the road by 5:10
Drop off mail, get cash and donuts before getting on the road
Stop at a truck stop for a bio break around Fairfield
Arrive in Dallas around 10:30
Set up my stuff in the art show
Help Jimmy
Dinner at a local Italian joint around 9:30

Saturday:

Breakfast at Original Market Street Diner
Help out in the Art Show
Dinner brought in from hotel
Auctioneer for the Art/Charity Auction
Hung out in the bar for about 2 hours with Leonard B., Dan ?, and ?? (a newly-published auther)

Sunday:

Breakfast at Original Market Street Diner
Help out in the Art Show

Head home

Almost fell asleep on the road, got a second wind.

Stopped at Buc*ee's in Madisonville (there was a line for the men's room!!)

Made it home

Dinner

Football

Collapse.

Weekend update

Friday:

Aikido

Saturday:

Blueberry muffins
TX/RX Labs for 3-D printer repair
Party Boy costume rentals for costume for library gala
ArmadilloCon meeting
Onit work for Pearson
Football
Very late dinner at King's Biergarten with K

Sunday:

Onit work for Pearson
Nap
Football
Peach Pie
Peach Cobbler

Aikido Friday Night – 9/13/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Kim, and Willie.

Ukemi:

None tonight.

The Walk:

Not tonight.

Releases:

Kim and Willie ran through all of theirs.

Techniques:

Mae Otoshi and Sumi Otoshi.

Commentary:

None of note.

Weekend update

Friday:

No Aikido

Saturday:

Jodo class
Gym workout
Aggie football
Dinner at El Centinela with K
Football

Sunday:

Blueberry pancakes
Football
A few hours of work
A couple of loaves of kitchen bread

Aikido Thursday Night – 9/12/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

David.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps, normal forward rolls.

The Walk:

Twice.

Releases:

We worked on 7 & 8.

Techniques:

Shomen-ate.

Commentary:

None of note.

Aikido Tuesday Night – 9/10/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Willie, and David.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps, normal forward rolls.

The Walk:

Twice.

Releases:

Worked on 5-8.

Techniques:

Willie and I worked on Kote Hineri and Tenkai Kote Hineri.

Commentary:

David had to leave for a family emergency.

Tweet summary on 09-08-2019 for the past 3 days

Sunday, September 08, 2019


• 09/08/19 @ 4:30am : Today's Artfire item: Tulipwood bottle stopper https://t.co/KedInBOdoA Contact me for twitter discount #handmade #artfire #madmoravian

Saturday, September 07, 2019

• 09/07/19 @ 4:30am : Today's Artfire item: Mopani bottle stopper https://t.co/Xvx1ixArgI Contact me for twitter discount #handmade #artfire #madmoravian

Friday, September 06, 2019

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Aikido Thursday Night – 9/5/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Willie, and David.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps, normal forward rolls.

The Walk:

Twice.

Releases:

Willie and David worked on 1-4.

Techniques:

None tonight.

Commentary:

None of note.

Weekend update - Labor Day weekend

Friday:

Aikido

Saturday:

Off to Aikibudokan for Jodo
Tandy Leather for open table
Omaha Steaks pick up for Monday
Finished all planned tote bags and cleaned up the work area (aka dining room)
Refreshed sourdough starter
Nap
Dinner at El Centinela with K

Sunday:

Blueberry muffins
Gym workout
Start on sourdough breads
Marinating steaks
Mom's to work on Potato salad
Nap
Angel Food cake
Baseball

Monday:

Bread baking
Blueberry sauce
Whipped cream
Grilled burgers and steaks

Aikido Friday Night – 8/30/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Willie, David, Kim, and Laura.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps, normal forward rolls.

The Walk:

Twice.

Releases:

Kim and Laura ran through all of theirs. David and Willie worked through a couple.

Techniques:

Kim and Laura worked through 10-15. David and Willie worked on Aigamae-ate. At the end, Laura threw me with Kote Gaeshi as her last technique before leaving the art to start the journey of raising a family.

Commentary:

Laura is leaving to start a family. We are very sad to see her go but wish her well on mastering her new road.

Aikido Thursday Night – 8/29/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

David, Willie, and Laura.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps, normal forward rolls.

The Walk:

Twice.

Releases:

Willie and Laura ran through all of theirs. David and I made it through 1-4.

Techniques:

For David: Ushiro-ate. For Willie and Laura: Ushiro-ate and Ushiro waza Ryote Mochi Kote Gaeshi

Commentary:

None of note.

Aikido Tuesday Night – 8/27/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Willie, and Laura.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps, normal forward rolls.

The Walk:

Three times.

Releases:

Willie and Laura ran through all of theirs.

Techniques:

We ran through two techniques out of Koryu Dai Ni (Ushiro Ryote Mochi Kote Gaeshi and Ryote-mochi-gyaku-gamae-ate).

Commentary:

None of note.

Weekend update

Friday:

Aikido

Saturday:

Off to Aikibudokan for Jodo and Aikido
Tote bag work
Dinner at El Centinela with K

Sunday:

Blueberry muffins
Tote bag work
Nap
Baseball

Aikido Friday Night – 8/23/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

David, and Laura.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps, normal forward rolls.

The Walk:

Twice.

Releases:

David and Laura ran through the first 4.

Techniques:

Gyaku gamae ate and Shomen-ate.

Commentary:

None of note.

Tweet summary on 08-25-2019 for the past 3 days

Sunday, August 25, 2019


• 08/25/19 @ 5:52am : Today's Artfire item: El Grande Ballpoint in Ribbon Sapele with Gold Titanium hardware https://t.co/XjkYyYbhmt Con… https://t.co/L5UUS0ZwTo

Saturday, August 24, 2019

• 08/24/19 @ 4:38am : Today's Artfire item: Flat Top American Fountain pen in Olivewood from Bethlehem https://t.co/xA1aqGRpnF Contact m… https://t.co/iZENyjKpqq

Friday, August 23, 2019

• 08/23/19 @ 5:53am : Today's Artfire item: El Grande Ballpoint in Green Maple Burl with Gold Titanium hardware https://t.co/l3rpVYj1ev… https://t.co/8VEAFO5JbB

Aikido Thursday Night – 8/22/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Laura.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps, normal forward rolls. I actually got in a good portion of mine for the first time in a while

The Walk:

Twice.

Releases:

Laura and I ran through them all.

Techniques:

1-16. We also did some noodling around with dealing with a person who has a special power delivered by touch. Not certain we came to any conclusions, but it was interesting.

Commentary:

None of note.

Aikido Tuesday Night – 8/20/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Willie, David, and Laura.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps, normal forward rolls. Extra work with David.

The Walk:

Twice.

Releases:

Willie ran through his. Laura and David worked on 7 & 8

Techniques:

W & L worked on Hiki Otoshi. David and I worked on Gyaku Gamae Ate

Commentary:

None of note.

Weekend update

Friday:

Aikido

Saturday:

Touch-up mowing
Home Depot
Cut of boards for replacing decking
JoAnn's for fabric
Lunch at Pop Top Burgers
Tote bag work
Party Boy Costumes in prep for October event
Dinner at Habanero's with K

Sunday:

Blueberry muffins
Tote bag work
Work on Art Show Helper

Aikido Friday Night – 8/16/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Kim, and Laura.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps, normal forward rolls.

The Walk:

Twice.

Releases:

Kim and Laura ran through all of theirs.

Techniques:

For K & L: Ude Gaeshi, Waki Gatame.

Commentary:

None of note.

Aikido Thursday Night – 8/15/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Willie, David, and Laura.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps, normal forward rolls. Spent some time with David

The Walk:

Twice. And some additional work with David

Releases:

Willie and Laura ran through all of theirs. David and I worked on 5 & 6

Techniques:

For W & L: Ude Hineri, Hiki Taoshi. For David: Gyaku Gamae Ate

Commentary:

None of note.

Aikido Tuesday Night – 8/13/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Willie, Laura, and David.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps, normal forward rolls.

The Walk:

Twice.

Releases:

Willie and Laura ran through all of theirs. I worked with David through #4

Techniques:

Willie and Laura worked on Hiki Otoshi and got the big falls going! I worked with Daivd on Gyaku gamae-ate.

Commentary:

None of note.

Weekend update

Friday:

Aikido

Saturday:

Jodo class
Drop off t-shirts at Val's
Test run of self-repaired riding mower
ArmadilloCon Art Show checks/letters
Dinner at El Centinela with K

Sunday:

Blueberry  muffins
Nap
Hawaiian Sweet Rolls and Cinnamon/Raisin bread
Grilled burgers
Started work on more tote bags

Aikido Friday Night – 8/9/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Kim, and Laura.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps, normal forward rolls.

The Walk:

Twice.

Releases:

Kim and Laura ran through all of theirs.

Techniques:

Ude Gaeshi.

Commentary:

None of note.

Aikido Thursday Night – 8/8/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Kim, and Laura.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps, normal forward rolls.

The Walk:

Twice.

Releases:

Kim and Laura ran through theirs.

Techniques:

K & L worked on Ushiro-ate and Oshi Taioshi.

Commentary:

None of note.

Weekend update - Armadillocon

Wednesday:

Pack truck

Thursday:

Up early, headed to Austin
Stop at Buc-ee's in Bastrop and make the decision to go to Taylor for Kolaches
Omni Southpark in Austin
Unload
Get to Aikido of Austin too late to get on the mat, so just watch
Swimming
Dinner at Fonda San Miguel
Unload truck
Build Art Show

Friday:

Breakfast at Magnolia Cafe
Set up control desk
Hang art
Art Show

Saturday:

Breakfast at Magnolia Cafe
Art Show
Dinner at usual TexMex after auction

Sunday:

Breakfast at Kerbey Lane
Art Show
Teardown Art Show
Dinner with Kimm at County Line
Prep shipping
Brief hang out at Dead Dog

Monday:

Up early to pack truck
Stop at FedEx
Stop at UPS
Stop at USPS
Head home
Unpack truck
Nap
Correct addresses on two misfit packages
Dinner at Joe's
Send numbers off to Con chair

Aikido Tuesday Night – 8/6/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Willie, Laura, and Kim.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps, normal forward rolls.

The Walk:

Twice.

Releases:

Round robin.

Techniques:

W & L worked on Kote Hineri, and Waki Gatame. Kim and I worked on Shomen-ate and Aigamae-ate.

Commentary:

None of note.

Aikido Tuesday Night – 7/30/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Willie, Laura, and David.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps, normal forward rolls.

The Walk:

Twice. And then some one-on-one with David

Releases:

Willie and Laura ran through theirs.

Techniques:

W & L worked on Sumi otoshi, Mae otoshi, and Shihonage. David and I spent the evening on Shomen-ate.

Commentary:

None of note.

Weekend update

Friday:

No Aikido, students bailed
Helped K with the virtual reality sessions at the library

Saturday:

Jodo class
Rush home to pick up leather gauntlets for more work
Open Table session at Tandy
Dropped by mom's to help her with her TV
Dinner at El Centinela with K

Sunday:

Blueberry pancakes
Weedeat the yard
Nap
ArmadilloCon work
Work on/finish tote bag

Tweet summary on 07-27-2019 for the past 3 days

Friday, July 26, 2019


• 07/26/19 @ 5:49am : Artfire item of the day is Handmade Baron Rollerball pen in JD Oak with gold hardware https://t.co/VOJtYL1xwm Cont… https://t.co/mmf9byRESR

Thursday, July 25, 2019

• 07/25/19 @ 4:56am : Artfire item of the day is Handmade Phoenix Ballpoint in Osage Orange with Chrome hardware https://t.co/AHLsXDtppJ… https://t.co/tYV1sYUXn0

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

• 07/24/19 @ 5:06am : Artfire item of the day is Handmade Phoenix Ballpoint in Osage Orange with Gold hardware https://t.co/Fpq5pwBnGL C… https://t.co/zR1MTaG6pC

Aikido Thursday Night – 7/25/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Willie.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps, normal forward rolls.

The Walk:

Twice.

Releases:

None tonight.

Techniques:

Shomen-ate, Aigamae-ate, Gyaku gamae-ate.

Commentary:

None of note.

Aikido Tuesday Night – 7/23/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

David, and Willie.

Ukemi:

Worked with David on his. Willie arrived lateish.

The Walk:

Twice.

Releases:

David and Willie did some work on the first two releases.

Techniques:

Very brief work on Shomen-ate.

Commentary:

Need to spend some time with David on techniques for the next couple of classes.

Tweet summary on 07-23-2019 for the past 3 days

Monday, July 22, 2019


• 07/22/19 @ 5:29am : Artfire item of the day is Handmade Sedona Rollerball in Wenge w Gold hardware https://t.co/5CcXLdyar2 Contact me… https://t.co/khNSWEVcpC

Sunday, July 21, 2019

• 07/21/19 @ 5:28am : Artfire item of the day is Handmade Sedona Rollerball in Leopardwood w Gold hardware https://t.co/fNtrMPs73m Conta… https://t.co/g0ILLiTzx5

Saturday, July 20, 2019

• 07/20/19 @ 4:38am : Artfire item of the day is Handmade Sedona Rollerball in Andiroba w Gold hardware https://t.co/EIDjHNlmkS Contact… https://t.co/PdHRKbfmRO

Weekend update

Friday:

Gym workout
No Aikido, students bailed

Saturday:

Blueberry muffins
Finish up chainsaw work on the Ike Oak
Nap
Work on the tote bag
Dinner at Joe's with K
Watched "Ready Player One"

Sunday:

Mow ditches and blueberry patch - blew the belt on the riding mower
3 types of Hawaiian Sweet Rolls

Aikido Thursday Night – 7/18/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Laura, and Willie.

Ukemi:

Full set for Laura. I managed to get about 2/3 of my preferred set in. Also did some rolls to standing for the first time in a long time. Willie arrived lateish.

The Walk:

Twice. Once at high speed.

Releases:

Laura and Willie did some work on the first from Kogure's Double-hand grabs.

Techniques:

Laura and Willie worked on Mae-otoshi and Tenkai Kote Hineri.

Commentary:

None tonight.

Tweet summary on 07-19-2019 for the past 3 days

Thursday, July 18, 2019


• 07/18/19 @ 5:14am : Artfire item of the day is Flat Top American Rollerball Pen in Rosewood with chrome hardware… https://t.co/L5z9JrQEch

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

• 07/17/19 @ 4:36am : Artfire item of the day is Flat Top American Fountain Pen in Bocote with chrome hardware https://t.co/T75Z6Zx4wZ C… https://t.co/S2lp1pI7Ca
• 07/17/19 @ 4:36am : Artfire item of the day is Handmade Sedona Rollerball in Teak w Gold hardware https://t.co/YFtsqVO3IS Contact me f… https://t.co/t6rX8aSwrl

Tuesday, July 16, 2019

• 07/16/19 @ 4:30am : Artfire item of the day is Handmade Sedona Rollerball in JD Oak w Platinum hardware https://t.co/zS9mORa3M1 Contac… https://t.co/XuFZkkd7pS

Aikido Tuesday Night – 7/16/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Laura, Willie, and David.

Ukemi:

Full set for Laura and Willie. David and I worked on his basics.

The Walk:

Twice. And then some one-on-one work with David.

Releases:

Laura and Willie got through theirs. David and I got through 5, 6, and 7.

Techniques:

Laura and Willie worked on Shihonage, Kote gaeshi, Waki gatamae, Hiki Taoshi, Oshi Taoshi, and Gedan-ate.

Commentary:

None tonight.

Weekend update

Friday:

Aikido

Saturday:

Jodo at Aikibudokan
Gym workout
Apple store for new laptop
Work on the tote bag
Graduation party for kids of Kim's coworker

Sunday:

Blueberry pancakes
Nap
Wimbledon
Work on the tote bag
WSOP
Bread
Lemon Cookies

Aikido Friday Night – 7/12/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Laura.

Ukemi:

Full set for Laura. I managed to get 2/3 of my preferred set in.

The Walk:

Twice.

Releases:

Laura got through all of hers.

Techniques:

Laura and I worked on Hiki Otoshi. She did much better on hers than I did on mine.

Commentary:

It is quite humbling when you can teach a technique better than you can perform a technique.

Tweet summary on 07-15-2019 for the past 3 days

Sunday, July 14, 2019


• 07/14/19 @ 4:57am : Artfire item of the day is Handcrafted Green Slimline pen in Texas Ebony with green hardware… https://t.co/bZmZvF002K

Saturday, July 13, 2019

• 07/13/19 @ 4:46am : Artfire item of the day is Handcrafted Slimline Pen in Bois D'arc with blue hardware https://t.co/saHbm3YvHR Conta… https://t.co/xzE7YZi61w

Friday, July 12, 2019

• 07/12/19 @ 6:15am : Artfire item of the day is Handcrafted Slimline Pen in Bois D'arc with red hardware https://t.co/oP9fg8tFOi Contac… https://t.co/S9nxXFTua7

Tweet summary on 07-14-2019 for the past 3 days

Saturday, July 13, 2019


• 07/13/19 @ 4:46am : Artfire item of the day is Handcrafted Slimline Pen in Bois D'arc with blue hardware https://t.co/saHbm3YvHR Conta… https://t.co/xzE7YZi61w

Friday, July 12, 2019

• 07/12/19 @ 6:15am : Artfire item of the day is Handcrafted Slimline Pen in Bois D'arc with red hardware https://t.co/oP9fg8tFOi Contac… https://t.co/S9nxXFTua7

Thursday, July 11, 2019

• 07/11/19 @ 4:54pm : @melaniemf You could mail in..........
• 07/11/19 @ 4:30am : Artfire item of the day is Handcrafted Slimline Pen in Marble Wood with green hardware https://t.co/mOFcME7Wwf Con… https://t.co/7Ahsb0cPeX

Aikido Thursday Night – 7/11/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Willie, Laura, and David.

Ukemi:

Full set for Laura and Willie. David and I works on his basic rolls

The Walk:

Twice.

Releases:

Willie and Laura got through all of theirs. David and I made it through 1-4.

Techniques:

Willie and Laura worked on Hiki Otoshi, Sumi Otoshi, and a bit of Shomen-ate. David and I worked on Shomen-ate.

Commentary:

None tonight.

Aikido Tuesday Night – 7/9/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

None.

Ukemi:

None.

The Walk:

Not tonight.

Releases:

None.

Techniques:

I worked on SMR Jodo: Tachi Otoshi, Tsubawari, Tsukizue, and Hissage from Omote. Also worked on a few of the Kihon.

Commentary:

None tonight.

Tweet summary on 07-10-2019 for the past 3 days

Tuesday, July 09, 2019


• 07/09/19 @ 5:59am : Artfire item of the day is Handcrafted Slimline Pen in Purpleheart with blue hardware https://t.co/BQql3zlyz0 Cont… https://t.co/TmbJnEiQLF

Monday, July 08, 2019

• 07/08/19 @ 5:15am : Artfire item of the day is Handcrafted Slimline Pen in Marble Wood with blue hardware https://t.co/D3rcanDDHV Cont… https://t.co/Vt9PfDiOwc

Sunday, July 07, 2019

• 07/07/19 @ 5:43am : Artfire item of the day is Handcrafted Slimline Pen in Black Walnut with red hardware https://t.co/ISFn8kIaQM Cont… https://t.co/Y8FoTnvQi0

At the movies: Shazam!

Shazam!: 3

I was expecting to be underwhelmed by this movie, but it exceeded my limited expectations.

We went as a family outing and my nephew found it quite funny throughout.  I found it humorous.

One of the end scenes brought tears to my wife's eyes.

At the movies: John Wick 3 Parabellum

John Wick 3 Parabellum: 3

Enjoyed the heck out of the movie.  It was interesting to learn a little more of the structure of the High Table and quite entertaining to see canines throwing bad guys around with Kote Gaeshi.

The movie is a blatant set-up for John Wick 4 and I would not be surprised if I end up seeing it in the theatre.

Weekend update - July 4th

Wednesday:

Gym workout
Grocery for the 4th
Beer run
Batteries for 41CX calculator
Canvas material for tote bag

Thursday:

4th of July
Wimbledon
Buttermilk rolls
Shortcake, whipped cream, blueberry sauce
Grilled chicken

Friday:

Took the day off
Leatherwork on the gauntlets
John Wick 3 at the theatre
Aikido

Saturday:

Blueberry pancakes
Chopping up felled oak tree
Leatherwork on the gauntlets
Dinner at El Centinela with K.
Work on the tote bag

Sunday:

Workout at the gym
Blueberry pancakes
Mowed the lawn
Nap
Shazam! at the dollar theatre with the family
Marble Slab with the family
How to Train Your Dragon 3 on DVD

Aikido Friday Night – 7/5/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Willie, and Laura.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps, normal forward rolls.

The Walk:

Twice.

Releases:

Willie and Laura ran through all of theirs, no Ki Harry.

Techniques:

Hiki Otoshi, Gyaku gamae-ate, and Ushiro-ate.

Commentary:

Willie was feeling ok, so we went back to falls.

Tweet summary on 07-06-2019 for the past 3 days

Friday, July 05, 2019


• 07/05/19 @ 5:48am : Artfire item of the day is Handcrafted Slimline Pen in Huisache with red hardware https://t.co/r4zBnf4RiO Contact… https://t.co/Bm3SdBt2pT

Thursday, July 04, 2019

• 07/04/19 @ 2:31pm : @melaniemf You could always grab some space in the ArmadilloCon Art Show........... I know people.
• 07/04/19 @ 5:01am : Artfire item of the day is Handcrafted Slimline Pen in Pecan with red hardware https://t.co/mXGraoyr3w Contact me… https://t.co/krFEpLPL9Y

Wednesday, July 03, 2019

• 07/03/19 @ 5:27am : Artfire item of the day is Handcrafted Slimline Pen in Live Oak with blue hardware https://t.co/YbwlusbCfM Contact… https://t.co/ffCXrXQ0AT

Aikido Tuesday Night – 7/2/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Willie, and Laura.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps, normal forward rolls.

The Walk:

Three times.

Releases:

Willie and Laura ran through all of theirs, plus #1-#4b from Ki Harry.

Techniques:

None tonight.

Commentary:

Willie was in a car wreck recently, so we took it easy this evening.

Tweet summary on 07-02-2019 for the past 3 days

Monday, July 01, 2019


• 07/01/19 @ 5:02am : Artfire item of the day is Handcrafted Slimline Pen in Slippery Elm with blue hardware https://t.co/RcLnJl1nCz Con… https://t.co/otmUTckkre

Sunday, June 30, 2019

• 06/30/19 @ 4:51am : Artfire item of the day is Handcrafted Slimline Pen in Huisache with blue hardware https://t.co/Fw3K1o753C Contact… https://t.co/AZnustkCBc

Saturday, June 29, 2019

• 06/29/19 @ 4:52am : Artfire item of the day is Handcrafted Slimline Pen in Black Walnut with blue hardware https://t.co/WBM9fWmB0F Con… https://t.co/ZbCdChV4ds

Weekend update

Friday:

No Aikido, students were otherwise occupied

Saturday:

Aikibudokan for Jodo class
Stop at Central Market and Whole Foods looking for a different yeast, no luck
Tandy Leather for leatherwork class
McRee Ford for oil change for Flex
Dinner at El Centinela with K.
Logan on TV

Sunday:

Buttermilk biscuits for breakfast
Workout at the gym
Chainsaw dead oak on back 40
Nap
Bread
Root Beer Float cupcakes

Aikido Thursday Night – 6/27/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Willie, Laura, and David.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps, normal forward rolls. Worked with David on his. We're slowly moving up the gravity well using the big crash pad.

The Walk:

Twice.

Releases:

I worked with David on 1-8. Willie and Laura ran through all of theirs, plus #1 from Ki Harry.

Techniques:

Laura and Willie worked on 12 and 17. I did some jo work as a warm-up.

Commentary:

None tonight.

Tweet summary on 06-28-2019 for the past 3 days

Thursday, June 27, 2019


• 06/27/19 @ 5:18am : Artfire item of the day is Handcrafted Slimline Pen in Mesquite with green hardware https://t.co/XcNDzkoNZv Contac… https://t.co/Z4iKWlMBRy

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

• 06/26/19 @ 5:12am : Artfire item of the day is Handcrafted Slimline Pen in Purpleheart with green hardware https://t.co/wnceuYe1aK Con… https://t.co/HIjuX3X9y4

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

• 06/25/19 @ 5:34am : Artfire item of the day is Handcrafted Slimline Pen in Slippery Elm with red hardware https://t.co/9fMnJPrrTm Cont… https://t.co/R1lyCmoQ4d

Aikido Tuesday Night – 6/25/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Willie, Laura, and David.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps, normal forward rolls. Worked with David on his. We're slowly moving up the gravity well using the big crash pad.

The Walk:

Twice. Some one-on-one with David on the latter part.

Releases:

I worked with David on 1-6. Willie and Laura ran through all of theirs

Techniques:

Did not get to any techniques with David. Laura and Willie worked on 12 and 17. I did some jo work as a warm-up

Commentary:

It's amazing how much having your correct belt in your possession and wrapped around your waist can still your mind.

Weekend update - Zrubek Reunion

Friday:

Aikido

Saturday:

Leave for Reunion
Stop by Aikibudokan to pick up my black belt
Stop in Granger to pick up sausage
Reunion
Home

Sunday:

Wake up very, very late ( 1 p.m. )
Baseball
ArmadilloCon
Leatherwork
Reading
Sausage, Sauerkraut, and baked beans for supper

Aikido Friday Night – 6/21/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Laura, and David.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps, normal forward rolls. Worked with David on his.

The Walk:

Twice.

Releases:

Laura worked on 3 and 4 with David.

Techniques:

Did not get to any techniques with David. Laura worked on 17.

Commentary:

None tonight.

Tweet summary on 06-24-2019 for the past 3 days

Sunday, June 23, 2019


• 06/23/19 @ 4:37am : Artfire item of the day is Handcrafted Slimline Pen in Black Cherry with red hardware https://t.co/IJNP87xlwL Cont… https://t.co/E2V9zqur15

Saturday, June 22, 2019

• 06/22/19 @ 4:30am : Artfire item of the day is Handcrafted Slimline Pen in Live Oak with red hardware https://t.co/BhMeV687VZ Contact… https://t.co/cVm8N1753M

Friday, June 21, 2019

• 06/21/19 @ 4:46am : Artfire item of the day is Handcrafted Slimline Pen in Slippery Elm with green hardware https://t.co/KAtlsAMAhY Co… https://t.co/r8G0Seo0wk

Selling a home using only Zillow

The time that elapsed from the day our renters left until the day we closed on the sale was 54 days.

It seemed like we did something at the house almost every day during that time span.

We advertised the house only using yard signs (1 For Sale and 5 Open House) and the website Zillow.  We re-used the For Sale sign my father-in-law used when he last sold a house on Lake Livingston.

I re-activated my Google Voice phone number to put on the various signs and on my listing in Zillow.  This turned out to be a good decision.

We just sold a home we had been using for rental/charitable purposes over the past 4 years.  My father-in-law's experiences and his daughter's (my wife) experiences helping him sell homes they'd owned in the past pre-disposed us to sell the home on our own, without a realtor.  We had a tentative plan to engage a realtor if the sale took more than 2 months to complete.  Thankfully, that did not occur.

The process started several years prior, though, when I claimed the house as mine on Zillow.  After that, Zillow sent me information on their thoughts as to the house's value about every week or so, both as a rental and as a sale.  I kept tabs on the estimated value of the house this way, and it was an important factor in how we priced the house for sale.

The house was vintage 1970's.  3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage, 1550 square feet on a cul-de-sac lot of 0.3 acres with a completely fenced back yard.  Blue carpeting, wood paneling and original stove and oven.  Possibly even original air conditioner (this will make an appearance later in the story).

Over the 4 years that we owned the house, we'd been in the house on at least a weekly basis.  We mowed the lawn ourselves at least every 10 days during the growing season.  We had a good relationship with the renters and kept tabs on what was going on in the house.  We were still amazed at the amount of work we found that needed to be done when they left.

A week before the renters left, I went over to the house and took 10 exterior pictures.  I went over early in the morning as the light from the east put the front of the house in the best light.  I should have waited until the afternoon to take pictures of the back of the house as the early morning light made it difficult to get good views.  I uploaded them to Zillow and started working on improving the listing information.

The day the renters left, we got in the house and started prepping.  We cleaned it from top to bottom, repaired sheetrock, switched out electrical plugs, rekeyed the locks.  Vacuumed.  Vacuumed.  And then vacuumed some more.  We stripped contact paper out of cabinets, cleaned stickers off of mirrors (thanks, Goo Gone!).  We replaced a section of the chainlink fence in the backyard.

We cleaned out the garage. And discovered that the garage door that should be controlled by an opener no longer was.  The control arm had been forcibly removed from the door at some point.  We called in a company to fix the issue.

We gave away the furniture left behind by the renters through letgo or by leaving it on the front lawn for anyone to come by and pick it up.  Some small things went to the local Goodwill, and some things are still waiting at the house we live in for us to drop off at the dump.  We found a stash of empty wine bottles and put them out for recycling.

A week after we reclaimed the house, I went in and took still pictures of all of the rooms.  Those went up on Zillow within a day.  A couple of weeks later, I went through the house and did a video walkthrough with my phone's camera.  that, too, went up on Zillow.

After about 2 weeks of prep, I started hosting Open Houses.  I would post them on Zillow and using signs in the neighborhood.  I had them on Wednesday evenings and then at some point on either Saturday or Sunday.  On the weekends, they would usually be in the afternoon or evening to try and time it to be after church.

We got very little traffic for the open houses, but occasionally someone would stop by.  We would also get calls for tours through the house.  I would try to be there for those, but if I couldn't either my wife or father-in-law would lead the tour.  If we did not live close to the house, this would have been very tough logistically.

Most of the phone calls we got inquiring about the house were from investors.  They would call up, inquire whether it was still for sale, and then offer us half of our asking price.   I would say 80% of the interest in the house was investor interest.

We finally got a phone call from the eventual buyers' realtor and they scheduled a showing.  They did a fairly good inspection of the house.  They climbed up in the attic and took a look at the a/c (he owns an a/c company).  We confirmed that, to our knowledge, the a/c was original to the house and ought to be replaced.  Later that afternoon another couple came by and toured the house.  We thought they were the parents of one of the previous couple, but it turned out that was not so.

A few days later the buyers came back in and toured again.  Shortly thereafter, they made an offer for our asking price, but with us paying 5K of closing costs.  Their agent asked us how much commission we would be paying her.  I made the mistake of saying either 2 or 2.5 percent.  She immediately jumped on the 2.5%.

We made several inquiries of the agent as to what the 5K would be used for on the closing and she always deflected and did not answer our questions.  This was the most frustrating portion of the deal.

We agreed to the offer and the couple scheduled an inspection.

It came back about as expected, clean but suggesting the house needed a new a/c.

As a result of the inspection, the couple came back and asked for 10K in compensation for the a/c.  We said no, with no counter.  The agent was taken aback, but we informed them when they toured the house that the a/c would need to be replaced.

They went ahead with the deal, and we worked on scheduling a closing.

The closing went smoothly, even if we did not end up at a title company that we would have chosen on our own.

And we were no longer the owner of the home.  We sold the house for right at Zillow's "zestimate".

Aikido Thursday Night – 6/20/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Willie, Laura, and David.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps, normal forward rolls. Worked with David on his.

The Walk:

Twice, plus some extra work on the last half with David.

Releases:

Worked on 1, 2, and 3 with David.

Techniques:

Did not get to any techniques with David. Willie and Laura worked on 14m 13m and 12.

Commentary:

None tonight.

Tweet summary on 06-20-2019 for the past 3 days

Wednesday, June 19, 2019


• 06/19/19 @ 5:15am : Artfire item of the day is Beefy Bronze Byzantine Chainmaille necklace https://t.co/YYQvTkIqfS Contact me for twit… https://t.co/rFdctXW36U

Tuesday, June 18, 2019

• 06/18/19 @ 5:06am : Artfire item of the day is Sterling Silver and Blue Titanium Chainmaille Necklace and Earring Set… https://t.co/IjPvfWEb4F

Monday, June 17, 2019

• 06/17/19 @ 5:20am : Artfire item of the day is Handmade Copper and Niobium Chainmaille Ocean Waves Necklace https://t.co/CiAz1GGol1 C… https://t.co/TVj8Berdxf

Aikido Tuesday Night – 6/18/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Willie and David.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps, normal forward rolls. Worked with David on his.

The Walk:

Twice, plus some extra work on the last half

Releases:

Worked on 1 and 2 with Willie and David.

Techniques:

Worked on Shomen-ate.

Commentary:

None tonight.

Weekend update

Friday:

Aikido
Refresh sourdough starter

Saturday:

Aikibudokan for jodo class
Nap
Gym workout
Mow the lawn
Dinner with K at El Centinela
Sourdough work
Work on leather gauntlets

Sunday:

Blueberry muffins
Chainsaw work in the yard
Nap
Kitchen bread loaves
Sourdough
Brownies
Oatmeal Creme Pies

Aikido Friday Night – 6/14/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Laura.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps, normal forward rolls. I got 1/2 of my rolls in.

The Walk:

Twice.

Releases:

Ful set for both of us.

Techniques:

We worked on her Mae-otoshi and Tenkai Kote Hineri. I probably took about 70 falls during kata work tonightPrior to class I worked on 3 kata from jodo.

Commentary:

None tonight.

Aikido Thursday Night – 6/13/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Laura, and Willie.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps, normal forward rolls. I got 2/3 of my rolls in.

The Walk:

Twice.

Releases:

Round robin with all 3 of us. My releases were not up to snuff.

Techniques:

Laura, and Willie worked on Sumi otoshi and Hiki Otoshi. sumi went well, Hiki went ok. Prior to class I worked on 3 jata from jodo.

Commentary:

None tonight.

Aikido Tuesday Night – 6/11/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Laura, Willie, and David. Full class.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps, normal forward rolls. Worked with David on the next level of rolls on the crash pad.

The Walk:

Twice, and then some work with David.

Releases:

Laura and Willie worked on 1, 2a, 2b, and 3 of Ki Harry. No releases for David tonight

Techniques:

Laura, Willie, and David worked on aigamae-ate. I rotated among them to work on Aigamae-ate and Hiki Otoshi where appropriate. Prior to class I worked on 3 jata from jodo.

Commentary:

None tonight.

Weekend update - SoonerCon 2019

Thursday:

Early-ish flight to OKC
Pick up a car and drive to Windsong Dojo for noon class in occasionally torrential rain.
Help with Art Show
Dinner at Norman Dairy Lunch - good burger and malt

Friday:

Breakfast at the Norman Diner in downtown Norman
Help with the Art Show
Participate on 2 panels
Drive to Stillwater to meet Adam and do dinner at a hole-in-the-wall Mexican joint

Saturday:

Breakfast at the Norman Diner in downtown Norman

Help with the Art Show

Participate on 2 panels

Dinner at Sergio's Italian Bistro in downtown Norman

Sunday:

Breakfast at the Norman Diner in downtown Norman

Help with the Art Show

Participate on 1 panel
Go to panel on Sewing a zipper pouch with Bev H.
Drop off the car and check baggage for the flight home
Flight delayed by 45 minutes due to weather
Made it home
Collapsed in a puddle.

Aikido Tuesday Night – 6/4/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Laura, Willie, and David. Full class.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps normal forward rolls. Worked with David on the next level of rolls on the crash pad.

The Walk:

Twice, and then some work with David.

Releases:

Laura and Willie worked with David, after doing their releases with each other. I then worked with each of them.

Techniques:

Laura and Willie worked on Kote gaeshi, Sumi-otoshi, and hiki otoshi.
I worked with David on Shomenate. Prior to class I worked on 3 jata from jodo.

Commentary:

None tonight.

Weekend update

Friday:

Aikido

Saturday:

Aikibudokan for jodo class
Tandy leather to river the holster to the belt
Mow the lawn
Grocery shopping
Dinner with K at El Centinela
Blueberry boy bait

Sunday:

Blueberry pancakes
Gym workout
Nap
Cinnamon Rolls
NBA Playoffs

Aikido Friday Night – 6/1/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Laura.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps normal forward rolls. I got a third of my sets in.

The Walk:

Once.

Releases:

Laura got all of hers in.

Techniques:

Sumi-otoshi, left and right, rollout version. Prior to class I worked on Tachi-otoshi from jodo.

Commentary:

None tonight.

Aikido Thursday Night – 5/30/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

David.

Ukemi:

Basic slaps and low gravity well forward rolls.

The Walk:

Many times. Worked up to opposite hand/foot pivot.

Releases:

Did some work on the first release.

Techniques:

I did some work on Tachi-otoshi and the formal start for jo techniques before class.

Commentary:

None tonight.

Aikido Tuesday Night – 5/28/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

No students.

Techniques:

I worked on Tachi-otoshi from my jo class, basic bokken strikes from Koryu Dai San, and the formal start of jo kata.

Commentary:

None tonight.

Weekend update: Memorial Day 2019

Friday:

Haircut
Gym workout

Saturday:

Blueberry muffins
Tandy leather for gauntlet class
Nap
Dinner with K at Habaneros
NBA Playoffs

Sunday:

Blueberry picking
Nap
NBA Playoffs
Star Wars movies on TV
Chocolate Chip cookies

Monday:

Pecan layer cake with Chocolate Bourbon Buttercream frosting
Start and finish a Jack Campbell book
Solo and other Star Wars movies

Tweet summary on 05-26-2019 for the past 3 days

Saturday, May 25, 2019


• 05/25/19 @ 4:49am : Artfire item of the day is Handmade Shop Sketch Pencil in Yellow Hackberry with Black hardware… https://t.co/4Kpk6L2lo2

Friday, May 24, 2019

• 05/24/19 @ 5:13am : Artfire item of the day is Cigar style ballpoint pen in Spalted Maple w satin gold hardware https://t.co/efDFJBPXxj… https://t.co/ctuLkq6Zv0

Thursday, May 23, 2019

• 05/23/19 @ 4:46am : Artfire item of the day is Handmade Slimline Pencil in Padauk with Chrome hardware https://t.co/jRk8l69hHg Contact… https://t.co/1a5kkUrxOu

Aikido Thursday Night – 5/23/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Laura and Willie.

Ukemi:

Laura and Willie got their full sets in.

The Walk:

Twice.

Releases:

L and W did all of theirs. They worked backwards from 8 to 1.

Techniques:

Sumi-otoshi. Sumi-otoshi with big falls. It went extremely well. We brought out the extra blue mats and worked on them for peace of mind. I also had them throw one or two attempts at Kote-gaeshi. Then, to end the night without big falls: Shomen-ate.

Commentary:

None tonight.

Aikido Tuesday Night – 5/21/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Laura and Willie.

Ukemi:

Laura and Willie got their full sets in.

The Walk:

Twice.

Releases:

L and W did all of theirs.

Techniques:

Sumi-otoshi and a little bit of ushiro-ate. I'd hoped to get to Sumi-otoshi with big falls tonight, but twas not to be.

Commentary:

None tonight.

Tweet summary on 05-22-2019 for the past 3 days

Tuesday, May 21, 2019


• 05/21/19 @ 5:59am : Artfire item of the day is Handmade Cigar Pencil with Chrome hardware in Redwood Lace Burl https://t.co/BWru7yqQmy… https://t.co/juYXY7An0E

Monday, May 20, 2019

• 05/20/19 @ 4:43am : Artfire item of the day is Handmade Cigar Pencil with Chrome hardware in Box Elder Burl Gold/Viol… https://t.co/4BWgLitu20

Sunday, May 19, 2019

• 05/19/19 @ 4:56am : Artfire item of the day is Handmade Cigar Pencil with Chrome hardware in Yellow Hackbberry https://t.co/vJRXC4Z3XR… https://t.co/GVFx9u8x39

Weekend update

Friday:

Refresh starter
Aikido
Upload aikido video

Saturday:

Mix up sourdough
Jo class at Aikibudokan
Tandy leather to drop off gloves and punch holes on holster
Banking
Mow the lawn
Gym workout
Mow the bit of lawn I missed
Nap
Keep K company at library for end of her shift
Dinner with K at El Centinela
NBA Playoffs

Sunday:

Sourdough
Nap
Kitchen bread
NBA Playoffs
Baking bread
Work on DL-44 holster

Aikido Friday Night – 5/17/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Laura.

Ukemi:

Laura got her full set in. I got in most of my regular set

The Walk:

Twice.

Releases:

Laura did all of hers.

Techniques:

Went through the first 4, paying attention to the basics and going over the fundamentals.

Commentary:

None tonight.

Tweet summary on 05-18-2019 for the past 3 days

Friday, May 17, 2019


• 05/17/19 @ 5:46am : Artfire item of the day is El Grande Ballpoint in Mesquite w/ Gold hardware https://t.co/hLkOKqEPTB Contact me for… https://t.co/feKhJbKLzP

Thursday, May 16, 2019

• 05/16/19 @ 4:33am : Artfire item of the day is El Grande Ballpoint in Leopardwood w/ Gold hardware https://t.co/bG9JDuWFtm Contact me… https://t.co/0Ypg8Y0xyq

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

• 05/15/19 @ 5:13am : Artfire item of the day is El Grande Rollerball in Madrone Burl w/ Gold hardware https://t.co/onW009itG6 Contact m… https://t.co/HEnYDsRqPe

Aikido Thursday Night – 5/16/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:


David and Laura.


Ukemi:


Helped David. We started with the big crash pad. Laura got her full set in


The Walk:


Worked up to 6th stone with hand motions. Did the whole Walk a couple of times.


Releases:


Did some work on the first release.


Techniques:


Worked on "Punch the Dummy" with Laura as Uke.


Commentary:


None tonight.

Aikido Tuesday Night – 5/14/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

David.

Ukemi:

Helped David. We started lowest gravity level and then moved up one with the big crash pad.

The Walk:

Worked up to 6th stone with hand motions. Showed him footwork for 7th and 8th.

Releases:

None.

Techniques:

Worked on "Punch the Dummy".

Commentary:

None tonight.

Tweet summary on 05-14-2019 for the past 3 days

Monday, May 13, 2019


• 05/13/19 @ 5:00am : Artfire item of the day is Handmade Slimline Pencil in Purpleheart with Chrome hardware https://t.co/w48VHThCDO Co… https://t.co/BzL9tZeNQb

Sunday, May 12, 2019

• 05/12/19 @ 5:29am : Artfire item of the day is Handmade Vertex Pencil in Purpleheart with Gunmetal hardware https://t.co/jhMpzMEZtf Co… https://t.co/XspXsiH6Xv

Saturday, May 11, 2019

• 05/11/19 @ 5:58am : Artfire item of the day is Handmade Vertex Pencil in California Valley Oak with Gunmetal hardware… https://t.co/fL1YACcaw2

Weekend update: Bex graduation from Temple

Thursday:

Fly to Philly
See youngest niece graduate from Temple

Friday:

Meet at sister's house
Play with dogs
BBQ and cake for lunch/graduation celebration
Watch Avengers : Infinity War

Saturday:

Meet at sister's house
Go see Avengers: End Game
Off to airport
Flight delayed 2 hours
Arrive home

Sunday:

Pay bills
Spray weed killer
Nap
Work on DL-44 holster
Baking bread
NBA Playoffs

Tweet summary on 05-10-2019 for the past 3 days

Thursday, May 09, 2019


• 05/09/19 @ 4:30am : Artfire item of the day is Handmade Phoenix Ballpoint in Black Limba with Chrome hardware https://t.co/s8fQDzSX2a… https://t.co/KV8CUGafIg

Wednesday, May 08, 2019

• 05/08/19 @ 4:30am : Artfire item of the day is Handmade Phoenix Ballpoint in Mesquite with Chrome hardware https://t.co/136SmmX0Xo Con… https://t.co/hqglyv9Mv6

Tuesday, May 07, 2019

• 05/07/19 @ 6:00am : Artfire item of the day is Handmade Phoenix Ballpoint in Cedar with Gold hardware https://t.co/A0m2bfEMZg Contact… https://t.co/bewbBQmJKF

Weekend update

Friday:

Aikido

Saturday:

Blueberry muffins
Stop by library at beginning of Star Wars Day
Work on holster for Han Solo blaster
Leather class at Tandy
Stop by library again in partial Han Solo getup
Dinner with K. at El Centinela
NBA Playoffs

Sunday:

Workout at gym
Work on Kim's belt
Baking bread
NBA Playoffs
Peach/Blackberry/Mulberry cobbler

Tweet summary on 05-06-2019 for the past 3 days

Sunday, May 05, 2019


• 05/05/19 @ 4:49am : Artfire item of the day is Handmade Phoenix Ballpoint in Black Limba with Gold hardware https://t.co/gDKVrbe8Wn Co… https://t.co/lFyLHonXHX

Aikido Friday Night – 5/3/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Laura and Willie. David had a prior commitment.

Ukemi:

Working on a small section of the mat, I refrained. Full set for Laura and Willie. Big falls.

The Walk:

Twice.

Releases:

Full set. I had them figure out Ki Harry for releases 5-8. They did well.

Techniques:

I had Laura and Willie work on 10 and 16.

Commentary:

I came up with a way to describe the "fitting" (tsukuri) for waki-gatamae: As you move in with your second step you can feel the "wall" presented by uke's structure. Once you feel that, it's time for that foot to stop moving and for the third step to come around so that your body is perpendicular to uke's

Aikido Thursday Night – 5/2/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Laura, Willie and David. We have a new student!

Ukemi:

Working on a small section of the mat, I refrained. Full set for Laura and Willie. Introduced David to the lowest level of forward rolling, plus the usual warm-up slaps.

The Walk:


Twice. And then multiple times with David through the first 7 without hand motions.

Releases:

Full set. No Ki Harry.

Techniques:

I had Laura and Willie work on 6, 7, and 8. I didn't get to anything with David

Commentary:

So good to have new blood in the dojo. I wish I could figure out how to get more folks to at least come by.

Tweet summary on 05-02-2019 for the past 3 days

Wednesday, May 01, 2019


• 05/01/19 @ 4:30am : Artfire item of the day is Handmade Churchill Rollerball in Goncalo Alves and Gold hardware https://t.co/HCX6fe7fHK… https://t.co/7ZhQTYsNT0

Tuesday, April 30, 2019

• 04/30/19 @ 4:30am : Artfire item of the day is Handmade Cigar Pen with Satin Gold hardware in Bocote https://t.co/65iY75aCeh Contact m… https://t.co/XKLdK8DWUn

Monday, April 29, 2019

• 04/29/19 @ 4:29am : Artfire item of the day is Handmade Phoenix Ballpoint in Goncalo Alves with Chrome hardware https://t.co/ofOEiG0Dm4… https://t.co/7bTfAFQUy5

Aikido Tuesday Night – 4/30/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Laura and Willie. And David, a potential new student

Ukemi:

Wokring on a small section of the mat, I refrained. Full set for Laura and Willie.

The Walk:

Twice.

Releases:

Full set. No Ki Harry.

Techniques:

We worked on 1-5 with a bit of Sumi-otoshi at the end.

Commentary:

None tonight.

Weekend update

Friday:

More work on Han Solo Blaster
Sample work in pre for Kim's belt
No Aikido

Saturday:

Up early for drive to Aikibudokan
Jo class at Aikibudokan
Leather class at Tandy
Mow the lawn
Dinner with K. at El Centinela
NBA Playoffs
More work on Han Solo Blaster

Sunday:

Workout at gym
More work on Han Solo Blaster
Nap
Baking bread
NBA Playoffs
Blueberry cobbler

Astros baseball

Tweet summary on 04-28-2019 for the past 3 days

Saturday, April 27, 2019


• 04/27/19 @ 4:30am : Artfire item of the day is Handturned Indian Rosewood Bottle Stopper https://t.co/3yftlkxUTe Contact me for twitte… https://t.co/QAVMw3e6iT

Friday, April 26, 2019

• 04/26/19 @ 5:11am : Artfire item of the day is Box Elder Burl Bottle Stopper https://t.co/2q6n33BxJE Contact me for twitter discount… https://t.co/TyRRZkqs2q

Thursday, April 25, 2019

• 04/25/19 @ 5:55am : Artfire item of the day is Turned https://t.co/KNdSracdco Contact me for twitter discount #handmade #artfire #madmoravian

Aikido Thursday Night – 4/24/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Laura and Willie.

Ukemi:

Full set for Laura, Willie arrived a bit late. I got in a bit of my set, trying to avoid aggravating my poison ivy.

The Walk:

Twice.

Releases:

Full set. A bit of Ki Harry thrown in.

Techniques:

We worked on Shihonage and Mae-otoshi.

Commentary:

None tonight.

Aikido Tuesday Night – 4/22/19 – Wasabi Dojo/Clear Creek Aikido

Aikido players:

Solo class.

Ukemi:

None.

The Walk:

None.

Releases:

None.

Techniques:

I spent a while working on Tachi Otoshi from Jodo. I then spent some time on reps of a couple of elements from the Kihon.

Commentary:

None tonight.