Gelkote

I like venturing to new places for lunch. I’m not talking the new Max & Erma’s or any other chain concoction but unique institutions. A few months ago it was open lunch at the local Elk’s Lodge struggling with dwindling membership and a flood damaged building. Today it was Mexican at a Mom and Son shop named Laureano’s Mini Mart. The food was fresh but what really makes the place is the Son. Tom is a charismatic talker with great pride in his establishment. It was fun listening to him and my coworker discuss the size of their big taco, the economics of junk yard parts and the reason why Tom’s daughter’s car has a different color door than the rest of the body.

Since Laureano’s is a Mini Mart, too, they have a small selection of ethnic candies. I have a bad habit at ethnic stores of looking over the colorful packages and getting a pack of something unknown. About 70% of the time the candy is absolute crap going from my mouth to the trash in about 5 seconds. However, there are gems like the chocolaty/cookie mushrooms or Kopiko coffee candy but most of the time it’s duds. Haw Flakes anyone? Today I have something else to add to the dud pile, Pulparindo. This stuff is best described as a mini Fruit Roll-Up sprinkled in chili powder.  Did I mention the California Health Department discovered Pulparindo contains high amounts of lead? Perhaps I should stick with Peanut M&Ms.

Living Room – July 31st, 2008

Living Room – July 31st, 2008

All in all, I had a pretty good day. Work was incredibly slow but at home after work was cool. While enjoying a stout Margarita, Cherie and I had a good discussion about Lenny Bruce prompted by a 1974 copy of The Essential Lenny Bruce picked up at Mac’s Backs Paperbacks over the weekend. Chased that with a beer and an even better discussion of McCarthyism. Must have been absent that day in school or not paying much attention. Interesting stuff to reflect upon.

Finished the evening by walking down the street to Donnell Pond: Five laps, four walking, one jogging. Not bad considering the evening’s refreshments. Only kicker happened less than a block from my house when I noticed a First Response box alongside the curb. A candy bar wrapper or soda can goes without much notice but this is different. This is more serious with fear and uncertainty in the air. Like PostSecret, I can’t help but feel for the person on the other end of the message. You, mystery person, are in my thoughts tonight.

Corner of Elm and South West Streets in Findlay, OH – July 30th, 2008

I noticed something unusual hanging on my Grandmother’s wall during the last visit. It’s an old lady calendar with my Grandmother’s friend as Ms. August! It reads, “There is always a winner with Wanda: The Score is always Love.” with Grandma getting an additional “To my dear friend Martha. Love always Wins” in pen for knowing the model.

Old folks are a fun bunch. Having lived has certainly taught them how to live.

Grandma’s Kitchen Table – July 10th, 2008

I was cleaning up my work desk when I came across a printout of Management Techniques of the Bottom 95% of U.S. Corporations. I printed it out a little over 5 years ago which means it has survived moves between 4 different cubes. I’ve had 8 different cubes in my 10 years. No comment on the number of supervisors but it isn’t much better. Back to cleaning.

My 11 day summer vacation to Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park and West Virginia has wrapped.   That’s about 40+ hours in the car and some 2400 miles.  Time away from work with Family does wonders but I’m glad to be back to familiar surroundings.  Stay tuned for a detailed post of the festivities but right now it is time to relax on the front porch with the three cats, Cherie’s Fountain, a beer and dinner.

Frenchman’s Bay off Bar Harbor, ME at Sunrise – July 17th, 2008

Something worldly about this pack of playing cards but I can’t put my finger on it.

Front Porch – July 6th, 2008

The Ohio State Reformatory is an amazing place to take photographs. Unfortunately, it is difficult to compose shots in total darkness.

Ohio State Reformatory’s “Toilet Room” – June 14th, 2008

I really enjoy Heineken’s Share the Good spot. The music, characters and camera shots grab my attention and tell a story in 60 seconds. I’m not any more likely to buy their beer but I like their spot none the less.